Meet Harry Odell: The 10-Year-Old Golf Prodigy Following in Rory McIlroy’s Footsteps
Meet Harry Odell: The 10-Year-Old Golf Prodigy Following in Rory McIlroy’s Footsteps
In the world of junior golf, one name is quickly rising to prominence: Harry Odell. At just 10 years old, this young prodigy from St James is making waves and turning heads as he prepares to compete in the prestigious IMG Junior World Golf Championships in San Diego from July 9 to 11.
Harry’s journey began at an exceptionally young age. By four, he was already swinging a golf club with remarkable skill. A year later, he joined the Northamptonshire County Golf Club, where his natural talent began to flourish. His father, Mark Odell, reminisces, “It was very obvious from such a young age that he had a real talent for the game.”
Under the expert guidance of coach Mark Norton, Harry’s progress has been nothing short of extraordinary. In April, he managed to bring his handicap down to an impressive 9.5. Competing at the county level in the under-14s category, Harry has faced off against peers from Cambridge, Leicestershire, Rutland, and Derbyshire, consistently showcasing his exceptional skills.
Harry’s trophy cabinet is already brimming with accolades. As a multi-award-winner at the Robert Rock Junior Golf Tour and the British Junior Golf Tour, he has established himself as one of the best young players in the UK. His father jokes, “Finding room for his trophies is becoming an issue, we might have to build an extension.”
Weekends for Harry are a whirlwind of travel and tournaments. To date, he has played on 70 different courses across the UK and Europe. In February, he represented England at a championship in Marbella, securing a respectable 14th place in the 10-to-11 age group. This experience has fueled his excitement as he prepares to take on the world at the IMG Junior World Golf Championship, where he will compete against 104 players from 30 different countries.
The event holds special significance for Harry. His golfing idol, Rory McIlroy, played in the same championship in 1999 when he was Harry’s age. This connection has only heightened Harry’s anticipation for the competition. “Harry lives and breathes golf, spending many hours practising. It’s not unusual for him to practise for 12 hours a day during the holidays and weekends. He played his first 36 holes of golf aged just six,” Mark Odell proudly shares.
Harry’s dedication to the sport is evident in his daily routine. “For what feels like many years, he has woken me up at the crack of dawn with a full golf kit on, clubs already in the van, breakfast had, and lunch made. He is ready to go,” says Mark. This unwavering commitment has not only honed Harry’s skills but also earned him a network of friends from all over the world.
As Harry heads to San Diego, his community and family rally behind him, proud of his achievements and excited for what the future holds. With his idol’s footsteps to guide him and a relentless drive to succeed, Harry Odell is a name to watch in the world of golf.
