Damion Spencer drives during a recent training session at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club. - JUNIOR DOWIE/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
THE RIDE has been remarkably swift.
Seven years ago, Damion Spencer was a fledgling caddy at the Caymanas Golf and Country Club with a natural aptitude for the game and raw talent.
In August, the 21-year-old will lead the Jamaican men's team's chase at the Caribbean Amateur Golf Championships (CAGC) in St. Kitts.
His undoubted talent caught the eyes of Caymanas coaches including Chris Harries, Ian Melville and Jason Lopez and carried him through to the Jamaica junior programme and representational teams.
Last year, his rise accelerated when he became the first recipient of the Jamaica Golf Associa-tion/University of the West Indies Development Foundation's scholarship fund.
At last month's national trials to select this year's CAGC team, his performance graph continued its amazing upward swing as he outperformed hardened national representatives like Owen Samuda and Michael Scott.
His first two rounds of three-over 75 at his home Caymanas course were nothing too special but kept him under the men's Hoerman Cup qualifying mark.
However, his third round of two-under 70 at the SuperClubs' Breezes Runaway Bay course in appalling conditions set him apart from his peers at the trials, which were reduced to 54 holes due to inclement weather.
Spencer is now ready to make his mark at the senior amateur level another stepping stone on his way to his ultimate goal.
One on One recently caught up with him at the Cable and Wireless National Golf Academy in New Kingston.
Q: You had a tremendous national trials, topping all of your male opponents, did you surprise yourself?
Damion Spencer: No, I did not. I knew I had the potential and all I had to do was utilise my mental capacity. I had to think properly, think logical golf. I was happy to finish ahead of the other guys but my main aim was to make the qualifying mark that looks more outstanding. I just knew I had to manage my game. I have the potential and it was just a matter of not getting nervous and playing and managing my game.
Q: You shot an amazing 70 in terrible conditions at Runaway Bay while everyone else struggled, how did you do that?
DS: You had to be prepared for the conditions; have two or three gloves in your bag and towels. I thought my way around. I was hitting the ball really well and didn't try to do too much. I was really looking forward to playing the final round and was disappointed when it was cancelled.
Q: Barring unforeseen circumstances, you are about to make your first Hoerman Cup team, how does that feel?
DS: It feels good. It really boosts my ego. I want to be a golfer who is recognised on the international scene, not junior teams) so I know what it is like, the crowds, the pressure but as long as you are mentally prepared, you should do all right.
Q: You are the first recipient of the JGA/UWI scholarship fund. What are you studying and how has the fund helped you?
DS: I am studying for a degree in sociology but when you are in your first year you can switch and although it's a good field scholastically, it's not really marketable. I want to get into something like banking or finance. The fund pays for my tuition and I get (free) entry into (JGA) tournaments. If I need help (financially), I go to them and explain the situation because they have the money, but it's a bit complex.
Q: Obviously, you must be harbouring dreams of turning professional, what time-frame have you set for yourself to make that move?
DS: Within the next two to three years. I want to get my degree because I need a career or profession to fall back on so I am not a liability to anyone. I know I have the ability to make it as a professional but it's just the time. Golf is a very demanding sport where you have to practise and practise. When I finish my degree I will try to get a job and go overseas to get some experience. The aim is Q (Qualifying) School and to get through that. It's not easy at all, but I know I have the ability.
Q: How often are you getting to play per week at the moment?
DS: Due to school, I'm only training about twice a week. It's hard to find the time but with the Caribbean Champs coming up, I'll have to make more time. At the moment, I'm relying on my natural potential.
Q: What do you do when you are not studying or playing golf?
DS: I like music I like Sizzla, I read, I play some basketball with my friends. I watch golf on TV. I admire Tiger Woods, the aggressive way he plays, the distance he hits the ball and the way he addresses it. I love his attitude and dedication.
Q: How did you first get introduced to golf?
DS: Well, my father used to play but I wasn't interested at all. Then, eventually, (as a caddy) I started to watch and observe and develop a swing for myself and found I had a natural aptitude for the game.
Q: What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of your game?
DS: My putting is not that good and still needs some work but my driving is excellent. My short game is not where it should be but I know it can improve.
Tym Glaser
