DAVENPORT, FL - A high school State Championship is nice, but Ridge Community's Sam Horsfield has his sights set on a future on the PGA tour. The 17-year-old Davenport resident was born in England, but moved to Florida when he was just four.
"We were on vacation here," Horsfield explains. "When we went back home, our heater was broken and we were like, 'why don't we just move to Florida?'"
Thirteen years later, Horsfield is tearing up the high school ranks, qualifying for the FHSAA State Championships all four years, and winning it last year. He's so good, that his high school golf coach has taken a hands-off approach.
"I've never had a chance to coach someone like Sam," said Ridge Community Golf Coach Robert McKnight. "What I do is use him to help other players. I say, 'Sam, why don't you go help this guy? He's like an assistant coach out there.'"
Horsfield's play has even caught the attention of a fellow Englishman, and PGA tour golfer, Ian Poulter who tweeted that Horsfield is the best young golfer in the world.
"It's really cool," Horsfield said of his relationship with Poulter. "It gives me extra motivation, to have someone like Ian Poulter who believes in me."
Next up, Horsfield will attempt to win his second straight title at Deer Island Golf and Lake Club on November 4th.