New Kent youth golfer making waves in local, regional tournaments

Six-year old Rylan Opett's success with his swing has propelled him into the U.S. Kids golf regional and world championship tournaments.

A New Kent resident is making waves in a United States golf tournament. And he is only six years old.

Rylan Opett’s success on the golf course has earned him the honor as U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour Champion Player of the Year in the Boys’ 6 and under age group. His achievement not only recognizes him as the top performer in his division, but earned him an invitation to play in the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship next year in Pinehurst. The three-day event will host 1,500 kids from the United States and 50 other countries at the course. The event is considered the largest and most prestigious event for golfers who are 12 years of age or younger.

“I like it and it’s a good sport for kids,” the vibrant soon-to-be first grader said in an Aug. 29 morning interview. “I like putting, hitting the ball, and getting an eagle (two better than par).”

Rylan participated in several Central Virginia golf tournaments, meeting minimum scoring requirements and finishing first in the nine-hole local tour to earn his invitation. He began in early spring by finishing in the top five at a U.S. Kids golf tournament in Hampton Roads. In June, he participated in the organization’s Richmond tournament, as well as the PGA’s (Professional Golf Association’s) Junior League Tournament at Brickshire in New Kent.

“When Rylan was 18 months old, he started going with us to the golf course,” said his father, Rick Opett. “We [Rick and wife Lauren] noticed that he had a natural ability and loved the game so much that around age two we bought him the smallest kids’ clubs we could find and had it cut down to his size.

Both parents tried to get Rylan accustomed to another sport, but it obviously wasn’t going to happen.

“I did play tee-ball, but I wanted to play golf more,” said Rylan. “It makes me happy.”

Seeing his dedication, Rylan’s parents started sending him to Michele Holmes’ School of Golf, a specialized golf instruction class for young children.

“You have to be dedicated and we support him,” said Lauren. “Every time he saw Rick dressed to go out golfing, he wanted to go.”

Rick golfed throughout college and said his son’s love for the course is something that he can see him pursuing.

“He made contact on his first swing,” Rick recounted. “It went about five to ten yards. From that point, he was sold and never looked back.

“Rylan spent the next few years just playing with us casually,” his father continued. “He played at the driving range and on the golf course periodically.”

That love for the game and regimen has resulted in Rylan practicing his craft on a daily basis. His schedule consists of attending lessons once a week, a private instruction period, and at least a weekly trip to the course. When school starts, Rylan will be golfing in the morning prior to hitting the books in the classroom.

Rylan’s success is something that has somewhat shocked his parents.

“You always think that other players are good but you get humbled to see them in tournaments,” Lauren said, referencing recent trips to the local tournament. “Rylan was never pressured into doing it but we are always proud of him.”

“I got to remind myself that he is six,” Rick chimed in, who also serves as his son’s caddie at tournaments. “Caution is the word that I use in this instance because I want him to have fun and not get caught up emotionally.

“I know as parents we want to do whatever it takes to get him to the next level,” he added. “U.S. Kids is an organization that teaches that it’s more about mannerisms, values, and good sportsmanship.”

Rylan is gearing up for another tournament in Hampton Roads in September. In October, he will participate in the PGA Golf Club Invitational tournament in Florida, a junior tournament for his age group. He earned the invitation in part of a top five-finish last Spring.

His parents commented that these experiences are something they hope Rylan reflects on as he is older.

“Golf is teaching him how to deal with adversity; not just in the game but in life,” Rick added. “If he can manage it at this young age, he can do it with life.”

“He’s learning that you have to work hard at things,” added Lauren. “It’s providing him with a good work ethic preparing his mental game, and is demonstrating sportsmanship.

“It’s also teaching him how to lose with grace and be humble,” she concluded.

Rylan also has some major competition in the near future. His four-year old brother, Harrison, is already on the course taking practice rounds. But the young boy already said he defeated his main competition.

“I beat my daddy,” he said with a smile on his face. “I beat him one time at South Carolina.”

Needless to say, Rick declined to comment on the affair. As for Rylan, he is hoping to inspire other people to pick up the sport.

“It’s a fun sport for everybody to play,” Rylan concluded.