Amazing Amalia sizzles on the course

Abu Dhabi

By the time you would have finished pronouncing the name Amalia Arredondo Alzate, she would have finished a hole and done it under par. The Colombian golfing prodigy has been playing the game for around four years and those who have watched her at it say that her passion and expertise for the game is a rarity for a girl her age especially in such a male-dominated sport, exemplified by her being the only girl attending a large advanced group class with 16 people at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Speaking to XPRESS, the Grade VII student of Al Yas Mina School in Abu Dhabi said: “I don't mind it [being clubbed with senior boys], I feel like it makes me work harder so I can beat them.”

Amalia moved to Abu Dhabi after her dad got a job in the UAE capital. “It was he who introduced me to golf and then I became addicted,” she said.

However, unlike girls her age, golf is not a hobby or a pastime for Amalia. “I am very serious about golf and I want to become a professional when I grow up,” added the 12-year-old.

And helping her in this regard is the Abu Dhabi Golf Club and her instructor Kim Boulden.

“The facilities at ADGC are world class to practice along with the nice weather. I have been part of the Future Falcon Junior Program at ADGC for three years in which I have progressed up to the advance class. This class provides me with a great opportunity to develop my skills on and off the golf course with some very good players. I have also been having private tuitions with Kim who has been a great role model for me. It is really nice to have a female coach in the UAE,’ she said.

Growing up watching some of golf’s greatest players, Amalia has her own favourite.

“My favourite golfer is Paula Creamer, she is my idol. I even like doing cartwheels on the golf course just like her,” she said.