Golf star 12-year-old Maisy Shewchuk is representing Quarry Oaks, is through two rounds at the Canada Summer Games, in St. Johns, Newfoundland, where she is currently 19th.
Bit by the golf bug
Going back to the start of her golf career, Shewchuk says that she picked up it very early. "When I was three years old, my dad would do putting with me in basement. We'd do mini putts, I'd take the stuffed animals, open their legs and putt through their legs. At five years old, I tried lots of different spots, but the top two I picked to focus on were golf and swimming. I've pursued them every since."
From putting in the basement, Shewchuk recalls what it was like going to an actual course. "I remember that it was all just for run. I've put in a lot of range work, and that helped me get here today."
Golf has always been fun, but Shewchuk has always been a bit competitive. "I've liked being competitive, it feels like I'm in it for something, instead of just hitting the ball."
Embracing the golf grind
Shewchuk has always been a hard worker, and that hard work has paid off as she's become very good at the sport. "It's taken dedication, hours of practice, and lots of lesson. There will be lots more of that."
Short game wizard
When it comes to her golf game, Shewchuk believes it's her short game that separates her from the competition. "My dad and I practice it, a lot. The more time and hours spent working, it's on the short game, because we believe it's the most important."
Tournament life
Making the transition from playing for fun to playing in competitive tournaments, has been easy for the golf star. "It doesn't really chance my mindset, to be honest," Shewchuk says with a smile. "I'm not really a person to get nervous over competition or over a practice round, I just try and play the same way. If something's going wrong, I try and fix it."
Canada Summer Games
"It's an amazing experience," Shewchuk says with a big smile. "Meeting new friends, it's been amazing. The whole thing has been amazing."
Watching other golfers go through their routines, she says that she's picked up a few things that can make her even better. "Getting to watch others, watching their swings and comparing them to mine, I can pick up a few things. It's fun to watch others and learn."
Representing Quarry Oaks
Although she's from Winnipeg, Shewchuk says she takes a lot of pride getting to represent Quarry Oaks. "This is my first membership, and I really like Quarry Oaks. I love the three nine holes, I like their short game area, and their range area. They have really nice people there. I'm so proud to represent them."
Along with Quarry Oaks, Manitoba is also being represented by Shewchuk, another big point of pride for the young star. "It feels great, and it's a great feeling. It's been a great experience, too."
Maisy Shewchuk will continue in St. John's, Newfoundland.