Westville's Bernadette Little is making a big mark in the golf world this spring.
Yesterday the 15-year-old finished first in the third round of the junior girls division of the CN Future Links Atlantic Championship earning her a second-place finish overall.
Earlier this month Little placed second at provincials in her division.
Not bad for a first-time competitor at the events.
No one has been more surprised by the success than Bernadette.
"I was surprised," she quickly admits.
She had competed in a few small tournaments last year, but nothing near this level.
Lee Fanning, who coaches her at the Abercrombie Golf and Country Club knows it's no beginner's luck though.
"We could see this in her for a while," he said. "She just didn't realize it herself."
Her putting and chipping talent is so strong, Fanning said he'd put her up against any junior boy.
The skill is something that Bernadette has worked hard to hone though. She has been training for about five years now. Every day this summer you'll find her on the greens practising her game.
"If it's not raining I'm at the golf course," she said.
For such a young athlete her accomplishments are amazing, Fanning said.
"She's 15 years old and she's competing against up against 18-year-olds."
Bernadette plays soccer and hockey as well and possesses a natural athletic ability Fanning said. But there is one other ingredient that has been part of her success.
"Where she excels in the sport is her mental aspect," he said.
Competition at this level is very tense and it's important to keep calm and confident.
"It's very nerve wracking," she admits. "I just trying to stay focused and just hit the ball like I know I can."
It appears to be working. Because of her performance Bernadette will now be going on to nationals in Ontario, Aug. 1.
"She's a girl who has potential to go far," Fanning said. "She's definitely someone to keep your eye on."
Her family has been around to support her as she strives for success.
"We're very proud of her," her mother Violet said. "It's quite an accomplishment. It's all new and exciting for us."
