Comox’s own Charlie Duncan has been playing golf for about five years now. The 18-year-old got his start playing golf at the park before moving up to a summer membership at Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community.
“Playing with the big holes was when I started to like it a lot more. Then about three years ago, it was more of a competitive thing,” said Duncan.
Duncan is currently studying Event Management at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. The program will allow him to set his sights on running any sporting event, be it golf or hockey.
“”(You) are connected to a bunch of different things so you can take it anywhere you want to. There is no shortage of things you can be connected to or things you are interested in. You get a lot of practical experience in the courses.”
There is a marked difference between playing at Crown Isle at home and playing in Northern Ireland where Duncan’s career is just starting to take off.
“When I first came over here in August, we went out there and played and it was kind of shocking to go (and play with the Ulser coach),” said Duncan. “The culture change in the golf world, what you think you had back home and what it’s really like over here. On top of that, playing in the conditions that you can. Whether it be good conditions or when the birds are walking and tend to fly.”
Duncan has just finished his first year of school and is looking forward to playing golf in the Open Championship which is returning to Royal Portrush Golf Club, Duncan’s now home course. The competition takes place from July 17 to 20.
“I try to take advantage of it as much as I can. Every time I go there, I treat it like it may be my last time being able to play before the Open. It’s something I try not to take for granted as well, it’s so cool to keep the connection to the course,” explained Duncan. “You can see what the course is going to be like and when the fans are there it’ll be a better atmosphere.”
Preparation is key for Duncan’s success and he has a method all planned out that he has been using since he competed at Crown Isle.
“You have to do your work beforehand so you can prepare before the time starts. There’s pages from the yardage book, I would cut them out. My dad and I would use Google Maps and go through each hole and talk about single holes and see how to practice around those,” shared Duncan. “You’re trying to picture each hole before you even get there and I think it’s important.”
The international dream of playing across the world is alive and playing out in real time for Duncan.
“I went from this time last year just playing Crown Isle, which is a course I love but I’ve been able to Spain, Portugal and a few courses in Ireland. I think I’m fortunate for the opportunity that my parents have given me.”
