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9-year-old golfer excelling in competitions

Brian Kelley wins US Kids Golf Florida State Championship
Posted at 4:49 PM, Dec 23, 2023
and last updated 2023-12-23 16:49:53-05

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — There are quite a few golf stars who live in South Florida, including 9-year-old Brian Kelley of Port St. Lucie.

He's a self-taught golfer who is quickly making a name for himself.
 
Brian and his family spend their weekends touring South Florida, participating in some of the biggest youth golfing tournaments.

Brian participates on the South Florida PGA Junior Tour.

In 2020, WPTV's Chris Gilmore did a report on Brian when he was 6.

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 Earlier this month, Brian won the boys' 9 U.S. Kids Golf Florida State Championship at Reunion Golf Resort & Golf Club in Kissimmee, shooting 5-under par.

Participants were invited after achieving qualifying scores in local U.S. Kids Golf tours near their hometowns.

He finished eighth in the Holiday Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, where other young golfers competed.

His parents, Elizabeth and Brian Kelley Sr., adopted Brian at just 3 weeks old and he began competing at 4.

Brian Kelley Sr. can remember the moment that his son fell in love with the game.

Brian Kelley Sr., of Port St. Lucie caddies for his son. Dec. 23, 2023
Brian Kelley Sr., of Port St. Lucie caddies for his son.

"I love watching the PGA tournaments on TV on Saturdays and Sundays," the elder Kelley said. "Since he was 2 months old, he would sit right by me and was just fascinated with golf."

Although it's a solo name on that scorecard, these weekends are a family event.

"Really cool. It's fun having family out there," Brian said.