Barbados: 7-year-old Ashton wins Junior Outstanding Sportsperson Award 2023

Barbados: A seven-year-old golf sensation Ashton O'kola won the Junior Outstanding Sportsperson Award in the Male category in Barbados for 2023.

The young player secured this award during the 39th National Sports Council Awards held on Friday, January 5, at the Wildey Gymnasium.

The seven-year-old student of Providence School started and ended 2023 on a winning note through a busy international golf competition schedule.

Ashton took to his official Instagram account to share a clip of this huge achievement. He was proud to be standing with other nominations who were all much older than him.

"Winning this award reminds me that it doesn't matter how old I am; I can still do big things. Sometimes all little people need is a chance to try," said Ashton. He also thanked Prime Minister Mia Mottley and her government who always invest so much in children. In a special gratitude, the golf sensation said, "I especially want to thank David Marshall for teaching me and letting me take lessons at just two years old. And thank you, Barbados Golf Association, for letting children on the course."

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His 2023 season began with him winning the Future Champions National Championship in San Diego, California, in the United States. This win earned him an exemption to the 2023 IMG Junior World Championships held at Torrey Pines, where he represented Barbados on the world stage.

In April, Ashton travelled to Africa, where he won the Big 5, the South African Open, and he also won the NCBA Uganda Open.

Later in June, he took the 50th anniversary Pepsi Little People's Golf Competition in Quincy, Illinois, in the U.S.A. In this tournament, he shot a 29 on the first day, which is his lowest score to date.

Ashton competed in August at the Venice Open in Italy, where he placed in the Top 4. In this competition, he won Most Birdies of the tournament and the lowest round with a score of 30 on the first day. O'kola has earned a TaylorMade sponsorship based on his performances in 2023.

This apparel and equipment company also sponsors Tiger Woods and his son, Charlie Woods.

O'kola had two outstanding years on the golf courses in 2022 and 2023, and it seems his best years are still ahead of him. He is coached by David Marshall, who holds a certificate from the U.S Golf Teachers Federation and is the owner of the David Marshall Youth Golf Academy based at the Barbados Golf Club.