TEENAGER Henry Campbell is following in the footsteps of Rory McIlory as he becomes the latest Holywood Golf Club youth to make headlines.
The 14-year-old from Helen’s Bay is in the midst of a stellar run of success that has culminated in selection to the Ireland U-16 team.
Not only does a place on the national team represent a significant milestone in terms of his own golfing path, it also marks the first time a Sullivan Upper School pupil has achieved the feat since McIlroy himself.
Since first taking up golf aged eight, Henry has been collecting accolade upon accolade, and he is showing no signs of dropping the pace.
His rise through the junior ranks has been nothing short of breathtaking. Last year, he was awarded the U-14 Order of Merit, cementing his place as Ulster’s top golfer in his age group and placing him 20th in the European rankings.
Having already won over 30 competitions, the prospect recently took it up a notch in the Irish Junior Open at Lough Erne Golf Resort.
Playing over the course of two days, he finished with a gross score of +3, taking the title and securing top spot in the U-19 36-Hole Strokeplay European ranking category, showcasing his ability to compete above his years.
Henry’s achievements are remarkable to say the least, and his dad, Peter Campbell, believes it is all down to his own hard work and determination.
“I’m exceptionally proud of what he has achieved. It’s been achievement after achievement, and all the drive is down to him – he’s incredibly self-driven,” he said.
“He trains daily, hitting 200-300 balls into a golf net, and is in contact with his coach, Colin Fairweather, two or three times a week, going over things he has in his mind and what he needs to work on.
“There’s plenty of sacrifice that comes with his achievements too. He often needs permission from his principal for leave from school and sacrifices a lot of time with friends for golf.”
Much like Henry’s dad, Holywood Golf Club captain Kieran Diver was not short on praise for the rising star, adding: “Henry’s achievements are a source of great pride for the club and the wider community.
“His dedication, composure and success at such a young age are truly inspiring, and we look forward to supporting his continued development.”
The competitions are continuing to come thick and fast for Henry, who made the top 50 cut and placed 36th out of 120 competitors in the Flogas Irish Boys Amateur Championship at Malone Golf Club last weekend.
With the event often regarded as one of Europe’s leading U-18 tournaments, attracting the top young talents from across the continent, the Holywood GC protégé has once again shown he can mix it with elite, older golfers.
Not only does he draw inspiration from McIlroy because of the local link, but also because of the time he spent with the golfing great.
Henry’s first coach, Ricky McCormick, is a lifelong friend of the double Masters champion, and he set up a session between the two in February 2022 – something that has fuelled the teenager’s desire.
“When Rory went through his hitting with him, he said ‘keep doing what you’re doing,’ and that has ignited a fire in Henry. After his first competition, he immediately said ‘when’s the next one?’ and I thought this is going to be serious,” Peter explained.
“He has said he wants to make it a trinity of top golfers in Holywood – himself, Rory McIlroy and Tom McKibbin.
“One day, he wants to be announced alongside Rory at the tee box, but his ultimate dream is to win the green jacket.”
For now, focus will now turn to flying the flag for his school, as Henry represents Sullivan in the All-Ireland Schools final later this month, hoping to boast his talent on the national stage yet again.
With a bright future ahead of him, there is no doubt young Henry Campbell is firmly establishing himself as one of Ireland’s most promising young golfers.
