Local preschooler (yes, you read that right) competes in national golfing tournament

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The Woodlands has a new tournament-level golfer, and he’s only six years old. Hudson Guidry recently competed in the Under Armour Jr. Summer Nationals in Florida.

A kindergarten student at the Sam Houston State University charter school in The Woodlands, Hudson qualified for this major championship at the age of five, making him the youngest golfer ever to qualify and compete.

Hudson joins an elite group of fellow six-year-olds who have excelled in golf, including Stephen Abrams, who is widely regarded as one of the most dominant child golfers in history, winning the 2005 US Kids Golf World Championship at age six and going on to win three world titles by age eight. Hudson is determined to beat the record.

The Under Armour Jr. Summer Nationals, universally viewed as one of the nation’s premier junior golf championships, is held each year in West Palm Beach, Florida. The tournament brings together top young golfers from across the country who have earned their place through a demanding qualification process.

To become eligible, players must compete in at least three of six local Under Armour Jr. Tour events and achieve the required scoring average for their division. In the 8 & Under age group, golfers must average 48.9 or lower to qualify.

For Hudson, the journey was even more remarkable.

Although his skill level met the competitive standard, he faced an additional hurdle. Under Armour Jr. Tour’s age requirement stated that players must be at least 6 years old by the qualification deadline, but Hudson’s sixth birthday fell just outside that cutoff. Believing Hudson had earned the opportunity to compete, his coach requested special consideration.

After reviewing Hudson’s tournament results and player résumé, the president of the Under Armour Jr. Tour, Ray Taranto, personally granted Hudson permission to compete.

Hudson earned his qualifying score after just two tournaments, and – with Mr. Taranto’s approval – he officially secured his place in the championship. The decision resulted in Hudson being the youngest player to qualify for the Under Armour Jr. Summer Nationals.

In Hudson’s own words, golf has been a driving force for him as close to his entire existence as literally possible. “I’ve been golfing since I was six months old. I golf with my Daddy, Popi, and my Uncle Brett, and I just love it,” he told Woodlands Online.

“Golf has become such a huge part of Hudson’s life. He has poured so much time, hard work, and heart into this sport, and it has been incredible to watch his growth both on and off the course,” said his mother, Stephany Guidry. “The experience itself was unforgettable. He had the opportunity to compete on a big stage, make new friends from all over, and learn so much.”

Besides preparing for entry into the first grade, Hudson has weekly group lessons and also partakes in individual lessons with Coach Nick Gerber or Coach Kaine Gibson to work on techniques. He also is constantly golfing around the house, due in no small part to his father being a manager at Topgolf, where the family also works on their collective skills.

For Hudson and his family, qualifying for the tournament represented far more than a tournament invitation; it was the reward for countless hours of practice, dedication, and perseverance – as well as the opportunity for a six-year-old to compete on one of junior golf’s biggest stages while inspiring others that passion and hard work can overcome obstacles, regardless of age.

“Hudson showed that age and size do not define determination, passion, or potential. We are so proud of the way he represented our community, and this experience,” said Stephany.

When asked what his future plans were, Hudson had no hesitation at where he wanted his life to go. “I want to be a pro golfer and a Daddy, just like my dad,” he said.