When confidence looks cocky

Benjamin Follet-Smith – Zimbabwe’s latest golfing prodigy – arrived from a rewarding sojourn from Cote d’Ivoire declaring his intention to become one of the world’s top 10 golfers.

The 23–year-old came second at the Cote d’Ivoire Open to further give confidence to those who claim he is the next big thing in local golf.

Follet-Smith touched down at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport last week and was chauffeur-driven to Hwange Golf Club for the Hwange Open by none other than Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association president Gary Thompson.

Thompson has seen a lot and rarely gets excited by upcoming talent but there is something about Follet-Smith.

“Once in a while, something special comes along – maybe a diamond in the rough or just an over-confident kid,” he said. “What makes Ben special is that he is neither one of the two but the real deal. With a little nurturing he will certainly reach the stars.”

While it might appear too early to judge, given that Follet-Smith only turned pro at the beginning of the month the lad has a history of ticking all the right boxes.

Talent? Check

He won the 2012 All-Africa Junior Championship, has represented Zimbabwe at several All-Africa Team Championships and qualified for the British Junior Open in 2011.

At the time of turning pro earlier this month, Follet-Smith was Zimbabwe’s number one amateur golfer.

And since turning pro he has already pocketed US$12 000 after emerging as the National Aids Council Pro-Am champion and finishing runner-up at the Cote d’Ivoire Open.

Pedigree? Check

Born on March 9, 1994, Smith comes from a golfing family.

“My dad (Robert Follet-Smith) is the one who got me into golf and his father (my grandfather) did the same for him,” Follet-Smith revealed.

The sport would a big part of his school life at Hellenics and St Johns’ College.

It led to a scholarship to Mississippi State University (2012-14) in the United States, where Follet-Smith studied Marketing.

There, his biggest win came at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Invitational back in July this year.

The Zimbabwean ended the four-day tournament with a 20-under 268 score and the attention of the world.

Among the dozens who called Follet-Smith was Thompson who planted the idea of turning pro into the youngster.

“I had no intention of ever turning professional, as I was enjoying life on the amateur circuit, balancing it with my studies.

“However, Gary seemed to have a lot of confidence in me and I decided to turn pro after our chat. Now, golf is the main plan and my marketing degree the fall back.”

As he looks into the future Follet-Smith is not short of confidence.

“One of the misconceptions people have about me is that I am cocky. Yes, I am confident but not cocky.

“I have a game plan and that is to rise up the rankings, into the top 10 in the world to be exact. I have already started putting in the hours and have no social life anymore as my days now revolve around golf.”