Kailie Vongsaga, an eight-year old American of Lao descent made it to the final round in the U.S. Kids Golf Tournament in Pinehurst, NC, last August. She finished at 12th place.
Kailie was born to Jimmy and Kamy Vongsaga of Perris, California. Kailie is the eldest of three children. Her golf skills were cultivated through her father Jimmy Vongsaga, who is a golfer. Every time when Jimmy went to play golf, he would take Kailie along with him. Kailie started hitting golf as early as two years of age. Kailie is passionate about golf and most importantly, she really enjoys it.
When I asked "What you think of your golf skill? Kailie's replied… "I am a super good," Kailie responded with a strong and confident voice, adding "I like golf very much and I am excited every time I am in the competition, I get to meet new friends, get trophies and have fun too."
Kailie's father, Jimmy, also talked to VOA about his oldest daughter…"Kailie would cry or get mad at me if I don't take her with me when I go to play golf or even to the driving range. I see her potential in golf. I'll give her a try and hope that she can pick it up from here on ward."
Kailie has registered with several golf clubs around Riverside and San Diego County and started to compete in as many tournaments as possible so that she can start accumulating points for ranking and to compete in international golf tournament across the United States. Kailie has taken home many trophies and prizes
Kamy Phomsouvanh Vongsaga, Kailie's mother also shared her feeling with VOA, "I am very proud mom. I am very proud of her, of how Kailie
has accomplished so far, winning all the titles and trophies. Kailie and her
father practice every day and every week. I can still remember that in our times, our parents didn't have
much. Now is our turn, we can make some money, we need to invest on something our children
love to do. Nothing is more important than seeing your children do what they
love. Money comes and goes. If they make it to the pros, that would be great; if not, then that's
OK too. At least they have tried."
Kailie has two siblings, 5 year-old Katelyn Taylor Vongsaga and 3 year-old Kyle Nathan Vongsaga. Both siblings are currently in
golf training and hopefully will be ready for golf (tournaments) in a few
years.
Currently, Kailie is a member of the following
junior golf associations in Southern California:
1. LJG – Lao
Junior Golf – (www.laojrgolf.com)
2. SDJGA – San Diego Junior Golf
Association – (www.sdjga.org)
3. US Kids Golf Association –
(www.uskidsgolf.com)
4. FCG – Future Champion Golf –
(www.futurechampiongolf.com)
5. JJGT – Johnson Junior Golf Tournament
– (www.jjgt.org)
Kailie has won 6 titles and many 2nd place medals in 2009, 3 titles with the JJGT, 1 with the SDJGA, 1 with the US Kids, and 1 with the Lao Junior Golf. She finished 3rd place in the SDJGA 8-years old division player of the year award.
Kailie qualified for the 2009 Callaway Junior World Championship that took place July 14 –16, in San
Diego, CA, through the SDJGA club. The
top 4, out of 21, players in her division (7-8 years old division) got
invited to participate in the 2009 World Championship. There are over 1200 players (6–17 years
old) from 54 countries playing in this event.
The 7-8 years old division consists of 39 top players from 11
countries. Kailie played strong, but
failed to make the cut and finished 19th place after 2 rounds (69,
70) in this year world championship.
Kailie's path to professional golf is still young, and she has a long road ahead of her. VOA wishes Kailie the best for her future both in school and her golf career.
Listen to audio files for more details.
