Houston – A Houston-area 6-year-old is already making waves in junior golf after becoming the youngest golfer to qualify for the Under Armour Junior Tour Summer Nationals.
Hudson Guidry started swinging a golf club at just 6 months old, his parents said. By age 2, they had him evaluated by the late PGA professional Franci Del Valle Bettancourt after noticing what they described as exceptional coordination and ability for his age.
Those early signs turned into real competition quickly. Guidry played his first tournament at 4 years old through Summit Golf 8 & Under, winning two events and placing second in another, his family said. He also completed his first full 18-hole round at 4!
At 5, Guidry qualified for the Under Armour Junior Tour Summer Nationals. This summer, he competed at PGA National in West Palm Beach, Florida, where he was the only 6-year-old in the field and faced players who were older and bigger.
His parents, Stephany and Ryan Guidry, said the experience was about more than results. They said the trip gave their son the chance to compete on a big stage, meet new friends, including fellow Houston-area golfers Aiden Cherry from Livingston, who finished 9th, and Jaden Harrison from Missouri City, who competed in the championship and finished in 8th place.
The family credits much of Hudson’s growth to coaching and a strong support system. They said he takes lessons with Ascend Golf Academy in Conroe and that grandparents, friends, and coaches have helped make the schedule, travel, and training possible.
Despite the competitive environment, Hudson’s parents said he keeps the right perspective. They said even on tough days, he stays positive and focused recalling that they say the first rule of gold is to “have fun.”
Guidry also plays t-ball and has been part of championship teams in each of the past two seasons, his parents said. For them, the biggest takeaway is watching their child be so passionate about something at such a young age and hoping his story encourages other young athletes to keep chasing their dreams.