For Alex Turchan golf is not just a sport, it’s a way to connect with family.

The 12-year-old Conestogo Public School student has been playing golf since he was six years old when his dad handed him his first club.

Living with the Conestoga Country Club as his backyard didn’t hurt either. He has been literally surrounded by golf all his life.

By age 10 he had already sunk his first hole in one and practices daily in his backyard or on the greens.

Turchan’s older brother, Mackenzie, also plays the sport and a round of golf has become a way for the boys to bond.

“My husband has such a joy for the sport that it is something that they can do together and share that love of the sport, and from my perspective it is nice to see my family bonding this way,” said Turchan’s mother, Krista.

This summer Turchan has joined the Canadian Junior Golf Association and is competing in tournaments across the province.

Last weekend he put on a decent showing at the CJGA Ontario Junior Linkster Series at Deer Run, tying for 13th place. Most of that was played in the rain, which Turchan found to be a challenge.

“It is his first time competing with the CJGA and he is just getting used to that type of competition,” said Krista.

Turchan enjoys analyzing and developing a strategy while he plays and at the same time trying to problem-solve which club is needed for each hole.

“I really enjoy the social aspect of the game and being outside because I have always been a very active and on-the-go kind of guy,” he said.

Working on his composure is something Turchan says he needs to do more of when he is not playing well.

“He can be overly hard on himself and needs to not get so frustrated when things are not going his way and just step back and analyze his game better,” said Krista.

The season began in mid-May and runs through until September, with Turchan playing most weekends. Next weekend he is off to a two-day tournament in Halliburton and later in the summer he will be joining his father and brother when they go to watch the Canadian Open in Ancaster.

“It is pretty cool to see the professionals play and I really enjoy it,” said Turchan.

With school ending this week Turchan will be focusing on preparing for more tournaments.