Six-year-old Fraizer Harris only took up golf a little over a year ago to alleviate his severe health condition during the lockdown.
But he’s already better than most adults, has won a number of competitions and qualified for the Junior World Championships in America next year.
Fraizer from Make was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly after he was born, and when the pandemic broke out in early 2020, the family sheltered him to keep him safe.
The state of health affects the lungs, and there was a lack of information at the time about how the coronavirus would affect those who suffered it.
It was during the time that the student’s family began looking for something that could help Fraizer stay fit. In addition to daily physiotherapy and around 50 tablets a day, exercise is one of the best forms of staying healthy for people with cystic fibrosis.
Says Dad Jermaine, “I’ve always loved playing golf and Frazier had a set of plastic clubs from a young age. Build a putting green in the garden to take Frazier outside and get some exercise.
“Then we watched a documentary about a young golfer named The Short Game, which he liked so much that he trained outside every day because he wanted to be so good and the kids were in it.
“He’s a hero with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, and he really wants to be as good as them.”
Frazier started practicing in the garden
(Image: Mark Lewis)
Papa Jermaine also enjoys playing golf
(Image: Mark Lewis)
When the lockdown was lifted, Frazier switched to playing on courses, taking classes once a week, and starting competitions.
He has already won 11 trophies, including the winners’ medals at the US Kids Championships, which qualifies him for participation in the 2022 World Championships in America.
Cystic fibrosis means having to do some of his physical therapy in the car before competing and taking some of the 50 pills he needs every day while running.
Says Frazier, “I live with cystic fibrosis, which means we were all really scared of what the virus might do to me, so we didn’t leave the house for 12 weeks.
“That’s when I fell in love with golf, which was great because it keeps me out of what I love and it’s great for my lungs.
“It was also great because I had to get over my physiotherapy mask before getting out of the car on the course and also taking 50 tablets a day.”
Frazier with some of his winners medals
(Image: Mark Lewis)
He hopes to get to the World Cup in America next year
(Image: Mark Lewis)
Papa Jermaine explains, “Exercise and being outside are so important to Frazier’s condition, so it’s great for him to be able to compete and have lessons every week.
“The CF was first picked up when he had the heel prick test shortly after he was born. There were a few signs that he hadn’t gained weight, but it was still terrifying.
“But there is so much support out there and we have been positive and hopeful. Some really good medical advances have also been made in the past few years.
“I’m a conference speaker and my partner Katie is a hairdresser, so our stores were dragged from under our feet during the lockdown, but Frazier was a complete inspiration.”
Frazier’s instructor at Byn Meadows Golf Club says he qualified so well for the World Cup in his freshman year of competitions.
Pro golfer Natasha Gobey says, “His passion for the game is incredible. He absolutely loves it and it shows through. He hits balls in the mornings before going to school and he’s a great listener in class.
“We work really well together and it is amazing that he qualified for the World Cup at such a young age and only in his first year of competing.”
The family is now trying to raise funds to raise enough money for Frazier to take part in the world championships. You have a donation page here.
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