The awards keep on coming

He was declared Grand Champion for the second straight year at the Matiss Junior Golf Tour, which is based in the Quebec City region. Playing in the Mosquito division, Mark won all 7 tournaments he entered, most by 15 to 20 strokes.

"I feel proud. It's kind of special because it doesn't happen to everyone often," said Mark, who is in the sixth grade at Gardenview.

For someone who has not even reached high school yet, Mark has amassed an impressive list of golfing accomplishments in the six years since he's been playing. He has won 21 tournaments in both Canada and the United States throughout his career. His best score this year was an 80 at the Beauceville Golf Club.

When school's out, Mark can often be spotted practicing his swing at the Le Challenger golf course. "He sort of lives there in the summer," says his father Phil. "It could be night time and he's got to go because it's dark and he can't see where he's shooting."

The proud dad believes that Mark is a gifted player, but says he would never pressure him into taking up the sport professionally as he gets older.

"It's his choice. I don't push him. A lot of parents push their kids. In Canada, you have one or two players competing in the PGA Tour out of a couple of million who play. So the odds are tough, but he has great determination. No matter how well he plays in a round, he's not satisfied," said the elder Fajertag.