They Are Getting Younger

[bibblebub]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/22379633

We've just had a 14 yo Chinese kid taking part in the Masters golf and now there is a 12 yo playing in a tournament on the European tour. Should there be a minimum age limit for professional sports?

[jim360]

No.

[ToraToraTora]

No, if they qualify they can play, that's the nature of an open comp.

[ChillDoubt]

Nope.

If you're good enough, you're old enough, particularly in golf as it's non-contact nor does it require a particular level of strength.

[FredPuli43]

Not unless they have an advantage because of their immaturity, presumably one reason for preventing young girls from competing as women in swimming and gymnastics.

The 14 year-old in the Masters talked like an old professional. If he keeps that maturity the extra length and the intelligent strategy will come in due course. If a youngster is good enough to qualify, they're good enough to play; if they don't expect to shoot 70 and shoot 82, that really doesn't matter.

[bobtheturkey]

i doubt he is 12 probably 32

[Iluvspikey]

No, if they are good enough then fair play to them

[cazzz1975]

the only problem I have with these young 'stars' is they have a tendency to burn out in their 20's, primarily because they spent their childhood and teenage years working hard, when they hit their 20's they suddenly discover women, partying and the commitment level drops along with their form. some players never get it back

[bibblebub]

just as long as televised sport doesn't end up like coverage of a school sports day