Ashton O'Kola is already making the rounds as a top young golfer in and out of the Caribbean region, and if his 2023 campaign is anything to go by, then 2024 could be even better, and he is very much looking forward to the challenge.

O'Kola, who turns eight on April 5, has taken the golf world by storm and has already racked up quite a portfolio having played in the United States of America, South Africa, Uganda, Brazil, Italy and England, last year.

"Well, I have already qualified for the 2024 Junior World Championships at Pinehurst, so I'll definitely be there in August. I am hoping to defend my title at Pepsi Little People's in 2024 too.  I am really looking forward to the Venice Open. I liked that tournament a lot," O'Kola said in a recent interview.

When asked if he felt any pressure when on the course, the golfer, who is based in Barbados with his Jamaican parents, exuded his usual confidence.

"No, when I'm on the course I don't feel anything, I just try to make the next shot better. Sometimes when I was younger like in 2020 and 2021, I used to get mad at myself if I hit a bad shot but getting mad just messed up my other shots after.  Now in 2023 going into 2024, I'm a lot older and stronger and I don't get as mad. I just try to make the next shot better," he shared.

In a tournament in Doral, United States late December, O'Kola won ahead of Dacio Diaz (36) of Florida, and Canada's bronze medallist Edouard Marchand (38). Among his other wins in 2023 were the Barbados Junior Grand Slam, the Big 5 for boys 6 and Under in South Africa, the New York State Champion for Boys Under-6 and the 9-hole State Farm Youth Classic. 

O’Kola, who is not a stranger to international competitions, attends Providence Elementary School.