Leo Boniface, known for his viral golf skills, has been chosen by the national governing body for their new initiative.
Cuddington Golf Club member Leo, who has a Handicap Index® of 7.5, now embodies the Game Changers spirit, part of England Golf’s strategic vision for 2025–2030.
The initiative aims to unite influential figures who are dedicated to promoting golf as a safe, inclusive, sustainable, and inspirational sport.
The Game Changers collective also seeks to challenge outdated perceptions of golf and highlight the many benefits the game can bring.
Leo is the second individual to join, after Dame Denise Lewis.
The 12-year-old said: “I’m very proud to be part of the Game Changers because I want to change the game so that people of all backgrounds can get into golf and enjoy it like I do.
“I love golf because it’s sociable, you get lots of fresh air, make new friends, and it’s a great sport to play with friends and family, and I want to inspire other kids to do the same.”
His father, Lester, revealed Leo’s journey began at the tender age of three.
He said: “Leo started playing golf when he was just three years old.
“He loves the fun social side of it, where he plays golf all day with his friends.
“We started his social media to note his journey, and he started on the golf course when he was five, began enjoying competitions, and he got quite good quite quickly.”
Lester went on to explain how the lockdown period was pivotal in Leo’s rise to fame.
He said: “When we went into lockdown, the courses were shut so we started doing trick shots in the garden and everything he posted just started going viral.
“He was being interviewed by Good Morning Britain about how he’s inspired other people to take up golf, which is important to both of us, and then it just kept growing.”
Leo’s talents have seen him invited to numerous Pro-Ams and invitationals, an aspect of the sport he particularly enjoys.
But, as Lester emphasised, it’s still all about having fun for Leo and his peers.
He added: “For youngsters of Leo’s age, it’s all about having fun.
“When he plays in competitions, I always remind him that he just needs to relax and enjoy it and have a laugh with his mates.
“The most important thing is walking off the course with a smile on his face.”
