Since Luke Pitts first picked up a golf club four years ago, he’s learned to hit long, straight drives, and made three birdies and five pars in countless rounds on the links.

That’s not bad for a weekend duffer. It’s even better for a 6-year-old boy.

Pitts, the son of former Vicksburg residents Barry and Kim Pitts and grandson of current city denizens Kerry and Hester Pitts, has turned into quite the phenom in his short golfing career.

Luke is hitting 150-yard drives, hitting from the white tees on occasion and even winning tournaments. In June he shot a 40 on the front nine to win the 6-and-under age division in a state qualifier for the U.S. Kids World Championship. On July 26 he’ll play in the World Championship in Pinehurst, N.C.

&#8220On the last hole, I just didn’t want to go in the water. It doesn’t float on top,” Luke said of his effort in the qualifier. &#8220Last year, the kid I played this year shot the same I did last year. A 44. I shot a 40.”

At the rate Luke is going, he’ll be shooting far lower than that very soon. His father introduced him to the game when he was 2 and it wasn’t long before he took to it.

&#8220He could chip the ball 30 yards when he was 2,” Kerry Pitts said. &#8220He and his dad would go to the driving range. The main thing was, he could hit it straight.”

Kerry Hester joked that Luke got a reward from his father for a good shot – the chance to ride after it instead of walking to the ball.

&#8220If he hits a good shot, his daddy lets him ride in the cart,” Kerry Hester said with a laugh.

Soon, Luke and his father were heading to the course almost every day – when it wasn’t time for another sport, that is. Like a lot of young children, Luke also plays baseball and soccer.

Golf is his favorite sport, though.

&#8220I play Sunday, but not Monday because the driving range is closed, then every other day,” he said.