The Boys & Girls Clubs of Denton County recently announced that Bryce Osborne, 12-year-old Lantana golfer and student at Harpool Middle School, has qualified as the youngest participant at their first $1 million Golf Shoot Out being held immediately following the 4th Annual Charity Golf Tournament this Thursday at the Lantana Golf Club.

Osborne will be one of eight individuals that qualified to have an opportunity at a chance to win $1 million in prize money.

“We are excited that Bryce will have this wonderful chance at winning one million dollars”, said Babs Troutman, President and Chief Professional Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Denton County.

“Bryce represents a perfect example to our club members, their families and the local community that if you work hard you can achieve your dreams even if you are only twelve years old."

Osborne, who began playing golf at six years old, qualified at Lantana when his 120 yard shot was deemed closest to the pin among all players that donated $10 to the club for a chance at becoming a participant.

All qualifiers will be provided one shot at the million dollar prize if they make a 165 yard hole in one during the shootout.  If more than one golfer gets a hole in one, multiple prizes will be awarded.

After learning that he was one of the eight finalists, Osborne said he was somewhat reluctant to participate in the shootout contest in fear of losing his amateur status if he did make a once in a lifetime shot. “I want to stay an amateur so that I can continue to play in amateur tournaments”, Osborne said.

Since he started playing golf, Osborne’s main goal is to become the youngest player to start in the Professional Golf Association.

“The chance of Bryce winning the million dollars is extremely low but the fact he’s willing to even consider not accepting the prize money really demonstrates how strong of a drive he has to fulfilling his dream”, Troutman said.

“Because of the difficulties they have faced in their family life, many children and young adults are just trying to find their way through life every day. Bryce will be a wonderful influence, regardless of whether he wins or not to let people, both young and old alike, learn that determination and hard work provide the foundation to make dreams come true."