At just eight years old, Brigham Setu is already making waves in the golfing world, preparing to represent Samoa in the prestigious 2025 ‘Champion of Champions’ World Championship in Ireland. 

His journey began by simply wanting to outdrive his grandfather. It has turned into a remarkable story of talent, hard work, and family support.

Brigham first picked up a golf club in January 2024 when his parents took him to a driving range for fun. By February of the same year, he competed in his first local tournament, and since then, his passion for the sport has grown. 

Inspired by the challenge of matching his grandfather’s skills, Brigham soon began competing regularly. His father shared that one of his earliest highlights was tying in a match against his grandfather after losing their first game.

Brigham’s achievements so far include winning the nine-hole Cameron Smith Junior Competition in November 2024, where he competed against 72 junior players aged 6 to 14. He has also claimed five local tournament victories and secured third place in the Australian Challenge held in Melbourne.

Preparing for the upcoming world championship has been a family effort. After a holiday in Sydney at the home of his uncle, former Toa Samoa Lagi Setu, Brigham returned to training with his father Waita Setu, uncle Joss, and professional coach John Hempstock at the Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane.

Despite his early success, the journey hasn’t been without challenges. His father notes that Brigham tends to be hard on himself, especially when things don’t go his way on the course. However, with the support of his family—especially his mother, who provides emotional comfort—Brigham is learning to focus on lessons rather than setbacks.

“We just let him be a kid off the course,” his dad, the senior Setu said. “He loves hanging out with his cousins, having sleepovers, and playing PlayStation. His golf journey is driven by him. We’re just his Uber drivers!”

Representing Samoa at such a prestigious event is a source of great pride for the Setu family. 

“When he carries the Samoan flag at the opening ceremony, it will be an emotional moment. He’s not just playing for himself but for all those who’ve supported him. It’s a symbol of hope, pride, and unity for Samoa,” his father expressed.

Brigham’s primary goal for the tournament is to secure a top-three finish, a dream that came earlier than expected, as he originally aimed to qualify within two years. He also draws inspiration from professional golfers Tony Finau, an islander like himself, and Cameron Smith, whose competitions he loves.

For young Samoans interested in golf, Brigham’s father offers simple but heartfelt advice: “Enjoy the journey with your kids. Let them have fun on the course, and remember—always have fun!”

Brigham Setu’s story is a testament to the power of passion, family support, and the resilience of Samoa’s young athletes. As he continues his journey towards the ‘Champion of Champions’ World Championship, Brigham is not only chasing his dreams but also inspiring a generation of young Samoans to believe in themselves and aim for greatness on the world stage.