National Championship Title Beckons To 11-Year-Old Bowie Golfer

BOWIE, MD — A youth golfer will be heading to nationals in Louisiana this November for his second shot at the title.

Christian Moten, 11, started golfing when he was three years old. Just three years later, he competed in a national junior golf tournament in 2021 at the age of six.

“I like the competition, and I like getting to play different courses," Christian told Patch.

Five years later in 2026, Christian won the Notah Begay III Virginia Regional Championship at Kingsmill, shooting 74-70 and birdieing the 18th hole to win by one, his dad, Ralph Moten, told Patch.

That win has qualified him for the NB3 National Championship in Louisiana this winter, which will be televised on Golf Channel.

"It was a great experience for him to play in his first big national tournament at such a young age. More than anything, it showed him that he wanted to keep competing on that level and experience more tournaments like it," Ralph Moten said.

"He had already won a state championship, but he had never won a regional championship, so he was extremely excited. And the way he did it made it even more special — birdieing the final hole to win by one stroke was an amazing moment," Moten said.

To prepare for the big championship this winter, Christian has spent his summer practicing his short team at least once a week and walks 18 holes at his home course once a week. He also plays in tournaments through the summer, his dad told Patch.

"Christian has two regional championships to compete in before Louisiana, so those events, along with his regular practice, will help keep him sharp and tournament-ready for nationals in November," Moten said.

He'll be competing in the boys 10-11 age division at nationals. How excited is he?

"On a scale of one to 10, definitely a 10," Christian told Patch.

Ultimately, Christian would love to play professional golf someday, but right now, he wants to continue improving his game and eventually plan on a college golf team.

In the meantime, the Motens enjoy playing golf together at The Country Club at Woodmore.

"Golf is something we all enjoy. Christian's younger brother also plays football," his dad said.

Aside from golf, Christian works hard in school, dad said, and has consistently earned a spot on the principal's honor roll each year. He also has played flag football and enjoys playing basketball.

"We’re extremely excited and very proud of Christian — not just for what he has accomplished in golf, but for the work he continues to put into it and the way he handles himself on and off the course," Ralph Moten said.