For Dedham's Joey Lenane, Aiming for Perfection Is Par for the Course

How many people can say they got to see in person most of their heroes in one place – at age 11?

Dedham 6th grader Joey Lenane’s innate golf prowess and endless practice won him a coveted spot to compete in the second annual Drive, Chip and Putt Championship National Finals played in early April at the Augusta National Golf Club, prior to the start of the Masters Tournament in Georgia. Joey placed 5th overall in his age category. Just 80 junior golfers representing 30 U.S. states and Canada earned an invitation. The tournament was broadcast live on the Golf Channel.

Upon his return to Dedham, Joey said, “Augusta National was an amazing, incredible experience for me and my family. We got to watch the practice round of the Masters. I saw Tiger Woods, Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, and many others.”

Whether it’s golf or his smile, Joey’s mom Leilani and dad Tim say Joey always aims for perfection. To be prepared for the spotlight when he makes it to the pros, Joey says, “It’s important to have nice teeth because usually the first thing people notice is a nice smile. Nice teeth give people a good impression. I have braces now. My Orthodontist is Dr. Taylor at ARCH Orthodontics in Westwood. He’s nice and friendly. I think a good Orthodontist takes the time to make every patient’s smile the best it can be. It’s like taking your time in golf, making every shot the best it can be.”

The future pro says, “I started playing golf when I was 9. I play on a Junior tour and have tournaments in the spring, summer and fall in different states. Science is my favorite subject. Golf is my favorite sport but I also play baseball, and basketball. I really want to be a professional golfer when I grow up. I noticed that many of the pros have great smiles.”

Joey says he admires Bubba Watson “because he is fun to watch, he hits the ball really far with his driver, and he is a great golfer with two major championships. He won the Masters twice and has many other tour wins.”

Joey has fans, too. “My older sister is 14 and had braces a couple years ago. My little sister is five and really cute. I love that she looks up to me!”

Joey is working on his short game and playing on the US Kids Boston Tour. He plans to participate in the Drive, Chip and Putt tournament again with an eye toward Augusta again. And his great smile will lead the way.

ARCH offers free initial consultations (a $500 value) and no-interest financing. The practice also offers courtesy discounts to families of military personnel, veterans and municipal employees in the towns where they have offices. To schedule a no-obligation appointment, call 1-800-28- SMILE, email: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com or visit www.archorthodontics.com . ARCH Orthodontics offices are in Bridgewater • Brockton • Canton • Hyannis • Hyde Park • Orleans • Randolph • Stoughton • Westwood.

- By Stanley Hurwitz / 508-269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com