The golf player acknowledged that attending the championships would have been challenging without the local real estate agency's backing.

“Their support has been a huge relief,” Couper said. “There are a lot of expenses involved in attending the National Championships and I can’t thank the team from Raine & Horne enough.”

David Cotton, Principal at Raine & Horne Port Douglas and Mossman, emphasised the importance of junior sports for the kids in the shire.

“It keeps them busy and off the streets getting up to mischief,” Mr Cotton said. “Sport teaches kids so many aspects of life such as teamwork, commitment and discipline.   

“Kids always look up to high achievers and Couper is already that. With a never give up attitude he could go all the way and be playing with one of his idols Cameron Smith.”

Parental pride

Matt Smith, proud father of Couper, currently supports his son at Gold Coast's championships and expressed Couper has been playing exceptionally well.

“His rounds have been instrumental in boosting the overall Queensland team's performance,” Mr Smith said.

When asked about the origins of Couper's passion for golf, Mr Smith explained that his older brother Wade played a significant role. 

“At the tender age of three, Couper was already being pushed around the golf course in a pram, while Wade was playing out on the fields,” he recalls.

Mr Smith further expressed his immense gratitude to the support of Raine & Horne and the local community. 

“Couper's travel demands, with six state trips annually, involve significant expenses. The support from the community, especially Raine & Horne, has been a game-changer.”

As Couper approaches the end of Year-12, his future holds promising prospects. 

With a possible scholarship opportunity in America or pursuing a professional golfing career in Australia's South-East, the horizon brims with boundless potential.