A judge in Northern Virginia reportedly has ordered the father of a 10-year-old golf prodigy to not enroll his daughter in competitive golf for one year.
The stipulation was just one section of a order handed down by Loudoun County Circuit Court Judge Jeanette Irby in a 7-year custody battle between the girl’s parents, prominent D.C.-area real estate broker Michael Vechery and Florence Cottet-Moine, sports website Deadspin reported Thursday.
The girl “shall not be permitted to play competitive golf for one year,” reads the judge’s order, Deadspin reported. “Competitive golf is defined by the court as no tournament and no lessons with any golf pro with the exception of the father. The father and [child] may play no more than one round of golf per week for five hours with putting and practice whichever is greater.”
The ruling was met with an angry reaction by LPGA tour veteran Kris Tschetter, who has given the girl lessons and praises her as “really, really good” at the game.
“I can’t even begin to figure out where it’s coming from,” Ms. Tschetter told Deadspin. “This is negligent! [Judge Irby] is saying you can’t play in a tournament even if you want to? Did anybody ask the child if she wants to play? I’m … I’m … I’m speechless!”
Mr. Vechery said his daughter plays several sports, but golf is the only one forbidden by the judge, Deadspin reported.
Local news website LoudounNow.com reported Thursday that the judge’s order gives Ms. Cottet-Moine sole legal custody and primary physical custody of the girl.
Mr. Vechery told the website he and his daughter are mostly upset that the ruling means less time together.
• Ken Shepherd can be reached at kshepherd@washingtontimes.com.
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