NATCHEZ — As 5-year-old Jackson Navarro was sinking putts from distances almost twice his body length Monday morning at the Norman Puckett Junior Golf Academy at Duncan Park, he was also taking his first step toward a very lofty goal he set for himself.

Navarro’s mother Natalie said Jackson was sitting at home Father’s Day watching the final round of the U.S. Open with his dad, Nestor. When Rory McIlroy hoisted the trophy, Jackson said he wanted to accomplish that same feat in the future.

“He said, ‘I want to win that trophy,’” Natalie said. “We have got a lot of work to do.”

Natalie said her son’s interest in golf started when he was only 3, following his father to the golf course.

“He follows his dad around everywhere, and everything his dad does he wants to do,” she said. “We got him a little set (of clubs) and a putting green inside the house, and they would go hit balls at the driving range, and he became more interested in it.”

Although practice is nice, Jackson really enjoys it when he gets the opportunity to take his talents to the course, Natalie said.

“I like to hit nine holes,” Jackson said.

Natalie said it is a big deal for Jackson when he gets to play on the course.

Monday morning Jackson received his first formal lessons at the Junior Golf Academy, Natalie said.

Duncan Park golf course superintendent Greg Brooking saw Jackson and his mother at the Duncan Park driving range and invited Jackson to attend the academy, Natalie said.

Brooking said the story of Jackson wanting to win the U.S. Open and his work ethic at the camp impressed him.

“For a child at 5 to say that means a lot,” Brooking said. “If this child follows through, one day he can win the U.S. Open. He came out and he really practiced.

“Jackson has the desire to be a golfer. He has a great swing and looks like he has the mind for the game.”

Jackson received lessons Monday from golf professional Charley Callaway. Callaway turned pro at age 18 and has been involved in the game professionally for more than forty years.

“The key is to teach them to be their own instructor, so when they come out here they know what they are doing,” Callaway said.

Callaway starts by teaching players young and old the basics like grip and selecting the right club length. He then starts the players off with short putts and has them work their way back to eventually hitting a driver, he said. Callaway said he has taught many accomplished golfers, including his son Carter Callaway who won the 2007 Mississippi State Amateur.

“(Callaway) has the ability to interact with people so well,” Brooking said. “He has a great sense of humor and keeps it light.”

Brooking said Jackson has the ability to reach his goals if he continues to work and get help from instructors like Callaway.

“Jackson has as great of potential as any child I’ve seen,” he said. “Charley showed him a few things and he could tell the child wanted it. Even at 5 he started to get it. He has the mental aptitude and is a quick learner.”

Natalie said she would continue to take Jackson to the driving range and keep him involved as long as he is interested in the game.

Nestor said although he is his son’s golfing inspiration he is not a great golfer, but he tries to teach his son the basics and also the importance of the game.

“It’s a very honorable game. It has good values like honesty, respect and it can teach him life lessons that he can take with him not only on the golf course but also in his school life and business life,” Nestor said.

Jackson also enjoys swimming, tee ball and soccer, his parents said. He will be entering kindergarten at Cathedral School this fall.