Father knows best.

But in this case, it was Kevin Day's uncle who steered him in the right direction.

It was six years ago that Kevin's parents took a vacation while their son stayed with his uncle.

It was during that time that Kevin was introduced to the game of golf.

"My Uncle Jeff (Smith) got me into the game," Kevin said.

"I ended up getting one of those junior golf club sets and started going to the golf course all the time. I was hooked."

Day, a resident of Zelienople entering his senior year at Seneca Valley High School, has come a long way since his uncle showed him the basics of the game.

He took first place at the North East Junior Golf Tour's event at Churchill Valley Country Club Aug. 2.

He finished with a 76 and tied with Greensburg's Zach Metcalfe for the lead, but Day prevailed in a playoff to win his first junior event.

"In the playoff, both of us were allowed three chips," said Day. "My one chip ended up about a foot from the hole and that gave me the win."

Day has competed in four North East Junior tournaments this summer and in roughly 12 Tri-State Junior PGA events, in which he recently placed second at Diamond Run Golf Course in Sewickley.

"I had a lot of top 10 finishes in the Junior PGA competitions," said Day.

Day has become familiar with the junior golf scene over the last few years.

"I started golfing in junior tournaments before my freshman year of high school," said Day. "I did terrible at the beginning, even struggling to break 100.

"Now, when I go into a tournament my goal is to win it."

Earlier this summer, Day left his mark on Strawberry Ridge Golf Course in Harmony by shooting a course record 63.

"Many of the holes here are unforgiving," said course owner Tim McNulty. "You've got to know what you're doing out there."

Day played on Seneca Valley's junior varsity team his freshman season, but made the jump to the varsity squad in his sophomore campaign.

"I was very excited to play varsity," he said. "The courses and competition are a lot better. It's just a different atmosphere."

Day elevated himself to one of the top spots on the team in 2004 and was selected as a co-MVP of the squad along with Brett Spagnola.

"I've coached a lot of good golfers and good kids over the years," said Steve Mayes, who is entering his 17th season as coach of the Raiders. "But Kevin sticks out. He simply loves the game and loves to practice."

Day's junior golf season is over and he will now focus on helping Seneca Valley compete for a section title.

"Our top five could all be seniors," he said. "Plus, we've got some younger guys who can help the team out. Expectations will be high this season."

Day hopes a college career is waiting for him following high school graduation.

"I want to play in college," he said. "I've tried to narrow it down to a few schools, but it's tough. I'm still just feeling my way as far as that goes."

Day counts his approach shots and his chipping as the strongest areas of his game, but his best asset could be his enthusiasm for the sport.

"Golf is a quirky game," said Mayes. "What works today isn't necessarily going to work tomorrow. But Kevin has been very diligent toward working hard and developing his swing."

"The best part of golf is that it's an individual sport," said Day. "There's no teammates to bail you out. It's all up to you."