The Western Region Academy of Sport Golfing Team prior to tee time at the Wagga Wagga Junior Masters
The impressive eight member WRAS golfing team took away a valuable learning experience following a difficult Wagga Wagga Junior Masters, as part of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Program.
But with the squad overcoming tricky lies and rough areas due to a lack of rain, WRAS Golfing Head Coach Bruce McLean, said the squads’ success was a testament to their ability to play their best golf.
“This course is challenging at the best of times, but all credit must go to the squad who just focused on hitting their best shot,”
“Not everyone ended with their ideal results, but it was more about seeing them learn how to adapt their game to the testing nature of the course.”
Despite the obstacles, the squad comprising Cameron Jackson, Ella Murray, Ben Davis, Thomas Large, Harry Daniels, Joey Walker, Cooper Starkey, Jake Davis put together a great couple days.
Ella Murray receiving her Scratch Championship trophy
Cooper Starkey receiving his Nett and Scratch Championships
Ella Murray claimed her third consecutive age division title, taking home the Girls’ 14yrs Scratch Championship. She also finished 4th in the Overall Nett Championship, putting away 20 pars and 4 birdies across the tournament.
On the Boys’ side of the draw, Ben Davis and Cooper Starkey were standouts for the WRAS team. Starkey put together 17 pars and 3 birdies through the tournament to secure the Boys 11yrs Scratch and Net Championships even with his 11 under handicap.
“Not everyone ended with their ideal results, but it was more about seeing them learn how to adapt their game to the testing nature of the course.”
Ben Davis was strong on the opening day, finishing with 3rd Overall and with the Best Nett score. Although finishing 6th after the final round, he produced some exemplary golf across the tournament finishing with 4 birdies and 4 pars over the two days.
Head Coach Bruce McLean says, the scores were amazing considering how much work each hole was for the golfers.
“The course had just enough water to keep the greens and tees alive so the team just had to place extra focus on clean striking,”
“Even trying to get a preferred lie was a difficult one, with only one girl finishing under par whilst the winning boys score was even par, so it was more a learning tournament than anything.”
The WRAS golfers will look to use the Wagga Junior Masters as a platform in preparations for the Peter O’Malley Junior Masters on March 21-22 at Bathurst Golf Club.