A small but talented field took to the golf course on Sunday for the Tenterfield Junior Golf Classic, with players travelling from Moree, Gunnedah, Warwick, Broadwater, Narrabri and Uralla to join their Tenterfield counterparts competing for a prize pool exceeding $2000.
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Tournament director Patricia Barry was impressed with the calibre of some of the more experienced juniors, with Taren Maher of Gunnedah playing off a 5 handicap, and Josh Wilson of Narrabri reducing his handicap from 36 just two years ago to 2 today.
Dylan Parraclough of Broadwater is playing off a handicap of scratch, and Dylan’s mum credited his strong game to his association with the Tenterfield Golf Club and the events he attended here.
It was ideal weather for the classic, with the juniors playing 18, 9 or 3 holes depending on their age and experience. Mrs Barry said it was a great opportunity for the beginners to get a taste of competition golf, and Hedley and Luci Donges along with Piper Clarke stepped up to the challenge.
All three were winners on the day, taking up novelty club head covers and golf balls. Piper recorded 30 strokes with 12 puts and Luci 23 (11 puts), but Hedley was declared the winner with 22 (7 puts). Luci was nearest-the-pin on the 5th.
In other results, Riley Bettington of Moree won the 9-hole division. Taren Maher was top girl golfer in the 18-hole division, Declan Murphy of Warwick was gross winner and Declynd Morris of Tenterfield won the nett.
The event also served as the Tenterfield club champions, with Declynd and Hedley also taking out these titles in the 18- and 3-hole divisions respectively, and Mikahla Cutmore claiming the 9-hole division.
The October classic is a lead-up to the big 54-hole junior tournament in Tenterfield in January, where large fields are anticipated. Charlie Earp – who once coached golfing great Greg Norman – will be conducting a free golfing clinic on the first day where he examines videotapes of players’ style and then offers tips for improvement. This is followed by two days of tournament golf where the players have an opportunity to capitalise on any improvements to their style.
The greens will also be busy this week as the Tenterfield Golf Club hosts the big Veterans’ Week of Golf, although the weather may not be as kind for the seniors and it was for the juniors.
