Shin and Yuan Take Out Top Honours
Shelly Shin and Kevin Yuan have both now etched their names on the Junior of the Year award for consecutive years. Shelly was named Junior Girl of the Year after a stellar season in 2014. She was not only selected for the Golf Australia National Squad but was also a part of the Australian team that claimed the Espirito Santo trophy in the Women's World Amateur Teams Championship in Japan. Kevin was also a worthy winner after capturing two major JNJG titles this year including the Harvey Norman Week of Golf and the Srixon International. Kevin also had success internationally winning the Craig Stadler Invitational in America
The two other major awards for the evening were the Sub Junior Girl and Boy of the Year. Current NSW Amateur Champion Doey Choi was the female winner whilst Honourary Australian School Boys Team Captain and Harvery Norman Sub Junior Week of Golf Champion, Joshua Armstrong was the Boys winner.
JNJG gave out a number of awards over the evening. Listed below are the award winners for 2014:
Juniors on the Move Boy of the Year - Brandon Vella
Juniors on the Move Girl of the Year - Brianna Di Gesu
Juniors on the Move Newcastle - Harry Cleare
Rookie of the Year - Aidan Powter
Most Improved Girl of the Year - Madeleine Nurdi
Most Improved Boy of the Year - Jason Hong
Club of the Year - Magpies Belconnen Golf Club
Outstanding Achievement - Amy Chu, Isaac Noh, Shelly Shin, Blake Windred
Reen Walters Award - Jessica Lasky
Renay Appleby Award - Mitch Beohm
Players Player - Mitchell Gannon
Master of Masters - Doey Choi and Mitchell Gannon
Junior Vardon - Kevin Yuan
Junior Jean Derrin - Shelly Shin
Jack Newton Junior Golf also welcomed five special men into our Hall of Fame. Ken Poulton, Max Madgewick, George Wing, John Higson and Bruce Nairn were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their incredible contribution to junior golf over the past few years. It was a fitting way to honour some amazing men who have dedicated much time to helping the juniors.
We had a special guest join us for the evening, 2014 finalist from The Voice Kids Australia and 2013 Juniors on the Move Boy of the Year, Ruhi Lavaki came and performed throughout the evening. This was a treat for all who attended. The night was a huge success with ten of our senior players hosting the event and they did a fantastic job presenting awards.
We had over 200 in total at the awards dinner, which was based on the theme of the Legends of Golf. We celebrated the achievements of the mothers and fathers of this great game and the juniors were able to learn a lot about the history of golf.
Earlier in the day over 100 sponsors, supporters, Board members, staff, parents and juniors played in a fun golf event. The four-person Ambrose event gave the juniors the chance to play golf alongside our sponsors, supporters and Board members. Despite a weather delay due to thunderstorms in the area, the day was a great success. It even included a couple of fun holes. A hickory shaft shot on the par 3 4th, where everyone had to hit their tee shot with a hickory shafted club so they got some idea of what our golfing legends would have experienced. We also had a Jack hole where players had to hit their tee shot using just one arm and having one eye blind-folded. This definitely made everyone appreciate how hard it is for Jack to play but more importantly just how good he is.
Special thanks must go to Concord Golf Club for hosting both events. They are a club who is truly dedicated to the development of junior golf and graciously host us every year. To the staff in the club house, pro shop and green keepers we express our sincere thanks. Also to those sponsors and supporters who assist JNJG in being able to provide our juniors with so many opportunities over the year, we thank you. These generous sponsors make JNJG successful and allow our juniors so many wonderful experiences.
Overall it has been another successful year at JNJG. From Jack, Jackie and all the staff at JNJG we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to another amazing year in 2015.
