Beverley Park Golf Club in Sydneys south welcomed 110 boys and girls from 38 visiting clubs from far field as Royal Canberra in the recent Bill McWilliam OAM St George Junior Masters and the inaugural Sarah Kemp Junior Girls Masters.
A party atmosphere was assured with an on course disc jockey playing song requests on the 10thtee in addition to an Ice Cream Van and Jumping Castle which complimented the great golf on show from a quality field that included 38 single figure markers and 13 players with a handicap of 3 or less. $3800 in prizes was on offer and emphasised Beverley Park’s commitment to the promotion of Junior Golf.
It was great to have Australian Open Champion Wayne Riley and Australian All Abilities legend & Beverley Park Junior Geoff Nicholas call in on the day to encourage the kids and their attendance certainly value added to the event.
Beverley Park also played host to Jack Newton Junior Golf and presentations were made on the day to the winning Sydney Metropolitan Junior Pennant and Encourage Shield teams.
In an exciting finish to the Bill McWilliam OAM St George Junior Masters Ali Rachid (NSW), defending champion Jeffrey Guan (The Australian) and Josh Madeleine (Cumberland) were locked together at the completion of their round each carding a one over par 71 forcing a sudden death play off. A large crowd of kids and parents gathered to witness these 3 young men fight it out for the title. Par 4’s were recorded on the first play at the short 18thand it was back to the tee with pressure building. 3 good drives had the boys in good position and each played shots leaving “gettable” putts for birdie. Madeleine’s attempt slid below the hole and Rachid was next to the plate. Rachid hit his putt to perfection, very cooly holing from 15 feet. A birdie was now needed and it was up to Guan with 10 feet between him and the chance to defend his title but his putt stayed up and Ali was our new Champion in the midst of hearty applause for the 3 competitors.
USLPGA Player and Beverley Park Junior Sarah Kemp was in attendance on the day and was thrilled to have the girls tournament named in her honor.
Jasmine Driscoll, a scratch maker from the NSW Golf Club fired a 2 over par 75 to become the inaugural Sarah Kemp Junior Girls Masters Champion in a tight finish from Charlotte Perkins from The Australian Golf Club who recorded a 3 over par 76. Again in an exciting finish, Perkins had a chance to tie it all up on the final hole but her birdie putt narrowly missed denying her the chance to win the title.
In addition to the generous daily prizes on offer, Sarah presented Jasmine with a USLPGA Flag signed by the World Ladies Top 10 and this was an exciting and unexpected bonus for the Girls Masters winner.
Congratulations to Ali and Jasmine and we look forward to the defence of your titles next year.
Many thanks to our major sponsors of the day Colorfen Constructions / Stratco Outback, Ramsgate RSL & Sunkist Graphics and to our member volunteers who gave up their time to make sure the kids were well looked after. A special thankyou to Bob Jane T Marts Blakehurst for preparing Xmas packs for each of the players and generously sponsoring the days nearest to the pins. Also to JNJG for their continued support.
The day delivered a real tournament atmosphere and was a great success with plans to be bigger and better in 2020. Parents continue to compliment the day and Beverley Park is proudly confident the event ticked all the boxes.
Don’t forget Beverley Park’s Open Junior Competitions held on the last Saturday or Sunday of each month and boys and girls who are members of an affilitaed golf club and hold a current GA handicap are all very welcome. Great daily prizes are on offer. $15 per junior includes food & bottled water. Please refer to the JNJG calendar for dates. Bookings are essential via the Pro Shop 9588 5828.
For further information about Beverley Park’s Junior Programme please call Paul Davis - Club Professional on 9588 5828, Mytch Jeffrey - Junior Chairman or Brendan Bull - Junior Committee c/- Beverley Park Golf Club 9587 3424.
- Article and Photos Courtesy of Brendan Bull, Beverley Park Golf Club
