Millers & Hammett Crowned Champions
(7:30pm - Friday 29th September 2023)
Riley Millers of Avondale and of Sarah Hammett of Emerald Lakes have shown true talent and determination during a nail-biting final round of the Jack Newton International Junior Classic and have now etched their names into junior golf history by being crowned champions.
Hammett dominated the girls’ division with a performance that was nothing short of spectacular. After leading the tournament the whole way through, her unwavering focus and impeccable technique saw her clinch victory after a phenomenal final round.
After shooting four under par today, her final score came to an astounding 16 under par, which was a massive 10 shots clear of her competitors.
“I’m feeling really good, really happy with my game. I made heaps of birdies out there, really enjoyed the course even though there was so many hills,” the sixteen year old said.
“I had great playing partners over the past four days and I’m so happy with how I played.”
With five in the race for the title at the start of the round today, Millers displayed exceptional composure and skill to win the boys division by one shot.
Also shooting four under today, Millers final score was a remarkable nine under par.
“I’m feeling very good. I’m very happy with how I played. I wad pretty good today, I started off pretty good. I had four under on the front nine and a solid even par on the back nine which was enough to get the win,” he said.
It was only by fate the seventeen-year-old Hunter local even played in the tournament. His whole family is currently holidaying overseas in Hawaii, a trip he was also meant to be on, except his visa was rejected.
He says this is most likely his biggest win to date, his efforts seeing him beat over 450 players.
“It’s definitely my first big win, my first WAGR win. It means a lot to me.”
Hear more from the winners in the video below.
Riley Millers and Sarah Hammett discuss their victories at Cypress Lakes.
Down the road at the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic, Camilla Kim of The Australian took out the girls division with a final score of one under par, with both Harry Gourlay of The Australian and Ti Fox of Concord declared joint winners in the Boys Division after darkness halted their playoff.
Hammett Storms Ahead at International
(7:30pm - Thursday 28th September 2023)
Sarah Hammett is dominating the competition at the Jack Newton International Junior Classic, holding an impressive eight-shot lead over her rivals. The talented Queenslander showcased her skills with a remarkable bogey-free round of five under par at Cypress Lakes.
“I’m feeling really good about my game. I got off to a slow start today, didn’t really hole any birdie putts, didn’t hit it that close. But then on the back nine I turned it around and gave myself heaps of opportunities and managed to roll five in and ended up having a good round,” she said.
Having maintained her lead for three rounds, the sixteen-year-old is determined to give her best in the final round.
“I feel really good. I have a lot of confidence in myself knowing that I’m playing well and shooting these scores. I’m just going to go out there tomorrow, have fun, make as many birdies as I can, and we’ll see what happens.”
“I think winning would be massive. There’s so many people playing in this event so being able to win would just mean a lot.”
Hammett says the tournament has been enjoyable and loves the opportunity to test her skills against the world.
“It’s a really good event, a really great atmosphere and it’s great to meet new people from lots of different countries. It’s also good to see how your game compares to most of the juniors around Australia and internationally.”
In the second position behind Hammett is Ann Jang from NSW GC, with a score of five under par, followed by Michelle Bang of Concord in third place at four under par.
In the boys’ division, two Queenslanders are tied for the lead, setting the stage for a competitive final round. Campbell Kerr maintains the top position at eight under par, but Kai Komulainen has now joined him.
“I’m feeling pretty good. I had a good round yesterday and just brought that momentum again into today,” Komulainen said.
“I had a really good start. I was six under through the first ten holes with five birdies in a row on holes six to ten which was really good. I made a couple of mistakes coming in but I’m still pretty happy with my score.”
After making his way up the leader board over the past few days, he says he’s happy to have a chance to win the tournament.
“This is where I wanted to be, it was my goal for the week. I want to win so I’ve put myself in a position to do that. I feel comfortable and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”
“I’m just going to take it one shot at a time and play my own game. That’s something I’ve recently learnt.”
Kerr shot two under par today and said he’s glad his strategy has been paying off.
“I’ve had a good round today, I’m happy with how I played. I was off to a slow start, but I managed to keep it together for the back nine and get a few birdies in,” he said.
“I’m really happy with where I’m placed and how I’ve been playing all week, under par for three rounds is pretty solid. I’ll look to continue it tomorrow and just focus on myself and not get too caught up in how everyone else is going.”
Three are currently tied for third, those being Riley Millers of Avondale, and two New Zealanders, Robby Turnbull and Cooper Moore.
After round three of the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic at Rydges Resort today, Jaya Dornan from Bali now leads the boy’s division with a total score of 217 and Camilla Kim continues to be on top in the girls, with a total score of 213.
The final round of the tournament will begin at 6:10 AM on Friday.
Jack Newton International Junior Classic – Leaderboard
Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic – Leaderboard
Jack Newton International 9 Hole Junior Classic – Leaderboard
Queenslanders dominate at JNJG International
(7:30pm - Wednesday 27th September 2023)
Queenslander Campbell Kerr has come out on top after the second round of the Jack Newton International Junior Classic.
Kerr had a two under par round of 68 today, seeing him take the solo lead heading into the pointy end of the tournament.
“It was a rough front nine, but I had a really good back nine. I started off with a birdie and thought it was going to be another good day and then I found a bit of trouble, but I made plenty of birdies to make up for a few mistakes which was very handy in the end,” he said.
Just one shot ahead of his competition, he plans to stick to the same routine in hopes he can maintain his lead.
“I’m feeling confident. I think I’m in a good place. Obviously, there’s a lot of good players up the top there so being in the final grouping tomorrow and playing with them will be great.”
“I’ll use the same clubs off the tee and just play to the conditions. It’ll all be the same, I’ll just have to handle the pressure of the lead, but I’ve been in that situation a few times now and I think I can do it.”
Also climbing the leader board today was Queenslander Kai Komulainen, shooting a phenomenal five under par to bring him into second place.
“Yesterday I got off to a rough start and kind of brought it back on the front nine. So, I wanted to bring some of that momentum through to today,” he said.
“I got off to a hot start. It was really comfortable out there and I had a lot of birdies. It got a little bit cold on the back nine, but I held it together pretty well and I’m happy with my round.”
Tied for second alongside Komulainen is Cooper Moore from New Zealand, Kayun Mudadana of NSW GC and Queenslander David Hammett.
David’s sister Sarah Hammett is leading the girl’s division after a very strong round today, shooting an extraordinary six under par today.
The sixteen-year-old is now a very handy four shots ahead of her closest competitor.
“I hit it really well, I gave myself lots of birdie opportunities. I had a nice eagle on six. I hit it to like half a foot from 180 and I just finished strong,” she said.
The best round of the day though was accomplished by Victorian Amelia Harris, shooting an astonishing seven under par round of 65.
“I just a had a couple birdies and an eagle. It was a good run,” she said.
“I feel like I had better course management today and my drives were going straighter. I played the course last year too, so I knew where to go, where not to go.”
After shooting seven over during round one yesterday, she said today’s round was quite a surprise.
“It feels good to be playing better and be closer to the top instead of the bottom. I’m very happy to bring my score back to equal.”
In second behind Hammett is Concord’s Michelle Bang on four under par, with Yui Yanahara from Japan in third place on three under par.
Meanwhile, after the second round of the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic at Rydges Resort today Wollongong’s Zac Oyston has managed to hang onto his lead after shooting 70. And The Australian’s Camilla Kim is smashing the competition in the girl’s division, sitting one shot ahead on one under par.
The third round of the tournament will tee off from 6:15 AM on Wednesday.
See all the scores from today below:
Jack Newton International Junior Classic – Leaderboard
Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic – Leaderboard
Jack Newton International 9 Hole Junior Classic – Leaderboard
Mudadana Masterclass at Cypress
(6:15am - Wednesday 27th September 2023)
Kayun Mudadana is the player to catch after the opening round of the 2023 Jack Newton International in the Hunter Valley, flying out of the blocks with a five-under par 67 at Cypress Lakes.
The second round of the International is underway, with players again on course at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley and Singleton Golf Club.
Cypress Lakes - Live Scores
Rydges Resort - Live Scores
Singleton GC - Live Scores
Four Juniors Leading the Field at International
(7:30pm - Tuesday 26th September 2023)
In a dazzling display of young talent, four promising junior golfers have stormed into the lead after an exhilarating first round at the Jack Newton International Junior Classic hosted by Cypress Lakes Golf & Country Club.
Kayun Mudadana of NSW GC has taken the spotlight in the boys division, shooting a jaw-dropping five-under-par round, positioning himself a mere stroke ahead of his rivals.
“I played alright today. I putted pretty well, and I just thought if I hung on and played well then, I’d shoot a good score,” he said.
The front nine saw Mudadana maintain unwavering consistency, but the back nine featured a breathtaking flurry of five birdies on the scorecard.
“I started on 10 and I was only one under through nine, I got to the back nine and I had two birdies in a row quickly, so I got three under and then I played pretty steady until six and had three in a row and parred nine.”
Amidst stiff competition from junior golfers hailing from all corners of the globe, Mudadana expressed his sheer enjoyment, saying, “It’s good fun. I always relish the thrill of competing here, and the week always seems to fly by.”
Trailing closely with an impressive four-under-par performance is Brisbane’s Campbell Kerr, who makes his debut appearance in the International event.
“It’s my first time here and the first time I’ve played Cypress Lakes. I really enjoyed the course, it’s in really good condition and the greens are mint. I love playing on bank grass so it’s a great course to be on,” he said.
“I feel like I played well and hit it really well off the tee. This is the sort of course where you need to go out there and if you’re well off the tee and you have good approach shots in then you’ll be okay, and I felt like I did that today. I gave myself a lot of good chances for birdie.”
Tied for third in the boy’s division is the NSW trio of Avondale’s Riley Millers, Dubbo’s Cooper Giddings and St Michael’s Alex Radevski.
Meanwhile, in the boys’ division of the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic, Wollongong’s Zac Oyston takes the lead after a stellar round of 69 at Rydges Resort.
Three girls are currently leading the field after round one of the Jack Newton International Junior Classic, those being Southport’s Yuuki Takada, Emerald Lakes Sarah Hammett and Yui Yanahara from Japan.
The trio shot two under par today, Queenslander Takada saying she was happy to be at the top of the leader board.
“I played pretty solid out there, my putting wasn’t the greatest to be honest, but my shots were really consistent. I only missed two greens which is pretty good so I’m just hoping my shots stay the same throughout the week and obviously holing some putts would be nice,” she said.
“On hole 11 I hit it to two feet for a tap in birdie, so that was nice.”
She’s now hoping her game can see her take home a good score by the end of the week.
“I’m not really here to win but it’ll be good to see how my game fairs against the great players out here. I trust my game so if it’s good enough, I’ll get there.”
Just a single stroke behind and tied for fourth are Amy Jo of Surfers Paradise, Monami Tamura from Japan, Ann Jang of NSW GC, and Sophie Eppulstun representing Catalina.
Eppulstun, the top-performing girl from New South Wales, is bubbling with excitement as she heads into the second round.
“I’m happy, I hit a lot of good shots. Obviously, I made a couple of mistakes but I’m overall happy with my performance. I would like to sink a couple more putts, and three putting the last was not ideal but I’ll try again tomorrow and try and shoot a better score,” she said.
While a win at the end of the week would mean the world to her, she’s just hoping to do her best.
“I don’t really make goals with the leader board, I just want to play my best golf and progressively get better scoring.”
Leading the girl’s division after the first round of the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic is the Australian’s Camilla Kim after shooting two under par.
Round two of the Jack Newton International will begin from 6:15am tomorrow morning.
Cypress Lakes - Leaderboard
Rydges Resort - Leaderboard
Singleton GC - Leaderboard
Jack Newton International Underway in the Hunter
(6:15am - Tuesday 26th September 2023)
The 2023 Jack Newton International is underway at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, Rydges Resort Hunter Valley, and Singleton Golf Club.
Cypress Lakes - Live Scores
Rydges Resort - Live Scores
Singleton GC - Live Scores
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Global Talent to Shine at Jack Newton International
(12:30pm - Friday 22nd September 2023)
With more than 450 entrants from across the world, the picturesque landscapes of the Hunter Valley are set to witness a golfing spectacle like no other when this year’s Jack Newton International tees off in just under a week’s time.
The event is the biggest junior golf tournament in the country and promises to be a spectacle of talent. Split into three distinct divisions and hosted at three different courses, the tournament will truly showcase the future of golf.
The Jack Newton International Junior Classic (15 – 17-year-olds) is the crown jewel of the event and will take place at the prestigious Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort. This lush and challenging course will play host to 208 of the world’s most promising junior golfers.
Australia will be represented by players from almost every state and territory, while individuals from Canada, Fiji, Japan, Korea, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Samoa, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America will bring international flair.
In the mix will be 16-year-old Amy Squires of Concord, who won the All Schools Stroke Championship last month.
“The international is one of the biggest junior tournaments and people come from all over the world. It will be good to see how you compare to those players,” she told the Newcastle Herald.
“I feel like I have a chance this year. Physically and mentally I am confident for the tournament.”
Also in the feild will be Ella Scaysbrook of The Australian, who won the NSW Junior, NSW All Schools Chmapionship and was part of the winning NSW Junior Interstate Team this year.
Each one of these young talents will battle fiercely for the title of Jack Newton International Junior Classic Champion.
Meanwhile, just down the road at the Rydge Resort Hunter Valley, the Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic (14 years & under) will unfold. This serene location, nestled amid vineyards and rolling hills, is the perfect setting for the younger golfers.
Almost 200 players will compete in the Under 14’s Division, hailing from Australia, Korea, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Samoa, The United States of America, China, Denmark, Hong Kong and the Philippines.
Adding a fresh dimension to the tournament, the Jack Newton International 9-Hole Junior Classic (6 – 12-year-olds) has expanded into a four-day extravaganza following its successful launch last year. Designed to cater to the ever-growing “Juniors on the Move” level players and those yet to officially join a golf club and receive an 18-Hole Golf Australia Handicap, the 9-Hole Junior Classic will take place at the premier 9-Hole Singleton Golf Club. Almost 50 junior golfers are expected to take part, bringing even more excitement to the tournament.
Round one of the Jack Newton International will get underway from 6:15 AM on Tuesday, September 26.
2023 Jack Newton International
(9:00am - Thursday 27th July 2023)
Entries are Open for the 2023 Jack Newton International, set to be played in the NSW Hunter Valley. Almost 500 entries from all parts of the world are expected at the tournament this year, split into three different divisions at three different Hunter Valley courses.
The Jack Newton International Junior Classic (15 - 17 Year Olds) will be played at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort, recently voted in the top 100 courses in Australia. 208 of the best juniors from around the World will tee it up at Cypress Lakes, looking to be crowned the Jack Newton International Junior Classic Champion.
The Jack Newton International Sub-Junior Classic (14 Years & Under) will be played just down the road at Rydge Resort Hunter Valley, the perfect location for the younger JNJG members. Almost 200 players in the Under 14 Division will contest the tournament, with a key focus on the individual age divsions as we look to identify some of the best young golfers in the country.
The Jack Newton International 9-Hole Junior Classic (6 - 12 Year Olds) is the newest addition to the International tournament, recently turned into a 4-day tournament following the successful launch of the event in 2022. Designed for the ever-growing Juniors on the Move level player, or any junior yet to officially join a club and receive an 18 Hole Golf Australia Handicap, the 9-Hole Junior Classic will be played at the premier 9-Hole course in the Hunter Valley, Singleton GC, with more than 100 juniors expected to register.
Not sure which event you should be registering for? Check out the poster below!
