The Links Shell Cove will host the Illawarra Junior Masters golf tournament on 22-23 April. Photo: Shellharbour City Council.
More than 160 top young golfers will be competing in the Illawarra Junior Masters at The Links Shell Cove this week (22-23 April).
Organised by Jack Newton Junior Golf, the tournament will feature 164 players aged 11-17 who will compete in a 36-hole stroke-play event. Winners will be crowned in each age group, and there will be an overall champion.
Assistant course coordinator Simon Pryde said volunteers from the club would be on the course during the event to help players find balls, guide them around and ensure they are safe to start the field.
“The greenkeeper team here at The Links was willing to work additional hours over Easter to ensure the best golfing experience possible for the next generation of players,” he said.
“We love seeing the junior players taking up the challenge out on the course. We look forward to hosting another successful event this year and are always keen to watch the future of the game developing.”
The Illawarra will be well represented at the event. NSW state team member Zac Oyston from Wollongong recently placed in the top 20 at the Australian Junior Amateur titles and won the 16 Years Division at the Fore Golf Junior Matchplay.
He’ll be joined by other talented locals including Mimi Thomsen (Wollongong, age 15, handicap 0), Charlie Kerr (Wollongong, age 15, handicap 2), Jaidon Kyriacou (Port Kembla, age 15, handicap 3), and Sage Laird (Kiama, age 16, handicap 3).
The event is open to the public.
Jack Newton Junior Golf Tournament coordinator Ethan Keane said the event was one of the biggest and most popular on the competition calendar.
“The course is always immaculate, the hospitality is unreal, and the environment of the club is second to none,” he said.
“Last year’s winner shot an impressive 11 under par. We can’t wait to see what our talented juniors can do this year.”
This is the sixth year The Links has hosted the event, and Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer said the city was excited to welcome players, their families and supporters from all over the state.
“We’re proud to be the host club for an event that celebrates young talent and encourages active, healthy lifestyles,” he said.
