An annual event and a qualifying event for the Greg Norman Junior Open, the Ocean Shores Junior Open, was played across the hills and dales of the Ocean Shores Country Club recently where young golfers took on the challenge of chasing the little white ball.
In its twelfth year as a qualifying event for the Greg Norman, the open attached 115 golfers ranging from eight to 17 years, from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane and with handicaps as low as +1 for the boys and +2 for the girls.
The event holds a 9-hole stroke event – the Gary Ridge Memorial Trophy, a 9-hole event and separate 18-hole stroke events for both young men and women.
President of the Ocean Shores Club Stuart Brady says that conditions were fantastic on the day. ‘The course was a credit to our superintendent, Shane Heaney and his staff,’ said Stuart. ‘The standard of play was outstanding with the boys’ winner shooting a score of 2 under par, 70. Of the 69 boys taking part in the 18-hole event, 26 played off single-figure handicaps. Eight of the 19 girls played off handicaps of 9 or less.
Winners on the day were: 18-Hole Event – Ocean Shores Junior Open Champion boys Josh Capes (gross score 70) and girls, Min Kweon (gross score 70). Nett winners for the boys Luis Cheon (nett 60), and the girls Eloise Taylor (nett 62).
In the 9-Hole event (Cadets), the Gary Ridge Memorial Trophy gross winner was Connor Whitelock (gross 48)
and Emily Martin. The nett winners for the boys was Matt Kearns and for the girls Maddison McKee.
The Steve Hall Memorial Trophy for best Ocean Shores Junior went to Liam Harman (nett 74).
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