The Australian Amateur Championship took place in about 42 degrees of scorching heat. The NSW squad handled the heat remarkably well, with a number of top ten finishes. Most of the NSW boys spent yesterday with Coach Dean Kinney mapping and setting strategies to play the courses at The Grange Golf Club. Both the men and women play 18 holes on the West Course and 54 holes on the recently Greg Norman re-designed East Course. The matchplay follows on the East. Dale Brandt-Richards and his caddy spent seven hours in the heat mapping and playing the course the day before, which obviously payed dividends today. Dale is striking the ball incredibly consistently and his lifelong friend has caddied the last weeks which has really helped him keep in the moment and relaxed. Grant Booth, fresh off an Aimpoint Green Reading session the day before, came to Adelaide and putted superbly. Together with very accurate driving makes him a big threat this week. Shelly Shin 3 putted her first two greens before igniting her game in the 42 degree heat. Her iron shots were like tracer bullets at the flags and it was a credit to her patience at such a young age to maintain her composure. Lightning delayed afternoon play for about 30 minutes giving all the competitors a well needed break from the heat in the air-conditioned club house. Lizzie Elmassian was very impressive in all aspects of the game. The course required a sound strategy to play it well, and Lizzie hit in all the right spots. If she continues to “play smart” she will be a factor at the end. Daniel Gale was the first player to tee off in the tournament at 6.45am and led the NSW boys well. His mother was caddying for him in the heat and guided him to a great 72, along with Matthew Wittenberg, Kevin Yuan, Justin Warren and Blake Windred. Cam Davis, Jordan Zunic, Harrison Endycott are also flying the NSW flag with pride and played magnificently. For more information and full results click on the articles below.
Author: Update from Dean Kinney, National Coach - NSW