2015 Metropolitan Junior Pennants
While the win by local boy Matt Jones at 2015 Australian Open Championship was receiving all the attention of the golfing community, the future of Australian golf was being played out at The Lakes Golf Club, the 2012 Australian Open venue, with the staging of the final of the 2015 GolfNSW Metropolitan Junior Pennants competition.
The players, ranging in age from 11 through to 17 were locked in match play competition – the true amateur game. The two contesting teams, Avondale and Cumberland fought out the match in great spirit, with the experience of the Avondale team winning a very tight finish.
With both teams locked in with three contests each the final had to be decided by a play-off which was won by ‘lefty’ Bryce Pickin representing the Avondale Golf Club.
Matt Jones, the new Australian Open Champion contested the Junior Pennants while a youngster and his win has provided a platform to which all juniors can aspire.
The Junior Pennants started in 1953 and is the breeding ground for future stars of the game. Jack Newton Junior Golf, delivering the event for GolfNSW, is excited about the talent coming through the ranks. Handicaps range from plus 2 to 36 and both boys and girls compete equally. Many of the junior pennant players have progressed from the Encourage Shield competition, an event for first time match play contestants.
The experienced Avondale team of Bryce Pickin, Grace Kim, Will Bayliss, June Song, Kara Williams and Gus McAllister were matched in regulation play by the much younger Cumberland team of Jared Madeleine, Josh Madeleine, Liam Duff, Stevan Babic, Paden Richards and Nathan Jones.
After getting into some trouble on the very tricky first playoff hole, Josh Madeleine conceded the hole and the final to the more experienced Bryce Pickin who was in a position to make a solid par. Both teams were appreciative of the opportunity to practice and play at The Lakes Golf Club.
Club Captain Stan Connor was on hand to welcome players and supporters and assist in the delivery of the event. The Lakes Golf Club has to be congratulated for their enthusiasm in hosting the final.
The Avondale team will contest the State Junior Pennant finals played at the challenging Newcastle Golf Club in late January 2016.
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For more information about the Metropolitan Juinior Pennants visit: www.jnjg.com.au