A weekend away from the text books has paid big dividends for Penrith’s Joshua Gadd after he claimed victory in the NSW Open Regional Qualifying event at Griffith Golf Club.
Gadd, who is studying for the Higher School Certificate which begins next week, booked his place in next Month’s NSW Open at Twin Creeks with matching rounds of one-over par 72 to win by a shot from Griffith local Matthew Staines.
“The exams begin next week, so I took a weekend off from the books,” Smiled Gadd. “It was worth it.”
“I wouldn’t say it was my best golf, but I kept it in play, I putted solidly and did what I had to do, I guess.”
The trip out to Griffith wasn’t Gadd’s first attempt at snaring a spot in this year’s NSW Open. He made the trek to Forbes earlier this year only to lose by a shot to local John Betland.
“I made the five-hour trek to Forbes early this year to get beaten by one. I was a little bit heartbroken on the drive back from there, so the 6 1/2 trip this time after winning by one was a huge relief for me.”
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It will be Gadd’s second start in the NSW Open after an impressive debut last year at Stonecutters Ridge. The 17-year-old wowed many with the maturity of his game when he made the cut and finished the four rounds with a score of 12-under par.
“It was an awesome experience,” He said. “Playing alongside Matt Giles, Daniel Nisbet and Stephen Leaney,”
“I learned so much from Leaney. He was so comfortable with his game.”
“He shot nine under 63 in the final round; it was good to watch.”
After the nerves of his debut last year, Gadd believes his approach to the Championship this time around will be a lot more relaxed. He knows the Twin Creeks course well and is confident of putting up a real fight for the championship.
“I only live five minutes down the road from the course, and we train there with the Western Sydney Academy of Sport.”
“I am looking to be very competitive this year,” he smiled. ”I believe I’ve got a chance to win.”