Full fields will contest this year’s Australian Boys’ and Girls’ Amateur Championships, to be played in the NSW Illawarra region from 5-7 April.
The Australian Girls’ Amateur will be played at Port Kembla Golf Club with the 5,754 metre, par 73 lengthened layout sure to test the field over the 72-holes stroke play.
Alizza Hetherington (Vic) will be a top contender with six top five finishes in junior events over the last 12 months, winner of the 2016 Victorian Amateur, and top 5 finishes in the Federal Amateur, Riversdale Cup and Dunes Medal. Fellow Victorian Gabi Ruffels is coming off a third place finish at the Riversdale Cup so is also sure to contend.
WA’s Maddison Hinson-Tolchard, Kirsten Rudgeley and Kathryn Norris will be hoping to take the trophy west, all in the top 10 of the Australian Junior Rankings, while Hannah Park (NSW) will be looking to improve on her 5th place finish at last year’s championship.
The Australian Boys’ Amateur will be played at Wollongong Golf Club, the site of the 2009-2011 NSW PGA Championships.
Joshua Armstrong (NSW) who currently sits on top of the Australian Boys’ Rankings will be a favourite after a great last 6 months in winning the Greg Norman Junior Masters, Avondale Medal and runner up in the Tasmanian Open. WA’s Fred Lee will also be a strong contender with four top 5 finishes in ranking events in the last 12 months.
Cameron John (Vic) will be hoping to improve on his fourth placing at the 2016 Australian Boys’ Amateur, while a group of New Zealand players will be looking to follow in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Daniel Hillier, and retain the trophy over the Tasman.
With both champions gaining an exemption into the respective Australian Opens, the events are sure to bring out the best in Australia’s junior golfers.
Following the conclusion of the Junior Amateurs, state teams will remain in NSW for the Girls’ and Boys’ Interstate Teams Matches to be played at Port Kembla Golf Club and Riverside Oaks Golf Resort respectively.
The Girls’ Interstate Teams Matches will be played from 9-11 April for the Burtta Cheney Cup, whilst the Boys’ Interstate Teams Matches will be played from 10-13 April with all Australian States and Territories represented.
Entry is free for spectators so come and watch Australia’s young guns in action.