It might have been US Open Week at Shinnecock, but for the Central Coast’s Jordie Garner it was a week of dreams in Texas and an experience he’s never going to forget.
Garner was a guest of West Australian Greg Chalmers in Dallas and got to practice alongside the two-time Australian Open Champion for the week. Garner also got to rub shoulders with a few more of the game’s best including John Senden, Rod Pampling, Korean KJ Choi and Americans Ryan Palmer & Conrad Schindler.
The 18 year old has been in the United States for almost three weeks competing in a series of elite amateur tournaments. He finished 19th in the Dogwood Invitational last week with a seven under par total. On Wednesday he will begin his quest for the northeast Amateur at Wannamoisett Country Club in Rhode Island.
RELATED LINKS (click to view)
PROFILE: Jordie Garner
2017 FEDERAL AMATEUR: Garner too strong at Federal
MORE PLAYER PROFILES: 2018 NSW State Teams
The opportunity came about after Dominic Duffy, a member at Garner’s local club, Shelly Beach, and a good friend of Chalmers' Dad, suggested The 18-year old make contact with Greg while he is in the US playing for the summer. He did, and Greg invited Jordie to stay for the week to practice, which tied in nicely for both of them.
“I’ve just had one of the best weeks,” Garner grinned.
“We practised eight hours a day at Greg’s home course, Vaquero Golf Club. The facilities there were so good it was ridiculous, and I got to play with a bunch of PGA Tour winners and some of my Aussie heroes.”
<image="2" align="left" />
Garner, who plays his golf at Castle Hill Country Club, said he learned a lot from Chalmers about his pre-shot mental routine and being more aware of his thoughts on the golf course. One thing he discovered was to see himself win the event.
“He taught me how important it is to back yourself with your game."
Besides the long days alongside Chalmers, Garner got to test his game out beside another couple of his heroes, John Senden and Rod Pampling at Maridoe Golf Club in downtown Dallas.
<image="3" align="left" />
"John Senden and I played a matchplay four-ball against Rod Pampling and a local college golfer, Paul Gonzalez.”
Sadly, the Garner/ Senden team didn’t pick up the win, losing on the final hole.
“John Senden hits it mint,” Garner smiled. “But Pamps made a huge up-and-down from over the back on the last".
<image="4" align="left" />
Chalmers was equally impressed with Garner's passion and dedication to the sport, tweeting later about what a great week it had been.
“Thanks for sending him my way. If you have any more like him then golf is in good hands, send them over. I had a fantastic week,” the two-time Australian Open Champion posted.