A mix of Queensland’s finest juniors golfers, and their families gathered together at Twin Waters Golf Club to contest the running of the 2017 Ian Baker – Finch Junior Classic, on a day, that started out under threatening skies that eventually turned into what was the perfect day for golf.
Twin Waters had their course and facilities set up beautifully for everyone to test their game in what turned out to be an extremely exciting day, and we don’t believe anyone left disappointed, particularly Ian Baker – Finch who was thrilled to bits with the way his Classic unfolded. These kids are just amazing, Ian said, “the performances I witnessed out there today would have done any Professional proud.”
Lewis Hoath chipped in twice over the closing holes to tie with close friend Ben Stieler. Both boys finished with one under par 71’s. That sent Ben and his father’s hearts into overdrive, particularly when you appreciate that Ben just a few short weeks earlier, lost to George Giblett (Noosa) during a sudden death playoff whilst contesting The Invincibles IGA Sunshine Coast Junior Masters Championship at Noosa Springs.
To Ben and Lewis’s credit, the playoff on the par five eighteenth was as good as it gets. Lewis won the toss and chose to tee up first, where he drilled a magnificent drive into the heart of the narrow opening at the 260m mark, only to see Ben drive some thirty-five metres past him in the middle of the fairway. Both boys went on to play magnificent approach shots onto the green, where Lewis missed his long eagle attempt, that only left a short putt for birdie.
Ben’s five metre eagle putt never looked like missing as it disappeared into the heart of the hole to the delight of the large gallery that was on hand to witness what was a brilliant display of golf by both boys, who should be enormously proud of their performances.
What made this playoff something very special, was that not only did the boys play extremely well, and the sportsmanship that Tyler Duncan and Sam Haines displayed when they offered to caddie for the boys, which had a very good feel to it in itself, but what really made the playoff something very special and some-what unique, was Ian’s running commentary.
The girl’s division also went down to the wire, at one stage it looked as though there was going to be another two-way playoff between Caitlyn Campbell – Nyman (Pacific) and Lion Higo (Emerald Lakes) who both carded 75’s, that was until Keely Purdey (Virginia) came in with a “Better Than Her Best Performance” to claim the female division of the Ian Baker – Finch Junior Classic with a one over par 73.
Ben Stieler (Brookwater) and Keely Purdey qualified for The Invincibles 2018 IGA Sunshine Coast Junior Masters Championship, that will be hosted by the very generous and supportive Twin Waters, Pelican Waters, Peregian Golf Course, and Noosa Springs Golf Resorts during the last week of the September School holidays (Sunday September 30 to Wednesday the 3rd of October).
Ian was absolutely thrilled with his day. “The way these kids handle themselves both on and off the course is a credit to their parents, their clubs and the game of golf, Ian said, they present immaculately, and they can certainly play the game as scores would indicate.
Ian also said “You only have to look around, to see the impact The Invincibles are having on junior golf. It’s obvious they are having a lot of fun (as do the parents) and at the same time they are learning a lot of invaluable people and social skills that will carry them through life, and there’s no doubt that I will do everything I can to help”.
The boy and girl winners of the IBF Junior Classic (Ben & Keely) will be sponsored by Ian to a major event of their choosing to the value of $1000 to be used for travel and accommodation.
Ben also received an invitation from Golf Queensland into the final qualifying round of the 2018 Isuzu Queensland Open.
Keely received an invitation from LPGA to their 2018 Canberra Classic.
As well as qualifying for The Invincibles Sunshine Coast and Greg Norman Junior Masters Championships.
Ian felt so moved with Lewis’s performance that he extended a special award of $500 to help with expenses to a championship of his choosing.
A huge thanks to Ian for taking the time and making a commitment to come home from America to support not only his Junior Classic, but also The Invincibles Tour (Ambassador & Patron) and junior golf throughout the Sunshine Coast and Queensland.
There were many highlights on the day, that included; Lion’s drive on 2 to set up her birdie, Rebecca O’Neill’s approach to 18 to set up her second birdie in a row, Liam Dawson’s consecutive birdies on 10 and 11, Lewis Hoath chipping in on 15 and 18, Sophie O’Brien’s up and down from the bunker on 17 and Alicia King’s up and down for par on 17 were just a few of the many, many highlights during the day!