110 of Victoria’s best primary school student golfers descended upon Kooringal Golf Club this morning to challenge for the Primary School State Final title. As players hit off a brief shower began and ceased not long after. The conditions at Kooringal Golf Club were brilliant for golf and so were the scores that the players recorded.
The format for the day was 18 holes of modified rules and course, the par 3’s measure 100 metres, par 4’s 200 metres and par 5’s 300 metres. As well as the 110 students there were almost 200 parents to assist with scoring and supporting the players. The atmosphere was colourful, fun and vibrant and with the sun shining it was turning out to be a wonderful day.
We had an extra special guest who arrived as play was finishing, Stuart Appleby a champion of Junior Golf like no other in Victoria. Stuart answered questions in a Q & A with competitors and parents as well as signing autographs and getting photos taken with anyone who asked. It was great to have Stuart come out to support Victoria junior golfs largest participation event. This year 3303 students took part in primary school qualifying events throughout Victoria, some made it through to one of the 14 regional qualifiers and only 110 made it to the State Final.
In the Girls event Keeley Marx from Yarra Valley Grammar shot a 78 to take out 3rd place, Ashni Solanki from Brighton Primary School shot a 76 to finish in 2nd place. In 1st place with a score of 75 was Kay Bannan from Don Bosco Primary School. It was no surprise that Kay the Victorian Girls Captain at the recent National Championships produced such a fine score to win the title.
The Boy’s section was very close with Frazer Marris from Warrnambool Primary School beating Bodie Gardner from Parkdale Primary School with 68 on a count back. In 2nd place and only one shot behind the winner was Nathan Page from Penleigh & Essendon Grammar with 67. It took an equal tournament record 66 to take out this year’s boy’s title and Levi Sclater from Guthridge Primary School was just the player to do it. Levi was also a member of the Victorian team at the recent National Championships in Queensland.
The scores from the day were absolutely fantastic and all players were commended. There are some bright futures ahead for these extremely talented junior golfers. We may see their names on leader boards for many years to come.
For full results from the State Final, please click here