Pennant Hills amateur golfer Paige Stubbs went from being on the Reserve List to playing in the 2014 Bing Lee Fujitsu General Women’s NSW Open, the 4th major event in the Australian women’s golf calendar. The Women’s Open is the first professional event Paige played in. She was excited when she made the Reserve List and even more excited when she was called to play due to a player withdrawing. She said, It was daunting, but I was pumped when I was told I could play. She overcame her fear after hitting her five wood down the fairway and it went 30 metres past the pros drives. She went on to hit four consecutive birdies in her first opening holes. To play in my first pro event and hit four birdies was the best feeling I ever had in golf, said an excited Paige reflecting on her experience. Paige made her golfing debut when her mother joined Pennant Hills Golf Club with a group of friends and noticed they had a junior program. She signed Paige and her sister up, and Paige fell instantly in love with the game. I used to play cricket but felt there was a better future in golf as a career. Cricket at the time wasn t a big sport for girls. Plus, I loved golf because it provided a challenge, saying There s a different shot for every game, and there s the mental challenge. She also enjoyed watching women’s golf on TV which further inspired her to play. I love the fashion, she continued. Cricket fashion is boring I love the different style of clothes that the golfers wear. I always have a day where I wear pink. In fact she picks clothes that are full of bright colours; hence she calls herself the Rainbow Girl. True to her word, Paige wore a fluorescent pink top with a matching bow in her hair in her second round. It must have paid dividends. She eagled the fourth and birdied the 5th and 6th holes and felt unstoppable. Going into the tournament her biggest challenge was in not believing in herself. As she approached her first tee she said, It was daunting, but I was pumped. I started doubting myself feeling I wouldn t be good enough to shoot the scores. But after playing in the first round, I began to believe in myself. I learned so much. Paige credits her Caddy and Coach Simon Deep for getting her through her dark moments. She spoke gratefully about how much he has helped her overcome her fears: He knows exactly when I start doubting myself and says encouraging words. After that I focus and try to switch off mentally. As Simon says; commit and trust ! Her goal over the next two years is to finish her University Degree in Bachelor of Psychology and Bachelor of Sports Coaching and Exercise Science. When she finishes her degrees, she hopes with her sports psychology background she can open up her own business in the field. By the time she finishes University at 23 years of age, her goal is to be ready to go on Tour. By going hard at golf, her aspirations are to make the Japan Tour School to gain more experience. Some of the sports psychology lessons are already wiping off on her. Her philosophy is to work hard. She said, If things don t work out or go right it will happen dreams will come true. Be patient, golf is a silly game! Paige finished her first professional event on 71st out of 117 with rounds of 77 and 73. She will go on to compete in the NSW Amateur Championship which will take place on Wednesday 29 January to Tuesday 4 February (no play on Saturday 1 February).
Author: Golf NSW