MYGolfer of the Year Photo Gallery Toni McDuff, the 2012 MYGolfer of the Year, received VIP treatment at the recent ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open at Royal Canberra. Hailing from Ballina in NSW, Toni and her Mum Julie arrived in Canberra on Friday night for a behind the scenes experience where Toni was treated like one of the players. Walking the course with your hero, attending press conferences and holding up the Patricia Bridges Bowl are just dreams for some young golfers, but for twelve year old Toni this was all a reality as she got the chance to mix it with the world s best players! The following was written by Toni after she arrived home in Ballina and had the chance to reflect on her exciting weekend in Canberra. Mum and I flew to Canberra late Friday night and were met at the airport by Sarah Kennedy. She was really nice. She took us to the Hotel Realm and got us settled in. The hotel was gorgeous, with an awesome view. In the morning after a buffet breakfast we shared a car to the course with Alexis Thompson. I thought shead be nervous but she chatted with me along the way. Saturday we walked 9 holes with Stacy Lewis and Angela Stanford which was awesome. We got to watch them play up close and talk with the volunteers who help with the scoring. They signed their ball and gave them to me. Back at the club house Sarah introduced us to lots of Golf Australia staff and the people in the Media Centre. They were all really friendly and showed us how everything works. We even got to have lunch in the Player s Lounge and watch the leaders interviews in the Media Centre. Sunday we had a junior clinic in the morning with Felicity Johnson and Karen Lunn which was cool. I got called up the front to get my trophy for MYGolfer of the Year, which was a big surprise. Then we got to walk 9 holes with Karrie Webb, who is my favorite player. She signed her ball and my autograph book for me and gave me her glove!! We spent the afternoon in the stand at the 18th hole which was so exciting. I got autographs from just about all the players. After watching the presentation on the green we got to go into the club for the function with the winners and officials and got to meet more Golf Australia staff. We had such an amazing time. Everyone was really nice to us. I even saw Yani Tseng at the airport on the way home. She was off to Thailand to do it all again and I was off home after the best time of my life!!!! To nominate a junior from your Centre for the March MYGolfer of the Month award, download and submit the Nomination Form by 5pm Thursday 21st March.
Author: Toni McDuff / Golf Australia