Golf NSW HP Squad member Blake Windred has begun to shine as the sun finally made an appearance at the NSW Amateur Championship at Riverside Oaks Golf Resort today.
The Australian Golf Club Champion sits at 8 under par through two rounds after carding a 4-under par 67 second round with an almost faultless ball striking performance as the medal event reached the 36 hole half-way mark.
“I missed one green all day. I rolled couple of putts in but left a few out there. I’m happy with four under par,” Windred said. “I just had to stay patient.”
The Australian Golf Club Champion posted 5 birdies and a solitary bogey today in benign conditions. His 135 total was also good enough to take out Champion of Club Champions event as well. He’s looking forward to the final 36 holes and going into the match play section of the tournament.
“I’m stroking the putter really nicely and reading the greens here well. If I stay patient it will all fall into place tomorrow.”
Windred has been pretty happy with his performances in the last month or so since stepping up to the senior ranks after an impressive junior career. He realises however that the opposition is getting harder as he climbs the golfing ranks.
“It’s a much better standard of player now, I feel that my game’s there though, so I know I can compete.”
Windred finished his junior career with a second place finish in the Aaron Baddeley International in San Diego late last year. A result he was thrilled with at the time. Since then he’s been ironing out a few things in his mental approach to the game
“I’ve touched up a few things and I’m learning about my game a bit more. I feel my game has come a long way mentally. So it’s been good to test it out in these big tournaments.”
His goal for 2016 is to practice hard and hopefully get a chance to play the big amateur tournaments overseas. The Aaron Baddeley International was the first time the Novocastrian had ever been to the US and he’s keen to learn more about his game by competing around the globe.
“Hopefully I’ll get over to the UK and the States this year or next. I need to gain more experience and see what the best players in the world do,” he laughed