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They’re a proud bunch, Queenslanders, but none more so tonight than Gennai Goodwin.
The 21-year-old from Mossman via Indooroopilly Golf Club was clearly moved in accepting, as captain, the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup as Queensland scooped the Interstate Series final 4-2 over Victoria.
Goodwin, in her fourth year on the state team, said the wait for the Maroons’ first title since 2010 had been frustrating but ultimately worth every second as her young teammates partied around her.
“We’ve missed out on making the final on the cut a couple of times … so to finally get there, and on home soil at Royal Queensland, feels really special – especially with all the people out here supporting us,” Goodwin said.
“I’m almost speechless … it feels really good.”
Queensland began the final knowing a 3-3 tie in the six-match contest would be enough based on entering the final undefeated and losing just four points of 25 during the preliminary rounds.
And with a mid-round avalanche of hole wins at the bottom of the order, the lingering threat of the defending champions was quickly dispelled.
US college-bound Kirsty Hodgkins, of Redcliffe, lit up Alizza Hetherington around the turn and a par on the 13th was enough for a resounding 6&5 victory to set the ball rolling for the hosts at No.4.
Moments later, Goodwin put an end to Zara Woodbridge’s challenge in the No.5 match with a 5&4 victory.
And almost in the blink of an eye, a quality tee shot by No.6 Dee Dee Taylah Russell on the short 17th ensured a 2&1 win over Gabi Ruffels and the final was effectively over.
Robyn Choi, who, alongside teammate Becky Kay and West Australian skipper Hannah Green, won a medal for being unbeaten through the week, eventually wore down Victorian skipper Jo Charlton on the 18th green for a 1-up win.
Victoria’s top pair battled willingly all day and were rewarded with deserved – albeit slightly hollow – victories. Olivia Kline did exceptionally well to outduel Kay 2&1, while the rapidly improving Stephanie Bunque took down Queensland No.1 Karis Davidson 3&2 after dominating the top match.
Goodwin, who was also unbeaten but ineligible for a medal having sat out a match earlier in the week, said the team’s planning, fight and depth had been vital.
“We came out last week and mapped the course and determined a few holes where we thought pars would be really important and it turned out exactly that way,” she beamed.
“It shows what you can do when you’re well prepared and in the right frame of mind for the team.
“We were really strong down the bottom of the order all week, and our top players were impressive when we needed them against the top two or three from the other states.
“Robyn was so consistent for us and Becky was in trouble a couple of times late, but managed to fight back with a couple of wins in the last few holes when it mattered.
“It was just a really solid week from a team and full credit to everyone from Golf Queensland who helped us achieve this – I can’t tell you how nice it sounds (to be Australian champions).”