The West Aussie Juniors were a stand out in South Australia this week, with outstanding efforts by all fifteen participants in the 2022 Australian Junior Amateur hosted by the Vines Golf Club of Reynella.
Sixteen year old Joseph Buttress was a consistent presence at the top end of the leaderboard in the 72 hole competition. With a nail biting finish Joe secured the Silver Medal, narrowly missing out on gold to reigning champion, Jeffrey Guan.
Buttress, playing in the group in front of Guan, joined the lead after his birdie on thirteen, then held the lead for a short period after birdies on fifteen and sixteen. Guan however matched these birdies, and with Buttress making bogey on his final two holes, the championship was secured.
Buttress shared, “I was disappointed with my finish but happy overall with my score of -4 today. I am proud that I was in contention of a win after not being in my best form in Round 3. This week has been fun. I am really grateful to be here as part of the Junior State Team and looking forward to the Interstate Series competition ahead. This comp was just the start. ”
Sheridan Clancy and Alex Maxwell were confident and steady in the final rounds, both to secure 6th place. Celine Chen finished with a -3 under final round, creeping up the leaderboard to sit just behind Clancy in 7th position.
Chen shared, “I really was not happy with how I started this week. I need to work on being more confident with my putting. I felt better on the final day, but the outcome could have been a lot better if I had started strong.”
Fourteen year old Royal Fremantle’s Ollie Marsh made an incredible effort in his first ever 72 hole stroke competition. Ollie kept form all week to secure a tied 8th position, a sign of big things to come for the youngest participant from WA.
With three boys finishing in the top eight places, and two girls in the top seven, the WA Juniors are well placed to start next weeks Junior Interstate Series.
Coach, Alex McKay shared, “I’m incredibly proud of the kids this week. We have a tremendous team spirit and they are great supporters of each other. It’s a big deal travelling away from home, and the pressure of competition. They are managing a great balance of healthy fun and competitive golf. I have great admiration for each and every one of them – they all have their own unique part in this very special team.”
The Junior Interstate Series Matchplay commences on Monday 11th April at Mount Osmond Golf Club in Adelaide.
Monday WA vs ACT
Tuesday WA vs VIC
WA vs NSW
Wednesday WA vs SA
WA vs QLD
Thursday WA vs TAS
