It’s been 19 years since Brett Rumford & co last hoisted the Men’s Interstate Series trophy at Mount Lawley, but according to new skipper Haydn Barron, the time is now for the Western Australian side in Adelaide.
In what is shaping as one of the most anticipated series in recent memory, the WA team enters the competition in peak form, with consistent wins to begin 2018 leaving the side confident and ready to break the drought.
Barron, 22, was elected by his peers to captain for the first time this week, with the excitable WAGC youngster thrilled to take the reins for the duration of the competition.
“It is a massive honour for me,” Barron revealed. “Personally it is something I have always wanted to do since I began playing for WA.”
“I do like to take charge, and I think all the guys are comfortable with me making decisions on behalf of the team.”
The two-time WA representative believes his side is as good a chance as any to take home the silverware, with in-form players and plenty of experience critical to taking down the likes of Queensland and Victoria.
“We have all the chance in the world,” he claimed.
“For me personally, this is the strongest team that I have played with or seen in the WA system. Our top order is one of the best in the competition, while our newcomers are coming in with confidence.”
“Connor (Fewkes) just won the Australian Junior, Josh (Greer) is dominating the boys’ circuit and Fred (Lee) is getting back to his best after some time out of the game.”
“I think if there is a year it is going to happen, it could be this year. The bond amongst the group is strong.”
Barron is focused on leading by example throughout his week at the Grange Golf Club; however his “team first” attitude is at the forefront of all discussions had with the group.
“I’d love to go well personally this week and lead from the front, but I would much prefer the team to do well, that is what we are here for,” he said.
“For majority of us it’s the one week in the year where we can be cheering for somebody else rather than trying to beat them.”
The opening match of the Championship may prove pivotal in decider a winner with WA taking on NSW, both a realistic shot at claiming the crown.
Kirsten Rudgeley will be hopeful in guiding her Women’s side to more success at Glenelg Golf Club this week, with all of the girls’ from last month’s junior win participating in Adelaide.
Rudgeley, 17, will be vital to the side’s chances with Australian Junior Champion Maddison Hinson-Tolchard in fine form ahead of the competition, making for a powerful duo.
New South Wales will again be a force in the competition despite losing Grace Kim to the Queen Sirrkit Cup in Thailand. Dominant Queenslander Becky Kay will also be missing from the competition, leaving the door ajar for each of the other states to capture victory.
Matches begin tomorrow morning from 9.15am (AWST), follow live on the Golf Australia website
