A Report from our JPO, Don Nelson, on a recent Junior event at The Vintage.

The NDGA and NHDLGA were invited to submit 2 boys and 2 girls to participate in this event.

THE second annual NSW Country Junior Championship at The Vintage from the 22nd to 24th January, 2023, was again a huge success. 

Up and coming young juniors represented NSW Country District Golf Association’s from as away as the North Coast, Western and the South Coast at the magnificent Vintage facility.

The course was in outstanding condition.

The NDGA/ NHRDGA had 4 excited, inexperienced, but very keen young juniors to represent.

2 Girls:- 11yo Emily Skehan from Belmont GC off a handicap of GA 29.7, and 10yo Alexis Moanaroa from Waratah GC off a handicap of GA 29.2.

2 Boys:- 12yo Lochlan Stewart from Nelson Bay GC off a handicap of GA 14.8, and 12yo Cooper Ridgeway from Charlestown GC off a handicap of GA 21.8.

There was a welcome BBQ function with live music on Sunday and then 2 days of Individual and 4BBB Stableford competitions on the Monday and Tuesday.

Play was in 4’s, off an 8.30am Shot-gun start, with each junior paired with a member/sponsor for the 4 ball event. All play was in golf carts.

The young NDGA/NHRDGA Golfers did a wonderful job in the event. They were extremely polite, well-mannered and displayed a fine attitude during the event. Their course etiquette and knowledge of the rules was great to witness.



Emily, Lochlan and Cooper had quite respectable results with over 60 Stableford points for 36 holes.

However,10yo Alexis blitzed the girls field with 78 points. She had 32points on the Monday and then an outstanding 46 points on the Tuesday.

Wow! She took great delight in being presented by guest speaker, RL great, Brett Kimmorley with a Callaway carry bag for her performance.

The event had a real exciting feel and nothing like any competition the kids had experienced before. There was even very loud music blasting out behind the 18th green as the groups came through, with loud bursts of applause when a shot landed on the green or was holed out, As a shot or putt appeared to get close to the hole, there another very loud burst of ooh’s and aah’s.

All the players loved it and there were smiles aplenty.

Hunter District won the team event. 

Don