Mimi Thomsen of The Australian and Ian Kim of St. Michael’s have etched their names into the Ford Junior Masters Series spotlight, delivering career-best performances to secure victory at the Illawarra Junior Masters at The Links Shell Cove.
Fifteen-year-old Thomsen produced a jaw-dropping bogey-free seven-under-par 65, the lowest round of her life, to rocket up the leaderboard and clinch the girls’ title with a final tournament score of +2.
“I’m feeling shocked to be honest,” Thomsen said post-round.
“I’ve never had seven under before, let alone a bogey-free round. I’m definitely still surprised over my score.”
It was a stark turnaround from her opening round, where she struggled to find rhythm.
“After yesterday’s round, if anyone needs hope, just look at my two scores. I’ve gone from nine over to seven under. So golf is very bipolar,” she laughed.
She credited her sharp short game and a shift in momentum.
“I guess golf is a game of inches, and yesterday it all went over the hole, but today they were dropping. It was a great day.”
Thomsen’s win also earns her a coveted start at the prestigious Bonville Champions Trophy later this year, a tournament she’s eager to return to.
“I went the previous year, not last year, and it was a memorable week. I can’t wait to go. It’ll be so fun.”
Avondale’s Constance Wang finished second on +4, while Ava Prince of Toukley claimed third with a +6 total.
On the boys’ side, Ian Kim delivered fireworks of his own, carding a scintillating eight-under-par 63 to finish the event at an astonishing 11-under.
The 17-year-old from St. Michael’s was locked in from the start.
“On the first hole I just pumped a drive, played really aggressive and had about five feet for eagle — and just boxed that,” Kim said.
His ball striking and putting were dialled in throughout.
“Everything was pretty solid. Putting really helped me out on the greens today,” he said.
“Today I was just trying to play my own game, focusing on each shot, and staying patient.”
Kim, who’s been chasing a win for some time, couldn’t wipe the smile from his face after finally sealing the deal.
“I’m feeling really good. I’ve been chasing a win for a while, so it’s good to have one now,” he said.
“My lowest round before this was six under, so to shoot eight under today, I’m really happy.”
Castle Hill’s Nicholas Heanes finished runner-up on seven under, while Zac Oyston from The Australian Golf Club secured third at six under.
The Ford Junior Masters Series rolls on to its next stop, Forster Tuncurry, for the North Coast Junior Masters.
