South Australian Reagan Denton continues to blaze a trail in the girls’ division, while Western Australia’s dynamic duo, Nate Johnson and Josiah Edwards, have claimed the lead for the boys following round two of the Jack Newton International.
Competing under pristine conditions at Cypress Lakes, Edwards posted a four-under-par 68, while Johnson followed close behind with a three-under-par 69. Their combined efforts have propelled both to the top of the leaderboard, each holding a seven-under-par total.
Reflecting on his performance, Nate Johnson explained his mindset from the start, saying, “Yesterday I just had a free mindset going to the round, I didn’t have too much expectation. Just play my own game, don’t get mad at myself and just move on. And it worked out.”
Johnson credited his strong play from tee to green, though he admitted his putting required adjustment.
“Everything was working for me today, off the tee and into greens was good. Putting I struggled, had a couple of three putts, but brought it back when I switched over. Had three birdies, not many bogeys so it worked out.”
He also acknowledged how much he’s grown since last year’s tournament.
“The course is good. It’s different to last year. Obviously, my golf is a lot better than last year, but yeah, I’ve learned a lot. Greens are better than the practice round.”
“I wasn’t in the team this year, so I just wanted to, you know, do my own thing, come in, put my name out there and it’s working.”
With two rounds left to play, Johnson is sticking to his successful formula.
“My game plan is to do the same, just have a free mindset, not get angry at myself and it should work out.”
⛳ Jack Newton International Leaderboard
Tied for third in the boys’ division are Concord’s Ti Fox and New Zealand’s Ryan Xie, both sitting at six under par, just one shot behind the leaders.
In the girls’ division, Reagan Denton once again proved her class, firing a two-under-par 71 to extend her lead to nine under par for the tournament. She now holds a three-shot advantage over Avondale’s Rachel Lee, who also shot 71, to sit at six under overall.
Rachel remains confident despite the gap. The 17-year-old shared her thoughts after the round, saying, “I’m feeling pretty good. I just need to make more birdies tomorrow.”
She was pleased with her ball-striking but noted room for improvement on the greens.
“I feel like my iron shots and my tee shots are helping me a bit out there, but the greens are a little bumpy, but they’re getting better.”
Lee is staying focused for the days ahead.
“I’m pretty confident. I’m three shots behind, but there are still two or more days to go. I just have to keep consistent and just keep shooting par, just stay focused.”
Knowing this is her last chance to compete in the event adds extra motivation.
“This is one of my favourite tournaments, so I really enjoy it out here. And I won’t be playing next year, unfortunately, because I’ll be too old, so I think it would be amazing if I could win. It would definitely be in the memories.”
Hawaii’s Ava Capeda is in third place at four under par, still within striking distance heading into the final two rounds.
Meanwhile, over at The Vintage in the Sub-Classic, Victorian Feiyu Xing leads the girls’ division at +4, with Castle Hill’s Jordyn Deen in second at +7, and Killara’s Sophie Tong and Queenslander Alicia Ludi tied for third at +9.
In the boys’ division, Queensland’s Oliver Duffy leads at +5, followed by Victorian Anton Kovacevic on +6, and Cronulla’s Reid Springett in third at +8.
The action continued in the 12 and Under Classic and the 9 Hole Classic at Rydges today. Here are the results from those tournaments:
