Concord’s Ti Fox and The Australian’s Camilla Kim remain the ones to beat at the NSW Junior Championship, taking commanding leads into the final round after another day of standout performances on the South Coast.
Fox lit up Moruya Golf Club on Thursday with an electric six under par round, beginning his day with an eagle and never looking back. Now sitting five shots clear of the field at 12-under, the 16-year-old is in pole position to claim the prestigious title.
“I was four under through four and yeah, definitely was thinking a deep, deep one going in,” Fox said.
“Probably got a bit ahead of myself, couple pars, couple birdies, but happy to finish with three birdies and two pars. So six under, can’t complain.”
Despite the buffer, Fox insists he’s not overthinking the task ahead.
“Doesn’t really matter to me. Go play golf, just do my thing and see where it finishes,” he said.
Fox credits his putting for the strong run of form this week.
“I’ve been pretty solid inside 10 feet, haven’t missed really many putts. Been quite smart off the tee, so haven’t really put myself outside of 25 foot. Putting definitely inside 10 feet has helped push me over the line.”
While mistakes were minimal, he admitted a slight change in mindset mid-round could have cost him going even lower.
“I started protecting around once I started missing a couple putts. Instead of getting in that mindset of, ‘oh, we need to protect this round,’ I need to understand that I’m still playing really good golf, so I can still keep playing aggressive.”
Winning the NSW Junior would be a meaningful milestone for Fox, especially with plans to compete overseas next year.
“Yeah, pretty good. Planning to be my last year of NSW Junior, and it will be NSW Open qualifying, so I won’t have to do any qualifying events.”
As for his pre-round ritual?
“‘Hey There Delilah’, that’s my favourite song at the minute.”
Trailing Fox is Victorian Rupert Toomey of Commonwealth GC at seven under par, with local favourite Bill Eppelstun third at four under after a solid showing on his home track.
In the girls division, Camilla Kim remains on top despite a tougher third round at Moruya, where she carded a two over par 74. The 14-year-old still holds a five shot lead going into Friday’s final round.
“It was a bit of a struggling round for me out there,” Kim admitted.
“Made some bad mistakes and bad choices off the tees. Hopefully we make some good choices tomorrow and hit a bit better.”
Despite the nerves, she’s staying optimistic.
“Feeling good, a little bit nervous going into tomorrow, but hopefully we keep calm and positive out there, and I’ll shoot well out there tomorrow.”
Kim credited her putting for keeping her in control of the leaderboard.
“This week, I think definitely putting. I’ve been making some good up and downs and some good birdies.”
Looking ahead, Kim says she’s focused on cleaning up her long game.
“Hopefully some of my shots from the tee, probably my driver and some of my wood, and we’ll be good out there tomorrow.”
Queenslander Ionna Muir surged into contention after an impressive four under round, moving into a tie for second at three over for the tournament. The Australian’s Mimi Thomsen also made a significant move, carding a two under to join Muir in second place.
The final round will take place tomorrow, with the leaders teeing off at Catalina Club around midday.
