Kelsey Bennett and June Song look set to shine at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club which begins today.
Bennett, from St. Michael’s out of Mollymook and Song, currently at Iowa State via Avondale Golf Club, are part of a six-person Australian Women’s team set to take on some of the brightest stars in Asian women’s golf.
And like every other player in the field, the pair have the chance to dream big, with this week’s winner granted exemptions to the AIG Women’s Open, The Amundi Evian Championship, Hana Financial Group Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
For Bennett, making her debut in Australian colours this week, it is nothing short of a dream come true.
“Absolutely stoked to be here.”
“I didn’t think I was going to be able to go, due to overseas issues. So it is an honour to be representing Australia here.”
“It’s unbelievable. The course is just immaculate. All the girls are really lovely. Everyone that you meet is really nice,” Bennett told the assembled media.
Bennett and Song got their first look at the 5943 metre Abu Dhabi course earlier this week; and Bennett, in particular, was thrilled by what she saw, adding the need for accuracy from the tee suits her game.
“It’s good. I like it actually. I feel like it sets up for my game pretty well, so I’m very much looking forward to tomorrow.
“Off the tee is definitely one of my strengths, and here being very positional is key, off the tee sets you up for a good shot into the green for sure.”
2021 hasn’t exactly been the year Bennett had anticipated, especially with the hard lockdowns in Greater Sydney, meaning Bennett couldn’t travel too far from her home base of Mollymook.
Despite the limitations, the 22-year-old still managed a couple of handy wins earlier in the year.
“I managed to win the Tasmanian Open, and in the Northern Territory, so I was very happy with that.
“I was on a bit of a roll, and then COVID hit. But it’s definitely good to get out again.”
“The biggest thing was lack of competition, you can only play so many local comps at Mollymook, but it is good. Other than the competition side of it, it hasn’t been too bad,” she added.
The field for this week’s championship is one of the strongest Bennett has faced in her fledgling career, yet when asked about the added pressure, she said she felt the arena would suit her game if she stuck to her processes.
“I’d like to think I do well under pressure, but I am looking forward to actually having that competition and seeing how I go.
“(My) biggest goals would be sticking to my processes. There’s only so much you can do after that, so stick to my pre-shot routine and stick to my putting processes, and that’s about it.”
The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship will be broadcast LIVE on Foxsports CH503 from 5.00pm today.
Round 1 Tee Times – Wednesday AEDT
3:47 pm AEDT Kelsey Bennett (beginning on the 10th hole)
3:58 pm AEDT June Song (beginning on the 10th hole)
