NSW Debutants Daley Loumanis and Declan O’Donovan are ready to let their clubs do the talking in next week’s Australian interstate teams’ matches at St. Michael’s Golf Club.
The pair, making their first appearance memorable in the storied competition, which dates back to 1904, are riding high on emotion and are looking forward to showcasing their game on home turf in front of family and friends.
Loumanis, who is studying Business at the University of Technology, Sydney, said hearing his selection was a thrill and one he had been hoping for after a string of pleasing results over the summer, including a runners-up finish in the Dunes Medal and a 15th placing against the professionals at the $50,000 Queanbeyan Regional Open in October.
“Ecstatic about it,” the 19-year-old grinned when asked about his selection.” It felt awesome getting the call-up.
“I made the junior team in 2020, so I thought I was on the radar. I’ve been playing some good golf over the last year and had a few good results, but I still wasn’t sure if it would be enough.”
Loumanis is no stranger to the St.Michael’s course and is confident his local knowledge will give him an edge throughout the three-day event.
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“I’ve won the club championships a couple of times here and obviously I know the course inside-out, so I’ve definitely got some big expectations.”
O’ Donovan, like Loumanis, will debut in state colours in next week’s series and is riding a wave of confidence heading into the event.
The Avondale representative admitted the selection felt a little out of the blue. However, he thought he was a chance of making the team, especially after some good form over the summer, including a semi-final appearance in the Victorian Amateur.
“Getting to the quarter-finals of the NSW Amateur might have been a good look, so I thought I was a chance.”
“We had just finished a state team practice, and I got a call from Michael Medawy (team manager), I thought it might have been about HP, but he said I was selected for the team.”
“It was as big a shock as anyone could have. It was a pretty good feeling getting picked,” the 20-year-old said.
The pair enter next week’s event alongside a trio of experienced performers, including Harrison Crowe, who is just back from the US Masters, Jeffrey Guan and Newcastle-based Jye Pickin, who has been selected as one of the two co-captains.
Blues Coach John Serhan said he expected the pair to be vital members of the squad as they push towards a first combined teams trophy for New South Wales.
“Both Daley and Declan are outstanding young talents and eager to learn from the older heads in the team like Harro, Jeffrey and Jye.
“Winning an Interstate Series takes a contribution from everyone involved, and I know that both are ready to go, and they will be there winning vital points for the team,” Serhan said.
Anchoring the women will be co-captain Belinda Ji, with June Song, Charlotte Perkins, Annika Rathbone and Rachel Lee making up the ten-person squad.
With the series appearing in the Harbour City for the first time in over a decade, Loumanis and O’Dononvan agreed the hometown support for the team would be huge.
“I reckon a lot of members will be coming out to watch. Obviously, I’m a bit nervous, but very excited to get going,” Loumanis said.
“I’ve got a mate caddying for me all week,” O’Donovan added. “I think there will be a few Avondale members coming out, and Mum & Dad will be here, of course,” he smiled.
