Ten Finalists Announced for Player of the Year

Ten remarkable golfers have earned well-deserved spots as finalists in the highly anticipated Male and Female Player of the Year categories at the upcoming NSW Golf Industry Awards next month.

In the female category, the exceptional performances of Grace Kim, Stephanie Kyriacou, Annika Rathbone, Ella Scaysbrook, and Rachel Lee have been recognized. The equally outstanding efforts of Cameron Davis, Travis Smyth, Harrison Crowe, Jeffrey Guan and Harrison Endycott have seen them honoured as finalists for the men’s award.

Grace Kim  

Kim, from Greenacre, is a member of Avondale Golf Club and graduated to the 2023 LPGA Tour after finishing 5th on the 2022 Epson Tour Order of Merit. 

In April, she claimed her maiden LPGA win at the Lotte Championship in Honolulu and has since seen her world ranking shoot to 55th. 

At just 22 years of age, she currently ranks 27th in the fiercely competitive LPGA Tour Race to CME Globe Standings and is in second place in the LPGA Tour Rookie of the Year Standings. 

Stephanie Kyriacou

Kyriacou, from Maroubra, is a St. Michaels Golf Club member and represented Australia in the International Crown this year.

Her journey on the LPGA Tour has been marked by impressive achievements, including two top-ten finishes. Her career-best came in July when she tied for fourth place at the Dana Open.

The 22-year-old is 59th in the LPGA Tour Race to CME Globe Standings and 100th in the Rolex World Rankings. 

Annika Rathbone

From Barden Ridge, Rathbone is a member of The Australian Golf Club and was part of this year’s triumphant 2023 NSW Interstate Team. 

In an undeniable display of her remarkable skill, the 20-year-old emerged as the lone undefeated player representing NSW in the challenging Interstate Series.

Her success extends beyond team play, with notable individual achievements such as 2nd in the Riversdale Cup, 3rd in the Avondale medal and 9th at the Women’s Western Amateur in the US. 

Ella Scaysbrook 

Scaysbrook, from Newcastle, is a member of The Australian Golf Club and was part of the winning NSW Junior Interstate Team this year. 

Ella has notched several significant wins in the past year, including the prestigious NSW Junior Championship and the 2023 NSW CHS Championships.

Adding to her list of accomplishments, she also captained the All Australian Schools Girls Golf Team. 

Rachel Lee

Lee, from Marsfield, is a member of Avondale Golf Club and was also part of the triumphant NSW Junior Interstate Team and the victorious NSW Interstate Team.

At just 15 years of age, Rachel has achieved a string of outstanding results. Notable accomplishments include securing the 2nd position at the NSW Junior Championship, a commendable 3rd place finish at the Riversdale Cup, and an impressive 4th place in the highly competitive Victorian Junior Amateur tournament.

Cameron Davis

Davis, from Frenchs Forest, is an ambassador for Monash Golf Club and competes on the PGA Tour.

At 28 years of age, Cameron has achieved some remarkable milestones, including his participation in the prestigious 2022 Presidents Cup. He made an impressive leap into the World Golf Rankings, breaking into the top 50 for the first time and currently sits in 42nd spot.

Davis also finished 48th in the 2022-2023 Fedex Cup with seven top 10 finishes this season and achieved his first-ever top ten in a major – placing Tied 4th at the 2023 PGA Championship. 

Travis Smyth 

Smyth, from Shellharbour, is a St. Michaels Golf Club member and is currently placed 3rd on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. 

The 28-year-old’s accolades include a stunning victory at the 2022 Yeangder Tournament Players Championship on the Asian Tour. His remarkable journey extended to the prestigious 2023 Open Championship, where he achieved a genuinely memorable feat, sinking a spectacular hole-in-one on the challenging 17th hole.

Harrison Crowe  

Crowe, from Bexley, is a member of St. Michaels and has recently transitioned to the professional ranks after a highly successful amateur career. 

Among his many accomplishments, Harrison clinched victory at the prestigious 2022 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, solidifying his standing as a rising star in the golfing world. This year, he made waves by participating in the revered US Masters and The 151st Open Championship.

Crowe’s dedication and skill were further showcased when he played a pivotal role in the triumphant 2023 NSW Interstate and Asia Pacific Bonallack Trophy Teams.

Jeffrey Guan 

Guan, also from Bexley, is a member of The Australian Golf Club and was part of the winning 20243 NSW Interstate Team. 

At 19 years of age, Jeffrey boasts an impressive track record with multiple top-ten finishes in notable tournaments. His skills shone through as he secured victories in the 2022-2023 PGATA Future Tour Order of Merit and the 2023 Avondale Medal.

Furthermore, his dedication and talent were recognized when he was selected as one of two recipients of the Cameron Smith Scholarship and was chosen to represent Australia at the Eisenhower Trophy. 

Harrison Endycott

Harrison, from Empire Bay, is a member of Avondale Golf Club, made a significant leap to the 2022-2023 PGA Tour after securing a position within the top 50 in the Korn Ferry Tour Order of Merit.

The 27-year-old has shown his golfing skills through a string of impressive achievements, including a remarkable 5th-place finish in the 2022 Utah Championship and a solid 10th place in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

His best Official World Golf Ranking is 266th. 

Graeme Phillipson, Chief Operating Officer of Golf NSW, says the finalists showcase the best our state has to offer and extends his heartfelt congratulations to all. 

“All ten players have showcased remarkable performances throughout the past year. Witnessing their growth as athletes has been an absolute delight, and the boundless potential within each of them leaves us all eagerly anticipating the thrilling journeys their sporting careers will unfold,” he said. 

The New South Wales Golf Industry Awards will take place on November 6th at the Crown Barangaroo.

Tickets are available here – https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2023-golf-industry-awards-nswact-tickets-680664334347