Kurri Golf Club made a powerful showing at the Hunter River District 9 Hole Championships, held at Singleton today, with Debra Nugent claiming victory and teammate Janelle Endacott close behind. Nugent posted 22 points off a 46 handicap, edging out Endacott, who scored 20 points off a 43 handicap.

Reflecting on her performance, Nugent shared, “I didn’t lose a ball today, and I stayed out of the water and sand. I think that was the secret.”

Despite only two years in the game, Nugent already expresses the familiar frustrations of golfers everywhere. “I shouldn’t say it because I won, but I got a wipe on the last hole too – I wasn’t happy about that,” she admitted.

The 9 Hole District Championships, launched by the HRDGA Ladies Sub Committee in 2023, aims to provide beginner women with a pathway into competitive golf. This year’s event saw 12 women participating, including a one-hour clinic facilitated by Golf NSW.

“Today is all about development,” said Golf NSW’s Senior Regional Manager, Mark Ingrey. “There’s a big gap in our development pathways, and days like today are crucial. Nine holes offer a perfect stepping stone from clinic learning to full-course play.”

Nugent appreciated the day’s training, saying, “It was very helpful. We learned to read the slopes on the greens, which was interesting. Everyone felt they gained something valuable from it.”

Now a self-proclaimed “golf addict” playing twice weekly, Nugent offered advice to players of all levels: “I want to win, but in golf, you can’t get too focused on that, or it’ll mess you up. Just play, enjoy, and let things unfold.”

Debra Nugent may be new to the game, but she’s already sounding like a seasoned golfer.