In a thrilling close to the 2024 Jack Newton Junior Golf Illawarra Junior Masters at The Links, Kiara Connolly-Jackson (Kooindah Waters) and Bo Chung (Concord) triumphed.
Connolly-Jackson clinched her first-ever strokeplay tournament victory, finishing at four over par. The win was even sweeter as she also dominated the girls’ 14 & 15 years division.
“It was pretty close. Considering it was my first win I’m feeling great,” the 15 year old said.
Her ambition for the year had been clear: to secure a major overall win and earn a spot at the prestigious Bonville Champions Trophy. With one goal now achieved, her sights are firmly set on the next.
“I would like to be off plus soon and hopefully get a win at my next tournament.”
Today’s round saw Connolly-Jackson scoring a plus four, featuring three impressive birdies despite challenging conditions.
“It was a bit of a struggle today with my putter, I had a few three putts.”
“My highlight was just getting birdies and when I was struggling, really coming back. On one of the par fours, I didn’t hit the best tee shot but I came back and made birdie from it.”
Hot on her heels was Zoe Arcus of Cromer GC, who finished second with a score of +8 and also topped the girls 16 years & over division. Meanwhile, Gungahlin Lakes’ junior, Sophia Chau, took home third place overall and first in the girls 13 year & under division.
In the Nett categories, victories went to Tsawm Laphai of Concord and Lucy Bowyer of Antill Park in their respective age groups, with Soda Ellis of Royal Canberra clinching the girls 16 years & over nett.
In the boys division, Bo Chung (Concord) led from wire-to-wire, following up his incredible 11 under par 60 on Monday with an even par 71 in difficult conditions to win by six shots.
On a day where the wind and pin positions meant par was a good score, Chung was rock solid as many of his closest rivals made mistakes. Chung made three birdies alongside three bogies, turning a two shot overnight lead into a six shot victory.
Sharing second was fellow Concord member Ti Fox and A.C.T State Team player Harry Whitelock (Royal Canberra), finishing the tournament locked together at five under par, Whitelock taking home the Boys 16 & 17 Years Division.
Extra Holes were required in the Boys 12 & 13 Years, with Jesse Linden (Newcastle) making birdie on the first of those playoff holes to defeat Joey Eason (Campbelltown).
