An unforgettable ace, courtesy of Sydney’s Bo Chung, has stolen the show on the Harvey Norman A.C.T Junior Championship opening day at Murrumbidgee Golf Club.
On his penultimate hole of the day, Chung’s Ace has set an electrifying tone for the tournament.
Over 100 of Australia’s finest junior golfers took to the pristine course in the nation’s capital with several top-notch performances.
However, Chung’s unforgettable moment stole the show, and the hole-in-one on the par-3 17th had everyone buzzing.
Ace Brings the Celebrations
Using a 7-iron, Chung delivered an 181-metre masterpiece to the back-left pin on the challenging par three, landing it a few metres short before it released and rolled straight in.
“As soon as I hit it, I knew it was going to be good. It was a full 7-iron, and even though my playing partners hit 5-iron, I knew I had the right number,” he said.
Cheers from his playing group echoed across the course as the 17-year-old celebrated his incredible achievement.
“I actually lost my wristband in the celebrations,” Chung joked afterwards. “Hopefully Dale (Hughes) can find it for me.”
Asked if this was his first hole-in-one, the Concord Junior casually grinned. “I think that is number seven or eight.”
With such a stunning display, Chung has set the bar high for 2025’s golfing moments.
Boys Division: Giddings Sets the Pace
In the Boys Division, Cooper Giddings from Dubbo emerged as the leader after an impressive opening round. The 2024 NSW Country Champion fired a 68 (4 under par) to claim the top spot heading into day two.
Hot on his heels was a trio of young stars, each carding rounds of 69 (3 under par). Among them were two 14-year-old sensations, William Eldridge from Avondale and Matty Xu from Eastlakes, along with Catalina’s Bill Eppelstun, who performed equally well late in the day.
With such a tight leaderboard, the Boys Division promises an exciting battle as the tournament progresses.
Girls Division: Homegrown Talent Takes the Lead
The Girls Division saw local stars Sophia Chau and Kortni Houston from Gungahlin Lakes shine under the pressure of home turf.
Both players shot impressive rounds of 71 (2 under par) to share the lead after day one.
Savannah Webb from Stonecutters Ridge is in third place. Webb finished her round with a solid 72 (one-under par).
Queensland’s Lizzy Harman also delivered a gutsy performance, battling through illness to post an even-par 73 and secure fourth place.
Rain is expected to shake up the conditions for round two, the Girls Division leaderboard is wide open, setting the stage for an intense competition.
What’s Next at the Harvey Norman A.C.T Junior Championship?
With some inclement weather expected to sweep through on day two, players will need to adapt quickly to the changing conditions.
Can Giddings and locals Sophia Chau and Kortni Houston in the Girls Division hold onto their leads, or will the pack close in? Can anyone else deliver another memorable “Bo Chung” moment?
Between record-breaking shots and impressive performances, this championship is shaping up to be one to remember.
Check back tomorrow as the drama unfolds at one of Australia’s premier junior golf tournaments.
