In a scorching display, Levi Park, a 15-year-old prodigy from Kooindah Waters Golf Club, and Mingming Lee, an 11-year-old rising star from Monash Country Club, have defeated the heat and emerged victorious at the 2025 FORD Wagga Wagga Junior Masters.
Held at the prestigious Wagga Wagga Country Club on January 27th to 28th, 77 determined young golfers had to battle not only the course but also the brutal weather conditions, with temperatures nudging 40 degrees.
The Monday afternoon heat, in particular, tested the players’ resolve.
Park from Kooindah Waters Golf Club delivered a masterclass in consistency, finishing with an impressive five-under-par total of 139. However, the victory didn’t come easily.
Alex Booth from Catalina mounted a spectacular challenge with a final-round 68 to force a playoff.
The playoff was pure drama. With crowds gathering around the 299-meter par-4 9th hole, Park rose to the occasion. His approach shot nearly finding the cup before settling just a foot away from the hole, enough to secure a birdie and the championship spectacularly.
The girls’ competition witnessed an equally impressive performance from Mingming Lee of Monash Country Club.
At just 11 years old, Lee demonstrated remarkable skill and composure, finishing with a score of 147 (+1) while playing from the full-length ladies’ tees.
Lee’s victory was especially sweet following a narrow second-place finish at the Murray River Junior Masters just days before.
The tournament also saw some exceptional net scores, with Charlotte Brownlow of Wollongong Golf Club shooting a stellar net 66 in the girls’ division, while Austin Alchin of Howlong Golf Club led the boys with an outstanding net 65.
The junior golf calendar continues next month, and the series will now head to Blackheath Golf Club for the FORD Blue Mountains Junior Masters in February.
