Jia You (Ryde-Parramatta) has claimed back to back titles at the Peter O’Malley Junior Masters, while hometown hero Rory Elphick produced a commanding performance to take out the boys division in Bathurst. Despite a chilly start in the morning, conditions gave way to a hotly contested weekend as players battled it out across the strong field.
In the boys division, overnight leader and local favourite Rory Elphick fired the round of the tournament, an incredible bogey free five under par 66. The reigning Bathurst club champion set the tone early with a birdie on the opening hole, adding further gains on the fourth and ninth to make the turn at three under. Another birdie on the 10th saw him extend his lead, before cruising to a six shot victory, finishing at seven under par for the tournament.
“It really feels so good. I’ve always wanted to win a Junior Masters, but to win at home makes it even more special.” Elphick said.
“I did feel a bit of extra pressure coming into this event after winning the club championships here last week, but that definitely helped me handle it this weekend.” he said.
“I was a bit stressed going into the back nine, but after making a birdie on 17 it really boosted my confidence to get me over the line.”
Hamish Robb (Cromer) and Cooper Giddings (Dubbo) shared second place at one under par, while Bathurst’s Cooper Starkey and William Eldridge (Avondale) finished a further shot back at even par.
In the boys 13 years and under division, Cooper Holman (Yarrawonga Mulwala) claimed victory with a two round total of five over par, securing a three shot win over Narrandera’s Braxton Ivanoff. Starting the final round one shot behind, Holman produced a steady performance, highlighted by two late birdies to close with a one over round.
Ryde Parramatta’s Joshua Park continued his strong recent form, taking out the boys 14 & 15 years division. Rounds of 73 and 75 (one over and three over) saw Park claim a three shot victory over Sebastian French (Royal Canberra), Beau Cain (Cronulla), and Leo Leitl (Pennant Hills).
A special mention goes to Thomas Curtis (Blackheath), who recorded a hole-in-one on the par three eighth hole.
In the girls division, Jia You produced a stunning final round to storm to victory. Starting the day four shots behind the lead, You made an explosive start in the shotgun format, birdieing her opening two holes before holing out for eagle on her third to sit four under through just three holes.
The momentum continued as she surged up the leaderboard, adding three consecutive birdies on holes 10, 11, and 12 to open up a five shot lead. At one stage, You reached seven under for the round before a few late blemishes saw her finish with a remarkable four under par 68. This was enough to secure the course record at Bathurst Golf Club and a three shot victory.
The win marks her second consecutive Junior Masters title, following her triumph at the Blue Mountains Junior Masters just two weeks prior.
“I’m feeling very excited to win back to back Junior Masters. I started with two birdies and an eagle, which actually made me a bit nervous, but I managed to stay composed and finish at four under.” You said.
“I hit my irons and wedges really well and gave myself plenty of chances, which made putting a lot easier.” she said.
“Getting two wins in a row has definitely boosted my confidence. I’m really excited for the rest of the year.”
You finished three shots clear of New South Wales representative Tirzah Cho, who placed runner up at even par, with Concord’s Jordyn Deen a further shot back.
Cho went on to claim the girls 13 years and under division in dominant fashion, after firing rounds of 73 (one over par) and 71 (one under par) to secure a 17 shot victory.
In the girls 14 & 15 years division, Charlotte Brownlow (The Australian) cruised to a nine shot win with rounds of 76 and 77, claiming her first age division title of the year.
The Junior Masters Series now heads south for the Illawarra Junior Masters on April 7–8.
