Thanks to the consistent efforts of a small but dedicated committee, a generous sponsor, and other year round supporters, Singleton is set to host its first junior golf open. With an impressive prize pool of $3000 on offer, competitors in the Monadelphous Singleton Junior Open will tee off on August 13.
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Nick Carey, representing the events major sponsor, explains they are happy to be giving back to the community and promoting the development of junior golf. He says there is a real buzz around the region when it comes to the staging of the Open.
“This is definitely the biggest prize pool offered for a junior event in the district,” confirms committee member, Jo Evans.
“Along with such an amazing prize pool, we also have Kurt Barnes, a current touring PGA player attending on the day to support the juniors and assist in presentation at the end of the day.”
She says Kurt’s generosity and passion is beyond compare. Barnes was born in Muswellbrook and had a successful amateur career which included victories in the 2002 Australian Amateur, the 2003 Riversdale Cup and the 2003 New Zealand Amateur Stroke Play Championship.
He turned professional at the end of 2003 and joined the PGA Tour of Australasia. In 2009 Barnes became the first Australian to win on the Omega China Tour, when he claimed victory in the Sofitel Zhongshan IGC Open. He went on to head the tour's Order of Merit that season, before winning his place on the Japan Golf Tour by finishing first at the tour's qualifying school.
“On the day we are running a scratch event for handicapped players of 19 and below as well as a 18 hole and 9 hole stableford for players above that handicap.”
“Our age divisions will depend on entries, however it looks as though the event is going to be hotly contested.” Entry Forms can be accessed on the Jack Newton Junior Golf website at http://www.jnjg.com.au/files/2017_Singleton_Junior_Open_Entry_Form.pdf
Jo says competing in the tournament will be a first for many of the current junior golfers. “It will a great opportunity for them to show off their skills,” adds secretary, Mel Vesper. Skills they have been sharpening every Saturday afternoon on a regular basis thanks to the dedication of Jo and Mel along with president, Chad Vesper, and treasurer, Colleen Rock.
Junior Golf has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence with this enthusiastic group of volunteers at the helm with anywhere from 11 to 20 players aged from 5 years of age teeing off each week.
