And, it all happened on Sunday, August 13.

With sponsor, Monadelphous, providing some fencing around the first tee and Nick Carey stepping up as caller on the microphone for the morning, it gave the youngsters a chance to experience a little of what it is like on the big stage.

Committee member, Jo Evans, says a great crowd gathered to watch the youngsters go around.

“We had some spectators heading out to watch on course and every person was awe struck with the talent that was on show. Asian Tour Player, and local, Kurt Barnes also gave his time to attend the day and assist with the presentation, which was another great buzz for the kids,” she says.

“The results for the day were as good as anyone expected on a course that is sometimes underestimated in difficulty.”

And, two local juniors performed particularly well – Ethan Van Zyl was the boys net winner and Jasmine Vesper secured girls runner.

However, staging the event was momentous effort that began with one dedicated lady – Colleen Rock.

As a senior member of the club she noticed there were many children not given the opportunity to get out onto the course to play. This inspired her to take action, volunteering her own time on a weekly basis.

She then recruited some parents with golfing backgrounds to do a training course with territory manager from Jack Newton Junior Golf, Mark Ingrey. From here Colleen, and her daughter Jo, started running school holiday programs and a Sunday morning mini comp for interested juniors. Fast forward to the beginning of 2016 and a new committee was formed.

A committee full of passionate people with some big visions for junior golf, including Chad and Mel Vesper, and they kicked off a Saturday afternoon competition.

Current president, Chad Vesper, says the kids are the future without them sport in regional areas won’t be around for long.

“It has to start at grass roots level, which is local clubs and professionals, making sure their junior programs are easily accessible, fun and affordable for families,” he explains.

Secretary, Mel Vesper concurs, and says we get to meet such great kids along the way.

“Golf is a sport that teaches the kids so much more than just how to play, it also helps them to be great human beings. Through their sport they are taught patience, respect, honesty and much more,” she says.

Meanwhile, Mr Ingrey says the committee should be commended for their efforts in staging a successful Open.

“Recently, single day tournaments average 30 players, the numbers are low due to demands on parents across the state and few junior players in certain areas, however the committee was keen to give it a go, and with their drive we embarked on a mission,” he says.

“Colleen, Mel, Chad and Jo are extremely passionate. The event has exceeded 45 entries and more importantly there were great numbers in the 9 hole divisions, while girls numbers were also up. It’s this type of passion that supports and develops the junior game, this committee should be extremely proud of themselves for what they have done at the club and, now in the region.”

However, Jo says the day couldn’t have been successful without Nick Carey from Monadelphous securing a great deal of sponsorship.

“This allowed us to offer one of the biggest prize pools for a club run junior event in the region.”

Mel says they were also blessed to be supported by very passionate and generous club members throughout the year.

“But the turn out for the actual day of the open was heart warming, it wouldn’t have been able to happen and run as smoothly without them generously giving their time.”