Premiers sluggish start

CHAMPIONS Southport have had an unexpected hiccup to start the defence of their Gold Coast District Golf Association junior pennants title.

Playing against Emerald Lakes at the latter’s home course yesterday, Southport were crushed 6-1.

In other matches, newcomers Gainsborough Greens won 6½ to ½ against Burleigh and Coolangatta Tweed Heads saw off Surfers Paradise 5-2 under the seven-player format.

This year’s junior pennants nave attracted only six clubs with the closure of memberships at several resort courses.

The second round of the competition is scheduled for Burleigh next weekend.