Masters a big boost for juniors
CAIRNS Golf Club’s Tom Whittle hopes the experience he gained playing in his third Greg Norman Junior Masters this week will help him take his golf game to another level.
Whittle was one of four Far North junior golfers who made the cut to play in the final fourth round at the Gold Coast tournament, alongside Cairns Golf Club’s Annabelle Hutchings (17 & Under Girls), Paradise Palms’ Megan Smith (13 & Under Girls) and Mossman’s Couper Smith (13 & Under Boys).
With 30 of the tournament’s 36 holes requiring competitors to navigate water, Whittle said he enjoyed the challenge.
“It was a great experience,” he said. “There’s lots of hills and blind spots so you have to really work your way around the course, which I thought I did well on my second and third rounds.”
He shot 74 on the second day and 72 on the third.
Originally from Weipa, Whittle’s family made the move to Cairns only a few months ago to help him further his golfing career.
Competing in her third Greg Norman Junior Masters, Hutchings said she was happy with how she performed.
“I wish I did a little better, but I can’t complain with coming eighth,” she said.
Hutchings plans to return to the competition in 2019 for a fourth and final time, as she will still be able to compete in the 17 & Under Girls division.
“Hopefully I can take the title next year,” she said.
“I just need to be more confident in myself and my golf, particularly my short game.”