Ballarat’s Amy Leeson gave a great account of herself in the girls’ Ballarat Golf Club Junior Masters, but fell just short – losing on the first playoff hole.
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Leeson, who is a member at Buninyong and Ballarat Golf Club, was bitterly disappointed with the final outcome but the result certainly shows her potential.
The 18-year-old put the clubs away for much of 2017 as she focused on her year 12 studies, returning to the game in November.
Leeson’s mum, Donna, said she did not expect to be playing so well so soon and victory at the Junior Masters would have topped it off.
But Victorian representative Piper Stubbs edged out Leeson in the playoff, sinking her 1.5 metre putt after both girls escaped from the bunker – Leeson with the far more difficult escape – but Leeson’s 3m putt narrowly missed the hole.
She was worried that her golf game would’ve gone off, but she’s playing just as good, if not better golf.
- Donna Leeson, Amy's mum and caddy
Donna, who caddied for Leeson, said it was an amazing experience to accompany her daughter in such a tournament.
“She was worried that her golf game would’ve gone off, but she’s playing just as good, if not better golf,” Donna said.
“It’s incredible that I got to come along this journey with her. It’s been a privilege to watch her do what she does.”
On a positive note, Leeson’s handicap drops to 1.9 – the lowest it has ever been – following the impressive tournament where she shot a six-over 150 over 36 holes.
Leeson is currently focusing on her studies in Melbourne, playing in the pennant competition for Southern Golf Club. She one day hopes to try and play professionally once she has a degree behind her.
Peter Vassiliadis of Commonwealth Golf Club was the boys’ winner, shooting an even-par 142 across the 36 holes, two shots clear of Max Green.
Ballarat Golf Club general manager Michael Phillips was rapt with how the tournament played out and the feedback he received. Phillips saying the Junior Masters would return next year.
“We were really happy with the support we got for the event...that’s the whole point of it, trying to get people out there talking about Ballarat and the golf club,” Phillips said.
