Liam Represents SA at Primary School Nationals

School Sport Australia 12 & Under Golf Championships  |  Report by Liam Kennewell

After qualifying, I was very lucky to attend the School Sport Australia 12 and under Golf Championships along with 7 other boys and four girls, as part of the SAPSASA team to represent South Australia. The event was held at the Bankstown Golf Club, NSW, from the 18th to 22nd November 2012, with teams representing NSW, QLD and VIC.

On Sunday, the first day, the team attended the Opening Ceremony and got our first look at the Bankstown Golf Club to familiarise ourselves with some of the holes.

Monday was a great day playing Irish Four ball in mixed teams with players from the other states.

Tuesday was the first round of the Craig Parry Shield, which is played as individual stroke rounds with the combined gross scores of the team members contributing to the overall result. I was very nervous this day as not having ever represented my state before. As it turned out, I was very happy to shoot one of the low scores of the day with 81, I was very relieved. I must make mention and congratulate Jhett Perry from Mt Gambier who on this day played an amazing round shooting 76 for the low score of the day. After the first round, all the teams were very close and still in contention for the final days play on Thursday.

Wednesday was a rest day with an excursion to see the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House and surrounds. It was cool to see the bridge for the very first time, as I had been dreaming to see it my whole life.

Thursday and the final round of the Craig Parry Shield had arrived, and arrive early at the course we did. Due to scheduling requirements at the Bankstown Golf Club, all groups were required to tee off between 6:00 and 6:30am, so we all hit off at sunrise. Unfortunately my performance did not match that of Tuesday with an inconsistent round of 90. As teams, we gathered and cheered each of the groups as they came up the final fairway, it was a great atmosphere. Then there was talk filtering through that someone had a hole in one on the 3rd. It turned out to be none other than SA team mate Aaron Buchanan, we all went crazy with everyone congratulating his as he completed his round.

We had lunch followed by the closing ceremony and presentations. The SA boys unfortunately did not place in the gross or net competitions but the SA girls picked up 2nd in their net competition, a fine effort. To play in this competition and represent TEAM SA was such a great experience.

I would like to thank the Glenelg Golf Club Foundation for their ongoing support of my golfing endeavours. The assistance of the foundation has been the major element allowing me to have ongoing access to professional coaching, and attend events such as this one. Thanks to Shane and Adrian especially for their guidance, and to all Glenelg members who have made me feel so welcome since joining the Club.

Results

• Click here for results from the School Sport Australia 12 & Under Golf Championships