20 December 2024
In a display of youthful talent that would have made Sir Nick Faldo himself proud, Australia’s next generation of golf stars battled it out this weekend at two of Sydney’s most prestigious courses, writing their own chapter in the storied Faldo Series.
The twin venues of Cromer Golf Club and Concord Golf Club witnessed exceptional performances across all divisions, with local knowledge proving decisive in several categories. The historic courses, which between them have hosted countless professional tournaments, provided a stern test for the young competitors, with morning coastal breezes at Cromer and Concord’s notoriously quick greens challenging even the most accomplished players.
In the Boys Under 16 division, home course advantage proved decisive as Cromer’s own Hamish Robb crafted a masterful wire-to-wire victory. Robb’s metronomic consistency through the opening rounds, posting twin 70s, laid the foundation for his triumph. Even a final day 73 couldn’t derail his march to victory, as he finished five shots clear of Manly’s Liam Jordan.
The Boys Under 21 category produced the tournament’s most compelling drama, with another Cromer local, Jamie Smith, clinching victory by the slenderest of margins. Smith’s closing 74 proved just enough to hold off the charging duo of Josiah Edwards and Riley Millers, who finished a single stroke behind after three days of intense competition. This is the second time Smith has won his age category at Faldo Series Australia and he’ll once again compete for the Asian title in April.
The Australian Golf Club’s Camilla Kim dominated the Girls Under 16 field, demonstrating a maturity beyond her years. Her three-round total of 214 (-4) represented the only under-par tournament score across all divisions, highlighting both her exceptional skill and the challenging conditions faced by competitors. Kim also took out the overall winner’s title for the event, winning by a margin of 5 shots.
Perhaps the day’s most dramatic finish came in the Girls Under 21 division, where Sophie Eppelstun from Catalina Club held her nerve despite a charging Michelle Bang. Bang’s final round 69 – the day’s best score – created late tension, but Eppelstun’s steady play proved sufficient for a two-stroke victory.
All division winners have now earned their tickets to the Faldo Series Asia Grand Final, set for April at Vietnam’s spectacular Laguna Lang Co. There, they’ll face Asia’s finest young golfers on a course that bears the design hallmarks of the six-time major champion himself.
As Sydney’s summer sunset on the tournament’s final day, one couldn’t help but feel that Sir Nick’s vision of nurturing young golfing talent continues to flourish Down Under. These young champions may well be the names we’ll see etched on professional trophies in years to come.
Cromer Golf Club (top) & Concord Golf Club (bottom)
