2024 Illawarra Junior Masters

Chung, Connolly-Jackson Victorious at Links Shell Cove

(7:00pm - Tuesday 23rd April 2024)

In a thrilling close to the 2024 Jack Newton Junior Golf Illawarra Junior Masters at The Links, Kiara Connolly-Jackson (Kooindah Waters) and Bo Chung (Concord) triumphed as the champions.

Connolly-Jackson clinched her first-ever strokeplay tournament victory, finishing at four over par. The win was even sweeter as she also dominated the girls' 14 & 15 years division.

“It was pretty close. Considering it was my first win I’m feeling great,” the 15 year old said.

Her ambition for the year had been clear: to secure a major overall win and earn a spot at the prestigious Bonville Champions Trophy. With one goal now achieved, her sights are firmly set on the next.

“I would like to be off plus soon and hopefully get a win at my next tournament.”

Today’s round saw Connolly-Jackson scoring a plus four, featuring three impressive birdies despite challenging conditions.

“It was a bit of a struggle today with my putter, I had a few three putts.”

“My highlight was just getting birdies and when I was struggling, really coming back. On one of the par fours, I didn’t hit the best tee shot but I came back and made birdie from it.”

Hot on her heels was Zoe Arcus of Cromer GC, who finished second with a score of +8 and also topped the girls 16 years & over division. Meanwhile, Gungahlin Lakes’ junior, Sophia Chau, took home third place overall and first in the girls 13 year & under division.

In the Nett categories, victories went to Tsawm Laphai of Concord and Lucy Bowyer of Antill Park in their respective age groups, with Soda Ellis of Royal Canberra clinching the girls 16 years & over nett.

In the boys division, Bo Chung (Concord) led from wire-to-wire, following up his incredible 11 under par 60 on Monday with an even par 71 in difficult conditions to win by six shots.

On a day where the wind and pin positions meant par was a good score, Chung was rock solid as many of his closest rivals made mistakes. Chung made three birdies alongside three bogies, turning a two shot overnight lead into a six shot victory.

Sharing second was fellow Concord member Ti Fox and A.C.T State Team player Harry Whitelock (Royal Canberra), finishing the tournament locked together at five under par, Whitelock taking home the Boys 16 & 17 Years Division.

Extra Holes were required in the Boys 12 & 13 Years, with Jesse Linden (Newcastle) making birdie on the first of those playoff holes to defeat Joey Eason (Campbelltown).

Final Scores

Chung Comes Close to the Magical 59

(7:00pm - Monday 22nd April 2024)

Concord’s Bo Chung holds the lead after round one of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Illawarra Junior Masters held at The Links, with Royal Canberra’s Harry Whitelock hot on his heels.

Chung delivered a stunning performance, carding 11 under par, featuring eight birdies and dramatic eagles on both the 8th and 18th holes.

“Honestly everything went pretty well today. The drivers were good, my chipping and putting was phenomenal. I’ve actually surprised myself how I pulled it off, it was a great day,” he said.

“Honestly I haven’t really been playing much golf. This is like the first real tournament I’ve played this year. But I’ve been practising a bit, just got back from a camp.”

Facing the final round as the frontrunner for the first time, Chung is focused on maintaining his composure.

“Honestly Ill try to do the same as today and keep calm because I’ve never put myself in a position like this before,” he added.

“It would be great, but it’s all about the process and the experience.”

Two strokes behind at 9 under is Whitelock, who also notched an eagle today on the 17th in dramatic fashion.

“I played with one of my mates Enzo and I was 6 under teeing off the 17th and I said to him ‘my dads best round is ten under so maybe I’ll finish eagle, eagle. I’ll give that a crack’ and I hit a good tee shot and a real good second up to four foot and we started getting excited. Then I made the four footer, it was pretty cool,” said the teen.

Recently back from competing in Perth at the Australian Junior Championships and the Australian Junior Interstate, Whitelock has honed his skills.

“Wasn’t the best start, I birdied the first and then the next couple of par threes got me. But everything after that was pretty much flawless.”

“Flat stick worked real good. I’ve been away the past couple of weeks, and I’ve been working on it so it was good to see that some of the work paid off.”

Not far behind, tied at 6 under par, are Chayse Thorpe of Concord, Darcy Mackay of The Australian, and Noah Graham from Camden GC, each positioning themselves as contenders.

In the girls' division, Kiara Connolly-Jackson of Kooindah Waters leads with a score of 2 over par.

The 15-year-old, recently crowned the 2023 Most Improved Junior Girl, has quickly ascended from a double-digit handicap to scratch in just three months, showcasing her rapid development.

Connolly-Jackson, who scored three birdies in her round today, leads her nearest rivals by four strokes.

Zoe Arcus of Cromer, Ava Prince of Toukley, and Savannah Webb of Stonecutters Ridge are chasing at 6 over par, with Mirabelle Naaman of Camden holding fifth place.

The competitors are set for an early start with the final round kicking off at The Links at 6:30 AM tomorrow.

Live Scores