Papadatos Unites Central Coast Juniors with Kind Gesture
(3:00pm - Friday 8th April 2022)
Kids - Would you like a FREE Vokey wedge with that?
Local Central Coast Tour Professional Dimi Papadatos has given back in the best way possible, bringing all Central Coast Junior golfers together in a quest to conquer the Mountain at the Peter O'Malley Junior Masters in Bathurst.
Although each of the travelling golfing families did a 60km/h hot lap in the family wagon around the famous Mount Panorama Race track, it was the Peter O’Malley Jack Newton Junior Masters that brought 26 juniors together from across the Central Coast District to compete and have fun across the Bathurst weekend.
And it was Papadatos who set the tone for the weekend before the tournament even started, donating a personal tournament played Titleist Vokey wedge to each of the 26 Juniors. The presentation took place on the Friday night at camp, prior to the tournament taking place means the Coasties were winners before the event began.
Emotional Central Coast Junior Development Officer Mick Lamaro said, “That’s our Dimi, he is forever giving back to the grass roots, it was a special moment witnessing the priceless reaction, tears, excitement and disbelief from the boys and girls aged 10 to 17. Forever memories, special turning point in each of these Juniors golfing/life journeys. Forever the gentleman and one of a kind Dimi – thank you".
Passionate Lamaro hosted the annual trip away, organised for juniors across all the district clubs, their parents, and siblings. The touring group stayed at the Bathurst Sheep Cattle & Drome Station at Heritage Park and like always, had an absolute blast. ”It was so rewarding to see all the kids having fun together at the farm, practicing, relaxing as they awaited their Saturday and Sunday tee times. The JNJG trip to Bathurst is one of our favourites with everyone loving it so much, we're looking at finding another JNJG Tournament to attend as well" says Lamaro.
With the Juniors already rewarded the night before the tournament, thanks to Dimi and Drummond Golf Store sponsored show bags, all that was left to do was to enjoy the tournament, meet new friends and give it your best. Adding to the Central Coast connection was the fact that former Central Coast Junior and Toukley Golf Club member, Annika Boyd, is now on the other side of the desk at a JNJG Tournament, working for JNJG in the tournament division and hosted her first tournament with close to 200 boys and girls competing at Bathurst.
With Papadatos the recent VIC Open Winner on the grind preparing for his return to the European Tour, he still managed to check in, encourage and keep an eye on the leaderboards for the weekend. As Papadatos prepares to compete in the 150th Open at St Andrews this July, Lamaro thinks there will be "26 Central Coast Juniors sitting on the couch with their Vokey wedges cheering him on all the way, with all 26 kids putting their hands up to be potential caddies if needed."
Papadatos even made the time to be part of a special presentation night back home following the event, held at the Toukley Golf Club. “I see how much these talented kids practice, love their commitment, but I’m more impressed with how a couple of the kids handled and bounced back from some unfortunate luck and rulings across the weekend” says the former JNJG star. “’I’m so proud of the young ones and happy to lend a hand at all times when I’m here back home on The Coast” said Dimi with a big smile.
The game of Golf is absolutely thriving across the Central Coast thanks to role models like Dimi, up and coming mentors like Darcy & Annika Boyd, Jordie Garner and extremely passionate volunteers behind the scenes with JDO Mick Lamaro leading the way.
JNJG Tournament Manager Dale Hughes was full of praise for the large Central Coast contingent and highlighted the regions success coming down to the united encouragement and support of all the parents. "People like Mick Lamaro, Andrew Cranston, Jason Millers and many more. Its amazing witnessing all the friendships and the families cheering on not just their own, but all the kids participating in the event” said Hughes. "We do have the best of the best from across the State competing at each of these events. But the Coasties are always here to compete and at the same time turn it into a fun road trip adventure as well”.
“All the titles and trophies collected in the winners circle was a bonus to compliment the fun and successful weekend had by all” said Mr Lamaro.
Congratulations goes out to Riley Millers from the Magenta Shores Golf Club for winning the Peter O'Malley Junior Masters with a marvellous 5 under par total, inluding rounds of 71 & 66.
There was also success in the age divisional events, with Kooindah Waters & The Vintages Harry Preece chasing down Toukley young gun Blake Cranston to win the Under 11’s Boys Divisions. Wyong’s Girls Club Champion Kiara Connolly-Jackson took out the Under 13’s Division, ith Shelly Beach’s duo of Archie Morris and Desiree Herden taking out the title in the Nett Division.
For more information or photos, contact Jason Millers (0423 341 404) or Mick Lamaro (0418 427 102) from the CCDGA.
*Big thanks to Jason Millers for the story!!
