The national junior golf tournament will be played in Cromwell next week, and nearly 60 of the best young golfers from around the country will be competing in the annual Eagles National U17 Boys and Girls Championship.
The Eagles is a charity whose three main aims are to raise funds for the Halberg Foundation’s Activity Fund (which encourages disabled young people to participate in sport), to promote golf and to encourage junior golf.
In a statement, tournament co-ordinator Laurel Brent said teams from 15 provinces around New Zealand would compete and the host region, Otago, was able to invite 12 more players.
"This has been a real bonus for two teens [Xander Geustyn and Riley Gill] who are members of Cromwell Golf Club, along with others from as far afield as Wanaka, Lower Waitaki and Allan Grange clubs," Mrs Brent said.
Everyone would compete for net, stableford and team prizes, but the main focus would be on the boys’ and girls’ gross championship titles and accompanying medals.
"With at least 10 in the field on plus handicaps, the competition should be hotly contested.
"No caddies are allowed, so the youngsters must manage themselves and their own golf games."
There was a Wellington 12-year-old on a scratch handicap and the Otago team had three on plus handicaps.
As well as organising the golf, the Eagles covered all air fares, accommodation, catering, publication of the tournament booklet, golf prizes and medals, with help from the Cromwell Community Board, the Otago Community Trust and Aotearoa Gaming Trust.
Monday would be a practice day, followed by 36 holes on Tuesday and 18 holes on Wednesday morning.
The public are encouraged to watch the young players in action.
