Sean Cunningham, Narrandera Argus
Narrandera Public School pupil Braxton Ivanoff was part of the winning New South Wales golf team which was crowned this year’s Team Stroke Champions of the School Sport Australia (SSA) 12 years and under National Golf Championship.
Braxton qualified for the NSW team when he previously finished eighth in the NSW School Sports Association Championship in the Hunter Valley.
The Nationals event was a five-day adventure which took place at Shell Cove Links in Shellharbour and Kiama Golf Club over five days.
SSA National Golf Advisor Lionel Conroy delivered a welcome message to the competitors.
“Some of you will choose to make a career out of this great game and many will continue to play golf for fun, fellowship and the love of the game,” he said.
“All of you will be able to look back on your participation in this National Championship with great pride.
“Indeed, it is an outstanding achievement to be selected to represent your state or territory.
“It may be the launching pad in golf for some new stars, as well as providing happy memories of the friends, supporters and fellow young golfers you will meet during the championships.”
Conroy said a number of leading Australian professional golfers such as Jason Day, Adam Scott, Hannah Green, Geoff Ogilvy and Karrie Webb had all participated in SSA events.
Braxton’s mother Nicole said the first day featured an opening ceremony, followed by a team ambrose event on the second day and the stroke championship on days two and five.
Day four was an excursion day for the young golfers.
“It was a big win overall for the major stoke championship trophy, the ‘Craig Parry champions trophy’,” Nicole said.
“Our NSW boys were tied second behind first place by only one shot and the NSW girls won by eight strokes, so we took out the overall championships.
“The kids were presented with the perpetual Craig Parry Champions Trophy, individual medals, smiles and memories to last a lifetime.”
As well as NSW, young golfers from the Australian Capital Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia featured in the Nationals.
Twelve-year-old Braxton, who “lives and breathes” golf, said it had been an incredible experience being involved in the winning NSW team.
“It was fun,” he said.
“It was really good to spend a week with my mates. I have built some great friendships with my golfing friends, so it was really good to share this week with them.”
“I was proud of myself for making the state team and proud of the work and effort I have put in to my golf to get me to the nationals.
“It has been a goal of mine and I feel extremely proud to be able to say I was in the winning NSW team.”
The Nationals finished last Thursday, but there was no let up for Braxton who left the Illawarra region to travel to Goulburn.
He competed in the Brett Ogle Junior Masters, a 36-hole tournament played last Saturday and Sunday at Goulburn Golf Club.
Braxton recorded another great performance, finishing third in the 13 and under boys’ category.
“Even although he’s still not top age yet, Brax had a goal this year to finish in the top five in his age group at the Brett Ogle,” Nicole said.
“Last year this would have seemed like a bold goal, but he’s been putting in the effort with his practice.
“It’s great self motivation to set yourself goals in life; Brax can now tick this one off his list and set a new goal to work towards.”
The young golfer’s next aim is to reduce his Golf Australia handicap from 4.6 to 3.
This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 21 November 2024.
