Junior Member Day – Pathway Program

As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the Junior Pathway Program at Glenelg, we hosted our first Junior Member Day during the July school holidays. On Thursday, 17th July, 42 juniors participated in a fun-filled, full-day event. The day began with a team-building putting challenge, where 32 juniors took part in a group activity before splitting into smaller groups to engage in a series of skill-building drills. These included Full Swing, Chipping, Pitching, and Putting, led by PGA Professionals Connor Chant, Ryan Reavley, and Adam Bland.

Following a refuelled lunch after a hard working morning training session, the juniors took part in a 30-minute rules session, presented by Paul Williams and Peter Norman. This session provided valuable insights into the rules of golf, helping the juniors understand key regulations and etiquette to follow during their rounds.

Afterward, the juniors headed out onto the course for a 9-hole Stableford competition, including a 2-Ball Better Ball (2BBB) format and individual Stableford play. Congratulations to Ava Strazdins & Grace Ferrier, and Jackson Owens & Cian Green, who each scored 22 points, winning the 2BBB competition. In the individual Stableford, Jackson Owens took the top spot in the handicap division with 18 points on a countback, edging out Cooper Lessue, also on 18 points. Five additional players with 17 points each received a prize. In the non-handicap group, Noah Taylor claimed victory with 22 points, followed by Jack Eckerman in second with 19 points.

The excitement continued with a Nearest the Pin (NTP) shootout on the driving range—a thrilling test of skill and nerves as all the players watched. Cade Barnes impressed with a perfectly executed pitch shot, landing closest to the pin, while Gareth Thien followed with a strong effort just a bit further away.

In the afternoon, we welcomed 10 Tiger Cubs juniors for a clinic, followed by a friendly 2-team Ambrose competition over six holes. It was fantastic to see these younger players contributing to their teams, building camaraderie and having fun.

The day wrapped up with a wonderful BBQ on the balcony, where juniors and their parents enjoyed great food and even better company. Many juniors left the event with new friends, excited to play together throughout the holidays.

A huge thank you to our sponsors—Titleist, Ping, Schweppes, and the Glenelg Foundation—for their generous support in making this event a success.