MacManus, Kang win Greg Norman Junior Masters

BY iseekgolf.com | Junior Golf Tour | 2006 Greg Norman Junior Masters | Wrap | 14 Dec 2006

Australian and Queensland Junior representative Tarquin MacManus (Pacific) and Korean golfer Haeji Kang (Surfers Paradise) have been crowned 2006 Greg Norman Junior Masters Champions after superb individual performances over the last 4 days on the River Course at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club.

MacManus was the outstanding male player over the 72 holes and finished 8 shots clear of his nearest rival, fellow Australian and Queensland teammate, Daniel Nisbet (Caboolture). MacManus’ third round of 64 (-8) yesterday set up his victory and was the highlight of the Tounament. His superb round was the lowest round in the Tournament’s history, and was only one shot from the course record of 63 (-9) set by professional, Ken Druce. He finished with rounds of 67.74.64.71 for a 72 hole total of 276 (-12) which was an impressive display for the 17 year old who has just completed his year 12 schooling at Kelvin Grove State College.

Nisbet performed well again this week to cap off a superb year in which he recently won the Australian Junior Order of Merit. Finishing a further 2 shots back was the World Junior Champion, Matthew Giles (The Australian) who shot the lowest round today with a 69 (-3). Lincoln Tighe (Bonnie Doon) finished tied fourth with Jason Scrivener on 289 ( 1). Interestingly, Tighe overcame a stolen set of golf clubs after his 1st round on Monday to play the last 54 holes in a remarkable one under par with a borrowed set of clubs.

The girls section of the Championship was a closer contest, with Haeji Kang (Surfers Paradise) outlasting upcoming young star, Cecelia Nha (Lakelands). Kang amazingly shot a second round of 80, however her closing two rounds of 68 (-5) and 69 (-4) proved decisive and showed the talent and strength of the young woman.

Kang played in last week’s NSW Women’s Open finishing leading amateur and 5th overall, capping off a fantastic 8 days for the young Robina State High School student who has just completed grade 11.

Nha will be disappointed with her last 9 holes today after making the turn in 35 (-2). At the time she lead Kang by one shot however played her back nine in 41 ( 5) which proved costly in the end, finishing 4 behind the champion, Kang.

In the third place in the overall Girls Championship was Japanese golfer and overnight leader Mami Kamata (Southport) who finished with a disappointing 78 ( 5) today to complete the 72 holes in 294 ( 2). A further three shots back on 297 ( 5) was Western Australia Whitney Hiller (Joondalup) after a closing 76 ( 3) today.

The Greg Norman Junior Masters is one of the biggest events on the Australian Junior golfing calendar and 2006 is the 16th hosting of the event, with the past 14 at the Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club.

Held in 3 age groups in both the boys and girls divisions, players qualify throughout the year, and all look forward to the experience. The Greg Norman Golf Foundation plays a large role in the development of young golfers from the grass roots level and the Junior Masters plays a pivotal role in the development of our stars of tomorrow.
Scores in each age group are attached.

Source – QGU