Blake Windred (Golf NSW)

The Australian Golf Club Champion sits at 8 under par through two rounds after carding a 4-under par 67 second round with an almost faultless ball striking performance as the medal event reached the 36 hole half-way mark.

“I missed one green all day. I rolled couple of putts in but left a few out there. I’m happy with four under par.” Windred said. “I just had to stay patient.”

The Australian Golf Club Champion posted 5 birdies and a solitary bogey today in benign conditions. His 135 total was also good enough to take out Champion of Club Champions event as well. He’s looking forward to the final 36 holes and going into the match play section of the tournament.

“I’m Stroking the putter really nicely and reading the greens here well. If I stay patient it will all fall into place tomorrow.”

Windred has been pretty happy with his performances in the last month or so since stepping up to the senior ranks after an impressive junior career. He realises however that the opposition is getting harder as he climbs the golfing ranks.

“It’s a much better standard of player now, I feel that my game’s there though, so I know I can compete.”Windred finished his junior career with a second place finish in the Aaron Baddeley international in San Diego late last year. A result he was thrilled with at the time. Since then he’s been ironing out a few things in his mental approach to the game

“I’ve touched up a few things and I’m learning about my game a bit more. I feel my game has come a long way mentally. So it’s been good to test it out in these big tournaments.”

His goal for 2016 is to practice hard and hopefully get a chance to play the big amateur tournaments overseas. The Aaron Baddeley international was the first time the Novocastrian had ever been to the US and he’s keen to learn more about his game by competing around the globe.

“Hopefully I’ll get over to the UK and the States this year or next. I need to gain more experience and see what the best players in the world do.” He laughed

Day One Coverage

Golf NSW players have got of to a good start after round one of the NSW Amateur Championships at Lynwood Country Club and Riverside Oaks Golf Resort today.

The Australian Golf Club’s Kevin Yuan made easy work of Lynwood Country Club, posting an error free round of 7-under par 65, including 7 birdies.

“I hit it really good. I’m really happy with my play.” Yuan Said.

The Sydneysider hit all 18 greens in regulation, and with the exception of another putt or two could have gone even lower.

“I had good birdie chances all day. I’m driving the ball well. My iron play is solid. My game was good all round.”

“I’ll try to back it up with a good round tomorrow hopefully.” Avondale Golf Club’s Harrison Endycott, fresh from his victory in the Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship last week posted a solid 4-under par 67 in the afternoon half of the NSW Amateur draw.

Endycott carded 7 birdies and 3 bogeys in an solid round, leaving him in a tie for 4th position.

“I got off to a working start… just kept to my game plan today and tried to be patient.”

“I wasn’t finding it too easy to knock putts in but I managed to plug away and finished with birdie/ birdie to finish.”

Mark Panopoulos holes out on the 18th. He had a hole in on on the 14th during rd 1 of the NSW Amateur.

The Women’s 72-hole stroke play leader board is dominated by international visitors.

Korean Ga-Young Lee leads the tournament after carding a 7-under par round of 67 at the Lynwood Country Club.

Behind her is a group of four players tied for second spot, including her countrywomen Hye-Jin Choi, Hae-An Yoo, Gyo-rin Park, alongside Taiwanese golfer Tze-Pan Lin on 6-under par.

The best placed Australian women are The Australian Golf Club’s Celina Yuan and Gabriela Ruffels of Victoria.

Round two begins tomorrow at 7am with the Mens Champion of Champions and Women’s Stroke play Medal moving to the Riverside Oaks Resort, while the Men’s Amateur competitors play their second round at Lynwood Country Club.