HOW was your golf game when you were 14 years old? What were you even doing about your future when you were in Year 8?
Unlike most of us, Billie Wrigley of Korumburra is on his way to getting both of those issues sorted.
And this Sunday, October 29, the local golfing fraternity can give him a bit of help along the way by playing in the ‘Billie Wrigley Fundraiser 4-Person Ambrose’ for members and non-members starting at 10am (shotgun start) at the spectacular Korumburra Golf Club, see link below.
Even at this stage, 22 degrees and ‘cloudy’, the weather looks like being ideal.
Billie has been selected among 10 young golfers across Gippsland to raise the level of their game, through access to the development initiatives offered by the Gippsland Sports Academy Golf Program.
The program provides a development pathway for regionally-based athletes. As well as the opportunity to improve his game, he’ll also be introduced to sports science, the psychology of sports performance, and strength and conditioning programs; all essential elements to becoming an elite athlete.
“I’m in Year 8 at Korumburra Secondary College. And I’ve already got a coach. This is something extra around that,” said Billie this week.
“I’ll be going to Gippsland Sports Academy events on the weekends, there’s fitness sessions over at Leongatha during the week with other sports in the academy and we have meetings on Zoom and that sort of thing.
“It’s extra support to help improve your game.”
At 14 years of age, Billie’s game is already good, with his handicap sitting at 8 and a best score of 76 off the stick around the testing par 70 Korumburra Golf Course.
But he’s happy to acknowledge, it’s still very much a work in progress.
“My short game is the best part. I really love my short game. I can see where I want to put it.”
And the rest?
“I get about 230 with the driver,” he said.
Billie has already played in a number of junior golf events, with some success, and he filled in for the top Korumburra pennant team during the year, but he’ll be looking to enter more underage events over the next few years.
And then who knows - LIV Golf, the PGA? Australia is one of the best proving grounds in the world for elite golfers, so the opportunity it definitely there.
The main thing at this stage is Billie really enjoys the game, he’s got potential, the right attitude, and he’s interested to find out where it might take him.
And by being selected in the Gippsland Sports Academy squad, he’ll get some of the support he needs to take it to the next level.
So, golfers, what are you doing next Sunday?
If you would like to play, go to the Korumburra Golf Club website or click the link below to register:
For anyone who can’t attend but wish to make a donation this can be done to account; BSB: 063 515 Acc: 1015 1946.
