A century after Don Bradman initiated his legendary practice routine involving a cricket stump, golf ball and a water tank, Jorjah Bailey was practising a training session of her own.
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The Newnham 13-year-old took a liking to golf at the age of five when she first played with her father, who then set her up with a backyard challenge.
“I’d go on the lawn and get a hula hoop and I’d put it on the lawn and hit into the hula hoop,” Bailey said.
“I wasn’t really good at it to start with but I am now.”
The St Patrick’s College student has since represented Tasmania on three occasions including last month when she was called up for the unavailable Zahara Lemon at the national interstate series in Adelaide.
An avid fan of New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko, Bailey’s next target is securing another appearance at the Jack Newton 15-and-under championship.
“In October there’s the Jack Newton qualifying to go to Sydney again and it would be my third year.
“When we went away to the Jack Newton last year, that was our second year and we won the teams event by shooting 21 under.
“Me and my other friend (Ella Murray-Williams) came in the top five out of Australia… she came fifth and I came third.”
Bailey has been a regular on the Mowbray Golf Course for many years – enough to know that her average round time is four hours and 15 minutes.
Boasting a handicap of nine and a top drive of more than 250 metres, her next challenge is to perfect her short game and eventually make it to the pro tour.
“(I’ve been practising) chipping and putting - they’re the two hardest things.
“I want to get my handicap down to three by the end of the year and to turn professional.”
Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
