Sean Cunningham, Narrandera Argus

Narrandera Public School pupil Braxton Ivanoff has accomplished another number of remarkable achievements in his golfing career.

Braxton, who has been playing golf for about three years, recently represented the Riverina School Sports Association, competing in the NSW School Sports Association Championship in the Hunter Valley.

The 12-year-old’s mother Nicole said her son had realised a few of his dreams during the junior golfing event, which resulted in his team being crowned state champions and the young golfer securing a place in the National Championships next month.

“On day one of the championship the team was divided up into 2.5 Ambrose teams,” Nicole said.

“We had 10 kids in our team this year which was amazing sharing this experience with a full team.

“Braxton captained the Riverina 1 team and they finished with an amazing 68 – 3 under par, nett 53.125, which was enough to have their team crowned as the NSW Primary Schools Ambrose Nett Champions.

“The final day of the 36-hole competition saw our Riverina team perform solidly achieving our best ever placing at the carnival.”

Nicole said Braxton’s ultimate goal for the week was to play well enough to be selected in the NSW State team to play at the National Championship in November.

Playing off a current Golf Australia handicap of 5.7, Braxton did exactly that, with his golfing performance helping him to realise his dream of competing in next month’s event featuring young golfers from throughout Australia.

“He finished eighth in the state and he is able to tick this goal off his list as he now prepares for the Nationals with the NSW team,” Nicole said.

“To top the week off Braxton was also awarded the Riverina Medal for his leadership, commitment and teamwork across his three years in the team. All in all, it was a fabulous week.”

The Illawarra region has been chosen to host the National Championships this year.

The event will take place at Shell Cove Links in Shellharbour and Kiama Golf Club from Sunday, November 10 to Thursday. November 14.

Exact details have not yet been released however the format is likely to feature an opening ceremony on the first day followed by an Ambrose event the following day.

The third day will see the Championship first round and day four will include a half-day excursion.

The event will climax on day five with the Championship round two.

Braxton backed up this week and is again at the Hunter Valley playing in the four-day Jack Newton International.

Nicole said the event was “by far” the biggest junior golf tournament in Australia, featuring 511 junior golfers – 357 boys and 154 girls from 15 different countries. 

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 3 October 2024.