Australian Junior Amateur: Shyla Singh, Samuel Cascio secure wins
Shyla Singh and Samuel Cascio (Golf Australia Photo)
The final round of the Australian Junior Amateur was poised for high drama, with two players arriving at Gosnells Golf Club today determined to write their own narratives.
Overnight leaders
Samuel Cascio and
Shyla Singh both produced final rounds worthy of their new titles, the 2024 Australian Junior Amateur Champions.
For Queenslander Singh, it was a matter of sticking to her plan of remaining calm and consistent. Coming into the final round with a considerable lead, she didn't have to try to force a score, and her 2-over 73 proved more than enough to earn her the trophy by two shots.
Singh is currently ranked No. 305 in the Golfweek/AmateurGolf.com Women's Rankings.
Singh rode the punches as she couldn’t get a birdie putt to drop, but as her competitors dropped shots, she just kept making pars and her nose in front.
"I'm feeling great. I'm really happy I got it done," she said.
"The nerves kind of eased after the 14th when I had a four or five-shot lead."
It was a different story for New South Welshman Cascio, however. Tied at the top to start the day, Cascio's championship round required a different approach.
He had to set the tone early, and he did just that, producing the equal low round of the week to claim the title by four shots. His 6-under 64 ensured his name would be engraved alongside major winners Adam Scott, Jason Day, and Cameron Smith on the trophy.
"I'm still shaking. I'm just so glad all the hard work paid off," said Cascio.
"I woke up at like six this morning. I felt like I had to vomit. I was pretty nervous.
"I just putted really good. I was just trying to stay calm and play like I always do, but yeah, everything came together."
The wins also mean that Singh and Cascio will get to tee it up alongside some of the names on the new trophies in their possession. Each will book a spot in the Australian Open and receive a cool $1,350 each. This is likely not the last cheque either will receive at the conclusion of a golf tournament.
"I missed the qualifying last year by a shot, so I'm happy to be in the field and get to play with the best pros," said Singh.
While Cascio and Singh both came home with multiple-shot wins, there were late charges on both sides of the draw.
In the girls, playing alongside Singh, both Victorian Amelia Harris and eventual runner-up South Australian Raegan Denton gave Singh a scare at certain points.
At the midway point, Harris got herself within two shots of the lead, and Denton finished hot with birdies at No. 16 and 18, but she left her run too late.
A few groups ahead of Cascio, fellow New South Welshman Kayun Mudadana fired a blistering 6-under 64 to set the clubhouse lead at 5-under, but Cascio never let up.
It was a strong comeback from Mudadana, who had a tough second round, to finish runner-up in the boy's championship.
Looking a chance of a home club fairytale for most of the week, Gosnells local Josiah Edwards had a tough 5-over 75 today.
View results for Australian Junior Amateur
ABOUT THE
Australian Junior Amateur
The Australian Junior Amateur Championship is open to
players aged under 18 years on the first day of play.
The initial field size is 156 players (105 boys and 51
girls), and it is contested over 72-holes stroke play
(with a cut after 54-holes).
View Complete Tournament Information