Golf: Teen welcomes chance to help young teammates

Wanganui Golf Club teenager Fergus Smith will play in the Junior Interprovincial representative tournament this week in Cambridge. PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

Most golfers are driven by personal goals but Wanganui teenager Fergus Smith is looking forward to playing the tournament where his contribution goes towards a greater good.

The 15-year-old has been chosen in the Manawatu-Wanganui Under-16 boys' team to contest the Junior Interprovincial at the Cambridge Golf Club, starting tomorrow.

The Wanganui Golf Club member will be the only local representative across the Under-16 and U19 boys' teams.

Previously a competitive swimmer with the Wanganui Swimming Club, where he performed well at national age group level, Smith began to take his golf more seriously two years ago, after first going out for a hit around the course with his dad.

"I try to get out here most days after school," he said.

Now on a 10 handicap, the teenager earned his first golf representative call-up after a series of consistent performances at various club events in the region.

"The junior development officer for Manawatu golf pointed me to the right tournaments that would be looked at for selection."

Manawatu-Wanganui will play the first of their six matchplay games tomorrow, with the best teams making the final on Friday.

"The team aspect is more focused, not just on yourself," said Smith.

"I'd like to help the team with winning a few matches, that's the No1 goal."

Meanwhile, the Manawatu-Wanganui junior girls' team will be going away to their Junior Interprovincial in Rotorua next week.

There are three Wanganui players in the six-strong squad - Amber-Rose Thompson-Newth who plays alongside sisters Tara Raj and Kyra Garrett.