Youngster excels in Junior Tiger event

Young Wanganui Golf Club member Tara Raj joined an elite few from her district to push for national honours in the Junior Tiger tournament on Sunday.

Playing alongside 76 other junior golfers at the Levin club, Tara was one of four regional qualifiers from the Manawatu/Wanganui District who will now go onto the national final at the Manawatu Golf Club on April 17.

Quality of players at the large tournament varies from first-timers to those who have already experienced some national success.

The 9-year-old Tara, who learned the game at Belmont, won the Under 11 girls grade by nine shots. Also qualifying in the Under 11 and Year 12-14 grades were Rose Wu (Palmerston North Golf Club) and Manawatu Golf Club's Mitchell Procter and Greg Shaw.

New Zealand Golf started the 2013 Junior Tiger over the weekend at clubs all around the country. Those who win at the national finals have the chance to got to the United States and represent New Zealand in the World Junior Golf Championship. Since the series was introduced in 2009 it has proven to be a very popular initiative.

NZ Golf high performance co-ordinator Liz McKinnon said there are a number of players who have gone on from Junior Tiger to greater honours.

"Lydia Ko is a great example who was a national winner in 2009 and is now the world No1 women's amateur."

Every junior golfer who entered the qualifiers goes into the draw to win a trip to Disneyland with a family member courtesy of Harvey World Travel.