Entries now open for Cameron Smith Junior Classic

Entries have opened for the 2021 Cameron Smith Junior Classic (CSJC) – one of South-East Queensland’s biggest tournaments for young golfers.

The Classic, in its fifth year, will be on Friday December 10 at Wantima Country Club, in Brendale – where Smith learned to play.

Now based in America on the US PGA Tour, Smith is world ranked 22 after one victory and two second places in the last 12 months.

That included runner-up in the US Masters as the only player in history to shoot all four rounds below 70 at Augusta and representing Australia in the Tokyo Olympic Games.

However, ‘home’ is still in this region where Smith grew up (Bray Park) and went to school (Pine Rivers State High School).

“This tournament is so important to me,” the 28-year-old said. “It’s a great day and something I am passionate about.

“I love seeing young players having fun and enjoying playing at Wantima Country Club.”

This year’s event, the fifth CSJC, which began in 2017, is open to under 18 male and female players with a GA (Golf Australia) handicap.

It is also the first qualifying event for the 2022 Greg Norman Junior Masters, and will again be held over 18 holes of stroke play with a single tee start at 7.30am.

There will be a maximum 140 entries, cost $35 and trophies for the overall boys and girls’ champions. Registration closes on December 5.

Ken McKay, the former junior co-ordinator at Wantima who devised the CSJC, said registrations started rolling in within hours of opening.

“I’m so glad we can put this event on,” said McKay, who co-ordinates the Classic, “we (golf) have been very lucky with COVID, not being a close-contact sport.”

McKay said border restrictions may still stop players coming from interstate, but negotiations are underway with a major sponsor.

For more on the Cameron Smith Junior Classic and to register for the event click here: golf.org.au/events#/competition/2749571/info