Ripper boost for Junior Classic

Pictured above: Cameron Smith - courtesy of LIV Golf

Entries have opened for the 2024 Cameron Smith Junior Classic (CSJC), which is being supported by one of the world’s major golf tours.

LIV Golf, the global league and Cameron Smith’s Ripper GC, which won this year’s LIV Team Championship (see below), are backing the CSJC at Wantima Country Club, in Brendale.

It is believed the Junior Classic - on December 5-6 again with 36-hole and 9-hole events - will be the only Australian tournament, outside LIV Golf Adelaide, to be backed by LIV and Ripper GC.

With LIV and Ripper GC's support, the eighth CSJC is also believed to have the biggest collection of prizes and giveaways for a junior event in this country.

“We put a proposal to Cameron and LIV,” said Ken McKay, co-ordinator of the Junior Classic with Shane Johnsson.

“Cam’s manager Ian took that proposal to London and presented it to him. Feedback was Cam was thrilled with what we were proposing.

“We asked for a couple of products and they have gone above and beyond. 

"Ian and Cam have been right behind us from day dot.”

Ken said the proposal was forwarded to LIV Golf, with a verbal response and then written confirmation arriving in September.

“It’s huge for this event,” co-ordinator Shane Johnsson said.

“An added bonus is QUS, an insurance brokerage company, came on board last year as a minor sponsor. This year they have stepped up and tripled their sponsorship.

“Since COVID we have managed to maintain our level, but not had the sponsorship to make sure the kids get the benefit.

“Now people coming on board, such as LIV and Ripper GC, will help us go that next level.”

The 2024 CSJC will again be a two-day 36-hole event with a maximum 152 entries and a one-day nine-hole event for 72 players. The latter is sponsored by Residential Building Inspections Qld.

Entries opened on October 14, for players aged under 18 on December 5, 2024 and with a Golf Australia (GA) handicap or overseas equivalent.

The CSJC is again a qualifier for the Greg Norman Junior Masters - and event Cameron Smith won three times.

Full details of the two events and registrations are on the Cameron Smith Junior Classic Facebook page – click here.

Registrations are through Mitournament. Click here

LIV Adelaide pictures by Shane Johnsson

Cameron Smith is expected to be at the Junior Classic which follows his Australian tour, which starts with the Queensland PGA at Nudgee Golf Club on October 31-November 3.

He then plays the NSW Open on November 14-17, Australian PGA at Royal Queensland November 21-24 and Australian Open in Victoria on November 28-December 1.

Now based in the US, Cameron Smith grew up in Bray Park and went to Pine Rivers State High School. He learned to play golf at Wantima and is still a member of the club.

Two years ago he won the 150^th Open Championship at St Andrews and Players’ Championship, dubbed the fifth Major, to reach second on the world rankings.