January 2025 www.insidegolf.com.au CLUB NEWS 40 A club champion – at 11 SHE’S a mere 11-years-old – and already a club champion at one of the toughest golf courses in Sydney, the exclusive Monash Country Club on Sydney’s northern beaches. And don’t for one minute think that Mingming Lee’s stunning victory was a fluke. This youngster defied tradition as she missed just one fairway in the 35 holes played as she toppled five-time club champion Ali Gatland with an amazing 2/1 win. Michael Court michael@insidegolf.com.au Not bad for a fanatical young golfer who was yet to celebrate her 12th birthday. Gatland could afford to smile after the contest as she had also played superb golf but couldn’t hold off the stoic young Lee, who is also a teammate on the Monash women’s grade pennant team. Obviously Mingming is the youngest player ever to win the women’s club championship but this young lady, who took up golf during Covid-19, when she was a mere seven-yearsold because “there was nothing else to do”, suddenly found herself obsessed with golf. Mingming Lee (right) with another Monash protege Chloe Bell and US PGA Tour player and Monash member Cameron Davis. Mingming Lee with the Monash Country Club women’s trophy. Especially given she fired the best two rounds, finishing at threeover par and included in that was a fabulous round of three-under par at the testing Shell Cove course on the NSW South Coast. “I also love playing in the Jack Newton Junior Golf events,” she said. While her handicap has been as low as three, she had ‘blown out’ to 4.1 at Monash as this edition went to press. Can I remind you she is just 11-years-old? Back to the club championships and Gatland was out of the boxes with a great start and took an early three-up lead. “I love golf because I get to play with lots of people and enjoy the social fun and to chat with members,” Mingming told Monash GM John Harrison. “I also think the men are funny when they get angry at their bad shots. “I do love playing matchplay golf though because it is one-on-one. “And I’ve learned a lot playing in the Monash Grade team and also our club’s junior pennant team.” It’s hardly surprising that Lee’s favourite golfer is Tiger Woods, but she is also a big fan of Monash member Cameron Davis, the club’s former pennants star who is now a two-time winner on the US PGA Tour. “Cameron let me walk around at Monash and watch him when he played here a couple of years ago,” said Mingming. “I like watching some of the women pros in action as well; I like Nelly Korda, Min Jee Lee and Atthaya Thitikul.” With such a mature outlook on the game, Mingming admits she would one day love to go on and become a professional - like her heroes. The favourite part of her game is driving, which is hardly surprising given her accuracy off the tee. “I would also like to make the NSW state team,” she said. And while winning the club championships was a massive buzz, Mingming said representing NSW in the 12-years and under State Schools Championship when NSW beat the other states also gave her a huge kick. Then Mingming found her range and won four holes in a row to be one-up after the first 18 holes. Then Gatland hit back with birdies at the 26th (their eighth hole) and the 27th (ninth) to have the match all square through 27 holes. Mingming then made a superb birdie on their 31st (13th) hole after hitting her second in for a tap-in birdie to get the match to two-up in her favour. From that point Mingming held on to win after both players hit tee shots on to the 35th (17th) with a par good enough to seal the result. • 9 Hole Par 3 Golf • Lessons by PGA Professionals • Pitch and Putt • 38 Years in the making • Relaxed and affordable • Renovated tees and greens • Quick to play • BBQ area • Sydney’s Southern Beaches • Functions available SYLVANIA PAR 3 GOLF 223b Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania Waters NSW 2224 PH: (02) 9540 1669 Australia’s Top-Ranked 9-Hole Golf Course An unforgettable golfing experience in the stunning Byron/Ballina Hinterland. Enjoy the luxury of Zoysia grass, tee to green, providing pristine playing surfaces across the course. Social every day. Open for membership. Bookings Essential. 1684 Eltham Road, Teven NSW 2478 0429 835 935 admin@tevengc.com tevenvalleygolfcourse.com.au
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