Golf springs into APS sport
Wesley students have been hitting the pool, track and now the green for the APS Spring Sport season, competing in the newest sport offering: golf. The sport has been introduced as a third Spring sports choice for 2023, alongside Water Polo and Athletics.
It’s exciting news for Kasi, who is in Year 4 at Wesley. Though he only recently picked up the clubs, Kasi has already competed in the world’s largest junior golf tournament, the U.S. Kids Golf Championship, and the Future Champions Golf Callaway World Championship, which were incredible international experiences for him.
‘The APS spring season is great preparation for competitions, as through every competition, I gain more confidence and experience,’ says Kasi. ‘I am extremely proud to represent Wesley as the school and coaches have supported me throughout my golf journey. I look forward to being part of the APS Golf team for many years to come.’
The golf program is being led by Tom Duggan, Elsternwick Campus Sport Manager, who is himself an accomplished golfer. Tom, a scratch golfer (lowest handicap of +2), was ranked in the top 50 amateur golfers in the UK in 2012 and represented Cambridgeshire and Essex County golf teams at the national level before moving to Australia. He still plays regularly and was most recently a Victorian golf Metro Pennant player for Woodlands and Riversdale Golf Club.
Tom has played golf since he was 8 years old and is keen to provide opportunities for students to learn about and experience the game he loves. ‘Golf ticks all the boxes – it’s challenging and extremely good for your mental health. While you are essentially playing against yourself, it pushes you to always improve. It’s also one of the only sports where a complete beginner can play against someone of a higher ability, due to the handicap system. It provides challenge for all.’
Kasi concurs: ‘Golf is a great sport for every generation and any skill level.’
Interest in golf has only increased in recent years. Pro golfers like Roy McIllroy, one of Kasi's heros, are inspiring a new generation. ‘A number of clubs across Victoria already have Junior Pennant teams,’ Tom adds, and there were strong levels of interest from students at APS schools.
‘We’re in a fortunate geographic position at Wesley, having our three campuses within close proximity to the famous ‘Melbourne Sandbelt’. Those courses are some of the best in the world,’ explains Tom. ‘How lucky are we!’
The final round of the season is on Sunday 29 October.
