2025 Illawarra Junior Masters to Be Held at The Links Shell Cove
Some of the best young golfers in NSW, ACT and QLD will make their way to The Links for the 2025 Illawarra Junior Masters on Tuesday 22 and Wednesday 23 April.
Caption: The Links Shell Cove Golf Course. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council.
Organised by Jack Newton Junior Golf (JNJG), the tournament will see 164 talented players aged 11-17 compete in a 36-hole stroke-play event. Winners will be crowned in each age group, as well as an overall champion.
This is the sixth year The Links has hosted the event, continuing its strong partnership with JNJG and commitment to junior sport.
"We're excited to welcome players, their families and supporters from all over the state to our beautiful city," Mayor Homer said.
"Shellharbour has so much to offer, from our stunning coastline to our friendly community. We're proud to be the host club for an event that celebrates young talent and encourages active, healthy lifestyles."
To get ready for the tournament, the team has been busy preparing the course to make sure it's in top shape. The course will close for half a day prior to the event so staff can give the fairways, greens and bunkers a final manicure.
Volunteers from the club will also be out on the course during the event to help players find balls, guide them around, and ensure they are safe to start the field.
"The Greenkeeper team here at The Links was willing to work additional hours over Easter to ensure the best golfing experience possible for the next generation of players," said Assistant Course Coordinator Simon Pryde.
"We love seeing the junior players taking up the challenge out on the course. We look forward to hosting another successful event this year and are always keen to watch the future of the game developing." The event is open to the public and all are welcome to come cheer on the players and experience the amazing facilities on offer.
The event also highlights The Links' junior development initiatives, which include regular coaching clinics and structured programs to help young players build skill and confidence. The Illawarra region will be well represented at this year's event, with a strong line-up of local junior golfers ready to take on the challenge. NSW State Team Member Zac Oyston from Wollongong is a rising star, having recently placed in the Top 20 at the Australian Junior Amateur and won the 16 Years Division at the Fore Golf Junior Matchplay.
He'll be joined by a talented group of local golfers, including Mimi Thomsen (Wollongong, age 15, handicap 0), Charlie Kerr (Wollongong, age 15, handicap 2), Jaidon Kyriacou (Port Kembla, age 15, handicap 3), and Sage Laird (Kiama, age 16, handicap 3), all showcasing the next generation of local talent.
"We are excited to be back at the Links Shell Cove for the Illawarra Junior Masters. This is always one of our biggest and most popular events on the tournament calendar," said Jack Newton Junior Golf Tournament Coordinator Ethan Keane.
"The course is always immaculate, the hospitality is unreal, and the environment of the club is second to none. Last year's winner shot an impressive 11 under par. We can't wait to see what our talented juniors can do this year."
The Illawarra Junior Masters is part of a broader calendar of JNJG events that give young golfers across NSW opportunities to compete, develop and connect.
