Young gun Tom Gill broke through to claim the 2017 Tamworth Golf Club Championship in emphatic fashion. He converted a six-shot lead after two rounds into 11-shot lead after four to stamp himself as an up-and-comer to watch.
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As if studying for the Higher School Certificate (HSC) wasn’t enough, golfer Tom Gill threw work and golfing commitments into his hectic schedule back in October 2017.
After scoring rounds of 75 and 69 – to take a six-shot lead – at the Tamworth Golf Club Championship over the weekend, the youngster went straight to the pro shop for work before preparing for the HSC which started the next day.
While Gill says the heavy load has been tough to handle, he didn’t show any signs of cracking under pressure.
“It’s been pretty difficult,” Gill said of his schedule.
“[I’m doing] a fair bit of study, still working in the shop 27 hours and up in the bar and practice as well.”
“I haven't had much sleep the last five or six days, it’s been pretty full on.”
The support from Gill’s parents definitely helps the youngster.
“They’re on board. Whatever I do, they’re there to support me,” Gill said.
While Gill’s focus during the week was on the HSC, when the following weekend rolled around, his focus shifted, laser-like, as he blitzed the field in the final two rounds of the championship.
Gill was simply “too good” – his four-round total of five-over 285 was 11 strokes better than runner-up David Hamilton, who was attempting to win his fourth club championship.
Gill, the junior club champion in 2016, closed with a final round even-par 70. His best score was a one-under 69 in the third round on Saturday.
“There’s some illustrious names on the trophy. It feels good to win,” Gill said.
“I was hitting the ball really well leading up to the championships. I didn’t do much practice beforehand. Sort of had a break and came back fresh, which was nice.”
Gill does not plan to go to university – golf is his priority.
Post-school, he plans to continue working at the Tamworth Golf Club’s pro shop and its bar while playing leading amateur tournaments.
“I'd like to play golf for a living but it'll be a tough slog,” he said.
Having taken up golf at “about eight or nine”, he rates his short game as his biggest weapon and hopes to hit the ball longer as his body develops.
