It is with great pleasure that I announce the establishment of the Royal Hobart Golf Club Junior Scholarship Program and appointment of the inaugural recipients.
Over the past few years fundraising activities from groups such as the organisers of Bonsey Day and the Senior Golfers’ Society of Tasmania as well as donations from Members have established a kitty that has been set aside for the purposes of advancing junior golf. Additionally, a generous donation from a member, who wishes to remain anonymous, has enabled the creation of a substantial junior golf fund.
Following a significant amount of planning by the Board and its committees, and in particular Alison Sully, Foundation Committee Chair, and consultation with the donor, the Junior Scholarship Program has been formed. The concept behind the Scholarship Program is to provide selected and qualifying juniors the opportunity to advance their golfing careers in addition to assisting them with and encourage them to holistically advance their life and career prospects through ongoing education. The scholarships will be for one year with a value of up to $5,000 and aims to kick start lives of increasing numbers of young people in our community in the years ahead.
The Scholarship Program was launched in early November 2023 via social media and website announcements including Golf Australia and Golf Southern Tasmania. Applications closed on 30 November 2023. 16 applications were received. These applications were reviewed by Golf Committee Chair, Peter Shaw and Golf Committee Member, Brett Walker. A short list of five was selected by Peter and Brett based on the quality of their applications and in some cases, on course observation of their playing ability and demeanour.
The Board considered the recommendations of the review committee, and I am excited to announce that two scholarships have been awarded in 2024, with the inaugural recipients being Eli Monaghan and Oliver Barrett.
Eli is 17 and is an elite junior golfer who currently plays off +4. He is currently a member of the Tasmania Golf Club and has represented them in Division 1 Pennant. He has also been a member of the Southern Metropolitan Thyne Trophy Team and has several tournament wins. Eli is focused on becoming a professional golfer and is planning to use the scholarship funds to assist with travel to mainland golf tournaments which he believes is necessary for his development.
Oliver is 15 and currently plays off 4. He is a member of both Royal Hobart Golf Club and Elderslie Golf Club. He has recently started playing junior tournament golf. He is coached by Scott Laycock. He will most likely use the funds to cover tournament travel costs and coaching.
Eli Monaghan Oliver Barrett
During the interview process, all applicants were required to acknowledge that if they were successful, they were required to be an ambassador for the Junior Scholarship Program and RHGC.
Our intention is to present Eli and Oliver to the members following the competition on Saturday 17 February at around 5pm.
To my knowledge, this is a unique program in the industry in that it will assist youngsters from our community to achieve their golfing goals plus provide a head start in their life’s journey. Down the track the Club will announce opportunities and methods for members to contribute to the fund.
I trust the Scholarship Program will be a source of pride for all members moving forward. Please join me in congratulating Eli and Oliver on their appointment to the Scholarship Program and I am sure we will see them continue to blossom into fine young men both on and off the course.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Denholm
