JANUARY 11-16: JNJGF "Bush to City Metro Camp"
Sun 11: XPT from Dubbo 2.10pm arrive Central 8.48pm
Mon 12: AM: Golf range and video work with Eddie Emerson and Khan Pullen at Cullen's Golf Driving Range. PM: Game at NSW Golf Course
Tue 13: AM: Fitness at Loftus Tafe GYM, Golf Range PM: Game at St Michaels Golf Course
Wed 14: Junior Classic Tournament at Ashlar Golf Course
Thur 15: AM: Sightseeing around Darling Harbour PM: Game at Woolooware Golf Course
Fri 16: XPT from Central 7.10am return to Dubbo 1.40pm see report

'Bush to City' Metro Camp 11th-16th January 2009

Eight young junior boys (ranging in age 12yrs-15yrs) from Cobar, Nyngan, Warren, Coonamble and Dunedoo were invited to participate in the JNJGF 'Country Junior Golf' program under the watchful eye of Senior Teaching Golf Professional Eddie Emerson of St Michael's Golf Club.

Coordinator Sharon Nott from JNJGF and supervisor Rhonda Connelly, from Warren, brought the boys down on the XPT train from Dubbo and were able to put the new JNJGF 12 seater bus to good use as they moved around Sydney.

Staying at Cronulla cabins the boys made the most of any free time hitting the beach and getting the occasional wipe out trying to body surf (the Macquarie River hasn't quiet got the same waves for training!!) Monday morning saw a session at Cullen's Golf Driving Range, La Perouse, with Eddie and Khan Pullen from JNJGF, followed by a game at NSW Golf Course.

Tuesday morning was at Loftus Tafe with Brad Marshall the Manager of the fully equipped gym who took the boys through the appropriate training session for a young golfer as well as the courses and jobs available in the recreational industry through TAFE. This was followed by a tour of the Sutherland Aquatic Leisure Centre, which was a little up market from the 25m pools the boys are use to. In the afternoon the boys again made the most of spectacular coastal scenery with a game at St Michael's.

An evening meal at Yarra Bay Sailing Club and more swimming was a nice way to end the day as the sun set over the water.

Wednesday was a Junior Classic game at Ashlar Golf Club were Barry Walbancke and his team gave the country kids a warm welcome. The course was in A1 condition and the boys thoroughly enjoyed the challenge playing in a field of some 100 juniors.

With football big in the country it was down to the Sharkies for dinner.

Thursday morning was a sightseeing day and given the extreme temperatures it was straight to the Royal N.P. for some canoeing and swimming at Bundeena and the Port Hacking River.

Drummond Golf at Taren Point got a visit followed by a game and dinner at Woolaaware Golf Club. A chance meeting with Ewen Porter out having a social round was an added bonus for the boys.

Friday morning the team was up at 4am to catch the train to take us back west over the great divide. Memories of a great week, great friendships and great experiences were captured in the last song on the radio as we cleared the bus - 'Four Non Blonde' - 'What's Going On' everyone had had PLENTY going on!!

A special thanks to the Far West Academy of Sport who arranged coach and train transport to Sydney, the many people behind the scene who assisted with planning and providing venues, parents and grandparents who not only had a whole lot of washing to do after the camp but got the boys to the station, to Rhonda Connelly for putting up her hand to assist and the boys themselves who showed their enthusiasm and support for the whole week (including washing up duties!!).

I'm sure Eddie Emerson is planning his next Fund Raising Day in September to ensure the camp goes ahead next year and provide another group of young country junior golfers the experience of some city life and A1 golf course(with grass greens!!)

Sharon Nott JNJGF Country Development Officer


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