10 Feb 2021 | National Championships |

Meaburn stuns rivals with record romp

by Mark Hayes

#AusAm live scoring

--------------------------------------------------

Some thought the women’s Australian Amateur Championship could become a race in four.

They forgot to tell Hallie Meaburn.

The 17-year-old Tasmanian, the next wave of one of Australia’s most successful golfing families, will take a two-stroke lead into the third round at Kooyonga tomorrow after plundering a course record on the famous layout today.

Her five-under-par 67 was made even more meritorious with the stumble of many of the pre-event favourites who’d dominated day one, but couldn’t match the Royal Hobart flyer in searing Adelaide heat.

Meaburn, the granddaughter of amateur legend Lindy Goggin and niece of former PGA Tour player Matt Goggin, hit four consecutive approaches to within 1m to start her round with a bang and then cruised home to lead at three under.

She’s out by two strokes from Gold Coaster Hyejun Park (73) and Australian No.1 Grace Kim (75), with Kirsten Rudgeley (75) another shot back in fourth and Doey Choi (75) a further two back.

“Yeah, it was a very nice start,” the modest Maeburn said.

“(The best thing was) that none of the putts on the first four holes were over three feet.

“I gave myself a lot more chances to hole putts today and then putted much better, too, so yeah, I’m pretty happy with that.”

Park, Kim and Choi all looked poised to strike at times in their second rounds, but Rudgeley was largely on the defensive after some early bogeys.

But the rising West Australian talent scrapped as only good players can to stay in the hunt with a pair late birdies.

“I’m still in there. Not too far back and hopefully just play a little better tomorrow and make a putt or two,” Rudgeley said.

Hallie Meaburn sets the amateur course record at Kooyonga. Photo: David Brand
Hallie Meaburn sets the amateur course record at Kooyonga. Photo: David Brand

Join our newsletter

Get weekly updates on news, golf tips and access to partner promotions.

Related News

Golf Australia NEW LOGO White Mono_logo
Join our newsletter

Get weekly updates on news, golf tips and access to partner promotions!