YOUR SPORT with Michael Lee

Back to the clubs?

Back in March we brought you a story on Illawarra District Golf Associations (IDGA) decision to deny the scores of 3 female players Emma Gassman, Elle Sandek and Cassie Oliver) wishing to compete in the junior pennant competition.

The matter was to be heard at an IDGA board meeting in early April and they have decided to take the matter back to the clubs for a decision.

IDGA Captain Mr John Hitchcock, sets the record straight

The meeting earlier this month was attended by the larger golf clubs in the region. The President, on behalf of the executive, made the decision to move the matter to July to ensure attendance by smaller clubs, who will be most effected in terms of player numbers if the decision is passed. He said.

The meeting will take place at Kiama in July. So what is set to be heard at the meeting? The girls scores will not count this year as the Junior Pennant competition has finished and the winners awarded. Clubs will vote on wether girls will be eligible to represent their clubs in future junior pennant competition.

Shellharbour Links Golf Professional, Mr Nigel Spence remains astounded by the whole thing.

I really hope they come to a decision that is in the best interests of the game. The traditions are set in Australia, the professionals have the experience yet have little say in the decisions that are made he said.

As for the players, the process has helped them for the long term and Elle actually beat a the number one ranked junior in the district. They are mature enough to just get on with what they love doing which is to play golf and if the right decision isnt made here in the Illawarra, then we may have created more opportunities for other areas to make positive changes he added

It works in Mollymook, it works in Catalina, in fact ask any golf Professional in the country and I am sure they would support the inclusion of female players in the competition.

It makes them better players, improves their game and Shellharbour Links have seen first hand that the male players share a mutual respect for the girls in their team.

They ought to, as the girls were ranked 1, 2 and 3.

As for an apology, the girls are just happy to ensure this never happens again.

Spence urges IDGA to make a decision and be proud of that decision. Golf Australia made a decision, a decision to form an organization that promotes the game to men, to women, the social golfer, and elite professionals. Promotion is great, the proof of Golf Australias success will be in participation, something not to be limited but encouraged to anyone wishing to play.

So let the girls play&

?

TYLER CHAPPELL

Is having an Eater holidays to remember. The 12 year old, from Gerringong is currently in New Zealand as a member of the NSW under 13 Baseball team, competing in the first annual Oceania Baseball Tournament.

Tyler is a catcher and the four-day tour will see him pitted against teams from the north and south islands of New Zealand, Queensland and New Caledonia.

The former Kiama Braves star now plays in Sydney for the Cronulla Sutherland club and has a string of representative credits already on his resume including south coast PSSA, Illawarra where he was part of the team, which won the NSW Country Baseball Championships this year all paving the way for his first state team.

Tyler recalls opening the letter that confirmed his selection.

I was pretty happy and couldnt believe it. I first played just to try it and I like fielding and catching.

Currently in year 7 at Kiama high, Chappell already has a clear picture of what he wants to achieve.

I want to finish School and get a scholarship for a college and then play in the Majors. Tyler is listening to all the right people and rates advice from Australian second baseman, Kevin Fingleson, as the best he has received.

He said stay at School, you cant control the uncontrollable and practice makes perfect he added.

Tylers trip to New Zealand wouldnt be possible without support from Keith Mitchell of Bosco Accounting at Nowra, an avid supporter of junior baseball.

?