It was almost a case of ‘anything you can do, I can do better’ when Wagga’s Josie Currie returned home from the Pacific School Games in Adelaide with a silver medal.
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She was a part of the NSW primary school team which finished second in golf’s 12 years and under teams event.
It took a big performance from the Blues team on the final day to knock Victoria out of second spot. But they responded under the pressure and secured the silver (behind Queensland, who held a clear lead heading into the last round).
“You kind of forget about (the pressure) while you’re playing but at the end, we were all excited when they said, ‘third place – Victoria,” Josie said.
She was among many thrilled by the scale of the Games which featured athletes from as far afield as India and the Philippines, competing in 11 sports.
“It was really good, especially the opening ceremony because all the kids (from all sports) were there,” Josie said. “It was huge.”
The silver medal put Josie one up on brother Hugo, who was part of the NSW team which collected bronze at the national under 15 championships in Sydney last month.
Hugo finished fifth individually in the boys’ overall net category but said the focus at nationals was primarily on team performance.
“It’s definitely a change (playing in team event),” Hugo said. “Most of the time you’re playing by yourself and against yourself. So it adds a bit more competitiveness and you’re really trying to win it for the team as well.”
The nationals was a two-round tournament in the week of the Australian Open, where he got to meet a multiple majors winner in Jordan Spieth.
When it comes to the dream, following in the footsteps of those pros is the ideal. But he’s keeping a level head.
“If I got an opportunity, I’d want to become a professional, like Jordan Spieth,” Hugo said.
“But I need to have a back-up plan, like doing well at school and that, because the chances of that are not high.”
More immediate goals are about lowering his handicap and featuring in stroke, rather than net, categories.
He’s just lowered his handicap to 14, one better than Josie, who plays off 15.
Hugo said there’s always a bit of competition to see who shoots the lowest when they play in the Country Club Saturday comp.
But these siblings aren’t all about rivalry. They’re quick to point out each other’s strengths.
“Her putting. And she’s straight off the tee,” Hugo said. Josie points out his ability to hit long is an advantage.
Both are coached by Country Club professional, Kurt Stegbauer, who said it’s a thrill to have two nationals medallists from the Wagga club.
“It’s good fun for the kids, it’s exciting to see them developing. But all the credit goes to them. They’re the ones hitting the shots. I’m just guiding and assisting them,” Stegbauer said.
“They work really hard on their game, they’re here most afternoons practicing and honing their skills.”
The pair will relax a little over Christmas with their next priority being the Jack Newton Junior Golf Masters in Wagga in February.