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From Kiama to the Australian PGA Championship: Wil Daibarra’s journey to the big leagues
From Kiama to the Australian PGA Championship: Wil Daibarra’s journey to the big leagues

28 November 2024, 7:00 PM

From teaching lessons at Kiama Golf Club to competing against some of the world’s best at the BMW Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club, 22-year-old Wil Daibarra is representing Kiama on the world stage.Daibarra earned his spot in the prestigious event after a remarkable victory at the National Associate Championship on November 17, coming from six shots behind the leader to claim the title.As the winner, Daibarra earned the opportunity to compete in the BMW Australian PGA Championship, held from November 21 to 24, alongside some of the world's top golfers. He admits it took a moment to calm his nerves.“I was hitting balls next to Jason Day and Kiradech Aphibarnrat. It was pretty overwhelming seeing them right next to me on the putting green. I felt a little out of place at first, but as the week went on, I calmed down and got into the groove,” says Daibarra.The weather in Queensland was wild during the tournament, with 150mm of rain causing Friday’s play to be canceled. The harsh conditions and the added pressure of playing in front of a large crowd impacted Daibarra’s game.“I had a 1pm tee-off on the first day and got off to a hot start, shooting 2 under through 9. But then the rain started, the wind picked up, and I had a couple of bogeys. Friday was rained out, and on Saturday, with the weekend crowds, there were so many people out there,” says Daibarra.He finished the tournament at 6 over par, in 139th place overall. Though he wasn't thrilled with his performance, he relished the experience.“I wasn’t happy with how I played, but it was definitely nerve-racking—I'd never played in front of that many people before, and the course was tough. There were a few things I could have done better, but overall, it was a fantastic experience,” Daibarra says.In an interview with PGA Australia, Kiama Golf Club Professional Shaun O'Toole, who mentored Daibarra early on, described him as a natural talent with a laid-back attitude that made him stand out as a golfer.“I’ve worked with a lot of great kids, and Wil just had something in his swing that stood out to me,” O’Toole said. “There was no pressure on him. He had no expectations. He just went out and played and kept winning. It seemed like the easiest game in the world for him.”However, Daibarra acknowledges that the nerves and pressure caught up with him at the tournament. He’s now focused on managing his emotions and expectations to perform at his best.“On the first tee, I was so nervous I hit it way right. But once I got through that first hole, I was good. By the next day, I felt much more confident. It's something I’ve been working on—managing my expectations and emotions,” says Daibarra.Looking ahead, Daibarra is in the final year of his PGA Associate traineeship and has set his sights on playing his way onto the PGA Tour.“I’m finishing up my traineeship, with about a month to go. Next year, I hope to attend Qualifying School to secure a spot on the Australasian Tour. That’s the goal,” Daibarra says.

Saddleback Cup sees 350 Nippers compete in fun-filled day at Werri Beach
Saddleback Cup sees 350 Nippers compete in fun-filled day at Werri Beach

26 November 2024, 9:00 PM

350 nippers from Gerringong, Kiama, Kiama Downs, Shoalhaven Heads and Sussex Inlet swarmed Werri Beach on 24 November for the annual Saddleback Cup.This year's event marked the first time that Shoalhaven Heads and Sussex Inlet joined the competition, adding extra excitement and camaraderie to the already popular event.Now in its seventh year, the Saddleback Cup continues to grow in popularity, with surf clubs from across the region coming together for a day of fun and friendly competition. Despite challenging surf conditions, the event was a huge success, with young nippers eager to get involved and test their skills.Gerringong Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC) Vice President Mitch Payne reflected on the day’s success, highlighting the importance of encouraging participation rather than focusing solely on competition.“This year we invited Sussex Inlet and Shoalhaven Heads to get their kids involved and raise awareness for their clubs. It was busy, and the conditions were a bit rough and challenging for the kids, but they all got stuck in and had a blast. At the end of the day, it’s all about having a go and having fun,” Payne said.The Saddleback Cup was created seven years ago by Gerringong SLSC with the aim of increasing participation in surf life saving and fostering a competitive spirit in the region. Initially, it was a small event between the Kiama, Kiama Downs, and Gerringong clubs, with the goal of providing young competitors with a less formal and more enjoyable environment to develop their skills.“When we first started, not many of these clubs were competing in carnivals,” Payne says. “We wanted to help the kids build their confidence, improve their skills, and promote competition in a fun, relaxed setting.”Although the day is not about winning, Payne’s voice did seem to perk up when he announced that Gerringong SLSC ended up winners of the day.“Gerringong did come out at the top, but it was very close. I think it’s getting closer and closer every year,” says Payne.Looking ahead, Payne is confident that the Saddleback Cup is fulfilling its purpose of boosting participation and competitiveness in the local surf life saving community.“I think the Saddleback Cup is working really well,” Payne says. “Every year, we’re seeing more kids getting involved, developing their skills, and getting interested in competing. It’s great to see the enthusiasm growing, and it’s important for the future of surf life saving in the area.”Payne hopes that the event will continue to inspire the next generation of life savers. “We want to develop kids who’ll go all the way and become life savers themselves, volunteering their time to help keep our beaches safe.”A big thank you was extended by Payne to all the participating clubs, and he expressed his excitement for the event’s future.“We’re looking forward to next year and hopefully seeing even more kids getting involved in 2025,” he says.

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