The 16-year-old is already the lead lady.
Sixteen-year-old Mikah Poonawassy this week teed off in her first Barney Barnato Golf tournament alongside her veteran-of-the-fairways dad, Lunchmen Poonawassy, and was already the lead lady at the 10th tee.
This is the tournament’s 30th year of existence having first seen the light of day in 1989.
The young Poonawassy (pictured) hit a perfect shot at the tenth which belied her age and 4.0 handicap, but the Poonawassys were by no means the only ones with family connections on the course yesterday.
The senior Poonawassy good-naturedly indulged us long enough to tell that he is this year’s defending champion of the Barnato having won it last year after an almost three-decades-long battle to grab the club honours.
Bridesmaid
“All the years since the Barney started I’ve always been the bridesmaid ending in the top 10. (Last year) I beat my nearest rival by three shots. Today I’m just relaxing accompanying my daughter,” the proud dad said.
Among those seated at the outdoor tables waiting their turn to tee off were the Crozier family which consisted of three generations of the family tree. Grandpa, Ant Crozier, was there as was his son Brian and his two sons.
It was midday and the superheated sun shone mercilessly on the course. Some players about to tee-off wisely applied sunscreen on the exposed limbs.
Course manager, Scottish-born Tom McGhee, in a quick interview with the DFA, let it be known that the course still had its attractions among many golfers even though the attendance numbers have taken a knock somewhat. It has also become more of a family affair as the married male golfers now bring along their spouse as well.
The tournament ends this weekend with the prize handover ceremony.