JOSHUAA Robards has become accustomed to setting goals - and achieving them.
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In the past three months the 17-year-old has ticked two major boxes.
Unaware of the Newcastle District Order of Merit until after he played two events, Robards set it as target and in December he was crowned the youngest winner in its short history.
After a number of top 10 finishes in state junior opens, including a third at the NSW signature event in July, he was determined to get the monkey off the back.
Last Tuesday, he came from two-strokes behind to win the South Australian Junior Amateur Championship at Kooyonga.
The Kotara High year-12 student hopes to add the Victorian Junior Amateur to the list after carding a one-over 73 to be equal ninth after the opening round on Monday.
Next on the hit list for the Newcastle +2 handicapper, is retaining his place in the NSW team for the interstate series to be held at Queanbeyan in April. He was a part of the side which won the title at Sanctuary Cove in 2019.
"Hopefully the win in Adelaide and the good performance at the NSW Junior Open will fingers crossed get me a place in the team again," Robards said. "That's the goal. My birthday is July 28. Once I turn 18, I'll dial it back and study up until the HSC."
At Kooyonga, Robards carded rounds of 69,75 on Monday to be even par, two strokes behind Jack Holland.
However, he took control early in the final round with four birdies in the open six holes. Consecutive bogeys stalled momentum but he restored order with a birdie at nine and another at 16 to be four under and win by two from Tom Addy.
"I didn't hit it amazing, it was my work on the greens which got me home," Robards said. "It was my first interstate amateur win. I have been up there close a few times, but the win certainly boosts the confidence. When you have done it once, you say why can't I do it again."
After the Victorian Junior, which finishes on Thursday, he will head to Tasmania for the junior amateur at Launceston Golf Club (January 20-21) and the Junior Masters at Riverside Golf Club (January 23-24).
**Harry Atkinson came from three strokes back in the final round to win the 13-years division at the Sydney Week of Golf last Friday. Atkinson, who is a member at Kurri and also works with Ryan Smith at Charelstown, had rounds of 75,76,73,79,70 over five days at five different courses. The win in Sydney followed success at the Greg Norman Week of Golf on the Gold Coast before Christmas.
** Corey Lamb begins his assault at the Australian Amateur at Royal Queensland on Tuesday.
** Jack Newton Junior Golf are holding a beginner and nine-hole gala day at The Vintage on January 21. Enquires to mark@jnjg.com.au
