Blair, Fuller strike solid partnership at May tournament

AFTER a solid 230 metre drive off the second tee at Grafton District Golf Club, Courtney Fuller assesses her second shot options.

Janette Blair and Courtney Fuller high five after a good shot at Grafton Golf Course Photo Adam Hourigan / The Daily Examiner. Picture: Adam Hourigan

AFTER a solid 230 metre drive off the second tee at Grafton District Golf Club, Courtney Fuller assesses her second shot options.

Her ball lies on the right side of a fairway that then kinks further right to hide the green behind a stand of tall trees.

Her natural attacking instinct draws her attention to the possibility of hitting the green in two on the 397 metre ladies par five.

However, her partner Janette Blair is already in trouble from her second shot and Fuller has a decision to make - to forgo an ambitious attempt over the trees or play safe. Herein lies the teamwork and strategy of the Two Ball Best Ball format, in which the best score between the pair is taken on each hole.

"I think I can get it that far," the 15-year-old tells her playing partner. "I've never opened this side (off the 2nd tee)."

Blair suggests to Courtney that if she thinks she can do it, then do it.

"I'll give it a go."

Fuller lines up with a five wood and steadies herself over the ball. With a nice, clean swing she makes a crisp connection, taking the aerial route directly over the tall trees, her ball coming to rest on the front left edge of the green.

"Great shot," exclaims Blair.

We are watching one of the Grafton's most exciting future prospects in the world of golf.

Courtney Fuller will represent North Coast at the NSW CHS Girls Golf Championships at Dubbo from June 24 to 26.

"I enjoy golf because you get to meet lots of new people," Fuller said.

"The ladies at Grafton have definitely been welcoming and supportive."

She is playing her first Ladies May Tournament at Grafton. Yesterday's 2BBB competition was day one and the precursor to the 36-hole Championship which starts today.

It was the first time the youngest player in the tournament had paired with Blair - one of the club's most experienced and consistent performers.

"We're combining well," Blair says during the round.

"On each hole one or the other has been able to have a good hole. Courtney was a little nervous to start with but we're playing well together."

Blair and Fuller finished with the third best gross score on a day dominated by local players.

Sharyn O'Grady and Adri Fouche shot even par while it was Blair's aunt and cousin - mother and daughter combination Jean Dahl and Sue Reguson - who snuck into second place on a countback with five over.

Originally published as Blair, Fuller strike solid partnership at May tournament