19-year-old Kiama golfing sensation lands spot in NSW Open with incredible performance

Kiama local Ethan Harvey has punched his ticket to his maiden NSW Open thanks to a spectacular performance in a tough field. Hear from the emerging talent after an incredible round in Moama.

KIAMA local Ethan Harvey has continued his meteoric rise in the NSW golfing scene by qualifying for his first NSW Open at the age of 19.

Harvey shot an impressive 11-under par at Rich River Golf Club in Moama on Tuesday to secure qualification.

To make it all the more impressive, Harvey was played in a field of 40 pros and 35 amateurs, with only eight qualification spots available.

“I was pretty nervous to be honest,” Harvey said after he secured qualification.

“My goal was to just have fun though and stay positive and that reflected in my game.”

Qualified. Ethan Harvey with his scorecard that secured him a spot in the 2023 NSW Open. Photo: David Tease | Golf NSW

Harvey quite literally surrounds his life with golf, with his home on the course of Kiama Golf Club between the second green and the third tee box.

He has a scholarship at the Lakes Golf Club in Eastlakes and currently plays off a +3 handicap.

Harvey recently moved out of the Jack Newton Junior Golf scene and has noticed the jump up in the quality of his opposition.

“It’s definitely more of a challenge,” Harvey said.

“The golfers are all different ages and have more experience, plus the fact that they are coming from all of Australia and not just NSW.

Ethan Harvey. Photo: Brad Greenshields

“I think it’s helped me to stay more comfortable in the situations I’m in though, whether that be in the lead or chasing it.”

Harvey is a former Illawarra Academy of Sport star, having won their Golfer of the Year Award four times.

In the JNJG scene, Harvey took out the 2021 Wagga Wagga Junior Masters, the 2019 Jamberoo Junior Open, as well as Club Championships at Wollongong and Kiama.

Most recently, Harvey took out the ANZ North Coast Amateur at Coffs Harbour Golf Club in October 2022.

Good golfing genes clearly run in the family, with Harvey the cousin of Australian professional golfer Dimitrios Papadatos, who took out the Victorian Open last year and will be one of the favourites coming into the NSW Open.

Harvey credits his recent success to the help of his new sports psychologist John Novak, who has contributed to Harvey’s positive mindset on the course.

“He’s been helping me out a lot,” Harvey said.

11-under. Ethan Harvey's scorecard. Photo: David Tease | Golf NSW

“I’ve been reading his book, which has helped me stay focused and in the moment.

“It’s important to do so and not dwell on bad shots.”

Harvey now has a short turnaround before the NSW Open kicks off on Thursday.

“My long game is the strongest it’s been all career,” Harvey said.

“I’m just keeping on my short game now, because that’s what wins you tournaments.

“I’m excited, I know I just need to stay mentally strong and in the moment and I’ll be alright.”