Teenager shoots record-breaking 59 at Surfers Paradise Golf Club on the Gold Coast

A teenager touted as the next Cameron Smith has sent shockwaves through the golfing world after posting a record-breaking score in a tournament. Go inside the round that has put him in rarefied air

A TEENAGER touted as the next Cameron Smith has sent shockwaves through the golfing world after posting a record-breaking score of 59 in a tournament.

Gold Coast’s Billy Dowling, 17, entered rarefied air on Wednesday when he shot an 11-under par 59 at Surfers Paradise Golf Club.

It is a course record and the equal lowest score recorded on the Gold Coast in the sport’s more than 100 year history in the city, something even Masters winner Adam Scott could never do throughout his young years on the Glitter Strip.

Golf Australia doesn’t have scoring records from club and tournament events but it is believed to be the second-lowest round in the country behind the 57 shot by Ben Murphy at Peninsula Kingswood in April 2022.

Gold Coast golfer Billy Downling. Picture: Supplied.

Brad McIntosh shot 59 at Emerald Lakes in the second round of the Queensland PGA Championship in 2005.

“Billy has every chance on earth of becoming a big name player,” Surfers Paradise head professional Paul Orchard said.

“I liken his game to Cameron Smith. He has a really good short game. He has a phenomenal opportunity to go on with it. The PGA tour would be the ultimate.”

Incredibly Dowling left the course straight after his round to play another game at The Glades where he shot seven-under par.

Dowling knew he was in for a good day when he sunk a 30-foot putt for birdie on the second hole.

“It was the first round where I couldn’t think of any shots that could have made the round better. It was very satisfying,” Dowling said.

Gold Coast golfer Billy Downling. Picture: Supplied.

“I was five-under through five so I thought it could be a good day. Then I was 7-under through 9 which tied the course record.

“I tried to keep a level head but I was feeling quite nervous on some of the shots to be honest and by the end of it I had a three-foot putt for 59. It felt unreal.”

The Helensvale State High School graduate is a two-time winner of the Queensland Junior Championships, was the 2021 Gold Coast junior golfer of the year and is preparing for April’s Australian Junior Amateur in Tasmania and the Australian Junior Interstate Teams Matches soon after.

Dowling’s game may mirror parts of Smith’s and after spending a week in the US last year with the world no. 5, the teenager is even more equipped to chase the lofty heights his idol has sailed to.

“It was unbelievable having that experience,” Dowling said.

“It’s ridiculous how good his whole game is. We saw his weekly routine, his gym work and how he plays. He works so hard on his short game.

“I’d like to end up on the PGA Tour and win a major.”

Originally published as Teenager shoots record-breaking 59 at Surfers Paradise Golf Club on the Gold Coast