After Vic Open junior triumph, Shepparton golfer has lofty goals

Goodall’s eventual five-stroke victory over New South Welshman Jamie Smith does not fully encapsulate the range of emotions experienced, particularly on the final day.

In the end Goodall was thrilled to have made it out the other side.

“It was nice because I’ve been struggling a bit of late,” Goodall said.

“I could see the pieces coming together and for it to pay off made me pretty proud of myself, but relieved at the same time.

“All my hard work has been paying off; this is the biggest title I’ve won so far.”

Goodall had to overcome significant yips on a challenging final go-around, watching his three-stroke advantage evaporate before clearing the front nine.

Nothing was assured as the contenders turned for home, but Goodall eventually steadied and started to feel confident in himself again with four holes remaining.

“I started to play better and it was pretty much one-on-one (down the back nine),” Goodall said.

“It wasn’t really a comfortable lead until the 14th and I didn’t want to get too carried away.

“It doesn’t take a lot for it to go wrong.”

Goodall, who turns 18 in January, now sets his sights on making a mark in open competition as he prepares to leave the youth ranks on a high.

The ambitious youngster is anything but shy about where he plans to end up down the line.

“I get a start in the professional Vic Open, my first pro event, which is pretty special,” Goodall said.

“I’ll start to play a lot more amateur tournaments, hopefully in a couple of years progressing to play amateurs overseas.

“Maybe I’ll try and turn pro in six or seven years and see how it goes from there.”

The sky appears to be the limit for the 17-year-old and his continued successes at junior level should hold him in good stead as he transitions to the open ranks.

The pro Vic Open should serve as an ideal proving ground for Goodall, whose belief obviously transcends divisions.