IT’S taken 57 years, but finally a golfer has won the Manning River Times-MidCoast Council Sportstar of the Year.
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Wingham’s Reid Brown, 17, was named the 57th sportstar yesterday. The award was inaugurated in 1960 by former Times editor and sports writer, Ken McDonald. It is now named in his memory.
A keen golfer in his day, ‘Ken Mac’ would be pleased to see golf finally breaking through.
Reid was one of six finalists recognised yesterday at council’s Australian Day celebrations held at the Manning Entertainment Centre.
The finalists were:
- Reid Brown – golf
- Mark Chicken – indoor cricket
- Wade Harry – hockey
- Jack Hyde – motor cycle riding
- Kye Cornall – barefoot skiing
- Makayla Cornall – barefoot skiing
Sportstar judging committee chairman, Hugh McCrindle OAM described the field as one of the best in the award’s history. Mr McCrindle has been chairman for more than 40 years.
“Every finalist had strong claims,’’ Mr McCrindle said.
“They all either represented Australia or won championships at national level.’’
The panel, consisting of Mr McCrindle, David West and Paul De Szell from MidCoast Council along with Craig Martin, Narelle Salmon and Mick McDonald had a lengthy deliberation before settling on Reid as 2016’s best. For the first time in many years, the vote wasn’t unanimous, with Wade Harry, who will tour Europe this year with the Australian All Schools under 16 hockey team in May, also receiving strong support.
Reid’s performance in being named in the Australian All Schools golf team following the Australian All Schools Golf Championships played in Adelaide, where he was a member of the NSW side, was eventually considered the best.
The championship was a combination of stroke and match play conducted on three courses. Reid was fourth in the 36 hole stroke event and was unbeaten in the match play up until the last game.
He was one of three New South Welshmen named in the Australia squad.
His effort in making the State side was meritorious enough.
Reid was selected State squad following the NSW championships where he recovered from a bad start to finish third overall and book a flight to Adelaide.
He enjoyed a busy year on courses throughout Australia. He is the youngest winner of the Wingham club championship while he also played under 21 pennants in Sydney with Pymble.
“I thank everyone for their support,’’ Reid said in accepting the award yesterday.
