WHAT does US PGA Tour star John Senden do when he takes a well-earned break from the world’s richest tour?
He comes home to Brisbane and heads for Keperra Country Golf Club where he honed his incredible skills.
In late June-early July, Senden spent time playing golf with his dad Gerry and some of the club’s juniors.
Then he volunteered his time to present trophies and prizes to delighted juniors at the Greg Norman Golf Foundation’s 36-hole Titleist Winter Classic at the club.
“It’s always good to be back here at Keperra,” Senden told Inside Golf.
“I came home for a mid-year break to see the family, catch up with Ian Triggs (coach) and help out at Keperra with the junior event,” he said.
“I like to keep in touch with what happens at home and at the club.
“And I think it’s a good break to get away from the tour.”
Senden was the centre of attention at the presentation of trophies with the juniors and parents alike.
He engaged with and encouraged some of the winners including 17-year-old Blake Dowling from Isis Golf Club in Central Queensland and Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club’s Samantha Foley, 16.
After the presentation, Senden spent an hour signing autographs and having his photo taken with the stars of the future.
Of course, it would be an event without a “selfie” or two.
Dowling, who is as tall as Senden at 6’3” (190.5cm), easily won the major male competition with rounds of 72-72 for a 144 total – eight shots clear of Sam Luton of Pacific Golf Club in Brisbane.
Foley won the major female cometition with rounds of 80-72–152.
Sanctuary Cove’s Karis Davidson (77-79) finished runner-up – four shots back.
Both winners, Dowling and Foley, complemented Keperra on the excellent condition of the golf course.
FOOTNOTE: John Senden started his traineeship at Keperra Country Golf Club under the guidance of then head professional Ian Triggs, who remains Senden’s coach. Peter Senior is another who kicked off his golf career at Keperra.
Chief writer David Newbery has been living, breathing and writing and editing golf for more than 30 years. His extensive knowledge of the game comes from covering golf around the world. Hired by Inside Golf in 2009, David previously worked as the editor of The Golfer for 25 years and before that worked for numerous daily newspapers in Australia and overseas. The Brisbane-based journalist describes his golf game as “a work in progress”, but has had the privilege of playing golf with some of the game’s best players including nine-time major winner Gary Player. David enjoys travelling, reading, music, photography and spending time with family and friends – on and off the golf course. 
