The mercury soared to an energy sapping 36C as a foul Top End wind ripped across the fairways of the Darwin Golf Club, and James Goffman handled it best.
The Bond Elite Sports Program golfer claimed his third major trophy of the year in brutal conditions for golf with victory in the Darwin Open at the weekend.
He gained a world ranking for the first time this year and after scorching the field with rounds of 67,69 and 68 to win the event by three strokes is now sweating it out to see how far he jumps in the rankings.
“It was very hot and very windy all week, the last round was 36 degrees and I was pleased to be able to play consistently across the three days to claim the win,” he said.
“It was a world ranking event and a Northern Territory Order of Merit event but I won’t find out until next week how many points I get.’’
It was Goffman’s second victory in the Northern Territory following his breakthrough win at the Alice Springs Open in April, his first in a nationally ranked tournament.
The Bond University Bachelor of International Relations student followed that with another win at the Sir Samuel Hornibrook Jug at Royal Queensland, his home course.
The 19-year-old is currently leading the Queensland Men’s Order of Merit and has his sights set on more international tournaments and selection in Australian representative teams.
He was back on campus Monday and said his ability to strike the right balance between physical conditioning, time on the tees and his studies had contributed to his run of strong results this year.
“Nothing has really spiked for me, I have just been keeping to my golf, gym and study routine and making sure I prioritise my time well,” he said.
“And have been working hard on my game on the course and practice range.”