Cooper Moore to tee off with world’s best at Junior Open Championship

Rising Canterbury golf star Cooper Moore is about to leave for Scotland where he will face the biggest and most exciting challenge to date in his blossoming career.

The Clearwater club man will represent New Zealand at the Kilmarnock course where he will compete against the world’s best up to 16 years of age at the Royal & Ancient Junior Open Championship which is played every two years.

The event starts on July 15 and is a precursor to the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Moore will have the opportunity to stay and watch after the completion of his tournament.

Fellow Cantabrian Kazuma Kabori, 22, will be playing in the Open Championship after qualifying courtesy of winning the PGA of Australasia Order of Merit.

Highly-experienced PGA professionals Ryan Fox and Michael Hendry plus tour rookie Daniel Hillier will round out the Kiwi contingent for The Open Championship which starts at Royal Troon on July 18.

Moore finished third at the recent Queensland Junior Championship at Nudgee Golf Club to win his first Golf Australia medal. 

Moore’s consistent play over the four rounds with scores of 71,71,71 and 73 was an excellent warm-up for bigger things in just over a week’s time. 

He was always close to the top of the table but couldn’t bridge the gap to the leader. 

“It was good to play on a championship course with firm fast greens,” he said.

Moore said he was excited about his first trip to Scotland.

“It will be a different experience being my first time to that side of the world.

“I hear the weather isn’t always the greatest but it is going to be great to watch The Open and see the world’s best do their thing. It will be an eye opener for what I want to do in the future.”

He said he didn’t know much about the Kilmarnock course but was looking forward to the challenge. 

“It is a links course by the ocean and with the likely winds, it should be a good test. 

“The only links course I have played is Paraparaumu and I enjoyed that.”

Moore said he felt his short game would be a strength at Kilmarnock.

“My iron play from 100 to 150 metres is pretty good. I may not be as long as most off the tee but I am pretty consistent and keep it in play most of the time, avoiding trouble. Round the greens I am also pretty tidy as well.”

Although the Junior Open is a prestigious event, Cooper will still have to carry his own bag.

“Most events of national importance we have to caddy for ourselves. In under-19 stuff now you mostly have to caddy for yourself, but I enjoy that.”

Moore will be joined at the event by New Zealand’s female representative Yoonae Jeong from Wakatipu Junior Golf Club.