HARARE - Justin Kersten may have finished the British Junior Open tied for 68 but reckons the experience gained playing against the world’s best junior golfers has refreshed his zeal to reach greater heights.
Kersten was the country’s lone representative at the biennial event which is played over three rounds of stroke-play at West Lancashire Golf Club.
He was, however, up against the odds from the onset.
But opening rounds of 80 and 83 saw him tie for 58 to ensure he made the cut amongst the top 80 players going into the third and final round.
Aiming to go low in the closing stages of the championship amid sporadic downpours and a constant breeze, Kersten dropped 15 shots in contrast to single birdie on the second hole.
He could only end his campaign with a frustrating 16-over-par 88 to end with a gross score of 35-over-par 251.
Despite his shortcomings, the multi-talented Kersten, who also plays for the Zimbabwe junior squash team, described his campaign as fruitful.
“It was great. It really opened my eyes and showed me how much work I’m gonna have to do to be in contention in future events at this level,” Kersten told the Daily News from England yesterday.
“These guys are really good but I’m happy that I was able to compete at this level. I didn't play my best golf but I think it’s helped me. I’m just going to keep practicing and work hard at my game.”
Kersten was part of the procession that flocked to Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England for the start of the British Open Championship yesterday.
The 16-year old Falcon College pupil was naturally ecstatic at the prospect of seeing some of golf’s most iconic names in action at golf’s third major tournament.
“I’m actually going to have the chance to meet a couple of the professionals today and tomorrow as I’m going to be watching the Open Championship live and hopefully I’ll finally get the chance to meet the hometown hero, Brendon de Jonge.”