Kelsey Bennett, on Mollymook Golf Club, her Grandmother and her Journey in Golf
Kelsey Bennett, a member at Mollymook Golf Club since the age of 10 and now an associate in the Golf & Leisure department has a long history with golf. She recently secured her spot in the 122nd U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay in Washington and has been selected to represent Australia at the 2022 World Amateur Teams Championship in Paris, France later this year. She was introduced to golf by her grandmother, Patsy, a former Women’s Club Captain at Mollymook Golf Club who is also still a regular on the golf course.
We asked Kelsey more about her memories on the golf course, why Mollymook Golf Club is special and who her mentor is.
How did you get into golf?
I got into golf through my grandparents, they both play and they introduced my brother and I when I was 8 years old.
What’s your earliest memory on the golf course?
The earliest memory for me on the golf course would be playing pennants for Mollymook, it was my first pennant final and I was 13 years old and still didn’t fully understand matchplay, I was versing another young girl and I won on the 19th hole. It was such an amazing feeling to have won and contributed to the team.
Why is Mollymook Golf Club special?
Mollymook golf club is special as it’s home for me. It’s where I learnt to play and where I met so many lifelong friends, also it doesn’t matter how many times you play that course it doesn’t get any easier, It’s a great challenge for when I get home to practice and improve my golf. I can also play in competitions off the back tees and compete against the men in open comps which is great.
The support that Mollymook has shown me through my years of wanting to make golf my career has been amazing and it’s an honour to be able to represent the club and the people in the club that have gotten me to where I am.
What do you love about your job at Mollymook Golf Club?
The thing I love about my job at Mollymook is how flexible they have been allowing me to have time off to play tournaments. All the other staff members are very supportive and they create a great working environment. The location of both Hilltop and Beachside courses are great, so close to everything and the view of the ocean from Beachside is something I never get sick of.
The Golf Manager, Barry always reminds me to practice hard so I won’t be making coffees or washing carts for the rest of my life.
Have you had a mentor or anyone who has inspired your progression in golf?
A big mentor of mine is my mum, she has constantly kept me grounded and is one of my biggest fans. She is a great role model I will always look up to.
You recently qualified for the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship at Chambers Bay in Washington, what’s you’re feeling about that achievement?
Qualifying for the US Amateur was definitely one of my bigger goals so to have tied 1st in the qualifying was pretty special, I can’t wait to see and play Chambers Bay, I’ve heard so many good things about it.
Where do you hope to be in 5 years’ time?
On the LPGA Tour.
What’s your favourite golf course that you have played, anywhere in the world, and why?
Abu Dhabi Golf Club was definitely one of the top courses for me, playing the WAAP there was just amazing and the experience I had that week made me love it even more.
What is your dream foursome for golf (you and 3 others)?
Dream foursome would be Karrie Webb, Hannah Green and Minjee Lee