Shepparton’s Kim Morris selected for Victorian Senior golf team competing for Walking Stick Trophy

By Liam Nash

Apr 24, 2024

On the money: Kim Morris will hope to be in fine form on the fairways of Tocumwal Golf Club this weekend when representing the Victorian Senior Team vying for the Walking Stick Trophy. Photo by Megan Fisher

Shepparton golfing sensation Kim Morris is coming to the ‘fore’ this weekend.

Though it’s unlikely she’ll usher the dreaded golfer’s cry at the weekend, Morris will instead look to offer her best work off the tee box during the Walking Stick Trophy challenge at Tocumwal Golf Club.

Based on her performance with the Victorian Senior Team last month, the district star has been given the tap to represent the 10-strong side taking on NSW on April 26-27.

This weekend’s event is described as a “Ryder Cup style match-play” tournament and is the first meeting between the states for the trophy in a decade.

The roots of the competition are a story in itself.

Following the Howlong-hosted NSW Senior Championship in 2005, a bit of friendly banter exchanged over a few post-play drinks soon spiralled into the gauntlet being thrown down for a state-of-origin style tournament.

Now the rivalry has been revived and Morris has been selected as one of four women on the team.

She lines up against current Australian and Asia Pacific women’s and men’s champions Nadene Gole and James Lavender, who are ranked number one in the World Amateur Senior Golf rankings.

The Victorian team is not without its own weapons, including past Australian champions Greg Rhodes and Sue Wooster.

Morris’ second outing with the Victorian Senior Team arrives a little more than a month from her debut for the side against the Australian Defence Force on March 14-15 at Sorrento Golf Club.

Though the Vics were on the wrong end of a narrow 12.5 to 11.5 final result, Shepparton’s club-swinging talent took out her singles opponent on day two following the ADF’s clean sweep across the four-ball and foursome stroke play on day one.

Morris voiced her elation at the chance to throw on state colours once more.

“I am very excited to be able to play in this event and represent Victoria again,” she said.

‘’The opportunity to play for Victoria against the ADF opened my eyes to further opportunities to enjoy competitive golf at the highest level.

“NSW will not be easy to beat, as its team includes two players who, along with Sue (Wooster) and Nadene (Gole), are in the top five ranked amateur women golfers in the world.

“But I love playing at Tocumwal and am so much looking forward to the event.”