Senior Amateur World Number One, James Lavender, Brings Stellar Form to Mandalay Open Amateur
We were privileged to speak with Senior Amateur World Number One and Northern Golf Club Hall of Famer, James Lavender.
Lavender recently won the APGC Championships in Vietnam over a stacked field, propelling him to number one status in the Senior Amateur World Rankings. He currently holds State titles in Tasmania (pictured with his 2023 Australian Senior Amateur trophy) and Western Australia, together with the National title, and a stunning 24 Club Championships at Northern Golf Club.
The anticipation is high as Lavender brings his remarkable achievements to the Mandalay Open Amateur, driven by encouragement from Club friends Cris Kotopoulos and George Parthimos.
During his last visit to the Mandalay Golf Course, Lavender shot 71. He believes ‘you need to hit the ball well’ at Mandalay, as it offers a challenge to golfers, but ‘was very impressed’ with the course during his round. Lavender is curious about a group of players from Eastern Golf Club with extraordinary handicaps. He estimates, ‘with a +7 handicap, players could be capable of shooting 67.’
Lavender owns Lavco Industries and opportunities to play golf can be challenging, which is even more incredible, but he has found extra time with only having to focus on one part of his business. Despite his remarkable success, Lavender admits he is still adjusting to his Senior Amateur Golf Ranking, stating, ‘seeing yourself No. 1 in the world, it’s out there!’
Lavender is the Asia Pacific Champion but has also had impressive results nationally. He has shot some terrific scores, with 65 at Bendigo Golf Club, 66 at Gardiners Run Golf Course, 67 at the Tasmanian Senior Amateur, and 68 at the Cobram Barooga Senior Amateur.
2023 Australian Tournaments played:
Tasmanian Senior Amateur 2023 1st
The National Senior Masters 2023 9th
Cobram Barooga Senior Amateur 2023 1st
Queensland Senior Amateur 2023 2nd
Victorian Senior Amateur 2023 11th
Australian Senior Amateur 2023 1st
Western Australia Senior Amateur 1st
Asia Pacific Senior Amateur 2023 1st
After a terrific season, Lavender is now qualified for the R&A Senior Amateur Championships in England, one of the biggest events in the world. After the Mandalay Open Amateur, he plans to play in Tasmania, followed by multiple events in New Zealand. We wish James the best of luck on Sunday and for the rest of his 2024 season.
