BOUNTIFUL ó Sometimes, a swing can take the golfer even farther than it does the ball. Viewmont High junior Austin Pace has been selected to be part of the American golf team heading to this yearís Down Under Tour in Australia. The tour, which will also feature players from Australia, southeast Asia and New Zealand, will be occurring in mid-July. ìAustin will be a great asset to our team,î said Janet M. Wells, the coach for the American team heading to Down Under. The members of the team either have to play at state level or be nominated. ìHe was highly recommended not only because of his playing ability, but because heís shown exemplary personal characteristics.

ìIím looking forward to serving as coach for him.î ##M:MORE##

Austin started golfing when he was 10 years old, when his grandfather started teaching him basic skills and etiquette. By the age of 15, Austin started beating his grandfather, and after suffering from severe football-related injuries decided to focus on golf full time.

Wells, who has coached the golf team for the past six years, said that her team has brought home a medal each year theyíve competed.

ìThe best so far is silver, but weíre hoping to gain gold this year,î she said. The winner of this yearís tournament will also receive an automatic exemption for the Junior PGA Championship. ìWeíre looking forward to another great year.î

Between 2,000 and 3,000 athletes compete at the annual Down Under Games in a wide variety of events, including track and field, basketball, and soccer. Competitors in the games are expected to carry the cost of travel and accommodations for the games, which run about $4,000. Austin wishes to thank all those who sponsored him for the tournament.

For more information, please e-mail Wells at issigolf

@oeccwildblue.com or go on-line to www.downundersports.

com.

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