Bennett, 18, was invited to compete in this international event by New South Wales Golf Club’s Vicki Stride – largely due to her helping the New South Wales team win the Australian Women’s Interstate Teams Championship at Glenelg Golf Club in South Australia in May.

“I jumped at the chance to play in this tournament in the Philippines, especially as it was my first overseas event and I knew it would be a great experience,” Bennett said.

My form leading into the event was good – my game felt quite strong and was looking forward to the event.”

As well as finishing second overall, after shooting a 70 (-2) and 71 (-1), Bennett and her 16-person strong team claimed second spot in the division one teams section.

“The event was a team event – we had high handicaps and low handicaps, which averaged out our individual handicap for the competition,” she said.

“I finished second in the individual and our division one team also finished second, which is a great result.

“I played quite consistent throughout the tournament which I was happy with – I had two under in the first round and one under in the second.

“Overall, this was a very solid personal achievement for me, as it was my first overseas tournament and I learnt so much from it, which I will use in future tournaments.”

It’s been a big couple of months for the Mollymook Golf Club product, who has also been nominated as one of six finalists for the male and female amateur player of the year crown at the NSW Golf Industry Awards.

Bennett, who also was the highest finishing Australian (ninth) after the medal rounds of this year’s Australian Amateur Championship in Perth, is up against Doey Choi and Sophie Yip for the female amateur crown, while Nathan Barbieri, Harrison Crowe and Blake Windred have been shortlisted in the male section.

“To be nominated in the top three female amateurs in New South Wales alone is an amazing achievement for me,” Bennett said.

“So to actually win the award as the top female amateur golfer this year would be a massive  privilege and something I would never forget.”