However, his achievements as part of the Far South Coast team were far from run of the mill.

The 17-year-old Moruya High School student came first in the 36-hole nett rankings and was part of the trio that finished equal first in the junior teams’ championship.

Carlson competed alongside Mitch Venables and Ben Hanscombe, both of Tathra.

Despite its impressive display, the Far South Coast team didn’t get to take home the trophy after it had to settle for second on a count back decision.

“It was disappointing, but I guess we were just a bit unlucky,” Carlson said of the agonising result.

“But it was a nice couple of days and I putted really well on day one, so that was good.”

It was a landmark result for the Far South Coast District Golf Association (FSCDGA), which had never tasted any sort of success at the Country Championships before.

The weekend marked Carlson’s second appearance at the prestigious event after he also competed as part of the junior ranks last year.

And he said that experience helped to settle his nerves this time around.

“I wasn’t really that nervous because I went there last year as well,” he said.

“So that experience helped because I knew what was expected.

“I was confident heading into it and Queanbeyan is a great course, I always enjoy going there.”

Queanbeyan might be a good course, but it’s also a tough one if the weekend’s results are anything to go by.

Over the two days, only 12 players out of 143 achieved par and just two – one of whom was the eventual winner – went under par.

This was the last time the Kiora teenager will compete as a junior, as he will be old enough to qualify as a senior should he be selected again next year.

But Carlson knows that won’t be an easy task and he admitted he’ll need to take his game “to the next level” to mix it with the big boys.

“I’ll need to play a bit better in the seniors,” he said. “I’ve played so many tournaments as a junior that it’ll just be a new challenge and I’m looking forward to it.”

Asked whether he would be more nervous playing as a senior, the 17-year-old said once he completes his first shot, it would be just like any other day of golf.

“The first tee shot is always a bit nerve racking, but once I get that away I’m usually right,” he said.

Carlson has plans to attend the Adelaide Elite Golf College when he finishes school and after that, he has aspirations to become a touring professional.

“That’d be awesome,” he said with a smile.

But his more immediate concern will be to take out the Moruya Men’s Open later this month.