A groundbreaking Golf Australia initiative will see the Australian Men’sand Women’s Amateur Championships (Match Play) played together for the first time at one of the world s premier courses, NSW Golf Club, from March 26-29, 2007. The Championships will showcase our nation&aposs and some of the world s elite young golfers as they strive for success on the national and international stage. Golf Australia National Squad player Tim Stewart and Helen Oh will be back to defend their respective titles but it won&apost be easy for the pair as they will be forced to contend with a strong field from home and abroad. Frances Bondad, coming off a win at the Australian Women&aposs Stroke Play will be chasing another victory at the Amateur Championships. The NSW local triumphed by four strokes at Indooroopilly Golf Club ahead of a quality field including fellow National Squad members Emma Bennett and Bree Arthur. West Australian Kristie Smith will also prove tough competition. The 18-year old performed well at Royal Sydney Golf Club in February to be the best placed Australian amateur in the MFS Women&aposs Australian Open. Smith is off to the United States shortly and will be keen to make space for a trophy when packing her bags! Rick Kulacz meanwhile is one to watch in the men&aposs side of the draw. The 21-year old took out last year&aposs NSW Open and had a solid end to 2006 as he played alongside Greg Norman in the MFS Australian Open and emphatically won The Dunes Medal on Victoria&aposs Mornington Peninsula. Rated as one of our country&aposs brightest stars, Kulacz is hungry for another win which might well be at NSW Golf Club in March! Former champions of this event include Brett Rumford, Kiwi Michael Campbell and Andrew Buckle who pushed Tiger Woods all the way in the recent Buick Invitational. The winners of the Australian Amateur Championships will be granted exemptions into the main draw of the MFS Australian Open and the MFS Women&aposs Australian Open. Keep your eye on www.golfaustralia.org.au for more updates and information as we lead up to the 2007 Australian Amateur Championships! WHERE: NSW Golf Club, Sydney, NSW WHEN: Men&aposs 22-29 March, Women&aposs 24-29 March FORMAT: Men&aposs – The Australian Men&aposs Stroke Play Championship (72 holes) will qualify 32 players for elimination match play (all at New South Wales Golf Club) Women&aposs – 36 holes stroke play (at Terrey Hills Golf & Country Club) to qualify 32 players for elimination match play (at New South Wales Golf Club) Click here to download a copy of this media release