Date: February 27, 2018
Author: Dave Tease

Coffs set and ready to go

The greens look great, and the fairways are striped to perfection as Coffs Harbour Golf Club readies itself for the Women's NSW Open which begins on Thursday.

All hands have been on deck for over two months as the club gets its chance to show its best to the stars Australian and European women’s golf.

Coffs Golf Club General Manager Paul McAra is thrilled with the way the staff and members have embraced the event and how much effort has gone into the course preparation and organisation around the tournament.

"Since we found out we were hosting the event it's been pretty well full-on.

"It's been about getting out and doing all those finer touches, the gardens are up to spec, the fairways are cut in properly.

"We have got a small greens team that has really put in since Christmas, we've been so lucky with their expertise.

"We are delighted with how it’s come up in such a short time. It’s been a hectic process," Mr McAra said.

Around 97 visiting players have been billeted by Coffs Harbour members, both for this week and during last week's Australian Ladies Classic at Bonville. It's a figure Mr McAra says displays how committed the membership is in ensuring the Women's NSW Open is a truly memorable event.

"For a member club, it just shows you how much they want to put in for the tournament,

"We've got 140 members volunteering on Sunday.

"It’s been a resounding vote from the members. They've been right behind it.

Mr McAra added that the region had embraced the championship and the feedback around town has been positive. 

"When we had Gary Player and Billy Dunk and those like playing the North Coast (Open), we had thousands of spectators out there, so it's great to have a major tournament back.

"Everyone is talking golf, two events in two weeks of such high stature.

"There will be lots of people out there out there on the course. It's been such a strong response; we hope it equates to spectators out there from Thursday through to Sunday.

"We’re all excited," Mr McAra grinned.