Two of Australia’s leading amateurs have been given a rare chance to ply their trades against two major champions in a professional tournament in Japan.
Sydney’s Cam Davis and Perth’s Jarryd Felton will be part of a five-strong Australian contingent at the ISPS Handa Global Cup at the Vintage Golf Club in Yamanashi Prefecture, west of Tokyo from June 25-28.
The duo will be joined by young pros Jake Higginbottom, Nathan Holman and reigning Australian Masters champion Nick Cullen in the Japan Golf Tour event field that will feature 2011 Masters champ Charl Schwartzel and 2013 US PGA winner Jason Dufner.
There is also a chance the contingent will be bolstered further by Victorian Geoff Drakeford.
Golf Australia high performance director Brad James said it was an enormous opportunity for all Aussies, particularly the rising amateur stars, both members of the national squad.
“Playing in this event gives them a really rare chance to showcase their games against a couple of major champions,” James said.
“It’s such a quality field and to get exposure like this at this stage of their development is priceless.
“We’ve selected them in recognition of their performances in the past 12 months – and we think they’ll give a really good account of themselves.
Davis, the Australian Amateur champion in January, will fly directly from the British Amateur Championship to compete in Japan.
Felton, unbeaten playing at No.1 in the recent Interstate Series and runner-up in this year’s Argentinian Strokeplay Championship, will play in Japan before heading to North America for its summer amateur circuit.
“It’s perfect timing for both guys – not only in terms of their schedule, but also in their development,” James said.
“They’ll get great and instant feedback on their game against such a high-quality field.”