Tony Hallam, Andrew Dodt & Paul McNamee Golf Australia National Squad members Andrew Dodt and Rick Kulacz recently announced their decisions to turn professional and will try their luck at the 2007 US Qualifying School in Alabama in the coming weeks. A member of the National Squad since 2003, Dodt has represented Australia on 15 occasions, including guiding his country to victory at the Four Nations Cup, Trans Tasman Cup and Asia-Pacific Teams Championship. The Queenslander paid special tribute to the unwavering support Golf Australia has provided throughout his amateur career and the positive impact of the elite player development programme which has helped to improve and nurture his game. Ian Davis of SFX, who will manage Dodt&aposs Australian affairs said, “I have had the pleasure of following Andrew&aposs career for many years. His impressive ability and work ethic have enabled him to become one of Australia&aposs best amateurs. I look forward to working with Andrew, as he establishes himself among the top players in the world.” Kulacz, a 22-year old from Perth, Western Australia, will start his professional career alongside Dodt at the first stage of the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. Kulacz was the 2001 World Junior Champion and Australian Junior Champion. He has been a member of the Golf Australia National Squad since 2002 and has established himself as one of the finest amateurs in the country winning the South Australian Invitational, Dunes Medal and Federal Amateur in the past two years. Last November he became the first amateur to win on the Von Nida Tour at the NSW Open and the following week was paired with Greg Norman in the third round of the MFS Australian Open at Royal Sydney where he impressed everyone with the quality of his game and composure in the presence of Australia&aposs golfing icon. This year, Kulacz was a quarter finalist at the British Amateur Championship and in August won the Scratch Players Amateur in the United States. He was also a member of the winning Australian teams at the Trans-Tasman Cup, Four Nations Cup and Asia-Pacific Teams Championship. On his decision to turn professional, Kulacz said, “I feel the time is right to take the next step in my golf career and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead. I want to express my thanks to everyone who has supported me through my amateur career and in particular to Greg Fitzhardinge and the WA Golf Association.” David Rollo, IMG Client Management Executive, said, “We have had the pleasure of following Rick&aposs progress over the past few years. His impressive ability and strong work ethic have enabled him to become one of the world&aposs best amateur golfers and those traits will serve him well going forward.” Tony Hallam, CEO, Golf Australia paid tribute to Andrew and Rick&aposs achievements throughout their time in the Golf Australia National Squad. “Andrew and Rick have been a consistent performers in Golf Australia&aposs National Squad in the years they have been members. They have demonstrated their credentials time and time again as two of our nation&aposs best young players,” Hallam said. “Their dedication and attitude to the game will no doubt stand them well in the professional arena. We look forward to following Andrew and Rick&aposs progress and Golf Australia will continue its support.”
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