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Ben Dunn wasn’t expecting much from his golf game this week. He's been working long hours and his clubs have been gathering a bit of dust. But after an inspired couple of days he’s now teeing it up in next month’s NSW Open Golf Championship at Stonecutters Ridge.
The Kew Country Club Member posted an even par round of 71 at Wauchope Country Club before taking advantage of his local knowledge to shoot an impressive four-under par 66 around his home course to take out the weekend’s NSW Open Regional Qualifying tournament by four shots from a former Port Macquarie junior Kyle Flynn, and Killara Golf Club’s Dale Williamson.
“This is my biggest win by a long way,” Dunn said.” I’ve won the club championships a few times, and a state schoolboys title, but this is the best by far.
The 25-year describes himself as an occasional golfer these days, so the win came as somewhat of a surprise.
“I hadn’t picked up a club for a month. I thought I’d be a bit rusty to be honest,” he smiled.
“I work as a painter at Coffs Harbour. They’re long hours and there’s a fair bit of travel, so I don’t get to play as much as I want to these days.”
Dunn’s win was a popular one around the Kew Country Club.
“The boys I played with were pretty stoked. They’re all saying it’s going to be fun to see a local have a crack in the Open,
“It’s great that the Council supported the event and I was thrilled to be presented with my entry for winning from the Mayor Peter Besseling.”
"It's good to see these events get out to the country too," Dunn smiled.
The Lower North Coast District representative has played golf for over 20 years. He's looking forward to the opportunity to test his game against Australia’s best professionals.
“It’s going to be a good challenge. I’ve never played Stonecutters Ridge before, so I don’t really know what to expect,” he said.
“I’m playing the Country Championships at Goulburn in a few weeks, then the NSW Open. I’ll have to find some time to work on my game now,” he laughed.