A 168 strong field containing some of the world’s best amateurs from nine countries has assembled for next week’s Avondale Amateur.
With the Men’s Avondale Medal now combined with the Avondale Women’s Bowl, 120 Men and 48 Women will compete in the new-look 72-hole tournament which begins Tuesday on the challenging Northern Sydney layout.
“We’re thrilled with the number of entries we received. The quality of the field is exceptional,” Avondale Golf Club’s Golf Operations Manager, Mrs Tegan Purcell said.
Defending champion and Avondale member Harrison Endycott, currently ranked 23rd in the world, heads the list of entrants. The 20-year-old will face plenty of opposition from some well-credentialed international visitors including Scott Gregory, ranked six in the world, and his English counterparts Alfie Plant (47) and Bradley Moore (48).
The Women’s Bowl will feature many of the exceptionally talented Korean Women’s Amateur squad who dominated women’s world amateur golf in 2016. Led by World No. 4, Hye-Jin Choi, others competing include Ga Young Lee and Set Yun Kwon. Local knowledge will certainly help 2016 Golf NSW Jean Derrin winner and Avondale member Grace Kim, who is coming off a string of recent wins including the Greg Norman Junior Masters and Victorian Junior Masters over the last month.
“The ladies playing in the Bowl will be teeing off from the men’s white tees; I expect we’ll see a course record on Tuesday. It will be known as the Avondale Bowl Course Record.”
The men’s course record, currently set at 64, could be threatened during the tournament.
“If one of them managed to beat that, I will be very impressed. They’re capable of doing it though,” Mrs Purcell added.
The revamped tournament has been embraced by the club’s members, many of who have gladly volunteered for the week.
“Our members are excited by the event. We’ve had lots volunteer to help for the week."
“The Medal has been played since 1961 and the members are very proud of it. They’ll be out in force to see the action, absolutely,” Mrs Purcell smiled.
The Avondale Amateur begins on Tuesday, 24 Janaury. Spectators are welcome.