Daniel Gale has blown the field away at the NSW Open Regional Qualifier held at Moree Golf Club.
The 21-year-old carded rounds of 70 and 67 for a two-round total of 7 under par to win by six shots and walk away with the coveted invitation to the November championship. In second place was Ballina’s Jay Mackenzie, while Jarrod Stirling finished in third place a further two shots back.
It is the second time in three years Gale has booked his place in the Open through regional qualifying, after winning in Wagga Wagga in 2015.
The Castle Hill CC member was happy with the way he played over the weekend and felt the key to his win was his length off the tee.
“ I drove it great. I played smart but not overly aggressive. I had a lot of short scoring shots over the two rounds. My length is a big advantage on a course like this.”
“I left a few putts out there, but I am happy I got the job done,” Gale said. “It is quite a trek to come up and not win.”
Gale had never seen the course before his practice round on Friday and said one of the keys to his win was some advice from Moree Golf Club’s Professional Matt McGuire.
“I picked the brains of Matt McGuire before my practice round, and he gave me some great tips. The greens are all pretty similar circular, all relatively small and they all run away on the sides, front and back.”
Gale was relieved to have locked a spot away in this year’s championship and will no longer have to run the gauntlet of Monday pre-qualifying.
“I’ll be able to prepare for it awesome knowing I have a spot in the field, and I'll be fully prepared and ready to go come the NSW Open.”
“A Monday pre-Q is a one-day shootout and not necessarily the best players get through. Thankfully, I don't have to worry about that now,” He smiled.