Date: October 22, 2017
Author: Dave Tease

Hale is bet set for another Open tilt

Mudgee’s Mark Hale is “bet set” happy to back in next month’s NSW Open at Twin Creeks after grabbing the final regional qualifying position with his win in the Bathurst Open today.

Hale posted a two-round total of two-under-par 140 to win by two shots from Pennant Hill’s Andrew Richards and Monash Country Club’s Nathan Barbieri.

Today’s win was a double thrill for Hale as he had his two children, James and Jasmine on deck to witness their Dad’s success.

“I had the young fella (Hale’s ten-year-old Son, James) on caddie duties Saturday and Jasmine today,” he smiled.

It’s the second time in as many years that Hale has qualified for the Open after getting into last year’s Championship through his win at Gunnedah, and this year, he is ready to back himself around the testing Twin Creeks course.

“I played there about 15 years ago in the NSW Amateur,” He said.” I’m looking forward to it. I’ll have my nephew Corey (Lamb) on the bag. He’s the best putter in Australia.”

Hale left a mark on last year’s Championship when his band of supporters got wind of the juicy 500-to-one odds one betting agency offered up for the Mudgee tyro. The lads couldn’t resist and had more than a few dollars on him before the agency was forced to suspend betting on him.

Sadly for his band of well-intentioned supporters, He didn’t make it past the Friday cut, missing by five shots. Despite last year's form, Hale is sure the mates will turn up and show faith by throwing plenty of their hard-earned cash on him regardless.

“There’ll be another betting plunge on me,” he assured Golf NSW.

Bathurst Golf Club’s Darrell Bourke has grabbed the final spot in the Men’s NSW Senior Open to be played at Thurgoona Country Club from 2-4 November. Bourke posted rounds of 77 and 71 for a 6-over-par 148 total.