Date: September 25, 2016
Author: Dave Tease

Higgins heading to Stonecutters

Lucas Higgins of Burleigh Heads Golf Club has taken out the 2016 NSW Open Regional Qualifying event at Yamba and Grafton Country Clubs.

The 17-year-old from Murwillumbah posted rounds of 1-under par 71 at Yamba and 6-under par 66 at Grafton to win by a shot from Queensland State Representative Charlie Dann. Higgins was thrilled knowing he had just qualified for his first pro event.

“It feels awesome to win,” he said. ”To get to play against the pros in a tour event, wow it’s going to be a great experience.”

Higgins didn't have it all his own way in the final round, he was pursued down the stretch by his more experienced playing partner, Dann. The pair traded shots on the back nine and It took a final hole birdie for the youngster to secure the victory.

“Charlie played solid all day. I had to hole an 8-foot birdie putt on the last to win,” he said.

The 2015 Burleigh Heads Club Champion said he felt confident about his chances of grabbing the spot particularly with his knowledge of the Clarence Valley layouts.

“They’re a couple of courses I’ve seen a few times before. I know how to play them so I thought if I hit the ball well it could happen.”

He’s now relishing the chance to test his game against some of Australia’s best professionals. “I’ve won a couple things before, but this is the biggest. I’m pumped.”

Before he gets to Stonecutters Ridge in November however, Higgins has his Higher School Certificate exams to negotiate.

“I hope to do well in my HSC, the golf will probably take a bit of a back seat for a while.”

“Playing in a pro event is going to be a pretty good substitute for Schoolies Week though.”

Once the exams are over, the summer is going to be all about golf for the Mt St. Patrick's Year 12 student, beginning with the NSW Open followed by a string of amateur tournaments.

"I'll play the Australian Amateur and the NSW Amateur in January, then hopefully I'll find some part-time work and see what I can do with my golf," he smiled.

The NSW Open Golf Championship is proudly supported by the NSW Government and Destination NSW, and will be held at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course in Greater Western Sydney from November 10th to 13th 2016. The Championship will form a key part of the 2016 Australian Summer of Golf.

The NSW Open Golf Championship – Defining Legends since 1931