Brilliant sunshine greeted players who teed it up at the 2015 Northern NSW Regional Championships with the added bonus of the 36 hole tournament scratch winner gaining automatic entry into this year’s NSW Open to be held at the Greg Norman designed Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club.
Local Gunnedah star Luke Streater (72 and 70) and Bonville visitor Tim Hyland (70 and 72) both recorded 2 under par totals of 142 with Luke winning on a count back to earn a tee time at the Open.
"This was a fantastic opportunity as country golfers don't get the chance to qualify for events like the NSW Open on their home course,” Streater said.
Streater was humble in his acceptance speech acknowledging the excellent play of Tim Hyland, his playing partners together with thanking Club management and course staff for their combined efforts in delivering a quality event.
"Having a home ground advantage and local knowledge of the course was really beneficial. It hasn't really sunk in yet at the moment but I'm absolutely thrilled to get the opportunity to play in the NSW Open,” Streater added.
The field included players from across the Coffs Harbour, Mid North Coast, New England, North West, and Woolgoolga regions and with the Club Championship having been held some two weeks earlier, the course and great weather conditions preferred a real test for the players.
Steve Johnston, General Manager Gunnedah Golf Club said, "We were happy to promote the game and give an opportunity to players to enter the NSW Open. It was satisfying to present a good quality country course and also get the exposure for the local community.”
The opportunity to win automatic entry into the 2015 NSW Open continues with Regional Qualifying events scheduled for –
- Thurgoona MDGA Open – Thurgoona (6 September)
- City of Wagga Open – Wagga Wagga (3-4 October)
- Queanbeyan Cup – Queanbeyan (10 October)
- North Coast Open Amateur – Coffs Harbour (24-25 October)
For more information contact Olivia Wilson, Events Manager, Golf NSW on 9505 9105 or Olivia.wilson@golfnsw.org