Shepparton’s Kyle Michel has secured a spot in the 2016 NSW Open Golf Championship by winning the Murray District Golf Association Bob Jane Open at Thurgoona and Howlong Golf clubs last weekend.
The plus-five marker took the first regional qualifying invitation available to amateurs by shooting an impressive total of 4-under par 138 for two rounds, winning by three shots from Pymble Golf Club’s Corey Jones. Wodonga’s Liam Gransden was the best of the Murray locals, finishing on even par.
“I played pretty solid. I hit a lot of greens but didn’t make many putts. Overall it was a good ball striking weekend,” Michel said.
Michel was thrilled to secure his spot to play in the tier one PGA Tour of Australasia event in November.
“This is what you play for. It’s a stepping stone to get where I want to be. Playing a tier one event is going to be a good experience,” he added.
The 20-year old is at the Victorian Institute of Sport and said it was an inspiration for him to see his fellow VIS team mate Ben Eccles lift the Kel Nagle Cup last year.
“He showed how an amateur can go out and beat the professionals if they have a good week. Ben definitely gave a lot of us the inspiration to go out and win a pro event.”
The Peninsula-Kingswood member plans to work on his game through the winter and get ready for the upcoming Australian Summer of golf.
“I’m planning on pre-qualifying for the Australian Open the week after the NSW Open now,” he smiled.
Golf NSW CEO Stuart Fraser presented Michel with his invitation for winning the tournament alongside Murray District Golf Association President Kelvin Gilder. Mr Fraser was impressed by the quality of golf on display.
“There was some impressive golf out here over the last two days. Thurgoona and Howlong are wonderful courses and provided the players with a real test of golf,” Mr Fraser said.
The Murray District President agreed.
“It was a great weekend of golf. The standard of play was outstanding and the weather held off long enough for us to get through,” Mr Gilder said.
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