Australia’s best over 30’s golfers will descend on the Shoalhaven for the NSW Mid-Amateur Golf Championships after Shoalhaven Heads Golf Course was announced as host course for the Championship in 2019.
Over 170 players are expected to take part in the 54 hole tournament which will take place from the 28th to 30th April, 2019.
The Mid-Amateur is a sought after crown, with the respective champions getting automatic entry into the Men’s and Women’s NSW Open Championships later in the year.
Graeme Phillipson, General Manager of Golf at Golf NSW said, “Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club is an ideal venue to host a championship of significant quality like the Mid-Amateur.
“This is a truly national event, and it’s stature is growing by the year.
“The links-style course will provide a real challenge to the players. The proximity to the ocean and sea breezes will be a true test of golf.
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Mr Phillipson added many of the competitors saw the week as an ideal opportunity to explore the best of what the region had to offer, providing a boost for the local economy.
“Many of the players will be here for four or five nights at least. They like to explore the surrounds, and enjoy good food & good wine.”
Shoalhaven City Council Mayor, Amanda Findley said, “We are delighted to have the NSW Mid-Amateur Golf Championships in the Shoalhaven and welcome the contingent of golfers to our area.
"We wish all the competitors well and hope whilst they are not on the course battling it out, they are enjoying the mountains, surf, bushland and the hospitality of the quaint villages of the region.”
Mr Rob Russell, President of Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club said the players will be greeted with a course in great condition and worthy of a championship.
“We are thrilled to able to host the NSW Mid-Amateur Championship. The course will be in fantastic condition and the competitors can expect a real test of golf here.”
Reigning champion, Mark Boulton from Phillip Island in Victoria, will defend his title. He will face strong opposition from a host of players from across NSW including former champions Logan Toms from Woolgoolga, Andrew Tharle from the ACT and Mudgee’s Mark Hale, who finished runner-up in this year’s tournament at Bathurst.
Locals with a chance to take the title include the Shoalhaven Golf Club Champion Mark Johnston, who is also the course record holder, and the Links Shell Cove’s trio of 2016 NSW Country Champion Anthony Brunero, Danny Nesbitt & Colin Mitchell.