The North Adelaide Golf Course par 3 proved to be the perfect setting for the inaugural SA Par 3 Pro Am held on Tuesday 16 October during Golf Month.
The event was a joint initiative between Adelaide City Council (North Adelaide Golf Course), Golf SA and the PGA and received strong support from sponsors, Blitz Golf, Mr Meats, McCammon Real Estate, Coca Cola, 1836 Conveyancing and Segway.
72 players competed in the event which featured 18 PGA Professionals, 18 Golf SA High Performance athletes, 18 Juniors (the top 9 boy and 9 girl placegetters from the primary school golf final in August) and 18 Amateurs, comprising sponsors, club members, comp winners and guests.
The players teed off via a shotgun start in groups of four with one player from each of the above categories.
Having 72 players on course at the same time, in an intimate setting that a par 3 provides, created a real buzz. The course was also presented in magnificent condition which all players appreciated.
Best of the HP athletes for the day was Jack Thompson posting a 5-under round of 49. Jack Buchanan was one shot adrift in second place. Shakira-ann Kuys was next best at 2-under and fourth was Jack Tanner at even par (54). All four players won a place in the qualifying field for the Blitz Golf event at Glenelg on 6 Jan.
In the junior field, Fletcher Ryan finished in first place claiming a Titleist staff bag with a score of 53.75 (gross score, less ¼ GA Handicap). Kade Bryant was runner up with 54.25 while Zoe Manton finished third on countback.
In the Amateur field made up of sponsors, club members, comp winner and guests, Trevor Grossman took out the title with a score of 52.5 (gross score, less ¼ GA Handicap). In doing so as leading Amateur, Grossman also won a place in the Blitz Golf event at Glenelg
Simon Gallie was next best amateur on 52.75, while Andrew Downard 54 was third.
In the professional section touring pro Peter Cooke dominated the course with a 7-under round of 47. Cooke said he ‘really enjoyed the event’ and thought it was a ‘fantastic initiative’.
There was a three-way tie for runner-up with Sam Hughes, Stephen Leaney and Max McCardle all posting 3-under rounds of 51.
The professionals were in fine form, no one more so than Simon Pope who scored a hole in one.
The overall winning team for the day consisted of Brad Moules (Professional), Jack Buchanan (HP Athlete), Greg Rosenbauer (Amateur) and Fletcher Ryan (Junior).
A huge thank you to Adelaide City Council, PGA and Golf SA for staging the event and to all event sponsors. Special mention to all players, especially the professionals who made themselves available, doing their bit to inspire the next generation of south Australian golfers.
For all results > click here