As one of Australia s most renowned and respected golf courses, and certainly one of New South Wales best, Newcastle Golf Club has secured the hosting rights of the historical NSW Open Golf Championship for 3 years from 2011 through to and including 2013. Golf NSW CEO, Greg Mills and Newcastle Golf Club Captain, Michael Mulvaney today signed an historic agreement for the club to again become the host venue, in the company of two former champions 1972 winner Owen Beldham, and 2008 winner, Aaron Townsend. A new event logo was also unveiled. With Newcastle fast becoming recognised as the sporting hub in the state, some of Australia s – and indeed a sprinkling of international players – are expected to descend on this picturesque layout in November 2011. A previous host venue for the championship back in 1972, Newcastle Golf Club has a course that has been consistently ranked in the top 15 courses in the country, and the club is justifiably proud that 3 of the holes are internationally ranked, particularly the short but testing 7th which is considered one of the best 18 holes in the world outside the USA and UK. Back in 1972, a leading amateur golfer at the time and club member Owen Beldham called on all his local knowledge to trump the field and became the first amateur to win the title since the championship became Open in 1958. Beldham remembers his victory as though it were yesterday and has fond memories of raising the grand trophy in triumph In those days the championship was one of the three big tournaments on the Australian tour, and attracted a high class international field he said, before adding The weather had a big effect that year but I played pretty well, knowing the right spot to place my ball and understanding the subtle breaks in the greens. Likewise, 2008 NSW Open champion and Newcastle local, Aaron Townsend, has always considered the course a wonderful layout and to have an opportunity to contest for the title again at the venue is very special. Townsend, who is also a member of the club, said I ve grown up here and Newcastle has always been one of those courses through its worldwide reputation that you just love to have an opportunity to play, and now particularly at one of our leading championships. I hope I am able to be here in November to try and add my name to the trophy again. Whilst he is currently in Europe, 2010 NSW Open winner Peter O Malley sent a message of congratulations on learning of the news, admitting that Newcastle is one of the best regional courses in Australia. It’s a wonderful event with a great history so congratulations to the organisers for arranging the 2011 Championship at Newcastle Golf Club, he commented. The 2011 NSW Open, which forms part of the wider PGA Tour of Australasia, will be held at Newcastle Golf Club on 17th to 20th November 2011 and in continuing the tradition of the championship, entry to the course will be free of charge. NSW GOLF OPEN GOES TO NEWCASTLE [Click to View Coverage by NBN] June 17, 2011