Date: May 12, 2016
Author: Golf NSW

The Valley on stage for next three years

Yamba and Grafton Golf Clubs are helping to pave the way for Northern NSW regional golfers to qualify for the 2016 NSW Open Golf Championship.

Clarence Valley Council in conjunction with the two clubs have secured the right to host a Regional Qualifying Tournament for the next three years.

“The council is very happy to support the sport of golf and we have been for a number of years invested in sports tourism in our region. This is another terrific opportunity for our community to be a part of what is very much a growing sport in our area,” said Clarence Valley Mayor Richie Williamson. 

“Last year we held some Pro-Ams and this qualifying event will be on top of what we did with them last year. We can’t wait to see some of NSW’s best golfers come to the Clarence. I hope the courses at Yamba and Grafton will challenge them and they walk away impressed,” Cr Williamson added.

“This is a first for the Valley and it’s a great event,” said Grafton Golf Club President Trevor Townsend.  “It’s such an opportunity for our regional golfers.  It also gives us the opportunity to showcase the Grafton course and our new 10th hole.”

The two-day 36-hole Tournament will attract the best golfers from across Northern NSW and South East Queensland. The winner will gain automatic entry to the State’s premier event.

Golf NSW GM-Golf Graeme Phillipson said, “We’re thrilled that the NSW Government and Destination NSW have come on board to enable us to take these events into the country regions.”

Mr Phillipson praised the courses, “Both Yamba and Grafton Golf Courses are hidden gems which are sure to please our golf enthusiasts.”

The 2016 NSW Open Golf Championship will take place at the Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club from 10 to 13 November, the week prior to the Emirates Australian Open.

Regional Qualifying Dates / Venues are:

18 & 19 June – Howlong Golf Club / Thurgoona Golf Resort
27 & 28 August – Gunnedah Golf Club
17 & 18 September – Moree Golf Club24 & 25 September – Yamba Golf Club / Grafton Golf Club

29 & 30 September – Camden Golf Club
  8 &  9 October – Forbes Golf Club
  8 &  9 October – Kew Country Club / Wauchope Golf Club
  5 &  6 November – Griffith Golf Club

For more information visit: www.nswopen.com

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