Young golfers get a chance to shine
Young golfers across the region will be given a shot at glory at Bairnsdale Golf Club later this month, a day after some of the nation’s best players take to the Eagle Point course.
Run a day after the Big Garage Subaru Bairnsdale Pro-Am on Saturday 21 January, the Junior Pro-Am will see future stars from around the region hit the links.
“The club was keen to grow the event but wanted to take a different path than just adding an additional round for the professionals, so it decided to add junior event last year and it was a huge success,” said PGA of Australia tournament coordinator Heath McLeod.
“It gave young and aspiring golfers the chance to get up close with some of the game’s best players and find out what it takes to be a professional athlete, all while having a bit of fun,” McLeod said.
The Pro-Am proper will feature household names with Olympian Marcus Fraser headlining the field alongside defending champion Matthew Millar, and former winners Rick Kulacz and Tim Hart.
The opportunity to promote junior golf across the region came thanks to support from East Gippsland Shire Council – which provided $2500 in sponsorship – and Events Gippsland, both of which have backed the event since it was first proposed in early 2021.
“The ongoing support for both the main event and the Junior Pro-Am from East Gippsland Shire Council and Events Gippsland has been critical in the growth of the event in the past five years, especially the past two with the Junior Pro-Am,” McLeod said.
East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Mark Reeves praised the club for attracting the nation’s top players and giving younger players a chance to shine.
“The Junior Pro-Am offers such a great opportunity for local youngsters who can watch the elites on Saturday then play on the same course the very next day,” Cr Reeves said.
“I congratulate Bairnsdale Golf Club for developing the future of the sport and giving young players a go.”
The Big Garage Subaru Bairnsdale Pro-Am is the final event on a week-long swing of the Adidas Pro-Am Series which is played across the greater Gippsland region.
The Pro-Am will start at 7.30 am on Saturday, 21 January with Junior Pro-Am teeing off the following day at 10.00 am.
Entry is free both days for spectators and the event will be played without ropes, so everyone is welcome to walk the fairways with the players.
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Contact for media enquiries Heath McLeod Tournament Coordinator VIC/TAS/SA/TOUR P 03 8320 1953 | M 0419 939 810 | E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Professional Golfers Association of Australia Ltd | www.pga.org.au |
