Portarlington’s a winner
PORTARLINGTON’S status of having one of the state’s best pro-ams was confirmed last week when the club claimed regional pro-am of the year at the Victorian Golf Industry Awards.
The $15,000 event is highly regarded among professionals around the country. Many top golfers come from around the nation to play it.
Portarlington professional Matt Milne said the award was reward for all the work the club had done to raise the profile of its event.
“It’s always good to be nominated and then win. Rosebud and Albury were the other finalists,” Milne said.
“The quality of our golf course helps and we really try and tailor the event for the enjoyment of the professionals. We want good food, good golf course, drinks on the course while they play.
“We set the golf course up in the fashion that’s fair for all. You go to some and they put holes on hills and slopes and they just make it too hard.
“You don’t want people hating the course and having a bad experience. We want it so that when you play well you shoot a good score.”
Simon Hawks and Ashley Hall won this year’s tournament, which attracted a strong field including prodigy Lucas Herbert, European Tour golfer Ben Eccles, Chinese Tour player Deyen Lawson and several Australian PGA Tour stars.
“The award is voted by the players, so to be held in such high esteem by Australia’s best golfers is certainly an accolade for our club,” Portarlington chief Ron Stockdale said.
“Matt Milne, our staff and volunteers put in 100 per cent towards this event.
“Winning the award is a testament to their hard work. We have also been lucky enough to have terrific sponsorship backing with Barwon Cleaning Supplies being with us since the event’s inception.”
Milne said the club was always looking to improve the pro-am and hoped to increase the event’s sponsorship in the coming years.
Meanwhile, the club is hoping to start the redevelopment of its pro shop next month.
The new shop will be expanded to almost double its width, allowing for more retail space and indoor teaching amenities.