Expecting stars at Blitz

Curlewis proves it has the hottest events

AN award-winning blitz on a new generation of golf has ignited high hopes of attracting a star-studded line-up to one of the game’s hottest events on the 2020 calendar.

Curlewis Golf Club has been awarded 2018/2019 Victorian Regional Pro-Am of the Year after more than 700 patrons witnessed the local launch of Blitz Golf — considered the T20 form of the game — in January.

The feat was even more special due to the 40-plus temperatures that coincided with the mammoth event, and general manager Jamie Brigden was proud of the way the club banded together to make sure it was an enjoyable experience for all involved.

“We were really excited about hosting the event. Obviously the weather wasn’t kind to us on the day, but it was amazing the way the pros jumped on board, really embraced it, and the members who gave up their time to volunteer. We preempted the weather and, knowing we were in for a stinker, we had misters on hand and water stations and everything we could.

“It’s a real hats-off to our volunteers and Curlewis members who were still happy to stand out in that heat, on parking duty, and volunteer their time. They were amazing. We couldn’t do the event without them. Obviously we’re hoping the second one is bigger and better and the weather gods are kind to us.”

The club is hopeful the result could attract even more stars to the 2020 pro-am with the help of Golf Victoria, and earn the return of 2019 Women’s PGA Championship winner Hannah Green.

“We’re pretty confident all the guys who played last year, plus hopefully a couple of other big names, will commit to the Blitz Golf series next year,” Brigden said.

The flow-on effects could be even greater as part of the club’s push to attract more golf-related tourism to Geelong and The Bellarine.

The success is set to provide the blueprint for clubs around the country to hold amateur events of the short-form game, where each winner can qualify for their relevant state events.

“It’s just all about making golf fun. We trying to say to people that it doesn’t have to take the best part of your day to play golf, and it should be enjoyed, even when you’re not playing well,” Brigden said.

Curlewis Golf Club will hold its Blitz Golf amateur tournament on October 27, while the pro-am is scheduled for January 5, 2020.