The Chronicle

Golfer tees up for PGA

Eaves calm ahead of Coast event

- — Sean Teuma

Warwick’s Sam Eaves is ready to fire in today’s $1.5m Australian PGA Championsh­ip at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast.

Despite competing on the biggest stage of his career, Eaves is keeping a cool head.

“There’s no pressure on me to perform,” he said.

“I can just go out there and really relax.

“There’s no expectatio­n, and no previous good or bad experience­s to draw from, so I can focus on hitting it, getting it on the green and seeing if I can hole it.

“It’s great hanging around these players, and because it is co-sanctioned with the European tour, it is a super talented field.”

Eaves booked his place in the tournament after his second plac in the Australian PGA Profession­als Championsh­ips earlier this month.

He said it was a nervous wait in the clubhouse as he awaited his fate.

“I had to wait around for the last group to get in, and it was a bit nerve racking,” he said,

“There was certainly an opportunit­y to send it into a play-off, but it was an unreal feeling when I found out I was through.

“The golf club has been buzzing since they found out I got in.

“It’s been cool to share that excitement with them, and there are a whole heap of people coming down for the first day.”

Eaves has tried to maintain a light workload ahead of the tournament.

“I arrived here on Monday and played nine holes,” he said. “I’ve been trying to keep it nice and light.

“Not playing full-time, I’m not conditione­d to playing three rounds so I want to start as fresh as possible.”

Coverage on Channel Seven begins at 11am.

 ?? PHOTO: NEV MADSEN ?? RELAXED: Warwick’s Sam Eaves will tee off in the Australian PGA Championsh­ip today.
PHOTO: NEV MADSEN RELAXED: Warwick’s Sam Eaves will tee off in the Australian PGA Championsh­ip today.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Australia