Big field prepares for championships
GOLF: Nearly 200 players will tee off in this weekend’s Middle Ridge Open Amateur Championship.
Toowoomba Golf Club general manager Johnathon Zirkler said nominations were up this year and he expected a highly competitive event.
“We have players from the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Brisbane, the Wide Bay region and plenty of locals,” he said.
“We always get a good response to the championship with plenty of returning players.
“The beauty of the event is that we have two divisions – it gives every player an opportunity to be competitive and enjoy themselves as well.”
Zirkler, who has been involved with the club for nearly 15 years, said the course looked the best it had in years and good solid play would be rewarded.
“The course is looking absolutely fantastic – the best it has been in years,” Zirkler said.
“The greens are playing true so if you line up your putt correctly it’ll play right.
‘‘ THE COURSE IS LOOKING ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC – THE BEST IT HAS BEEN IN YEARS. JOHNATHON ZIRKLER
“The key will be keeping yourself in play off the tee and then making that second shot count.
“How they (the players) set themselves up with their second shot will be important.”
Depending on conditions, Zirkler said scores from par to nine-under had won the competition.
A number of quality golfers have nominated for the event, according to trainee professional Josh Stewart.
“On the men’s side, current club champion Quinn Croker is one to consider,” Stewart said.
“And then Terry Barr and Jacob Clarke look good as well. Casey Porter is another good one in the women’s field.”
Play will start at 7am on Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1.