Croker steers stunning course to PGA event
The budding talent of Toowoomba schoolboy Quinn Croker will be on show at Brisbane Golf Club today when he hits off in the 2018 Queensland Isuzu Open.
The 16-year-old will tee-up alongside the Australasian Tour’s leading professionals in the historic tournament as he continues his promising golf journey.
Croker hits off at 6.55am alongside Robert Hogan and Bradley Doherty in what has already been an extraordinary week for the St Joseph’s College student.
Croker last weekend won the City Golf Club stroke-play championship to make him open champion at both Toowoomba golf clubs.
Earlier this year Croker claimed his second successive Toowoomba Golf Club championship following his 2017 victory at just 15 years of age.
But the best was still to come for the Junior Golf Queensland High Performance squad member on Monday when he qualified for a Queensland Open start.
Croker won a place in the elite field after shooting an even-par qualifying round of 71 at the Carbrook Golf Club course.
It was his first attempt at trying to qualify for a PGA Tour event.
Toowoomba Golf Club general manager Johnathon Zirkler said he couldn’t recall a player holding both Toowoomba championships at one time.
“I’ve never heard of anyone achieving the feat in my time in Toowoomba, let alone a schoolboy,” Zirkler said.
“And then to qualify for the Queensland Open is something really special.
“I know through my own experience how difficult Carbrook is, and to go around there in par, having not played the course previously, is a great round of golf.
“Quinn has a good attitude and work ethic and he has the ability to not let a lot faze him.
“He doesn’t get too far ahead of himself and is well regarded at our club.
“We all wish him the best in his first Queensland Open.”
City Golf Club professionals Matt and Chris Britnell have also taken a interest in Croker’s progress.
“We’ve helped Quinn out with a bit of coaching in recent times — more about things to be aware of as much as anything else and it’s great to see him doing so well,” Matt said.
“Obviously he works hard and will continue to get physically stronger.
“But I think he’s very levelheaded and shows a lot of maturity for his age.
“Preparation is everything at the moment for Quinn.
“He has a very good short game and is a great putter.
“Those are his strengths for now and hopefully his hitting will continue getting stronger.
“Carbrook is a great test of golf which he handled so well and Brisbane is another tough challenge.
“But Quinn’s already achieved in getting there and we’ll all be keen now to follow his progress over the next few days.”
‘‘ I’VE NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE ACHIEVING THE FEAT IN MY TIME IN TOOWOOMBA. JOHNATHON ZIRKLER