Final touches being added to PGA field
156 players set for 2019 Qld PGA Championship at City Golf Club
GOLF: PGA of Australia is in discussions with several European Tour players about the possibility of adding Toowoomba to their 2019 Australasian tour itinerary next week.
Officials this week are busy putting the finishing touches on the field make-up for next Thursday’s Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship launch at City Golf Club and several marquee starting spots remain open.
The $150,000 Queensland PGA event is slotted between this week’s World Super 6 in Perth and the New Zealand Open from February 28 which ensures a tight playing schedule.
But with last week’s Vic Open winner, David Law of Scotland, not playing in Toowoomba, PGA of Australia state manager Broc Greenhalgh said several of Law’s fellow European Tour players would be approached about their availability.
“The Queensland PGA is sandwiched between the World Super 6 and New Zealand Open which puts players on a tight schedule,” Greenhalgh said.
“But the PGA is in discussions with several European players who might be interested in coming to the Garden
City to play.”
The City Golf Club tournament will be missing a major draw card next week with the late withdrawal of last year’s tournament runner-up and crowd favourite Matt Millar, but Greenhalgh said the quality of the 156-player field remained assured.
“Unfortunately Matt has had to withdraw, but it’s for all the right reasons,” Greenhalgh said.
“Matt was very apologetic about missing Toowoomba this year after receiving exemption to play in the World Golf Championship in Mexico.
“He certainly goes there with our blessings and we wish him all the best.”
The final line-up of Toowoomba-based players in next week’s field is expected to finalised by this weekend.
City Golf Club trio Mark Ryle, Anthony Timms and teenager Quinn Croker are confirmed starters after successfully qualifying in lead-up events.
This year’s tournament is headed by Australian golf great Peter Senior.