Croker teeing it up for next golfing challenge
GOLF: Quinnton Croker concedes his rivals many years in age and experience when he tees off today in the 2019 CocaCola Queensland PGA Championship.
But he is no novice when it comes to big-time golf.
The 16-year-old Toowoomba schoolboy is one of the youngest players to take part in the time-honoured tournament which has been won by some of Australian golf’s biggest names including Greg Norman, David Graham and Ian Baker-Finch.
Croker will be first to use the City Golf Club course this morning when he hits off at 6.30 alongside playing partners DJ Loypur and City professional Matt Britnell.
It will be the next step in a fledgling career which already boasts club open championship wins at City and Toowoomba (back-to-back) golf clubs, Queensland representation and a start in last November’s 2018 Queensland Open at Brisbane Golf Club.
The St Joseph’s College student clinched a Queensland PGA start last October when he defeated multiple club champion Anthony Timms in the 2018 City strokeplay championship.
It kick started an exciting four-month golf experience which Croker is soaking up in laid-back fashion.
“Winning a start in the Queensland Open and then the PGA happened in a matter of days for me last October,” Croker said.
“I was lucky enough to beat Timmsy on the last hole of the City championship to qualify for the PGA.
“The next day I went down to Carbrook and I qualified in the rain under tough conditions to get a start in the Queensland Open.
“I was happy with the way I hit the ball in the first round of the Open where I had a score of one under, but things didn’t go to plan next day and I missed the cut.
“But I learnt a lot.” Croker is hoping having his “best golf mate” Jack Oster caddy for him this week will be a plus as he looks to shoot two good early scores and qualify for the weekend play.
“I’ve definitely got my golf under wraps at the moment from tee to green,” Croker said.
“I’m struggling a bit with the putter but I’m confident I can hit some good scores.”
Marquee groups on course today include Gatton’s European Tour winner Andrew Dodt hitting from the 10th tee at 6.40am.
Peter Senior also starts on hole 10 at 11.50 while Ben Ikin hits off at 7.20 on the 10th.