Ballard gives his duo a shot
GOLD Coast golf coach Matthew Ballard says time on the European Tour has put two of his top clients in the frame to make a charge at the Australian PGA Championship.
Ballard is the short-game coach for Adam Bland and Sam Brazel who will be among the field at Royal Pines today chasing a win on home soil and a chance at more opportunities internationally.
Bland finished third in last year’s tournament while Brazel tied for 37th.
Both have spent time in Europe this year and while Brazel still has a year exemption for the tour in 2019, Bland, who holds a spot on the Japan Tour next year, missed out on securing his card.
Ballard said the experience of competing on what is considered the second strongest tour in the world behind the US had primed both golfers for their tilt on the Gold Coast.
“I think they have both come back believing they can compete on the world stage,” Ballard said.
“Adam didn’t keep his card but he had chances to win and got himself in contention a couple of times.
“The calibre of the field is great, too. I told him the other day it felt like the Australian Open was dropping down a class a little bit.
“That’s not taking anything away from players at the Australian Open but the depth of field in the European Tour events is a lot stronger.
“They should feel like they are up to it. Sammy has played with a lot of elite players over there, competed with them and beaten them too.
“It’s about doing it more often and giving himself more opportunities.
“Royal Pines requires a really good short game and the greens are really tricky.”
Burleigh-based Ballard, a club professional at Sanctuary Cove, said it was up to him to help the duo find the minor improvements that will enable them to win.
“As a coach of an elite player like them, it’s about trying to find one percenters that will make them better and give them a shot a round,” he said.
“Over the course of a tournament it can be a big difference.”