Locals set to tee up in PGA

GOLF: Three of Toowoomba’s best are preparing to fly the local flag when they take on some of Australasia’s legendary and leading professionals in this week’s Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship.

Anthony Timms, Mark Ryle and teenager Quinn Croker will line up on day one at City Golf Club this Thursday after being amongst the first players to qualify for a start in the 156player field.

Timms and Ryle locked up their spots in a one-two finish in a recent pre-qualifying event at City where Timms shot a winning three-under 67 with Ryle the runner-up on 72.

Sixteen-year-old Croker — a dual member at City and Toowoomba golf clubs — qualified back in October last year with his victory in the 2018 City Golf Club stroke-play championship where he edged out Timms to lock-up a fairytale Queensland PGA berth.

Timms played in the 2009 Queensland PGA Championship when it returned to Toowoomba at the beginning of its 10-year stint at City.

But this year is his first start in the tournament since 2015.

“I guess that’s been a reflection of my form,” Timms mused.

“I’ve been a caddy or spectator for the last couple of years, but you do miss not playing in it and it’s nice to have the chance again this year.

“My form was pretty horrendous leading up to last October but something has clicked for me and my form’s been pretty solid recently.

“I hopes it’s good enough this week to give me a chance to make the weekend cut.

“The course is in great shape considering. The team here have done a really good job to have it where it is for this week.”

Ryles had his first PGA Championship start last year and is hoping that experience can hold him in good stead this week.

“It’s a fantastic event and my first go last year was a great experience. I’m keen to get back out there next Thursday,” Ryles said.

“I think last year I was far too conservative, especially with my approach shots.

“If I’m in the right spots this year I’ll throw a bit more caution to the wind and have a better crack.

“It will be nice actually if it’s blowing a bit.

“It might give the local players who are used to our windy conditions here a bit of an advantage.”

A host of Toowoomba and Dalby amateurs and professionals will look to win their way into this year’s PGA field when 80 players line up from 6.30am today at City looking to qualify for one of around 40 spots still to be filled.