SCHEDULES FOR PROS

Q One of the biggest battles to get our top players here has been the scheduling on the US Tour and the money and rankings that come with it. Does the US Tour calendar open up during the three big Australian events next year?

A It opens up a little bit and it’s up to where players are with their rankings. One of the key things is that it’s the start of the season. The Fed-Ex Tour Championships on the (US) PGA Tour will finish in August or September and then the Race to Dubai, the European Tour season, will finish only one week prior. That is when the new season starts and if players have got enough points up and they are fully exempt then they are willing to travel.

Q How does their world ranking dictate where they play in the final months of the year?

A If they are looking to get their world rankings down under 50 before the end of the year, which gives them access to all the major championships, then they will continue to play where there is higher prizemoney so they can improve their world ranking. That is one of the balances we will always have but it’s up to where players are positioned.

Q Who are some of the players here at Royal Pines who are fully secure for next year?

A Marc Leishman and Cam Smith are both in the top 50 in the world at the moment. That allows them not to be overplaying a lot of events. It takes the pressure off them for the following season and allows them to play here and see family and friends.