Geoff Walker and Alan Wilder have claimed the mens’, while Kim Burke and Jacqui Morgan claimed the women’s foursomes crowns at Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club to kick off the 2021 NSW Senior Amateur Championship.
Walker and Wilder carded an impressive one under 70 in perfect conditions to grab the mens’ by a shot from three pairs, Terry Small and Steve Puskaric of Kogarah Golf Club, Neil Joseph and Craig Green of Pymble, and Ken Brewer (Newcastle) & Gordon Claney (Kingston Heath).
Burke and Morgan carded a three-over 75 to win by three from Jan Crichton and Karen Wood, while Jane Wall and Beverly Suckling claimed third place another shot back.
264 golfers have descended on the Shoalhaven for the Senior Amateur, with two courses (Shoalhaven & Nowra) in play for the first time in the event’s history.
Competitors will play one round at each of the venues, followed by a 36-hole cut. Those who make the cut will play the final round on Thursday at Shoalhaven Heads.
Related Links
Men’s Final Scores
Women’s Final Scores
Reigning Champions David Bagust of Port Macquarie and Louise Mullard from Wyong on the Central Coast will also be back to defend their crowns.
Golf NSW Operations Manager, Mr Graeme Phillipson, said the Senior Amateur always attracted strong fields with many competitors travelling great distances to take part.
“The NSW Senior Amateur Championships are a highlight on the golfing year for those aged over 55, and with the number of visitors staying multiple nights, it will be a boon for the Shoalhaven region.
“Despite COVID, the number of interstate entries is very pleasing.”
Mr Phillipson added the quality of the courses chosen to host the 2021 Championships would be another inducement for golfers who were thinking of taking part.
“Shoalhaven Heads and Nowra are renowned for being courses of exceptional quality.
“We had rave reviews about ‘The Heads’ when we hosted the NSW Mid Amateur in 2019, and Nowra Golf Club, with its setting beside the river and tee boxes placed back in caverns in the cliffs, will be a special experience for many of the players,” Mr Phillipson added.
For more information on the Shoalhaven region and everything it has to offer, including accommodation, places to eat and things to do, visit https://www.shoalhaven.com/guide