Eurobodalla Mayor Mathew Hatcher has welcomed a prestigious 36-hole tournament to Batemans Bay for the first time.
The NSW Open Golf Regional Qualifying Series will be held at Catalina Club this September. It is part of a six-tournament series that will see Australia’s best professional and elite amateur golfers competing for a spot in the NSW Open Golf Championship and $50,000 in prizemoney.
Other tournaments will be held at South West Rocks, Coffs Harbour, Teven, Wollongong and Queanbeyan throughout the year.
“This is such a prestigious event to hit our slice of paradise,” Mayor Hatcher said.
“Council’s events team is working on adding more high-profile events like this to Eurobodalla’s calendar – stay tuned, because there’s more to come.”
Council’s general manager Warwick Winn said the event will boost the shire’s economy outside of the peak holiday season.
“This event will put Catalina Club and Eurobodalla on the map for travelling golfers. It will be televised and talked about across the state,” Mr Winn said.
“Council will work with businesses in the area to prepare for the influx of visitors in September, normally a quiet time of year for tourism.”
More than 100 golfers will visit Batemans Bay for at least four nights stay, says Golf NSW events manager Olivia Wilson.
“Three spots are up for grabs in the NSW Open Golf Championship – a tier one event on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia schedule,” Ms Wilson said.
“It’s a great opportunity for players along the South Coast and regional Canberra to compete at the Catalina event for a run in the top three.
“It’s also a bonus to come to a beautiful place like Batemans Bay. Players love to bring their families and extras tend to tag along.”
Ms Wilson thanked Golf NSW partners for their support.
“Being able to take these tournaments to regional areas is made possible thanks to the NSW Government and local support from Bega MP Dr Michael Holland and Eurobodalla Council who jumped at the concept.”
Ms Wilson said Catalina Club had been flexible, shuffling their calendar to host the event. The club’s assistant general manager Mitchel Judd said excitement was already building.
“We’re very excited to host. It is arguably the biggest event the club has seen in 10-plus years,” Mr Judd said.
“We are delighted our community gets the opportunity to see world class golf and the players and their families get to explore all that the Eurobodalla has to offer.
“We will make some exciting announcements closer to the date about local talent participating in the event.”
