FOR the first time in more than a decade Bendigo will host a Pro-Am golf event.
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Neangar Park Golf Club in Eaglehawk has signed a deal with the PGA of Australia to stage a $10,000 event for the next three years.
The first Evolution Copy Print Solutions Neangar Park Pro-Am will be held on Monday, September 8.
The tournament is expected to attract a strong field, including Neangar Park’s own Andrew Martin and Axedale’s Kris Mueck, plus former US PGA tour players Euan Walters and David McKenzie and Japanese tour veteran Scott Laycock.
Amateur star Lucas Herbert is also expected to play on his home course.
“It’s a big event, not only for Neangar Park, but for golf in Bendigo in general,’’ Neangar Park general manager Nic Blake said.
“To have a field of up to 80 professionals here will be a fantastic promotion for golf in Bendigo and give the club some exposure.
“Our club is very keen to build the game of golf in Bendigo and with the support of the City of Greater Bendigo we’re excited to have the event for three years.”
The PGA of Australia has scheduled the Neangar Park Pro-Am as the final event of a week-long series in north western Victoria.
The series includes the Mallee Regional Pro-am in Mildura, Murray Downs Pro-Am in Swan Hill, Cohuna Pro-Am and the Border Open at Club Barham.
Martin and Mueck are looking forward to battling it out for the inaugural Neangar Park Pro-Am.
“To have a Pro-Am event on my home course is fantastic,’’ Martin said.
“I basically grew up here, so it’s exciting to have a tournament like this here. The course is looking good and it will be interesting to see how the players attack it.
“It’s not the longest course, but you can easily get yourself in trouble and make bogeys if you don’t hit the ball in the right places.
“There will be some good players here, so hopefully we get a few people out to have a look.”
Mueck is hoping the experience of playing countless rounds at Neangar Park will be an advantage.
“It’s exciting for the club to stage a Pro-Am,’’ Mueck said.
“It’s exciting for us (Martin and Mueck) and it’s a great chance for us to make some money on a course we know well.”