Off the back of a change to the season dates, Australia’s largest amateur teams golf event is enjoying growth across the board.

When compared to the previous season, the 2017/18 period is proving that the change to the dates was a move in the right direction for the popular event series.

The number of events staged has increased by 8% and event participants have grown a further 10%.

Gavin Kirkman, CEO of the PGA of Australia who operates the Holden Scramble is proud of what the event continues to achieve.

“The Holden Scramble has long been a favourite event amongst the golfing community and the increases in events and participation reflect that this has not changed.

“However, we are equally as proud of the growth in benefits and returns to our long time sponsors that this event consistently delivers.

“When we look at the same point into the season this year compared to last, the cashback returns shown to Holden as our naming rights sponsor have increased by 22% which is a direct financial benefit as a result of their sponsorship.”

With support from local dealerships also increasing year on year it proves that the key to the success of the Holden Scramble has been the PGA Members at golf clubs and the network of Holden dealerships nationwide that have been the driving forces in growing this event to its current stature.

In its history, over 1 million golfers have participated in a Scramble event and those golfers have contributed to over 13,000 Holden vehicle purchases through the Scramble cash back program.

The current Scramble season runs through until May 2018 with the 30 regional finals being played across Australia during March.  30 teams will head to Twin Waters Golf Club and Novotel Resort on the Sunshine Coast in May to celebrate the Championship Final in Queensland. 

Famed for its festival atmosphere and gala event, the Championship Final is the prize most participants have their eye on when they register.

Securing a place however means winning fair and square through the local events, and the regional finals.

“The integrity of the Scramble is something that our team places a great deal of emphasis on,” continued Kirkman.

“We now have direct access to Golf Link data which means the PGA can review handicaps over many years to identify any irregular increases or changes in handicaps.”

Planning for the coveted Championship Final is gearing up, and will see some new additions this year. With the change to the season dates, it will offer participants from the southern states a chance to escape the winter and enjoy some beautiful Sunshine Coast weather.

“The annual theme night at the Championship Final is infamous amongst Scramble participants and this year’s is no different. We’ll be celebrating an Around the world theme that ties into the Road to Russia for the FIFA Russia World Cup.”

“The final night will be a celebration featuring the Killer Queen Tribute Band to close the event with a bang, playing the back catalogue of rock classics.”

Though the excitement of the finals is still yet to be experienced, the PGA is already looking forward to the 2018/19 season.

With that in mind, discussions are underway with all major partners as the PGA commits to continuing the momentum of recent growth.

“We are excited about the future of this iconic event within the Australian golfing landscape and look forward to having more exciting news in the near future,” said Kirkman.

About the Holden Scramble

The Holden Scramble is a pro amateur club team’s event managed by the PGA of Australia. Holden has been the major sponsor since the event first started; their longest running sponsorship in Australia outside motor sports.

Since its inception in 1992, the Holden Scramble has become Australia’s largest and most successful pro-amateur team’s event. Now in its 26th season, the event has seen over one million participants nationally compete in over 10,000 events. The Holden Scramble also runs the Women’s Holden Scramble, which has seen over 25,000 ladies tee it up since its introduction.

For more information visit holdenscramble.com.au.