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Katelyn Must always appreciated the care she was shown by PGA Professionals as a junior. Now on the verge of representing Australia as a PGA Professional herself, she considers it a great privilege to do the same and help every golfer enjoy their own playing journey.
The Teaching Professional at Peregian Springs on the Sunshine Coast, Must will represent Australia and the broader PGA Membership at the Women’s PGA Cup next week. National representation the crowning achievement of a playing career that includes victory on the WPGA Tour, Katelyn believes that strong on-course performance is a must.
“As a coach, it’s important that I am able to play well in tournaments,” she explained. “To show my students that I can play and that I am able to do what I am directing them to do.”
Performances that she has delivered in recent time, Must finished 20th at the Australian WPGA Championship in January and was tied for 23rd at the Vic Open.
Reflecting on her playing career, Must is quick to credit others – in particular the support and direction from PGA Professionals. Recalling her first taste of the game at Caloundra Golf Club, she is eternally grateful for the warm welcome she received.
“I was the only girl who showed an interest in golf there at the time,” Must recalled. “And I was actually lucky enough to meet Grant Field there.
“He took me under his wing and became like a father figure to me – we would go to the course and play and practice together,” she smiled.
“To be honest, without him I wouldn’t have got to where I have.”
More broadly, Must recognises the importance of having strong mentors to guide a path in the game and is proud to do the same for the next generation now.
“I always had good support and the influence of strong golfers,” explained Must, who turned Professional in 2010. “There were always PGA Professionals who would help guide my next step, even when I wasn’t sure what it should be.”
Today, in her role at Peregian Springs, Must appreciates that that responsibility is now hers. Particularly passionate about helping juniors form an enduring connection to the game, she loves getting on the course with them and helping to show the way.
“It’s my way of giving back to the game, she said. “I know how much of a difference that level of care made to me, so I want to give everyone the same chance.”
The benefits flow both ways too, as Must firmly believes that coaching is a process of continual development. From tailoring her own style to the quirks of each individual player, to undertaking in-depth research to improve her technical understanding, Must is always looking to improve.
“I think you are always evolving as a coach,” said Must. “I love watching other coaches and players to learn what language and strategies they have to help a player improve.”
Though she now dedicates herself to the improvement of other golfers, the upcoming Women’s PGA Cup will give Must the chance to play competitively once again. An exciting opportunity, she has no hesitation in describing how much her selection means.
“To get the chance to go over there and represent Australia is the highest honour I’ve had to date,” she said. “To be overseas, surrounded by likeminded people in an elite environment is very special.
“When you are teaching full-time, it’s pretty rare to get an opportunity like this,” she explained. “So, to be one of five to go over to New Mexico – it really does mean a lot.”
Must knows she will receive a great deal of support from her students and the broader membership at Peregian Springs. Support that means the world to her, she does have one message for anyone who might be missing a lesson while she is away.
“My playing makes my coaching stronger, she smiled. “I’ve always said that if I can go away and do well in tournaments, then my students know they can trust the process of what we are trying to do together .”Must will tee it up alongside Paige Stubbs, Nicole Martino, Angela Tatt and Anne-Marie Knight at Twin Warriors Golf Club in New Mexico October 24-29. The field, comprised of teams from six world PGAs, will compete in a 54-hole strokeplay format, with each team’s lowest three scores counted after each round.
The highest achievers in Victorian golf over the past twelve months are set to be recognised at the Victorian Golf Industry Awards Night – held at Art Centre Melbourne – on Thursday, 20 October.
A chance to celebrate the exceptional work that PGA Professionals have achieved throughout the state, all nominees continue to do a wonderful job to grow the game of golf; making it more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
Their contributions extending across every aspect of the industry, PGA Professionals will be recognised in four categories, with a further three awards available for outstanding Pro-Ams.
“It is fantastic to have the chance to honour the people and events that help golf to flourish every day,” said Victorian Membership Manager, Luke Bower.
“Our PGA Professionals are the heartbeat of Australian golf, so it is only fitting that their achievements are celebrated on such a special occasion,” he said.
All vocational award nominees can be found below.
2022 PGA Victorian Club Professional of The Year
2022 PGA Victorian Coach of The Year – High Performance
2022 PGA Victorian Coach of The Year – Game Development
2022 PGA Victorian Management Professional of The Year
2022 Legends Pro-Am of The Year
2022 Regional Pro-Am of The Year
2022 Metropolitan Pro-Am of The Year
For more information on all awards and the night as a whole, click HERE
The ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia remains in Western Australia but has shifted to the state’s capital for this week’s Nexus Advisernet WA Open at The Western Australian Golf Club.
Victorian David Micheluzzi claimed the year’s first victory at Kalgoorlie on Sunday and now 122 players will seek to add their names to a rich history of those to have won the WA Open at the idyllic Yokine layout.
Starting with four-time WA Open champion Tom Cassidy in 1936, the WAGC has hosted the state open on eight previous occasions with legendary figures such as Kel Nagle (1950), Graham Marsh (1968) and Terry Gale (1975) all victorious at the venue.
The WA Open itself dates back to 1913, the winner that year also owning a special place in the history of Australian golf.
Two years after he and brother Bruce became the first Australians to play The Open Championship, Clyde Pearce won the 1913 WA Open at Fremantle Golf Club and two days later won the WA Amateur.
Now plying his trade on the Korn Ferry Tour in the US, the most recent WA Open at the WAGC was won by Curtis Luck in 2016 and the club is excited at the prospect of crowning another worthy champion on Sunday.
“We want to put on an event that shows the club and the tournament in the best possible light,” said club General Manager, Damien Todorovic.
“Hopefully the crowds will come through to the club and add to the atmosphere around the course.”
With free entry for spectators, activations being run by GolfWA, superb hospitality packages on offer and live television coverage on Kayo and Fox Sports on Saturday and Sunday, the Nexus Advisernet WA Open is gearing up to be a massive event for the city of Perth.
Named the Metropolitan Course and Facility of the Year at the ADH Club Car WA Golf Industry Awards Night in July, the WAGC course is a parklands classic that features plenty of changes in elevation and is expected to play its part in writing the story of the 2022 championship.
“It’s got a great mix of holes,” added Todorovic. “And with five par 3s and just three par 5s, it’s not going to be as easy as people might expect.
“Yes, the course is not very long by modern standards given how far the players hit the ball these days, but there is bound to be some wind and the rough and the 80 bunkers on the course will offer plenty of protection.”
Players starting on the first hole will be greeted by one of the trickiest holes on the course – a daunting par 3 of some 220 metres.
Needless to say, par is an excellent score on this testing opener, with numerous scoring opportunities presenting themselves later in the round, including a number of driveable par 4s.
The par 5s, while short, all play uphill and Todorovic and Course Superintendent Idris Evans – who has been at the club for 36 years and is a former club champion – are eager to see how the recent changes implemented by Graham Marsh to the 17th and 18th holes hold up against the professionals.
“From a spectator perspective, our clubhouse offers excellent views of the golf course, including the first, ninth and 18th holes,” Todorovic said.
“We made the decision to remove a large ridge that ran through the 17th and 18th fairways and add a couple of new bunkers. It not only improved the visibility and playability for golfers but made the whole of the 18th hole visible from the clubhouse.
“This is exciting not just for this week when the pros are in town, but every other week when we return to being a members’ course.”
Picking a winner for the week is always tough, but Todorovic is hoping that one of the WAGC members in the field – including two-time club champion Haydn Barron and rising amateur star Joseph Buttress – will be in the mix come the back nine on Sunday.
“The course will offer some birdies and players who hit the ball in the right areas will be rewarded,” Todorovic said.
“But there are some areas to avoid and hopefully some local knowledge will give the WAGC golfers a small advantage.”
Micheluzzi is backing up following his maiden win as a professional to try and complete the WA double with other marquee players teeing it up including the three most recent champions in Braden Becker (2021), Hayden Hopewell (2020) and Michael Sim (2019), former European Tour winners Brett Rumford and Scott Strange and three-time PGA Tour of Australasia winner Jarryd Felton.
Round 1 begins on Thursday morning and the final two rounds will be broadcast live on Fox Sports and Kayo. Round 3 on Saturday will be live from 2.30pm-5.30pm AEDT with Sunday’s final round coverage running from 12.30pm-5.30pm AEDT.
The weekend will also see the playing of the WA All Abilities Open Championship where reigning champion and last week’s winner in Kalgoorlie, Cameron Pollard, returns to defend his title.
Past WA Opens at The Western Australian Golf Club
2016: Curtis Luck (a)
2010: Brad Kennedy
1975: Terry Gale (a)
1968: Graham Marsh
1965: Len Thomas
1958: Bill McPherson (a)
1950: Kel Nagle
1936: Tom Cassidy
Course Record
62 – Curtis Luck (2016)
Course Information
Par 70, 5,800m
Western Australia’s Nicole Martino will be passionately championing the cause of all female golfers when she represents Australia next week, determined to take her chance to represent the female PGA Membership on the world stage.
Golf Manager at The Western Australian Golf Club, Martino, who has been a Member of the PGA of Australia since 2013, knows that the upcoming Women’s PGA Cup shapes as more than just the chance to get back on the course.
“For me, it’s everything I wanted to achieve in my role – and that is to promote the female golfer,” she explained. “Women are achieving really good things in golf, so this is our chance to get on the world stage and promote every female PGA Professional.”
Having begun her own golfing journey in a junior program at Royal Fremantle Golf Club, Martino boasts a wealth of playing experience. Initially in the United States, she also travelled on the ALPG and China LPGA Tours. Valuable experiences, she learned much about herself in those formative years and it went a long way to shaping her ultimate career aspirations.
“I would promote that experience to anyone, getting overseas and playing against the best players.
“It’s the best way to test yourself and to open your eyes to what the world of golf really looks like.”
Ultimately for Martino, that time revealed that a life on tour might not be the perfect fit.
“I just got so homesick,” she said.
Nevertheless, her passion for the sport remained and a career in golf came calling when Martino chose to pursue PGA Membership in 2013, rather than trying for Ladies European Tour school.
“For me, it was a lifestyle choice. Knowing I’d been away and felt the way I had, it became clear that I was going to pursue a career working in golf, as opposed to a playing career.”
Immediately thriving in her new environment, Martino excelled throughout her time as a PGA Associate. Impressive academics and an acute understanding of her own skillset saw her drawn towards the management side of the industry; an inkling confirmed when she was offered a scholarship to complete the Diploma of Golf Management with the PGA Institute.
“The natural progression can often be to move into coaching, but I was confident I wanted to pursue the management path,” Martino recalled. “Completing the Diploma of Golf Management confirmed that for me, it quite literally took me to the other side of the industry.”
A perfect fit for the 35-year-old, Martino loves her work and has found a place to call home at The Western Australian Golf Club. In her wide-ranging role, she is responsible for the day-to-day golf operation of the thriving club, where the scope includes everything from events, to retail and business management.
“It’s certainly a vast job, but I love every aspect of it,” reflected Martino. “Every day is different and I love that challenge.”
As she finds contentment in her work, Martino’s recent selection for Australia has also reignited a passion for playing. Where her time on the course might have been slightly limited in recent years, she is thrilled to back on the fairways, preparing to represent her country at the Women’s PGA Cup.
“Since the team announcement I have made a point of prioritising my playing and getting out there at least once a week,” she said. “It has reignited my passion and it’s really exciting to be playing and practicing with a purpose again.”
Her selection well received around the club as well, Martino has gratefully received the well-wishes from club members and fellow staff.
“The members are always extremely supportive,” Martino smiled. “It’s always a great confidence boost when people find out and make a nice comment.”
Ultimately, while the chance to travel and play again will be a source of fulfilment for Martino, success for her in New Mexico will mean more than shooting a good score.
“I’m very proud to have the platform to promote golf, to show that for young girls this pathway into a career in the sport exists and is a viable one.
“That’s why, for me, the Women’s PGA Cup is about so much more than playing golf and winning.”
Martino will tee it up alongside Anne-Marie Knight, Paige Stubbs, Katelyn Must and Angela Tatt at Twin Warriors Golf Club in New Mexico October 24-29. The field, comprised of teams from six world PGAs, will compete in a 54-hole strokeplay format, with each team’s lowest three scores counted after each round.
Angela Tatt can’t recall exactly when she started playing golf, only that it has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember.
The Assistant Professional at Ballarat Golf Club in Victoria for the past seven years, Tatt has been selected to represent the PGA of Australia at the Women’s PGA Cup in New Mexico later this month.
It is a path to playing on the world stage that she has dreamed of since she was a junior at Buninyong Golf Club and which has been inspired by family throughout.
Angela’s father, Chris Tatt, represented Australia at the 1983 Sloan Morpeth Trophy and won the 2009 Victorian Senior Amateur Championship. Angela herself was a member of the Victorian state squad and in 2005 was the Victorian Country Champion and Victoria Golf Club Women’s Club Champion.
After completing high school, Tatt spent a year doing little more than playing golf.
Her progress led to victories in amateur events and the suggestion by a family friend that she could forge a career as a PGA Professional, a nudge that would prove to be life-changing.
At the age of 20 she began her PGA training under Phil Hodge at Portarlington Golf Club on the Bellarine Peninsula but her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis necessitated a move closer to home.
Tatt continued under Michael Cooke at Midlands Golf Club, revelling in the pro shop environment and interaction with – generally – happy members.
But playing competitively runs deep in the Tatt bloodlines.
Which is why, when you ask her what it means to represent Australia at the Women’s PGA Cup, there is so much emotion lying just beneath the surface.
“I’m going to get emotional straight away,” answers Tatt, whose brother Travis is currently undertaking the Membership Pathway Program at Ballarat.
“To represent your country as a golfer, there are very few opportunities to do that.
“This is huge for me.”
Tatt began to play pro-ams after commencing the PGA traineeship. Towards the end of her three years, Tatt shot four-under to win the Castle Hill Country Club Pro-Am on the Australian Ladies Professional Golf circuit.
That paved the way to play in the 2009 Women’s Australian Open and 2009 Australian Ladies Masters, tournaments won by Laura Davies and Katherine Kirk respectively.
Yet an experience at the LPGA’s Duramed Futures Tour Qualifying School later that year – where she says she “mentally blew up” – challenged Tatt’s passion for playing.
She returned to her retail position at The Good Guys in Ballarat, completed a Diploma in Management and was on the verge of opening a franchise of her own.
And then golf came calling.
A chance dinner with the David Wallis, Head Professional at Ballarat Golf Club, and the recent departure of his resident Teaching Professional presented an opportunity to return to her first love.
“I rang my parents and talked it through,” Tatt said of once again utilising her PGA qualifications.
“I had a mortgage on my own so it was a big risk to take financially.
“By the end of the weekend I had accepted the job.”
For the past seven years Tatt has been an active promoter of women in golf in the Ballarat region, a position she hopes to advance through her participation in the second iteration of the Women’s PGA Cup.
“The thing I am most looking forward to is the networking. Really picking the brains of all the other girls,” Tatt adds.
“Everyone has got so many different ideas and we all learn so much about golf and what we can do to develop the game when we’re all in it together, no matter where we are in the world.
“I’m definitely an advocate for women in golf – that’s my main thing in Ballarat – so I just can’t wait for that part of it.
“And to play with some of the girls that, back in the day, you used to play with, it’s like getting the old band back together.
“It means a hell of a lot.”
Tatt will tee it up alongside Anne-Marie Knight, Nicole Martino, Katelyn Must and Paige Stubbs at Twin Warriors Golf Club in New Mexico October 24-29. The field, comprised of teams from six world PGAs, will compete in a 54-hole strokeplay format, with each team’s lowest three scores counted after each round.
The second day of the inaugural Golf Business Forum/ PGA Expo gave PGA Professionals the chance to engage with the entire golfing industry in a new way; challenged, inspired and thanked for their ongoing contribution to the game.
To start the day, Honorary President of the PGA of America, Suzy Whaley was effusive in her praise of the broader PGA membership, emphasising the impact they have on every golfer, every day.
“Our mission as PGA Professionals is not only to get clubs in people’s hands, but we’ve got the chance to change people’s lives,” she explained.
“It is about bringing people together and embracing a collective responsibility to help guide how people think about the game.”
From there, PGA Professionals were able to engage in a range of exclusive content, tailored to their expertise and delivered by some of the biggest names in the game.
Rick Sessinghaus delivered a deep-dive into coaching the mental skills, before joining a panel discussion with Ritchie Smith and Grant Field. Together they shared insights on coaching Major champions, each prepared to challenge traditional ways of thinking to help every individual golfer on their journey.
Ian James once again affirmed the inherent value of PGA Professionals, providing anecdotal and data-driven evidence as to the importance of their role. Exploring ideas of connection – both to the game and its players – Ian’s uplifting presentation was the perfect way to round out the Expo.
We spoke with Head Professional at Churchill Waverly Golf Club, Mitchell Ohlmus, to get his thoughts on some of the Member-exclusive content and his reflections on the Expo more broadly.
How has hearing Rick Sessinghaus present changed your perception of what peak performance looks like?
“I think he presents a very tailored approach that he can adjust to suit a range of individuals. The biggest thing for Rick as well, is the way he presents, he can command a room and really get his message across. Ultimately, his message is designed to help any level of golfer, whether it’s a club player or a peak performance golfer.”
Was there anything in particular from Rick that you will look to incorporate into your own work?
“Absolutely. I think his whole eight-step cycle on achieving flow state is something new for me. It’s good to move into the mental side of things rather than the technique side of things – tapping into that has been wonderful.”
How did Ian James’ presentation resonate with you?
“I think every PGA Professional listening to him completely agrees with him. It is always good to learn in a little bit more depth and be challenged by a range of ideas.
What about his ideas about ‘connection’ in golf?
“The way he explored the idea of connection – for golfers and clubs – was fantastic. It’s no secret that clubs want to keep attracting new players, whether that’s juniors, males or females and any way we can connect with them is really important.
Flush with insights and ideas from international experts, day one at the 2022 Golf Business Forum/ PGA Expo provided a wealth of value to every PGA Professional in attendance at CENTREPIECE, Melbourne Park.
With delegates present from around the country and throughout the industry, PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman kicked off the day by welcoming all PGA Professionals.
“PGA Professionals have a huge role to play, promoting all walks of golf and helping to bring new people into the game,” he explained.
Closely aligned to the inaugural Australian Golf Strategy – one that is built upon having more Australians playing more golf, and positioning the sport as one to be enjoyed by everyone for life – Kirkman stressed the role that PGA Professionals play in that.
“PGA Professionals can create a positive, welcoming and encouraging first experience for everyone,” he said. “That allows us to set up our future golfers for success from day one.”
From there, high-performance coach and founder of FlowCode Golf Academy, Rick Sessinghaus shared his insights on achieving a state of flow – one that allows for peak performance both on and off the golf course.
“We are always performing – no matter what role we play in the golf industry,” said Sessinghaus, who has coached two-time Major Champion Collin Morikawa for nearly twenty years. “The key to peak performance in that sense, is to be entirely present and in the moment.
Expert in golf retail and golfer engagement, Ian James dazzled the main auditorium in the afternoon session. Prepared to challenge traditional ways of thinking, he was determined to inspire PGA Professionals to strive for success at their various clubs and facilities.
Keen to impress upon the audience that PGA Professionals are the “Chief Engagement Officers” at any golfing facility, he emphasised the importance of creating meaningful, enduring relationships with golfers.
“Less than 15% of golfers play in order to compete,” he said. “More than 80% of golfers get out on the course in order to connect and spend time with their community.
“The natural progression from that is that the PGA Professional needs to spend time with the golfer and then the golfer will respond.”
Going on to share a range of models that Professionals and General Managers can implement in order to maximise a mutually beneficial relationship, it all boils down to one thing for Ian.
“We want to create a situation where the golf club wins, the golfer wins and the PGA Professional wins,” he said. “That’s the ultimate goal.”
Embracing the broader theme of where the game of golf is heading, Ian addressed how valuable PGA Professionals are in making the game more accessible to more people.
“The quickest way we can help people to enjoy their golf is to change their challenge; giving them something that they can achieve and feel like they are succeeding at,” he explained. “Improving their competence is important, but thinking outside the box is key, we need to be more inclusive as a sport.”
The unmissable industry-wide education and networking event will continue tomorrow, with a range of PGA Professional-exclusive content to look forward to.
To view the full program and check out who will be speaking tomorrow, click HERE
A stunning show of generosity from Royal Hobart’s Scott Laycock has capped off the PGA Professionals Championship at Yarra Yarra, as the Tasmanian gave two fellow PGA Professionals the opportunity of a lifetime.
Laycock, who fired a bogey-free round of six-under on Tuesday, finished the Championship at ten-under par to claim victory by three shots over Queensland’s TJ King and New-South Welshman, Jayden Cripps.
The second time he has won the Dan Cullen Cup, Laycock’s complete performance in blustery afternoon conditions formed only part of the story on Tuesday afternoon, as he demonstrated remarkable humility just minutes after holing his Championship-winning putt.
With an exemption into the 2022 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship provided to the top two finishers, both Cripps and King – who finished tied at seven-under – birdied their first play-off hole for the position, before Laycock intervened – shaking hands with the pair and congratulating them on earning their places at Royal Queensland – as he forfeited his own exemption.
“They both played well, good luck to them, I’m sure they’ll go a long way in their golf,” Laycock smiled. “It’s great to give these guys the chance to get up there and progress their careers.”
A striking show of generosity, it was gratefully received by King, who roared home, finishing birdie, birdie, eagle just to earn his place in the play-off.
“I didn’t think I was in the picture there to be honest,” explained King. “I don’t have the words to describe what Scott’s just done. He’s been there and done it all, so for him to do that for two young blokes is just incredible.”
Equally, Cripps was overcome by Laycock’s offer, wrapping him in a big bear hug as the news sunk in on the eighteenth green.
“I can’t believe it. I’ve just met Scott today and for him to do that for us is really amazing.”
A particularly popular winner, Laycock’s victory was almost assured from the first hole, as he made a nerveless six-footer for birdie to tie the lead. From there, he only vacated the top spot briefly, as he plotted his way around sensibly, and regularly gave himself the chance to score.
A crucial par-save on the par-five ninth got him moving, as Royal Hobart’s teaching professional went on an exceptional four-under run through the first five holes of the back nine.
“I pride myself on my ability to control my ball flight in tough conditions,” explained Laycock who has a range of playing experience both at home and overseas. “I wasn’t pleased with how I’d played that (ninth) hole, so to make that putt for par was really pleasing.
“From there I almost knocked it in on the (par three) eleventh, hit it to five feet on the twelfth and hit the flagstick on fourteen as well, so that little stretch was great.”
The second time he has won the PGA Professionals Championship, Laycock claimed victory in 2018 and was runner-up in 2019. Proud to return to the top of the podium, he also notes the value of giving PGA Professionals the chance to perform in tournament conditions like they faced at Yarra Yarra.
“I think it’s really important that we get the chance to play events like this,” Laycock explained. “That’s why we get into the game, because we love it. We love playing and now we are fortunate enough to make a living out of it in one way or another.
“For me, I’ve been playing for a lot of years and I still get the juices flowing and get competitive, it’s a wonderful event.”
Composed down the stretch, Laycock finished with four straight pars as the chasing pack fought for places in the top ten.
Michael Moore shot a second-round sixty-nine, enough to tie fourth place with Victoria’s Bradley McLellan at five-under par. McLellan himself enjoyed a fast finish, making five straight birdies in his back nine to earn a place at the top end of the leader board.
Similarly, Ben Bunny played the back nine in three-under to secure his place in the top-ten, while Manly’s William Flitcroft backed-up yesterday’s strong showing with a steady round of seventy-one, to finish at four-under.
For Laycock, who will be getting married in November, victory means a great deal and he knows it will be warmly received back in Tasmania.
“The Royal Hobart members love to follow Matt Docking (Head Professional) and myself,” he said. “We regularly play with them as best we can, and they do support us a lot.”
To view the final standings from the 2022 PGA Professionals Championship, CLICK HERE
It was double-delight at Yarra Yarra’s picturesque sixth hole on Monday, as Jayden Cripps and William Flitcroft each made aces to catapult themselves to the top of the leader board after the first round of the PGA Professionals Championship.
Designed to showcase the outstanding playing ability of PGA Professionals, the 36-hole event – run in partnership with Acushnet and Club Car – saw twenty-one players go under par in stunning conditions on Melbourne’s Sandbelt.
A third career hole-in-one for Cripps, his 48-degree wedge landed past the hole and spun back into the cup, the New-South Welshman not sure of the final result until he made his way onto the green.
“I knew I hit it well, but I just kind of saw it disappear,” he said. “To be quite honest I thought it had spun off into the front bunker or the gulley short of the green.”
Energised by the hole-in-one, it kickstarted a run up the leader board for Cripps, who would finish the day with seven birdies and four bogeys to finish with 67.
“The first few holes I was just missing it in the wrong spots, which you really can’t afford to do around here – not with how quick and firm the greens are.
“I worked out pretty quickly that I just needed to keep the ball below the hole, you combine that with hitting fairways then there is certainly a chance to make a good score.”
Having found his groove, Cripps birdied seven of his last nine holes, including holing a nerveless twenty-footer on the last to claim the lead outright.
Due reward for effort, Cripps feels that his performance today is a reflection of the work he has put in recently – and the people with whom he surrounds himself.
“I’ve been spending a lot of time with Kelsey Bennett and Deyen Lawson,” said Cripps. “Working on my wedge game, distance control and just learning from them.
“You spend time around good people and it’s funny what can happen.”
For Flitcroft, there was no doubt that his 54-degree wedge was destined for the cup on the sixth.
“One of the boys actually called it mid-flight,” he laughed. “It’s my first one in thirteen years and first as a professional, so I’m very happy that it came today.”
It was the continuation of momentum for Flitcroft, who made an eagle on the sixteenth and a birdie on the eighteenth, after starting with bogeys on fourteen and fifteen in the afternoon field shotgun start.
“Those two (sixteen and eighteen) kind of got me moving, so it was great to add the hole-in-one there as well to keep it tracking in the right direction.”
Steady thereafter, Flitcroft also capitalised on the par-five ninth hole with another birdie, to finish the day at three-under, in a three-way tie for fourth. An impressive effort for his first time around the course, he is confident he knows what it will take to get the job done tomorrow.
“It’s all about where you leave it out there,” Flitcroft explained. “As soon as you’re above the hole you’re in trouble, but if you leave it in the right spots, then you can definitely post a good score.”
2018 Champion, Scott Laycock showed his class once again in pristine Melbourne conditions, firing an impressive four-under 68 to sit in a tie for second place.
Despite starting with two early bogeys, Laycock enjoyed a remarkable run through the middle of his round, playing a seven-hole stretch in six-under to make his way up the leader board.
“It was a bit of a funny start – it took me a while to get the speed of the greens,” said Laycock, who has prepared for the event by playing with the members at Royal Hobart.
“Then through that middle patch I didn’t miss many opportunities, so that was nice.”
Joining Laycock in second place is Queenslander Brenton Fowler, whose four-under round was highlighted by two eagles at the fifth and the ninth as he made his way around the front nine in just 31.
Fellow Queenslander TJ King also shone in the morning group, firing a three-under 69, to back up his impressive second-placed finish at the Links Hope Island earlier this year.
The final round nicely poised for tomorrow, the double shot-gun start will allow for the leaders to tee it up at 12:40pm, fighting for $50,000 in prizemoney and one of two exemptions into the 2022 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship.
Follow the event scores and updates HERE
A field of more than 160 will tee it up today at the PGA Professionals Championship at Yarra Yarra Golf Club, competing for $50,000 in prizemoney, as well as exemptions into the 2022 Fortinet Australian PGA Championship and 2023 Vic Open.
Open to all Vocational PGA Professionals without a ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia category, the field will compete over 36 holes on the 10th and 11th October, as the tournament brings together some of Australia’s leading club, teaching and management Professionals.
Designed to showcase the outstanding playing ability of PGA Professionals, the event – run in partnership with Acushnet and Club Car – is set to be hotly contested, with the top two in the field gaining a place in the Australian PGA Championship at Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Tournament Director, Broc Greenhalgh, is thrilled to be welcoming such a strong field for an exciting couple of days of golf on Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt.
“It’s wonderful to be in Victoria and to see the best of our PGA Professionals on show,” Greenhalgh said.
“PGA Professionals are the heartbeat of Australian golf, so it’s wonderful that they will have the chance to go out and test themselves on such an iconic golf course.
“There is plenty to play for, so we are looking forward to a great exhibition of golf.”
Reigning champion and Head Professional at Pacific Dunes Golf Club, Jamie Hook, is keen to repeat the dose, after his two-shot victory at Links Hope Island set up a strong string of performances this year.
“It would be nice to defend the title,” he said. “To gain another exemption into the Australian PGA would be awesome.”
Hook performed well at the Australian PGA in January, his two-under score enough to tie for 31st place.
“I get such great support from the members at Pacific Dunes, whenever and wherever I play,” explained Hook. “I’m keen to get out there and do them all proud.”
Along with Hook, TJ King (Mount Coolum Golf Club) and Matthew Guyatt (Nudgee Golf Club) have just returned from representing Australia at the Four Nations Cup.
Australia performed strongly at the inaugural competition, earning a second-place finish in South Africa in September. No doubt any potential for international honours will serve as added motivation down the stretch on Tuesday.
Similarly, in the female section of the field, Bree Arthur, Jessica Dengate, Katy Jarochowicz, Grace Lennon and Katelyn Must will all be fighting for more than the title, as an exemption into the 2023 Vic Open is also on the line.
“There is plenty to play for next week,” Greenhalgh said. “For both the men and the women in the field, strong performances will certainly give them the chance to keep playing on the big stage.
“This is one of the wonderful attributes of our Vocational PGA Professionals; that their skills are do diverse both on and off the golf course, so the PGA Professionals Championship gives them another opportunity to showcase that.”
It shapes as a big week for past champions too, as Scott Laycock (Royal Hobart Golf Club), who won in 2018 and was runner-up in 2019, chases a return to the top of the podium. Additionally, 2016 winner Chris Duke (Nudgee Golf Club) will be looking to cap off his recent move to Queensland with a strong showing at Yarra Yarra.
“There are so many great stories coming into the week,” Greenhalgh explained. “And there is bound to be another one come Tuesday evening.”
The Championship kicks off this morning with a double shotgun start (7.30am and 12.30pm).
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