Staged at one of the most picturesque yet challenging golf facilities in the country, Hamilton Island will play host to Australia’s leading Vocational PGA Professionals including those who are Teaching Professionals, Golf Operations Managers, Head Professionals and General Managers at their respective clubs.

Featuring in the field is defending champion and Royal Hobart Golf Club Assistant Professional Scott Laycock who is hoping his luck will continue when he returns to the Whitsundays next week.

“The golf course is stunning and features some of the most spectacular scenery that you can find on a golf course though there is not much margin for error, especially on the back-nine so hopefully I can stay out of trouble during the week,” Laycock said.

“I was really pleased to get it done last year as much for my own self-belief than anything else. You don’t often win in this game we play and therefore it is really satisfying when you do.

 “I am really enjoying my role at Royal Hobart Golf Club and while we are there for a tournament next week, it is a great place to spend some down time away from the golf course.” 

Although Laycock was exempt into the tournament as defending champion, the remaining 49 competitors earned their place in pre-qualifying events throughout the year.

There is more than just the lion’s share of $55,000 in prize money on offer, however, with the two leading PGA Professionals also gaining a start in the Australian PGA Championship alongside Cameron Smith, Adam Scott and the big-hitting Cameron Champ in December.

Stuart Hergt, Chief Operating Officer at the PGA of Australia, is confident that the two that win their way through to the Australian PGA Championship will hold their own against the world’s best.

“Our PGA Professionals set the benchmark around the world for their ability to combine their playing ability as well as teach, administrate and manage the game of golf and therefore we know they will do us proud at our national championship,” said Hergt

“They deserve all of the accolades they receive from their respective facilities and club members and the week at Hamilton Island allows the PGA as an organisation to celebrate their achievements and contribution to the game.”

The 2019 field is full of experience including former champions Craig McLean (2013) and Chris Duke (2016) as well as previous runners-up Sam Eaves (2017) and Vernon Sexton-Finck (2015).

Others who will likely feature at the pointy end of the tournament are NSW leading qualifier Josh Lane, former Japan Golf Tour player Wayne Perske and  Yarra Bend Teaching Professional James Hartley.

Playing at Hamilton Island Golf Club immediately following the professionals will be the Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Championship where amateurs will get the full tournament experience.

Both the PGA Professionals Championship and Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Championship will begin with a pre-tournament pro-am on Monday 18 November before round one kicks off on Tuesday.

For the full list of competitors in the 2019 PGA Professionals Championship, click here. Further information on the Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Championship can be found via the Hamilton Island Golf Club.