Australia’s leading Vocational PGA Professionals will take to the challenging yet picturesque Hamilton Island Golf Club after qualifying for the PGA Professionals Championship national final, to be played from October 28th – 30th.

Played over three rounds for a prize purse of AU$50,000, the PGA Professionals Championship provides 50 PGA Professionals with the opportunity to earn a place in the Australian PGA Championship to be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast in December.

The winner and runner up will both become exempt into the field where Adam Scott will defend his title alongside a host on domestic and international talent.

Throughout the year, qualifying tournaments for the PGA Professionals Championship have been held across Australia to ensure the country’s best PGA Professionals will be in attendance at Hamilton Island.

Ensuring his place in the tournament for a third consecutive year is 2012 PGA Professionals Championship winner, Nathan King, after scraping through the New South Wales qualifying event.

"I only got through qualifying by one shot, I am extremely excited to give myself the opportunity to return to one of the toughest golf courses in the country," said King.

"Last year I fell short of winning back to back titles so I am very motivated to win this year."

Victorian Craig McLean, who won the 2013 title by two shots from King, automatically qualifies for this year’s Championship and is aiming to defend his title.

"As Vocational PGA Professionals we spend our days giving lessons but we are all still highly competitive and thrive in tournament conditions," said McLean.

"The PGA Professionals Championship means a lot to all PGA Pros so I am expecting the competition to be fierce."

McLean who is the Teaching Professional at Sorrento Golf Club, is motivated to win by his memories of competing in the 2013 Australian PGA Championship.

"I didn’t play as well as I had hoped during the tournament. But to be a part of the Australian PGA Championship when Adam Scott returned home with the Green Jacket was very special," added McLean.

"It was such a memorable experience and I hope I can give myself another opportunity this year."

Also in the field is two time winner, Darren Spencer from Tasmania who believes a controlled game is the key to winning on at the Hamilton Island Golf Club.

"The course tests every part of your game. Given how exposed the course it to the wind, if you can’t control your ball flight then it is hard to make birdies," said Spencer.

"But the views are spectacular, it is definitely an experience every golfer should have at least once in their lives."

Run concurrently, each state will be represented by two nominated Professionals for the Vicars Shield with New South Wales having won the title in 2013.

Alongside the 50 Professionals, 50 amateurs will compete for the Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Championship.

In just its second year, the 36 hole event is a sell out with the week’s festivities including a tournament pro-am, welcome and gala dinners, as well as a special guest lunch just prior to the tournament champion being crowned.

A full list of all qualifiers can be found below:

For all results, please visit the PGA Professionals Championship or the Hamilton Island Amateur Golf Championship page.