Simon Hawkes has claimed his second Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series win in 2019 with a one shot victory at the Murrumbidgee Country Club Furphy Pro-Am.

In the final event of the ACT swing of the series a strong field gathered at Murrumbidgee Country Club in perfect conditions.

Defending champion Hawkes’ impressive round of 7-under 65 saw him claim back-to-back wins at the venue.

Following a steady start to his round, Hawkes put his foot down on the back-9 with birdies on the 14^th, 15^th, 16^th, 17^th holes leading the Tasmanian to victory.

“It’s great to be back at Murrumbidgee Country Club and very happy to win here back-to-back,” said Hawkes.

“I had a great group of amateurs today and we had a whole lot of fun out there.”

Getting some competitive golf in before he heads back to the Japan Golf Tour was Brendan Jones whose round of 6-under 66 saw him to a runner-up finish.

Rounding out the top five on 3-under 69 were Anthony Choat, Colin Banham, Jay Mackenzie, James Nitties, Matthew Millar, Alex Edge, Darren Beck and Anthony Marchesani.

The Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series now moves to Queensland for the Brookwater Pro-Am from 26-17 April, 2019.

Australia’s rising star Lucas Herbert is back on home soil after a busy start to the year to play back-to-back events on the ISPS HANDA Tour of Australasia.

Returning for the Tour’s opening event, the ISPS HANDA Vic Open, a busy schedule and a string of strong results in 2018 has allowed the World Number 75 to return home ahead of a packed 2019 schedule.

“The last four months have been pretty flat out really, to be honest,” said Herbert.

“I was just sort of travelling around the world wherever I could get a start and get into a tournament.

“This year I can sort of play a bit more of a schedule that I can pick and I can obviously come back and play like this, the Vic Open and next week in Perth and play more golf in Australia, which is what we always like to do, us Australian golfers.”

Teeing off alongside international stars Andrew ‘Beef’ Johnston from England and Ryo Ishikawa from Japan in the first round at 13^th Beach, the Melbourne-local believes he has what it takes to challenge the front-runners at this year’s tournament.

“I nearly won in 2017, just finished off badly in the last four holes,” said Herbert, who tied for sixth place in his last appearance.

“Other than that, I was right there and probably had a really good chance to win realistically.

“I think back to then, I was a pretty different golfer, I think.

“I’ve made a lot of big changes and big steps since then, but then obviously the event has grown as well.

“Being a European Tour event now, we’ve got some pretty good players here this week.”

Herbert joins a field of ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour players at the ISPS HANDA Vic Open where the men will also play alongside the women from the LPGA Tour and ALPG Tour.

“It’s good obviously to get the LPGA Tour involved as well as the European Tour,” continued Herbert.

“Shows how big the event’s gotten… so it’s good coming back here.

“It’s great to see it get this big and see the progression of it [with] obviously bigger, better names coming out every year.

Looking forward to embracing the relaxed atmosphere at the Vic Open, the likeable golfer believes the no-ropes format out on the course will favour the new generation of players.

“The tournament sort of suits a younger generation now, I guess, which there seems to be a lot of out here,” he said.

“I don’t know that having no ropes up is going to have a five‑shot difference from someone who prefers it to someone who doesn’t.

“I think it might keep you relaxed enough that it saves a shot here and there.

“I don’t know that it’s going to suit me any more specifically than it will the younger playing group that are out here playing on tour.”

Despite the relaxed atmosphere, Herbert insists his competitive streak is here to stay.

“I’m very competitive in everything I do, so as much as it can be a relaxed environment out there and obviously spectators around going to engage a lot more with the players hopefully,

“I’m still competing out there and I’m still here to win.”

The ISPS HANDA Vic Open tees off on Thursday 7 February, 2019.

The PGA of Australia is proud to extend honorary membership to Karrie Webb AO in recognition of her services to the Australian golf industry.

One of Australia’s most successful golfers of all time, Webb has proudly represented her country at the highest echelons of the game for more than 20 years notching up an incredible 51 wins worldwide including seven Major titles.

While her playing resume speaks for itself, just as impressive is her work behind the scenes to foster young talent via her Karrie Webb Series and subsequent scholarship being provided to two Australian females amateurs each year since 2008.

“I’m really chuffed,” said Webb of her honorary PGA membership.

“When Gavin Kirkman called me late last year, I wasn’t sure what he wanted to speak to me about and I definitely wasn’t expecting that.

“It’s a very, very nice honour and I’m really thankful to the PGA of Australia for thinking of me like that.”

As a vocal supporter of increasing female participation in golf, it was fitting that Webb received her honorary membership of the PGA of Australia at the ISPS HANDA Vic Open; a golf tournament leading equality in golf.

“Obviously the Vic Open’s had this format for I think six or seven years now and what I love about it is it’s actually gotten the world’s attention now that the LPGA have co‑sanctioned and the men’s European Tour have co‑sanctioned.  World media are talking about it,” added Webb.

“I spoke to Geoff Ogilvy for the first time today.  Our paths just don’t cross.  It would be nice, just as the tennis does, that we have a handful of events a year that we’re all together and you get to know everybody.”

Throughout her career Webb has had a strong association with the PGA, most notably with PGA Professional Ian Triggs.

“I had a fabulous time working with Triggsy.  He really got my game ‑‑ it wasn’t in great shape when he started helping us out, you know, from the swing obviously to just refining a few bad habits.

“But for me, we did a lot of great work on my short game, just tidied all of that up.

“His knowledge tee to green, every shot in the bag was fantastic.  I learnt so much from him.”

But it is the work that the PGA is doing to produce more female PGA Professionals which excites Webb.

“I know a lot of the female PGA of Australia professionals have great junior programs, so that’s boys and girls.  You know, I think they’re great nurturers, women,” added Webb.

“Women might have a different approach to coaching that identifies with certain people, whether it’s men or women.

“I think it’s great that the PGA of Australia’s really making it a little bit more accessible for women to go into that field and knowing that that is an option if they want to stay in the golfing world and have a career in golf.”

With 2800 PGA Professionals across Australia, PGA Chairman Rodger Davis said that it is an honour to have the support of Webb.

“Karrie Webb is a wonderful ambassador for Australian golf not just as an athlete but as a role model,” said Davis.

“We are privileged to welcome Karrie to the PGA of Australia with honorary membership. To count a person of her calibre amongst our ranks is truly wonderful.”

Leading Australian golfer Minjee Lee starts her season in 2019 as the 2018 Greg Norman Medallist, an honour that cements her place among the best Australians on the world stage.

Returning to Australia for the start of the season, Lee joins the field at this week’s ISPS HANDA Vic Open at 13th Beach Golf Links for what will be her first tournament since receiving the prestigious honour last November.

Awarded to the best male or female Australian Tour Professional on the international stage determined by annual success, Lee is the first female to win the award since its inception in 2015.

“Yeah, it’s definitely a great honour,” said Lee.

“It was really special for me, being the first female to be able to win this award.

“It’s obviously a great honour to me just to represent women and to be rewarded for my play last year.”

Lee’s season was the best of both the male and female Australian contingent playing around the world in 2018, which included tournament wins at the Vic Open and LPGA Volvik Championship at Travis Pointe Country Club Ann Arbor, Michigan.

“I had a really nice year last year. I won twice and I think I had a couple of seconds so yeah; it was a really good year,” added this week’s defending champion.

“I had a lot of fun playing and hopefully this year is going to be even better.

Currently ranked sixth in the world, Minjee believes a more process-orientated approach to her game will help her become a better player in 2019.

“I try not to put a number on the rankings.

“I think closer to obviously the World No. 1 spot, I think you can play more with your process goals.

“Then those, if you hit them, then I think you’ll eventually get closer to that World No. 1 spot.

“I’m obviously always going to work hard to be my best and to always try and make my goals that I make for myself so hopefully I can, someday in the near future, win this award again.”

Growing up watching the Australian golfing greats, Lee’s name is now synonymous with Australia’s best including previous award winners Jason Day (2015 and 2016) and Marc Leishman (2017).

“I don’t know if I’m technically better than all of them, but it’s pretty cool to have the honour of being the Greg Norman medalist.

“I know those guys are really great athletes as well, so it’s cool to be among their names.”

Despite the accolade, Lee insists the event on home soil will add no extra pressure as she looks forward to approaching the ISPS HANDA Vic Open tournament like any other on her calendar.

“The Vic Open has always been a special tournament to come back to and obviously to play,” Lee added.

“Yeah, I always love coming and playing in Australia, so Vic Open and obviously Aussie Open are really big events for me. I always come into every event treating it pretty much all the same.

“I just try and play my own game and I don’t really think ‑‑ think too much about it or try to put too much expectation on myself.”

Lee tees off at the ISPS HANDA Vic Open at 13^th Beach Golf Links on Thursday 7 February, 2019.

Defending ISPS HANDA Vic Open champion Simon Hawkes is prepared for his title defence in 2019 after a breakout year on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia.

Returning to 13^th Beach Golf Links for the first time since winning the event in 2018, Hawkes says his winning moment on the 18th green is engraved in his memory.

“I actually haven’t been back on-site since that day and it’s bringing back a lot of really good memories,” says Hawkes.

“That last putt definitely is one I can recall quite vividly.”

After playing a practice round on the creek course on Sunday, Hawkes is excited to get back into the season but insists there are no nerves lingering ahead of the event.

“It’s just another good opportunity to play a really good quality golf tournament,” added Hawkes.

“The only thing I see is that I’m the only guy in the field that can go back-to-back. I really have no expectations.

“I’d like to play all four rounds… but I’m a bit of a different golfer than I was 12 months ago,” continued Hawkes, who struggled with a facet joint injury last year.

“It was good to actually have Christmas break to sit down on the couch and not swing a golf club and just let those heal but I’m fighting fit now.”

Hawkes’ win at the Vic Open launched his season in 2018, providing him the opportunity to play at the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth and a number of other events locally on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and overseas.

Crediting the victory, Hawkes believes a win at such an event can be the start any golfer needs to boost their career.

“It gives you the confidence and the affirmation that you’re doing all of the right things,” he said.

“I’d be a good example of there being so many good players out here that are one week away from taking their careers to the next level.

“I hope I can show a lot of guys who are playing on the pro-am circuit or just kind of struggling away what is possible,

“18 months prior to my win I was going to throw it all in so… if you keep putting the work in … you just give yourself an opportunity like that and sometimes things can just fall your way.”

Finishing 8^th on the ISPS HANDA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit has also opened further doors for Hawkes.

“There’s quite a lot of great things about the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, they’re opening a lot of pathways for players to tours around the world,” added Hawkes, who will tee it up in the Alfred Dunhill Links on the European Tour as a benefit of his high performing season.

“If it’s anything like last year I’ll get a few starts in China and a few starts on the Asian Tour and of course playing at St Andrews in a professional golf tournament has definitely been a dream of mine.”

Having supported Hawkes in his dream, his parents will make the trip over from Tasmania to watch their son play professionally for the first time, making his title defence just a little more special.

“I think the last time they would have seen me play was when I was a 16 year old junior,” Hawkes said.

“They used to take me to all of the junior tournaments like a lot of parents around Australia do to help their kids develop their golf games.

“It’s really nice for them to come and see the fruits of their work really and all the sacrifices they made when I was growing up, it’s kind of good to show them that it’s all kind of paid off.”

The ISPS HANDA Vic Open tees off on Thursday 7 February at 13^th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads.

Strong squally weather meant players hadto be at their best to tackle the Murrumbidgee Country Club layout at the Furphy Murrumbidgee Ladbrokes Pro-Am.

Victorian Rory Bourke was the leader following the opening round, and despite struggling with his game he shot an impressive 3-under 69 to take a one shot lead into the final round.

With eight players within two shots of the lead after the first round it was hard to picka winner.

Simon Hawkes prevailed with rounds of 70 and 68 for a two round total of 6-under 138..

Hawkes has a new found confidence after winning the Oates Vic Open earlier this year after stepping up to the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia from the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series.

“I drove it really well and left my ball in good spots which was important in the windy conditions. I only dropped two shots over the two days which went a long way to my victory,” said Hawkes.

Western Australian Simon Houston, who took up the Head Professional role at Forbes Golf Club in country NSW recently, was a gallant runner-up.

His scores of 71 and 69 saw him finish at 4-under the card  and was even more impressive given the last pro-am he played was almost a year ago.

Overnight leader Rory Bourke finished tied third with Nathan Green and Matthew Millar at 2-under the card.

The Furphy Murrumbidgee Ladbrokes Pro-Am completes the ACT swing of the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series.

The in-form Simon Hawkes has swooped on the Horizon Golf NZ PGA Championship lead after the second round.

Teeing off in the afternoon field at Manawatu Golf Club, Hawkes knew that going low was the only option in the perfect scoring conditions.

The Tasmanian Professional, who completed a PGA Traineeship at Ryde-Parramatta Golf Club, fired 7-under 64, the equal best round of the day to take the outright lead after two rounds.

“I woke up this morning, looked outside and saw there was no wind so I knew that guys would be running up the leader board after us,” said Hawkes, who is 13-under the card after two days.

“For us in the afternoon, it was a little less windy than we had yesterday morning so it did make the course feel a little bit easier. I just tried to do the same thing I did yesterday and I just happened to go one better.

“I’m really comfortable on the greens here. They’re almost identical to my home club.”

Hawkes claimed the lead from his playing partner Ben Campbell, who fired 5-under 66 and now trails by one shot.

“Ben has been great to play with over the last two days. It’s always good to be playing with someone who is in form as well,” added Hawkes.

“It just pushes the vibe of the group up if everybody’s making birdies, you get dragged along.

“I just happened to hole a couple more than he did today and it could go the other way tomorrow.”

Having won his first ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia tournament at the start of the month at the Oates Vic Open, Hawkes is in form and not fazed about upsetting the local crowds if he were to claim the title from a New Zealander.

“It kind of felt a little bit like that out there today with some rounds of applause,” added Hawkes.

“But it’s not going to bother me, I’m just going to stick to what I’ve been doing the last two days and hopefully that’s good enough.”

Campbell, who finished runner-up at the Horizon Golf NZ PGA Championship in 2017, headed straight to the range after his round to iron out some swing issues before the weekend rounds.

“I started off really nicely; I was 4-under through nine and was playing really well,” said Campbell, whose score card featured six birdies and a bogey.

“I just kind of lost my swing a little bit there but I knew exactly what it was. I’ll go do a little practice now.”

Sitting three shots back from Campbell and rounding out the top-5 on the leaderboard are Deyen Lawson (VIC), Jack Munro (QLD), Matthew Millar (ACT), Jordan Zunic (NSW) and New Zealander David Smail who also recorded a 64 today.

The highlight of the day belonged to local Pro, Josh Munn, who recorded a hole-in-one on the 152 metre par-3 16^th using his 8 iron.

Also giving the crowds something to cheer about was Tim Wilkinson who rallied after an opening round of 76, shooting 7-under the card today to make the cut on the number.

The second round cut was made at 2-under the card with 57 professionals and one amateur making the weekend rounds.

The third round of the Horizon Golf NZ PGA Championship tees off at 9.20am with Hawkes, Campbell and Deyen Lawson on course at 11am.

Qualifying School graduate Simon Hawkes has claimed the third round lead at the Oates Vic Open with a hot round at 13^th Beach Golf Links.

Starting the day seven shots off the lead, Hawkes fired a course record equalling round of 8-under 64, his card clean of bogeys.

After blitzing the course, Hawkes was safely in the clubhouse at 10-under the card with a one shot lead before the overnight leaders even teed off.

“I kind of felt waking up that I got a bit lucky with the draw, and being a few back I kind of had to go and make a move this morning,” said Hawkes.

“It just happened today and it was good.”

In his first full year on the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia, a win tomorrow would be a huge boost to the 29-year-old’s career.

“I have no idea what to expect tomorrow or anything like that. I’m going to go out and play golf tomorrow. However the cards fall is however the cards fall," added Hawkes.

To be victorious on Sunday, Hawkes will need to overcome a cluttered leaderboard which includes veteran Steven Jeffress, a proven winner, who is just one shot behind at 9-under the card.

“Experience definitely helps but there’s a little thing called golf that gets in the road,” said Jeffress who won the 2014 Fiji International.

“I’m playing really nice but that doesn’t mean I’m going to turn up tomorrow and everything’s going to be nice again.

“If I can commit to my shots and let go, the game is there but you never know what’s going to happen. So experience is very important but it’s not everything.”

It was a mixed day on the course for Jeffress whose card featured two eagles, five birdies and three bogeys as he fired 6-under 66.

“I played, not poorly, you don’t have to do much wrong to go backwards. I was a little bit disappointed because I made a bogey at the 8^th hole from a good position and another bogey at the 4^th hole from a good position so it was nice just to get a birdie, sneak one in at the end,” added Jeffress.

“It was a tough day out there. The wind was howling and the greens were getting firm. I’m very happy with where I’m sitting with one round to go.”

At 8-under the card, Queenslander Cory Crawford and New South Welshman Harrison Endycott are tied 3^rd after shooting rounds of 69 and 70 respectively today.

A shot further back and rounding out the top-5 are New Zealander Kieran Muir, Victorian Ashley Hall New South Welshman Nick Flanagan and Queenslander Anthony Quayle who was leading after 54 holes but slipped backwards with a 2-over 74 today.

A 54 hole cut was applied this afternoon with the top-35 players and ties making the final round. Those players at 2-under the card or better will play on Sunday.

The final round of the Oates Vic Open will tee off at 7.25am with the leaders on course at 11.30am.