The pro member of Wentworth Golf Club’s 2016 reigning Holden Scramble tournament side is keen for the upcoming season of qualifying ahead of the 2018 title race.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Todd Brakenridge, who played alongside Matthew Stanley, Chris Bush, Adam Honeysett, Shannon Bush and pro tour player Scott Laycock in December last year, said he can’t wait.
“It was amazing,” he said.
“For a club pro, to play in a team within a tournament and travel was unreal.
“You get the whole pro tour experience from the PGA, and not many people get to experience that so it’s just amazing.”
A change in structure means there is no prize this year, as qualifying runs from June this year until February 2018, with regional finals to be organised from March ahead of the national tournament next winter.
However, the longer qualifying period means Wentworth Golf Club will be able to have two qualifying rounds, meaning it can send two teams to Queensland to defend its crown next winter.
Brakenridge said the first round of qualifying on December 10 will be invitation-only, meaning teams playing would need a minimum of one person from the club to participate.
The club is yet to decide the format of the second round.
Last year none of the players – aside from Brakenridge – were members of Wentworth, with three players from Coolah and one from Mudgee.
The tournament rules dictate winning teams can’t play together again, so it’s likely Wentworth will be sending new blood to the title alongside Brakenridge.
As it stands clubs hold qualifying rounds, the winners of which become the team – who don’t have to be members, under PGA rules – to represent the club.
Clubs in Bathurst and Parkes have had their qualifying rounds in the past two weeks, while Lithgow will host their qualifiers on Sunday.
Originally planned for this weekend, Wentworth’s qualifying has been pushed back from October 10 due to the number of clubs in the area holding their qualifying, and also due to maintenance of the club’s course.
It will now be held the weekend after the Wentworth Open.
Brakenridge says he hopes there will be “buzz” around the club.
“It’s be a big few weeks, then,” he said.
“From a club perspective, it’s a highlight, it’s just great.”
Wentworth ended up winning by four strokes from Deniliquin, but Brakenridge last year said that was too close for comfort.
“It wasn’t as comfortable as it seems,” he said.