More than 30 professional and amateur golfers took to the scenic Sarina Golf Club last week as part of the CMR Recycling Sarina Pro-Am Tournament.
Recent wet weather didn’t deter players from all over Queensland and New South Wales, but it did require a change of course as five holes were taken out of play.
“All the priorities changed and got thrown around because, obviously, the rain, off and on, and how wet things have been,” said Sarina Golf Club Greenkeeper Wade Cranston.
“It’s been pretty hard work to juggle it around, but we’ve managed to pull together a composite course for the guys.”
Lismore’s Sam Brazel finished day one with a two-shot lead, however a stunning second round of nine-under 62 saw Jay Mackenzie storm home with a two-stroke victory on day two.
The 22-year-old from Lennox Head finished with a two-round total of 15-under par, two clear of playing partner Brett Rankin (64) with William Bruyeres finishing third on 66.
“It was great playing with Rankin today, he really helped push me along as he had seven-under par for his day,” Mr Mackenzie told PGA Australia.
“I didn’t make many mistakes and it just kept seeming to go in the right direction.”
PGA Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner says the Pro-Am Series offers a unique opportunity for locals and club members to play with more experienced players.
“It’s a great opportunity for the members and amateurs and sponsors to get on board and get a couple of tips, have a great day, learn something new, and see some fabulous golf,” he said.
Sarina Golf Club Clubhouse Manager Kylee Fowler says the tournament received a good turnout considering it was held during the week.
“A lot of them still have jobs, a lot of them are on the circuit full-time,” she said.
“This is a good event in the fact that you get the pros and you get the amateurs in together.
“Then we’ll do it all again next year on the weekend which will be much better for us, better for our amateurs, better for our members so everyone can get a chance to play.”
Next year’s Sarina Pro-Am Tournament has been locked in for May 20-21, 2023.
Sarina was the third leg of the Hidden Valley Whitsundays North Queensland Series, with other legs being held in Mackay, Pioneer Valley and Bowen.
AMATEUR RESULTS
Day one Results:
Winner: Rodney Allen 40
2nd: Daniel Allen 37 C/B
3rd: Ting Li 37
4th: Brodie Saltmarsh 37.
Pin Shots
9: Luke Lauder 270cm
6: Ting LI
16: Mark Pearl – Hole in one!
LADIES – Sue Farrell 40cm
Day Two Results:
Winner: Doug Miles 40
2nd: Ting Li 38 C/B
3rd: Trent Budby 38
4th: Ian Dunn 36
Pin Shots
6: Declan Mulherin 168cm
9: Colin Dunn 46cm
16: Skinner
Ladies: 2nd Shot 16: Chris Chapman 117cm
OVERALL
Over All Winner: Ting Li 75
Men’s Division 1 Winner: Trent Budby 71
Men’s Division 1 r/up: Declan Mulherin 69
Men’s Division 2 Winner: Doug Miles 68
Men’s Division 2 r/up: Brodie Saltmarsh 65
Ladies Winner: Barbara Chrzanowski 59
Ladies r/up: Sue Farrell 55
tournament. Photo credit: Sam Gillespie
Winner: Winner Jay Mackenzie with Tournament Coordinator Garrett Skinner
