Von Nida Tour moves south for Schweppes SA C'ship
IN: News | Von Nida | South Australian PGA Championship (2003) | Preview | 06 May 2003
The 2003 Schweppes SA PGA Championship gets under way today at The Vines of Reynella Golf Club, and it promises to be a closely fought affair.
The field contains many previous winners including defending champion Richard Ball, Tony Carolan (2001), Chris Gray (2000), Scott Hend (1999), Adrian Percey (1998), Stuart Bouvier (1995) and popular local Mike Sprengel (1992).
Roger Stephens (1989), Brian Wearne (1982) and David Galloway (1977) will add a nostalgic touch as they recall their performances of yesteryear.
Recent rain will bring the course up a treat for the tournament, and whilst not overly long, tricky greens will test the talented field. Several tee changes will provide some added length to the course, which is hosting the event for the second year.
The Vines GC President Mr John Ward, says his club is again enthused at hosting this prestigious Von Nida Tour event, and has left no stone unturned to ensure a successful week.
"We are very proud of the manner in which we staged last year's tournament, and the way the club and its members embraced the championship. We are confident of another great tournament next week."
Organisers have accepted a larger than normal field, which will provide many young professionals with an ideal opportunity to display their skills in a significant four round tournament.
Chairman of PGA in South Australia, Mr Ian Pritchard explained the decision to take a larger field, saying, "The Von Nida Tour is all about providing opportunities for our professional golfers in this country, to develop their game to a higher level. If we are able to give more young professionals that opportunity in our event, then that pleases the SA PGA."
PGA Tour Operations Manager, Gus Seebeck has worked closely with the SA PGA on how the larger field can be managed, and players can expect tournament officials to closely monitor speed of play.
The field will boast many contenders for the title, none more so than locals Gary Simpson, Adrian Percey and Justin Cooper who learned their golf on the golf courses in the Reynella region. Simpson is a popular member of The Vines club, and will have plenty of local support in his quest for the championship cup.
Nathan Kent and Wade Ormsby are two young SA professionals with potential and it would not surprise to see them near the lead come the final day. PGA Australia Trainee of the Year, Nigel Spence returns to his home state from Queensland, to play this event, and is another young player who will provide some competition to the experienced professionals.
However there will be a stiff challenge from players like Steve Collins, Marcus Fraser, Lucas Parsons, Jens Nilsson and Adam Le Vesconte. Fraser will be hoping his return to SA will be more successful, having signed an incorrect scorecard in the third round of the Jacobs Creek Open, after being in contention.
Good judges have predicted a bright future for Perth professional, Dean Alaban, and many consider he will be around the mark in this event. He has enjoyed a very successful few weeks in SA playing the pro-am circuit, and has impressed many with his game.
Major sponsor Schweppes, have continued their strong allegiance to this event, and National Business Development Manager - Sport, Mr David Hamilton says his company is proud of their association with the PGA.
"It is events such as the SA PGA Championship that cements the relationship we have with PGA, and fulfils our wish to provide practical support to the development of golf in Australia" he said.
Source - PGA
