400 professionals battle to be part of NSW Open

BY iseekgolf.com | Australasian PGA Tour | 2002 New South Wales Open | Preview | 23 Oct 2002

Over 400 entries have been received from professional and amateur golfers wishing to become a part of history. Of these, only 156 will finally be given the opportunity to make this a reality.

The huge list of competitors for the NSW Open to be played at Horizons Golf Resort, Salamander Bay from 7 – 10 November will be trimmed by way of qualifying rounds to be played on Monday 4 November at both Eastlake and Long Reef Golf Clubs.

“It is really encouraging for the tournament” said David Allen, Executive Director of the NSW Golf Association, after learning of the final entry numbers. “When you relaunch a famous event, there are always concerns as to whether the players themselves will give their support. Now we know this is still a tournament that players really want to win.”

Professionals who have confirmed their place in the final field include last year’s joint Buy.Com winner Gavin Coles, Players Championship winner Andrew Stolz, and other local favourites Wayne Riley, Nathan Green and Ed Stedman.

The event will also have an international flavour with entries received from Douglas La Belle (USA), Michael Long and Paul Devenport (New Zealand), Eddie Barr (Ireland) and Kenichi Ryu (Japan).

Interstate favourites competing for the title include Terry Price, Wayne Grady and Peter McWhinney (Queensland), Michael Clayton, Mike Harwood and Mark Allen (Victoria) and Wayne Smith, Brad King and Chris Gray (Western Australia).

Australia’s top amateurs including Australian Amateur Champion Kurt Barnes and NSW Amateur Champion Richard Swift will also be competing along with Australia’s long serving decorated amateur, Lester Peterson.

“Horizons will be in magnificent condition for the tournament” said Allen, “and we can see that the players have voted with their entry forms that this is a trophy they really want to get their hands on.”