Top amateurs to converge on Federal Golf Club

BY iseekgolf.com | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2006 Federal Amateur Open Championship | General | 07 Sep 2006

Strong players support for the Federal Amateur Open Championship in Canberra this month has been borne out by a record field after a big surge in entries from across Australia and overseas.

The cream of Australia’s amateur golfers will go head to head with players from England, Asia and New Zealand in the 72-hole tournament at the 6,248m, par 72 course set in secluded native bushland close to Parliament House in the heart of the nation’s capital.

This will be the third Federal Open since the event was granted National Selection Trial status in 2004, with entries up from 105 in the first year and 114 last year to 168 plus reserves this year.

A key attraction, according to the players, is simply that the event is so well run. They cite the whole package from transport and accommodation logistics, the course where good placement can yield confidence-boosting, exciting scores and the prizes, described by one winner as the best on offer for any amateur tournament in Australia.

All members of Golf Australia’s National squad will play at Federal including the Australian team to contest the World Amateur Championships in South Africa next month. The team members are Stephen Dartnall (WA), Won Joon Lee (NSW) and Andrew Tampion (Vic).

For many in the field who have just returned from events in the United States and Europe, the Federal Open represents the start to the Australian season. Won Joon Lee, currently in eighth position in the latest world rankings for amateur golfers will be one of the leading contenders at Federal where he finished outside the top 10 last year after a tie for 4th in 2004.

Last year’s winner Andrew Martin, who won by two shots from Jason Day, will be back to defend his title. Other recent winners who have since turned professional include Nick Flanagan and Gavin Flint.

Golf Australia’s Championships Manager, Trevor Herden will be in Canberra for the final day of the Open. Herden recently advised that Golf Australia would continue to support all National Selection Trial events in 2007. He hoped this early confirmation would assist in planning and promoting the events.

Members of the public are welcome to attend throughout the tournament to watch world class golf up close. There is no charge, ample parking and food and drinks are available from the clubhouse.

Source – FGC
Photo – Anthony Powter