Australian Masters Invitational arrives
BY Bruce Young | Australian Seniors Tour | 2008 Australian Masters Invitational | Preview | 05 Nov 2008
The Greater Building Society Australian Masters Invitational gets underway this Thursday at Emerald Lakes on the Gold Coast with a field the likes of which has not been seen in that region for many years. Even inclement weather in recent days on the Gold Coast has not dampened the enthusiasm for what promises to be an intriguing event.
Ian Baker-Finch, Graham Marsh and Rodger Davis headline the field but the recognisable names in Australian golf do not end there with Terry Gale, Mike Harwood, Brian Jones and Terry Price amongst the long list of prolific tournament winners in the field.
Baker-Finch highlighted the attitude of most in the field when he discussed his reasons for being here.
“Of course I want to play well but essentially I am here to enjoy the camaraderie amongst the guys and play my part in getting this event off the ground. The list of winners of significant events worldwide in this field is a lengthy one and provides local fans the chance to come and see some of the names of Australian golf.”
“Many of those involved are still capable of playing at an exceptionally high level. Already there is a great feeling about the event and provided the weather is kind to us I am sure it will be a great week.”
Graham Marsh, whose golf course design interests are expanding rapidly, was quick to point out his pleasure in the manner in which Emerald Lakes has developed into one of the most used courses on the Gold Coast. Marsh’s company was involved in the redevelopment of what was the Carrara Golf Club into a golfing facility that enjoys high traffic volumes.
“This is a golf course that meets the market it was designed to cater for and to see it enjoying the success it does is very satisfying. It offers something for everybody.”
Rodger Davis is a local himself having lived on the Gold Coast for many years and was enjoying being able to play in his own backyard.
“It is great to have an event like this on the Gold Coast. Golf at this level is a lot more relaxed than in our earlier careers and the week should offer a lot of entertainment for all.”
The week’s proceedings began today with the pre tournament pro-am, the tournament itself being played from Thursday through Saturday and the now highly popular Daikin Night Shootout being played at the completion of play on Thursday.
The tournament is being played in a pro am format over the opening two days with 72 golfers in the field before a cut is made on Friday evening to the leading 36 players and ties.
In a revised payment breakdown, the event carries prize-money of $100,000 with a first prize of $30,000 and a Yamaha golf cart going to the winner. The runner up will receive $20,000.
The ten player Daikin Night Shootout field includes Baker-Finch, Marsh and Davis, along with West Australian lady golfer Shani Waugh who has won three times on the Ladies European Tour and in 2002 finished third behind Juli Inkster and Annika Sorenstam at the US Women’s Open.
The Daikin Night Shootout has total prizemoney of $15,000 with $6,000 going to the last player standing at the end of nine holes under lights. One player per hole is eliminated before two players remain on the last hole of the evening.
