SOME of Australia’s best golfers will be teeing off at Coffs Harbour Golf Club next week as a strong field of professionals and amateurs vie for the major prizes in the NSW Open Golf Regional Qualifying Event.

With a share of the substantial $50,000 purse up for grabs as well as three coveted spots in the prestigious NSW Open, competition will no doubt be hot.

Monday will see the Coffs Harbour layout host the always popular Pro-Am event before the crack field plays 36-holes over Tuesday and Wednesday to decide the prize winners.

Olivia Wilson, General Manager of Golf at Golf NSW, highlighted the significance of the 2024 Regional Open Qualifying Series for aspiring professionals and elite amateurs looking to kick-start their Australian Summer of Golf.

“The series offers a fantastic platform for future stars to elevate their careers, with substantial prize money and the chance to secure a spot in the NSW Open. We expect nothing short of fierce competition,” Wilson said.

Among those teeing off will be Matt Millar, Daniel Gale and Rick Kulacz, all previous NSW Open Regional Qualifying tournament champions, and Kade McBride, who won this event at Coffs Harbour in 2021.

The early entry list suggests the field will be packed with tour winners like Aaron Townsend (2006 NSW Open), Steve Jeffress (2014 Fiji International), Brett Rankin (2019 NT PGA Championship), Simon Hawkes (2018 Victorian Open, 2023 WA Open) and Lincoln Tighe (2014 NSW PGA Championship).

Local talents set to shine include Cameron Pollard, Andrew Campbell, and Jack Pountney, who proved he’s more than capable of mixing it at this level when he finished in a tie for second place at the Queensland PGA.

Add to the list of locals professionals Harry McMillan and Tom Major as well as gun amateur Billy Flanagan and club champion Aden Louez and the locals will be out in force to give the seasoned pros a run for their money.

Coffs Harbour Golf Club general manager Paul McAra said it’s a fillip for the club to have another prestigious Golf NSW event held at the club’s picturesque 27-hole layout.

“To be selected again by Golf NSW to host one of its major events is not only a pat on the back for our wonderful course and green staff who keep it in immaculate condition throughout the year but also for our members who continue to give massive support each time we host a tournament of this ilk,” McAra said.

“It’s not just an event for the members though.

“Entry is free and anybody who wants to come to the course to watch some amazing golf is most welcome to come along and enjoy.”