A CHANGE of heart about his future path in golf could lead the way for Billy Flanagan winning a third consecutive Club Championship at Coffs Harbour.

Flanagan had planned to begin the PGA Membership Pathway Program at the start of the year so he could learn all aspects of the golf industry as an Associate Professional.

Coffs Harbour Golf Club’s head professional Matt Allan said pointing out the benefits of remaining an amateur led to Flanagan walking down a different road.

“A group of us had a chat to him a couple of weeks before he intended to turn pro and said: ‘you know what, you’re trending upwards right now, perhaps it might be best to stay as an amateur’,” Allan said.

“A lot of doors could open up for Billy if he plays really well at amateur level over the next two to three years.”

One door that it opens is that by retaining his amateur status, Flanagan is still eligible to win one of the Coffs Harbour Golf Club’s most prestigious titles.

It won’t be a walk in the park though as there will be a hot field trying to chase him down.

Allan identified players such as Aden Louez and Dave Newick who’ve been so close to winning the crown in the past as real contenders who are “ready to strike”.

Others the club pro thinks could win include Christian Swann, Logan Toms, Sam Pinnuck, David Rook and Allan’s perennial dark horse pick Dan Swain.

Cameron Pollard, who has been recording a string of results in the All Abilities section on the Webex Players Series, is also a strong chance of being among the leaders.

The first two rounds of the 72-hole event are being held this weekend and Allan said club members are about to enjoy playing on a course in sensational condition.

“The course is pure at the moment,” he said.

“It’s the best it’s been for a championships in a few years as the greens staff haven’t had to battle the weather anywhere near as much leading into the event.

“They’ve done an amazing job to present the course in such an amazing condition and the players are in for a real treat.”