LOCAL golf pro Matt Docking continues to take on the competition on his home turf as day two of the NSW Open gets underway today at the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club.
Celebrating his one year anniversary as the club’s golf professional today, Docking said this tournament is a particularly unique experience.
“Being able to stay at home with the family and kids, come to work and play a golf tournament – I’ve been looking forward to it as it’s not something I’ve had considering the places I’ve lived,” said Docking.
“It’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of, and it’s amazing for everyone in the club to see how the course has come up with all the infrastructure in place.
“It hits home slightly different on your home track than when you head away for a tournament.”
Docking is a four-time PGA Professionals Championship winner, and while finishing runner-up at last month’s event, he won the play-off to secure his place in the Australian PGA Championship next week.
“Playing in back-to-back events is pretty exciting, but my focus is to do well here at home for the members and give them something to cheer for,” said Docking.
“The closer the event has gotten, the less responsibility the club has given me as they want to see me play well in the event. They have given me the opportunity to try and perform at my best and see what I can do.
“There are plenty of great players here, but if success doesn’t come, I’m still going to enjoy being out there and being a part of it.”
Docking is happy with his preparations having competed at the PGA Professionals Championship, hosted a golf trip to the UK a couple of months ago and snuck in some hits between golf lessons – he’s just hoping being the resident golf pro gives him “some kind of advantage”.
“Everyone else on the field plays a lot more golf than I do though, so I need something going my way,” he said.
“We’ve got quite a lot of golfing talent here (in the region) and Jimmy (James) McLean won his fourth club championship in a row (at Murray Downs) this year and he’s on my bag this week (my caddie), which is invaluable having someone who has played as much golf as they have on my bag.”
Docking has been playing professionally for 15 years, and decided to return to Murray Downs, the club where he won his one and only club championship, for family needs and a desire for a better work life balance.
“My wife (Courtney) and I have two kids (Livie, 7 and Leah, 6) with high needs,” said Docking.
“I spent six years at Royal Hobart (as golf pro) beforehand and there was no specialist school in Hobart that could cater to their needs, so that prompted the move back to Victoria … and my parents live in Echuca-Moana, who will also travel down to support me during the tournament.
“My role here is quite more enjoyable – a bit more laid-back pace of life and a chance to have more family time.”
