IT may be competitive among the golf pros on the course on Friday, but they have already left a lasting impression on some of our local amateur players during Wednesday’s Pro-Am event at Murray Downs.
Nonie Domaille had the opportunity to play alongside a winner of both the PGA Tour and DP World Tour in Lucas Herbert, explaining it as “a once-in-a lifetime experience.”
“Being a local boy from Bendigo, he was very down to earth and was very nice to talk to,” Ms Domaille said.
Despite feeling a bit outmatched on the course, she appreciated the experience.
“My skills on the course were terrible compared to him – I only play golf once a week and he’s been playing since he was really young,” she said.
“It’s daunting because I’m a woman playing with men and they hit a lot further than me, so you try a bit harder to make up that distance, but it doesn’t help with your game really – but it was amazing to watch him in action.”
The obvious banter leading into the Pro-Am was who would play alongside the biggest drawcard Cameron Smith and Brenton Gurnett was one of the lucky three.
“It was amazing to play alongside Cam Smith,” Mr Gurnett said.
“He was actually excited to be up here and giving back to the country a little bit – we’re pretty lucky to get him here.”
Mr Gurnett and his wife recently had a child, leaving him feeling a bit unprepared leading into the highlight of his amateur golfing hobby.
“I haven’t played for two months since our little one was born, so to roll up and play a game with him in your first game in a couple of months was a little bit daunting, but a lot of fun,” he said.
Former Swan Hill Mayor Greg Cruickshank teamed up with golf pro Adam Bland and found the experience and the atmosphere across the club and the region outstanding.
“The experience of playing golf with someone in that category was excellent,” Mr Cruickshank said.
“He was just good fun and a champion player – laughed at our bad shots and it was a pleasure to play out there with such a great bloke.
“The way that Golf NSW has brought all these kids out to learn a bit about golf is amazing to see, and everyone here is so friendly and nice.”
Bland’s connection to the local area added to the experience for Cruickshank.
“Turns out he’s actually staying at Lake Boga with one of his cousins, which is literally a stone throw away from me,” Mr Cruickshank said.
“With him having relatives here, it just made it all the more comfortable for everyone as his cousin also joined us for the last few holes as caddy.”
But Cruickshank did admit playing with a professional golfer was an eye-opener.
“I was trying to hit the ball as hard and far as I could and I was still at least 50-60 metres short of him every time,” he said.
“He goes bang, straight down the middle so consistently and it’s amazing to be able to play with a professional golfer – a great experience.”
