MURRAY Downs boldly stepped into the world spotlight last week, hosting one of the richest golfing events in Australia, the NSW Open men’s championship.
And while Lucas Herbert had the honour of taking home the cup, management, staff, board and members of the club will also have much to celebrate in the wake of the four-day event.
More than 5500 tickets were downloaded across the event, with 7Plus and 7Two televising, and a host of national and international news teams covering the event live.
Murray Downs Golf & Country Club marketing and promotions manager Shaun O’Bree said the event was a huge success, with compliments arriving not just for the golf, but also the atmosphere and Mallee experience.
“There were a lot of people visiting who have never even been to the region before,” he said.
“The Mallee certainly put on a show with spectators getting a full taste of Mallee wildlife including emus, kangaroos, snakes and even a turtle in one of the bunkers.
“While a lot of players are often chasing the big prize purses such as PGA events in Dubai, this weekend Murray Downs was the place to be.
“There were international broadcasters scrambling to get access to the coverage and the quality of the golf was world class.”
In a major drawcard for the event, former world No.2 golfer Cam Smith took advantage of some downtime from his golfing career and base in Florida to holiday in his home country of Australia.
“It was such a thrill to have the likes of Cam and other big names playing here and the community overall were rapt with how close and intimate they were able to get with him,” Mr O’Bree said.
“Cam wanted to go fishing, so we contacted a local family who took him out on the Murray on Wednesday afternoon, and the school children all had the chance to get up close for autographs.
“I think that’s the great thing about a regional course, the access spectators had to the superstars, whether it be walking the holes with him on the course or standing just a few feet away while he practiced.”
Festivities began on Monday last week, when schools from across the Mallee took part in clinics held by Golf NSW across two days.
The Pro-Am event had 120 lucky amateurs playing with pros in a once-in a-lifetime opportunity that many said was one of the best days of their life.
Friday evening was a huge success with 2000 people meeting on the greens for a night of festivities including live music, food and drink vans, children’s activities and competitions.
Mr O’Bree said the Swings and Strings event was a chance for non-golfers to get involved in the celebrations.
“It was great to see so many new faces, both young and old, spending time at Murray Downs and the atmosphere was such a great relaxed and friendly vibe,” he said.
“The club received many compliments on the venue and some suggested we should host music festivals more often due to the pristine lawns and mature trees.”
In the lead-up to the final day of play, severe winds and storm warnings halted play, adding further drama and suspense to the already exciting showdown.
Fortunately, play was resumed within the hour and in a turn of events, it was Lucas Herbert who played the round of the day, stealing the win from Cam Smith.
Bendigo boy Herbert was pleased with the result and spoke highly of the course and overall event, as did crowd favourite Corey Lamb, who was a bit of a surprise packet at just 23 years of age.
Lamb finished 12 under, equal with Smith and Alexander Simpson.
With an event that offered everything from extreme heat, winds and dust storms to world-class golf and VIP style marquees flowing with cold drinks and good cheer, only one question remains.
Are there any merits to the rumour Murray Downs could host again next year?
The Murray Downs team were tight lipped but if enthusiasm is a prerequisite to hosting, it seems Murray Downs Golf & Country Club has it in the bag.
