District bragging rights at stake

By Lewis Nancekivell

THE best golfers from the region hit the Coomealla greens this weekend to have a swing at the District Golf Championship.

Murray Darling Golf Association’s Peter Shadwick said the tournament was the pinnacle of high-level golfing in Sunraysia.

“This is pretty much the next level up in terms skill in the district,” he said.

“This has the best of the best golfers each year to play to try and become district champion.

“You must win your club championship to be eligible to compete in the district championship, which makes it the event of the year for golf in Sunraysia.

“Coomella has very nice, quick greens, a lot of trees and vegetation, and is one of the premier gold courses in Sunraysia.

“It’s going to be a really good event.”

One of the top female golfers in the region, Lee Bottomley said she was looking forward at competing against the best in Sunraysia.

“This match is definitely the most important in the region, every club has their opens but this would be the most major,” she said.

“The form is pretty good again, and it should be in for a good weekend.

“There will still be stiff competition with Sue Laird, who usually wins everything, is playing, as are Michelle Philp from Robinvale, Jenny (Stephenson) from Broken Hill, and obviously myself.

“But Sue Laird is definitely the one I have to look out for.

“Michelle and Jenny can put together two good rounds together as well.”

The championship will be 36 holes and runs from September 21 to 22.

Day two of the event will feature a shotgun format, with each club having five golfers representing them.

There will be $4000 worth of prizemoney up for grabs throughout the weekend.