So we have come to an end of the Australian Summer of Golf. Well for the mens events anyway, obviously the ladies tournaments will be held in the new year.
The Australian Open, held this year at Royal Sydney Golf Club (another course to be soon ticked off my Top 100 list), was a great spectacle, which in the end saw a playoff between one of the World’s top players and eventual winner Jordan Spieth, along with a couple of lesser know Australians, Ashley Hall and Cameron Smith (well maybe Smith is a bit more known after a great finish in the 2015 US Open). Was also good to see a plethora of Australian players return for our summer, giving back to golf. This is one aspect we can be very proud of, with most returning annually.
With the Australian Masters in limbo, the World Cup of Golf was held at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Victoria. A thrilling event, even though a few of the top names had withdrawn, or made themselves not available. Heading out on the Sunday to enjoy the viewing, we became enthralled as quite a few countries started to mount a challenge to the Danish, who held a commanding lead into the last day. If it hadn’t been so large, things would have been even more interesting, but Denmark well deserved their first ever victory at the event.
Jimmy Walker taking a practice swing at World Cup of Golf
I enjoy team events, which give us something different from the every day four day single stroke events. Most golf clubs hold various events, so no sure why either of the tours don’t do something a bit different more often. Some are pushing for this to be the new format at the next Olympics, which I would not complain about.
Lastly was the Australian PGA held at RACV Royal Pines Resort. The winner was Harold Varner III, who lost in a playoff the previous year. He also becomes the first non-Australian to win since 1999. I must admit that I didn’t watch any of the coverage, so I hope it was enjoyable for those that did.
One thing for certain, I am over golf, well watching, always enjoy playing. With the US PGA Tour creating the ‘wrap around season’, it has now become too long. I savour the Australian Summer of Golf, as it is the only time we really get to see some of the big names at work, without having to travel overseas. Just hoping long term our Aussie players don’t get too caught up, that they cannot make the journey back.
Enjoying the view of the 18th at Kingston Heath during World Cup of Golf
But now its time for a rest from watching and actually get out and hit the ball.
