A little lost in the fanfare of Daniel Gale’s outstanding win in the Western Open at Dubbo today were the fantastic efforts of Josh Armstrong and his 2019 NSW teammate James Conran.
The pair, who will join Gale at Concord for the 2022 Golf Challenge NSW Open as today’s three highest and not otherwise exempt placegetters, were thrilled with the achievement.
Armstrong carded the equal-low round of the day, an eight-under 64 to vault into outright 5th place, while Conran, playing a few groups behind, crafted a handy 68 to finish in a tie for 6th.
For Armstrong, it will be a return to his home club courtesy of the regional Open Series following his maiden professional win in the Murray Region Open at Corowa earlier this year.
“Today was good, we had a good group, with Guy (Wall) and Jordie (Garner) and so we gelled well.
“It’ll be nice to be able to go back and play in front of the members at Concord, and being a local there, it will be more to play for,” he beamed.
For Conran, the joy was twofold, also playing out among his Central West family and friends.
“It’s great. I played all right today, just hit it straight and holed putts when I needed to,” Conran said.
“And it’s definitely gratifying because I missed (out at) Q-school this year and didn’t even end up as an affiliate member, so it’s nice to earn a spot and not just get given one.”