The 2022/23 NSW Regional Open Series, a series of six 36-hole tournaments across the State, is ready to roll.
In a boost to the economies of several important regional centres across NSW, the tournaments also provide an opportunity for Australia’s best up-and-coming talent to secure their place in the 2023 Play Today NSW Open.
The series kicks off in early September with the Murray Open, hosted at the impressive Murray Downs Golf & Country Club and will culminate in January 2023 with the Western Open at Dubbo Golf Club.
Now in its third year, the Regional Open series has proved to be a popular inclusion on the domestic golf scene, with many of Australia’s best players participating.
Graeme Phillipson, General Manager of Operations, Golf NSW, said the six-tournament $300,000 series would again bring a significant financial boost to several regional centres across NSW.
“The NSW Regional Open Series brings plenty of much-needed dollars to regional New South Wales,” Mr Phillipson said. “Competitors are in town for up to three nights at each centre, filling motels, eating at restaurants and enjoying some of the State’s best hospitaility.”
This year’s series will kick off with The Murray Regional Open at the impressive Murray Downs Golf & Country Club. Formalities will begin on September 5th with a pro-am followed by 36 holes of championship golf on the 6th and 7th. 2021 winner Matt Millar should be back to defend his title.
The second stop will be Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club for the Tweed Coast Open. Queensland amateur Will Florimo took out the rain-interrupted event in February this year with a scintillating ten under-par effort.
The Muswellbrook Open is a new entry in the series and the first time in several years that an event of this level has visited the upper Hunter.
After a brief break, the Country’s best golfers will again head to Queanbeyan, with The Queanbeyan Open set for November 2nd to 4th.
The penultimate tournament in the series, The South Coast Open, has found a new home at the renowned Hilltop course of Mollymook Golf Club. 12-14 December 2022.
The last event, The Western Region Open, will again be held at Dubbo Golf Club and will cap off a fantastic series of events. 8-10 January 2023
Regional Benefits
Stuart Fraser, CEO of Golf NSW, said six regional centres should receive a timely economic boost again.
“The Regional Open Series brings big benefits to all of the host towns,” Mr Fraser said. “Not only do locals witness some of Australia’s best golfers, but the tournaments are a significant economic boost for the surrounding areas.”
Pathway to the Open
With a $50,000 purse on offer at each (professionals only), the top three placegetters (professional or amateur not otherwise already qualified) at each tournament will also secure a start in the 2023 Play Today NSW Open.
Rookie Professional John Lyras was one player who took advantage of the 2021 Regional Open Series, parlaying his qualification in the Murray Region Open into a top-5 finish at the 2022 Golf Challenge NSW Open and full status on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia for the 2022/23 season.
“John is an extraordinarily talented and dedicated golfer making his way in the game. He is an excellent example of what you can make from an opportunity like the regional Open Series.
“Results like the one at Murray Downs, then his top five placing in the NSW Open have given John the confidence and belief that he can succeed in the pro ranks,” Mr Phillipson added.
NSW Regional Open Series Schedule:
The Murray Open: Murray Downs G&CC 5 – 7 Sept 2022
Tweed Coast Open: Coolangatta-Tweed GC 21 – 23 Sept 2022
Muswellbrook Open: Muswellbrook GC 26 – 28 Sept 2022
Queanbeyan Open: Queanbeyan GC 2 – 4 Nov 2022
South Coast Open: Mollymook GC 12 – 14 Dec 2022
Western Open: Dubbo GC Sunday 8 – 10 Jan 2023
