THE final event of the PGA Tour of Australasia season takes place this week with the Australian PGA Championship teeing off at the partially revamped RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast.
The field is led by defending champion Adam Scott who will be hoping to end his year on a high after failing to take home any silverware in his appearances at Australia’s other flagship golfing tournaments recently in Sydney and Melbourne.
Most recently at the Australian Open the Queenslander’s game just seemed to be a little off – when he did get his driving right he was missing short approach shots.
But the world No.3 only needs to slip back into the groove to again give this tournament a big shake.
“I’m really looking forward to this week,” said Scott, who still finished tied second at the Australian Open and 5th at the Australian Open.
“Obviously it’s kind of a home game for me, so it’s a win/win.”
“I haven’t achieved exactly what I wanted the last couple of starts down here in Australia, it would be nice to finish the year off with a win and defend the title.”
Scott is up against a field that includes American visitors Scott Stallings and Boo Weekley(both three-time US PGA Tour winners) , Zimbabwe’s Brendon de Jonge, as well as local hopes John Senden, Steven Bowditch, Marc Leishman, Brett Rumford and Brendan Jones. Former champions teeing up include Robert Allenby, Greg Chalmers, Peter Lonard and Daniel Popovic.
The course itself is in the midst of a long term revamp with nine holes still to undergo the Graham Marsh treatment. Ahead of the event John Senden was one of those singing the praises of the redevelopment.
“They’re in the process of making it a full 18 of Graham Marsh design and I’m seeing some really interesting changes which is developing the golf course into a fine resort [course] and [with] typical Queensland grasses,” Senden said.
Senden is coming off a successful year on the US PGA Tour which saw him return to the winners circle at the Valspar Championship in March.
“When you’re scoring well you feel like you’re playing well, so it makes you feel good in your heart, makes you feel good in your mind,” he said.
“Winning the Kirkwood Cup would be a dream and I think that’s one of the main goals playing in Australia is to win all three [Majors] and doing it in Queensland with the PGA would be an added bonus.” (Senden won the Australian Open in 2006).
Tickets for the 2014 Australian PGA Championship are on sale at www.ticketek.com.au with children 16 years and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Australian PGA Championship TV Times
Live free to air coverage over the four days on the Seven Network.
(AEDT)
Round 1 December 11th 12.00pm – 5.00pm LIVE
Round 2 December 12th 12.00pm – 5.00pm LIVE
Round 3 December 13th 12.00pm – 5.00pm LIVE
Round 4 December 14th 12.00pm – 5.00pm LIVE