Olympic duo line up for 2016 Australian PGA Championship

 

Scott Hend 595

AUSSIE Olympic duo Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser didn’t find gold at the Rio games this year but at least the surroundings should sound about right when they tee up at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast in December.

They’ll head to the RAVC Royal Pines for the December 1 – 4 event where they’ll join Adam Scott and Marc Leishman in a growing lineup.

It has been a phenomenal year for Hend and Fraser, who have both won on the European Tour as well as competing in golf’s return to the Olympics.

Following on from the Race to Dubai Final Series, they will make their only appearance of the Australian summer of golf at the Aussie PGA Championship, co-sanctioned by the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and European Tour.

“We are delighted to have Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser join us at RACV Royal Pines Resort for the Australian PGA Championship,” Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, said this week.

“Golf made a successful re-entry into the Olympics Games and Marcus and Scott represented Australia proudly. The Australian PGA Championship will give sports fans an opportunity to come and see Australia’s two golf Olympians in action.

“Scott and Marcus are both very talented players experiencing exceptional seasons; they will be two of the favourites to win the Joe Kirkwood Cup.”

With the addition of Hend and Fraser, four of the top-5 Australians in the world will be competing at the Australian PGA Championship.

Hend returns home to Queensland following one of his best seasons on the European Tour, he has recorded six top-10 finishes including a win at the True Thailand Classic, plus a victory at the Queen’s Cup on the Asian Tour.

Having finished T7 US PGA TOUR and Asian Tour co-sanctioned CIMB Classic in Malaysia on the weekend, Hend will be riding a wave of confidence.

“I am looking forward to coming home to compete in the Australian PGA Championship especially since it’s in my home state,” said Hend.

“I feel like my game is in great shape and 2016 could be my best chance of winning one of the big tournaments on home soil.

“I would love to win the Australian PGA Championship in front of a Queensland crowd; it would be a great end to my year.”

Marcus Fraser olympics

Fraser impressed the world when he lead the Rio Olympics after the first two rounds and remained in medal contention until the final round.

Fraser’s performance in Rio followed his victory at the European Tour and Asian Tour co-sanctioned Maybank Championship Malaysia; his first win in six years.

“Rio was an amazing experience which created so many special memories which I look forward to sharing with Aussie golf fans at the Australian PGA Championship,” said Fraser.

“I always love competing in Australia and am pleased that I will get the chance to do this at the Gold Coast in December.”

The Australian PGA Championship will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 1-4 December with tickets on sale via Ticketek.

The 2016 tournament will feature an array of entertainment on and off the course, including the innovative Soniq Million Dollar Hole,  where players aim to ace their way to a big pay day. Fans will be celebrating in the sun with great food, music and entertainment.

The week also includes the Cobra Puma Orange Crush Kids Day, Greg Norman Medal and Summer Soiree.

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