NSW Open — Rich River Golf Club 2023

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RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB | MARCH 16TH-

Rich River welcomes you all to the Play Today NSW Open

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Rich River Golf Club is delighted to welcome everyone to the 2023 Play Today NSW Open.

The NSW Open is a time-honoured event that has been won by the very best golfers that Australia has produced on some of the finest layouts in NSW.

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We are delighted that Rich River Golf Club in Moama has been given the opportunity to write the next chapter of the NSW Open in 2023.

Golf NSW proud to be here

On behalf of Golf NSW, I welcome you to the 2023 Play Today NSW Open.

For the first time in the event’s 100-plus year history, we visit the Murray region.

There are also the hole-in-ones on offer for 13, 16 and 17.

It will be the first time in the tournament’s 100 year history that it has been conducted in the Murray River Region of NSW.

This will be a tremendous boost for our community after the devastating floods that hit the Murray River region late in 2022.

Patrons attending the NSW Open at Rich River will have plenty to keep them entertained.

As well as spectacular golf from the 144 players in the field, on Saturday and Sunday the parthree 16th hole will be transformed into a ‘Party Hole’.

Spectators will also get their chance to swing the golf club and have a putt in the activation

zone on Saturday and Sunday with some fantastic prizes to be won.

After the golf has finished on Saturday, King Henry’s Magic Trick Shot Show will mesmerise the crowd and there will be $1000 to be won in the Rich River Mini Golf Masters.

Rich River Golf Club would like to thank Golf NSW, the NSW Government and the many sponsors that have supported the 2023 Play Today NSW Open.

We are all looking forward to a fantastic NSW Open at Rich River.

Shane Gloury, Rich River chief executive officer

It is great for Golf NSW to bring this event to a wonderful part of the world and in particular Rich River Golf Club.

We’ve got a great affinity with the Murray region, having brought a number of events here in the past.

But this week is special as we bring our flagship event to Moama.

It is fantastic to come to an area that is very much known for its golf.

This promises to be a special tournament.

Yes, it is our pinnacle, our flagship event, but it is also going to deliver a fun atmosphere.

We have the party hole on 16, which promises to be a terrific part of this tournament.

Experience ECHUCA BACK 9 GOLF COURSE FOR YOUR NEXT OUTING…

For our spectators, I hope you enjoy the high-quality golf action on the fairways and greens during this week.

Feel free to bring the kids along to sample all the festivities. There are a variety of different activations off the course, including the mini golf, trick shot artists and the opportunity for members of the public to win a BMW.

We’ve even got a DJ playing all weekend. This event is as much about fun as it is golf.

Golf NSW would like to thank the NSW Government, Rich River Golf Club and the many sponsors that have supported the 2023 Play Today NSW Open.

I hope to see you here.

Graeme Phillipson, Golf NSW chief operating officer

Host: Rich River Golf Club chief executive officer Shane Gloury.

It will be the first time in the tournament’s 100 year history that it has been conducted in the Murray River Region of NSW.

Welcoming one and all: Golf NSW chief operating officer Graeme Phillipson.

WELCOME TO SHEPPARTON BMW.

Shepparton BMW is offering customers a new state-of-the-art dealership with upgrades being more than just a visual refresh. The space provides a more flexible format through the use of multi-functional areas, shared and open spaces as well as the integration of digital touch points including large format screens, vehicle configuration, delivery App integration and digital spec stands.

Featuring sustainable design elements the new facilit y includes a 100 that has the capabilit y to power not only the entire dealership but also the electric charging stations. The new design also features several water tanks sitting alongside the building to ensure sustainable in-house car washing, making this an environmentally

Shepparton BMW is a proud partner of the Rich River Golf Club and Sponsor of the Play Today NSW Open for 2023.

Every detail has been considered to make purchasing your next BMW or a MINI from our dealership a memorable experience.

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GOLF CLUB

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MARCH 16TH-

Getting around

The Play Today NSW Open features action from through to Sunday on Rich River Golf Club’s East Course.

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Play is on from 7.45am today, with the weekend action timed to start from 9am.

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This map below contains a layout of the course and a legend featuring the important areas for you to know. That includes toilets, first aid, car park, catering, off-course events including the longest putt, trick show and hole-in-one events.

For the public there is free admission to the tournament. But you need to register before heading out to the course.

Scan the QR code (left), fill out the details and then you will have no issues checking out some of the country’s finest golfers.

Courtesy buses will be running for the duration of the tournament to and from the course.

You can book a spot by phoning 5481 3333.

A schedule of the weekend events at Rich River Golf Club is listed on the right.

One of the best Golf Courses on the Murray River!

A popular attraction for locals, and a must see for visitors new to the Swan Hill Region. Murray Downs Golf Club features an award winning 18-hole championship golf course, located a short drive over the bridge from Swan Hill. The Clubhouse is open 365 days per year, offering bistro and café meals 7 days, weekend breakfast, entertainment, 3 floodlit bowling greens and more.

Whether you’re looking for a golfing getaway with friends, planning a function or looking for a night out in a family friendly atmosphere, look no further than the Murray Downs Golf and Country Club.

Play & Stay Package: 2 NIGHTS FROM $320pp!

It truly is one of the best Golf Courses on the Murray!

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB | MARCH 16-19

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Harrison Crowe

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Age: 21

State: NSW

Biggest win: 2022 Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship

Haydn Barron

Age: 27

State: WA

Biggest win: Spalding Park Open (2021)

OOM ranking: 16

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OOM Ranking: N/A

Bio: Harrison Crowe is undoubtedly one of Australian golf’s brightest up-and-coming stars and returns to the Play Today NSW Open as the defending champion. The 21-year-old last year won the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, and with it the right to play at the 2023 edition of most prestigious of the golfing majors, The Masters, as well as The Open, which will be held at Royal Liverpool.

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Bio: A late bloomer in a professional golf sense, Barron turned pro in 2022 at the age of 26. But that hasn’t held the Western Australian product back at all, as he has qualified to play in The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool this year after he holed out for an eagle at the Australian Open on the final hole, finishing in a tie for fourth.

Brendan Jones

Age: 48

State: ACT

Biggest win: New Zealand Open (2023)

OOM ranking: 2

Bio: Brendan Jones has been highly successful on the Japan Tour, notching up 15 wins, and also played on the US PGA Tour in 2005. Unable to play in Japan throughout the global pandemic, Jones has had somewhat of a career revival after winning the New Zealand Open two weeks ago, which has seen him vault to second on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit leaderboard.

Mathew Goggin

Age: 48

State: TAS

Biggest win: ANZ Tour Championship (1998), Panama Claro Championship (2011, 2015)

OOM ranking: 106

Bio: Mathew Goggin has been a prolific winner on the Web.com Tour, having taken out five wins on what is now called the Korn Ferry Tour. Goggin’s five wins rank him seventh all time for wins on the tour, with his most recent win coming at the 2015 Panama Claro Championship. In 2009, Goggin recorded a fifth-place finish at The Open Championship, his best result at a major.

Michael Hendry

Age: 43

Country: New Zealand

Biggest win: New Zealand Open (2017)

OOM ranking: 6

Bio: Michael Hendry has leapt up the PGA Tour of Australasia leaderboard after winning the Vic Open this year, seeing him sit in sixth place with two events to go, giving him a real shot at taking out a DP World Tour card to play in Europe next season. Hendry has won 15 times as a professional, also qualifying for and playing in The Open Championship twice.

Matthew Griffin

Age: 39

State: VIC

Biggest win: New Zealand Open (2016)

OOM ranking: 76

Bio: Matthew Griffin is a three-time winner on the PGA Tour of Australasia, as well as a winner on the OneAsia and Korean tours. Griffin’s wins include the Victorian Open (2014) and the New Zealand Open (2016), while he has also taken out the 2013 OneAsia Tour Order of Merit, winning twice en route to that title.

Louis Dobbelaar

Age: 21

State: QLD

Biggest win: New Zealand PGA

Championship

OOM Ranking: 23

Bio: Louis Dobbelaar is one of the future stars of Australian golf, with the 21-year-old claiming his first professional win at the New Zealand PGA Championship. Dobbelaar has shown promise throughout his short career, being crowned the Australian Amateur Champion in 2021, and enjoying top three finishes at the Australian PGA Championship and Queensland PGA Championship in consecutive weeks in early 2022.

Nick Flanagan

Age: 38

State: NSW

Biggest win: US Amateur (2003)

OOM Ranking: 58

Bio: Nick Flanagan has been a big name since his amateur days, when he took out the 2003 US Amateur to become the first non-American winner since 1971. Flanagan won promotion to the US PGA Tour by virtue of his wins on the Web.com Tour, where he won three events in 2007. Flanagan won his latest event at the Cathedral Invitational last year, and is currently playing on the development tour in America.

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB | MARCH 16-19

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Jake McLeod

RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB | MARCH 16TH-

Age: 28

State: QLD

Biggest win: NSW Open (2018)

OOM ranking: 42

Andrew Martin

Age: 38

State: VIC

Biggest win: Victorian PGA Championship (2022)

OOM ranking: 4

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Bio: Jake McLeod turned professional in 2015, enjoying a breakout year in 2018, during which he won the PGA Tour of Australia Order of Merit, as well as the NSW Open at Twin Creeks Golf and Country Club. His third-round score of 62 set a new course record. McLeod played on the PGA European Tour in 2019, and made his only major appearance to date at The Open Championship.

Brad Kennedy

Age: 48

State: QLD

Biggest win: New Zealand Open (2011, 2020)

OOM ranking: 65

Bio: Brad Kennedy has enjoyed success both domestically and internationally, recording wins on the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Japan Tour. Fourteen times a professional winner, Kennedy’s biggest wins have come in New Zealand, having won two editions of the New Zealand Open in 2011 and 2020, as well as the New Zealand PGA Championship, which he won in 2016. Kennedy also won the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit for the 2020/21 season.

Elvis Smylie

Age: 21

State: QLD

Best result: Runner-up NSW Open (2021)

OOM ranking: 15

Bio: Elvis Smylie is just one of many of Australia’s up-and-coming stars, claiming a handful of top-10 finishes in domestic events such as the TPS Victoria tournament (third, 2023) and the Vic Open, where he finished tied for sixth place this year. Smylie has played a number of events on the European Tour also, but his best result came at the 2021 NSW Open, where he finished tied for second just three strokes off the lead. He is the son of former tennis professional Liz Smylie.

Peter Lonard

Age: 55

State: NSW

Biggest win: 2005 MCI Heritage (US PGA Tour Event), Australian Open (2003, 2004)

OOM ranking: 112

Bio: Peter Lonard is a legend in terms of Australian golfers, being one of the Australians to have made the leap to win on the elite US PGA Tour. A two-time Australian Open champion, Lonard has twice won the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, taking out the 1996/97 and the 2003 editions. Lonard has previously won the 2004 NSW Open, which was held at Liverpool Golf Club.

Bio: Andrew Martin has enjoyed success domestically in Australia, winning the Australian Amateur Championship in 2004. Martin broke through for his biggest professional win in 2021, claiming the TPS Sydney tournament, also securing a world record by hitting a remarkable four eagles in one round. Martin is in contention for a top three finish in this year’s Order of Merit, with his high-ranking position courtesy of a win at the VIC PGA Championship.

David Micheluzzi

Age: 26

State: VIC

Biggest win: WA PGA Championship (2022)

OOM ranking: 1

Bio: David Micheluzzi is enjoying a stellar season, sitting atop the leaderboard for the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. Micheluzzi broke through for his first professional win last year, claiming the WA PGA Championship, and claimed another win this year at the TPS Sydney tournament. Standing more than 200 points clear of second place with two events to go, Micheluzzi is primed to win a card for the European Tour.

Kyle Michel

Age: 26

State: VIC

Best result: Runner-up Victorian Men’s Amateur Championship (2018)

OOM ranking: 30

Bio: Touted as one of the biggest junior stars while playing as an amateur, Kyle Michel has endured a tough start to his professional career. While he may be without a win, he has shown plenty of the promise that had him regarded so highly, putting himself in contention at multiple tournaments, including the Gippsland Super 6 tournament, which he lost in the final playoff round to Tom Power Horan last year.

Tom Power Horan

Age: 30

State: VIC

Biggest win: Gippsland Super 6 (2019, 2022)

OOM ranking: 5

Bio: Tom Power Horan remains in contention to take out one of the three European Tour cards available for the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit this year, sitting in fifth place with two events to go. Power Horan has won twice on the Australasian Tour, taking out the inaugural Gippsland Super 6 tournament in 2019, before becoming the first twotime winner of the event last year.

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RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB | MARCH 16TH-

Crowe soaring into Masters

By Alexander Dabb

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The number of iconic moments at The Masters is almost endless — Tiger’s chip in on the 16th in 2005, Greg Norman’s capitulation in the final round of 1996, Adam Scott finally claiming Australia’s first green jacket in a play-off over Angel Cabrera — the list goes on.

stands and this whole golf course is going to be filled with patrons, and being able to play the event, it's going to be, yeah, really special."

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Augusta National has turned players into legends and broken the best golfers in the world, but 21-year-old amateur Harrison Crowe isn’t intimidated by the task ahead of him.

Crowe will be playing at this year’s Masters in April after claiming the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Thailand last year, an astonishing feat that saw him drop four shots behind the leader in the final round, only to come back and win by two strokes.

"I was actually very calm all day, which is quite surprising because I think I got to four back at one point from holding a two-shot lead overnight,” he said.

“But it was definitely a lot of self-belief and definitely had to dig deep that week and really just grind it out. I knew I had it in me, I was playing extremely well all week from what I really had.

“It took a lot of mental strength to really come out and do it, just kind of prove to myself the kind of golfer I am and how strong I am."

The win catapulted Crowe into the conversation as one of the world’s best amateur players, not only earning him a start at The Masters,

but also The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool this July.

If Crowe is to claim victory in either The Masters or The Open Championship, he will have history on his side, as last year he became just the second player to hold both the NSW Open and Amateur titles concurrently.

The first? Australia’s first ever

Griffin strikes a life balance

By Alexander Dabb

When asked about how he manages to deal with the pressures of playing as a professional golfer and travelling on tour with a fivemonth-old baby and four-year-old at home, Matthew Griffin chuckles.

"A very understanding wife,” he said with a laugh.

“I guess the biggest thing is that the cost of travel has been, when I used to go away and play tournaments it was just going away to try and make money and do well, whereas now you've got the family, so I guess the pressure on you to play well, that I put on myself, that's greater to make sure when I'm away from home that I'm doing well."

While family life is the priority for Griffin, golf remains his source of income, and attempting to strike a balance between the two has seen him have to make some tough decisions regarding his schedule both now and in the future.

"Yeah, sort of probably the last 12 months I've played a bit more than I would generally like to, but really decided going forward from here that I'll play like a schedule of around 20 weeks,” Griffin said.

“If I'm good enough to keep

playing on that schedule then I will, if I'm not then I'll look to do something else."

As the PGA Tour of Australasia season winds to a close, Griffin is keen to spend as much of the off-season with his family as possible, with no firm plans for the winter other than a short stint in Japan.

"It's been a really big 15 months, I've played I think 39 events in the last 15 months, so it's been very busy,” he said.

“So, we're going to have a bit of time off and go away with the family for three weeks, just have some down time, and then I've got three events in June in Japan, so I'll just get ready for those and see how that goes, and then figure out what I do across winter."

major winner was Jim Ferrier, in 1937.

“I mean, it's awesome, it's definitely something I've always wanted to do, to win a state open and to do it so early on in my career was really unbelievable for me last year,” Crowe said.

“To do it in front of so many family and friends, that was definitely the

biggest win to that date. So, it was um, it was awesome."

Crowe has already made the most of the perks that come with earning a spot in The Masters field, playing four practice rounds before returning to Australia for the NSW Open, which he said was a surreal moment seeing Augusta National free from spectators.

"Yeah. I mean, it's truly amazing. It's definitely a little bit strange not seeing patrons there, but I know that'll change in a few weeks, but yeah, it's obviously, it's probably the most watched tournament growing up as a kid,” Crowe said.

“To be able to play there in general, it was just an amazing experience, just to be able to see like how holes play and some of those greens and watch these guys hit certain shots over the years on TV and try to recreate it.

“It was just an awesome experience and then to really be there and go, okay well, all these

And while every time he takes to the course he is trying to win, Crowe is putting no expectations on what sort of performance he will pull out at Augusta.

"I think if I just hold my head up high regardless of the result. I mean, I feel like my game really suits that golf course and my games in a good spot that I can contend. So, I think I just want to go out there and treat it like a normal event, and really just soak it all in and just go try and have fun and try to put on a show."

While he has plenty to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead, Crowe is firmly focused on the task at hand, that being the defence of his NSW Open crown.

“My game feels really good, I quite like this golf course as well, it's such a nice layout and it's going to be some pretty low scores I think out here this week,” Crowe said.

“So if I can really put myself in positions, especially off the tee I can really capitalise. I feel like everything’s in a good spot, and I mean if I can go over to Augusta with a nice handy result this week, it'll be a big confidence booster."

Despite being destined for big things, Crowe isn’t in a rush to leave the amateur ranks and turn professional.

"I'll play The Open in July so I have to remain amateur for that, but at this time, it’s really just focusing on these the next few weeks, really."

Back-to-back: Harrison Crowe will aim to defend his NSW Open title at Rich River Golf Club this week.

Photo: AAP/Hamish Blair

Lining it up: Matthew Griffin is adapting his schedule to meet the pressures of playing golf professionally with a young family at home.

Photo: Steve Huntley

“To do it in front of so many family and friends, that was definitely the biggest win to that date. So, it was um, it was awesome.

Harrison Crowe

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Micheluzzi not bothered by pressure

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By Alexander Dabb

With just two events to go in the PGA Australasia Order of Merit series, David Micheluzzi is sitting pretty on top.

Two hundred and twenty eight points clear of second-placed Brendan Jones, a strong finish at the NSW Open will almost assure the Victorian of first place, and along with it, full playing rights for the DP World Tour next season, and an entry into the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool. With so much at stake for the young golfer from Melbourne, he remains remarkably calm in his approach to what could be a career defining week.

“It’s just another tournament. It’s the same event, it’s the same golf tournament as what it was at the start of the season,” Micheluzzi said.

“Obviously there’s a bit more

pressure with the Order of Merit and all of that, but I'm just looking forward to just playing another week of golf and with a good quality field and try and get another win.

“I’m just excited to just be here and to compete.”

Micheluzzi has always been a top prospect, having been ranked inside the top five in the amateur world rankings, and finishing tied for fifth at the 2018 Australian Open at The Lakes as an amateur.

But he credits his big leap this year on the professional circuit to simply playing more golf.

“I’m playing golf a lot more rather than practicing. I get a lot more enjoyment out of that as well,”

Micheluzzi said.

“But just playing a lot more golf and keeping score all the time, that’s the only really thing I’ve changed, and I think once you have like a little bit of confidence, if you have a win

or if you have a high finish, that gives you confidence into the next event and into the next event and it just builds.

“I’ve been hitting it great as well, a little bit of swing, not swing changes, but just swing improvements ... that’s pretty much what it’s been like.”

The mindset Micheluzzi has employed on course this year is also making a difference in how he approaches every round, the biggest change being he has learned not to stress about specifics.

“I think not worrying about missing cuts,” Micheluzzi said.

“Yeah, I think I try and make it as simple as I can, if I try and shoot under par every time I go out and play, I should make most cuts anyway”.

“But I’m just trying to win tournaments, obviously winning takes care of everything.”

Recent win inspires revival

By Alexander Dabb

The COVID-19 lockdown forced a change in work circumstances for a lot of people, Brendan Jones included.

A 15-time winner on the Japan Tour, Jones was unable to play in any events on the circuit where he had enjoyed so much success, and at age 48, two years out of the sport looked like the beginning of the end for the man born in West Wyalong.

Struggling to make cuts at tournaments he was good enough to be winning, Jones sought out former coach Alex Mercer, and credits a chat with him as the catalyst for somewhat of a mini career revival.

“You know, it was a tough year for me last year. But as I said last night, talking about Alex Mercer, I just owe the turnaround in my fortunes probably to him just because he’s got my head clear,” Jones said.

“I feel a lot happier out on the golf course and instead of letting things get to me and stress about things, I'm just, you know, trying to let things go and it’s amazing how your game can change when you're not angry out on the golf course and sort of agitated.

“I guess that helped me finish off the last year in Japan where I played quite well and then I’ve picked up nicely this year at TPS Sydney and to win New Zealand.”

The New Zealand win Jones references is the New Zealand Open, a win which catapulted him into second place on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit, where he remains within striking distance of leader David Micheluzzi with two events to play.

“I played great going into New Zealand, struggled a little bit the first couple of days but scraped through and then almost played a flawless sort of weekend,” Jones said.

“So yeah, it’s nice to be back in the mix again. It's nice to feel that my game is still good enough on any given week, and that’s why I'm here, you know, I’m a chance now to win the Order of Merit.

“I pretty much need to win again here to give myself a shot going into the last event in Melbourne, but you know if things don’t go well for me this week, then it’s just back to Japan and with a better attitude than what I’ve had.”

It’s win or bust for Jones in the Order of Merit — while the top three finishers will receive a playing card for the DP World Tour in Europe next season, only the first placed

finisher will earn qualification into The Open Championship, which is Jones’ main priority.

Despite 19 professional wins in his career, Jones admits he doesn’t necessarily possess a love for the game, rather viewing golf purely as a job.

“I’ve just got to think about what else would I be doing, and I still can't work out what I'd be doing and so golf it is, it’s still my job and that’s what it feels like, it feels like a job most weeks,” Jones said.

“Having said that, Sydney and New Zealand were quite enjoyable for me, when I get in the mix and when I’m competing to win tournaments that gets the juices flowing and that gets the enjoyment back.

“But last year I was beating my head against the wall grinding to make cuts and I was missing, you know, I missed eight out of nine cuts at mid-season and it was just not fun.

“When you’ve been playing year-in-yearout competing for titles at least a handful of times a year, and when you're not even playing

weekends, it just gets pretty devastating and upsetting.”

Again, Jones credits Mercer with helping him shift his mindset to be able to perform at the level required of a professional, and to be able to enjoy the game of golf once again.

“It all just turned around with Alex and just him telling me that I had nothing to prove, and I was too good a player to be missing cuts like I was, and just to let things go and just try and enjoy it more, and that’s pretty much what I've done.”

Comeback: Brendan Jones celebrates winning the New Zealand Golf Open at Millbrook Resort.

Photo: AAP/Andrew Cornaga via Photosport

Eyes on the prize: David Micheluzzi is primed to win the 2022-23 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit.

Photo: AAP/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

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Important holes

editor Gregor Mactaggart takes a look at four holes on the Rich River Golf Club’s East Course that will be pivotal for the field assembled in the 2023 Play Today NSW Open.

NINTH HOLE —PAR 4, 389M

The front nine will offer the professionals a number of chances for birdies. But one of the more tougher holes is the ninth. Regarded as one of the more challenging driving holes, longer players may be keen to take on the dogleg.

NSW Open’s proud history

The New South Wales Open Golf Championship has a rich history that dates back to 1931.

First held at Manly Golf Club as a ‘close’ format championship — open only to residents of NSW — Charlie Gray claimed the title after a 36-hole play-off with Tom Howard and Sam Richardson.

In 1958, the tournament became a truly ‘Open’ event, attracting the cream of Australia’s golfing elite along with appearances by some of the best players in the world.

The NSW Open Championship honour role includes many of Australia’s finest golfers including World Golf Hall of Fame inductees Kel Nagle, Greg Norman, and Peter Thomson; legends such as Norman Von Nida, Eric Cremin and Frank Phillips and amateurs including five-time champion Jim Ferrier, Owen Beldham and Tony Gresham.

Other prominent names to lift the trophy include Ian Baker-Finch, Ted Ball, Billy Dunk, Peter Lonard, Jack Newton, Peter O’Malley, Craig Parry, Bob Shearer, Ian Stanley and Jason Scrivener.

Harrison Crowe is the defending champion after taking out last year’s event at Concord Golf Club in Sydney.

FAST FACTS

• The tournament’s record score is 264 (-24 under) set by Jason Scrivener in 2017 at Twin Creeks Golf Club in Western Sydney.

• Norman Von Nida holds the record for the most wins in the tournament with six. He won the NSW Open in 1939, 1946, 1947, 1948, 1953 and 1954.

• Jim Ferrier, the first Australian to win a major tournament, won the event five times. He first won it in 1933 and then tasted success four years on the trot from 1935 to 1938. Von Nida repeated Ferrier’s efforts in winning four successive times, although his streak was interrupted by World War II.

• Ferrier is also responsible for the most dominant victory, prevailing by a 16-shot margin in 1935. He won by 13 shots in 1938 and 10 in 1937.

• Frank Phillips is also a five-time winner. Phillips, rated one of the best ball strikers of his era,

first tasted success in 1956. He followed up in 1960, 1962, 1966 and 1970.

• Greg Norman won the event on four occasions. He first tasted victory in 1978 at Manly Golf Club. Norman edged out David Graham in a play-off in 1983 at Concord. Concord would also be the scene of his other victories in 1986 and 1988.

• The NSW Open trophy is named in honour of Kel Nagle, who won this event on three occasions (1951, 1957 and 1968). Nagle won the British Open in 1960 and finished second in the 1965 US Open.

Don’t be surprised to see others use an iron off the tee in a bid to maximise position and get the best possible angle into the green. It looms as a potential banana skin-style hole and comes immediately after the parthree eighth.

10TH HOLE — PAR 4, 326M

The start of the back nine will be another hole to watch during this week. The professionals will be able to drive this green, although bunkers on the left and right do pose a threat if slightly askew. It means that tactical play may come into calculations yet again off the tee.

16TH HOLE — PAR 3, 144M

The 16th hole will be as much a test of temperament as technique. In keeping with the spirit of the Phoenix Open and more recently the Australian PGA at Royal Pines, the 16th has been christened as the “Party Hole” this week.

The scene will be set as golfers typically perturbed by the slightest shadow or break from silence will be tested under different conditions of cheer, music and crowd involvement.

The short par-three does boast water to the left, which is firmly in play and will place pressure on club selection. A large green does mean that if you come up short, you will have a hell of a putt to make birdie.

18TH HOLE — PAR 5, 532M

Described as a “true brute” by Golf Australia magazine in a course review in 2019, the 18th is a magnificent hole to close out this tournament. It is rated the hardest hole on the course and it is easy to see why.

Water features down the left hand side and a shank puts you in real trouble. The fairway does tighten the further you go, making a great drive imperative. A long second shot will also pose questions, with seven greenside bunkers at the front and water at the back if you go through the green. For the spectator, a terrific hole to finish this tournament, for the golfer, a genuine test of their skill, bravery and temperament.

COURSE NOTES: Redesigned by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson in 1998, the East Course is links style with water coming into play on several holes.

The last five holes can separate a good score and a great score, provided you stay clear of the water hazards and tough bunkering. The course will play 6245m, par-71 this week.

Past winner: Ian Baker-Finch scored a massive win in the 1984 NSW Open, prevailing by 13 shots.

Legend: Greg Norman won the NSW Open on four occasions.

Riverine Herald

Champ: Harrison Crowe holding the Kel Nagle trophy after winning the NSW Open golf championship in 2022.

Photos: AAP

could do a strap for the (logo) | RICH RIVER

GOLF CLUB | MARCH 16TH-

Party hole will be a big winner

In the spirit of tournaments such as the Phoenix Open and the Australian PGA at Royal Pines, the 2023 Play Today NSW Open at Rich River Golf Club will feature a party hole.

wanting you to do the player pro le pages. link below with photos of the golf course if we want are also attached- happy too use that blue and white

Come and join in the fun on Saturday and Sunday from 11am as you experience golf like

you have never seen it before. The scene will be set as golfers typically perturbed by the slightest shadow or break from silence will be tested under different conditions of cheer, music and crowd involvement.

The action will be at the 16th hole on the East Course with a

variety of food trucks and drinks available from our Rich River bar for you to watch the action.

On Sunday, don’t forget to hang around for the BMW Hole in One Challenge which will start from 5pm.

If it’s all getting a little too loud then we have you covered.

Head on over to the Village where it will be a little more relaxing while still being able to watch the golf action.

On Sunday, the presentations will be held on the 18th from about 5.15pm, where the NSW Open 2023 champion will be crowned.

Plenty of activities off course

In addition to the on-course action, there are a number of activations to watch out for during the Play Today NSW Open at Rich River Golf Club.

BMW ‘Hole-in-One’ Challenge from 11am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday – Final from 5pm Sunday (16th Hole)

There are two new BMWs up for grabs.

Come along from 11am on Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19 to our nearest to the pin competition to test your skill.

This is open to the public and will be played on our 19th hole adjacent to the mini golf area.

You will have three chances to hit closest to the pin, with each day — the top 10 men and top 10 women — will go into a final on Sunday afternoon on the 16th hole from 5pm.

The first finalist to hit a hole-in-one on the 16th hole during this final round, will win a brand-new BMW.

If that isn’t enough, the top two men and top two women who hit closest to the pin in the final, will walk away with a Golf on the Murray Stay & Play package (Two night’s accommodation and two rounds of golf for two people at a leading Murray River Golf Club) to the value of $750 each.

It doesn’t stop there.

The first professional golfer playing in the NSW Open final on Sunday that hits a holein-one on the 16th hole, will also win a brandnew BMW. This can all be seen from our Party Hole Activation.

The Golf Club Estate Block of Land Hole-in-One Challenge

What an exciting opportunity to be a part of the Golf Club Estate located in the heart of our beautiful Rich River Golf Course.

Currently on sale now and with over half the blocks already sold, don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this amazing land development.

For more information, phone Stephen Morgan at Ray White Real Estate Echuca on 0419 388 802 or email: stephen.morgan@ raywhite.com

On Sunday if any golfers playing in the NSW Open final round hit a hole-in-one on the 17th hole, they will win one of these blocks of land.

Vendi Golf Hole-in-One Competition

Vendi Golf is supporting the event by giving away a golf cart as a hole-in-one prize. If any of the professional golfers playing in the NSW Open final round on Sunday hits a hole-in-one on the 13th hole during this final round, they will win a Golf Cart donated by Vendi Golf.

Rich River Mini Golf Masters Competition

The Rich River Mini Golf Masters will test your skills on our challenging mini golf course.

The top 20 best scores will be invited to take part in our final on Saturday night from 7pm for a chance to win $1000.

There will also be other fantastic giveaways throughout the week.

Prices for nine holes of mini golf are adults $10, 5-17 years $8, under-5 years $5 and a family pass two adults and up to 3 kids $30.

Qualifying started on Monday, March 13 and will conclude at 5pm Saturday, so make sure you get involved.

Golf on the Murray Longest Putt Competition — 11am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday

Come along and compete in the longest putt, where we will be giving away a Golf on the Murray Stay & Play package (Two night’s accommodation and two rounds of golf for two people at a leading Murray River Golf Club) valued at $750 each day.

Players will have two chances to sink a 75-foot putt. If you are skilful enough to sink the putt, you will be invited to a play-off from 3pm each day to win the stay and play package, so make sure you get involved.

Golf on the Murray Simulator Skills Challenge — 11am to 3pm Saturday and Sunday

Try your skills in our Golf Simulator where we will be giving away a Golf on the Murray Stay & Play package (Two night’s accommodation and two rounds of golf for two people at a leading Murray River Golf Club) valued at $750 each day. You will have two chances to record the nearest to the pin.

The closest to the pin each day will be notified and will win the Murray Play and Stay Package.

King Henry’s Golf & Magic Trick Shot Show — 6.30pm

Saturday

King Henry will be entertaining the whole family as he captivates the audience with his golf ball wizardry. Kids will love this show, so make sure you bring the family along.

Be there: The party hole at Rich River Golf Club is the 16th for this week’s Play Today NSW Open.

Photo: Steve Huntley

Could be yours: The BMW up for grabs in this weekend’s hole-in-one challenge at the NSW Open. Members of the public are invited to test their skills in the two-day event.

Photo: Steve Huntley

Star power: King Henry’s Golf and Magic Show will be among the activations as part of the Play Today NSW Open. Photo: Supplied

WIN A BMW

FUN FOR EVERYONE WIN ME!

AT RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB

YOU COULD WALK AWAY WITH A BRAND NEW BMW

Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March from 11am - 3pm Nearest to the Pin Competition on the 19th hole.

Top 10 men & top 10 women will go into the Hole in One Final on Sunday 19th March from 5pm (16th hole East Course), with a chance to WIN a brand-new BMW valued over $60,000!

THE PARTY HOLE MINI GOLF MASTERS

The action will be at the 16th hole East Course on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March from 11am. Relax by the Rich River outdoor bar and enjoy a variety of food trucks and drinks as you listen to tunes from DJ German. If things get loud head over to The Village where it will be a little more relaxing to watch the golf action.

WIN A GOLF PACKAGE

Come along Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March from 11am - 3pm and compete in the Longest Putt Competition or test your skills in our Golf Simulator Nearest to the Pin Challenge. We have four Golf on the Murray Stay & Play packages to be won. Each package is valued at $750 and includes two night’s accommodation and 2 rounds of golf for 2 people at a leading Murray River Golf Club

QUALIFYING ROUNDS

CASHMAJORPRIZE $1,000

Come along to Rich River at any time from Monday 13th March - 5pm, Saturday 18th March and play 9 holes on the yellow course. Simply submit your score card and the top 20 qualifiers will be contacted to compete in the Grand Final.

GRAND FINAL 18th March at 7.00pm | $1,000 Major Cash Prize

TRICK SHOT SHOW

On Saturday 18th March at 6.30pm, King Henry will captivate the audience with his golf ball wizardry.

March 16th - 19th

Kids love this show so bring the family along for some fun!