MURRAY Downs Golf Club will enter history next week when it hosts the NSW Open Championship.
The lucrative $800,000 prize pool has lured world class players such as Cameron Smith, Geoff Ogilvy and Lucas Herbert but with ticket allocations already more than 4500, the entire region is set to benefit from an influx of visitors.
Accommodation venues, cafes and eateries, retail, food vans, service providers and service stations are just some of the businesses set to boom with the estimated 2000 plus visitors to town.
What you need to know
The championship will be played from Thursday November 14 until Sunday November 17.
Other events and activities will be taking place throughout the week, starting from Monday November 11.
Murray Downs Golf Club has employed additional staff to cater for the influx of visitors and more than 140 volunteers will be utilised.
TICKETS
Tickets are FREE but you should order online to avoid delays at the gate.
Tickets can be attained by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2024-nsw-open-championship-tickets-894991001177?aff=MurrayDowns
GETTING TO THE COURSE AND PARKING
Parking at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is $10 per day and free to all club members (including social members). Visit the club’s website to sign up for a membership for as little as $10 for three years. https://murraydownsgolf.com.au/join/
A courtesy bus will leave from the carpark beside Swan Hill Club in Curlewis Street every 30 minutes. The carpark will be free for the four days of the event.
A WEEK LONG FESTIVAL
Events will be taking place across the whole week including the major four-day golf event, clinics for children, a PRO-AM match, formal dinner with the golfers and sponsors, prizes and giveaways, marquees and a family evening with bands and activities on Friday evening.
Prizes you can win include a Srixon prize pack, including a Performance Cart Bag, Tour Staff Cap, a Tri-Fold Towel and two dozen Srixon Z-STAR Diamond Golf Balls.
Swan Hill Hire will be hosting their hole in one putting contest with those lucky enough to make the put going into the draw for a $1000 cash prize.
Proceeds raised from the competition will be donated to Mallee MRI Appeal.
CATERING
Food and beverages will be available during the event.
Public catering facilities will be available from the Clubhouse and Village area (oncourse) during the event.
GALLERIES
Spectators are encouraged to follow the course with the player groups from the designated paths. Please take notice of instructions issued by tournament officials and volunteers. Use common sense, and please be aware of players on tees. The scrub areas are known snake habitats, so please do not enter.
MOBILE PHONE POLICY
Mobile phones may be used, However, they must remain on SILENT at all times and have the FLASH OFF.
Mobile phone photography is permitted on tournament competition days, and video on non-competition days only.
Please be considerate of tournament play and other spectators at all times.
DIGITAL CAMERAS
Professional cameras and video cameras are strictly prohibited at the event. Only official media and accredited officials can take photographs or footage using professional cameras. Mobile phones and small digital cameras may be used, providing they are on silent.
The NSW Open Championship will be live broadcast on 7Plus free to air on Saturday and Sunday of the event.
TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW
Play starts for the NSW Men’s Open Championship on Thursday November 14 and players will compete for the Kel Nagle trophy and a record-breaking prize pool of $800,000.
The NSW Open is the third richest prize pool in Australia and will be contested over 72 holes of stroke play.
A total of 144 players will play 18 holes on each of the first two days, with the leading 60 professionals and ties, plus any amateurs on the same score or better, qualifying to play the final two rounds.
In the event of a tie at the conclusion of the 72-hole event, and unless the Championship Committee determines otherwise, a sudden death play-off on the 18th hole shall determine the winner.
FESTIVAL AT A GLANCE
Monday and Tuesday – School children to attend clinics Wednesday November 13 – Pro-Am event Thursday November 14 – Day 1 of the tournament Friday November 15 – Day 2 of the tournament and elimination of players not progressing to Day 3.
Friday November 15 – Evening family event at the Village area with music, competitions, activities and more Saturday November 16 – Day 3 of the tournament.
Sunday November 17 – Day 4, final day of the tournament
Sunday November 17 – Presentation
