Parkes will welcome representatives from all across the state as they converge on the town this weekend to compete in the annual SCT Parkes Open Golf Tournament. The tournament will host 156 players from 40 clubs, with over a third of players off handicaps of eight or less – making it the strongest field in the event’s 42 year history.
Parkes Golf Club Captain and Tournament Director, Paul Thomas said the strength and ability of the players has forced officials to change the A Grade field from its normal 10 handicap to the lower limit of eight. “The calibre of players attending this year’s event is outstanding. We are really looking forward to seeing some of the State’s and Western area’s premier golfers in action.
“While country players have dominated the event over its 42 years, there will be some tough competition from the metropolitan clubs,” Paul said. Mudgee golfer Mark Hale will start as the favourite, slightly ahead of Duntryleague’s
Robert Payne and another Mudgee aspirant, Andrew Best.
Since 1981, the SCT Logistics Parkes Open entrants have competed for the Fred Funnell Memorial trophy, whilst the Keith Clarke Memorial trophy is presented to the leading scratch player in the veterans division. This year the Club will once again honour the late John “Gidgie” Leister with players from all grades competing for the John Leister Memorial Trophy for the best handicap score over the initial 18 holes.