BALLARAT Golf Club manager Michael Phillips has guaranteed a return for the Ballarat district Gold Pan Pro-Am Shield next year.
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Phillips said the two-day tournament, held in conjunction between Ballarat and Midlands Golf Club, had exceeded expectations and was a “lock” for 2015.
“We’ve spoken to Ballarat Regional Tourism and Midlands and we’re well and truly in it for next year,” Phillips said yesterday.
“We’re not aiming for a huge $30,000 or $20,000 prize pool, but we think it’s good for both clubs and more appealing for professionals and amateurs who want to come down and play.
“Down the track we’d like to incorporate some of the other Ballarat clubs to participate as well.”
Midlands and Ballarat each contributed a respectable $10,000 prize pool for their respective titles.
Speaking at the Victorian PGA-sanctioned event, Phillips also said that Ballarat would be trying to lure a PGA National Futures Championship to the club in the near future.
The decision comes after a failed bid to secure the hosting rights of the 2014 Victorian PGA Championship in 2013.
“That’s (the Futures Championship) a long-term goal for us on top of this standalone event we have with Midlands,” Phillips said.
“We’re going to have a look to see what’s on offer for us at the end of the year.”
Last year’s Futures Championship was held at the Catalina Country Club in Batemans Bay, New South Wales.