THIS YEAR WILL MARK THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ERA IN THE RICH HISTORY OF THE NSW OPEN GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP, WITH MOAMA’S RICH RIVER GOLF CLUB SET TO BE AT THE FOREFRONT
For the first time in its 92-year existence, the tournament will be played in the Riverina region, a far cry from the esteemed Sydney-based courses fans have come to expect.
A tournament that has seen the likes of Australian golf legends Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch and Kel Nagle claim its crown, the best golfers the nation has to offer will descend on the twin towns for an epic weekend of action.
Slated to run from March 16 to 19 on the East Course, Rich River Golf Club chief executive Shane Gloury said it was a thrill to be nominated as the host for the 2023 event.
“We are absolutely stoked (to be the host),” Shane said.
“It is a tournament steeped with tradition; Greg Norman’s won the event four times, Ian Baker-Finch, Kel Nagle, all the legends of Australian golf have won this event.
“It is played on the very best golf courses in NSW, so for us to even be in that equation is incredible and we are very honoured and privileged to be hosting this event.”
Bringing an event like this to the region will have a vast amount of benefits that go well beyond the golf course.
Shane explained why Echuca-Moama was the perfect location to host such an esteemed event on the golfing calendar.
“They (Golf NSW) were very keen to get down to this region and support it especially after all the floods,” he said.
“We’ve got a good golfing facility, which was a major consideration for bringing the tournament here, but also the township of Echuca-Moama.
“There are plenty of accommodation options and lots of support infrastructure like cafes, restaurants and clubs, which makes the region appealing.
“This tournament will further cement the twin towns as a top tourist destination and bring a valuable boost to our tourism economy.”
As for what the punters can expect from the weekend, Shane said it would be the perfect mix of top quality golf in a pristine location.
“The golf course will be turned out immaculately, the sole focus of our greenkeeping team up until the open is to get the course in as good a condition as they can, and they’ll be working around the clock to make that happen,” he said.
“Fans will see the very best domestic players in Australia and some top quality international players fight it out over 72 holes of golf for the NSW open crown.
“And off the course there will be a range of activities people can enjoy in Echuca-Moama such as the paddle-steamers and water sports.
“I think anyone who either plays in the event or comes along as a fan will enjoy their time up here so book your accommodation now as it is running out fast.”
The NSW Open Golf Championship at Rich River Golf Club will run from March 16 to 19.