Media Release Sunday 29th November

Local Player wins NSW Open
Novocastrian Leigh McKechnie has battled against the best field assembled for the championship in many years to claim victory by 1 shot over fellow Novocastrian, James Nitties, and finish with a final round 69 to finish 3 under par.

McKechnie, who started the day 7 shots behind the overnight leader Jason Norris, sat in the clubhouse while Nitties reeled off eagle then birdie to take a share of the lead with 3 holes to play. Unfortunately for Nitties, he dropped a shot at the 17th and saved par with a testing 4 footer at the last to take the runner up prize by a further shot to Scott Arnold.

The winner did not let his position affect his approach to today’s play.“I knew I could still win but out on the course I didn’t want to know the scores and I had no idea of what they were. I did see my name on the leaderboard when I was on the 15th but I didn’t see any numbers.”

The 8th hole had been a major difficulty for players throughout the tournament, but McKechnie had a two. “I was using a four iron off the tee and went into the bunker. It wasn’t a hard shot, I’d been practicing them the other day, I was able to get it out, hit the flag and in.”

The extremely difficult conditions over the 4 days was a real test of each players' ability and in the end, McKechnie shone through with scores of 70, 72, 70, 69.

 

Media Release Saturday 28th November 9pm

A Vintage Norris at NSW Open

A vintage Jason Norris has overcome extreme weather conditions to take the outright lead at the 2009 NSW Open following a third round seven-under, 64.
The 2007 champion produced the round of the tournament to hold a one stroke-lead from Novocastrian James Nitties heading into tomorrow’s final round.
His performance puts him at eight-under par after rounds of 70, 71 and 64.
It seems Norris could be back to his career-best form, two years after suffering horrific facial injuries from a freak accident during the 2007 Australian PGA Championship.
A book given to Norris by a friend’s mother has been the tonic to his resurgence.
“Following facial surgery I wasn’t able to fly home so I was stayed there as part of my recovery. The book is called ‘The Secret’ and it’s such a positive book, everyone should read it.”
Two top ten finishes in New Zealand early this year have built further on the 38 year-olds confidence.
“After flirting with death a three foot putt doesn’t seem so important.”
Norris also attributed the Pro-Am Teams Challenge to having a relaxed attitude in today’s difficult conditions.
“The Pro-Am is a good concept if you are going well you can enjoy it and if you aren’t going so well you can focus on the four ball.”
Defending champion Aaron Townsend, playing alongside Norris moved into contention following a three-under, 68 and begin the final day four strokes back.
Overnight leader James Nitties kept his cool as expected high temperatures and strong winds got up in the afternoon.
“It was brutal out there today,” Nitties explained after his round.
“I survived with a two-over, 73 and am really looking forward to tomorrow’s final round.”
Out in the first group having just survived the halfway cut, rookie Nick Cullen went from 51st to 7th following a third round six-under, 65.

The 25 year-old from The Grange, South Australia produced five birdies in a row from 13th to the 17th.

Queensland’s Shaun Harmer may have been out of contention, but his eagle on the 16th was a highlight after he holed out from 110 meters.
Tomorrow’s final round commences at 7.20am at The Vintage with the final pairing of Norris and Nitties due to tee-off at 12.00pm.

Media Release Friday 27th November 4pm

Nitties overtakes the host in the NSW Open

James Nitties has overcome flukey winds to take the lead in the NSW Open on day two at The Vintage. The contrast from yesterday morning’s calm conditions had little effect on the local player who has moved ahead of overnight leader and tournament host, Nathan Green.
The more difficult conditions had Green dropping back to 5-under after nine holes today.

“It was one of those rounds where I just hung in there. I’m happy with how I’m playing.” said Nitties. “Today my final hole was the 9th and playing downbreeze I holed it close and made the putt which was a nice finish.”

Having secured his first PGA Tour card and following that up with his card for another 12 months, the youthful Novocastrian has a humble, mature outlook and has come a long way in the last year. He will be hard to run down with the afternoon groups facing more difficult conditions.

“Who would have thought 12 months ago all this would be happening?” “It’s nice to be in this position. I’m not worried about the weekend, just pleased to be playing well at home", said Nitties.

The tournament leader had plenty of praise for the field and was delighted to be playing in front of friends and family. “The calibre of players is high, obviously with Nathan hosting and PGA tour players, previous winners, winners in PGA tournaments in the last few weeks. Playing here feels good, with plenty of local support behind me, and it’s good to stay in my own bed."
Another player making a charge is the 26year old Victorian, Craig Scott. With a round of 70 today he is now among the leaders at 5-under alongside fellow Victorian Heath Reed and Doug Holloway from New Zealand. 

Scott is nicely poised to contest over the weekend despite some up and down form over his morning round. He got off to a good start but fell away after being 6-under at one stage.

With a reenhanced approach to the game, Scott was appreciative of the work he has been able to achieve after changing coaches. “My new coach Glenn Joyner has been giving me the the right messages to get the improvement in form at the right time.”

After a recent top 10 in the Australian Masters, Scott looks confident that he belongs and can compete at this level - “I’m ready to take that next step in my career.” Scott said.

 Media Release - Thursday 26th November 6pm

Nitties Challenges Green’s lead for NSW Open
Novocastrian James Nitties sent out the challenge to morning leader Nathan Green and is in the clubhouse with a score of 65, joining New Zealander Doug Holloway and Heath Reed (Vic), on six under par.

His round included a bogey and triple bogey but he shot five birdies on the back nine.

With Green and Nitties at the top of the leaderboard, this presents a promoter’s dream with two of the higher profile participants showing their intent early in the tournament.

Already crowds have been building and it’s evident that these two players in particular are showing why they are so respected with their world class form.

Nitties was particularly pleased with the outcome. “I’ve been working on my swing and have a new set of irons, it could have been anything early.” said Nitties.

The more difficult hot afternoon conditions with a rising wind and hard greens brought out higher round scores from most of the field.

New Zealand’s US PGA Tour professional Tim Wilkinson and Andre Stoltz , playing in the the same group as Nitties both finished one under, equalling the defending champion Aaron Townsend’s morning score.

 Media Release - Thursday 26th November 2pm

World Class field inspires emerging players.

New Zealand player, Doug Holloway is just one stroke from the lead in the opening round of the NSW Open. The Hawkes Bay 26 year old is feeling at home at The Vintage in the Hunter Valley having come from one region famous for its wine and golf courses to another.

Conditions were ideal for a good start and the emerging player was happy about his form without focusing on the pressure of being one of the early leaders.

“It’s a nice way to begin the tournament.” said Holloway “A win would be nice but I’m not letting it become a distraction. ”

Finishing six under par with seven birdies, a bogey on the ninth following a three putt was the only blemish on his card. His six under par performance part of his improving form, having placed 51st at the Qld PGA, 44th at the Masters and 27th at the NSW PGA.

“I shot 5 under in the first round of the Masters so the challenge will be mantaining consistency.”

Heath Reed, a Victorian based in Queensland, also finished six under par on 66. Capitalising on all his opportunities, was able to manufacture a par performance on the first nine with his short game. His bogey free round included a back nine hitting every green.

The 28 year old Reed, was excited to be in contention. “There is so much depth in the field - these are world class players. I’m so happy to be just one shot behind a US tour player, it’s an inspiring place to be.”

Rookie Pro, Scott Arnold used the inside knowledge from his brother’s successful course record performance of 9 under par last year. In his second professional event in Australia, Arnold finished 5 under par.

Defending Champion, Aaron Townsend had a disastrous start on the 10th with a 5 putt resulting in a triple bogey, however he closed strongly to finish with 1 under.
 

 Media Release Thursday 26th November 1.30pm

Green Sizzles in Opening Round

Tournament Host, Nathan Green has scorched around The Vintage and has the clubhouse lead as the morning groups finish their rounds. Green, after finishing birdie-birdie-birdie, had a 7 under par, 64.

In a round of two distinct halves, Green’s form gradually built over the 18 holes. “It was a scrappy start, I was nervous but no matter what the tournament is I get nervous.”

The host was gracious in his regard for playing partner, amateur player Brendan Smith who was an early round leader.

“I had a bogey on 10th hole but Brendan dragged us along.” “On the front nine the wedge was going well. I missed a few opportunities, but no really bad putts, then sunk a 20 foot putt on the 18th - my ninth. I made a few changes and turned a good round into a really good round”

“To be associated with an event of this calibre feels strange and I didn’t think that there would be so much focus on me. I was always going to play in theevent so if I can add something to it, I might as well try. The local support is great, and coming home always makes me feel how lucky we are to be around here. It’s great to see people again. Mum and Dad, my wife and my sister were all here and people I haven’t seen for years.”

Conditions were ideal and Green was making predictions of scores of 5, 6 and 7 under for the afternoon. One of the players to watch in the afternoon groups will be James Nitties .

Media Release  -  Wednesday 25th November

International Stars Support Regional Golf

Some of the Australia’s leading international golfers have shown their support for their home state on the eve of the NSW Open.
The support of locals is well founded as Events NSW research has found that the 2008 NSW Open Golf generated more than $500 000 economic benefit for the local region.

Event Host Nathan Green was joined by other local golfers James Nitties and Aaron Townsend, along with tour veteran Peter O’Malley, in embracing the return of the NSW Open to the Vintage. They were joined by up and coming Kenyan, Simon Mburu.

All players paid tribute to the support programs for golfers through the NSW Golf Association that had brought them and other tour professional back to his home region. It reflects well on the local area to have produced such talented players who are making such an impact on the world scene.

Green was pleased to have his name associated with the Open and was set to enjoy the event. He reminisced on his early professional career at his first NSW Open at Manly and laughed when asked about the pressure to perform well as host of this year’s event. “It’s always been a highly regarded event and I was honoured to be asked to host it this year and to play a part in the continued resurgence of the tournament, ” he commented.

Peter O’Malley is visiting The Vintage for the first time, and after playing a practice round he was looking forward to the chance to shine at this venue. “It’s my first time to try to get my name on the trophy here and the course is in fabulous condition.”

O’ Malley’s appreciation of the local wines is another part of the attraction to The Vintage, as his support for regional NSW, “It’s great to be at a regional NSW venue,” said O’Malley. He also agreed with Green, that the NSW Open has always been held in high regard.

2008 NSW Open winner, Aaron Townsend was also supportive, “It’s always been a highly regarded tournament, and a high profile player as host lifts the image of the tournament even more.”

He appreciated the presence of the supporters watching. “We had great crowds last year - it makes it more attractive with local players doing well.
“It’s a good atmosphere, not just to watch the golf but also to spend the day.”

James Nitties has had a stellar year of golf and is enthusiastic in his praise of the organisations who helped it happen and was hoping the locals will be there to be see the tournament. “From 14 I was being given the tools, with the support of the Jack Newton Junior Golf Foundation, NSW Golf Association and NSW Institute of Sport making the progress to the big tournament events easier.” “I’m looking forward to playing with all the locals watching.”
 

Media Release    Monday October 19 2009

GREEN TO 'HOST' 2009 NSW OPEN

This year's NSW Open takes on a unique approach with one of Australia's best performers over the past 12 months, Nathan Green, being offered and accepting the invitation to host the tournament for the next 2 years.

As a result this historical tournament will, for the first time in its 78 year history, be known as the 2009 NSW Open – Hosted by Nathan Green. Tournament organisers are delighted that Green has accepted this prestigious acknowledgement which is befitting of his growing stature in the game, both here in Australia and internationally.

Being born and bred in Newcastle, Green's involvement is also a natural fit given the location of the venue, The Vintage Golf Club. "This is a huge honour for me and I'm overwhelmed by this fantastic recognition as tournament host" he said before adding "I'm going to give the tournament my best shot but I know I'm up against a high class field all seeking that elusive NSW Open title".
The highlight of Green's year has to be his win in this year's Canadian Open on the US PGA Tour against a world class field, defeating South African star, Retief Goosen, in a playoff which rocketed him to prominence.

"Nathan is an outstanding golfer who is highly respected by his fellow players on the tour, and this matches his personality off the course" said NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills. "We are thrilled to have someone of Nathan's background and ability involved in a major way with the continued resurgence of the NSW Open".

Mills' comments were echoed by Events NSW CEO, Geoff Parmenter, who added "The NSW Open is a key lead up event to the Australian Open for the players and we look forward to watching golfing greats throughout November and early December play on some of the best golf courses in the world, right here in NSW".

Media Release    Wednesday September 23 2009

NITTIES & O'MALLEY SET FOR VINTAGE CHALLENGE

The 2009 NSW Open looks set to attract its best playing field in years with both James Nitties and Peter O’Malley confirming their commitment to compete for the NSW Open title.

After a highly successful 1st year on the US PGA Tour, where he had a full schedule on the Tour and featured strongly in a number of high ranked events resulting in high media exposure both here and abroad, Nitties is looking forward to the challenge that The Vintage provides.
"I'm excited by the opportunity to be playing the NSW Open again" said Nitties. "I've had a great 12 months but look forward to continuing to improve and there would be no better way than to start with a win in the NSW Open" he commented.

Plying his trade on a different side of the world, in the highly lucrative European Tour, Peter O'Malley has been one of Australia's leading players since turning professional in 1987. Peter has represented Australia in both the World Cup and Dunhill Cup, and who could forget his spectacular finish at the 1992 Scottish Open where he had a final round 62 courtesy of an eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie-eagle finish to beat Colin Montomerie by two strokes.

O'Malley has had many other successes since and has become one of the most popular golfers on the European and Australasian Tours.

I have always wanted to support the tournament when my playing schedule permitted and this year provides me with the perfect opportunity to do that" he remarked, before adding "to know that my name is yet to appear on the trophy alongside some of Australia's leading names, provides me with inspiration to take up the challenge at The Vintage in November."

NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills, said he was delighted that two of Australia's leading players, both New South Welshmen, will be competing. "Both Peter and James have proven themselves through the junior ranks in NSW and are now doing the same on the world stage. In Peter's case he has been a consistent performer for many years and James has had that 1st year experience on the US Tour which will hold him in good stead for years to come. We're looking forward to seeing both of them pit their skills against the remainder of the field, and the course, in what will be an exciting 4 days of tournament play."


Media Release    Friday, July 3, 2009



2009 NSW OPEN RETURNS TO PGA TOUR



The 2009 NSW Open continues its love affair with The Vintage as it steps up to the PGA Tour this November. The tournament has taken further strides in its rejuvenation by now being positioned immediately before the Australian Open on the newly charged PGA Tour of Australasia. This is a giant leap forward for the NSW Open and is a key initiative promoting opportunities for the leading players to secure a birth on the exciting new ONEASIA Super Series.
NSW Golf Association’s CEO and NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills, said “We are working closely with the PGA to attract some of the sport’s big names”. Mills went on to say, “Spectators this year will not be disappointed with the quality of the field. Having the NSW Open back to back with the Australian Open is a real coup for Hunter sport and tourism”.
“Our continuing partnership with the Greg Norman designed Vintage Golf Course provides the perfect backdrop and a great test for our best players who will vie for our flagship event and the national title, in just two weeks of championship golf” said Mills.
“The NSW Open continues to grow in stature on our major circuit and is a joint venture between the NSW Golf Association, the PGA and The Vintage with important backing from Events NSW.
Many of golf’s elite players have their name on the trophy including Greg Norman who has just committed to support the Australian Open and Events NSW for the next three years. The question is - can Norman be lured back to the NSW Open and the fabulous Vintage course he designed in the Hunter?
A unique feature of the NSW Open is the Team Challenge Pro-Am format, which allows amateurs the tremendous opportunity to play alongside the leading professionals throughout the last 36 holes of the Championship itself.
The Vintage Golf Club’s owners, John Stevens and Don Panoz are delighted their venue will once again host the event where the golfing public can see the talents of some of Australia’s best golfers on their highly ranked NSW course.
Stevens and Panoz have recently announced that construction has commenced on their $40 million luxury hotel and destination spa complex at The Vintage. The internationally renowned Chateau Elan Group will operate the facility. This development comes hot on the heels of the welcome news that the F3 link to Branxton will run conveniently by The Vintage.
The NSW Open, a tournament with 78 years of tradition, will be held at The Vintage Golf Club at Pokolbin from 26th - 29th November, 2009.

 

Getting Here

The Vintage Golf Club is located in the beautiful Hunter Valley, only 90 minutes northwest of Sydney. For interstate visitors, information on direct flights to Newcastle Airport, a quick 40 minute drive from The Vintage, is available at www.newcastleairport.com.au

Media Enquiries

James Black
 

Manager, Marketing & Sponsorship, NSW Golf Association

jblack@nswga.com.au    02 9505 9105

 

Media Liaison & Accreditation

Donella Freeman

Media Consultant NSW Golf Association
dfreeman@nswga.com.au    Mob: 0414 362 243
 

 

 

---

---

---

---