THE countdown to one of Australia's most popular golf events has begun. The 2014/15 Golf Link Race To Bonville gets underway again this month, with a host of new innovations and new partners, making it the most anticipated Race Series in the competition’s six year history.
The Golf Link Race Series has proved a huge hit with golfers around Australia with more than 8,000 rounds played over the past five years.
The 2014/15 Series will see a minimum of 35 events staged across the nation, including new courses such as Metropolitan Golf Club in Victoria, Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club in Queensland and The Cut in WA.
After a hugely successful National Final at the stunning Bonville in 2014, Australia's leading golf resort will again play host to the 30 winning golfers who will represent their state as they do battle for the coveted individual and team crowns.
The finalists will again comprise of the Order of Merit champion and the best A, B and C grade finalists from each state, along with each region's leading female golfer.
There's also some added interest this year, with the Race Series being opened to non-handicapped social golfers, who will play a separate competition for their own prizes at each event.
“Not everybody who plays and loves the game has an official handicap and we want the Race Series to be as inclusive as possible,” says iseekgolf General Manager and Race Series Tournament Director, Jon Perkins.
“There will be a separate competition for those people at each of the Race Series days and we believe it will be quite a popular part of the event.
“The Race Series is all about getting people playing and engaging with golf and we feel this is an excellent way to do that.”
Golf operations specialists Social Golf Australia will be assisting Golf Link with the logistics of running each event.
“The Race Series is a unique event in Australia that offers golfers flexibility and variety with both the event model and the quality of golf courses available,” says SGA Managing Director Matthew Pitt.
“It is little wonder the Race to Bonville is so popular with golfers all around Australia.
“This year’s event schedule is the best yet, with courses that will appeal to golfers of all abilities. It is a great opportunity for our company to be involved with the Race Series.”
Once again the highlight of the 2014/15 Race Series will be the National Final at the magnificent Bonville Golf Resort on the NSW north coast.
Bonville Golf Resort General Manager Brad Daymond said his team were excited to once again be hosting the 30 finalists after a hugely successful event in May.
“We really like the Race Series concept and to watch the final unfold over the two days earlier this year was fantastic,” he said.
“The excitement on the players' faces to be competing for the title was evident and I feel the facilities we have here at Bonville Golf Resort are perfect for hosting this event.
“Not only is the golf course a great test but with all the players able to stay on site, the whole event had a really intimate and special feel to it and I'm sure next year will be even bigger and better.
More than 4,000 rounds of golf will be played in this year's Series, with the first event to tee off at Victoria's prestigious Metropolitan Golf Club on October 20.