It’s outback boomtime in Quilpie -$10,000 Hole in one
It’s outback boomtime in Quilpie as amateur golfer David Pennell strikes it rich with a $10,000 hole-in-one on the remote sand greens of the Quilpie Golf Club in southwestern Queensland.
Dave Pennell being awarded his winning $10,000 cheque from Golf Australia - Queensland State Manager's Luke Bates
“After fifty-one years of playing golf, I finally hit a hole-in-one. I just hit a sweet five iron and into the hole she went. I can’t believe it!” exclaimed Pennell.
“This is by far the most challenging par-3 I’ve ever played, and on one of the most challenging golf courses in Australia. It’s quite different to the greens in the ACT I’m used to."
When asked what he will do with the $10,000, David said “Well I just ordered a $10,000 golf buggy, so it’s going straight to that. Keeping the spending going round in the industry.”
“This is the richest amateur prize pool in the world and Australia’s most remote golf series,” said Luke Bates, Golf Australia - Queensland Manager.
“To be here and see this happen on the sand greens in Quilpie is amazing. It really is golf of a different kind out here.
"Many of the players on tour are also vying for the million-dollar hole-in-one challenge at the end of this six-location golf series. The event commenced in Biloela, we then played in Charleville and now in Quilpie. We’re then heading to Blackall, Hughenden and culminating in Longreach for the million dollar-hole-in-one at the end of this month.
“The natural beauty of this place, combined with the generous and friendly locals, really sums up the essence of why we’re holding this unique golf event.
“It’s been developed to encourage visitors to spread the economic benefit to as much of the outback as possible, while experiencing some incredibly unique locations, golf courses and outback Queensland hospitality. The Outback Queensland Masters is presented by Golf Australia and partnered by Tourism & Events Queensland and the PGA with six local government authorities, including this weekend with the Quilpie Shire Council.”
“It’s so incredible to see this happen on our own sand greens at the Quilpie Golf Club. We’ve been blown away at the number of visitors in town this week,” said Bruce Paulsen, President of the Quilpie Golf Club.
“And it’s not just David Pennell striking it rich. Just yesterday morning, we sold some 70 loaves of bread within our first hour of opening. We just love living out here, and it looks like everyone else is discovering it too.”
To further support local communities in Outback Queensland, the Outback Qld Masters brings PGA Pro, Darren Weatherall to each location to run their free Junior Golf Clinics, giving kids the local district an opportunity to try their hand at golf.
“It’s wonderful be able to help young people and give them. the opportunity to experience an event like this in their own back yard,” said Weatherall.
“Maybe one of them will also be a future hole-in-one winner!”
For more information on the event, visit the website www.outbackqldmasters.com
Outback Queensland Masters is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.