Inside Golf - September 2010

24
September 2010

www.insidegolf.com.auEVENTS ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Daikin Night Golf Shootout returns to Emerald Lakes

THE Daikin Night Golf shootout has proven to be one of the most popular golfing events on the Gold Coast in recent times. After a year’s absence it will again be played at the Emerald Lakes Golf Club.

September 30th has been earmarked for the return of the concept that has been likened by many to golf’s answer to Twenty20 cricket. Within three hours a champion is decided, but prior to that a rapid turnover of winners and losers at each hole takes place along the way.

The format for the event involves nine holes being played under the excellent lighting system at Emerald Lakes, with one player per hole eliminated until just two remain to play the final hole. So popular did the event become in earlier years that there were often crowds of 1000 or more golf fans following the ten players who began each contest.

Chris Bagley, General Manager of
Emerald Lakes, explained why they
will again being involved. “Typically the
event has been played in conjunction
with a significant event here at Emerald
Lakes. We started in 2003 during the
first staging of the Queensland PGA
Championship at Emerald Lakes and
for the next five years it was played as
a lead in into that particular event.”
“In 2008 we hosted the inaugural
Australian Masters Invitational and
players such as Ian Baker Finch,

The 2007 field for the shootout, including Amy Yang who finished runner-up

Graham Marsh and Brian Jones led the
way in what, for that year, was a field of
Senior players in the Daikin Shootout.”
“With no supporting event last
year, the Shootout could not be held
but judging by the response we have
had since, it became clear a genuine
following had been established and
people were keen to have it back.”
“The opportunity to tie it in with the
two-day, Daikin Pro-Am on September
28th and 29th provides us with a
great choice amongst the players who
will be in the region at that time for
Sunshine Tour events. As a result we
are confident of assembling a quality
field for both the Pro Am and the Night
Golf Shootout.”
“Already we have had interest
expressed from Rodger Davis, Michael
Wright, Terry Price, Euan Walters,
Eddie Barr, Mike Fergusson, Brian
Jones and others.”
“To say the least we are delighted to
have it back as it has become quite a
focal point for our members and staff
at Emerald Lakes. Gerard Cassidy –
Queensland State Manager for Daikin
was quick to put his hand up for
involvement once again, not only with
the Shootout but with the Pro Am also
and we are indebted to them for their
continued support of golf in the region.”
Daikin, a premium air-conditioning
company, has enjoyed a long term
relationship with both Nifsan (the
owners of Emerald Lakes) and the Gold
Coast and is committed to another
successful event this year.