Fraser Coast ClassicFraser Coast ready to shine on the PGAIn 2007 the inaugural Fraser Coast Classic was staged marking a momentous occasion as the Maryborough and Hervey Bay Golf Clubs joined forces to create the region’s premier golf event. In 2008, the tournament is set to raise the bar with a number of new initiatives aimed to give the Fraser Coast community a golfing spectacle never seen before.
After being nominated for the 2007 QLD PGA Tournament of the Year Award, the Fraser Coast Classic is ready to once again play host to a number of Australia’s leading professionals. This year professionals likely to grace the fairways include Fox Sports Commentator Ossie Moore, reining Order of Merit Champion Brad Andrews, Australian golfing icons Peter Senior and Terry Price, not to mention a number of Von Nida Tour winners like Chris Downes, Michael Wright, Steven Jeffress and Ashley Hall. The players really embrace not only the tournament side of the event but the off course activities that the Fraser Coast has to offer. Being one of the state’s leading areas for recreational activities with two World Heritage areas (Fraser Island and the start of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island), amateurs get to see the lighter side of life on tour with many of the professionals taking part in whale watching opportunities as well as the great fishing that the Fraser Coast has to offer. "We work so hard on our golf games during the year, it is great to come to a tournament and have an opportunity to see some of the sights that our great state has to offer when we are not in the heat of battle" said Terry Price. The Fraser Coast Classic organisers have put together a fantastic Stay, Play and Explore package for players and spectators. Only a short drive from Brisbane or a direct flight from both Brisbane and Sydney, the Fraser Coast is home to two World Heritage areas, Fraser Island and the start of the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Elliot Island, along with the Whale Watching capital of the world, Hervey Bay and the beautiful heritage city of Maryborough. Whale Watching season on the Fraser Coast will be in full swing during August and this is a great time to see adolescent whales putting on a show in the calm waters of the Hervey Bay Marine Park. This is also one of the best times for diving and snorkelling around Lady Elliot Island with excellent visibility and water clarity. Between the 3rd and 11th of August 2008, Fraser Coast Classic players and spectators can take advantage of the Stay, Play and Explore package with discounts on accommodation and tours on the Fraser Coast. Visit www.pga.org.au for further information and contact details for participating operators. New initiatives to the tournament in 2008 will be a live leaderboard on the final two rounds allowing spectators to enjoy the hospitality of the Hervey Bay Golf Club while keeping up to date with scores on the course. As well as this, there will also be a Junior Exhibition on all 4 days of the tournament. This exhibition will involve free tuition, games and prizes for all the kids. Opening times for the Junior Exhibition will be available on the PGA website on the Fraser Coast Classic information page closer to the event.
There are still a few amateur places available in the Fraser Coast Classic and all spectators will have a chance to win a holiday for two adults on the Fraser Coast valued at over $3,000, which includes two nights at Kingfisher Bay Resort on Fraser Island, a whale watching tour, two nights at Hervey Bay's Pepper’s Pier Resort and one night on Lady Elliot Island. To enter complete the form and bring it along to the Fraser Coast Classic on any of the four days and place it in the barrel to go into the draw. (See the entry form for terms and conditions). The Fraser Coast Classic is benefiting from a $25,000 investment under the Queensland Events Regional Development Program (QERDP), a State Government initiative designed to take unique and creative regional events to their full potential. Since the program began in 2001, more than $8.9 million has been invested in over 420 regional events. If you can't get to the tournament but still want to catch all the action, FOX Sports will be showing a highlights package on PGA Golf Show which can be seen on Tuesday 12th August at 7:30pm. For further information, contact Steve Crawford at the Hervey Bay Golf Club on 07 4124 4544 or Queensland PGA Tournament Coordinator Broc Greenhalgh on 0402 021 280. |
In a reversal from 2007, the first two rounds will be played at Maryborough Golf Club (7th & 8th August) with the tournament concluding at Hervey Bay Golf Club (9th & 10th August). More than 80 professionals will be vying for $50,000 in prizemoney as well as the added bonus of an exemption into every pro am in Australia for the winner. 
