2022 Geraldton Amateur Golf Open starting this weekend

The Geraldton Amateur Golf Open has returned for another year, teeing off on Friday and running until June 5 at the Geraldton Golf Club.

The Amateur Open was first run in 1932 and has been held every year since, with the exception of WWII and COVID in 2020, making it one of the longest running golf events in WA.

Golfers will take to the course on Friday for a combined stableford event, while the 36-hole stroke will be held over Saturday and Sunday.

Men’s captain Rob Christoffersen said more than 300 rounds of golf would be played during the three-day event.

“We also have a number of quality amateur players who have entered, with 35 single-figure handicap players, so we are expecting the scoring to be of quite a high standard,” he said.

The event draws visitors from all over WA, with 17 different clubs represented from as far away as Albany and metro clubs, as well as local support.

Many of the visitors have continued to return and support the event over the years.

“The major drawcard is the quality of the golf course, which continues to surprise the visitors from the metro area that a country course can be of the standard we present,” Mr Christoffersen said.

“But also the camaraderie that exists between all the players as the draw provides them the opportunity to play with different people from different clubs and has created some lasting friendships.”

Over the weekend, members from Kwinana and Geraldton will compete against each other for the Viner Hegarty challenge.

“This was all created by two of the stalwarts of each club having their own rivalry, being Ross Viner of Geraldton and Tom Hegarty of Kwinana, and while both of these men have now passed, the tradition continues and ensures that the Geraldton event is well supported,” Mr Christoffersen said.

He thanked major sponsor Champion Bay Settlements, which is sponsoring the Geraldton Amateur Golf Open for the 40th time.