Three tradies from Rockhampton have won the 12th annual indoor golf Championship at Torquay.
The tournament is the largest tournament of its kind in Australia and New Zealand and 25 finalists from eight teams from as far as Christchurch and Perth descended upon the region to represent their states in X-League, an indoor golfing competition which plays out across nine seasons during the year.
The Playing For Skins team of Scott Simpson, Sean Padget and Justin Hooper from Rockhampton took home the title of Australia and New Zealand’s best, defeating a fast-finishing team from X-Golf Marion in South Australia.
Hooper said they had a few nerves throughout the day but felt completely composed for the main event.
“It feels unreal to get as far as we did. Going to Geelong for the finals was a great experience and to take the win home is an amazing achievement for us,” he said.
The Championship event showcased all that the Surf Coast region has to offer, with day-two a traditional golf day at one of Victoria’s most recognisable courses, The Sands Torquay, for an 18-hole, Ambrose-style game.
PGA Professional golfer Ben Eccles said the great thing about indoor golf is that it translates into outdoor gameplay, which is something participants put into practice across the Championship weekend.
“Golf is an incredibly difficult sport; I talk to my coach about this every day,” he said.
“The margins are small and you’re bound by restrictions, and I think that’s why it’s become so popular, because it’s an endless journey to get better. X-League adds a deeper competitive element which in turn improves your skills and that’s really what people crave in golf.”
X-Golf’s Nick Treble says the team was delighted to bring the Pacific’s biggest indoor golf competition to Geelong to showcase what the region offers when it comes to having a hit.
“Geelong is somewhat of a golfer’s Mecca,” he said.
“There are 12 outdoor courses here with beautiful scenery, plus an enthusiastic community of players all around, many of whom are regulars at X-Golf. We were thrilled to hold the Championship in Geelong. I’m passionate about shining a light on the sport and to do that in our flagship city is extra special.”
