Thirty-one professional players from Queensland, NSW, Victoria and one from New Zealand as well as 70 Amateur players contested the first ever Pro-Am played in Tenterfield as an official event of the Queensland Professional Golfers Association Sunshine Tour.

“The late inclusion of 8 times LPGA Champion Rachel Hetherington created a lot of interest within the Tenterfield community with a number of spectators coming out to watch her play,” Tournament director Michael Manser said.

Queensland Professional Brett Rankin shot a four under par round of 67 to win the event by one shot from NSW Professional Luke Whitbread and Queensland Professional Michael Hansen tied for second on 68.

Rachel Hetherington had a round of 74 to finish in a tie for 15th.

Winner of the Amateur section was local Denis Parsons with a fine 43 stableford points.

Runners-up were Ken Hines 38 points c/b, third: Kath Devereux 38 points c/b and fourth: Doug Wilson (Warwick) 38 points c/b.

Team event Winners: Ryan Woodward (Pro), Chad Inkster (Pro), Graham Rossington and Denis Parsons, 51 points.                                                                                                                                                                              

Team event Runners-up: Richard Backwell (Pro), Dean Hines, Ken Hines and Garry Sutcliffe, 50 points. Team event Third: Phil Covill (Pro), Rupert Smith, Henry Kelly and Garry Nicholls, 49 points.

“The golf course was superbly manicured for the event by greenkeepers Peter McCalister and Terry Butler,” Mr Manser said.

“The visiting Professional players had nothing but praise for the condition of the course and the way the course was set up for them.

“This Pro-Am event was a very successful day for the Tenterfield Golf Club,” he said.

The Queensland PGA has already expressed a desire to hold another event in town next year Mr Manser said.