Tasmania hosts Australia's best tournament for club golfers

Tasmania’s appeal is undeniable. Year on year record numbers of holiday makers are choosing the Apple Isle and its 16 hours of daylight each day to make the most of their summer holidays. But, how can Tasmania - who does not command the golfing reputation of Melbourne’s sandbelt, the Mornington Peninsula, or the Gold Coast – attract nearly 400 golfers each January to host Australia’s best week of golf for club golfers?

Launceston seaport boardwalk

Wrest Point golf cart golfers

Well known for hosting Australia’s and Asia’s biggest and best value tournaments for club golfers, Go Golfing’s annual Wrest Point International Masters Golf Championship in Hobart has been voted the best amateur golf tournament in a survey of 27,200 golfers.

The Tasmanian International Masters Golf Championship is a week of golf, entertainment and social fun that brings together nearly 400 golfers from more than 120 golf clubs. It welcomes men and women over 35 and you need to have an official golf handicap- whatever it may be. There are 15 divisions based on age and handicap, and you can be assured to play and compete with golfers your own age and standard.

This is a four round tournament with all golfers playing two rounds at both Royal Hobart and Tasmania golf clubs. Tasmania is built on a bluff, surrounded by water and has a hole that is favourably compared to the famed 18th hole at Pebble Beach. In stark contrast, Royal Hobart is built on possibly the flattest parcel of land of any course. It draws its character from tree lined fairways with towering gums, strategic bunkering that demands course management and cushioned fairways that are a dream to play off. Nicklaus, Norman, Player -  all contested an Australian Open here. And the greens at both courses are fast and true – confident putters will excel.

The tournament brings together golfers from every corner of Australia, many clubs and a smattering of overseas entrants. There are singles, couples and groups. Over 90% of participants know less than 4 other players before the event starts and the Go Golfing team has a reputation for providing a friendly atmosphere and inclusive events so that everyone has an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Go Golfing’s founder, Peter McCarthy, always ensures the event program is laced with fun, lots of laughs and a relaxed setting where people feel comfortable and included. “When a reclusive widow tells me that coming to the Wrest Point Masters has been the happiest week since her husband passed then I guess we are doing something right.”

“We make sure we serve up quality food, wine and beer. We bring in world-class comedy for the opening night dinner and we always have a dance band on the final night who play favourites that have the dance floor overflowing. There are winemaker dinners, trivia nights, day tours to leading attractions, nightly happy hours and presentations, lots of time to let personality shine.”

“We listen to the players. Many of the improvements we make to Go Golfing tournaments are inspired by the feedback from clients. This year we are adding a ‘single mingle’ before the opening dinner. This way singles and people attending on their own can get to know a few people and that’s more comfortable than arriving at a big dinner on your own.”

 “This is the 16th annual Wrest Point Masters and the Go Golfing event team continue to challenge themselves to make the event an event to remember. Even with 400 people, there are so many things we do to make participants feel special, including the non playing partners.”

The 16th annual Wrest Point International Masters Golf Championship runs 10-15 January 2016. Some players choose to extend their Tassie golfing experience and play in the Barnbougle 4 Ball Challenge from 16-22 January. For more information on both tournaments visit www.gogolfing.net.au or +61 7 5508 2250.