Longreach charms at OQM

From sand greens and sunburnt fairways, to local bush poets and multi-award-winning performers, Longreach had it all.

Visitors and locals alike welcomed the third Outback Queensland Masters event to Longreach Golf Club over the weekend, with plenty of activities to delight golf enthusiasts and the traveling nomads.

Golf tragics enjoyed the charms of Longreach Golf Club, participating in an 9-hole event on traditional sand greens on Saturday and Sunday.

Local Mark Zavialov shined on day one carding a brilliant five under 31 for 24 points to lead the men’s event, however it was Jade Fuller who took home the orange jacket, sweeping the event with 44 points.

“I played well, which was very unexpected and with some great company,” said Fuller.

“The tournament was good, and the course was unreal. The grounds keepers did a terrific job.”

In the women’s event, Kayleen Silvester claimed the title with rounds of 24-23 points (47 overall). 

Silvester attributed the “fantastic greens” as a key to her success, also teaming up with her husband Clayton to win the team’s event with 44 points.

The fun continued into the night with dinner under the stars and live entertainment from local artists.

Following a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony by Keelan Mailman, participants and spectators were enthralled by bush poet Carol Heuchan’s tales of classic poems and bush humour. 

An Australian music icon with an interesting connection to Longreach, the dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-award-winning performer Melinda Schneider shared some of her latest and favourite songs, intertwined with a few notable yarns.

A final surprise appearance from local legend “the barefoot bush poet” capped off an enriching evening.

Thank you to Longreach Regional Council for supporting the event and Longreach Golf Club for providing a unique and memorable experience.

It’s not too late to experience the Outback Queensland Masters with Winton hosting the next event on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July 2019.

The festival culminates in a $1 million hole-in-one challenge in Mt Isa, get your Outback Million Dollar Player Pass here.

Visit the Outback Queensland Masters Facebook page for event images. 

For more information, visit outbackqldmasters.com