Way out west tee off with a Titanosaurus*

July 10, 2022

They call it a golfing tournament of a different kind, and where else can you tee off with a Titanosaurus but in the dinosaur capital of Winton, Outback Queensland, Australia.

The Outback Queensland Masters, Australia’s most remote golf series, descended on this tiny town of just 875 people, for the fourth leg of its six-location golfing odyssey through Outback Queensland.

“This is our longest journey ever of 2,035 kilometres through Outback Queensland, joined by our largest number of players and spectators yet attracting visitors from all over Australia.” said Luke Bates, Queensland and Northern Territory Manager, Golf Australia.

“This is an event for everyone, and only amateur golfers can participate. I think this has been the secret to the Outback Queensland Masters’ success.

“Many of the players are vying for the Million Dollar Hole-In-One challenge culminating in Birdsville for the million-dollar hole-in-one challenge.”

“The Winton landscape is certainly greener than the last time the event was staged in Winton in 2019 for the inaugural Outback Queensland Masters. It really is a sight to see, and we look forward to hosting more OQM’s in the years ahead,” said Cr Gavin Baskett, Mayor, Winton Shire Council.

“Congratulations to the Winton winners, Women’s Christine Mills of Banora Golf Club with 38 points, and the Men’s, Peter West of Crows Nest Golf Club with 40 points, who each received the coveted orange jacket at the awards ceremony on Sunday afternoon at Winton Golf Club. And it’s very exciting to see Christine Mill become the very first dual orange jacket winner.”

“We’re having a blast,” said orange jacket recipient, Peter West in his acceptance speech. “And it’s not over yet! Mount Isa and Birdsville, here we come!”

“I really enjoyed seeing some very young golfers, even bringing their own clubs to participate in this weekend’s free Junior Clinic in Winton,” explained PGA professional from Brisbane, Darren Weatherall. “It is a real testament to the local golf club, where the mayor offers a junior program. You can really see it in the enthusiasm for golf in the kids in this town.”

“We’ve really noticed through these junior programs a renewed interest, not only from the kids, but also the parents wanting to get into golf,” said Winton Golf Club Secretary, Robyn Stephens. “Having an event of the standard of the Outback Queensland Masters really helps us to profile golf as a game for everyone, and to welcome so many people from all around Australia has just been wonderful. Even if you do get some mud on your shoes due to the recent rain. What’s a trip to the outback without a bit of mud,” smiled Robyn.

Luke Bates added, “The event is presented by Golf Australia, and we would especially like to thank our strategic partner Tourism and Events Queensland and Birdie Spirit Partner PGA of Australia.

“This is our second time in Winton. Support from local golf clubs and their members who have so eagerly embraced the masters has been integral to the Outback Queensland Masters success. I’d like to extend a special thank you, to Winton Golf Club members and volunteers.

We can’t stage this event without assistance from local government, including the Winton Shire Council, Maranoa Regional Council, Barcaldine Regional Council, Blackall-Tambo Regional Council, Mount Isa City Council and Diamantina Shire Council,” Bates said.

The Outback Queensland Masters is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

*No dinosaurs were harmed in the making of this photo.

Seriously though, to ensure the safety of the Titanosaurus and fossils, golf balls were strictly prohibited in the photoshoot. We would especially like to thank the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, Winton for their support in allowing access to their incredible experience.

WINTON RESULTS

Winton Leaderboard

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3307268/leaderboard/3178466

OVERALL LEADERBOARD

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3307268/leaderboard/3178466

IMAGES – WINTON 2022

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/drcfs5bika724g8/AAAW_mP_ZhVYdqqgwmL1u7sta?dl=0