Newsmaker of the month: Jed Morgan
Jed Morgan’s historic 11-stroke victory at the Australian PGA Championship continues to reap rich rewards.
The Joe Kirkwood Cup winner wrapped up the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with two events left on the schedule, paving the way for exemptions into some of the game’s greatest events.
Not only did the 22-year-old earn one of three cards to the DP World Tour, but he is also now exempt into the US Open at Brookline, the Open Championship at St Andrews and the first event of LIV Golf’s rich International Series in England.
“Obviously as a young player I’m heading away to follow my dreams and I’m focused on what is ahead of me, but to win an Order of Merit is something special,” Morgan said.
“The opportunities that it provides for me are priceless. I can’t wait to get to America and then to Scotland to play in those Majors.
“Clearly it’s been a massive change in my career and in my life and I’ll always be grateful for getting this kickstart.”
Headliners
Greg Norman: The two-time Open champion was denied a special exemption by the R&A to play in the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews in July.
Karrie Webb: Announced that she will be teeing it up at the Women’s Australian Open in December, to be played in conjunction with the men’s Australian Open at Victoria and Kingston Heath golf clubs.
Harrison Endycott: Took a significant step towards promotion to the PGA Tour with a commanding five-stroke win at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Huntsville Championship.
Jan Stephenson: The World Golf Hall of Famer received another honour with the Women’s NSW Open trophy re-named the Jan Stephenson Trophy.
Austin Bautista: Having knocked on the door all summer, Bautista broke through in emphatic fashion by winning the NT PGA Championship by seven strokes.
Braden Becker: Used a slice of good fortune when his ball ricocheted off a playing partner’s ball on the 72nd hole, his par save clinching a one-shot victory at the WA Open.
Jay Mackenzie: Vowed to sleep in his car less often after earning a breakthrough victory at the WA PGA Championship.
The Lakes Golf Club: One of Sydney’s most prestigious clubs suffered close to $1 million in damages to golf clubs and buggies when a fire broke out in the storage shed.
Lismore Workers Golf Club: In the wake of the floods that devastated the northern New South Wales town, Lismore’s course is being discussed as a possible site for a new commercial and residential precinct.
Royal Sydney Golf Club: The iconic club revealed its intention to take Woollahra Council to the Land and Environment Court, appealing the rejection of its long-planned course revamp by the local planning panel.
