Tee to success at Ocean Shores golf tournament

OCEAN Shores Country Club hosted a quality field of more than 200 golfers, including international champions, for its annual Pro-Am tournament.

The event attracted about 60 professionals and is part of a circuit played across the Northern Rivers and Queensland.

Lismore product and former Hong Kong Open winner Sam Brazel was among the field.

The event was won by WPGA Tour player Jordan O’Brien who finished with an impressive 7-under par score of 65.

After starting her round from the 13th tee, O’Brien surged with three consecutive birdies from the par-3 third but it was two birdies in her final three holes that got the 28-year-old over the line.

“It’s our biggest event of the year and a rare chance for people to play alongside the professionals,” Ocean Shores club professional coach Chris Graham said.

“The course has held up well considering the amount of rain we’ve had, it’s a great layout and they really enjoyed playing here.”

Former European Tour players Deyne Lawson and Cameron John tied in second with the Gold Coast’s Josh Edgar.

Brazel was one of three golfers tied in fifth spot, while Ballina product Conor Whitelock was among the professionals in the field.

“One of our juniors got the chance to caddy for Conor which he was stoked with,” Graham said.

“That’s a pretty big thing and it’s what we all used to do when we were growing up.”

Graham grew up playing junior events on the Northern Rivers and became a PGA trainee at Mullumbimby Golf Club.

He has been at the Ocean Shores club for almost 20 years with a focus on junior development as a head coach with the North Coast Academy of Sport.

“Helping grow the game is what it’s all about and it’s great for our club to be able to host bigger events,” Graham said.

Former Lismore golfer Brenton Parrish plays on the Pro-Am circuit and took out the Murwillumbah event.