Eccles excitement “up there” for Vic Open return

A HOMETOWN advantage will hopefully play into the hands of one of the region’s elite golfers ahead of next week’s Vic Open at 13th Beach.

Torquay pro and Belmont resident Ben Eccles has competed in every Vic Open since 2013 and will again feature in the field of 228, citing the Vic Open as one of his favourite tournaments to play in.

“The excitement level is up there,” Eccles said.

“It’s brilliant to play a Vic Open and sleep in my own bed. Especially after the last couple of years where I’ve struggled. I can’t wait for the week.

“It’s clearly one of my favourite events and one I’ve done really well in.

“My favourite part of the course is all the different shots you need to hit, especially when the wind gets up. I hope it plays a little more difficult and the wind blows.”

Eccles secured a third place finish in the Vic Open back in 2014 as an amateur and backed that up with another top five finish in his first year as a pro in 2016.

Leading up to this year’s tournament, Eccles secured a top 40 finish (nine-under 72) at the TPS Victoria in Rosebud last weekend and will hope to improve on that in Cobram at the TPS Murray River this weekend, before making a strong showing in Barwon Heads from February 9-12.

“I played pretty solid at Rosebud, even though the scoring was really low,” he added.

“I felt my game was trending in the direction I want so I will try to build on that this week at Cobram, which will be a good lead-in to 13th Beach.

“I’d love to win a Vic Open at 13th beach, there are a bunch of guys in red hot form so that’s easier said than done, but to do it at home in front of friends and family would be amazing.

“It’s a special week for me and it’s a huge event for the Bellarine Peninsula, so it’s great to see so many people support the event and us players.

“If anyone is in the area, make sure you come check out some of the golf.”

For the full men’s women’s and amateur fields, head to www.golf.org.au/vicopen/field/