Eccles to attempt The Open qualification

GEELONG resident and Torquay pro golfer Ben Eccles is locked in for this year’s British Open qualification rounds, cementing a place in next month’s major tournament on the back of securing crucial sponsorship.

Eccles, who was a top performing athlete in this year’s PGA Tour of Australasia, will line up among the world’s best golfers in a bid to compete at Royal Troon Golf Club, Scotland and in one of the four major tournaments throughout the year.

Coincidentally, Eccles’ golf journey began in the United Kingdom almost two decades ago, when his father encouraged he and his older brother to take up the sport.

Eccles’ career has now taken him to more than 40 countries and has included notable victories at the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2015 and 2023.

Eccles has also completed six international tours including the DP World Tour, European Challenge Tour, Asian Tour, Sunshine Tour, Mena Tour and Australia Tour.

As part of his sponsorship required to get him overseas and competing in the British Open’s qualifying round, Eccles has received support from energy developer Progress Power.

“Sponsors are incredibly important and without them, it wouldn’t be possible,” Eccles said.

“Golf is a performance industry, so obviously if you play well, you get paid more and if you don’t perform well, you don’t get paid.

“So, with the support of sponsors it helps not only with the cost aspect, but also with how things are away from the course. It means you don’t have to worry about money or living costs while you’re competing.”

While Eccles prepares for the coming tournament, he remains committed to his training regime and getting into the right mindset to potentially exceed his own expectations.

“My best advice to any golfer, whether they are starting out or are professional, is to just go out there and have fun,” he said.

“It’s a difficult game that takes a lot of time to get better at, but if you can enjoy every minute of being outside on a golf course then you’ll enjoy the challenge of it.”

The British Open proper, or more informally The Open Championship, will run from July 14-21. Eccles will begin qualification rounds on July 2.