OUR BEN

Eccles is ready for the Oates Vic Open

TORQUAY golf pro Ben Eccles spent 2017 in Europe and will be returning this year, but he is excited to be back on a local course as the Oates Vic Open begins today (Thursday) at 13th Beach Golf Links.

The 23-year-old played in the PGA’s European Challenge and Australasian Tour last year, teeing off in 32 events across 22 countries, and has his sights set on the top-flight European Tour.

“I didn’t have many weeks off but it was a great experience. I learnt a lot, there were a lot of ups and downs – I feel a lot more confident now going back this year and trying to compete at a better level,” he said. “Small things are getting better; you can work on technique and your skill level, I’ve been working pretty hard in the off-season.”

Eccles comes into the Oates Vic Open in top form – he won the Ladbrokes Pro-Am on his home course at The Sands last week, scoring seven birdies and an eagle to record a score of 63 and win by one shot, equalling his own course record in the process.

“It was great playing that way. Obviously, I didn’t expect to shoot that score but I managed to get that done,” he said.

The 13th Beach course is an easy drive from Torquay, and Eccles said he is keen to get started in a tournament where he has racked up recent high finishes, including tied for third in 2015 and tied for fifth in 2016.

“It’s always great being back here playing this tournament as a first event. It’s a good field, good vibes, I feel very comfortable playing around this course. I’m really looking forward to it.”

He said it was amazing what the organisers had done with the Oates Vic Open, which sees the men and women playing together in the final rounds.

“I’d like to see more of it across more events worldwide; it’s what makes this tournament unique. There hasn’t been a bad thing said about it, it’s going from strength to strength.”

Eccles’ next tournament will be the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 on February 8 in Perth, which will see 54 holes of traditional stroke play across the first three days followed by a six-hole knockout match play format in the final round.

“I missed out on the 24 (in the final round) last year so it’d be nice to get in that format and play in that way.

“It’s great to change up the format for the year.”