As any club hacker will attest to, modern club technology is a great leveler that allows us to feel like a pro when striping a drive or nipping a cavity-backed iron out of the sweet spot.
Of course, when you put the same clubs in the hands of a professional, that playing field becomes far from level again. But what would happen when a team of plucky mid-to-high-handicappers, armed with the latest kit, tackles a team of tour pros using hickory-shafted clubs?
That’s what we set to find out at Mandurah Country Club, when we gave tour professionals Braden Becker, Jarrod Moseley, Kathryn Norris and Jess Whitting 20 minutes to warm up with some pre-1935 hickory clubs before being sent on course.
Their challenge? To go head-to-head with the ‘Visit Mandurah All-Stars’ – a team comprised of City Cllr Shannon Wright, cricketer Jayden Goodwin, Olympic pole vaulter Kurtis Marschall and former Hockeyroo Ash Nelson.
With a handicap range of 12-22, the All-Stars would seem to face an uphill task against the sweet-swinging pros, but with the latest technology to fall back on, could they spring a surprise in these best-of-three challenges? Let’s find out…
This challenge was filmed to mark the 100th WA Open Golf Championship, which takes place at Mandurah Country Club from October 17-20. It is free for spectators to attend. Full event details here.
Not able to get to Mandurah to attend the event in person? No problem. You can tune in to live coverage of the championship on Foxtel and Kayo over the closing two rounds.
- Saturday, October 19: 1pm – 4pm (AWST)
- Sunday, October 20: 11am – 4pm (AWST)
Thanks to Hickory Golf WA for the loan of the clubs. Find out more about their events here.
