The anticipation is nearly over for 13 of Australia’s best amateur golfers to compete at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) and the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP).
Some of Western Australia’s best talent will be amongst the action who are all competing for the highly coveted prizes of invitations to some of the most prestigious events on the international golfing calendar.
The Men’s AAC will be contested at Amata Spring Country Club, Thailand, from Thursday 27th October to Sunday 30th October. The winner earns an invitation to play in the 2023 Masters, 151st Open & 128th Amateur Championship.
GolfWA High Performance Athletes Josh Greer, Hayden Hopewell and Connor McKinney are all seeking to make their mark. Last year Connor McKinney (T18) and Hayden Hopewell (T28) had a taste of the AAC and performed well.
The AAC also identified 20-year-old McKinney as ‘one to watch’ for this year after his win at the 2022 Australian Amateur.
WA born Karl Vilips, who moved to US when he was 11 to pursue scholarship opportunities also adds further western flavour to the seven strong Australian team.
The 4th WAAP will be contested at Siam Country Club in Pattaya, Thailand, from 3-6 November. The winner will earn invitations to play in two major championships in 2023. The AIG Women’s Open and the Amundi Evian Championship
‘Highest ranked Australian amateur Kirsten Rudgeley will be making her debut in the WAAP after being unable to fulfil her selection in 2021 due to travel difficulties from Western Australia during Covid restrictions.’ Rudgeley said, “I have heard so many good things about the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship and how the girls have enjoyed their previous experiences. I am excited to finally become a part of it this year.
“I know what is on offer to the WAAP champion. It was incredible to play and be in the mix at the ANWA this year and playing at the AIG Women’s Open last year was just a whole other level. Having had a taste of major championship golf, I know that is where I want to be. Winning WAAP would be a huge boost to getting back there.”
Credit: Golf Australia Magazine
For an overview of all the Australian representatives and their performances in 2022, thanks to Golf Australia Magazine who have created a wonderful preview here.
ASIA-PACIFIC AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP AUSTRALIAN TEAM
Harrison Crowe (NSW) 21
Jeffrey Guan (NSW) 18
Lukas Michel (Victoria) 28
Josh Greer (WA) 21
Hayden Hopewell (WA) 20
Connor McKinney (WA) 20
Karl Vilips (WA) 21
WOMEN’S ASIA-PACIFIC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP AUSTRALIAN TEAM
Justice Bosio (Queensland) 19
Sarah Hamment (Queensland) 15
Kelsey Bennett (NSW) 22
Caitlin Peirce (SA) 20
Maddison Hinson-Tolchard (WA) 19
Kirsten Rudgeley (WA) 21
