Grampians Golf Tour sponsor Ash Heard from G J Gardner Homes with the day s ladies winner Alanna Howell from Lake Munmorah and men s stroke winner Ian Downey from Lithgow and Chalambar Club captain Mat Collins. Picture: PETER PICKERING'
ARARAT - Player numbers were up during the Chalambar leg of the annual Grampians Golf Tour late last month.
Chalambar Golf Club manager, Tim Cronin said the G J Gardner Grampians Golf Tour, which showcases the picturesque Grampians National Park through the park's adjoining towns in Ararat, Hamilton, Horsham and Stawell, was again a huge success.
"The player numbers increased by 66 percent this year, with 79 golfers participating over the four days playing 218 rounds," he said.
"The most pleasing aspect was the 25 visitors from a range of places including Adelaide, Sydney, Central New South Wales, Melbourne, Ballarat, Mildura and Wodonga."
Visitor numbers were up by eight compared to the previous year, with the three major winners being visitors from South Australia and New South Wales.
Ian Downey from Lithgow NSW was the men's stroke winner during the Chalambar leg of the tournament, while Ararat's Mat Collins was runner-up.
The men's stableford went to Ben Burrows of Adelaide, with Stephen Odgers (Halls Gap) just behind.
The ladies' stableford was taken out by Alanna Howell from Lake Munmorah in New South Wales, just ahead of Stawell's Joan Fletcher.
Mr Cronin said the change to the four consecutive days format was a winner, with Chalambar hosting the final day of competition.
"It enabled a much higher level of social interaction," he said.
"A survey has been undertaken with 90 percent of the visitors endorsing the event and indicating they would return in 2014, along with promoting it to other golfers.
"All round a great event and we look forward to 2014. Thanks to all of our sponsors especially G J Gardner Homes."
