Reigning Queensland Open champion Anthony Quayle says the Pelican Waters course feels more like home to him leading into this year’s edition.
The 26-year-old held his nerve to outlast Jack Thompson in a playoff at the venue last year.
It was a breakthrough result and one of the benefits was being awarded honorary membership there.
He’s made the most of it and now knows the layout very well.
“With the way things worked out in 2020, I’ve been very fortunate to be able to play and practise there a fair bit, so it even feels like more of a home game this time around,” he said in a Golf Australia press release.
“I feel like my game is not far away, so I’m really looking forward to getting back for my first title defence.”
Last year’s victory provided him with plenty of confidence.
“I’d been in position to contend probably a handful of times since turning pro and to be able to have it come together … was something I’ll never forget,” Quayle said.
But he is set to face some stern challengers from March 11-14, including from consistent 26-year-old and fellow Queenslander Jake McLeod.
He boasts some strong results, including a win at the 2018 New South Wales Open and a third placing at the 2018 Australian Open.
“This is a big event, but particularly for those of us who grew up here and always wanted to get our name among the stars on that trophy,” McLeod said.
McLeod, recovering from an arm injury, is desperate to win the event.
“It would mean a lot. I can’t wait to get out there and have a crack at it.”
Golf Australia’s Queensland state manager Luke Bates expected the event to be well supported.
“Pelican Waters proved a great hit last year and we’ve got a great relationship with owners, the Palm Lake Group, who have great plans for the course, the clubhouse and developments in the precinct,” Bates said.
“I’m sure there will be a host of supporters out to take in not only the brilliant golf on display, but also the world-class destination it’s becoming.”
The field is yet to be finalised but a selection of Sunshine Coast players are expected to compete.
The 2021 Isuzu Queensland Open will be held at Pelican Waters Golf Club from March 11-14.
It is a key part of the 2020-21 ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia calendar and the second last event on its Order of Merit this season.
