As the days inched closer to the Down Under (Par) Open Championship, the weather forecast wasn’t exactly in our favor. I found myself glued to the BOM app, refreshing it every few hours, hoping for a shift in the gloomy prediction. A month's worth of rain was expected to fall just days before the event, and things were looking bleak. But as any golfer knows, sometimes the universe has other plans. Call it fate or the intervention of the golf gods, but luck was on our side.
When Friday finally rolled around, the skies had calmed down. What was once predicted to be a day of torrential rain transformed into a peacefully overcast day, with the kind of weather that makes you believe it was meant to be. The stage was set, the course was ready, and the inaugural Down Under (Par) Open Championship was officially on.
Held at the picturesque Shortees Golf Course on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the 2-Ball Scramble format promised an exciting competition. Golfers arrived with a mix of excitement and determination, ready to battle it out for the championship title. The course itself was in top shape, with lush fairways and challenging greens that added an extra layer of excitement for the players.
From the first tee-off, it was clear that the group pairings were perfectly matched, creating an atmosphere full of camaraderie and friendly competition. The good vibes were undeniable, and if the energy wasn’t already high, our sponsor Hahn Beer made sure everyone was well-lubricated with some much-needed liquid courage. As cheers erupted from all corners of the course, it was obvious that some players had brought their A-game, sinking some huge putts that kept the competition fierce.
As teams began to approach the final holes, the energy reached a new peak. A crowd started gathering, watching the last few groups make their way through the 18th, the tension palpable as players tried to shave off those last couple of shots. It felt like an arena, and every swing was being watched intently.
It was during these final moments that I found myself on the 16th hole—my chance to do something special. With my favorite Vokey Wedge in hand, I teed it up. Two hops and a spin later, the ball dropped straight into the hole. The crowd went wild, and in that moment, I couldn’t believe it—I had just bagged my first-ever Ace at our own event. If you'd told me at the start of theweek that this would happen, it wouldn’t have even crossed my mind, but it’s something I’ll never forget.
As the final scores came in, it was clear: our first event was a huge success. The winning team walked away with incredible prizes from our amazing sponsors, including Hahn Beer, Golfbox, Left of Field, and Ripit Grips. Their contributions made sure that the day wasn’t just about golf—it was about community, fun, and celebrating the sport we all love.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of our sponsors, participants, and everyone who helped bring the Down Under (Par) Open Championship to life. From the pristine course to the friendly competition, the event was everything we hoped for and more.
And this is just the beginning. We’re already planning the next big event, and trust me, it’s going to be even better. Bigger prizes, more surprises, and plenty more unforgettable moments are on the horizon.
Stay tuned for details
Images captured by Kyle Ingram
