An amateur golfer has taken home $10,000 after hitting a hole-in-one at the remote sand greens in Quilpie

An amateur golfer has taken home the biggest amateur prize pool in the world at one of Australia’s most remote golf series in southwest Queensland. Full details:

Outback Queensland Masters at the Quilpie Golf Club.

An amateur golfer struck gold in the red sands of Outback Queensland, taking home the biggest amateur prize pool in the world at Australia’s most remote golf series.

After 55-years of playing golf, David Pennell was ecstatic when he finally hit a hole-in-one on July 3 at the remote sand greens of the Quilpie Golf Club in southwest Queensland, winning $10,000.

He is one of many golfers from across the country taking part in the Outback Masters golf series which features six rounds at Queensland’s quirkiest courses, culminating in the opportunity to become an instant millionaire on the 18th at Longreach on July 25.

“I just hit a sweet five iron and into the hole she went,” Mr Pennell.

“I can’t believe it.”

Outback Queensland Masters at the Quilpie Golf Club.

The ACT man said it was the most challenging par-3 he had ever played, with the renowned red sands and sunscorched dunes making it one of the toughest courses to play on.

“It’s quite different to the greens in the ACT I’m used to,” he laughed.

Having just ordered a $10,000 golf buggy, Mr Pennell said his winnings will go straight towards that.

“(It will) keep the spending going round in the industry,” he said.

Outback Queensland Masters at the Quilpie Golf Club.

Luke Bates, the Queensland Manager of Golf Australia said it was special to see the achievement happen in Quilpie.

“This is the richest amateur prize pool in the world and Australia’s most remote golf series,” Mr Bates said.

“It really is golf on a different kind out here.

“Many of the players on tour are also vying for the million-dollar-hole-in-one challenge at the end of this six-location golf series.”

Outback Queensland Masters at the Quilpie Golf Club.

The event commenced in Biloela then went onto Charleville and Quilpie.

They will head to Blackall, Hughenden and culminating in Longreach for the million dollar-hole-in-one at the end of this month.

“The natural beauty of this place, combined with the generous and friendly locals, really sums up the essence of why we’re holding this unique golf event,” Mr Bates said.

“It’s been developed to encourage visitors to spread the economic benefit to as much of the outback as possible, while experiencing some incredibly unique locations, golf courses and outback Queensland hospitality.”

Outback Queensland Masters at the Quilpie Golf Club.

President of the Quilpie Golf Club and local grocer, Bruce Paulsen said he was blown away at the number of visitors in town this week.

“It’s so incredible to see this happen on our own sand greens at the Quilpie Golf Club,” Mr Paulsen said.

“And it’s not just David Pennell striking it rich.

“Just yesterday morning, we sold some 70 loaves of bread within our first hour of opening. We just love living out here, and it looks like everyone else is discovering it too.”

To further support local communities in outback Queensland, the Outback Qld Masters brings PGA Pro, Darren Weatherall to each location to run a free Junior Golf Clinics, giving kids the local district an opportunity to try their hand at golf.

“It’s wonderful be able to help young people and give them. the opportunity to experience an event like this in their own backyard,” Mr Weatherall said.

“Maybe one of them will also be a future hole-in-one winner.”

Outback Queensland Masters at the Quilpie Golf Club.

Outback Queensland Masters is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.

2021 EVENT SCHEDULE

• Event 1 Biloela – June 19 & 20
• Event 2 Charleville – June 26 & 27
• Event 3 Quilpie – July 3 & 4
• Event 4 Blackall – July 10 & 11
• Event 5 Hughenden – July 17 & 18
• Event 6 Longreach – July 23, 24 & 25

Outback Queensland Masters at the Quilpie Golf Club.