Cathedral Invitational to feature Cam Smith and Adam Scott in what’s billed as a ‘more lighthearted’ event

Golf fans will get the chance to see superstars of the sport in Thornton, two hours north of Melbourne, in what former world number one Adam Scott says will be “a really special event”.

Adam Scott and British Open champion Cam Smith will headline this year’s Cathedral Invitational in a move hoped to position the regional Victorian event among Australia’s top golf tournaments.

In an exclusive interview with the Herald Sun, former world number one Scott said the relaxed nature of the second year event made it a unique drawcard likely to lure fans and players from far and wide.

“There is an opportunity to make it a really special event,’’ he said.

“I feel like it is really worthwhile supporting that vision.’’

Adam Scott and Cam Smith are headed to regional Victoria for the tournament. Picture: Getty

Organisers will roll out a “no ropes” policy for the December event in Thornton, two hours north of Melbourne, meaning spectators can walk the fairways with golf stars rather than being separated.

It will be the only chance Victorian golf fans get to see the likes of Scott, Smith and Gabi Ruffels in our state this year, with the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship to be held in Sydney and Brisbane.

Scott said it was a “really fun event”.

“It’s hard to find room for non regular golf tournaments but I feel strongly that this one is worthwhile, for sure,’’ he said.

The Cathedral Lodge and Golf Club in Thornton.

“The fact that it’s a little more lighthearted goes a long way and I think at times throughout my career I’ve learned you’ve got to just enjoy playing golf, not just playing like a professional.

“It’s a good time of year for everyone to do that too, coming towards the Christmas break.’’

With LIV golf shaking the foundations of the sport, Scott said there was a place for “dead serious competition’’ but also “an entertainment product’’.

“I think one of the nice things about Cathedral is that because it’s fairly limited tickets, there is an opportunity for fans if they make the effort to go out there to get a pretty up close experience with some of the best players,’’ he said.

Adam Scott says ‘the fact that it’s a little more lighthearted goes a long way’. Picture: Getty

“The security and atmosphere is far more relaxed and the access to the players is very good.’’

Cathedral owner David Evans told the Herald Sun he was determined to make the event a drawcard for golfers and golf tourists to a part of Victoria hit hard by bushfires, floods and job losses.

“Yes it is more relaxed … it is differentiated from a normal golf event in that we let in a small amount of fans and try and provide a really up close and personal experience with golfers,’’ he said.

The businessman and former Essendon Football Club chairman said tickets to the December 5-6 event would be capped at 5000 – 3000 more than last year.

“It’s a huge deal for the region, which is limited in how much accommodation there is, but my feeling is that will grow over time,’’ he said.

Scott said the event added something unique to Victoria’s sporting calendar.

“Certainly from a golf perspective, most is focused on Melbourne and the sandbelt but for a couple of days, we are outside of the city and showcasing some of the beauty of that part of the world,’’ he said.

“I think it just adds to what Victoria has to offer.’’

Smith, Australia’s top ranked golfer, will play the invitational for the first time.

Inaugural Cathedral champion Nick Flanagan and ALPG tour winner Sarah Jane Smith will also compete for a $100,000 first prize.