Big driver Lincoln Tighe among golfers to watch at this year’s NT PGA Championship in Palmerston
From local stars to big time Australian golfers, there are several players set to entertain at this year’s NT PGA Championship. See the full list of competitors to look out for here.
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It is set to be a cracking four of golfing action at the Palmerston Golf and Country Club with a host of professionals in the Top End ready to compete for a share of $200,000.
The tournament will begin on Thursday with 112 players taking the course in attempt of making the cut for the final two rounds on the weekend where the top 50 plus ties will play off for the top placings.
The second event of the PGA Tour of Australasia season will feature four pro debutants while some older veterans of the game will be in full force.
New South Welshman Lincoln Tighe will be among the players to watch as he strives to add to his strong record at the Top End tournament.
He has finished top 10 three out of five times.
The 33-year-old is also one of the tour’s longest drivers and said he would make use of his rare ability off the tee in this event.
“I think I can get onto a few of the par fours in one or around the mark and then I can reach all the par fives in two,” Tighe said.
“So it’s definitely an advantage around here to have the length off the tee but you got to match that up with tight dispersions.”
The Wollongong-born golfer also said his prior experience at the course would definitely help him.
“I think around here, you got to know if the risk-reward is worth it and especially if you have been heart broken on a couple of holes before - that can come into play,” Tighe said.
“So knowing when to have a dig at holes and when not to, and where to leave the ball on the correct side of the hole so you can get it up or down for birdies and pars.
“So experience around here definitely does help.”
Full list of golfers to watch at the 2023 NT PGA Championship.
Austin Bautista
The defending champion of the NT PGA Championship is known for his straight hitting capabilities and confidence on the course.
He will be striving to become the first ever back-to-back winner at the NT PGA Championship.
What to look for in Bautista’s game: Straight hitting
Aaron Pike
The local legend will have the home crowd support behind him playing in front of friends and family on a course he knows well having grown up on it and a youngster.
What to look for in Pike’s game: Ball striking and putting
Lincoln Tighe
Don’t be surprised with where Tighe will be able to land the ball off the tee particularly on the par fours and fives when he has got the driver in hand.
The New South Welshman, who has finished in the top 10 three times at the NT PGA, is one of, if not the longest driver in the tournament.
Tighe is also coming off his best season yet in 12 years after coming second twice on the tour last year in the VIC PGA and TPS Hunter Valley and third in the New South Wales Open at Rich River.
What to look for in Tighe’s game: Driving and pitching
Michael Sim
An ex-US tour player who has played with the likes of Tiger Woods in a major before.
A consistent player who you always know will be around the mark in competition particularly at Palmerston where his straight-hitting ability will come in handy on the narrow fairways.
What to look for in Sim’s game: Chipping and putting
Charlie Robbins turned professional before qualifying school in April and will make his pro debut alongside WA pair Adam Brady and Josh Greer along with Queensland’s Samuel Slater.
Haydn Barron makes his first start since The Open at Royal Liverpool after holidaying in Europe.
Lachlan Barker leads the Order of Merit after winning the PNG Open back in May.
Daniel Gale just back from the US this week having teed it up at the 3M Open on the PGA Tour after Monday qualifying for the second year in a row.
Jarryd Felton is a four-time winner on PGA Tour of Australasia. He has been playing the Challenge Tour in Europe and is pro golfer Hannah Green’s fiancé.
The tournament also has three winners from last season in the field this week, Andrew Martin, Louis Dobbelaar and Brett Coletta.
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