Toowoomba latest stop for globetrotting Aussie golfer

Long golf journey leads Marcus Fraser to City Golf Club.

GOLF : He has cleaned up in tournaments around the globe and holds a unique place in Australian Olympic history but Marcus Fraser has plenty he still hopes to achieve in the golf world including success during his first Toowoomba stopover.

The 41-year-old New South Wales-born Fraser is looking to get his game in shape for a busy 2020 year on tour and is using the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship at City Golf Club as an important stepping stone.

Fraser's tournament appearance is off to a solid start as he heads into weekend play in championship contention at five under par.

"I've never been here before," Fraser said yesterday.

"A lot of the guys said the golf course definitely suits the shorter hitters, which I am.

"So I've come up and having a hit.

"It's great.

"It's an awesome little golf course.

"If you hit a bad shot, you definitely get penalised for it, which I found out today.

"But it also rewards being straight off the tee and remaining pretty patient.

"I'm really enjoying it at the moment and hopefully I can have a good weekend and get stuck into it."

Marcus Fraser plays in the Queensland PGA Championship round two at City Golf Club, Friday, February 14, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Fraser is a nine-times tour winner with three European victories, two in Asia and three on the Challenge Tour.

He has one victory on the Australasian tour and represented Australia alongside Scott Hend in Rio de Janeiro when golf returned to the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

Fraser led the event after round one after posting an eight-under 63 and still treasures the experience.

"I was probably a little naive going into it thinking it's just another 72-hole tournament just like very other week that we play," Fraser said.

Marcus Fraser (left) and Matthew Millar shake hands at the conclusion of round two of the Queensland PGA Championship at City Golf Club, Friday, February 14, 2020. Picture: Kevin Farmer

"But once you get there you know you're part of a big team and much bigger situation than what you normally are.

"It was something I'll never forget and am very fortunate to be able to do and to play well there.

"We never had that dream as kids growing up.

"It was all about playing in Majors and big tournaments.

"Having that Australian Olympic blazer is what it's all about.

"I still go and check it out occasionally just to remind myself what a special week it was."

Fraser's Toowoomba appearance is part of his preparation for upcoming events in New Zealand, Malaysia and Thailand.

"I've definitely scaled back," Fraser said.

"I want to spend more time with my family.

"I stopped playing in Europe at the end of 2018 because I felt I couldn't fully commit to playing over there.

"I still love the game as much as I ever have.

"But I don't feel like keep putting in the energy required on the European Tour.

"I'd definitely miss it if I stopped playing completely and while I'm still somewhat competitive I'll keep playing.

"I'm 42 this year so as much as I'd love to keep playing 30 tournaments a year the body doesn't allow it.

"But when I turn up and play I want to play well."