28 Mar 2012 - Glen
Queenstown has weaved its magic on Australian golfer Brendan Jones.
The 37-year-old flew in from Australia at the weekend, to prepare for this week’s New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship at The Hills. It’s his first visit to the Central Otago region and like millions before him he is in awe of the stunning scenery. So much so he has already planning to return next year, if the PGA Tour of Australasia event fits into his schedule.
“Even if it doesn’t fall in there, I’m sure I’ll bring the family back for a holiday. It’s just amazing”.
Jones comes into the tournament off a lengthy break over summer but is confident he will still be in contention come Sunday afternoon. He has spent the last few days working out a few kinks in his game and believes things are on the right track.
“For me this is a good event to see where my game is. Tee to green I feel good but it’s just the little things when you’ve been out of the game so long that might go missing. I feel good about my game but put a bit of pressure on when the tournament starts and we’ll find out.”
The course will also play a part in just how successful his week will be. The New South Welshman has found The Hills to his liking but is well aware it could easily bare its teeth.
“Visually it’s spectacular (but) I think if the wind gets up it can be very difficult. There’s not a lot of driver holes, that I’ve found anyway. For me, it’s all about positioning the ball, giving myself the best chance not to make bogeys on a few of those holes out there.”
Jones is also happy with the new Pro-Am format. He says the prospect of playing the last two days with an amateur partner is of no concern, having had experience in the format in the past.
“I think it’s great. We’re still playing a professional tournament so we’re still playing with the pros but it’s nice for the amateurs to get involved. I have played Pebble Beach a couple of times and that’s a lot of fun for everybody.”
The first round of the New Zealand PGA Pro-Am Championship gets underway at 7:40 tomorrow morning, with Brendan Jones set to tee off alongside fellow Australian Paul Sheehan and New Zealand’s David Smail.
