Some 49 clubs for the men all across Australia and 44 clubs for the women will be represented at the championships.
The women golfers take to the course this weekend (May 30-31), while the men’s titles will be contested over the following King's Holiday weekend of June 6 and 7.
In the women’s event, entries include 18 players with a Golf Australia handicap of 10 or less.
‘‘It’s the strongest field we have had for a few years,’’ said tournament organiser Naomi Cartwright.
‘‘Players will be vying for the Order of Merit points and that is bringing some great golfers to Parkland.”
Jacqueline Baker from Peninsula Kingswood Club, who won the women’s title two years ago, is returning to test her renowned skills again.
She plays off a handicap of 5.3, while Kristie Kennedy from Ballarat is the lowest marker, who will be playing off a handicap of -2.
‘’We have five juniors in the field and all feature on the Junior Order Of Merit with the lowest marker 13-year-old Olivia Jin playing off a 2.2 handicap,’’ Cartwright said.
The youngest competitor is Bella Chen, aged just nine, who plays off 16.1, while the oldest is Marg Brierley, who is a sprightly 92-year-old.
The men’s championship field boasts 42 players off a handicap of 10 or under, which will be a record for the championships.
And in the field will be the defending titleholder Steve Slappendel.
Nathan Schneider, winner of the title in 2011 and 2012, is also returning.
Other notable players include Jack Nibbs who plays off a +2.6 handicap, and Simon Sheedy off a +2.5 handicap.
Spectators are welcome to witness play.
9°C