KIAMA Golf Club member Jordan Widdicombe had been living in a unit behind the greenkeepers shed at Concord, so no-one in the NSW Open field knows the intricacies of the newly-modelled layout when they tee off on Thursday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
For five years, Widdicombe completed his traineeship at the Sydney course hosting the Australian PGA event, which he is hoping is a stepping stone to playing on the China or Asia tours once COVID-19 border restrictions ease.
Widdicombe qualified for the NSW Open by finishing second after carding a blistering course record 63 at the Dubbo Regional Open in February.
It will be the biggest tournament of his blossoming career, but Widdicombe is optimistic the familiar surrounds will put him in a competitive position for a share of the $400,000 prize purse against the likes of Matthew Griffin, Peter Senior, Marcus Fraser, Travis Smyth, Lincoln Tighe, Sanctuary Point's Jordan Zunic and Mollymook's Jye Halls.
"I've been working there five or six days a week over the past five years, so it'll help knowing the course for sure," the left-hander said.
"There's quite a few left to right shaped holes, so I think it suits my game.
"The key is hitting a lot of greens in regulation, because the course isn't as narrow as it was before the redevelopment, but there a lot of subtle run-offs.
"It's just a great opportunity, I was thinking about trying to get on to the China tour when COVID-19 hit, but being at home has given me time to focus on improving my game."
Widdombe knew he was in the hunt for a course record the Dubbo tournament and his 30-metre chip for eagle on his last hole hit the flag and bounced out.
But he still finished off the short-range putt to close out a stunning round to earn his spot in the NSW Open field.
He grew up playing alongside Smyth, who has spent time in Asia and on the US second-tier and qualifying tour events before COVID-19 hit.
"Trav helps me out a bit," he said.
"It's been great to watch them have success and hopefully I'll be able to take that step soon."
The NSW Open qualifying event which was to be held at Wollongong Golf Club on Tuesday was washed out.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Love local news? Sign up to our weekly newsletter
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
