Seven-time Bathurst Open champion Robert Payne knows adding an eighth crown to his impressive resume this weekend will be a tough assignment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 2017 open at the Bathurst Golf Club this year doubles as a NSW Open regional qualifier, meaning a host of Sydney’s best golfers are on their way to the city in a bid to win a ticket to the state’s biggest open.
But Payne, a winner in his last start in the event in 2015, believes the tricky Bathurst course will play into the hands of the region’s best, not the throng of city invaders.
“Local knowledge will be important,” Payne said.
He had a practice round at Bathurst on Thursday and said the course was in terrific condition.
“Hit the ball above the hole and you’ll be faced with a lot of quick putts,” he added.
“If you give yourself some uphill putts then you’re a chance.
“It’s a qualifier for the NSW Open which will make things tougher, but I’d be going whether it was (a qualifier) or not.
“I’m not overly confident, but it’s one of the courses I like to play on … the greens are fantastic.”
Payne is in good touch leading into the event as well.
He finished third at the Dubbo open – Jones Comerford’s incredible 27 holes included a new course record of nine under par 62, helping him finish a massive 12 shots in front of the field.
While the veteran Duntryleague champ ran second at Parkes after a three-hole play-off, Forbes’ John Betland coming out on top in September.
Payne then won the City of Orange Championship over the October long weekend.
“My form’s not too bad. I’m happy with way I’m playing,” Payne said.
“James Conran is playing. I’m playing with a few others from Duntry. But I’ll just worry about me.”
He said the rain will make the course a bit longer to get around.
“There won’t be any run,” he added.
“It’s going to suit the longer hitters.
Payne said he was an avid supporter of the Central West District Golf Association’s open events and was always keen to play at Bathurst.
He’s excited about returning to the course after missing 2016 edition of the open thanks to a troublesome knee injury.
One that’s now not impacting his golf whatsoever.
“It’s been really good. I weat a knee guard now and I’m hitting it a bit further than I have before,”
“I just hope the rain stops before Saturday.”