BGC Hosts Successful Associates Pro-Am

The Brisbane Golf Club was the setting for a memorable day of golf yesterday as it hosted its annual Associates Pro-Am, an event to support the Club’s three talented associates, Conor Whitelock, Karla Narita and Aspen Sugars.

Currently enrolled in the PGA of Australia’s prestigious Membership Pathway Program, Conor, Karla, and Aspen are among the next generation of golf professionals. The program is Australia’s premier training and development pathway for aspiring professionals, equipping participants with the skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to thrive in the golf industry.

This year’s Pro-Am proved to be a memorable occasion with joint winners, Wade Edwards and Campbell Jones, both carding impressive rounds of 1-under 70 on the challenging Chelmer Course.

Wade Edwards, 27, a former BGC member and long-time pennant representative for BGC, was thrilled to return to form after a self-confessed dip in recent results. Representing City Golf Club Toowoomba, Wade’s round included six birdies, three bogeys, and a double bogey. The victory was especially satisfying after a recent heart-to-heart with his coach helped reset his approach to the game.

Campbell Jones, 22, from Pacific Golf Club, delivered a more consistent round featuring one birdie, two bogeys, and a stunning chip-in eagle on the 6th hole.

The total prize pool for the professional event was $7,500. On the Queensland Associate Order of Merit, Edwards now sits second after 18 events, while Jones follows closely in fourth after 17.

Among the BGC associates, Conor Whitelock finished a strong 9th with a round of 74. Aspen Sugars carded an 82 to place 35th, while Karla Narita, unfortunately, was unable to compete due to an ongoing back injury.

In the amateur ranks, BGC’s Finance Manager, Jessica Zhang, claimed victory in the Stableford event with an impressive 42 points narrowly edging out fellow member Ralph Hockings by a single point.

Team honours went to the quartet of Kane Whitelock (Conor’s brother), James Bonner, Ash Sturmer, and Ralph Hockings. Their combined total of 122 points secured the win in the Team Stableford event.

Adding a touch of excitement before tee-off, an 80-metre shootout saw Aspen Sugars and BGC member, Peter White both land within a metre of the pin, sharing the first prize – a scenic joyflight generously donated by club member Alistair McNee.

The success of the day was underpinned by strong member and sponsor support, with 39 BGC members taking part and 10 valued sponsors contributing, including: Starr Outdoor, Our Broker Queensland, Dragon Metal, EZGO, Cars 4 Us, Living Turf, Toro, Crown Engineering, OCC, and Wanless.

Post-round festivities took place in the picturesque Jacaranda Gardens. With Fred Lang as MC, presentations were conducted by Conor, Karla, and Aspen, who received well-deserved praise for their organisation of the event. Guests enjoyed a mouth-watering BBQ, prepared by Executive Chef Gillian Hirst and her team.

Special thanks go to Joe Janison, Reece McRae, and Peter Collins for their behind-the-scenes assistance, helping bring together a professional and enjoyable day.

Congratulations to Conor, Karla, and Aspen for hosting an outstanding event and we look forward to doing it all again next year.