More than 150 players have nominated from 12 clubs across the region and interstate to Wynnum and Hope Island, association secretary Di Boulton said.

“We have an excellent number of entries, 156,”  Boulton said.

“So we should have an interesting tournament. It is our 75th tournament too.”

She said the N&NWDLGA was formed in 1932, with the Open Tournament played every year from 1933, interrupted during the war years 1941-1949, and recommencing 1950.

Players from Armidale, Barraba, Bingara, Branxton, Coonabarabran, Delungra, Gunnedah, Hope Island, Hunter Valley, Inverell, Longyard, Manilla, Moree, Nambucca Heads, Narrabri, Newcastle, Nundle, Pacific Dunes, Quirindi, Scone, Tamworth, Walcha, Wee Waa, Werris Creek and Wynnum (Brisbane) are competing.

The field contains a number of low handicappers too.

Newcastle’s Jill Blenkey and Longyard’s Mary-Anne Macklinshaw share the lowest handicap of 4.4, followed by Natalie Studte (Tamworth) 6.0, Amanda Carr (Armidale) 6.4, Liz Hobday (Inverell) 6.6, Julie Nichols (Tamworth) 6.8, Michelle Johnston (Tamworth) 7.4, Lyn Banks (Scone) 7.9, Kay Hobbs (Tamworth) 7.9 and Brianna Purse (Moree) 8.6.

 Boulton said 153 players would tee off in tomorrow’s 36 hole Open Championship in three grades – Division 1 (+ to 18), Division 2 (18.1 to 23) and Division 3 (23.1 to 45) while 134 players are entered for Thursday’s 18 hole Foursomes Championship, played in two divisions – Division 1 ( scratch to 22) and Division 2 (22.1 to 45).

“The ladies are looking forward to three challenging days of golf on the Tamworth course,” she said.

“The tournament also has the continuing sponsorship of the North West Toyota dealers from Tamworth, Narrabri and Moree. 

“Players are asked to collect their scorecard from the pro shop 20 minutes prior to starting time and then report to the starter’s table 10 minutes before tee time.”