EXCITEMENT is building for the 18th edition of the prestigious Keperra Bowl to be played at the picturesque Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane from October 11-14.
The 72-hole Keperra Bowl is a Golf Australia Order of Merit and R&A World Amateur Golf Ranking Event.
The event always attracts the cream of the amateur crop (male and female) and this year will be no different and that’s good news for golf fans keen on watching the elite players in the amateur game demonstrate their
skills.
Many of this year’s players will be using the Keperra Bowl as a platform with the aim of being selected in the national team.
“Cameron Smith and Jason Day, tested themselves against the best.”
Past winners include Marc Leishman, Andrew Dodt, Daniel Nisbet, Anthony Quayle, Matt Griffin, Elvis Smylie et al.
Many years ago Australia’s leading amateurs, Cameron Smith and Jason Day, tested themselves against the best and neither managed to lift the Bowl such was the depth of field.
At the Keperra Bowl, you will see a long list of players on plus handicaps, but those male golfers not off 4.4 or less won’t get a start. For the women, the handicap limit is 8.4.
Golf fans marvel when they witness Cam Smith and Adam Scott hit 300m drives, chip-in from off the green and roll in eagles and birdies at will.
Well, guess what?
The male amateurs that play in the Keperra Bowl do it as frequently as the professionals. For example, it’s not unusual to see the Bowl winner finish on 20-plus under par.
And don’t forget the women’s Keperra Bowl too is up for grabs. It’s contested by the best players from all states.
Last year Cassie Porter, off +5, came home with a wet sail to win the Bowl ahead of 2020 champion Justice Bosio. Both players finished well under par.
One of the reasons these top amateurs shoot low scores is the condition of the golf course, which is almost always in pristine condition when the Bowl is played. Well-manicured tees, fairways and greens are framed by shaggy, carpet thick rough. The ball sits up perfectly in the fairways, but it can easily settle down if hit into the rough.
So, if you want to watch some of the world’s best amateurs in action head for Duggan Street, Keperra later this month. Entry is free. Some of the names might be unfamiliar, but these players are definitely worth watching.