New Aussie joint venture launches State Challenge

Australian elite amateurs and touring professionals have combined to formulate a new plan to remain competitive during the current COVID-19 lockdown and ban on international travel.

The State Challenge, a joint initiative by Golf Australia, the PGA of Australia and the ALPG will give professionals and amateurs a chance to play competitive rounds in preparation for tournaments once restrictions are lifted.

Hannah Green is amongst players who agreed to play in the new State Challenge series (Credit: LPGA Tour)

Hannah Green, Su Oh and Matt Griffin are among those who have indicated their willingness to compete with the proposed schedule seeing competitions at Royal Melbourne (East and West), Victoria, Pelican Waters, Brisbane, Coolangatta Tweed Heads, Glenelg, Grange, Mount Compass, Lake Karrinyup, West Australian and Royal Perth golf clubs.

Prize money will be determined from player entries and amateurs will receive prizes in line with R&A amateur status requirements.

Events are planned for July 13, 20 and 27, with an eventual 108-hole champion determined in each state.

The format will be 36-hole stroke play events for fields comprising of nine professionals and nine amateurs (12 men and 6 women) from the participating states which includes Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

In another sign of disconnect between the administrative bodies, the NSW events will only include professionals with elite amateurs in that state remaining within their own High Performance program within Golf NSW.