Nitties and O’Malley set for Vintage challenge

The 2009 NSW Open looks set to attract its best field in years following today’s announcement that James Nitties and Peter O’Malley will compete for the PGA Tour of Australasia title.

To be played at The Vintage, a Greg Norman designed course in the heart of the New South Wales Hunter Valley, both Nitties and O’Malley are certain to be crowd favorites as the New South Welshmen return home to support their state’s Open title.

After a highly successful rookie season on the US PGA Tour where he has so far collected two Top 10 finishes and over US$853,292 in prize money, Nitties says he is looking forward to continuing his success back home.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to be playing the NSW Open again, and was disappointed I couldn’t be here last year as I was attempting to win my US Tour card at the time” said Nitties. “I’ve had a great 12 months but look forward to continuing to improve and there would be no better way than to start with a win in the NSW Open.”

Plying his trade on a different side of the world on the European Tour O’Malley, one of Australia’s leading players since turning professional in 1987, has consistently supported his home Tour events. O’Malley’s last Australasian victory was in 2005 when he claimed a thrilling win over Steven Bowditch on the fourth playoff hole at the NZ PGA Championship at Clearwater Resort in Christchurch. However heading to The Vintage in November O’Malley says is hoping to add the NSW Open trophy to his already substantial international collection.

“I have always wanted to support the tournament when my playing schedule permitted and this year provides me with the perfect opportunity to do that,” O’Malley said.

“To know that my name is yet to appear on the trophy alongside some of Australia’s leading names, provides me with inspiration to take up the challenge at The Vintage in November”.

NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills, said he was delighted that two of Australia’s leading players, both New South Welshmen, will be competing. “Both Peter and James have proven themselves through the junior ranks in NSW and are now doing the same on the world stage. In Peter’s case he has been a consistent performer for many years and James has had that 1st year experience on the US Tour which will hold him in good stead for years to come. We’re looking forward to seeing both of them pit their skills against the remainder of the field, and the course, in what will be an exciting four days of tournament play.”

The NSW Open Golf Championship, a tournament with 78 years of tradition, will be held at The Vintage at Pokolbin from 26th - 29th November, 2009.