Perfect conditions at the picturesque Hyatt Regency Coolum set the scene for a fantastic finale to the 2010 Coca-Cola Invitational Series, with 72 PGA Professionals and their Club Manager or representative battling it out for honour, glory and bragging rights amongst their industry peers.
In all, 36 clubs were represented at the event after winning through from their state qualifying events, with the field including the inaugural winners from Safety Beach Golf Club, Andy Rogers and Pam Harford.
While Rogers and Harford are just two of over 70 lucky competitors to enjoy two days of golf under the warming winter sun of the Sunshine Coast, they failed to match their 2009 performance in finishing third behind the 2010 winners Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club.
PGA Professional Murray Blair teamed up with his Club Manager Kevin Grace to blitz the field with an impressive score of 96 stableford points over the two days.
“We were lucky enough to win through to the (CCA) Final last year, but this year we were better prepared. We combined well over the two days and Kevin’s putting has improved since last year!” Murray Blair from the winning team said. “It’s a great event and the venue here are Hyatt Coolum is fantastic. The prize was winning the trip here, so everyone’s a winner.”
In second place, 12 points from the winning pair was Darren Richards and Jon Mathias from Indooroopilly Golf Club, while 2009 champs Andy Rogers and Pam Harford from Safety Beach Golf Club finished third.
And as was the case at the first staging of the Coca-Cola Invitational, the national final featured a welcome dinner with a special guest speaker, on this occasion Bruno Cullen, CEO of the Brisbane Broncos. Along with Bruno, guests were also treated to a taste of the extensive range under the Coca-Cola Amatil banner, with a beer tasting trivia competition highlighting the extensive array of CCA licensed beverages, from Blue Tongue to Peroni and Miller, the trivia was a hit with budding beer connoisseurs.
“We are extremely pleased with the development of this event” said Peter Clare, National Business Manager for Coca-Cola Amatil. “It is a great opportunity for us to spend quality time, on and off the course, with the Professionals and Management who support us; as well as foster future relationships. This year’s event was made all the more special being held at the home of the PGA Championship at Hyatt Coolum.”
“This event provides a great opportunity for CCA to showcase a portfolio of brands with an exceptional fit for Golf. These include our sports category market leader Powerade, an extensive range of Goulburn Valley products, and the exciting opportunity presented by our beer portfolio, headlined by Bluetongue and Peroni. “
While Gungahlin Lakes were crowned the winners, there were no losers on a weekend which the PGA can proudly boast did its part to bring the golfing industry and those who work in it, just that little bit closer together.