Preparations for Grafton Golf Club’s annual Pro-Am are now almost complete with a record number of professionals and amateur golfers already nominated for the event. The competition scheduled for Friday August 24. The professional field has been limited to 50 players, with the amateur ranks restricted to those associated with the many sponsors involved. Providing the much needed sponsorship are twelve gold sponsors supported by a further fifteen bronze sponsors, which will guarantee an extremely successful tournament. Previously sponsored by the Conderman family, the Pro-Am has been in existence for the past three years, recognised as the Monty Conderman Memorial Pro-Am. Following a “putt off” between the gold sponsors, local Real Estate Agents Ford & Dougherty Property have won the right to be recognised as naming rights sponsor for the 2018 Pro-Am. Defending 2017 Pro-Am Champion, Paul Hayden is to return to defend his title however there are 49 other professionals just as willing to claim the title, as well as a substantial share of the $12,000 plus prizemoney on offer. The inaugural Pro-Am winner, Brett Rankin, has also indicated his return to try and regain the title. The number one ranked Sunshine Pro Tour professional, Tim Hart, as well as the talented Aaron Pike and Leigh McKechnie from the same tour have also entered. International golfers to contest the competition include Korea’s Young Hyun Kin who will give the Australian based professionals strong competition. Also making up the professional field include several local golf professionals, including Coffs Harbour’s Bill Stack and Tom Major, Lewis Brown from Yamba and Brett Dwyer from Casino. A former Grafton junior golfer, Mitchell Wilson, now based in Queensland, is also returning to Grafton to try his luck as a playing professional. Leading female professional, Reanna Matthews will also be playing and will be sure to capture a share of the prize money if her recent good form is continued. The Pro-Am will commence with a 9.30am shotgun start and spectator entry to the course will be free. All spectators will be welcome to follow their favourite professionals around the entire championship 18 holes of the Grafton Golf course and can be assured of some top class golf being on display. For further details relating to the Ford & Dougherty Property Real Estate Pro-Am, just contact Grafton’s Club Professional, Mark Harvison on 6642 5413. Heather Robinson