Golf series driving tourism success in outback Queensland

The fourth leg in the Golf Australia series that will culminate in Longreach in a fortnight attracted 143 amateur golfers, a record number, from places as varied as Tamworth and Newcastle.

All have commented on the warm reception and country hospitality they've received around the circuit that started at Biloela on June 19-20.

Brisbane's Barry Roberts, who had his first experience of sandgreen golf at Blackall and who will be going on to Hughenden and Longreach, said he would factor in the whole experience next year.

"We'll build a holiday around it," he said. "We're loving the people you meet, not just on the course, but in the towns."

That was echoed by Leonie Pratt from Bribie Island who said she had thoroughly enjoyed the inaugural event in 2019 and was appreciating the expanded numbers on tour this year.

"We like to support the country," she said.

According to the Blackall Golf Club's Joe Walker, who was manning the 17^th hole, where $10,000 was on offer for a hole in one, most were coming to terms with the different putting surface of sandgreens.

"The concept of raking 'greens' is very new for some," he said. "And at Blackall there are only five holes without a water hazard, much to their disgust."

He said it had brought a lot of money to town and he hoped the idea would continue.

The Outback Queensland Masters is presented by Golf Australia and partnered by Tourism & Events Queensland and the PGA with the six participating local governments.

Members of the Hervey Bay Golf Club cheered on men's winner, Laurie Binstead with 46 points while the women's winner with 41 points, Ann Backhouse hailed from the Murrumbidgee Country Club in Canberra.

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony was shared by Augathella's Keelen Mailman with players and spectators on sunset to cleanse and protect everyone while on Bidjara country.

Following was dinner under the stars with traditional songstress, creative entrepreneur and founder/director of the Mission Songs Project, Jessie Lloyd who originally hails from the tropics of North Queensland, performing live.

Keeping the audience in stitches was "the bloke from Moree" Murray Hartin with his rapid-fire, rhyming recitals.

"The Blackall Golf Club and community of Blackall have been so welcoming," said Outback Masters spokesman Luke Bates. "It has really ensured the visitors and players from across Australia who have joined us on this 1900km journey have rated Blackall so highly."

The tour continues at the Hughenden Golf Club on July 17-18 and concludes at Longreach on July 23-25.

As well as Blackall, it has already played at Biloela, Charleville and Quilpie.

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