The well prepared and manicured Parkes golf course is showing the benefits of earlier renovations as the club prepares for one of its most hectic seasons of golf.

The course is in immaculate condition and has fully recovered from the Autumn renovations and will prove a testing challenge for the Championships which are programmed for 72 holes over the next two weekends. 

Players will have to be on their game as the major event the A Grade scratch appears to be the most even in years. 

Defending titleholder Blake Parker will attempt to win back-to-back titles, a task that will be difficult to achieve as the opposition will attempt to unsettle with early pressure.

Parker’s main threats appear to be the inform duo of Aaron Wilkie and Mitch McGlashan as both players are in solid form of late. 

The heroics of Wilkie in the recent Central West Pennants have justified his rise as one of the most promising golfers in the district.

McGlashan can’t be discarded as the tried and tested player will certainly be in with a major chance with consistency his main weapon. 

However, if McGlashan has a weakness, it is pressure putts. 

Overcoming pressure is the main ingredient that wins major events.

Despite the hopes of his major adversaries, Parkes Golf Club captain Paul Thomas believes Parker can overcome his opposition with his ability to convert his length and his brilliant short game.

These aspects will serve him well especially if the driver continues to desert him.

The other threats in an open A Grade field appear to be Allan Jewell, Robert Hey, John Green and the elder statesman of the field Peter Dixon.

Defending B Grade titleholder Brad Scott will not be able to defend his Terry Bros B Grade title this season.

His move into A Grade has turned the B Grade Championship for 13 to 20 markers into a lottery. 

The consistent Garry Phillips, Steve Riley, John Davies and Michael Smith will all like their chances. 

However, the chances of big hitting, Mitch McGlashan protégé, Dan Wilson have never been put to the test and according to pundits many believe he could lead from barrier rise.

Of the outsiders, popular Dutchman Peter Boschman, Peter Picker and a resurgent Troy Hopley will all have followers. 

Thomas strongly believes consistency will win through in the end as Garry Phillips and Steve Riley go head to head over the final holes with Phillips predicted to achieve the ultimate goal. 

The C Grade section could see Reg Davison wear the crown for the second time in two years.

Despite Davison’s credentials, many players will like their chances in the final Terry Bros Furniture and Floorcoverings sponsored major division with Paul Harris, John Chew, Chris Goodie and Brian Hogan (Snr) attempting to snare a maiden victory.

The junior and schoolboys title appears to be a one horse race as current C Grade titleholder Sam Turner looks to be the shortest favourite over any section. 

This is despite the fact that he can’t retain his C Grade throne as he has moved into the stronger B Grade field.

Turner’s major opposition are the up and coming duo of Lachlan Buesnell and James Ward.

Veteran’s defending titleholder Ian Phipps appears an unlikely starter and his absence has certainly opened up this section. 

Former Tottenham player Robert Hey will be the player to beat. 

Depending on former Club Champion Steve Simpson’s work commitments and his availability to contest the full 72 holes, he will be watched with interest. 

Close friend Charlie Allen could also be in the mix as they relive some of their historic clashes.

Terry Bros Furniture & Floorcoverings are one of the club’s oldest and longest sponsors. 

They not only are the event sponsor but they sponsor the respective A, B and C Grade handicap daily trophies for the four rounds. 

Managing Director Ben Terry wishes all the players the best and will be on hand to congratulate the respective winners at the Championships end.