The tiny town of Numurkah will send two teams to the Regional Final after a bumper turnout for The Scramble qualifier held at Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club. 

Players came from as far afield as Western Australia to take part, the total of 108 players ensuring the top two teams would advance for a shot at the Championship Final in December. 

Located 20 minutes north of Shepparton in northern Victoria, at last count the population of Numurkah was less than 5,000 people. But with strong local support and an open door to visitors from far and wide, Numurkah’s Scramble proved a popular draw. 

“I guess you never really know what the numbers will be,” said Numurkah Head Professional, Anthony Sanders. 

“Once again, we had teams come from surrounding clubs to support our Scramble which makes for a good day as they may not have seen our golf course. It’s always good to get their feedback on how they found the day. 

“We even had a member of the team that finished second, Jamie Duffy, come back from Western Australia to play in the event. 

“And yes, he has already promised that he will be back to play in the Regional Final.” 

Numbers were up approximately 30 per cent on recent Scrambles held at Numurkah and it is the first time in many years that the club has sent two teams through to the Regional Final. 

“I guess it shows that golf is in a great place at club level,” said Sanders. 

“It shows as a club that we want to be involved and support local golf, to have visitors be part of our club, be part of one of the longest-running Scrambles and to hear how they enjoyed the experience. 

“This is what golf is about, the experience of the participants and the enjoyment you see throughout the day.” 

Winners on the day with a score of 54.25 was the team of Andrew Nicholls, Ben Clurey, Jedd Wright and Hadleigh Sirett, almost two strokes clear of Grant Duffy, nephews Jamie and Jake Duffy and Bruce Reid with 56.13. 

The challenge now for both teams is to play their way into the Championship Final and match the feats of the 2015 Numurkah team that went all the way. 

“That team came from the clouds on the final nine holes to win the Championship Final on a day that will be long cherished and remembered by everyone associated with the club,” said Sanders. 

“We were treated like celebs for the entire week so that was a very memorable moment for our club.” 

Qualifying for the Regional Finals continues around the country right up until the end of September. Click here to find a Scramble near you.