A subtle shift in format paved the way for Port Macquarie Golf Club to stage one of the most successful Scramble events in the club’s history. 

A total of 160 players teed it up with two groups paired together on each hole in a shotgun start rather than the rolling start the club has used in previous years. 

It proved to be a hit with players mixing between groups and creating a fun atmosphere that spread across the entire course. 

“It was a nice vibe for the players on the day,” said Port Macquarie Head Professional James Single. 

“I think that a lot of the membership was looking for people that they don’t normally play with to make up a great team. 

“Playing in groups of eight meant that there were a few side bets taking place between teams which was pretty fun.” 

Winners on the day with a score of 54.75 were Kyle Rathbone and Anthony Rathbone, Ethan Murphy and Jack Steinmetz, just half a shot ahead of two teams on 55.25, Ryan Moore, Peter Jacka, David Bailey and Randall Beazley and Iain Morton, Jason Turner, Kyle Wills and Leon Smith. 

Given the success of the day, James said that finding the format for next year’s Scramble will be very straightforward. 

“Copy and paste this year’s event,” James said. 

“From an operations point of view, this was the best Scramble that we have had in a few years.” 

The Scramble local qualifiers continue right up until the start of the Regional Qualifiers which begin at Pacific Dunes Golf Club on September 30 and finish on November 3 at Palmer Gold Coast.