Towns such as Katanning thrive on community spirit, spirit that comes to the fore when Katanning Country Club stages a sectional qualifier of The Scramble.
Located 290 kilometres south-east of Perth and 270km east of Margaret River in Western Australia’s Great Southern region, Katanning Country Club serves as the recreational hub of a town boasting a population less than 4,000 people.
A striking 18-hole layout with its fully grassed and reticulated fairways and white sand greens, golf sits alongside bowls, tennis and squash as sporting opportunities on offer at Katanning Country Club.
This year, Katanning staged a Women’s Open event that attracted 10 teams of four players each, adding to the 476 women who have already participated in Women’s Open Scramble events in 2023.
Like most events in Katanning, it was the volunteer support from within the modest membership base that made The Scramble a success.
“We are only a small Country Club with not a lot of members but on days like these, our volunteers pull together and make it a success, from the course volunteers to the helpers in the kitchen,” said Scramble Coordinator, Fiona McCarley.
“It was a magnificent day for golf and the prizes were pretty cool too.”
The winning team of Katie O’Halloran, Ruth Bigwood, Sally Carey and Linden Knight will now advance to the WA State Final to be played in October and are among the first teams to qualify.
There are 41 Women’s Scramble events scheduled for the 2023 season so far, with the winning team from each State Final to meet at the Championship Final in December.
On top of the community atmosphere fostered throughout the day, McCarley believes the format itself brings people together.
“The Scramble is a real team game and its format is unlike any other games of golf,” said McCarley.
“That’s what makes it so unique to play. A lot of strategy comes into it and for me, that’s what I enjoy.”
Upcoming Women’s Scramble events
June 21 Shelly Beach Golf Club, NSW
June 27 Kingston Beach Golf Club, TAS
July 13 Royal Hobart Golf Club, TAS
July 16 Shelly Beach Golf Club, NSW
July 23 Longyard Golf Club, NSW