It was far from a conventional start to proceedings ahead of this weeks Australian PGA Championship with some of the tournaments highest ranked competitors teeing off from the second level of Metricon Stadium, their shots fired out towards a specially designed green on the stadium surface.  

Just days after launching the Clubs 2014 memberships and urging new and existing members to “Fire Up” Gold Coast SUNS players Zac Smith, Charlie Dixon and Jackson Allen took part in a nearest to the pin challenge against Cameron Percy, Andre Stolz and Kelly Kraft.

Percy a former Queensland PGA Championship winner impressed with the golfing ability of the SUNS players as they battled a strong breeze and the extra elevation of the Chairman’s Lounge deck on the second tier of Metricon Stadium.   

 “One of the GC SUNS players had a nice swing, Jackson, has a really decent swing on him,” said Percy.

Percy’s comments obviously inspired the multi-talented Allen who snatched an unlikely victory in the challenge with his final shot falling just metres from the pin.

“It was great to meet the players and a few of the boys are looking forward to attending the Championships at Royal Pines from this Thursday.” 

“I sprayed a few shots early and the strong wind made it pretty difficult, I was just lucky with my final shot but I’m pretty happy about it.” Allen said.

Charlie Dixon had waiting ground staff ducking for cover as he sprayed his practice shots across the playing surface before finding his range and peppering the green during the challenge.

“I definitely couldn’t hit it as hard as some of the other competitors, but it was unreal just to get the chance to talk to the golfers and see how they go about preparing for their tournaments.”

The Australian PGA Championship tees off this Thursday with a host of big names including World Number 9 Brandt Snedeker set to light up the RACV Royal Pines Resort course, while fans are being urged to celebrate the home coming of 2013 Masters Champion Adam Scott by wearing green on course this Friday.  

 “This will be Adam’s first tournament back on Australian soil and, with the tournament being played in Adam’s hometown of the Gold Coast, we wanted to provide a welcome home befitting his achievement whilst also giving fans the chance to celebrate.” CEO of the PGA of Australia Brian Thorburn told www.championship.pga.org.au

To renew your membership, or to learn how you can FIRE UP this season, simply visit www.goldcoastfcmembership.com.au or contact the GC SUNS Membership services Team on 1300 784 436.