Kew Country Club and Wauchope Country Club will host the regional qualifiers to be held on the weekend of October 8 and 9 this year and continuing until 2018.

Chairman of Golf NSW, John Robinson, said Golf NSW is thrilled to see regional areas like Port Macquarie-Hastings benefit from hosting events like a 2016 NSW Open Qualifying Tournament. 

“Not only does it generate local interest in the sport and provide a boost to tourism, but it will showcase the wonderful regional golf courses and the best of what regional New South Wales has to offer beyond the fairways,” Mr Robinson said.

It is expected that up to 300 regional golfers will compete each year for a place in the NSW  Open, with the overall stroke winner receiving automatic entry into the prestigious tournament, to be held in November at Stonecutters Ridge Golf Course in Western Sydney. 

Mayor Peter Besseling said council is thrilled to have partnered with Golf NSW as the event provides a great opportunity to showcase the region and introduce visitors to the beautiful hinterland and Camden Haven areas of the Port Macquarie-Hastings.

“More than 800 competitors, officials and companions are expected to visit each year and through accommodation, retail, dining and tourism services will inject an estimated $500,000 into our local economy each year," Cr Besseling said.

“The event also provides an opportunity for our region to be promoted as a tourism destination across the state via the Golf NSW network of contacts."

The regional qualifier is open to all male amateur players who hold an official Golf Australia handicap.