Field finalised ahead of NSW Open

By Alexander Dabb

Mar 15, 2023

Great shot: 2006 NSW Open Champion Rick Kulacz tees off during Tuesday’s practice round Photo by Steve Huntley

The field of 144 players for the Play Today NSW Open at Rich River Golf Club from March 16 to 19 has been finalised, as eight players won a spot in the main draw after pre-qualifying on Monday.

Amateur Ethan Harvey topped the field, shooting a round of 61 to finish 11 under par, three shots clear of nearest rival Zachary Maxwell, who finished at eight under.

Harvey, 19, who hails from Kiama on the NSW South Coast, has been a top junior, having won two Junior Masters events in 2021 and more recently the ANZ North Coast Amateur at Coffs Harbour Golf Club in November.

Fellow New South Welshman Josh Clarke qualified after finishing Monday’s round in sixth, although his experience was quite a bit different to that of frontrunner Harvey, having to compete in a play-off with five others to decide the final three spots on the entry list, eventually prevailing alongside Wade Lowrie and Adam Bland.

The fact that he ended up in a play-off was a bit of a surprise for Clarke, as players were required to hit six-under par to even be in contention.

“It caught me a bit by surprise how low everyone went, I thought a low one was out there, but it was um, yeah, surprising when it was that low,” Clarke said, although he was happy with where his game is at ahead of the tournament proper on Thursday (March 16).

“The course set up is really good for me, nice and generous off the tee, putting greens, are superb, rolling immaculately, so keen for a good week.”

Made it: Josh Clarke will play in the NSW Open after finishing inside the top eight at Monday’s pre-qualifying round Photo by Steve Huntley

After pre-qualifying was decided, players were given the opportunity to take their first look at the course layout on Tuesday, with former champions among those spotted on-course.

The 2006 NSW Open champion Rick Kulacz was playing down his chances of taking out another title at his practice round on Tuesday, but said the tournament he won as an amateur would always be remembered fondly.

“It was a long time ago, but it’s something that obviously can’t be taken away from me,” Kulacz said.

“It’s always good to see your name on the trophy of a tournament that you’ve won, and doing it as an amateur was extra special as well, so yeah, I’ll always be fond of this tournament.”

And, while he isn’t overly familiar with the course, Kulacz, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour, will enter the competition with some prior competitive experience at Rich River, having played there as a junior.

“I played a schoolboys (tournament) here about 21 years ago, so I can't remember any of it, but looking forward to reacquainting myself with it,” Kulacz said.

Defending champion Harrison Crowe will return to try and claim back-to-back crowns, before flying out to Augusta National, where the 21-year-old amateur from NSW will be playing alongside the likes of world number one Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods at The Masters.