The picturesque Teven Valley Golf Course recently had the honour of hosting one of the six prestigious NSW Open PGA Qualifier events, marking a significant milestone in the course’s history. This event not only put Teven Valley on the map but also highlighted the dedication and hard work of the entire team behind the scenes.
A Unique Challenge for Professional Golfers
James King, the General Manager of Teven Valley Golf Club, shared insights into the journey that led to this significant event. Having been at Teven for ten months, King found himself managing the event, a role he was both excited and honoured to take on. The selection of Teven Valley as a qualifier location was driven by Golf New South Wales’ desire to promote the tournament across six diverse regions. The course’s unique layout, consisting of nine holes with varied challenges, stood out to the PGA officials, who ultimately decided to play the course as the members do—off the front markers for the first nine holes and the back markers for the remaining nine.
This approach offered a distinctive challenge to professional golfers, who had to adjust to playing a course where par threes dominated one half, while the other half featured par fours and par threes. Despite the unconventional setup, the professionals adapted well, showcasing their versatility and skill.
A Community Effort
Hosting such a significant event required extensive logistical planning, particularly given the course’s split across two roads and the need for external resources to accommodate the influx of players and spectators. King acknowledged the immense support from the local community, including Ballina Council, local businesses, and the Rotary Club, which helped cater the event. This collaborative effort not only ensured the smooth running of the event but also strengthened Teven Valley’s ties with the community.
A Testament to Teven Valley’s Quality
The event, featuring 72 of the top-ranked players, was a true test of Teven Valley’s course. The competition was fierce, with several players under par after the first day. However, it was Matt Miller who ultimately triumphed, delivering an extraordinary performance with five consecutive birdies on the par threes, securing his victory in a thrilling finish.
For Teven Valley, hosting this PGA qualifier was more than just an event; it was the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. The course, which underwent significant construction and grass selection changes under the guidance of Superintendent Paul Gumbleton, has now been recognised as a top 100 public access golf course by Golf Australia magazine. This recognition, coupled with the successful hosting of the PGA qualifier, solidifies Teven Valley’s status as a world-class golfing venue.
In the reconstruction of Teven Valley Golf Club, the choice of turf played a significant role in the course’s transformation. For the fairways, the club opted for Sir Grange Zoysia, a premium turf variety renowned for its fine blades, high shade tolerance, and minimal nutrient and water needs. Originally developed for the golf industry, Sir Grange Zoysia is highly adaptable to various climates and features a striking dark green colour, making it the top-selling Zoysia grass in the United States. This choice was heavily influenced by Craig Parry, the course’s designer, who had firsthand experience playing on this turf variety in the U.S. Recognising its quality, Parry insisted on using Sir Grange at Teven.
Looking Ahead
With the success of the NSW Open PGA Qualifier, Teven Valley Golf Club is already looking to the future. Plans are in place to enhance member facilities, including expanding the car park and installing warm-up nets. These improvements aim to further elevate the experience for both members and visitors, ensuring that Teven Valley remains a premier golfing destination in New South Wales.
As the Teven Valley Golf Club continues to grow, the recent PGA qualifier serves as a proud reminder of what can be achieved through vision, hard work, and community support.
