Former US PGA tour regulars James Nitties and Andre Stolz are the latest accomplished golfers to commit to Wagga’s Pro Am.
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Excitement is building three weeks out from the Country Club event after the pair declared they’ll be among the names competing for the $37,000 prizemoney.
With the popular Jarrod Lyle headlining this year’s tournament, legend Peter O’Malley back for a third time and the consistent Matt Millar also returning, Nitties and Stolz only add to the star-studded field.
“It does,” Pro Am chairman Jeff McNair said.
“We’re not surprised, but very grateful. Obviously a lot of people know them, especially James.”
In 2009-10, Nitties played 57 events on the US PGA Tour where he enjoyed three top-10 finishes and earned close to $2 million in prizemoney.
The 34-year old from Newcastle is currently competing in the New Zealand Open, where he fired six birdies in an opening-round 66.
Only last November, he burst into the headlines leading the Australian Open at the halfway mark at Royal Sydney Golf Club.
“We’re trying to build momentum with the Pro Am and keep it going,” McNair said.
“We’re getting the next tier who are interested to come and play competitively. And that’s the thing, they’re here to win. They’re here for the prizemoney.”
Stolz, now based on the NSW central coast, is a former winner on the US PGA Tour, claiming the 2004 Michelin Championship in Las Vegas.
PGA Australia’s tournament coordinator, Peter Welden, said the Wagga event has become a serious fixture on the calendar.
“It’s looking like another really good year – the field’s really strong,” Welden said.
“There’s a good mix of guys who’ve been around for a long time and have played overseas, and guys early in their career.”
The latter includes reigning champ Dale Brandt-Richards who has said the 2016 victory at Wagga set him up for a successful season and opened doors on the tour.
Adding to the star factor at the Country Club will be the appearance of former top jockey Jimmy Cassidy.
“I just love golf and I’ve got the utmost respect for all pro golfers,” Cassidy said.
“I’ll be very nervous. I used to love playing golf before big group ones.
“It’s a great challenge.
“My golf is nowhere near what my riding ability was… but I love the challenge and meeting great people.”
Cassidy practices at home on his own mini course and rates his short game (no pun intended) as his strength.
The Wagga Pro Am takes place on March 30-31.