Trio split 1 Million Qantas Points

Australian PGA Professionals Terry Pilkadaris, Adrian Percey and PGA Trainee Professional Frazer Droop are flying high after sharing one million Qantas Points courtesy of the Qantas Golf Club One Million Qantas Points Hole-in-One promotion during the 2017 ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia season.

As part of its partnership with the PGA of Australia, Qantas Golf Club put one million Qantas Points up for grabs to be shared between any PGA Professional who could score an ace on any hole during the Victorian, Queensland, West Australian and Northern Territory PGA Championships country.

“Qantas Golf Club is always looking for ways it can add value to players of all abilities and we’re delighted to have supported the ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia and some of Australia’s best players with this prize,” Richard Davey, Head of Qantas Golf Club said.

“We hope the winners enjoy using their points to travel to their next tournament or take a well-earned break with family and friends.”

Pilkadaris, in round two of the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship at City Golf Club became the first player of the season to hit an elusive ace.

“I got lucky, I hit a pitching wedge in there, one bounce and side spins into the hole and the rest is history I guess,” Pilkadaris said of his 13th career hole-in-one, coming on the par-3 15th hole.

Droop, who was making his first appearance in a state PGA Championship during the Northern Territory leg couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after hitting his ace at Palmerston Golf Course.

“It was the 7th hole this morning. I was 2-under, going nicely in my round and got to the short par-3 7th, 106m it was a perfect full sand iron for me,” Droop recalled.

“I just knocked it out a little bit left of the hole and it was shaping itself back in, it took one bounce and a little bit of side spin then straight in to the hole.”

Not to be outdone, Percey went on to ace the same par-3 hole later in the day at the Northern Territory PGA Championship to stake a claim in the one million Qantas Points.

“It was 101m shortish par-3, playing off the front tees. A little three quarter wedge and slam dunk, it went straight in the cup,” said Percey, who already has plans for his points.

“I am excited, it’s a big bonus. I might do a few short trips around Australia, some nice long weekends.”

A share in one million Qantas Points would certainly come in handy to anyone, but to a Professional golfer it lifts a huge weight off their travel expenses throughout a busy season.

Pilkadaris, who spends most of his time playing on the Asian Tour and European Tour, has a reputation for being one of the most well-travelled players on the circuit. Already this year he has played 18 tournaments across Australia, Asia and Europe.

“The points will be a tremendous help to me in the next couple of years, one of the major costs we have as Pros is travel and accommodation so this will go a long way for me and my busy schedule,” Pilkadaris said.

For Droop, who is currently completing the PGA of Australia Trainee Program, it’s the perfect start to his career as a PGA Professional, and while the young golfer will invest in his burgeoning career, he’s also keen to treat his family to a trip away with his share of the Qantas Points.

“I just rang mum after the round and she said I can take the family on a few trips,” Droop joked.

“If I don’t use them for golf trips hopefully I can take the family to a few nice places.”

The trio will each take home over 300,000 Qantas Points as part of the promotion.

The Qantas Golf Club was created in 2014 to provide a community for all Qantas Frequent Flyer members with a passion and love for the game of golf.

They cater for all levels of golfers from the avid club player looking to compete in tournaments and events, to the social golfer looking to book their next weekend round of golf.

Photo cred: PGA of Australia