Words: Paul Prendergast.
Photo: Mark Wilson – GolfplusMedia.
In the wake of his dramatic one-stroke victory at the 2022 Sandbelt Invitational, Cameron Davis was quoted as saying: “It was such a good week playing these courses, I’d love to do this as many times as I can.” And true to his word, Davis has announced he will be back to mount a title defence from December 11-14 as the Sandbelt Invitational continues to grow from strength-to-strength. The now Seattle-based Sydneysider shot rounds of 65-66-69-67 over the four host layouts last year to nudge out New Zealand’s Momoka Kobori, with his victory highlighted by a magnificent driver ‘off the deck‘ to reach the green in two on the 71st hole of the tournament at Peninsula Kingswood North’s 17th. Currently ranked inside the Top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings after a season in which he posted his best finish in a major championship (tied 4th at the U.S. PGA), the 2022 Presidents Cup representative was quick to confirm his return for the tournament’s third staging – and claim early tournament favouritism in the process – to Tournament Director, Mike Clayton. “We are so excited to have Cam back for this year’s event, not only because he is among the best Australian players, but because of what he can offer to the younger players in the field.” Clayton said. “Having a player of his calibre enjoying the tournament and experience is exactly what we had in mind when formulating the Sandbelt Invitational.” After a stellar amateur career, Davis swept to victory with a closing 64 to win the 2017 Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club and his professional career has been on an incremental build ever since. After earning PGA TOUR status, he was quick to notch his first TOUR victory at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in 2021 and as mentioned, made his first appearance in the Presidents Cup for the Internationals team in 2022. Another strong performance at the Sandbelt Invitational would be the icing on the cake of a year’s work that should earn Davis starts in all four majors for the first time next year. Returning to Captain Mike Weir’s Internationals team for the 2024 Presidents Cup matches to be held in Canada is another short-term goal that will no doubt be at the forefront of his mind when the new year arrives. Despite his growing stature in the game, his decision to return to Melbourne is further evidence of his support for, and desire to participate in, tournament golf in his home country as often as he can. To that end, his participation aligns with the host Geoff Ogilvy Foundation’s mission to help expose developing local talent to more experienced players, both male and female. Further player commitments are soon to be announced but as tournament host, Ogilvy himself will again tee it up at the event he helped establish after spending more time back in the U.S. playing the PGA TOUR this past year. “To experience the tournament last year after somewhat learning on the go in 2021 was incredible, and this year promises to be even better.” said Ogilvy. “I can’t wait to spend some time on course with the younger players, and hopefully play some good golf myself, across the four days.” The 2023 Sandbelt Invitational will be staged across four of Melbourne’s finest courses: Victoria Golf Club (11 December), Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club (12 December), Yarra Yarra Golf Club (13 December) and Royal Melbourne (East) Golf Club (14 December). Spectators will enjoy free entry on all four days, see site for details: |
