Champion Golfer Adam Scott Delivers a “Birdie” for Sunshine Coast Tourism With Live Instagram Feed of “Nine Holes With a Mate” at Maleny Golf Course

Champion Golfer Adam Scott Delivers a “Birdie” for Sunshine Coast Tourism With Live Instagram Feed of “Nine Holes With a Mate” at Maleny Golf Course

Former world-champion golfer Adam Scott may have titled his round of golf at the Sunshine Coast's Maleny Golf Club as “Nine Holes with a Mate”, but he invited the rest of the world to join him via a 'live' Instagram feed.

Queensland's Sunshine Coast is renowned for championship golf courses such as Coolum, Twin Waters and Peregian Springs (designed by Adam's father, Phil Scott), but it was the largely unheralded Maleny Golf Club, set in the picturesque Hinterland region, that hosted Scott's first-ever Instagram event.

A long-time Sunshine Coast resident, Scott decided to take a break from Coronavirus hibernation with his family to live-broadcast a round of nine holes with his “mate”, local Maleny Golf Club pro Wayne Perske, breaking a drought of live televised sport, while putting his beloved Sunshine Coast on the world golfing map.

He'd enjoyed a round at Maleny earlier in the week when he – not surprisingly – broke the course record, but despite the practice, he was pushed all the way by the local pro, having to settle for all-square after nine holes.

“I wanted to promote an area where I live, talk up golf on the Sunshine Coast where I grew up playing, and the really fun story at Maleny Golf Club and the passion of the members,” Scott told Courier-Mail sports journalist, Jim Tucker.

Maleny Golf Club's Wayne Perske was thrilled to have played – and held his own – with Scott, saying it was a great way of highlighting how such an unassuming little course can deliver big satisfaction.

“Adam's been a mate of mine for quite a few years, so I invited him up and he graciously accepted – and he really enjoyed the course,” said Perske.

“This puts us on the map...we've had a massive amount of feedback from around the world.”

The Maleny course opened in 2015, but only just expanded from 12 holes to 18 earlier this year. The innovative links-style design by golf architect Graham Papworth takes full advantage of the course's natural assets – gentle rolling hills, well-drained volcanic soils, surrounding rainforest and a near-perfect sub-tropical climate.

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO, Simon Latchford, said that Adam Scott's visit to Maleny was a great opportunity to showcase the region's natural and sporting pedigree.

“Being a 'local', Adam knows how blessed we are with high-quality golf clubs, and his experience at Maleny Golf Club shows just how accessible and attractive golf can be on the Sunshine Coast,” said Mt Latchford.

“Juniors can play a round for as little as $5, it is run by volunteers and epitomises our relaxed, naturally refreshing lifestyle.

“I have no doubt that in the post-Coronavirus era demand for fresh, uncrowded and authentic destinations will grow exponentially. We obviously have world-class beaches, but our Hinterland is another great asset, with its dramatic landscape, historic villages and a really genuine, laid-back lifestyle. Thanks to Adam, the rest of the world has been able to see that for themselves.”

For more information on Maleny Golf Club: https://www.malenygolfclub.com.au/

Website: www.visitsunshinecoast.com.au