Katanning Waste Management 4BBB Teams Classic to christen golf club in April

The ninth annual Katanning Waste Management 4BBB Teams Classic is set to draw a record number of competitors to the Katanning Country Club next month.

The unique mixed golf event that sees teams of four split into pairs and compete separately has grown in popularity since it was first held in 2013.

With a massive amount of entries this year, Katanning Golf Club captain Philip Russel and president Wayne Byrne are looking forward to hosting the competition that attracts players from around WA.

“The numbers have gotten bigger, it’s 208 people now in 52 teams,” Mr Byrne said.

“We’ve got people from Perth, Bunbury, Esperance, Pingrup, Harrismith — around 30 teams will be represented.”

Mr Russel said: “Half the players will play Saturday morning and the remainder will play Saturday afternoon.

“We’ve attracted people from all over — players who played last year come back, they tell their friends and they come too.”

The popularity of the classic led to the field filling quickly.

“We’ve got three teams waiting in reserve in case some one pulls out,” Mr Russel said.

If it hadn’t been for COVID-19 JU restrictions, this year the event would celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Though that milestone is on hold, this year’s competition is no less special.

This year will be the first time the event has been held at the Katanning Country Club after extensive renovations.

“Now that the facilities are here, it’s being hired by weddings and parties, it’s very popular,” Mr Russel said.

With the club dining room expecting to host 200 people for the classic’s Saturday dinner, the new facilities will be put to the test.

Adding to the appeal of the classic are the country club’s green fairways. After the summer months, Katanning boasts some of the most luscious fairways in the Upper Great Southern.

“Mainly all the work that is done on the course over the year is voluntary,” Mr Russel said. “Different people have different responsibilities, maintaining greens, they make the time to get down here.”

The event will be played on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2.

Caravan parking will be available for entrants at the Katanning JU Country Club from Thursday, March 30 to Sunday, April 2.