Strong field assembled for annual golf classic

South Australian player Don Wenmouth sums up the popularity of the annual Esperance Golf Club Classic — a staple tournament on WA’s south coast that continues this weekend.

Wenmouth — whose elderly parents still live in the town — has supported the classic for many years and has once again returned in the hope of defending the net trophy he captured in 2023.

The four-day program started on Thursday with a stableford competition that drew a field of 98 players.

On Friday, 108 players fought out a four-ball better-ball event and committee member Doug Blackhouse confirmed the Saturday and Sunday legs of the tournament had drawn 134 starters.

The classic has taken place for more than 30 years and once again includes strong representation from Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

“It’s the region’s biggest event and apart from a big Goldfields (playing) contingent, we also have some very kind sponsors from Kalgoorlie-Boulder,” Blackhouse said.

“Many thousands of dollars worth of sponsorship goes into it so we’re very grateful for Statewide support, including players from Perth, Albany and across the whole South-West, and up north to Geraldton and Port Hedland.”

The first players on Saturday will tee-of at 7am.