Wynnum’s own Chris Wood takes home Bartons/BMD Pro-Am title

The 44th annual Bartons/BMD Pro-Am with a prize purse of $40,000 returned to the Wynnum Golf Club on Monday 27 November with home-club local Chris Wood taking home the Pro-Am title – after almost 20 years since he joined the club as a pre-junior.

The Pro-Am was established in 1979 at Wynnum Golf Club by Paul King together with Australia’s largest privately owned civil contractor, the BMD Group and one of the largest family owned dealerships in Queensland, Bartons.

Holding the title of Australia’s richest one-day pro-am for 15 years, the event brought together a field of over 70 professionals and 138 amateurs including greats of Australian golf such as Ian Baker-Finch, Rod Pampling, Terry Price and Michael Ferguson. It also saw VIP sporting legends Allan Border, Leigh Matthews, Jonathan Thurston, Gorden Tallis, and Jon Sieben OAM in attendance.

Chris Wood’s winning formula saw him channel his home-course knowledge to secure the title, finishing one-stroke clear of Gold Coaster Dillon Hart with a round of 7-under 62.

Speaking to his win on the day, the Wynnum local said it was an honour to represent his local club at the event, so much so he delayed his Golf Australia Australian Open preparations to play on the day.

“It was a pretty easy decision. Being a Wynnum boy, I wanted to come back and represent the club and see a lot of familiar faces. It was definitely the right decision to make at the end of the day,” Mr Wood said.

Bartons Managing Director, Mark Beitz said it provided a valuable opportunity to connect with the local community while supporting professional golf.

“It’s always a fantastic day for our sponsors to get the opportunity to play with professional golfers on the PGA Pro-Am circuit.

“We pride ourselves on the rich history of our event on the bayside and we are committed to the continuation of holding the title of Australia’s richest one day Pro-Am,” Mr Beitz said.

Patron of Wynnum Golf Club and the BMD Group’s founder and Chairman, Mick Power AM was honoured on the day with Honorary Lifetime PGA Membership for his investment and service to the golf industry and in particular PGA Professionals.

“It was a privilege to receive the Honorary Lifetime Membership from the PGA. I was introduced to golf by my Dad and it’s a game which is close to my heart and I am truly honoured by the recognition,” Mr Power said.

“The tournament wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our loyal sponsors. Our event was founded on relationships, and this tournament wouldn’t be possible without our loyal sponsors, some of whom have been with us from the very beginning,” Mr Power said.

The annual Bartons/BMD Pro-Am grows year-on-year and will celebrate its 45^th year in 2024.