IN A few short months, Busselton’s Brody Ninyette, WA’s first indigenous golfer to join the professional ranks, has already got the golfing world’s attention.
After turning pro last October, the 24-year old fast-tracked his career in December when he scored a top 10 finish in the PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School.
“I was stoked about that,” Brody said.
Playing six rounds over eight days, a top 10 finish is what all 150 Qualifying School entrants are chasing as it guarantees automatic entry into every tournament in Australia, New Zealand as well as some tournaments in Asia and Europe.
Those competing are either touring pros seeking to regain or improve on their existing tournament exemption category for the following season, as well as rookies like Brody, who are trying for tournament exemption as they embark on their professional career.
A top 10 finish opens the door to many opportunities throughout the golfing world, and for an aspiring rookie like Brody, it’s a dream-come-true.
However, his qualifying wasn’t without incident.
After carding a 1 under 71 in the sixth and final round, Brody finished ninth, but he was tied with three other players.
With only the ninth and tenth spot remaining, it meant Brody and the three others were forced into a play-off for the two remaining spots.
With one player birdying the first play-off hole, and in the process taking ninth spot, Brody and the two other remaining players teed off on the second play-off hole.
Brody made the green in regulation, then stepped-up and sunk a twelve foot birdie putt to snatch the coveted tenth and last remaining qualifying position.
To qualify at his first attempt is testament to how quietly determined Brody is to set about emulating the feats of the current elite group of great West Australian golfing exports, names like Greg Chalmers, Nick O’Hern and Stephen Leaney.
Brody has been playing golf since he was 11, and has been competing for almost as long.
“I picked it up when I was about 11 and have been in love with it ever since,” he said.
The start of his golfing career coincided with his move to Busselton.
“I’ve lived here since I was 11 – pretty much since I started playing golf professionally,” he said.
While Brody has worked extremely hard himself, he says his proud parents put in a lot also.
“My parents have worked just as hard as I have,” he said.
“It’s a big credit to them.”
Brody’s first event as a professional will be the Victorian PGA, which will happen in about three weeks.
“I’ll be going there a few days early to practice on the course,” he said.
After that, Brody hopes to rise to the top.
“In the next few years I’d like to continue golfing, hopefully go to Europe and America,” he said.
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