Q Golf - Official online magazine for Golf Queensland Summer 2012 | Page 9

Courtney Massey... from amateur to pro
By Bernie Pramberg
Former top Queensland amateur Courtney Massey can reflect on a
steep learning curve during her rookie year as a professional.
Courtney’s foray into the unforgiving environment of the play-for-pay
ranks included a four-month stint in the United States following the
second-tier Symetra Tour (formerly the Futures Tour). She travelled
alone, driving a hire car and staying with tournament billets or budget
hotels. It was a far cry from her days as one of the country’s top
amateurs.
The Gold Coast golfer contested 10 events on the Symetra Tour with
four top-10 finishes and failed to make the cut only once. She earned
$US15,000 prize money.
“I was really happy with my results,’’ she said. “The only time I missed
the cut was in very tough conditions. “It costs a lot of money to fly
over there, rent a car for four months and pay for accommodation and
meals. But I definitely took a lot out of my first season in the US.’’
Courtney has been back home at the Gold Coast for five weeks and is
preparing for the Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines (Feb 1-3)
and the Australian Women’s Open at Royal Canberra (Feb 14-17).
She also intends to play a series of ALPG pro-ams in NSW
through January.

“Playing in America was definitely an eye-opener,’’ she said. “It was a lot
tougher than when I played in Australia after turning pro earlier in the
year. Because the Futures events are played over 54-holes, the first two
days are crucial.’’
Courtney, who was a member of the Queensland women’s team from
2006 to 2011, was a stickler for solid preparation in America.
“Most of the courses are in very good nick but a bit longer and tougher
than we usually play here,’’ she said. “I’d always try to arrive at the
tournament venue on a Monday and have a chip and putt.
“Then I’d be out for a practice round at 7am Tuesday while a lot of
people were still sleeping. I could really get a good look at the course
without any pressure.’’
Courtney said she usually gained a start in the tournament pro-am and
was then set for the opening round.
A product of the Robina High School Golf Program which also produced
tour players Amy Yang and Haeji Kang, Courtney is coached by
Indooroopilly-based Gary Calder.
As an amateur she won the Victorian 72-hole stroke play championship
and is the only golfer to have won three South Pacific Ladies Opens at
Surfers Paradise (2008, 2009 and 2011).

www.golfqueensland.org.au

Q Golf Online Summer 2012 9