Tradies in swing for golf title

Three North Lakes Tradies are switching steel caps for golf clubs at Australia and New Zealand’s indoor championship this month.

High school friends-turned indoor golf fanatics, Joshua Govan, Dominic Jenkins and Matthew Lowe’s are aiming to be the Pacific’s best.

They have qualified for the championships as one of 58 teams from South-East Queensland.

“We’ve all worked really hard to make it to nationals, constantly getting lessons and putting work in,” Matthew said.

“We’ve never had the opportunity to travel for our sport, so we’re super excited to head down to Geelong and compete against the best golfers in the League.

“Maybe we’ll even bring the title home!”

This is the 12th annual X-League Championship by X-Golf which will take place at Geelong, Victoria, with teams from Western Australia, NSW, Tasmania, Victoria and New Zealand. 

With 3.5 million Aussies playing a form of golf last year, indoor golf’s popularity has soared. X-League has grown to host more than 1000 competitors across the Pacific since 2012.

'Skills on the sims'

Matthew says he likes how the use of simulator technology translates to his actual gameplay outside on the green.

“You can pretty much anticipate the shape of a shot outside based on how you’re refining your skills on the sims,” he said.

The rise of eSports has led to a surge in talented indoor golfers who are trying their hand at ultra-realistic gameplay at X-Golf North Lakes.

Australia’s eSports market is expected to reach a value of $294 billion this year.

X-Golf will host eight finalist teams for the X-League Championships on August 24 at Geelong.

Major prizes include a golf trip to Barnbougle Dunes in Tasmania, Ping golfing equipment and more. Winners will be announced at www.xgolf.com.au/x-league/national-championships