Popular West Australian Whitney Hiller has some special help on the bag this week: her mum, Gai.
It’s a rare moment for the 29-year-old Hillier, who has relocated to the United Kingdom to pursue her career on the Ladies European Tour. As a consequence, her mum is lucky to see her play just once or twice a year.
And this week at Bonville is that chance.
“Mum was in Sydney anyway, and I told her to come to Bonville, it is perfect timing.
“It is a great week for her, it’s only a four-hour flight from Perth.
“Mum’s having a good time; it’s a work / holiday for me,” she laughed.
Hillier said her mum made the trek to her home country, Thailand, every year for the LET Tour event, but added with her mum enjoying their time together on the Coffs Coast, the Australian Ladies Classic could become a regular part of her annual travel plans.
“I think she is coming to Bonville every year now. I think it has become her favourite event.”
Not content with simply walking the fairways and watching her daughter play, Hillier’s mum has gladly taken on the caddying duties this week.
“She knows exactly what she is doing as well. She had the towel ready at the right time, the putter out, yeah she is good.
“I don’t get to see her very often, but when I do we make the most of it and have a lot of fun.”
Classic underway in perfect conditions
The Geoff King Motors Australian Ladies Classic is underway at the Bonville Golf Resort.
Players were greeted with a crisp clear morning without a cloud in the sky to begin the day.
The Bonville Golf resort, as always is in pristine condition. Despite the recent heavy rain, green staff have worked around the clock to ensure the course is at its best.
The weather is expected to stay mostly fine throughout the day, with temperatures reaching the mid-twenties. There is a chance of rain on the horizon this afternoon, with winds mainly from the south and reaching about 19 km/h.
Check back in for all of the live scores, news and views as the day unfolds.