The pair said they had not rated their chances high after finishing third in the local competition, and second in the Mid North Coast event to secure a place in the State final, held on the Central Coast near Cessnock.

The first glimpse of the course was daunting for the keen amateur golfers. The course was designed by Greg Norman to host the NSW Open and opened with a shot over a huge water obstacle.

Christine said, as Mike battled his way out of the bottom of one bunker, she could not see the top of his head, it was so deep.

That, coupled with a ferocious wind, made it two difficult days of play for most duos.

However, everything went right for the Parkers on the second day (and the second time around the course), as they battled their way from 12-points behind at the end of day one, to first place.

“There was a lot of luck attached to it,” Mike said.

“We had one of those rounds where the ball could have rolled into the bunker, but didn’t, and when we wanted it to roll into the hole, it did.”

A total of 80 teams competed at the prestigious amateur event, and it was estimated that 8000 golfers had played off for the right to contest the State competition.

On the down side, the win means that Christine and Mike will not be able to play together again in the Keno competition for three years, according to the rules.

From their win, the Parkers each took home the ultimate golfers’ gadget (a GPS unit for golf courses) and a gold medallion. Their names were also recorded on the perpetual winners’ trophy held by competition organisers.