The Western Open will take place on Saturday and Sunday with a field of about 95 golfers expected. 

The tournament will attract golfers from the PGA Pro-Am series and Golf Victoria’s Ivo Whitton and Susie Tolhurst Amateur Events.

The top professionals will be playing for a chance to compete in the Victorian Open, while the amateurs will vie for points in their respective amateur series. 

Horsham Golf Club manager Paul Riley said it was fantastic to be able to lure a name like Akermanis to Horsham.

“It’s lucky to have him here and the Western Open is a great concept – it is for elite amateurs and professionals,” he said.

“It gives him a chance to really test his skill, because he is looking at becoming a professional. He is looking to take it to the next level and this sort of event is perfect for someone like that. 

“You can come here, play against the professionals on a competitive golf course and in tournament conditions.”

There will be other big names also competing with professionals mixing with amateurs. 

“We also have the reigning Victorian Open winner Simon Hawkes playing,” Riley said. 

“He won it this year and he is going to bring the trophy with him. The winner of this event, if it is a professional, will get a start in the 2019 Victorian Open in January.

“We will also have guys like Scott Laycock, who have played on the USA PGA Tour.”

Horsham’s Lewis Gebert will be flying the flag for the Horsham Golf Club in the Western Open.