Branxton teenager Corey Lamb gets start in NSW Open golf

Lamb, from Branxton, is a former NSW Junior Champion, and will be making his second start in the NSW Open after debuting at Twin Creeks in 2019.

His total of eight-under to finish in a tie for fifth place at last month's Dubbo Region Open against some of Australia's finest professionals was one of his best performances and an indicator of the 18-year-old's talent.

"I'm looking forward to having another go at the Open. I learnt a bit about playing with the pros last time, and I like Concord, so I hope I do well," Lamb said.

Fuller, from Muswellbrook, won the Tasmanian Open and the World-Amateur Ranked Concord Cup last month, was thrilled when he heard the news confirming his place in the 144 player-strong championship field.

"I was a bit shocked, actually. I was going to go to pre-Q (pre-qualifying) at Belmont, now I don't have to, another day of practice," he grinned.

The NSW Open will be his first taste of his home State Championship. The 19-year-old, who works in the pro shop at The Vintage, said it would be an excellent opportunity to test his game against many of Australia's best.

"I'm looking at a pro career eventually, but I want to play a bit of elite amateur golf for a few years yet to see how I go," he said. "My goal is to make the cut. If I can make the weekend, it would be awesome."

After his win in the Concord Cup last month, Fuller said he had learnt one or two secrets on conquering the Tom Doak-redesigned layout.

"The course suits my eye. If you can get off the tee well, you'll always be in good shape."

Former NSW Open winners include Peter Lonard, Craig Parry, Jack Newton and Kel Nagle. Greg Norman made the NSW Open his own during the 1980s winning four.