McDowell said a change in date – from October to March – and a reduction in handicap for A grade would add intrigue to the four-round tournament, which starts on Saturday.

The top tier will feature golfers with handicaps between zero and seven – it used to go up to nine –  with the top nine performers to advance to the final day’s play.

“Caleb Perry is the defending champion and is in pretty good form after the weekend, winning at Rosebud, and his brother Jhett is in good form too,” McDowell said.

“Will Mackenzie is another junior who is playing well.”

McDowell said experienced trio Jarrod Fary, Chris White and Alistair Gillin would challenge the next generation.

“There is a bit of depth at the club now,” he said.