GOLFER Matt Giles of Cronulla says he is looking forward to teeing off with a home course advantage at the Australian Open.
The pinnacle event of the Australian PGA started on Thursday today at the Australian Open Golf Club in Rosebery.
Giles was crowned junior world champion in 2006, the same year he was the Leader Sportstar of the Year.
Giles returned from the US in September, 2013.
"Any time you get a chance to play your own course or a place that you know well, it gives you a sense of calm and confidence," he said.
His grandfather got him started as a junior at Cronulla Golf Club.
Giles, 25, showed great promise competing in the club's pennants team.
"My dad is still a member there [at Cronulla] and when I can, it is still great to go out and have a hit there with him on a Sunday afternoon," Giles said.
As a youngster Giles was a familiar face at Woolooware Golf Club with resident teaching professional Barry Bent as his coach.
In 2004, as a 15-year-old, Giles, was awarded with a membership at The Australian Golf Club as part of the Jack Newtown Foundation.
How do you think Matt Giles will go in the Australian Open?
