It is one of the quintessential moments of Australian cinema when Dennis Denuto utters the immortal line “It’s just the vibe of the thing” during the 1997 film The Castle.
In that case, the fictional lawyer is discussing the constitution, however, he could well have been describing what makes the Sandbelt Invitational special.
In fact, the “vibe” was one of 2022 victor Cam Davis’ takeaways from the event.
“To be honest I think most of the guys in the states already know that the Sandbelt is one of the best places in the world to play golf,” he told Golf Australia magazine when asked what message he will spread about the event when back in America.
“I am just going to tell them, if you want to play the best golf courses in the world, play four different ones over four straight days, in a really relaxed environment, a really cool place to be and a really cool vibe to the tournament.
“There is no reason why you shouldn’t come over and at least give it one go. I would love to see more guys playing in it, but at the same time this week there were a lot of good players and it was just a really cool vibe to be a part of.”
Those good players included runner-up Momoka Kobori, who went down by one and won the women’s pro section by 20 shots. Up and comers like David Micheluzzi and Louis Dobbelaar. Amateurs like Amelia Harris, the women’s winner. Plus, the tournament host Geoff Ogilvy.
Ogilvy and Mike Clayton are to thank for the tournament, and the “vibe” that is so positive and extends well beyond the quality of player.

There is the diversity for starters.
Men and women compete with each other and in their own “flights” and play alongside the young amateurs to offer a chance for learning.
Some mix constantly during the rounds, some less so, but all walk away smiling from the experience regardless of score.
Then there are the four courses in the rotation – Kingston Heath, Royal Melbourne, Yarra Yarra, Peninsula Kingswood.
Players treated to four of the best courses in the country, setup as if it was Sunday of the Australian Open.
There are no ropes, of course, with the walking fan treated to a close up look at some of the best players in the world and some who might be in the future.
The relaxed atmosphere leading players to engage more freely if the crowd can strike up the nerve.
If you’re with the lead groups, you’ll likely sight Clayton walking the fairways talking to anyone and everyone about the course, the event, players, or just golf in general, as he prepares to write his daily yarn on the tournament at the conclusion of play.
It’s probably fair to think of him as the Vibe-creator In Chief rather than his official Tournament Director title.
Players, members, fans and kids mix in the clubhouses before and after the round. And it is something of a wind down feel before the Christmas break.
Sure there are bigger tournaments. More important ones too. And the Sandbelt Invitational will evolve over time.
But as of right now, it is unique, special, fun plus a whole lot more positive adjectives.
Just ask Davis.
“I think it will only get bigger and better if more guys turn up, but it was already a really good tournament.”
Or more simply … it’s just the vibe of the thing.
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