Shilling to give cup defence his best shot

Geraldton golfer Peter Shilling will attempt to become just the second player to successfully defend their Wittenoom Cup title when the Albany Golf Club's major tournament culminates this weekend.

Shilling last year etched his name on the long honour roll when he emulated the feat of his father David, who claimed the title 45 years before and will return along with Brenda Wittenoom Open winner, Boyup Brook's Jann Mead.

Shilling prevailed in a thrilling finish by a shot over Albany's Greg Dellar while Mead survived a-slip up on the final hole to win the open in her second attempt.

Albany golfer Murray Adams is the only winner to successfully defend the title in the 88 years of the Wittenoom Cup carnival, a feat he achieved in 2013.

The Wittenoom Cup and Brenda Wittenoom Open are two separate events, but will be played together on the picturesque Albany Golf Club course over 36 holes on Saturday and Sunday, bringing to an end the 10-day carnival which started last Friday.

Club golf director Ian Redmond said a total of 576 players had entered across the carnival.

He said a quality field of 144 men would contest the Wittenoom Cup while 96 ladies would vie for the Brenda Wittenoom Open, which has been contested since 2003.

A total of 1856 rounds of golf are played over the carnival.