Around 30 players had qualified for a shot at the money at the modified Par 3 18^th hole on the day but when I arrived they were all out on the course playing a round of nine holes.

While I waited for the players to arrive at the 18^th, I was chatting to a few people in the clubhouse bar.

Among them were two officials from Tourism and Events Queensland, who partnered with Golf Australia and the Queensland government to put on the tournament in the year of Queensland Outback Tourism.

They told me how much they were loving the concept which took place over six weekends in Roma, Charleville, Longreach, Winton and Boulia before finishing in Mount Isa. They told me they were not just enjoying the lovely weather in the Outback at this time of year but also the hospitality they received and the interaction between the locals and tourists.

That last point, they said, was the key to successful repeat tourism in the Outback.

People needed to forge connections that would eventually lead the friendships and return visits.

When the players did finally get to the 18^th and were interviewed as they teed off by MC Steve Allison, they all made the same point. They all loved the idea of the tournament but they also loved the fun they had, the people they met and the memories they created of each of the towns they played in.

And although no-one won the coveted million bucks, it was clear they would all come back for more if it happened again.

That's exactly what will happen in 2020.

At the end of the 2019 event Golf Australia announced the locations for the 2020 challenge: including Biloela, Charleville, Quilpie, Blackall, Hughenden and Longreach (which hosts the million dollar challenge).

Mount Isa, sadly, misses out but the bonds made this weekend will stand the city in good stead and I would be very surprised if those who played did not return to our wonderful region at some time in the future.