Ambrose ready to tee off.

Defending V8 Supercar Champion Marcos Ambrose will be involved in some "driving" of a different kind in North Queensland this week.

After a successful test in his Pirtek Falcon, Ambrose will play in the Minneccon and Burke Queensland Masters Pro-Am at the Willows Golf Course in Townsville.

He will then play caddy for Goulburn Golf Club's resident professional and good friend, Chris Travers, on Thursday and Friday.

Ambrose, who moved to Queensland three years ago to join Stone Brothers Racing, only took up the game 12 months ago, but is already down to a handicap in the low teens.

He is a member at Goulburn, but plays as regularly as he can on the Gold Coast at either The Grand or at Sanctuary Cove.

"Golf has become a real passion for me and to have the chance to play in the Pro-Am this week will be great," said Ambrose.

"I am also looking forward to walking a couple of rounds with Chris and hopefully seeing him make the cut.

"I am out on the course every chance I get and have managed to work my handicap down, but there is plenty more improvement yet."

Ambrose, who is currently leading the 2004 V8 Supercar Championship Series, also has a personal sponsorship with Srixon Golf and will be using his new Srixon 302 irons this week.

Masters Tournament promoter Don Matheson said he was delighted to have one of Australia's highest profile sportsmen as part of his event.

"Marcos is a very keen golfer with a goal to lower his handicap to eight," said Matheson.

"He is under the watchful eye of Australia's leading PGA Teaching Professional Mark Gibson

Gibson has been more than impressed with his student's progress during their regular sessions at Lakelands on the Gold Coast.

"Marcos shows enormous skills and ability and has achieved a lot in a short period of time while he maintains a very busy schedule," said Gibson.