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Event News
Pace Confirmed For the RACV Ladies Masters
The 33-year-old is a confirmed starter at RACV Royal Pines Resort from the 12 to 15 February, the 26th staging of the event.
The Rolex Ranked World No. 31 had a fantastic 2014 capturing her first LPGA victory in October at the Blue Bay LPGA in China and finishing 38th on the LPGA Money List with US$467,559.
October turned out to be a month to remember for the talented South African as the week before she won her first LPGA title, she won her first national open, the Cell C Women's South African Open in a playoff. It was the Pace's ninth Ladies European Tour.
"To win my national open in front of family and friends was so special. I actually didn't want to travel straight to China for the Blue Bay LPGA event, but it turned out to be another great week for me, to win my first LPGA title was surreal." Pace said from South Africa.
Pace, whose best finish at the Ladies Masters was equal fifth back in 2011, will be looking to get 2015 off on the right foot.
"I love the Gold Coast, it reminds me so much of home in South Africa, so it is a great place to start 2015."
"I am looking forward to seeing the changes at the Royal Pines layout, it will be interesting playing 9 new holes and 9 of the old."
Tournament Chairman Bob Tuohy said he was thrilled to welcome Lee-Anne back to the RACV Royal Pines Resort as she brings a lot of good golf to the RACV Ladies Masters and no doubt be in the mix on the final day.
Pace joins defending champion, American Cheyenne Woods in the field with more high profile players to be confirmed in coming weeks.
Tickets for the RACV Ladies Masters are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.au with children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult.
Members of RACV, RACQ, NRMA, RAASA, RACWA, RACT, RANT and NZAA will receive free entry plus one guest by presenting their membership card at the entrance gate.
Burns wins Australia's Richest
With the event celebrating its 35th Anniversary, the Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro-Am is one of the longest running Pro-Ams in the country. It's $60,000 prize purse also makes it one of the richest event's in the PGA's history bringing the likes of Rod Pampling, Steven Bowditch, Marc Leishman, Michael Sim and Rachel Hetherington to the Wynnum layout.
"We are extremely proud to have so many great players come back to play our event each year, showing that our commitment over a long period of time is appreciated amongst the professional ranks" said co-naming rights sponsor Doug Barton.
"We are very proud to have the likes of Peter Senior, Andre Stolz, Terry Price and Peter McWhinney win our tournament over the years and we can't help but feel some type of ownership seeing them win around the world after starting from humble beginnings."
Brad Burns, a prolific winner on the QLD Sunshine Tour with more than 30 victories made birdies on five of his first six holes and with further birdies on his 8th, 10th, 11th and 13th holes, found himself 9 under par through just 13 holes. Two bogies in his closing holes including one at the last, saw him card a 62 and win by 2 shots from Jason Norris.
"No one is more surprised than myself. I have played here dozens of times and never really putted any good though today they dropped, to the point that the hole felt as big as a bucket" said Burns.
"Full credit must go to Mick Power and Doug Barton. Their dedication to professional golf over the last 35 years is unbelievable and myself, and all of the professionals are forever indebted for their commitment."
For many of the PGA Professionals, Wednesday's Oxley Pro Am will be their next stop, while others will venture to Noosa Springs for the first stage of PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School in an effort to secure playing rights for 2015.
For all scores from the Bartons/BMD Wynnum Pro-Am please click here
For all QLD Sunshine Tour events on the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series please click here
Chalmers wins Australian PGA in epic playoff
Starting the day seven shots off the lead Chalmers fired a final round 8-under 64 to end regulation play tied for the lead with Adam Scott and Wade Ormsby on 11-under 277.
"It was an epic day, I honestly didn't think I'd be sitting here at this point today with the quality of the guys leading the tournament and doing well," said Chalmers.
The trio headed down the 18th hole three times before South Australian Ormsby dropped out of the race.
It took another four holes before Chalmers emerged victorious with a par over Scott who made bogey.
"I just wasn't sure Scotty was ever going to hit a loose shot," said Chalmers.
"I was trying to drive it in the fairway; I kept driving it in every bunker."
"I thought if I'm going to lose this, I want to lose to a birdie."
"It's a shame sometimes that that doesn't work out that way, that someone makes birdie and makes something spectacular but I'm very pleased to be the champion again."
The key for Chalmers in the playoff today was not to panic.
"My style of golf is never going to be an Adam Scott style of golf," added Chalmers.
"I hit it off line, I don't panic. I'm going to hit it off line, I did it all week and I did it sometimes today, but I have a short game that I hold in pretty decent regard."
"I thought just keep making someone win it and today it turns out that a mistake was made and I'm on the trophy."
With his win Chalmers also sealed the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit earning him starts in the World Golf Championship – Cadillac Championship, Nedbank Golf Challenge and The Open Championship, which he was already exempt into.
The timing couldn't be better with Chalmers having only conditional status on the PGA TOUR for 2015.
"I lost my status in the States this year, I don't have full status next year so I think this, winning the Order of Merit in Australia helps me," added Chalmers.
"I'm forever thankful to our Tour here for those kinds of exemptions, it's very important for players and gives us a lot of chances."
"I like to come back because I love Australia and I'm conscious of the idea that every career has a pathway."
"My pathway started right here. So I think it's somewhat, not an obligation but just something, I think it's the right thing to do."
Adam Scott was disappointed to have finished the year without a win on home soil acknowledging his failure to capitalise on his opportunities today.
"I just didn't hit good enough shots in the play-offs and it's frustrating to not win when I hit so many good drives and had so many wedges and only made one birdie," said Scott.
"I'm ready for a break. I'm certainly going to enjoy this one.""Unfortunately not exactly how I wanted to end the year, but you know, hopefully onto bigger and better things next year."
The least experienced of the playoff trio, Ormsby looked at the positives in his round including a brilliant chip in birdie on the last regulation hole to earn a place in the playoff.
"It was nice to get in the play-off there. I didn't think I was going to get in and I got myself in it but yeah, a little bit disappointed," said Ormsby.
The Australian PGA Championship caps off another successful year for the PGA Tour of Australasia which has seen 15 tournaments contested, in four countries for more than AU$7.8million in prize money.
2014 saw 15 individual Professionals from four countries win titles which included eight first time champions.The PGA Tour of Australasia will next week host more than 180 hopefuls at first stage Qualifying School as they look to earn status for the 2015 season.
For all final results from the Australian PGA Championship please click here.
For the final PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit please click here.
Pee Wee Pennants win to Coolangatta Tweed
Coolangatta Tweed beat Surfers Paradise 22–14 in the final, which was played over 12 holes at Carrara Gardens on Sunday. Carrara Gardens, a short 12-hole course, was deemed perfect as the venue for the inaugural Gold Coast final.
According to Golf Queensland's Participation Development Officer Lee Harrington, Pee Wee Pennants is a fun, friendly junior team matchplay competition designed to engage juniors aged from five to 12 years.
"Pee Wee Pennants is an initiative of Golf Queensland and developed as a pathway program from clubs engaging juniors in the MYGolf program," she said.
"A version of this concept was trialled last year and at the moment Golf Queensland is steadily tweaking the product and rolling it out slowly to other districts throughout Queensland. Golf Australia is aware of the program and looking at its potential as a national program.
"To date SEQDGA and Gold Coast have been the two pilot districts to run a series, but expansion is planned for 2015."
Ms Harrington said the engagement of the entire family was another great benefit of the Pee Wee pennants matches.
"Spectators at matches are usually parents, friends, siblings and grandparents, and they far outweigh competitor numbers, and this conditioned players to perform under this spectator pressure," she revealed.
Clubs involved in the recent Gold Coast series were Royal Pines, Emerald Lakes, Gold Coast Country Club, Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta-Tweed Head and Palm Meadows.
A five-week program was conducted between the clubs every Sunday afternoon. The budding golfers played on a shortened nine-hole course of 100 metre par 3s, 150m par 4s and 200m par 5s.
In Pee Wee Pennants teams are awarded one point for winning a hole, half a point for a square and no points if a hole is lost. Each team plays the full nine holes - or 12 in the case of the final - and each hole counts towards the final team score.
Clubs play a team of six juniors under a two-person Ambrose matchplay competition. Both boys and girls are eligible and all of them have a caddy. The caddy is usually a parent or grandparent, although some teams have utilised other juniors to caddy for their mates.
Photo: Members of the winning Coolangatta Tweed Pee Wee Pennants team were (from the left) William Thorogood, Ben Adams, Kaleb Hughes, Sam Adams, William O'Brian, Billy Muldoon, Sean Hughes and Lachlan Walkom.
Spring and Davidson win at Queensland Boys' and Girls' Amateur
After violent storms left Indooroopilly Golf Club unplayable, Virginia and Nudgee Golf Clubs played host. More storms threatened over the initial two days of play but with an exceptional pace of play set by the field of under four hours, both rounds were completed.
The first two rounds saw some great golf with Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) leading the way with an opening three-under 70 at Virginia and Karis Davidson a one-under 71 at Nudgee on day two.
New Caledonian visitor Hugo Denis returned the best score at Virginia with a two-under 69. The round of the tournament came from Joel Stahlhut (Goondiwindi) with a withering five-under 66, dampened only by his closing two bogeys. Jack Poutney (Coffs Harbour) also played impressively for a 68 at Nudgee.
The 36 hole cut was made for both championships with 51 boys and 26 girls making it through to the final 2 rounds on Wednesday at Virginia, where they were greeted with clearing skies and no chance of inclement weather.
In the Girls' Amateur, the field was bunched after the morning round with Davidson and Stacey White (Pacific) tied on one-under after 54 holes. A shot further back were Rebecca Kay and Jiwon Jeon (Hills). With a blistering five-under on the front nine, Davidson put a five shot gap between herself and the field, as Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe) moved into second with Kay, after making the turn three-under par.
Dropped shots early on the back nine brought Davidson back a little but with none of her closest rivals making a substantially positive move coupled with a tap in birdie on the 16th, she cruised to a four shot victory. The final round 68 (-5) presented Australia's top ranked junior with her first Queensland Girls' Championship.
The final results saw Jiwon Jeon (Hills) finish second and Stacey White (Pacific) third. Sanctuary Cove's Joy Mannix claimed the 14-Years-and-Under title from Darcy Habgood (Toowoomba).
The Boys' Amateur was also a close affair after 54 holes with Hugo Denis holding a one-shot lead over Kodie Koski (Caloundra) and Riley Taylor (Casino), who were two of eight players to return third round 69's. The best morning score was Tsukasa Maki (Hills) with 68.
It was a nervous start for all players in the final three groups, with none playing the front nine under par; however Denis still clung to his lead. A mid round charge by New Zealander Henry Spring had him three-under through 13 holes and firmly in contention.
Spring and Taylor headed to the par 4 17th hole for the playoff and after good drives, both players missed the green to end up in the front right bunker. After Taylor struck his bunker too firmly, he was left with a 35 foot chip which he then left six feet past the hole. Spring played his bunker shot better and had a 12 foot putt for the Championship, which he calmly holed to become the first New Zealand winner of the Queensland Boys' Amateur.
Finishing in third was Peter Lyon (Southport) on 286 with overnight leader Hugo Denis finishing 4th also on 286. The 14-Years-and-Under winner was Louis Dobbelaar (Royal Queensland) with a 290 total with the runner up being Joshua Wellwood (Lakelands) on 294.
Rae Clark wins at Queensland Sport Awards
The 20th Annual Queensland Sport Awards Presentation was held last night, with Rae Clarke being presented with the highly esteemed Service to Sport Award for 2014.
After beginning her career in the golf industry in 1984 behind the bar at McLeod Golf Club, Rae has been involved in all aspects of the industry including being a General Manager of McLeod Golf Club for more than a decade.
Finishing at McLeod in the mid 90's, Rae moved into the role of CEO of the Queensland Ladies Golf Union, managing all facets of the coordination of women in the sport throughout the Sunshine State until 2001.
Following a brief stint at Nudgee Golf Club before taking her current position as CEO of the Greg Norman Golf Foundation, a role occupied for almost 13 years, Rae has been the driving force behind turning 'Little fish into Sharks' harbouring some of our state's superstars such as Adam Scott, Jason Day and Karrie Webb.
Rae has been one of Queensland's most prominent female sports administrators for over 30 years and is a very worthy recipient of the 2014 Queensland Service to Sport Award.
Congratulations must also go to Virginia Irwin, who was a finalist for the Sport Coach of the Year Award, and the Queensland Girls' State Team, who were finalists in the Junior Team of the Year Award.
Spieth victorious at the Emirates Australian Open
Spieth fired an impressive course record 8-under 63 in the final round to ensure his name is etched on the Stonehaven Cup with a tournament total of 13-under 271.
"What an incredible honour to put my name on here," said Spieth who won the title by six shots.
"With these conditions the golf course is very difficult. It's definitely the best round I have ever played and the best win I have ever had."
"Being able to spread out from the field was a pretty awesome experience."
Starting the day tied for the lead with Greg Chalmers and Brett Rumford, Spieth put on a master class to win his second Professional title.
"I didn't think the round was out there but the putts just kept going in, boy we had a good time out there today," said Spieth who with this win moves to 11th on the Official World Golf Rankings.
Spieth was excited to have won on international soil and is already looking forward to returning to Sydney next year to defend his title.
"It's been an incredible week from the moment we got here," added Spieth.
"I love Australia, the fans were fantastic and the golf course was in top shape."
"What an experience, one that I will never forget."
"I am for sure going to be coming back to Australia."
Rod Pampling finished outright second on 7-under 277, Brett Rumford outright third on 6-under 278 and Greg Chalmers outright fourth on 5-under 279.
Thanks to their finish at the Emirates Australian Open the trio have secured a place at The Open Championship which will be played at St Andrews in 2015.
"It's fantastic to qualify. I think it's an awesome venue and obviously it's the Home of Golf. I love links and I am definitely looking forward to it," said Pampling.
"It's been a tremendous week and this is real positive to take out of the week. It's of huge significance that it's at St Andrews," said Rumford.
"I'm really excited for me and my family. I will take everybody over to go to St Andrews. I'm really proud of myself and very pleased to earn this spot in The Open," said Chalmers.
Adam Scott rounded out the top-5 with a tournament total of 4-under 280 while defending champion and World Number 1 Rory McIlroy finished at 2-over the card, tied 15th.
The PGA Tour of Australasia now heads to Riverside Oaks Golf Resort for the NSW PGA Championship to be played from 4-7 December.
The 2015 Order of Merit will then be decided at the season ending Australian PGA Championship to be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from 11-14 December.
For the full PGA Tour of Australasia schedule please click here.
For the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit please click here.
Cullen now an Australian Masters Champ
South Australian Nick Cullen has won the 2014 BetEasy Masters at Metropolitan Golf Club.Starting the day two shots off the lead, Cullen fired an impressive 3-under 69 for a tournament total of 9-under 279.
Cullen won the title by just one shot from defending champion Adam Scott, New South Welshman James Nitties and Victorian Josh Younger.
"You always think about winning and you want to win. You envision it but to be sitting here is just unreal," said Cullen in his winner's media conference.
"I wanted to play better, to contend a little bit, be close, but to win the event with guys like Adam Scott and Geoff Ogilvy playing is unreal."
Walking onto the 18th with a one shot lead, Cullen put his approach shot into the bunker, playing one of the best sand shots of his life he had a short par putt to seal the title.
"I hit a great bunker shot and got lucky; I didn't have a very long putt on the last," added Cullen.
"I am glad it wasn't any longer, I was nervous enough over that."
"I was trying to concentrate; I knew Adam was one shot back, so I didn't really want to go into a playoff with him if it came to that."
A relieved and emotional winner, Cullen has secured the biggest win of his career, collecting a pay cheque of AU$180,000 to go with his gold jacket."Before this week I didn't have any status locked up on any Tour, so to have a win and make a little bit of money is fantastic," said Cullen who now has status on the PGA Tour of Australasia for the remainder of 2014 and the following five years.
"It's more of a relief than anything; it's been a bit of a struggle this year to say the least so to have a win is just an amazing feeling."
In 2013, Cullen claimed the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Thanks to the PGA Tour of Australasia being a part of the International Federation of PGA Tours, Cullen also receives an exemption into the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational next August.
Adam Scott put up a solid title defence however a first round 1-over 73 proved too much to overcome in his quest for a third consecutive Australian Masters title.
"It's hard to win a tournament, let alone three years in a row," said Scott.
"Defending was a big thrill for me, but it is very difficult to show up and win every year, it doesn't happen very much."
"Unfortunately I think Thursday was a bit costly for me, I was playing better than that but it is what it is."
Rounding out the top-5 on the leaderboard on 7-under 281 were Matthew Griffin (VIC), Aron Price (NSW), Adam Bland (SA) and Paul Spargo (SA).
The round of the day belonged to Rhein Gibson who shot a course record equalling round of 7-under 65 to finish tied 9th with Robert Allenby on 6-under 282.
For all final round scores please click here.
The PGA Tour of Australasia now travels to Sydney for the Emirates Australian Open to be played at The Australian Golf Club from 27-30 November.
For the full PGA Tour of Australasia schedule please click here.
Katrina Jones wins Australian Mid Am Championship
By Golf Australia
And for newly crowned Australian Mid Amateur champions John McMiles and Katrina Jones, the saying has never been more apt.
Golf, as life itself, is all about timing.
The pair came from the clouds to win their respective divisions yesterday as the field battled sweltering heat at Lynwood Country Club in Sydney's north-west.
McMiles had begun the final round seven shots adrift of runaway leader Paul Bucan, of the Royal Fremantle Golf Club, but stormed home to win his first national title by a stroke.
The Liverpool Golf Club member immediately fired in four birdies to pull level by the time they turned for the final nine when Bucan made a calamitous double-bogey seven up the ninth hole.
McMiles, 38, later admitted to sneaking a peak at the leaderboard at the turn – and that's when the fun really began.
"I did realise at that point that I was suddenly level with Paul … I hadn't really expected to be there after where we started and he'd been playing so well," McMiles said.
"Then we just played an up-and-down sort of back nine and I think we exchanged the lead three times (amid) a few mistakes."
McMiles made three bogeys and a double on the back nine, but was able to mix in two birdies at the critical junctures.
Bucan, however, after eight birdies in his first 44 holes, couldn't find one at all on the back nine and a bogey on the par-five 16th meant he relinquished the lead for the last time.
McMiles calmly parred the final hole for a 71 and a one-shot victory over the West Australian on a total score of 218, while Royal Canberra's Andrew Tharle fired a 74 to finish third on 222.
"We both battled up the 17th, but I was really happy to play a solid 18th and get the win – I'm really happy and excited to have done it."
A very similar drama unfolded in the women's event.
Queenslander Jones began the day five shots behind overnight leader Gemma Dooley, but made birdies on the 16th and 17th hole, turning up the pressure on the New South Welshwoman with an equal tournament low 74 to finish at 236 for the three rounds.
And just as Jones, who also won the title in 2011, caught fire, Dooley cooled off – dramatically.
Dooley, made a double-bogey on the par-four 11th hole, and couldn't recover with three more bogeys in succession immediately afterwards and another on the 16th to lose the outright lead for the first time since round one.
She finished with two pars for an 80 and 237 overall, but it was not enough to reel in Jones, with Lynwood member Catherine Coates (77) a further four shots back in third.
In the state teams event, Queensland (Damien Jordan, Brett Monahan and Katrina Jones) and New South Wales (Jay Wooster, John McMiles and Gemma Dooley) were joint winners.
Proverbs secures European Tour invite
Proverbs held off a spirited challenge from compatriot Kevin Yuan for a one-stroke victory on Sunday in the flagship tournament in China for amateur golfers.
The 18-year-old from Queensland receives a start in the 2015 Volvo China Open, which has been co-sanctioned by the European Tour since 2003.
Proverbs carded a final-round 71 to finish at 2-over-par 290(76-72-71-71) on the tricky Greg Norman course at Mission Hills Golf Club in Dongguan, southeast China.
After finishing third last year, Proverbs was delighted to get his hands on the China Amateur Open trophy. "I'm so excited. I tried to win last year, but I've done the job this time. Although I made two bogeys in the beginning, I just played safely because the course is tough.
"Now I'm looking forward to the China Open as I've never played on the European Tour."
In the women's competition, Elizabeth Elmassian from New South Wales claimed her maiden international title by two shots. She fired three consecutive rounds of 4-over 76 for a 12-over-par tally on the Norman layout.
"To win the China Amateur Open means everything for me. I played very well apart from the 17th hole (where she made a quadruple bogey). I just stuck to my strategy," said Elmassian, who receives an invitation to play in the 2014 China Women's Open in December.
Cheyenne Woods set to defend RACV Ladies Masters title
Woods captured her first major professional victory earlier this year at RACV Royal Pines when she held off Australian teenage sensation Minjee Lee.
Woods said, "I am excited about returning to the Gold Coast. The reception I received from the Australian fans earlier this year is in my memory forever."
"This will be the first time I return to a tournament as the defending champion, so it will be a totally new experience for me, but I'm looking forward it."
Tournament Chairman Bob Tuohy confirmed that RACV had stepped up its commitment to women's golf, assuming the solo naming rights sponsorship for the 2015 RACV Ladies Masters to be played from 12 to 15 February. The event will again be co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf and celebrate its 26th year since inception in 1990.
The 2015 RACV Ladies Masters is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, J Golf Korea, The City of Gold Coast and Thrifty and will be broadcast nationally by ABC Sport on Saturday 14th February and Sunday 15th February, live to Sky New Zealand and J Golf Korea with a total global household reach of in excess of 145,000,000.
Mr Tuohy paid tribute to all event stakeholders and co-sanction partners and in particular, the ongoing commitment RACV has made to the event and golf in general.
"RACV is once again hosting the PGA Championship of Australia later this year, then hosting and sponsoring the RACV Ladies Masters at what has become the home of championship golf in Queensland."
"RACV has completed the first-stage of the redeveloped the Royal Pines course and when it is completed in 2015 it will no doubt be acclaimed by the tour players and golf public as a world-class championship venue."
RACV Managing Director and CEO Colin Jordan said "RACV is delighted to be both sponsoring and hosting this fantastic women's golf event at RACV Royal Pines. This year, players and spectators at the RACV Ladies Masters will be the first to experience the new front nine layout designed by Graham Marsh, the initial phase of our commitment to provide a world-class championship course and to offer quality facilities for our members and guests."
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the city was honoured to host an event with such a long and prestigious history.
"The line-up for the 2015 Ladies Masters shows a seriously competitive field and I really look forward to welcoming the players and seeing some quality golf played next February," he said.
"This is one of our major sporting events that helps to put the Gold Coast on the world stage, being broadcast to an extensive local and international reach of golf fans from a world class venue."
Karen Lunn, Executive Director of the ALPG said "It is great news to have the defending champion committed to the RACV Ladies Masters for 2015, Cheyenne has been a great ambassador for the tournament. On behalf of the co-sanction partners ALPG and LET, I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to RACV for their continued commitment to the Ladies Masters and for taking on the title sponsorship of the event in 2015. RACV Royal Pines Resort has over the years established itself as a world class facility and tournament venue, and the recent upgrades to both the resort and the golf course will only add to the prestige of the event moving forward.
Tickets for the RACV Ladies Masters are on sale at Ticketmaster.com.au with children under 16 free if accompanied by an adult.
Members of RACV, RACQ, NRMA, RAASA, RACWA, RACT, RANT and NZAA will receive free entry plus one guest by presenting their membership card at the entrance gate.
Playgolf WEEK kicks off
It's no secret that many of Australia's top athletes and business people rush to the golf course whenever they have a spare moment.If you've ever wondered why, here's your chance to find out.
Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting, a self-confessed golf nut, has encouraged everyone to get involved in Playgolf WEEK when it tees off today.
"I'm an unashamed golf tragic and reckon everyone should experience the enjoyment of playing golf," Ponting said.
"Nothing beats getting out in the fresh air on a golf course and trying to improve your game -- a game that you can share with family and friends, a game that you meet so many new people that become friends and above all, it's a game that absolutely gets you in.
"I hope everyone takes the opportunity to get to a Playgolf WEEK venue and have a hit. It's going to be fantastic."
Participating Playgolf WEEK facilities will hold a "Come & Try Day" on Sunday, November 23, to cap a big week.
Activities on this day include the use of a practice range, tips from professionals, clinics, putting competitions, sausage sizzles, and wine tasting -- something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned golfer or someone who has never tried the game.
Facilities are also promoting other offers during the week such as 2-for-1 playing vouchers, discounted memberships and buy one lesson get one free.
There are plenty of prizes on offer for those who can't get to a Playgolf WEEK centre. One lucky person will drive away in an Audi A1 valued at $36,000, while seven runners up will tee off with a set of Cobra Golf Bio Cell Irons and Puma Formstripe Bag valued at more than $900.
Be in with the chance to win $500 cash when you show your love of golf and upload a photo to social media and #playgolfweek, or win a pair of Oakley Sunglasses valued at $200 instantly if you get the Golden Ball at one the 12 facilities participating in the Golden Ball promotion.
Visit www.playgolf.com.auto find your nearest Playgolf WEEK centre, and for further information about the prizes on offer.
Isuzu Queensland Open wins at Ipswich Sports Awards
The Ipswich Sports Awards aims to recognise and reward sportspersons, administrators and events for excellence in performance and commitment to sport in Ipswich, with the nominee list showcasing the top sporting talent in the region.
Golf Queensland's Golf Operations Manager, Luke Bates, said it was an honour for the event to be recognised in this way by the Ipswich City Council.
"Thanks must be given to Isuzu, Brookwater Golf and Country Club, Ipswich City Council and the PGA Tour of Australasia for their support in bringing the event back to the calendar," Mr Bates said.
"The Isuzu Queensland Open also recognises the support of the local community through volunteering, attending the event and being involved in come and try golf activities."
The Isuzu Queensland Open was held at Brookwater Golf and Country Club from 22-25 August 2013.
The Championship was returning to the PGA Tour of Australasia calendar after last being played in 2007. It was the first time Brookwater Golf and Country Club had hosted an event of this calibre and the course proved to be a fitting Championship venue.
Over 5,100 spectators enjoyed the four-day Championship that not only provided the community with some fantastic entertainment but a sense of pride to be the home of such a historical event.
More than 1,000 children were involved in activities held throughout the region promoting the game of golf and the Isuzu Queensland Open.
Honour Board:
Sportsperson of the Year: Jarrod Harvey
Junior sportsperson of the Year: Larissa Chambers
Lifetime Achievement: Rita Langer
Sporting Association of the Year: Ipswich Hockey Association
Coach of the Year: Theresa Stolberg
Volunteer of the Year: Wendy Spencer
Sports administrator of the Year: Jodie Elder
Sports official of the Year: Raeline Johnson
Sporting event of the Year: 2013 Isuzu Golf Open
Sports team of the Year: Ipswich Falcons touch under-14 boys
Masters sportsperson of the Year: Brian Cook
Corporate sponsor of the Year: The Coffee Club
Sporting excellence: Ashleigh Barty, Shane Watson, Ali Brigginshaw, Natalie Dwyer, Jordyn Holzberger, Deborah Acason, Keryn McMaster, Ash Walsh
Special presentations: Brendan Bowers for his work with the Ipswich Sports House and regional sport, Queensland Times sports editor David Lems for 30 years dedication to regional sport and Rosemary Potter (Milgate) for donating prized sports memorabilia to the city.
Puckett Secures Second Women's Senior Title
Robyn defeated seven time champion Sylvia Donohue from NSW to secure her second Australian Women's Senior Amateur title.
Puckett last won the Championship back in 2010 and since that time has been a semi-finalist on two occasions.
The match remained close throughout the opening nine holes, with Puckett and Donohoe all square as they teed off the 10th hole.
However it was then Puckett made her move winning the next 3 holes to take her to 3 up through 12.
Donohoe continued to put up a tough fight the however Puckett was too strong, taking the match 3 and 1.
The Championship is not Puckett's first National title in Tasmania. She won the Australian Junior Championship at Kingston Beach Golf Club in 1964.
Puckett was thrilled with her second Women's Senior title and cannot believe she has done it again.
"I'm absolutely over-the-top. When I won in 2010 at Commonwealth it was fantastic but to win this year, I just can't believe it. As you get older, it gets harder and I didn't think I could do it again."
Next year's event will be played at Gosnells Golf Club in Western Australia on 26 – 30 October 2015.
Championship – Robyn Puckett (Qld) bt Sylvia Donohoe (NSW) 3&1
New Age Veterans Flights – P Jeffery (ACT) bt L Urquhart (Qld) 2up
Veterans Flight – J Harley (Vic) bt T Hoile (WA) 7&6
Super Veterans Flight – L Proud (Tas) bt D Lloyd (WA) 3&2
Super Veterans Plus Flight – S Pappas (Vic) bt M Leary (Tas) 1up
Smith finishes T5 at CIMB Classic
With American David Lipsky and India's Anirban Lahiri, the current top-two, finishing a lowly 75th and 52nd at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, the leading trio made up ground with some wonderful finishes in the final round.
The talented Smith shot a four-under-par 68 for a 12-under-par 276 total to finish in tied fifth place, five shots behind champion Ryan Moore at the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA TOUR.
The impressive finish, which was his sixth straight top-10 on the Asian Tour, saw him earn US$266,000 and shot him up to fourth position on the Order of Merit with US$427,476, some US$250,000 behind Lipsky.
With their top-10 results, they also earned exemptions into next week's PGA TOUR stop in Mississippi, which the 21-year-old Smith has taken with both hands.
Special Olympics National Games Golf Competition
Of these aforementioned athletes, 32 participants competed in the 3 day golf competition held at the picturesque Par 72 Albert Park Golf Course from Tuesday 21st October to Thursday 23rd October.
The competition consisted of three levels of Special Olympic competition i.e. Level 5 – 18 Hole Single Stroke, Level 4 – 9 Hole Single Stroke and Level 2 – 9 Hole Alternate Shot competition. All levels of competition contained both male and female athletes.
The Level 5 – 18 Hole Single Stroke event was to be competed over two consecutive days by a total of 7 Males and 1 Female. The Level 4 – 9 hole Stroke Competition contained 21 athletes across 3 Male Divisions and 1 Female Division. This Level 4 event was contested over three consecutive days with the best two rounds taken for final results.
The Alternate Shot competition consisted of2 male athletes who were partnered by two fine young men from St Helena High School, Mitchell Hall and Kane Ramsay, the solo female athlete was partnered by representatives from Golf Victoria in Tyson (Day 1) and Jo Charlton (Day 2. A big thank you all the partners particularly Tyson who filled in for Jo Charlton on day one due to flight delays encountered by Jo out of China.
Day One of the competition provided the athletes with a chance to release their nerves and get down to some fine golf, it obviously didn't take long with a total 29 Pars and 2 birdies being scored.
Day Two of competition saw the temperatures reach 30+ degrees and this did have some effect on the athletes from posting some solid scores across all divisions. A total of 10 Pars and 2 birdies were scored on day two.
Day Three consisted of the final round of the Level 4 – 9 hole Stroke Competition while the Level 5 and Level 2 athletes, who finished their main competition, were partnered by various external representatives for a 9 hole Ambrose competition with the cooler weather providing more comfortable weather conditions. The scores were solid across the day with a remarkable xxx Pars, 5 Birdies and 1 Eagle being shot.
The medals winners across the competition levels were as follows:
Level 5 – 18 Hole Single Stroke – Division 1 – Mixed (Handicaps 0-19)
• Gold Medal – Steve Robson (NSW) – Gross Score 169
• Silver Medal – Craig Read (NSW) – Gross Score 170
• Bronze Meday – Kate Wilson (QLD) – Gross Score 187
Level 5 – 18 Hole Single Stroke – Division 2 (Handicaps 20+)
• Gold Medal – Matt Curley (QLD) – Gross Score 196
• Silver Medal – Jacob Jones (ACT) _ Gross Score 210
• Bronze Medal – Wayne Wright (TAS) – Gross Score 231
• 4th Place – Matthew Bowen (TAS) – Gross Score 238
• 5th Place – Brian Clarke (SA) – Gross Scores 248
Level 4 – 9 Hole Single Stroke – Division 1 Male (Handicap 15 – 21)
• Gold Medal – Laim Reynolds (NSW)
• Silver Medal – Brendan Borger (QLD)
• Bronze Medal – Chad Johnson (QLD)
• 4th Place – John Griffiths (QLD)
• 5th Place – Darren Gibson (QLD)
Level 4 – 9 Hole Single Stroke – Division 2 Male (Handicap 22 -30)
• Gold Medal – Darren Tait (ACT)
• Silver Medal – Jason Russo (NSW)
• Bronze Medal – Axel Gould (QLD)
• 4th Place – Saxon Graham (NSW)
• 5th Place – Alexander Hayes (NSW)
• 6th Place – Michael Eadie (NSW)
Level 4 – 9 Hole Single Stroke – Division 3 Male (Handicap 30+)
• Gold Medal – Jayden Wright (VIC)
• Silver Medal – Antonio Di Crezcenzo (ACT)
• Bronze Medal – Dylan Price (ACT)
• 4th Place – Matthew Wheeler (NSW)
• 5th Place – Sebastian McCormick (VIC)
• 6th Place – Joe Maloney (ACT)
Level 4 – 9 Hole Single Stroke – Division 1 Female (Handicap 22+)
• Gold Medal – Amanda Patterson (QLD)
• Silver Medal – Tahli Hind (NSW)
• Bronze Medal – Morgan Mills (ACT)
• 4th Place – Gabrielle Clarke (NSW)
Level 2 – 9 Hole Alternate Shot Mixed Division
• Gold Medal – Sherrie Eadie (NSW) – Partner Tyson / Jo Charlton (Golf Vic)
• Silver Medal – Adrian Lamb (NSW) – Partner Mitchell Hall (St Helena)
• Bronze Medal – Rory Mulligan (NSW) – Partner: Kane Ramsay (St Helena)
Special Olympics would like to than the Albert Park Golf Course personnel of Sam Adams (Corporate Manager), his staff and David Diaz (Professional) for not only presenting the course in such fine condition, but who went out of their way to accommodate the needs of our athletes and support personnel. The course itself provided sufficient challenges for our athletes and the feedback from them was overwhelming on its playability. We would highly recommend this course for future competitions.
Special Olympics would also like to thank Golf Australia, Golf Victoria and Bonnie Doon Golf Club for their sponsorship and support of the event.
Celebrity Golf Day gets Australia's Olympic campaign into swing
Offering a unique corporate golf experience, the day saw supreme golfing excellence among the who's who of business and sport to fundraise for Australia's Olympic Team bound for Rio in 2016.
Thanks to the Australian PGA Championship, competing teams had the opportunity to experience life as a Tour Professional with the 18th tee transformed to emulate the first hole of the 2014 Australian PGA Championship, which will be contested on the Gold Coast in December.
"We are so excited to see golf introduced as an Olympic sport for Rio in 2016 and as an avid golfer myself, I can't wait to see the first medal awarded," said five time Olympian and President of the QOC, Natalie Cook.
"Our golfers who are selected for the inaugural team will hold a very special place in our history and we look forward to welcoming them to the Olympic family."
Against the backdrop of official PGA Championship tee signage what proved even more popular was the opportunity to be photographed holding one of the oldest trophies in Australian golf, the Kirkwood Cup.
Adorned with names like Norman Von Nida, Kel Nagle, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman and Adam Scott, it was a rare opportunity to touch a piece of sporting history.
Joining the sport and business elite was PGA Championship winner Randall Vines who after 42 years was reunited with the trophy he won in 1972 and 1973.
Golf will make its long awaited return to the Olympic program in Rio with the Australian Olympic Golf Team operating under the watchful eye of Team Leader and PGA Life Member, Ian Baker-Finch.
"The Olympics add another platform to showcase golf on the world stage and its inclusion provides significant opportunity," said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA.
"With it will come new prospects for growth at both grass roots and elite level."
The Celebrity Golf Day is run by QOC to support and fundraise for future and rising Olympic stars.
All funds raised by QOC directly supports the preparation, participation and recognition of the Australian Olympic Team.
The QOC acts as the state office of the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and provides Queensland athletes with the best opportunity to reach their highest potential and achieve the ultimate goal of representing Australia at the Olympic Games.
The Australian PGA Championship will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast from December 11-14, 2014. Tickets are currently on sale through Ticketek
Smith in dreamtime mode
When a budding sports person breaks through to reach what is generally conceded the big stage, terminology such as 'like a dream come true' and 'surreal' is commonplace.And as much as 21-year-old Queensland golfer Cameron Smith would like to be inventive and not use these well-worn clichés, he is about to live out a dream when he lines up against his childhood heroes during the upcoming Australian golf summer.
"Yes it is a dream come true, and it will be surreal being in the same field as those guys and totally unbelievable if I get to play a round of golf with them," said the youngster who has won $US160,000 in six tournaments since April.
A stellar field competing for the $US7million purse includes Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia, Billy Horschel, Brandt Snedeker, Jason Dufner, Retief Goosen, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Patrick Reed and fellow Australians Senden, Allenby and Mark Leishman.
The impressive finish, which was his sixth straight top-10 on the Asian Tour, saw him earn US$266,000 and shot him up to fourth position on the Order of Merit.
2014 Queensland Men's and Women's Amateur Championship
Queensland Women's Amateur Championship
State rivalries were revisited in the final of the Queensland Women's Amateur final on Saturday morning, when Queenslander Samantha Foley took on Shelly Shin from New South Wales.
Foley needed a good start to the afternoon but it wasn't to be, with Shin extending her lead to 3-up after 20 holes and then 4-up through 28.
With a stunning birdie on the 35th hole, Shelly Shin emerged with a 3/1 victory to claim her first Queensland Women's Amateur Championship.
Samantha Foley 4/3 defeated Robyn Choi
Robyn Choi 2up defeated Hannah Green
Samantha Foley 2/1 defeated Jaimee Dougan 2/1
Shelly Shin 2/1 defeated Kirsty Hodgkins
Ali Orchard 4/2 defeated Anna Stanton
The Men's Amateur Final was an all New South Wales affair after the last Queenslander in the draw, Medal Champion Simon Viitakangas, was defeated on the 19th by Keperra Bowl Champion Troy Moses.
Moses was on fire early, racing to a three hole lead by the fourth. It would prove to be a false indication of how the match would play out, with Smyth fighting back to level the game and lead by the 12th.
An eagle two from 140m on the 13th from Moses swung the momentum back in his favour and when he birdied the 14th, Moses was back in charge. After Smyth birdied the demanding 17th and had locked up a par on the 18th, it seemed like the men would be all square at the break.
Following the natural flow of the match, Smyth made a charge and took a two hole lead by the time the players reached the 22nd, only for Moses to reclaim an advantage by the 30th.
After trading wins on the 33rd and 34th holes, Smyth was closing in on the Championship. With the penultimate hole halved, Moses need to win the 36th to send the match to extra holes.
Travis Smyth 1up defeated Cameron Davis
Troy Moses on the 19th defeated Simon Viitakangas
Cameron Davis on the 19th defeated Jack Sullivan
Travis Smyth 2up defeated Dylan Perry
Troy Moses 1up defeated Andrew Schonewille
Simon Viitakangas on the 19th defeated Liam Anderson
Arundel Hills Country Club was presented in magnificent condition with players enjoying the challenging layout. Thank you to all the staff and members for their hospitality.
Tara's winning ways
The youngest in the field of 60 ladies, Tara was able to hold her composure to the end, returning an excellent round of 85 to win the A grade champion title and her first ever ladies open title.
Adding to her growing list of golfing achievements, Tara recently competed in the North Queensland Men's and Ladies Championship, held at Rowes Bay and Townsville Golf Clubs 4-6 October.
She was the A Grade Nett winner in round two and overall A Grade Nett winner for the three days. Again, Tara was the youngest competitor in the tournament.
Her handicap is now 12.8, with coach Kelvin Haller suggesting that with more hard work, Tara may be at a single figure handicap before the end of the year.
Tara attended Golf Queensland's Regional Junior Clinic at Mareeba Golf Club earlier this year and then went on to become a leader at the Charters Towers Mygolf Camp in July.
Each year, Golf Queensland selects two promising junior golfers to support financially in attending the Adam Scott Junior Classic held at Sanctuary Cove Golf Club. This year Tara was selected as the female golfer and will be travelling to the Gold Coast to compete in the tournament in December.
Choi wins Queensland Women's Stroke Play Championship
She was able to cope with the blustery weather after players were hampered by gusty winds in difficult conditions during the final 36 holes. Choi went on to return a third round 68 (-4) assisted by an eagle on the reachable 235 meter par 4 6th hole.
"After the final round I thought I had blown any chance I had at winning the tournament," Choi said.
Orchard finished the tournament on 293 five over for the 72 hole event. After an opening even par (72) and a second round of three under par (69),Orchard was in a commanding position heading into the final day.
Shelly Shin (Concord) finished in third on a count back after she fired rounds of 74,70,73 and 76.
The top 16 players from the Stroke Play will now progress through to compete in the Queensland Amateur Championship (Matchplay) to be held at Arundel Hills Country Club 23-25 October.
Top 16: Doey Choi, Alexandra Orchard, Shelly Shin, Eunice Kim, Jaimee Dougan, Kirsty Hodgkins, Karis Davidson, Rebecca Kay, Robyn Choi, Anna Stanton, Bianca Ling, Grace Lennon, Samantha Foley, Amy Walsh, Sarah Yamaki, Hannah Green.
The top 16 players from the stroke play will enjoy a well earned day's rest before returning to Arundel Hills to compete in the Queensland Women's Amateur from Thursday to Saturday.
Full Results
Viitakangas storms home to take Qld Men's Stroke Play
A third round course record of seven under par (64) allowed Viitakangas (Palmer Gold Coast) to leapfrog the leading contingent of New South Welshman and head into the final round with a 3 shot lead. A closing even par 71 was enough to claim his first Queensland Stroke Play Championship. Travis Smyth (St Michael's) shared the best 4th round score of 66 to rocket up the leaderboard and claim second, 2 shots behind Viitakangas.
Joint overnight leaders Daniel Gale (Castle Hill) and Dylan Perry (Long Reef) found it tough on the last day, dropping out of the top 3. Both will be looking to bounce back in the Queensland Amateur Championship at Arundel, starting Thursday.
Jack Sullivan (Palmer Colonial) has won the Champion of Champions. Continuing his affinity with the Southport layout, Sullivan fired rounds of 71, 72 and 75 in the tie breaking third round to claim the title over Damien Jordan (Coolangatta). The Champion of Champion's event is open to all players who have won a Club or District Championship in the previous year.
Although the players experienced blustery conditions, the Southport layout proved to be a fantastic Championship facility. The course was presented in outstanding condition with full credit going to the superintendant Stuart Moore and his staff.
The top 32 players from the Stroke Play will now progress through to compete in the Queensland Amateur Championship (Matchplay) to be held at Arundel Hills Country Club.
Top 32 – Simon Viitakangas, Travis Smyth, Cameron Davis, Troy Moses, Daniel Gale, Jack Sullivan, Anthony Quayle, Robbie Hogan, Matthew Lisk, Dylan Perry, Douglas Klein, Alexander McCoy, Andrew Schonewille, Shae Wools-Cobb, Heath Riches, Jack Williams, Lucas Higgins, Kodie Koski, Charles Pilon, Tim Hyland, Mitchell Smith, Steven Vail, Myoung Kim, Josh Hayes, Liam Anderson, Hayden Webb, Charlie Dann, Ben Ratcliffe, Yuichi Teruya, Jordan Cooper, James Grierson, Zach Jansen.
Moses wins 2014 Keperra Bowl Chamionship
It was Moses' consistency all week which secured this year's Championship and his first major win on the National Amateur golfing calendar.
Moses opened with a round of three-under par (69). He followed this up with a six-under par (66) in the second round. A fantastic third round of nine-under par (63) saw him equal the course record and establish an eight shot lead heading into the fourth round. Moses returned a final round score of three under-par (69) for a four round total of 267 (-21) for the Championship.
Last year's champion Taylor Macdonald (Redcliffe) finished runner up on 274 (-14). Macdonald carded a first round four-under par (68) followed by a pair of three-under par 69's in the second and third round. He returned a final round score of 68 to finish seven shots back.
Cory Crawford (Sanctuary Cove) finished in third place after strong scoring all week, he returned rounds of 69,71,69 and 66 in today's final round to finish 13-under par on 275.
Both Crawford and Macdonald will travel down to Melbourne next week to compete in the Asian-Pacific Amateur Championship held at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
Kooyonga member Heath Riches score was considerably improved today after he managed to have a fantastic Albatross on the Par-5 433 meter 11th hole.
In it's 10th year at Keperra Country Golf Club, players experienced perfect conditions with the layout proving again to be a fantastic Championship facility. The course was presented in outstanding condition with full credit going to the superintendent and staff.
The majority of the field will now travel down to the Gold Coast to compete in the 2014 Queensland Men's Stroke Play Championship at the Southport Golf Club to be held Sunday 19 - Tuesday 21 October.
For complete scores from the 2014 Keperra Bowl, please CLICK HERE
Aussie junior cards amazing 59
Badhwar shot a 59 at Stanford, a course record, the same weekend that he met the university's most famous former student, Tiger Woods. Stanford's course is a par-70.
The 19-year-old sophomore was playing with teammates, and began his day with an eagle at the par-five first. He carded 29 for the front, 30 for the back, closing with two pars. He made nine birdies and the eagle for the day, according to a report in Golf Week.
Richards, Wharton and Langridge win the 2014 Gertrude McLeod Winners Event
In Division 1 (handicaps 0-22) Margaret Richards fired a brilliant nett round of 72 to beat runner up and local player Bridgette Reedy (Wynnum) by two shots after she returned a nett 74.
The Division 2 category (handicaps 23-32) was won by Kerry Wharton after she fired four pars and one birdie to return the day's best nett round 70. Ann Hardie (Ashgrove) finished runner up after returning a consistent nett round of 74.
Pine Rivers member Elly Langridge won Division 3 (handicap 33-45) by five shots after she fired a nett 72 on the Wynnum layout. Sandra Kiely (Tewantin Noosa) was runner up in Division 3 after a score of nett 77.
The Wynnum Golf Club Team members of Bridgette Reedy, Jan Hamilton and Ruth Body combined well to win the aggregate nett teams event.
The Gertrude McLeod Winners event is the finale of the Club Level Gertrude McLeod Qualifier Competition, where Club winners are invited to play in their relevant division in a State Final.
For all Gertrude McLeod Scores click here.
Gale, Taylor and Pilon champions at Gary Player Classic
Daniel Gale, Joshua Taylor and Charles Pilon have won their respective age divisions of the Gary Player Classic at Pacific Golf Club, held from 23-26 September.
The closest division was 16-17 Years, with only one shot separating champion Joshua Taylor (Yarra Yarra) and eventual runner-up Douglas Klein (Redcliffe). Taylor held a one shot lead heading into Friday's final round but Klein was unable to bridge the gap, with both players making par on the final four holes. The 72 hole Nett winner was Kevin Seo (Sanctuary Cove).
Also starting the final round with a one shot lead, Daniel Gale (Castle Hill) was able to extend away from the field, with his closest competitors Tim Hyland (Bonville) and Shae Wools-Cobb (Horton Park) returning scores of 78 and 76 respectively. The 72 hole Nett winner was Yuichi Teruya (Sanctuary Cove).
Each divisional winner and runner-up took home a high-class Adina time piece, proudly donated by long term sponsors Bob Menzies.
Achieving the rarest of feats during the tournament were Keegan Short (Indooroopilly) and Futa Yamagishi (Hills) who aced the 13th and 17th holes respectively.
Gary Player is also to be thanked for his 43rd year of continued support, with 40 of those years held at the magnificently presented Pacific Golf Club.
Each year Pacific Head Professionals Paul Hazlett and Mark Victorsen donate a prize for the Most Improved Player and this year's winner was 10 year old Oxley member Kaito Chiu. In the previous 12 months, Kaito has lowered his handicap from 14 to 4 and cut 28 shots off his 3 round 2013 total to make the 54 hole cut.
Kim claims 2014 Katherine Kirk Classic
Kim was just too strong after closing out the field will a final round score of 71 (-2) to join her first round score of 71 (-2) and a second round score 75 (+2) to finish 217 for the championship. Kim finished four shots clear of her nearest rival Karis Davidson (Sanctuary Cove).
Davidson was unable to catch Kim after finishing the championship with 73 even par. Davidson returned birdies on the 9th, 11th and 12th Holes in the final round, but undid her early good work to carding boggies on the 13th and 15th hole. Davidson finished with rounds of 74 74 and 73 two over for the tournament.
Coolangatta Tweed member Rebecca Kay was victorious in the 15 years & under division. Kay opened her tournament with a 75(+2) followed by even par 73 in the second round, she closed her campaign with a 75 to finish 223.
Min Kweon (Sanctuary Cove) was the runner up in the 15 years & under division returning rounds of 78,74 & 74- 226.
In the under 21 years category Anna Stanton (Woodford) managed to edge out Beaudesert member Jaimee Dougan after returning rounds of 73,70,75 for 218.
Dougan finished the tournament with scores of 79,78 & 71 for 228.
Now in its sixth year The Katherine Kirk Classic will continue to be a prominent feature on the Golf Queensland calendar. The 2015 event will travel to the new Maroochy River Golf Club, thank you to Katherine's continued support.
A special thank you must also go to the course superintendent Pat Pauli and his team for presenting the Horton Park layout in such magnificent condition over the past three days.
It's a wrap: Isuzu Qld Open
Even on the Monday it felt like a tournament was happening...writes Bernie Pramberg in the Spring edition of Q Golf Online.
Jordan wins Qld Men's Mid Amateur
Jordan commenced the tournament with a three-under par round 69 on the first day, to place himself four shots ahead of his nearest rival. Jordan was the only player to shoot under par on the first day in wet blustery conditions. A one-over par round of 73 on the second day was enough to secure his spot in the final group of four players still holding a four shot lead to nearest rival Dean Dunleavy (Redcliffe).
Commencing the final round and opening with a bogy on the Par 4 1st Hole, Jordan quickly gained his composure as this was to be the only blemish on his card. He birdied the fourth, sixth and eighth holes on the front nine to place him in a commanding position heading into the back nine holes. Jordan fired a further three birdies in the closing six holes including the 430 meter Par -4 18th.
He returned a brilliant final round of five-under par 67 to finish on 209 (-7) for the Championship.
Dean Dunleavy was thirteen shots back in second place on 222 (+6) after a closing round of four over par-76. This followed his opening round of 76(+4) and a consistent second round of 70 (-2).
Jaime Pitt (Gainsborough Greens) finished on 223 (+7) to secure third place.
In the Srixon Teams event section, it was a close battle between Toowoomba Golf Club and Windaroo Lakes. The eventual winners were the team from Toowoomba which comprised of Jason McWilliam, Andrew Munson and Justin Shine. The winning score left them with a six shot win over the team from Windaroo Lakes Golf Club, of Malcolm Huth, Kevin Quinn and Steve Turner.
The Srixon NTP Challenge was held on the Monday afternoon. Each player had one attempt at a 70m pitch shot from the clubhouse to the Golf Queensland Pin. After numerous close shots from competitors, the eventual winner was Stephen Gibson of Wynnum Golf Club, Wayne's great pitch resulted in him winning a Srixon Prize Pack.
The Queensland Men's Mid-Amateur Championship will again be hosted at RACV Royal Pines Resort in 2015 with another capacity field expected.
Kade claims top amateur title
State team member Kade McBride bounced back strongly with a final round 69 to claim leading amateur honours at the Isuzu Queensland Open.
McBride, 19, claimed a top-10 finish with rounds of 66-72-79-69 to be three-under par on the testing Brookwater course. Considering he was close to withdrawing from the tournament with a hip injury, McBride's performance was especially commendable.
"I was very disappointed with my round on Saturday. My ball-striking wasn't there and I made some bad decisions around the greens,'' he said.
"Today I went out to play the way I'd done on the opening two days and made some really good putts under pressure.
"I'm really happy....if my third round had been better who knows what might have happened. It was all a learning experience.''
McBride, a member at Lakelands on the Gold Coast, said he would have an easy two weeks and then prepare for upcoming amateur events in Queensland.
McBride had a three shot margin over fellow state team member Taylor MacDonald who also closed with a 69.
Next best amateur was Sunshine Coast pre-qualifier Shae Wools-Cobb who carded a 74 to finished tied 24 at three-over.
Andrew Dodt stages rousing finish to take Isuzu Queensland Open
Andrew Dodt stormed home to finish with successive birdies for a rousing two stroke victory in the $110,000 Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater.
Cheered on by a big group of supporters from his home town of Gatton, Dodt fired a closing 67 to overcome a six-shot deficit on an exciting final day.
The 28-year-old professional took the outright lead on the 17th hole with a birdie after previous joint-leaders Tom Bond and Matthew Griffin both made bogey on the 16th hole. He sealed the deal with a 5m birdie putt on the final hole as overnight leader Bond three-putted from the fringe of the green to finish two strokes adrift.
"It's one of the proudest days of my career,'' said Dodt. " To win your state Open is pretty cool...I haven't won a tournament for four years.
"Earlier in the week I saw all the famous names on the trophy and thought it would be good to add mine to the list.''
Although he started the final round six shots off the pace, Dodt said he was quietly confident.
"I stuck to a game plan all week with patience the key,'' he said. "I thought if I could get to within two or three of the lead after the first nine holes I could apply some pressure.
"I hung in when I needed to and holed some putts when I needed to and I'm proud of the way I did that.''
For the past six years Dodt has lived in Newcastle, the hometown of his wife Ashleigh, but he stayed with his family in Gatton during the Open.
"It's only 45 minutes from Brookwater and it was nice to get back home and catch up with family and friends,'' he said. "Although I live in Newcastle these days I'll always be a Queenslander..."
Dodt, who played a lot of amateur golf at Brookwater as a member of the Queensland Academy of Sport squad, managed the challenging layout beautifully this week.
He still trailed Bond and Matthew Griffin by four shots at the halfway point of the final round but birdies on the 13th and 15th put him in contention.
Dodt gave himself an eagle opportunity on the par-5, 17th hole (483m) when he rifled a 3-wood off the tee then hit a 5-iron from 196m to within 5m of the pin. He narrowly missed the putt for eagle but bagged birdie to ignite a white-hot finish.
Dodt plans to contest the European PGA Tour qualifying school in November before returning to tackle the Australasian Tour summer events.
South Australian Bond was disappointed with his closing 75 but he fought hard and did not relinquish the lead until the 16th hole. His playing partner Griffin shared the lead at that point but a double-bogey on the 17th hole ended his hopes.
Griffin carded a closing 74 to share third place at three-under with Cameron Smith (70), Michael Long (70), Jake Higginbottom (71) and Anthony Brown (74).
A stroke back at two-under were leading amateur Kade McBride who closed with a 69 and Brett Drewitt (71).
Queensland amateur Viraat Badhwar set the course alight early when he played his opening nine holes in 30. But he could not sustain the momentum and finished on 69.
He returns to the United States tomorrow to resume his studies at Stanford University and take up his second season in the NCAA Division 1 golf team.
Dodt wins Queensland Open
Starting the final round six shots off the lead, Dodt fired an impressive 67 today for a tournament total of 7-under 281.
He claimed the title by two shots from South Australian Tom Bond.
Having practiced at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club as an amateur, Dodt was confident from the start of the week that he could take out the title.
"I knew I was playing well and I know the course well. I had a good game plan and I stuck to that all week," said Dodt.
"Patience was the key. I stayed patient all week, hung in there when I needed to, holed the putts when I needed to and came out on top."
Dodt played under the radar for most of the final round until four birdies in his closing six holes pushed him into the lead, a birdie on 18 sealing the title for him.
"I knew if I made some birdies early to put some pressure on, then get to the back nine within two or three of the lead that I would be a chance," added Dodt.
"I was fortunate to do that and I am proud of myself for the way I handled it."
This is Dodt's first victory since winning the 2010 Avantha Masters on the European Tour and Asian Tour.
"This is my second win as a Professional so I am pretty pumped right now. To win your State Open means a lot," added Dodt.
"I have worked hard in the last few months and it has paid off."
Overnight leader and eventual runner-up Bond needed a birdie on the 18th to force a playoff with Dodt but a bogey put an end to his campaign.
Finishing the day on 3-over the card for a tournament total of 5-under 283, Bond was disappointed not to have closed out the tournament.
"At the moment I am feeling pure disappointment. I hit it well enough today to win comfortably but my putting let me down."
"But that is why it's such a tough game because you have to have everything working."
"It was good being in the last group in a tournament like this and hopefully next time I am in that position I will do better."
Finishing tied third on 3-under 285 were Matthew Griffin (VIC), Cameron Smith (QLD), Anthony Brown (VIC), Jake Higginbottom (NSW) and Michael Long (NZ).
Queensland's Kade McBride claimed leading amateur honours finishing tied 8th with New South Wales Professional Brett Drewitt on 2-under 286.
For all the final scores from the Isuzu QLD Open please click here.
Battle looms for amateur honours at Isuzu Queensland Open
Pace-setting Gold Coaster Kade McBride is under pressure for amateur honours going into Sunday's final round of the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater.
McBride, 19, shared the lead and grabbed headlines after 36 holes but struggled with a third round 79.
Sunshine Coast pre-qualifier Shae Wools-Cobb joined McBride at one-over par for 54 holes after a consistent third round 74. Originally from Kingaroy, Wools-Cobb, 18, moved to the Sunshine Coast with his family in 2008 in order to concentrate on his golf.
Also at one-over is Victorian Cameron Davis, 19, who carded a 71 on Saturday. Also shooting 71 was Redcliffe's Taylor MacDonald who starts the final round two shots adrift of his amateur rivals.
The low round on Saturday came from seasoned professional Leigh McKechnie who scrapped into weekend play on the cut mark of six-over. But McKechnie, who has played limited tournament golf this year after the birth of his second child, fired a 66 to finish the day in equal 14th place.
"I'm a bit underdone and this is only the fourth 72-hole event I've played this year,'' he said. "We had an addition to the family so that has kept me at home more.''
McKechnie, a touring pro since 1998, is looking for a number of good finishes in coming months to retain his Australasian Tour card.
Tom Bond chases biggest win of his career at the Isuzu Queensland Open
By Bernie Pramberg
Big-hitting Tom Bond will tackle unchartered territory when he takes a three-shot lead into the final round of the $110,000 Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater on Sunday.
South Australian Bond, a 27-year-old whose biggest win has been the $35,000 Karratha pro-am contested on sand greens in West Australia, will have a posse of experienced players in pursuit.
"I've never been in this position and it will be a learning experience,'' he said. "A win would do great things for me and I'm looking forward to it.''
Bond recovered from a double-bogey on the 13th hole to shoot a third-round 68 to be at eight-under par after 54 holes. He leads Victorian Matt Griffin (68) by three strokes with a further shot to Anthony Brown who carded a 74.
Bond, in only his second year of professional golf, came within 5cm of earning a $10,000 bonus on the 195m, par-three, 7th hole, when a perfectly struck 5-iron almost achieved an ace.
He was atop the leader board at seven-under after nine holes but stumbled with a double-bogey on the par-five 13th. But he showed admirable composure to recover and finish the round strongly.
Griffin, who this year has won the Victorian Open and Korean PGA Championship, looms as the logical danger but seven players are within striking distance, within six strokes of the lead.
"When I go in anywhere near the lead I'm confident I can go in and play my best golf to give myself a chance,'' said Griffin. "The biggest thing you gain from having a few wins if knowing you can do the job.
"I'm sure it is going to be a tough fight on the final day..."
Griffin charged into contention when he rifled a 3-wood to within 5m of the pin on the par-five 17th and holed the putt for eagle.
On a golf course as penal as Brookwater a six-shot turnaround would not be extraordinary and at least eight players have genuine winning chances.
On a sparking day at the magnificent Greg Norman-designed course, good-sized galleries followed players as they battled to make an impact during the third round.
Queensland favourite Cameron Smith threatened to be a big mover early when he got to four-under, but a double-bogey on the 17th defined his struggling homeward nine. Smith starts the final round seven shots off the pace after a third round 73. Amateur Kade McBride, who played so well during the opening two rounds, slumped with a 79.
Experienced Victorian David Bransdon (72) is outright fourth, five strokes adrift of Bond, while Kim Felton (72), Jake Higginbottom (75), Andrew Dodt (72) and Max McCardle (73) are a shot back on two-under.
Bond shoots into the lead at Isuzu Qld Open
Experiencing a mixed day on the course, Bond fired a 4-under 68 to top the leaderboard after three rounds with a total of 8-under the card.
After nine holes Bond's round was blemish free with three birdies on the card but it was on the back nine that things became more interesting.
Posting a double bogey on the par-5 13th, Bond rallied to make three birdies in his closing holes.
"I like that this course doesn't let up. You have to hit every shot exactly how you want. You hit one off shot and you're staring at a double bogey like I was on 13," said Bond who lead the Isuzu QLD Open after the first round in 2013.
"On 13 I had a little bit of bad luck on top of a bad swing. I had a fly buzzing around my ball but I did the wrong thing in just hitting my shot."
"I carved it and left myself in a pretty bad spot and ended up walking off with double."
"But that made me determined to put in a bit more effort and make sure it didn't happen again."
While tomorrow Bond will lead a PGA Tour of Australasia tournament into the final round for the first time today he missed an opportunity on the par-3 7th.
Bond's tee shot pulled up two inches short of the cup; had it rolled in he would have earned $50,000 thanks to Windsor Income Protection Insurance for the hole-in-one.
Victorian Matt Griffin went quietly about his business today to shoot 4-under 68 to be outright second on 5-under the card.
With two victories on the board already this year, Griffin feels confident his game is in shape to take out a win tomorrow.
"It is one of those course where it is hard to make a number of birdies so 68 gives you a good jump up the board," said Griffin who started the day tied 12th.
"The biggest thing from having a few wins is knowing you can do it. Going in near the lead tomorrow I am confident that if I play my best golf then I will have a chance."
"There are a lot of good players here so I am sure it will be a tough fight tomorrow."
Overnight leader Anthony Brown finished at 2-over the card today to be outright third and four shots off the lead.
A further shot back again is David Bransdon (VIC) while rounding out the top-5 on 2-under the card are Andrew Dodt (QLD), Max McCardle (SA), Kim Felton (WA) and Jake Higginbottom (NSW).
The final round of the Isuzu QLD Open will tee off at 8.45am with the leaders on course at 10.45am.
For all round 3 scores please click here.
For all round 4 tee times please click here.
Volunteers make the Isuzu Queensland Open tick
Gary Ellis just might be the most over-qualified car park attendant in history.
Ellis' cheery manner greeted players, caddies, officials and the public as they turned up for Saturday's third round of the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater.
This was Ellis' first experience working as a volunteer at a golf tournament and on Saturday he was rostered on the car park. On Friday he had recorded scores on the 18th hole and radioed them to the tournament office.
"Let's be honest, nobody really wants to be a car park attendant,'' laughed Ellis.
About 35 volunteers are working at the Queensland Open. They are invaluable...they make the tournament tick.
Ellis, who holds a Masters of Business Administration degree, recently returned to Queensland after two years in charge of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival where he managed 220 staff and oversaw a budget of $15million.
"My budget in Abu Dhabi was more than the combined budget I had for 12 years running the Brisbane International Film Festival,'' he said.
"Festivals and events have always been my business and it is all about putting on a show...whether it be an international film festival or a golf tournament,'' he said.
"These events are all about putting on a show, enjoyment and having fun. There are so many events that will only survive if volunteers are involved.''
Ellis said his volunteering stint at Brookwater was "A quirk of fate''.
"My partner and I attended a Springfield business leaders meeting at Brookwater not long ago and I met Lindsay Ellis (CEO Golf Queensland). He was talking about the Queensland Open and I thought 'why not volunteer'.
"Everyone has been very helpful and we've been well briefed on our duties,'' he said.
"I couldn't be a caddie because I don't know enough about golf. But I've enjoyed the experience, met some nice people and I'd definitely do it again,'' he said.
Amateur ties Professional for the lead in Queensland
Starting the day with a one shot lead, Brown struggled to negotiate the challenging lay out despite the improved weather conditions.
Shooting a 1-over 73 today to be 6-under after two rounds, Brown watched on as the afternoon field failed to overtake him.
"It is hard to back up after a really good round,'' said Brown.
"You have to start all over again. In reality you don't go out and expect to repeat a similar score."
"You have to remain patient and not start pushing for birdies. I didn't get ahead of myself and was pleased with that.''
Starting on the 10th hole, amateur Kade McBride spent most of his round at 1-over the card but staying patient he found a late birdie, on the par-5 8th to shoot an even par 72.
"I stayed really level headed out there. My ball striking wasn't as good as yesterday but overall I am really happy," said McBride.
"I felt like I was still playing well with my wedges so I was trying to attack but I wasn't holing putts. Judging the pace on the greens was my killer today."
But even par is enough to see him tied for the lead with Brown heading into the weekend where he is aiming to claim the title.
"I am out here playing golf with some of the best players in Australia, its fun and a good experience; I am watching and learning from them," added McBride.
"I want to win just as bad as anyone out here and if I can then I will be pretty happy about that."
If McBride does manage the feat he will be the first amateur to claim the Queensland Open title since Stuart Appleby in 1991.
New South Welshman Jake Higginbottom is in excellent form coming off a runner-up finish at the Fiji International. He fired a 5-under 67 to be outright third.
Rounding out the top-5 on 4-under the card is South Australian Tom Bond and New Zealand's Peter Lee.
The round of the day belonged to South Australian Max McCardle, who needing a birdie on the last to set a new course record, posted his first bogey of the day to finish at 6-under the card and tied sixth.
Michael Wright produced the other highlight of the round acing the 170 metre par-3 16th hole using his 6-iron. For his efforts Wright picks up $10,000 thanks to SBP Australia.
The second round cut was made at 6-over the card with 56 Professionals and nine amateurs making it to the weekend rounds.
The third round tees off at 9am with the leaders on course at 11am.
For all round 2 scores please click here.
For all round 3 tee times please click here.
Higginbottom makes charge at Isuzu Queensland Open
In-form Jake Higginbottom fired a second round 67 to charge into contention at the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater.Higginbottom, coming off his second placing at the Fiji International two weeks ago, is one stroke behind joint leaders Anthony Brown (65-73) and amateur Kade McBride (66-72) at the halfway point of the tournament.
The 20-year-old was one of the few players to capitalise on much easier conditions than prevailed during Thursday's opening round.
"The course played a lot easier today,'' he said. "The fairways were a little firmer but the greens were still soft and receptive. It was perfect out there.
"But there are a lot of bogeys on this golf course and you have to be careful.''
Brown, the overnight leader after his opening 65, shot 73 while 19-year-old amateur McBride showed maturity beyond his years to card an even-par 72.
"I went out to play a similar game to Thursday and stayed patient and calm,'' he said. "I definitely was more conservative today and my ball-striking was a bit scratchy. But it's nice to be joint-leader after 36 holes.''
McBride was one of nine amateurs to make the cut.
Lurking two strokes off the lead are South Australian Tom Bond (67-73) and Kiwi Peter Lee (69-71).
Low round of the day was shot by South Australian Max McCardle with a 66 to be tied at three–under with Kim Felton (70-71) and David Bransdon (67-74).
McCardle, 29, is an interesting character. A late starter in pro golf he is a qualified motor mechanic who has a top-10 finish in the Australian Open on his resume.
"I did all that other stuff then decided to give golf a go fulltime,'' he said.
McCardle, who started on the 10th tee, birdied five of his opening seven holes and had 31 for his first nine holes. He came to the final hole needing a birdie for a new course record but made bogey.
"I got off to a really good start but you have to be really patient at this place,'' he said.
Defending champion Nick Cullen (71-72) is five shots off the pace.
Michael Wright's ace for a $10,000 bonus
Popular Queensland professional Michael Wright scored a $10,000 bonus with a hole-in-one on the 170m, 16th hole, at Brookwater during the second round of the Isuzu Queensland Open.
"It hit about two inches behind the cup and spun back in. I saw it the whole way,'' said Wright. "Then I turned around and glimpsed a sign that said 10 grand prize for a hole-in-one.''
Wright, 40, opened with a 77 on Thursday but shot 73 yesterday to scrape into the weekend on the cut mark of six-over.
A professional since 1999, the 40-year-old Wright is a regular on the Queensland Sunshine Tour and played the British Open in 2006 and 2009.
Although conditions at Brookwater were more favourable than in Thursday's opening round, early scoring was steady rather than spectacular.
First round leader Anthony Brown shot a 73 to following his opening 65 and remained joint leader at the end of the day with amateur Kade McBride (66-72) at six-under.
"It is hard to back up after a really good round,'' said Brown. "You just have to start all over again...in reality you don't go out and expect to repeat a similar score.
"You have to remain patient and not start pushing for birdies. I didn't get ahead of myself and was pleased with that.''
Brown fires course record to lead in Queensland
Brown fired a 7-under 65 for a one shot lead from Queensland amateur Kade McBride after the first round.
Starting on the 1st hole in the afternoon field, Brown's round started to heat up with four consecutive birdies on holes five through eight.
"I didn't have high expectations. If you make three birdies around here it's good but I made a couple early and that set the tone for the day," said Brown.
"I did everything right off the tee, gave myself some good chances on the greens and holed some nice putts."
An eagle on the par-5 13th was the highlight of the round for the Victorian who looked set to break the course record, set by Nick Cullen last year, before finishing his round with a bogey.
"I birdied 12, chipped in for eagle on 13 to go to 7-under and then birdied 17 to go to eight. Unfortunately, a slight hiccup on the 18th but still a very good day," added Brown who struggled on the course in 2013.
"I've never broken 70 at Brookwater in the past. It is a tough course even with no wind, it's so penal."
Playing in the morning field McBride set the early pace and was impressed with his score in the tough conditions.
"I've only played here about five times but have a good understanding of the course,'' said McBride.
"I feel I played well considering the wind. I drove the ball well and putted pretty good.''
On greens made receptive by overnight rain, McBride holed a number of long putts to kick start his round.
"I holed a long one on the second and 30-footers on the fifth and sixth holes. Then I holed a long one from off the green on the 15th.''
At 5-under the card and tied third is Victorian David Bransdon and South Australian Tom Bond who led after the first round last year.
Rounding out the top-5 on 3-under 69 is Victorian Scott Laycock, New South Welshman Adam Stephens and New Zealand Pieter Zwart.
Defending champion Nick Cullen opened his title defence with a 1-under 71 to be tied 10th heading into Friday.
The second round of the Isuzu Queensland Open tees off at 6.30am tomorrow with Anthony Brown on course at 7.10am.
For all round 1 scores please click here.
For all round 2 tee times please click here.
Access Golf Queensland's FTP site to access video highlights and photos across the four rounds.
URL: http://www.chillidesign.com.au/golfqld/
Brown ties course record
Brown, who has endured a lean streak since finishing runner-up at the 2012 Australian PGA at Coolum, lipped-out for par on the 18th hole which would have meant a course record 64.
The 31-year-old completed his round in fading light to overhaul Queensland amateur Kade McBride who led since completion of the morning rounds with a 66.
"I really had no expectation today,'' said Brown. "It's a tough course even without the wind...it is so penal.
"But I did almost everything right. I drove the ball well, gave myself chances on the greens and holed some nice putts.
"If you can make three birdies around here it's good. But I made a couple early today and that set the tone for the round.
"I birdied 12, chipped-in for eagle on the 13th to go seven-under and then made birdie on the 17th to go to eight-under. Unfortunately, I had a slight hiccup on the last.''
Brown's approach to the 18th caught the greenside bunker and his third shot finished 10-feet from the pin. His putt lipped-out to cost him the outright course record.
Brown shot a 64 at Coolum during the 2012 Australian PGA when he was second to Daniel Popovic."It was great to have that result two years ago but sometimes it can go the other way and that is what happened to me,'' he said. "When you don't perform your confidence drops and that can snowball..."
On a good day for the Victorians, experienced campaigners David Bransdon (67) and Scott Laycock (69) played well while South Australian Tom Bond also fired a 67.
"It's all about not shooting yourself in the foot on this golf course. You just can't go out and attack,'' said Bransdon.
"I didn't hit driver on the par-five holes which were into the wind and you had to go conservatively.''
Bransdon's solitary bogey came on the first hole when he hit the front of the green but fell back into a bunker.
"Overall it was a nice solid round of golf from tee to green,'' he said.
Laycock bogeyed the 18th hole after a consistent round which he believed could have been significantly lower.
"I had about half a dozen chances I didn't convert,'' he said. "But I played nicely. The conditions probably suited me a bit with the wind and I could throw my approach shots up at the pins because the greens were damp."
Defending champion Nick Cullen was satisfied with his opening 71 but playing partner and last year's runner-up Peter O'Malley struggled with a 77.
"I felt like I played really well,'' said Cullen. "I enjoy the course and play it pretty conservatively.''
Amateur Kade McBride tames Brookwater
Gold Coast amateur Kade McBride defied tricky conditions to shoot an opening 66 in the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater.
The 19-year-old displayed great maturity to weather blustery winds and card eight birdies and two bogeys in his six-under round which was a stroke outside the course record.
McBride, who grew up idolising Adam Scott and Jason Day, was in doubt for the Queensland Open until last weekend because of a hip injury. But he shrugged off the setback with a strong all-round display.
"I've only played here about five times but have a good understanding of the course,'' he said. "I feel I played well considering the wind.
"I drove the ball well and putted pretty good.''
On greens made receptive by overnight rain, McBride holed a number of long putts to kick start his round.
"I holed a long one on the second and 30-footers on the fifth and sixth holes,'' he said. "Then I holed a long one from off the green on the 15th.''
A member of the Queensland men's team for the first time this year, McBride recently returned from two months in America where he won the Oglethorpe Invitational in Savannah, Georgia, and qualified for the US Amateur.
"I was injured about a week before the US Amateur so didn't get the result I wanted there. But it was also nice to have a win during the time away.''
A member at Lakelands, McBride was introduced to the game by his father, Phillip.
"Dad is a good golfer and it took me ages to beat him,'' he laughed.
McBride completed Year 12 at St Andrew's Lutheran College on the Gold Coast in 2012.
He led the morning field at Brookwater by one shot from experienced Victorian professional David Bransdon (67) with a further two strokes to former Australian Open runner-up Scott Laycock (69).
Cullen set to defend title
Left-hander Cullen, who won by a whopping five strokes last year, was scheduled to tee-off at 6.50am with last year's runner-up Peter O'Malley and Stephen Jeffress who won the Fiji International 10 days ago.
Cullen has been accorded the informal honour of defending champions worldwide...a giant advertising billboard bearing his image on the appropriately named Augusta Parkway, the main thoroughfare leading to Brookwater.
"That brings back a lot of good memories,'' he said.
After a mixed year on course, punctuated by a bout of appendicitis, Cullen believes his game is at a good standard to defend the T B Hunter Cup this week.
He played well at the Fiji International, carding rounds of 70, 72 and 73 before an 80 on the Sunday in atrocious conditions.
"Technically, my swing feels good. Probably better than at this time last year,'' he said.
"Hopefully, it will be a fun week.''
Cullen's winning aggregate last year of nine-under-par included a course record 65, described this week by fellow player Michel Sim as "scary low" at Brookwater. He expects a similar score of "about 10-under" will be required this week.
"Brookwater can be brutal. You have to keep it in play, be smart, stick to your game plan, make some putts and hopefully, be in contention on Sunday,'' he said.
The 30-year-old South Australian is a good all-round player capable of working the ball both ways and he has a good short game.
Cullen broke through for his maiden win at the 2012 Indonesian Open. He carried his good form from the 2013 Queensland Open victory into last summer when he shot an opening round 65 at the Australian Masters and ultimately finished fourth behind Adam Scott.
But a bout of appendicitis during the Australian Open put him on the sidelines for an extended period.
"That meant I missed the Japan PGA qualifying school but I went to America mid-year to play some qualifiers,'' he said.
Picture: Nick Cullen (centre) pictured with Peter O'Malley (left) and Steven Jeffress (right) get ready to tee off in Round 1
Story: Bernie Pramberg
Rhein's on target for Brookwater
Gibson, 29, who last week won a $70,000 pro-am on the Gold Coast, is coming off a successful year in which he finished fourth to Rory McIlroy at the Australian Open and made the cut at the British Open.
He partnered Tiger Woods during the third round of the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.
"I feel like my game is okay coming into the Queensland Open,'' he said. "It was good to win on the Gold Coast and I played alright in Fiji the previous week.
"I shared the opening round lead in Fiji and felt I didn't play that badly for the rest of the event, but the course was brutal. Overall it has been a fair year but I wish I'd played a bit more consistently."
Gibson will partner young Queenslander Cameron Smith and experienced Victoria David Bransdon in the opening two rounds.
Originally from Lismore, Gibson has been based in Oklahoma City in the United States for a number of years.
"I graduated from college there and my wife is from Oklahoma,'' he said.
Gibson gained notoriety in 2012 when he shot 16-under 55 at the River Oaks Golf Club in Oklahoma, a feat since recognised by Guinness World Records as the lowest round in history. Starting on the back nine of the 6698-yard, par-71 course, Gibson opened with a routine par before notching two eagles and a birdie on the next three holes.
He continued his birdie blitz with five straight to close a stunning opening nine in 26 shots...10-under par. Forced to wait 15 minutes on the next tee, he carded successive pars but then birdied six of the last seven for an incredible 55.
"I don't want that round to define my career,'' he said. "But it is nice to have it in my back pocket.
"As far as helping me, it really hasn't except for a little bit of notoriety.
"I'm just trying to make a living playing golf and, hopefully, people can see I can play the game.''
Gibson played a practice nine holes at Brookwater on Monday followed by the pro-am."The greens are quite small and it will take good accuracy this week to score well,'' he said.
Gibson will contest the US PGA Web.Com Tour qualifying school later in the year.
Michael Sim back on track at the Isuzu Queensland Open
Former world top-50 player Michael Sim will use his driver only "three or four times'' during Thursday's opening round of the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater.
Sim carded an even-par 72 in today's pro-am and said position off the tee and mid-iron approach shots held the key to successfully negotiating the testing Brookwater layout.
"The approach shots are quite demanding,'' he said. "You have to hit a lot of 5, 6 and 7-irons and if you miss the green there are places where you have no shot at the pin at all.''
Sim, 29, has played only eight tournaments this year as he worked on his game with Perth coach David Milne and focused on "getting his mind together''. He produced his best 2014 result two weeks ago when tied for sixth place at the US$1m Fiji International.
"I played well in Fiji and felt comfortable on a very tough course. I feel my swing has come a long way this year compared to where it was...
"I'm starting to get results and enjoy my time on the golf course. I struggled for a couple of years but I'm starting to enjoy my golf again.''
At 29, Sim has experienced the roller-coaster of professional golf after a stellar amateur career where he was ranked No 1 in the world. He is a four-time winner on the Nationwide Tour and played three years on the US PGA Tour, achieving a world ranking as high as 34 in 2010.
But intermittent injuries, form slumps and the burden of expectation stalled his career.
"I was over there (United States) when I was 20,'' he reflected. "I achieved a lot at a young age.''
Sim has quashed plans to tackle the US PGA qualifying school later this year and will concentrate on campaigning on the Australasian and OneAsia Tours.
"I just want to enjoy the game again,'' he said.
After his first-hand look at the Greg Norman-designed Brookwater course yesterday, Sim described 2013 champion Nick Cullen's course record 65 as "really scary low''.
South Australian left-hander Cullen will defend the title he won by five strokes from peter O'Malley last year.
Recharged and ready for Open
Viraat Badhwar would like nothing better than to take a Queensland Open title back to the prestigious Stanford University.Badhwar, a product of Queensland junior golf, is following the footsteps of the game's luminaries Tiger Woods and Tom Watson as a member of Stanford's NCAA Division 1 golf team.
Indian-born Badhwar will celebrate his 19th birthday on Thursday, the opening round of the $110,000 Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater. He will return to the United States next Monday to start his second year at Stanford.
"I have been home in Brisbane for the past two months and I'm pleased to have the opportunity to play the Open before resuming university,'' he said. "I've re-charged my batteries and also worked on my game with (coach) Gary Calder.
"He has been my coach since I came to Australia in Year 7 and I talk to him just about every week from America.''
An outstanding junior who represented Queensland and Australia, Badhwar graduated from Kelvin Grove College school of excellence in 2012. He played his club golf at Indooroopilly.
Badhwar won a scholarship to Stanford where he is studying Management Science and Engineering and performed well for the golf team in his freshman year.
"I think I did a pretty good job considering I had to adjust to things like the culture, new teammates and different golf courses.
Badhwar had a stroke average of 72.61 in NCAA competition with a low round of 67 and three top-25 finishes.
He was a member of the Queensland junior squad from 2011-2013 and the men's team in 2013.
Ford, who finished his PGA traineeship at the end of last year, carded six birdies and an eagle (on the 10th) in his hot round.
He had a two-stroke margin over Goulburn professional Luke Humphries with amateurs Blake Proverbs (pictured) and Terry Ng sharing third spot with 69s. The fifth and final spot at Virginia went to amateur Chae Woolscobb after a playoff.
Ford has previously made the cut in only one PGA Australasian Tour event, finishing 42nd at the Queensland PGA earlier this year. But he had a strong playing record in his final year as a trainee, leading the national averages for third year players. He also won the NSW and ACT Trainee Championships in 2013.
Proverbs, 16, is a Year 11 student at Moreton Bay Boy's College and a member of the Queensland and Australian junior squads.
At the other pre-qualifying venue at Virginia, professionals Brenton Fowler, Quentin Lourens and Rory Bourke shot 67s with Nicholas Russell and amateur Andy Chu taking the final spots after rounds of 70.
A withdrawal from the pre-qualifying rounds was 12-year-old Louis Dobbelaar who was forced out with a shoulder injury.
Scott Draper lines up for Queensland Open
Former tennis ace Scott Draper will take time off from developing Australia's emerging racquet-wielding talent to contest this week's Isuzu Queensland Open Golf Championship at Brookwater.
Draper, 40, a rare sportsman who played tennis and golf professionally, was reinstated to amateur golf in 2011 after six years in the pro ranks.
Along the way he won the 2007 NSW PGA Championship and campaigned for almost three years in the United States, pre-qualifying for a number of Nationwide Tour events.
Draper is employed as Tennis Australia's manager of development and supervises academies around the country. After being based in Melbourne for three years he returned to Brisbane in April and resumed playing golf at Keperra where he is also a member of the club's pennants team.
"I usually play the Saturday competition with my brother (Mark) who is a scratch marker and my Dad and then pennants with the club on Sundays,'' said Draper.
"I love the game and every morning I'm up watching the PGA Tour events on television.
"I'm a Queenslander and it's good to be back home with my wife and young family.''
Draper is playing on a sponsor's invitation at Brookwater this week and is looking forward to the challenge.
"I've never played Brookwater under tournament conditions and expect even-par would be a pretty good score. I've got the experience for an event like the Queensland Open, but haven't really got the hard yards under my belt.
"I know I'll enjoy the week and will be doing my best.''
A recurring back problem curtailed Draper's sojourn into pro golf but he harbours thoughts of tackling the Seniors Tour in the future.
"I gave pro golf my best shot but the back injury got me in the end and I called it quits in 2009,'' he said. "I never had back issues in tennis...not until I played a lot of golf.
"I played alongside people like Jason Day, Marc Leishman, Cameron Percy and others who went on to play at the highest level. They were unbelievable talents but at the time I felt I was there or thereabouts.''
Draper had his debut as a professional golfer at the 2005 Victorian PGA Championship, the same week he won the mixed doubles title at the Australian Open partnering Samantha Stosur.
He was ranked as high as No 42 in the world during his tennis career, making the final 16 at the French Open in 1995 and '96 and the US Open in 1997.
Love of the game - Bradley Hughes
Bradley Hughes brings lessons learnt from 25 years as a touring professional to Brookwater next week when he tees-up in the Isuzu Queensland Open.
A rising star of Australian golf in the 1990s, Hughes has contested all four major championships, represented the International team in the 1994 Presidents' Cup, twice finished runner-up in US PGA Tour events and won two Australian Masters. A journeyman in the truest sense, Hughes was also beset by personal problems at the peak of his career and endured an acrimonious divorce in 1994.
But he steered his career back on track and grafted away in America bouncing between the PGA Tour and secondary Nationwide Tour until the mid-2000s. He went through another divorce, worked as a club pro in South Carolina and didn't play golf at all for three years from 2009.
Along the way there were plenty of lessons...
A straight-shooter in life and off the tee, Hughes, 47, has a growing reputation as a coach and spends time in Melbourne and South Carolina each year working with all manner of golfers. His clients this year have included seasoned top-liner Robert Allenby and tennis great Pete Sampras.
When Hughes opened an email from Sampras last summer he thought he was the butt of a joke.
"I thought it was someone pulling my leg but Pete Sampras is a golf junkie who saw my website and was interested in my coaching ideas,'' recalled Hughes. "
"We got together when he was in Melbourne during the Australian Open tennis and hit it off pretty well. One day we spent six hours at the range with me coaching and Pete hitting balls.
"Later in the year I spent time in California working with him. Who would have ever thought I'd been coaching Pete Sampras?''
Hughes' philosophy is pretty much old-school and he not a fan of the "hi-tech stuff which has flooded the golf business in the last 15 years".
Until his playing career stumbled, Hughes had given scant thought to the mechanics of the golf swing or the prospect of coaching. Most tournament players are the same.
"A lot of the best players don't necessarily need to know exactly what they're doing,'' he said. "The game came easily to me when I was young, but I didn't really know what I was doing.
"As a young player I worked my backside off practising, but as an instructor I've worked harder than ever to gain a good understanding of the swing. I don't think you have to be a great player to be a great coach, but it is handy to have played at a pretty good standard and to have a keen eye.''
Hughes delved into successful players with unconventional swings.
"Players like Lee Trevino, who you could pick four fairways away, Jim Furyk, Chi Chi Rodriguez and even Peter Senior,'' he said. "All great players with non-copybook swings..."
Although instruction is now Hughes' main focus, he has rekindled enthusiasm for playing the game.
"I wasn't enjoying playing in the US with a lot of travel and other things,'' he said. "That's one of the reasons I stopped for three years.
"But I enjoy playing Australian-style courses. These days I can't match the young guys in the air, but I can play along the ground better than most of 'em.''
Growing up on Melbourne's famed sand belt courses made Hughes a master of the bump and run innovative short game. Last year he had top-10 finishes in the Victorian and New South Wales Opens and is looking forward to this week's challenge at the Greg Norman-designed Brookwater.
"I turn 50 in less than three years and would be mad not to have a crack at the Seniors' Tours. That makes it important for me to play some tournaments now.''
The rigours of professional golf can be brutal and Hughes has been through the wringer. Few would be better qualified to offer subtle advice to emerging players chasing their dreams.
"You can give advice, but deep down it is up to the person themselves,'' he said. "If someone came to me with a lot of questions I'd be happy to answer. There's a lot of areas you need to try and balance.''
Hughes will have his first look at the testing Brookwater course on Tuesday.
"I'm told the fairways are quite narrow and it's long. That should be up my alley because I hit it pretty straight off the tee.
"I'm looking forward to the week. I like a course where par means something.''
Get scouted for US College Golf
The former Australian Cricket Captain and Director of NSR Australia will be at Brookwater Golf and Country Club as the guest scout for the NSR Australia USA College Recruitment event.
Hosted by Golf Queensland, the event will identify potential USA College Golf prospects that have the ability to play full time golf in the USA.
Luke Bates, Manager of Golf Operations at Golf Queensland said they were pleased to be working with NSR to assist young golfers with their future study and golf careers.
"It's a bonus to have Ricky Ponting involved in the day. He is a not only a former cricketer but an avid golfer who has lately become more recognised for his golfing ability," Mr Bates said.
NSR Business Manager Keri Clarke said they work directly with all US Colleges and Universities in every division in every state to find places for students.
"These lucky athletes will have the chance to play their trade in the extremely professional American College Golf system whilst potentially on a golf scholarship," Ms Clarke said.
"NSR enters its eighth year as an officially endorsed program across Australia, which we are now proud to bring this opportunity to young golfers here in Queensland.
"The NSR Program is about preparing and promoting you to College Golf programs in the US. NSR is making a number of places available for first year university and year 9, 10, 11 and 12 student-athletes."
For further information visit www.nsraustralia.com
Brookwater 12-year-old to play Isuzu Qld Open
Dobbelaar, who recently returned from a successful month playing in the United States, will be aged 12 years 11 months and 25 days when he tees-up in Monday's pre-qualifying round at Virginia Golf Club. He will celebrate his 13th birthday on August 31 which coincides with the final round of the Open.
The youngster, who plays off a two-handicap at Brookwater, is desperate to pre-qualify but is battling to overcome a shoulder injury.
2014 Queensland Men's Country Week Championship wraps up
Monday & Tuesday - Stroke
Adam Gemmell (Laidley) has won the stroke event of Queensland Men's Country at Indooroopilly and Redcliffe Golf Club's
He fired a one-under-par round 71 at Indooroopilly to hold a three shot lead after the first round.
Gemmell was unable to continue his good scoring from the first round after returning a second round three over par 75 in blustery conditions at Redcliffe, however this was enough to claim this year's stroke event.
Gin Gin member Scott Warren finished runner up three shots back after returning rounds of 77,72-149
The Blackwater Team of Bruce Winn, Lachlan Ferguson, Sean McCarthy & Kurt Kingston won the teams event after having a Nett Aggregate score of 441.
Nudgee Golf Club hosted the Foursomes section with 110 players vying for their Divisional Titles.
Norm Mitchell and Stephen Wright (City) won the Nett section for the second consecutive year with with a great score of 69.5, to narrowly defeat Rockhampton visitors William Gunzler and Robert Lindley by half a shot.
John Smith (Craignish) and Michael Treahy (Blackwater) played fine golf, signing for 89 and a 1 shot victory over Nev Pederson and Dan Darlington (Goombungee).
Nett winners by 2 shots were Barry Thoms (Ipswich) and Chris Bath (Rosewood) with a 68. Moranbah members John Roberts and Kevin Nunn secured second place.
Friday – Fourball
Under cloudy skies, players headed to Virginia Golf Club for the concluding day of the 2014 Queensland Country Week for the Fourball Championship.
Gayndah pairing Peter Ulcoq and Bevan Young snuck home with a one point victory (46 points) from Country Week regulars Adam Rayner (Bundaberg) and Graeme Kerby (Biggenden). In third place on count-back were another Gayndah pair - Brent Chambers and Jeremy Zahl.
This week would not be the same without sponsors. City Golf Club Motel Toowoomba are to be congratulated on their continued support of country golf. They do a wonderful job promoting country golf, as well as supporting the annual Queensland Sand Green Championships.
Isuzu Queensland Open entries closed
The Isuzu Queensland Open has received an enormous amount of attention from both Professional and Amateur entries in 2014 with the final number surpassing the 2013 figures.
In summary:
The list of entries has been finalised, with 328 golfers entering the event. The list of entries comprises of 177 Professionals and 151 Amateurs.
Of the 177 Professionals, 17 are from overseas, 95 are from interstate and 65 are from around Queensland.
Of the 151 Amateurs, 29 are from interstate and 122 are from around Queensland.
To determine the final field of 120 players, over the next couple of weeks the exempt and non-exempt categories will be finalised with the latter being required to compete in the Pre-Qualifying rounds being held on Monday 25th August at Virginia Golf Club and Keperra Country Golf Club. A minimum of 10 positions will be available for these players.
To view the field lists please use the links below:
Exempt Amateurs
Nudgee wins Senior Club Teams Challenge
Coolangatta Tweed got off to a great start defeating Nudgee in the first final last week at Coolangatta Tweed Golf Club, 3.5 to 2.5.It was all down to the second final held at Nudgee Golf Club. After some promising match scores after the first nine holes Coolangatta Tweed was out to prove that they were going to capitalise on last week's home win.
Congratulations must go to the 2014 Senior Club Teams Champions - Steve Rowley, Steve Toyne, Mario La-Chiusa, John Costello, Grahame MacDonald (c), Peter Raverty, Phil Green, David Fox, Paul Sutton and Neil Watts.
Congratulations must also go to both team captains Grahame McDonald (Nudgee) and David Morrison (Coolangatta Tweed) as well as all the other clubs who participated in this year's Senior Club Teams Challenge Series.
Sams conquers Carbrook conditions to claim Senior Mens Championship
2007 Champion Brian Sams(Port Macquarie) has added the 2014 Senior title to his collection, outlasting a host of contenders in a testing final round at Carbook. After opening rounds of 69 and 71, a final round 80 was still enough to hold off Indooroopilly's Sam Christie by 1 shot. Christie returned the final day's best round of 3 over in conditions where wind gusts reached over 70km/hr.
Ipswich Month of Golf
The local golf clubs are also set to be a part of the action, with 3 local golf courses hosting events in the lead up to the Queensland Open.
The major prize for the winner at each event is a place in the 2014 Isuzu Queensland Open Pro Am.
Each of the 3 clubs will be hosting a Sunday Open Medley Single Stableford Competition, giving players of all levels the opportunity to win this fantastic prize
The courses and dates are:
Ipswich Golf Course - (07) 3812 0488 – Sunday 27th July
Sandy Gallop Golf Club - (07) 3281 8544 – Sunday 3rd August
Karana Downs Golf Club - (07) 3201 0833 – Sunday 24th August
Club Members – $20 per player
Non Members – $25 per player
Mother and son win mixed
The pair teamed together last Saturday to beat a competitive field on the Sunshine Coast course, returning 162 for the 36-hole event and win by two shots from Sue Jones and Darren McLeod. It is their first victory in a major championship and caps off an outstanding past year for the 18-year-old.
The mixed foursomes win alongside his mother adds to the six individual club championships he has secured at Headland (Buderim) and Horton Park (Maroochydore) in the past 12 months. Samen-Curtis has already been crowned senior and junior champion at Horton Park as well as winning the men's matchplay, and has claimed the same at Headland - the club and junior championships, and the senior matchplay.
"Playing in the mixed was probably not as stressful as some of those other events, but it was very enjoyable," he said.
"Mum and I had a lot of fun and, after all the support she has given me in my golfing career, sharing a championship win with her was particularly special."
Christine, who plays off 11, conceded her son was very much the driving force behind the win but said she had also played well.
"But what gave me most satisfaction was being in such close proximity to the many beautiful golf shots he played," she said.
The first mixed foursomes event was played at Headland Golf Club in 1965. – TONY DURKIN
Queensland Women's Senior and Mid Amateur Championships
Ryan was steady all week and remained undefeated to take out this year's event in stunning fashion. She now has her name on the trophy for a third time, after also winning the 2009 and 2010 event.
Interstate player Jill Blenkey (Newcastle) was victorious in Division 1 of the 55-64 years matchplay final, while Helen Fraser (Headland) took out the Division 2.
Carmel Smith (Horton Park) proved too strong, winning 4&3 in Division 1 of the over 65 age group for a second consecutive year, with Division 2 won by Mount Coolum member Maree Christensen.
On Tuesday, Wantima member Katrina Jones took out the Queensland Women's Mid-Amateur Championship for the third consecutive year.
Jones fired a final round of 76 (+3) to finish 9-shots clear of Debbie Macaulay (Caloundra), whose three round total of 245 was good enough to take out second place.
Sanctuary Cove member Jin Lee won the Nett division after three days of great scoring.
Congratulations must go to Horton Park Golf Club for again hosting this year's event in its seventh year at the venue.
For full results, click here.
Jones wins Women's Mid Amateur Championship
Wantima member Katrina Jones (pictured) has won the 2014 Queensland Women's Mid-Amateur Championship.
Jones fired a final round of 76 (+3) to finish 9-shots clear of Caloundra Golf Club member Debbie Macaulay, whose 3 round total of 245 was good enough to take out second place. Robyn Callaghan (Oxley) finished a further six shots back in third place after shed return rounds of 82,84 and 85.
Sanctuary Cove member Jin Lee won the Nett division after three days of great scoring.
Katrina Jones now has her name on the trophy four times after winning in 2010, 2012 & 2013 Championships.
For full results in the Women's Mid-Amateur, CLICK HERE.
In the Senior Women's Amateur the top placed qualifier Cheryl Sternberg was knocked out in the first round after eighth placed qualifier Faye Payne, Payne capitalised on some early form to eventually win 5&4 and progress through to the next round.
The Four players to progress through to the semi-finals of the knockout match play in the Championship flight- Rosie Glasson (Twin Waters), Josie Ryan (Headland), Rosalind Fisher (Gosnells), and Faye Payne (Caloundra) will be vying for a spot in the final tomorrow morning here at the Horton Park Golf Club.
Hasson victorious at Women's Sand Greens
Hasson shot a final round score of even par 71 to join her first round score of 70 (-1) and take out the Silver Division by eight shots. Shae Holmes finished Runner Up returning back to back rounds of 76 (+5).
In the Bronze I Division Springsure member Trudi Sullivan captured the title after rounds of 89,88-177. Margaret Hayward (Chinchilla) finished a single shot back on 178 after carding rounds of 87,91 to place in outright second in the Bronze I Division.
The Bronze II Division was decided by a play-off after Nyla Mckay (Clermont) and Julie Gibson (Mount Isa) both finished on 205 for the Championship. Gibson faulted after finding the hazard on the 1st Hole with her tee shot and was unable to recover. This was enough for Mckay to claim this year's Bronze II division.
All players were greeted with superb conditions on both days of the championship.
The Winton Golf Club received extremely positive comments from all involved due to the great preparation of their course and kind country hospitality.
For all Championship Results and information, please click here.
Darcy sets women's course record
The 14 year old has been knocking on the door for months and it was only a matter of time before she broke through. After starting on the 10th hole, Darcy birdied her second hole but took bogie on her forth, but immediately bounced back with a brilliant birdie on the par 3, fourteenth. She finished the front nine even with the card after making bogie on the 18th green.
Darcy started the second nine with solid golf for the first four holes and then seizing opportunity, she calmly rolled in a lengthy birdie putt on the 414 meter, double dog-leg par 5, fifth hole. The remainder of the round was steady as the junior dynamo negotiated the challenging 6th, flew the water on the 7th, tamed the 8th and then parred the last when she chipped close and sink the putt for the record.
Darcy has put in the hours of practice and listened intently to her father's instruction in order to achieve this fantastic result. As calm as can be, immediately following her record breaking round, Darcy was back down to the practice fairway honing her skills and warming down. Her new goal is to break 70!
Three golf aces puts Queensland on top
In what a club staff member mathematically formulated would be a five million-to-one chance, Stephen Wright, Ian Leech and Daryl Docherty each recently scored a hole in one at City Golf Club in Toowoomba. And they did it on the same hole, and on the same day.
"It is more than a coincidence - it's freakish," said City golf co-ordinator Andrew Webb.
"Our records show that it has never been done here before and I suggest will probably never be achieved again."
The almost-inexplicable occurrence came on Saturday June 7, during the club's annual Queen's Birthday Golf Carnival. The event was a single stableford.
Eight marker Wright, who has previously scored aces at Warwick, Mt Isa and Mackay, was the first to hole out on the par three eighth hole, which on the day measured 122 metres.
Next was Leech, who plays off 20 and scored five stableford points on the hole, while the final ace came from Docherty, the talented local sportsman whose handicap is eight, despite having played golf for only five years.
Docherty played in the afternoon field and was informed by a mate before teeing off that two guys had aced the eighth hole earlier in the day. He hit nine iron, which landed next to the pin, took a leap forward then spun back into the hole.
"It's my first hole in one and I had always heard it was apparently a big deal but never thought too much about it. Now I can say with some authority that it is a big deal," he said.
Docherty says his playing partners 'whooped it up' when the ball disappeared in the hole, but they were unaware his was the third ace that day.
"When the ball went in I said: 'well, that's the third leg of the trifecta'. But they didn't believe me," he quipped.
Leech said he was just happy to see his ball make it over the water hazard in front of the green and was stunned when it rolled into the hole. He was stunned twice more during the morning – once when another golfer on a neighbouring fairway told him someone else had also achieved the feat and again when the club called in the afternoon to inform him of the trifecta, and invite him back for the presentations.
But Wright has the most vivid memory, describing how the shot was heading towards the right side of the pin, hit the green short of the hole, took a leap to the left and rolled about 1½ metres before dropping in.
"It was a magical moment for me, and the club did a great job getting us together and recognising the amazing feat," he said.
With six balls awarded for nearest the pins on all par threes in club competitions, each player received just two for their aces – plus the traditional bottle of scotch. But because of the significance of the achievement the club also presented each player with a $50 gift certificate.
Image: Ian Leech, Stephen Wright and Daryl Docherty celebrate their unique feat
Gaske & Foley win again at Mixed Foursomes
Gaske and Foley led by two shots returning a 72 at the conclusion of the morning round, with the pairing of Stacey White (Pacific) and Blake Proverbs (Pacific) just two shots behind on 74. Both pairs then fired a 78 in windy conditions. The two shot lead was enough for Gaske and Foley to capture back to back Queensland Mixed Foursome titles. This would be Foley's third consecutive victory after winning in 2012 with Partner Kevin Marques.
The Sandy Gallop pairing of Grant Haviland and Tahlia Condon won the 36 Nett Event returning a 36-hole Nett score of 148. Hazel Martin (Virginia) and Zachary Maxwell (Virginia) were three shots behind on 151 nett finishing runner-up.
2014 Mixed Foursomes Best Dressed went to Kyle Underwood & Eleka Moore. Jacob Lawson & Rhianna Lewis managed to wear onesies during the round
Golf Queensland wish to thank the McLeod Country Golf Club for the fantastic condition the course was presented.
For complete gross and nett scores please click here.
Myles breaks through to capture 2014 Queensland Sand Green Championship
Daryl Myles (Moura) has won the 2014 Queensland Sand Green Championship after firing successive 2 under rounds of 68 around the testing Hughenden Golf Course.
Trailing overnight leader and fellow Moura member Dillon West by 2 shots, Myles' consistency saw him hold off the challenge of Roma visitor Alan Barber, who eventually finished second on 3 under.
The B Grade Championship was dominated by Middlemount visitor and Sand Greens stalwart Terry Mayne. An impressive 1 under 69 (Mayne's first ever round under par) was enough to build a 4 shot cushion over his nearest challenger Ron Maher (Maryborough). A nervy opening 9 holes had Mayne's lead reduced but having not dropped a shot from the 10th onwards, Mayne stood on the 18th tee with a comfortable lead. Ben Smith (Richmond) finished runner up, 4 shots behind.
Donal O'Sullivan (Cunnamulla) bettered his opening round 81 by a shot, and as a result took out the C Grade Championship by 3 shots, from overnight leader Paul Allen (Blackall). O'Sullivan enjoyed his best Sand Greens results this weekend, having paired with Michael Gardiner (Cooroy) on Friday to win the Fourball Championship with a stellar 53 points.
With 160 players making their way to Hughenden, it was a successful renewal of the Sand Green Championship. Hughenden Golf Club should feel proud at the way the course and club was presented, with players praising the club for their hospitality.
Golf Queensland would also like to thank City Golf Club for their continued valuable support of the Sand Greens Championships, as well as the Country Week Championships.
Next year the Championships head south to Barcaldine, where a capacity field is expected for the June long weekend (5th – 7th).
For all full results including Nett and Senior categories please click on the link - http://www.golfqueensland.org.au/gq-events/queensland-mens-sand-greens-championship
Scott cements World No 1 with a win
Overcoming fellow Major Champion Jason Dufner in a thrilling three-hole playoff, Scott claimed the Texas title in extra time after finishing tied with the American at 9-under par.
Scott had started the day two behind overnight leaders Hideki Matsuyama, David Toms, Chad Campbell and Chris Stroud, however quickly put himself in contention with his second consecutive round of 4-under 66.
"It's a real honour to win here... It's a beauty," said Scott straight after his round.
"I was determined. I really wanted to win them all here in Texas."
Fellow Australian and 2014 PGA TOUR winner John Senden also finished top ten, the Queenslander finishing in T5 at 7-under par.With this win...
• Scott is the fifth Australian to win on TOUR this season, joining Jason Day, John Senden, Steven Bowditch, Matt Jones. The other international winners are Seung-yul Noh and Martin Kaymer.
• Making his 221st PGA TOUR start, Adam Scott collects his 11th victory at the age of 33 years, 10 months and 9 days. It is his first win since capturing The Barclays in 2013.
• Adam Scott becomes the first player to win the Texas Grand Slam, having won the 2007 Shell Houston Open, 2008 HP Byron Nelson Championship, 2010 Valero Texas Open and 2014 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial.
• Scott's victory on Sunday earned him a plaid jacket to add to his growing collection.
• Scott's victory is his fourth top 10 of the season. He made his TOUR-leading 34th consecutive cut this week.
Battling Crawford seals the deal
The 21-year-old Queenslander overcame a hesitant start to return with a two-over 74 at Royal Perak Golf Club to claim his biggest amateur title yet – keeping the trophy in Australian hands after Kevin Marques' triumph last year.
Ong proved resilient in the early exchanges, halving Crawford's overnight lead to just two at the turn but a costly double bogey six on the 11th took the winds out of his sails as the 18-year-old settled for sole second on three-under 285.
China's Zihao Chen carded the round of the day with a closing four-under 68 to leap into a share of third alongside another Aussie representative Jarryd Felton on 286.
Muhd Wafiyuddin Abdul Manaf, the top-ranked Malaysian in the field, stumbled down the leaderboard with a disappointing four-over 76, on the back of a card of seven bogeys and three birdies while compatriot Low Khai Jei (73) was a further stroke back in tied sixth alongside halfway co-leader Jake McLeod (72) on 290.
Expressing his delight, Crawford admitted that he had trouble adjusting to the fact that it was his first time leading into a final round of a major amateur championship.
"It was definitely a tough day today and I made some tough work out of it but I got it done at the end and I'm happy that I played well enough this week to win the championship," shared Crawford.
"I was feeling a little nervous, given that I was still adjusting to the experience of leading throughout the tournament and the exertions of the week were beginning to show as well but I managed to play okay for the rest of the holes.
"I've been playing well this year and knew it was just a matter of time before I won but I just had to be patient and I'm delighted to finally win a big one," noted the Gold Coast native.
Crawford began the final round with a four-shot lead but two bogeys in four opening holes saw Ong start to turn the screw with only two strokes separating the duo through 10 holes. The Singaporean's costly mistake on the 11th, however, saw the momentum shift back to him.
"Definitely, did not enjoy the best of starts but I was always in front. I thought that Marc's double [bogey] on the 11th definitely changed the tide in my favour. I felt comfortable from that stage onwards knowing that I just need to par the remaining stretch to stay ahead and it was good enough in the end."
Full Scores
Blake Proverbs selected in Australian team for Toyota World Junior
The team members are Brett Coletta (Woodlands GC, VIC), Zach Murray (Commonwealth GC, VIC), Blake Proverbs (Pacific GC, QLD) and Blake Windred (Monash Country Club, NSW).
Coletta won this year's South Australian Junior Masters and the Tamar Valley Junior Cup and finished third at the Australian Junior Championships in April.
Murray is the current Victorian Amateur champion and recently joined Golf Australia's National Squad.
Proverbs has finished runner-up at the NSW Junior Championship, Jack Newton Junior International and SA Junior Masters in the last year.
Windred finished runner-up to Ryan Ruffels at this year's Australian Junior Championship in April.
The Team Captain is Dean Kinney and the coach is Peter Knight.
The Australian team finished second in the 2013 edition.
Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said the players would benefit from the international experience.
"We have had some excellent results at this event in recent years and look forward to another strong Australian performance in Japan," James said.
The championship is 72 holes with the best 3 of 4 individual scores to count each day.
Hollie Sinclair wins 2014 Qld Women's Country Championship
Almost 350 players from 50 clubs made their way up the range to Toowoomba for a great week of golf, starting with the Foursomes Championship on Monday and concluding with the individual Championships on alternating courses on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Toowoomba hosted the first round of the Silver and Bronze II Championships on Tuesday, with 2013 champion Samantha Foley (RACV Royal Pines) leading the way with a 77 to set up a 2-shot lead over her nearest rival, Hollie Sinclair from Beerwah.In the Bronze II Championship, Karen Munro (Mount Coolum) set the early pace as she was the only player to break handicap on the demanding Toowoomba layout with 38 points.
At City Golf Club, Pacific Harbour member Nance Flohr (99) led a large field of 165 players, with local Cheryl Francie (City) only two shots behind.Perfect conditions greeted the players for the second round, with Silver and Bronze II heading to City and Bronze I players to Toowoomba.
Sinclair placed early pressure on overnight leader Foley and ran away with the Silver Championship with a final round 80 securing an eight shot victory over Paige Large from Gatton and Foley finishing in third place.
On the demanding City layout, Mount Coolum visitor Sue Douglass returned 26 points to snatch the Bronze II Championship on countback from overnight leader and fellow Mount Coolum member Munro.
Round two of the Bronze I Championship concluded at Toowoomba, where City members Gail Weedon and Cheryl Francis quinnelled the placings with Weedon a 2 shot victor after rounds of 102 and 96. In Division 2 of Bronze I, Jenny Jenner (City) finished on a two round total of 209 and claim a three shot win over Lesley Brady (Tamborine Mountain).
Two hole-in-ones were recorded throughout the tournament - Jean Bury-Porter on the 15th at City Golf Club on Wednesday and Cathy Roberts on the 14th at Toowoomba on Tuesday.
Congratulations must go to City and Toowoomba Golf Clubs who hosted a fantastic event, with special mention to both clubs' ladies committees who put in hours of work to coordinate the smooth running of another successful Women's Country Week.
In 2015 the Women's Country Week heads north to Far North Queensland, with Cairns and Half Moon Bay Golf Clubs looking forward to hosting the tournament.
Harris and Macaulay win the Women's Country Foursomes Championship
Annabel Harris (Horton Park) and Debbie Macaulay (Caloundra) have taken out the Foursomes Championship on day one of the 2014 Women's Country Championships held at City Golf Club, Toowoomba with a score of 85.
Robyn Robinson and Helen Ricciardi from Isis Golf Club had the best score of 99 to take out Division 2 at Toowoomba Golf Club.
This year's event has been well supported with a field of 340 women taking part in the three day event from 46 clubs. The Women's Country Championship has a strong tradition of being well supported as it moves across the State each year. The remaining two days of this year's Championship will be played under a 36-hole stroke format.
For the Foursomes results CLICK HERE
Adam Scott is the World's Number 1 golfer
Having spent 38 weeks at the number two position, Scott officially claimed the top spot ending Tiger Woods' 60 week reign.
Despite not playing last week Scott topped the Official World Golf Rankings and will tee it up for the first time as the World Number 1 in the Crowne Plaza Invitational this week.
Scott becomes just the second Australian to be the world's highest ranked golfer following his mentor Greg Norman who held the position for 331 weeks in the 1980s and 1990s.
"This is another outstanding achievement for Adam Scott," said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
"The Australian golfing community is very proud of Adam and we look forward to watching his progress throughout the year."
Scott continues Australia's dominance on the world stage in 2014. Already this year, John Senden, Steven Bowditch and Matt Jones have notched victories on the PGA TOUR, while this week Marcus Both was victorious at the Asian Tour's Philippine Open.
"Australia is a proud sporting nation and we are privileged to have so many talented golfers flying the Aussie flag around the world," added Thorburn.
Since the Official World Golf Rankings inception just 17 golfers have held the number one position.
Promising Jack heads off to the States
Fifteen-year-old Trent and his mum Louise will leave their Buderim home on Tuesday (May 20), while his father John two younger siblings Taylor ( 12) and Harrison (14) will join them next month in Las Vegas, where the family will live near TPC Summerlin.
And his most immediate task from his new home will be to play a minimum of 20 rounds of golf before June 4, which is required for him to secure a US handicap so he can play in the US Junior Amateur. He currently plays off plus one at Headland Golf Club.
Young Jack has had a memorable past 12 months and made a huge impression playing against the best junior golfers in the world. He won the Future Champions World Golf Championships in California last year and was runner-up at the San Diego Junior Masters and placed third at the Callaway Junior World Golf Championship.
Among his other recent achievements was selected as a development player in the Queensland Junior State squad earlier this year and a second placing in the Sunshine Coast Amateur championships at his home course over Easter.Although disappointed to be leaving Queensland behind, Jack is determined to follow his dream and hopefully take up a US college scholarship when he finishes school. But for the next three years he will be home schooled which will enable him to train and play for six hours a day.
"It is a big move for the family but I want to try and take my game to the next level," he said.
"My aim is to become a professional golfer and play on the USPGA Tour, become a top 10 player and follow in the footsteps of Adam Scott. Winning those tournaments in the US last year helped me believe that I really can do this."
Trent was keen to thank those who had helped him get his golf to where it is today, in particular his coaches Peter Heiniger and John Victorsen, as well as Golf Queensland.
Victoria and Western Australia win Australian Interstate Series
Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches - Federal Golf Club, Canberra
The Victorian men's team has won the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches for the first time since 2009 in a narrow win 4.5 - 3.5 win over the New South Wales side at Federal Golf Club.
Under cloud, temperatures hovered between 5 and 10 degrees on a cold morning for the finals.
Todd Sinnott, Zach Murray, Geoff Drakeford and Andrew Schonewille all won their final matches for the Victorian side to give them the edge and the points over New South Wales in a tight contest.
The Victorians did not lose a contest for the week en route to victory.
With New South Wales in second place, Queensland won the first consolation final and secured third place with a 5.5 - 2.5 win over South Australia.
Tasmania finished fifth after triumphing in the second consolation final against Western Australia.
Kiran Day (WA) was the only player to finish the championship undefeated.
Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches - Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Canberra
Western Australia won the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup for the third time in four years with a convincing 5-1 victory over New South Wales in the final of the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club.
In replay of yesterday's fifth round against New South Wales, World Number 1 Minjee Lee defeated Shelly Shin 5&3 and Hannah Green and Hayley Bettencourt also recorded strong wins for the champions in icy winds north of the city.
For Lee and Bettencourt, it was the third time they had been members of a winning team.
With New South Wales finishing second, Queensland recorded a narrow win over Victoria to seal third place. The Queenslanders, led by wins for Jaimee Dougan, Gennai Goodwin and Amy Walsh prevailed 3.5 - 2.5 in the first consolation final.
South Australia defeated Tasmania in the second consolation final to make sure of fifth place.
World Number 5 amateur Su-Hyun Oh (VIC) was the only player to finish the championship undefeated.
Day 3: Australian Interstate Series
Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches - Federal Golf Club, Canberra
Victoria will play New South Wales in tomorrow's final of the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches at Federal Golf Club in Canberra.
The Victorians are hunting their first win in the championship since 2009 while New South Wales last won in 2012.
In sunny morning conditions, Victoria had a battle on their hands but sealed a 4-3 win over Tasmania to maintain their perfect record of winning every contest so far.
Geoff Drakeford (VIC) held on for a 1up win over Mark Schulze (TAS) to help the Victorians to victory. Zach Murray, Todd Sinnott and Lucas Herbert also recorded victories for the Victorians.
Despite a 5-2 loss to Western Australia, the New South Wales team booked their spot in the final after South Australia could only halve their contest with Queensland. A South Australian victory would have seen them leapfrog New South Wales into the championship contest.
Queensland and South Australia will play off in the first consolation final for third place while Western Australia and Tasmania will compete in the second consolation final.
Championship Final: Victoria v New South Wales
1st Consolation Final: South Australia v Queensland
2nd Consolation Final: Western Australia v Tasmania
The final takes place on Friday morning from 8.30am.
Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches - Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Canberra
In a nail-biting finish, Western Australia booked a spot in the final of the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches where they'll play New South Wales for the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup.
It will be a replay of this morning's fifth round match where the Western Australians won 3.5 - 0.5
Western Australia finished the five rounds level on contests but just half a match clear of Queensland who finished third. World Number 1 amateur Minjee Lee, Hayley Bettencourt and Alyssa Keir all won for Western Australia.
New South Wales will be hunting their first win in the championship since 2009 while the Western Australian team won in 2012 with a team that included four of the players competing in 2014.
Queensland will play Victoria in the first consolation final after the Queenslanders beat South Australia 5-0 this morning.
Victoria defeated Tasmania 4.5 - 0.5 to finish fourth.
South Australia will play Tasmania in the second consolation final.
Championship Final: New South Wales v Western Australia
1st Consolation Final: Queensland v Victoria
2nd Consolation Final: South Australia v Tasmania
The final takes place on Friday morning at 8.30am.
Day 2: Australian Interstate Series
Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches - Federal Golf Club, Canberra
The Victorian team have continued their good form in winning their third and fourth round matches to maintain their lead at the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches in Canberra.
The Victorians, who have won each of their contests so far, defeated Western Australia in the morning and South Australia this afternoon.
In excellent conditions at Federal Golf Club, Lucas Herbert and Ryan Ruffels won both of their matches for the Victorian side.
New South Wales moved into second place after a narrow win over Queensland and victory over Tasmania.
South Australia held their position in the top three after a 6-1 win over Tasmania this morning.
Queensland is in fourth place, level on contests and just two matches behind South Australia.
Western Australia is in fifth place and Tasmania are sixth.
The fifth round is on Thursday morning. The final takes place on Friday morning.
Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches - Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Canberra
After an excellent Wednesday performance, the New South Wales women's team moved into the lead at the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches for the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup.
The NSW team defeated Tasmania and Queensland 5-0 during the day to move one and a half contests clear of the field.
Doey Choi and Celina Yuan both recorded strong victories in the morning round for NSW against Tasmania.
Co-overnight leaders, the Western Australian team are now in second place after securing a halved contest against Queensland this afternoon.
Just two matches separate WA from the Queensland team who are in third place.
After a challenging opening day, the Victorian team bounced back to win both of their contests on Wednesday and move into fourth place on the leaderboard.
South Australia recorded their first victory in a contest against Tasmania this morning. The SA team are in fifth place ahead of Tasmania in sixth.
The fifth round is on Thursday morning. The final takes place on Friday morning.
Day 1: Australian Interstate Series
Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches - Federal Golf Club, Canberra
The Victorian team produced consecutive impressive performances to build a solid lead after the opening day of play at Federal Golf Club.
After a brief weather delay for early fog, the Victorians booked top spot on the leaderboard as the only team to win both contests today - having won 11 of their 14 matches.
Tom Power-Horan and Ben Eccles won both of their matches en route to the Victorians taking the lead.
South Australia are in second place after defeating Western Australia and a narrow loss to New South Wales this afternoon.
The Western Australian team are in third place while New South Wales and Queensland are tied in fourth place.
Tasmania is in sixth.
The third and fourth rounds are played on Wednesday.
Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches - Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, Canberra
Queensland and Western Australia are tied for the lead after the opening two rounds of the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches in cool conditions at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club.
Both sides defeated Tasmania 5-0 during the course of the day while Western Australia overcame South Australia 3-2 and Queensland defeated Victoria by the same scoreline.
World Number 1 amateur Minjee Lee won both her matches comfortably for the Western Australian team.
The New South Wales team are in third place after 4-1 win over South Australia this afternoon.
Victoria is in fourth place after losses to New South Wales and Queensland on the opening day.
South Australia and Tasmania round out the leaderboard.
The third and fourth rounds are played on Wednesday.
Second for young Queenslander
The 20 year-old, playing in just his second professional event on the Asian Tour, finished with an impressive 16 under score of 272 to be one stroke behind winner Anirban Lahiri of India.
But it was the character he displayed on the final-day back nine that most impressed his coach, Grant Field of Twin Waters.
"Things could have gone really badly for him after that average start," said Field, referring to Smith's three-over 39 front nine, which included two bogeys, a double and a birdie.
"But he did really well, displayed a lot of character and looked comfortable in that pressure-cooker situation to come home with five birdies on an unblemished back nine."
Smith took a one-stroke lead into the final day at Royale Jakarta Golf Club but fell back early after his double bogey at the par five second. Lahiri, conversely, fired three successive birdies from the second hole. And he clinched the title with a spectacular eagle putt on the last.
Playing without a caddy and in oppressive weather conditions, the young Queenslander made giant strides during the tournament and shot rounds of 68, 67, 67 and 70. Smith, who last year was Australian amateur champion, collected $65,000 for his equal second finish.
"There is still a lot of improvement in Cameron, and he will be much better for the experience in Indonesia," said Field. – TONY DURKIN
Winners crowned in Australian Foursomes
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Queenslanders Aaron Wilkin and Taylor MacDonald became the first pair in the history of the championship to successfully defend their Australian Men's Foursomes title.The pair, who won at Riversdale Golf Club in Melbourne in 2013, did so again in emphatic style with a seven stroke win in Canberra.
Wilkin and MacDonald lit up the course in the morning round with an 8-under par 64. They followed up with a 5-under par afternoon score for their 131 total.
Victorians Ben Eccles and Todd Sinnott and Lucas Herbert and Geoff Drakeford were tied in second place on 138.
South Australian pair Anthony Murdaca and Justin Crowder finished fourth.
The Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches begin on Tuesday at Federal Golf Club.
Click Here for Full Results
The spoils were shared for the fourth time in eight years with Western Australian pair Hannah Green and her partner,
World Number 1 amateur Minjee Lee sharing the title with New South Wales pair Doey Choi and Shelly Shin.
Lee and Green finished with rounds of 74 and 73 for their 147 total while Choi and Shin fired the best round of the day in the afternoon, a 2-under par 71 to go with their morning 76 for their 147.
New South Wales pair Olivia Wilson and Aliza Huff finished three strokes back in a tie for third with Queensland pair Ali Orchard and Anna Stanton.
The Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches begins on Tuesday at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club.
Australia's best amateur golfers hit Canberra for Interstate Series
At the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches for the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club, defending champions Victoria boast World Number 5 amateur Su-Hyun Oh who has recently made the cut in her first Major, the 2014 Kraft Nabisco Championship at Mission Hills in California.
She will be joined by 2014 Riversdale Cup runner up Bianca Ling and 14 year-oldd Soo-Bin Park who won the 2014 Tasmanian Junior Masters.
Joining Minjee Lee in the Western Australian team is Hayley Bettencourt who has had a number of recent wins in Australian Women's Amateur Ranking Events including the 2014 Rene Erichsen in South Australia and the 2014 Western Australian Amateur.
Queensland will also be in the mix, with 2014 Australian Amateur runner up Karis Davidson joining the team along with Ali Orchard who finished runner up in both the 2013 Queensland Amateur and 2014 NSW Amateur.
New South Wales features Shelly Shin who was selected in the Australian Team for the 2014 Queen Sirikit Cup in Malaysia, along with Elizabeth Elmassian, winner of the 2014 Tasmanian Women's Stroke Play and Celina Yuan the 2013 Victorian Junior Champion.
The South Australian team sees 2014 Australian Amateur semi-finalist and 2014 SA Amateur Champion Jenny Lee joining the team along with a number of youngsters backing up from the Girls' Interstate Series including Cassidy Evreniadis and Kristalle Blum.
The Tasmanian team will again feature Sarah Johnstone, a long-time member of team as well as with some young faces in including Zahara Lemon and Georgia Milbourne who have performed well in the Tasmanian Junior ranks.
The Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches at Federal Golf Club will showcase the most talented players in the men's amateur ranks.
Favourites for the men's event are defending champions Queensland who have won the Championship three times in the last five years in 2013, 2011 and 2010.
The team is headlined by National Squad Member and 2013 Keperra Bowl winner Taylor Macdonald along with Simon Viitakangas who has had a great start to the year with wins in the 2014 Australian Master of the Amateurs and 2014 SA Classic.
The Western Australian team is also a top contender featuring 2014 Australian Amateur runner up Curtis Luck who currently sits on top of the Australian Boys' Amateur Rankings with wins in the 2014 NSW Medal and 2014 WA Amateur. He is joined by Jarryd Felton, winner of the 2013 Mandurah Open, 2013 Queensland Medal and 2014 Tasmanian Open.
Newly-crowned Australian Junior Champion Ryan Ruffels joins Todd Sinnott who is currently ranked number one on the Australian Men's Amateur Rankings and 2013 Victorian Amateur champion Zach Murray in a strong Victorian team.
Winners of the 2012 Interstate Teams Matches New South Wales will feature National Squad Member Cameron Davis who was a quarter finalist in the 2014 Australian Amateur and runner up in the 2014 Western Australian Amateur, along with Jordan Zunic who has had a number of top 5 finishes this year in Australian Men's Amateur Ranking events including the Lake Macquarie Amateur and Australian Master of the Amateurs.
2013 Australian Junior Champion and 2014 Australian Amateur Semi Finalist Anthony Murdaca will headline the South Australian Team along 2014 SA Amateur Champion Jack Williams. Justin Crowder also joins the team after finishing well in the 2014 Australian Amateur qualifying.
The Tasmanian Team will feature veteran Mark Schulze who was the winner of the 2013 Tasmanian Amateur along with some fresh faces including Jack Tregaskisjago who finished 4th the 2014 Tamar Valley Cup.
This year will also see the Australian Foursomes Championships contested at the respective courses for men and women on Sunday 27 April.
The Championships are Australia's premier teams championships, with the men's event having been played since 1894, the women's since 1897.
Entry is free for spectators.
Former pro wins Sunshine Coast Open
David Grenfell lived up to the 'oldie but a goodie' adage when he overcame a late challenge from two of the state's most talented juniors to win his fifth Sunshine Coast men's open amateur championship over Easter.
Grenfell, who is 41, set up his stunning win with a flawless six under 66 on Easter Saturday to open up a commanding three-shot lead over the field of 200, which included 48 players with a handicap of one or better. The two-day event was held at Headland Golf Club and was sponsored by Tate Professional Engineers.
And although he struggled with his game on Easter Sunday with four bogeys in his one-over 73, Grenfell was able to withstand the challenge of Sunshine Coast youngsters Jack Trent (Headland) and Shae Wools-Cobb (Horton Park). Fifteen-year-old Trent (72, 70) finished second on a countback from Wools-Cobb (18), who shot 69/73.Grenfell, who had six years on the Australian pro circuit from 1996 to 2001, said he was pleased with his win which had brought back fond memories from his days as a junior. Now a member at Horton Park, he spent his junior years at Headland and won the first two of his five Sunshine Coast amateur titles while a member there.
"The course is undergoing some renovations at the moment but it was in very good condition. The greens were superb," he said."I played really well on Saturday but not as good on Sunday, mixing four bogeys with three birdies. I don't play many events these days so for an oldie it was a very satisfying win."
Former Headland champion David Rattray won the open nett event with 140, while Trent took out the junior championship and another former Headland land champion, Brian Kesby, was crowned best senior (147).
Division Two was won by James Haining of Windaroo Lakes (153), on a countback from Barry Howe (Headland), while Gus Peni (Headland) won Division Two net (145). Division Three winner was Horton Park's Will Sutherland (170) with Burgess Stephenson (Headland) returning the best nett score of 138.
Victoria wins Junior Boys Interstate Teams Matches
With the title resting on this morning's contest, the Victorians won 4-1 to clinch victory.
In an incredible team performance, the Victorians won 32 of a possible 35 individual matches over the four days, making it 10 victories in the championship since it began in 1958.
Zach Murray and Blake Collyer were undefeated for the champions.
New South Wales finished in second place, one and a half contests clear of Queensland who finished third.
Western Australia were fourth followed by South Australia in fifth.
The ACT, Tasmania and Northern Territory rounded out the leaderboard.
Qld Girls record fourth consecutive win at Australian Interstate
This is the fourth straight year the Queensland Girls Team have had victory in the National Championship.
Queensland went into the final day of play locked at the top of the leader board with New South Wales and defeated them 3-2 in the final round to seal victory.
Queensland Team Coach, Virginia Irwin, was thrilled with the win and said she was proud of how the team performed.
"The girls played with full commitment throughout the tournament," Irwin said. "They committed to each match and had trust in their abilities which saw them through to the end."
"They supported and encouraged each other and showed sportsmanship towards the other teams.
"Their hard work and determination paid off and they thoroughly deserve the win."
New South Wales finished in second place followed by Western Australia, Victoria and South Australia.
Queensland Team:
Rebecca Kay
Stacey White
Samantha Foley
Kate Law
Kirsty Hodgkins
Karis Davidson
Virginia Irwin (Coach)
Jessica Jenkins (Manager)
MYGolf Camp a great success in Blackall
The first MYGolf Junior camp kicked off for 2014 in the Central West at Blackall Golf Club in April.
The concept of Golf Queensland travelling to a regional district and supporting a three day junior camp began last year in the Central West at Tambo Golf Club and has gained momentum throughout Golf Queensland's development. This year we are running MYGolf camps in the June/July holidays at Yeppoon (Capricorn Golf Resort), Charters Towers Golf Club, Emerald Golf Club and in the September holidays at Miles Golf Club.The camps are targeting juniors aged 5-14 years at the beginner to 3, 6, or 9 hole ability with a passion to learn and play golf. Equipment is also supplied if required.
The Blackall camp saw 37 Junior's from the Central West Queensland district including juniors from Tambo, Ilfracome, Barcaldine, Muttaburra and of course Blackall attend the camp.
There was once again great local sponsorship by Tambo Teddies, Choyce's Livestock transport, Coolibah Motel and Shane Robinson Construction as well as support from Balckall-Tambo regional council. The support of Junior Coordinators Bill Rogers and Shane Robinson was instrumental in the camp being such as success for the second year.
Local Junior Coordinator Shane Robinson said the camp was a huge success. "The organisation, fun and expertise that these camps provide for our juniors here is tremendous benefit for our juniors and for our district clubs, also the parents and junior coordinators and volunteers also learn a few things on the latest MYGolf coaching practices and also for our own golf games," Mr Robinson said.
Thank you also to Blackall Golf Club for the use of their facilities and to all the parents and volunteers who assisted throughout the camp.
Once again Hills International Golf College is supporting junior golf in regional areas by sponsoring two juniors to attend their September golf camp from every MYGolf camp we are running in 2014. This provides a great opportunity for juniors from regional areas to keep working on their golf, mixing with juniors from the city and an opportunity to play on grass greens. We thank Hills International College for this support in working together on the development of the game.
Next year we are planning the Central West camp to be held at Muttaburra Golf Club.
Windsor Income Protection supports Isuzu Queensland Open
After a successful inaugural partnership in 2013, Windsor Income Protection has not only increased its sponsorship commitment for the next two years but also added a hole-in-one prize with a total value of $70,000 over the four-day tournament.
In addition to the hole-in-one prize for the Professionals, activities will also be present on the 7th hole for fans to have the chance to win an array of prizes.
Golf Queensland Chair Peter Castrisos said he was thrilled Windsor Income Protection was back on board.
"It was a big step for corporates to back the event in 2013 and I am excited to see so much support for this year and beyond," Mr Castrisos said.
"Add such an exciting hole-in-one opportunity to the mix and the interest in the Championship by spectators and players is expected to grow.
"Now it's over to the Professionals to make that elusive hole-in-one and reap the rewards."
Windsor Income Protection Manager Director Jeff Roser said they looked forward to increasing their partnership with this iconic Queensland golfing event.
"It's imperative that these Australian tournaments with great traditions get re-established to further bolster the next breed of golfers to take on the world stage," Mr Roser said.
"Windsor Income Protection is proud to be part of this growth strategy and we look forward to seeing the Professionals attack the pin over the course of the tournament."
Pre-qualifying rounds will take place on Monday, 25 August 2014 with further detail to be provided shortly.
Click here for more information.
Junior Interstate Teams Matches - Day 2
Australian Girls' Interstate Teams Matches - Yering Meadows Golf Club - Rounds 3&4Click Here to view Day 2 Results
The New South Wales and Queensland girls' teams are locked in a head-to-head battle which will decide which state claims the Burtta Cheney Cup on Tuesday.
Both teams are level on matches and contests after the second day of play and share top spot on the leaderboard going into tomorrow's final day at the Australian Girls' Interstate Teams Matches in Victoria's Yarra Valley.
The teams will square off tomorrow morning in pursuit of victory.
Victoria is in third place and will need to secure victory over Western Australia to maintain their hold on third place.
The South Australian team is in fifth place.
The final round is played on Tuesday morning.
Australian Boys' Interstate Teams Matches - The Heritage Golf and Country Club - Rounds 3&4
Click Here to view Day 2 Results
The Victorian Boys' team has continued to produce dominant displays which sees them lead the Australian Boys' Interstate Teams Matches into the penultimate day, having not lost a match to date.
After the second day of competition, the Victorians hold a 20-0 win/loss record in the individual matches.
Newly-crowned Australian Junior champion Ryan Ruffels, Zach Murray, Brett Coletta, Frazer Droop, Blake Collyer and David Micheluzzi are responsible for the Victorian dominance.
New South Wales sit in second place, a full 5.5 matches behind Victoria after victory over Western Australia this afternoon.
Western Australia is in third position ahead of Queensland in fourth place.
South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory round out the table.
Rounds 5 and 6 are played on Tuesday.
Watson clinches second Masters win
The 2012 champion finished at 8-under par after rounds of 69-68-74-69 and added a second Green Jacket to his locker at the club with three birdies late on the front nine. He played the infamous back nine in even par to secure the title.
Australia's John Senden fired a final round 1-over par 73 to finish in a tie for 8th which confirms his place in the 2015 Masters field (the top 12 players and ties from the previous year earn invitations).
Defending champion Adam Scott holed a snaking downhill putt on the 18th green to finish with a final round even par 72 at 1-over par in a tie for 14th place.
Jason Day fought back from difficult early rounds to finish in a tie 21st. Steven Bowditch finished in a tie for 26th.
Amateur Oliver Goss won the low amateur honours after shooting 76-75 on the weekend to finish in 49th place.
20 year-old Masters rookie Jordan Spieth started the day as a co-leader with Watson and finished with an even par 72 to tie with Sweden's Jonas Blixt, also a Masters debutant, at 5-under par.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, a 50-year-old Spaniard who jumped into contention Saturday with a six-under 66, finished fourth at four-under 284 after a 71. The only other golfers to finish under par were Americans Rickie Fowler and Matt Kuchar at 2-under and England's Lee Westwood at 1-under.
"The first one for me, it's almost like I lucked into it. After giving it away last year, I wanted it back. I told Adam we could just swap it back and forth every year. This one was a lot of hard work and dedication," Watson said.
Watson earned $1.62 million for the victory, his eighth as a pro and sixth on the PGA Tour. The Masters paid out a record $9 million in prize money.
Spieth was trying to become the youngest Masters champion, and the first player since Fuzzy Zoeller in 1979 to win in his first start at Augusta National.
Conditions were excellent again, with mostly sunny skies and temps in the low 80s.
Ruffels and Matsumoto win Junior Titles
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Victorian Ryan Ruffels capped his performance with a 72nd hole birdie to win the Australian Boys' Amateur Championship by three strokes on the St.John Course at The Heritage Golf and Country Club.
Ruffels fired rounds of 70-69-68-70 to finish at 11-under par on a rain-soaked course, three clear of New South Welshman Blake Windred who closed with a 4-under par 68. Victorian Brett Coletta finished third, three strokes further back.
"Blake and Brett are both really good players and better than that, they're really good guys. We had a lot of fun out there today," Ruffels said.
"For me the first two rounds, I just kept the ball in front of me. The fairways are nice and wide so you've just got to be able to hit the fairways and with the greens this soft, you're able to get aggressive with the second shot. I was able to hit it close enough to take a bit of stress off the putting and ended up playing pretty stress-free golf for most the four rounds which was great."
Ruffels continued on his recent good form which included victory at the recent Riversdale Cup in Melbourne.
"I think there were four or five guys that came in this week as pretty strong favourites and there are a lot guys in state squads that are really good. To be able to beat those guys this week - I knew I had the ability to win it - but it's just about doing it and I'm very relieved," Ruffels added.
The 15 year-old's exemption into the Emirates Australian Open in November will be his second consecutive appearance.
"I had so much fun playing at the Aussie Open last year, got to play with some really cool guys and obviously having a good tournament as well. It's good to have secured that spot," Ruffels said.
The Boys' Interstate Teams Matches will be played from 13-16 April will all Australian states and territories represented.
Australian Girls' Amateur Championship - Yering Meadows Golf Club - Final Round
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Victorian junior Konomi Matsumoto held on to win the Australian Girls' Amateur Championship in steady rain by one stroke at Yering Meadows Golf Club in Victoria's Yarra Valley today.
Matsumoto, a member of Victoria Golf Club, finished with rounds of 71-76-76-77 (+8) to defeat Queenslander and Australian Amateur runner up Karis Davidson by one.
The 14 year-old, who was born in Japan, was thrilled with the win.
"It's great - I was really nervous in the morning (third) round and again this afternoon," Matsumoto said.
"I've been practising so hard for this - I was hoping for at least a top 3 finish and after my first round, it gave me a lot of confidence."
Matsumoto competed at this year's ISPS HANDA Women's Australian Open at Victoria Golf Club via an invitation and, through today's win, gains an exemption into the 2015 championship.
"It means so much. I only found out yesterday that there was exemption. I learnt so much in February - mainly you have to keep playing your game. You can have one bad hole but you can't give up," Matsumoto added.
Queensland's Rebecca Kay finished in third place at 11-over par.
The Girls' Interstate Teams' Matches will be played from 13-15 April at the same venue with New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria contesting the event.
Australian Junior Championships: Round 2
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Victorian junior Kono Matsumoto holds a solid three stroke lead heading into tomorrow's final two rounds of the Australian Girls' Amateur Championship in Victoria's Yarra Valley.
With persistent rain continuing across Melbourne, Matsumoto slipped to a second round 3-over par 76 but her opening round 71 on Wednesday leaves her at 1-over par, three clear of Queensland's Rebecca Kay. Kay fired the joint round of the day - an even par 73 - matched by Kiwi Celyn Khoo.
Australian Amateur runner-up, Queenslander Karis Davidson is in third place, four strokes behind Matsumoto. Kiwi Khoo is in fourth place, a further stroke back.
The third and final rounds are played on Friday. In addition to the trophy, the champion earns an exemption into the 2015 ISPS HANDA Women's Australian Open.
Australian Boys' Amateur Championship - The Heritage Golf and Country Club - Round 2
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Victorian Ryan Ruffels and New South Welshman Blake Windred have maintained their grip on the lead at the halfway mark of the Australian Boys' Amateur Championship on the St.John Course at The Heritage.
Ruffels backed up his first round 70 with a second round 3-under par 69 to be tied with Windred who shot identical rounds over the first two days.
The pair leads at 5-under par, two strokes clear of Victorian pair Zach Murray and Blake Collyer. Collyer produced the round of the day in tough conditions, finishing with a 4-under par 68 while Murray had 70.
Kiwi Charlie Hillier is in fifth place at 2-under par with Queenslander Charles Pilon and New South Welshman Isaac Noh tied in sixth.
The third and final rounds are played on Friday. The champion earns a place at this year's Emirates Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in November.
Following the conclusion of the Junior Amateurs, state teams will remain in Victoria for the Interstate Teams Matches to be played at the respective clubs.
The Girls' Interstate Teams' Matches will be played from 13-15 April with New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria contesting the event, whilst the Boys' Interstate Teams Matches will be played from 13-16 April will all Australian states and territories represented.
Entry is free and all spectators are welcome.
Dad joins a select family golf group
But when his wife Sharon recently joined a growing band of Headland Golf Club women whose handicaps are lower than that of their spouses, he reckoned it was about time he started working hard at an alternate numbers game. And the added practise, plus a change in on-course demeanour, has done the trick because now all four members of the Thomas family are playing off single figures at the Sunshine Coast course.
"I'm not sure how unique it is to have four members of the one family, who are not professionals, playing off single figures. But I have never seen it in my 40-odd years in the game," said Headland professional John Victorsen.
"It is a marvellous achievement, and much deserved by a terrific family. Michael and Sharon, particularly, have worked hard to lower their handicaps in recent months."
Blake and Christopher both play off five, and mum and dad are down to eight, although Sharon is technically lower on 7.9, to Michael's 8.2.
And while Michael did not turn to Victorsen for lessons, it was another skill of the Headland pro that Sharon says indirectly paved the way for his handicap reduction.
"In his inimitable and jocular way, John had been unmercifully harassing Michael about being the only family member not on single figures," she said.
When the Thomas family moved from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast a decade ago Michael was playing off seven, but while establishing a new business and educating the boys, golf was not a priority. And towards the end of last year his handicap had drifted out to 15.
"That's when John, and a few others including both my sons, started giving him heaps," Sharon revealed.
"It was bad enough that his boys had moved well past him on the handicap front, but when his wife did it too he made a decision to get his game back on track."
And it wasn't as though he had to go far to iron out his golfing glitches. Five years ago on their hinterland acreage at Chevallum Michael built a mini golf course – a 120 metre range, a putting and chipping green and a bunker.
During the Christmas holiday period he worked hard on his game and the practise paid off as he scored a phenomenal 46 points on opening day at Headland and has returned scores of 41 and 38 points twice in the intervening period.
But that does not mean the pressure has eased on Michael to maintain his form, and his handicap. The four Thomas family members play together at Headland most Saturdays and while the competition is always friendly, it is also fierce. – TONY DURKIN
Australian Junior Championships: Round 1
Australian Girls' Amateur Championship - Yering Meadows Golf Club - Round 1
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Victorian junior Kono Matsumoto leads the Australian Girls' Amateur Championship by four strokes after the opening day of play in Victoria's Yarra Valley.
On a day of steady rain, Matsumoto finished with a 2-under par 71 to lead South Australian Cassidy Evreniadis who finished with a 2-over par 75 in the challenging conditions.
Five players are tied in third place at 3-over par including Australian Amateur runner-up, Queenslander Karis Davidson and New South Wales pair Dooey Choi and Celina Yuan.
The second round begins on Thursday.
Australian Boys' Amateur Championship - The Heritage Golf and Country Club - Round 1
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Three players are tied for the lead with the opening round to be completed tomorrow morning at the Australian Boys' Amateur Championship due to poor light on Wednesday afternoon.
Victorian Ryan Ruffels, New South Welshman Blake Windred and Kiwi Nick Coxon all posted 2-under par 70s to hold the clubhouse lead.
New National Squad member, Victorian Zach Murray and New South Welshman Isaac Noh are tied in fourth place after 1-under par 71s.
The second round begins on Thursday.
Following the conclusion of the Junior Amateurs, state teams will remain in Victoria for the Interstate Teams Matches to be played at the respective clubs.
The Girls' Interstate Teams' Matches will be played from 13-15 April with New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria contesting the event, whilst the Boys' Interstate Teams Matches will be played from 13-16 April will all Australian states and territories represented.
Entry is free and all spectators are welcome.
All set for Australian Junior Championships
The Australian Girls' Amateur will be played at Yering Meadows Golf Club, Croydon with the 5,544 metre lengthened layout sure to test the field over the 72-holes stroke play.
Shelly Shin (NSW) will be a top contender after a number of top finishes including winning the recent 2014 Riversdale Cup and reaching the quarter-finals of the 2014 Australian Amateur in January.
2014 Australian Amateur runner-up Karis Davidson (Qld - pictured) will also be looking for her first National title along with Julienne Soo (Vic) who has had a number of top 10 finishes in Australian Girls' Amateur Ranking events over the past 6 months including runner-up in the 2014 SA Masters and Semi Finalist in the 2013 Victorian Amateur.
The Australian Boys' Amateur will be played at Heritage Golf and Country Club, the site of various PGA Tour of Australasia events. The event is wide open this year with last year's winner Anthony Murdaca (SA) having left the junior ranks.
Curtis Luck (WA) who currently sits on top of the Australian Boys' Amateur Rankings will be a favorite after a great start to the year including finishing runner-up in the 2014 Australian Amateur and wins the 2014 NSW Medal and 2014 Victorian Junior Masters.
Victorian Ryan Ruffels will also be a top contender after his recent win in the 2014 Riversdale Cup along with fellow Victorian Zach Murray who has performed well over the past 6 months with wins in the 2013 Aaron Baddeley International Championship Australian Final and the 2013 Victorian Amateur.
With both champions gaining an exemption into the respective Australian Opens, the events are sure to bring out the best in Australia's junior golfers.
Following the conclusion of the Junior Amateurs, state teams will remain in Victoria for the Interstate Teams Matches to be played at the respective clubs.
The Girls' Interstate Teams' Matches will be played from 13-15 April with New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria contesting the event, whilst the Boys' Interstate Teams Matches will be played from 13-16 April will all Australian states and territories represented.
Entry is free and all spectators are welcome.
Viitikangas wins Golf SA Classic with a course record 64
Simon Viitakangas from Palmer Gold Coast in Queensland has fired a Glenelg course record 7-under-par 64 to take out the Golf SA Amateur Classic by 1 stroke ahead of fellow Queenslander Aaron Wilkin.
At the turn, Viitakangas trailed Wilkin by 1, who himself started with four biridies on the front nine while Felton had dropped back after four bogeys to make the turn at 4-over.
"I played tactical golf coming home, trying to just keep the ball in play" Viitakangas said.
With an eagle on the par 5 12th a hole he had previously birdied in each of the opening 3 rounds, Wilkin moved to 5-under-par, 2 ahead.
Viitakangas then strung together 3 consecutive birdies through 13 to 15, to claim the lead by 1 for the first time in the tournament.
In the group ahead of Wilkin, Viitakangas bogeyed the 17th after finding the hazard from the tee and then made par on the last to be clubhouse leader at 5-under.
Viitakangas expected Wilkin to force a playoff, but Wilkin too found trouble on the 17th dropping a shot after hitting his tee shot to behind trees and then finding the greenside bunker with his approach.
Heading down the par 5 last, Wilkin needed to birdie, but his approach fell short, requiring him to sink a 30 footer to force the playoff. He almost rolled his putt in, but had to settle for par and a runner up finish.
"I had the mindset of having to post a good number today, whatever was going to be, was going to be and it just happened." Viitakangas said.
"I put this down to course management. I played quite smart golf around this layout and it was just enough to get by." Viitakangas added.
"This is no easy golf course and I'm just happy with the win and the way I was able to hold it together coming down the closing stages. You never know sometimes and today it fell my way."
"It's nice to win my second event this season after winning the Master of the Amateurs. I'm really learning how to keep my composure".
Jordan Zunic (NSW) finished in 3rd position at 2-under, while Todd Sinnott (VIC) finished fourth at 1-under with a closing round of 66.
Overnight leader Jarryd Felton closed with a disappointing 74 to finish in 6th position, with South Australia Anthony Murdaca finishing 7th.
Cory Crawford, Scott Ready and Benjamin Stone rounded out the top-10.
Qld Men's and Women's Foursomes champions crowned
The Keperra pairing of Matt Dowling and Gavin Chapman have outlasted their rivals to be crowned Men's Foursomes Champions at Wynnum Golf Club today.
After an opening round of 71 had them three shots behind leaders Matt Toomey and Alex Wall (Virginia), their steady play over the final 18 holes was enough to claim victory by twoshots over perennial place getters Chris Fraser and Adam Gemmell (Laidley).
City Golf Club visitors Anthony Timms and Nigel Weldon were third on count-back.
Nett Winners were Damien Boylan (Woodburn-Evans Head) and William Walsh (Keperra), finishing with a 142 total.
Women's Foursomes Championship
The Women's Championship was no less engaging, with Maddie Trew and Sheridan Gorton (Murwillumbah) firing the low round of the day (74) to close a five shot first round gap over defending champions Ali Orchard (Sanctuary Cove) and Sheree Hasson (Mackay) and win by the narrowest margin.
Rowena Docherty (Mt Warren Park) and Janette Ferguson (Wantima) were the Division 2 winners, with Virginia pair Isabelle Simpson and Ash McCourt named the Overall Nett Winners.
Highlight of the day went to Jason Webb who aced the 6th hole with a perfectly struck 9 iron!
Wynnum Golf Club was presented in fantastic condition with Superintendent Jason Adams
to be congratulated on his work. Appreciation is also extended to Scott Taylor and his staff for the effort they put in to make the day a success.
For full results, please CLICK HERE
Australian PGA Championship set to end the season
"As the last tournament of 2014 the Australian PGA Championship caps off what will again be another exciting year of Australian golf," said Brian Thorburn, Chief Executive Officer of the PGA of Australia.
"Famous for fun, the Gold Coast will be the perfect location to close out the PGA Tour of Australasia season, providing players and their families an array of opportunities to celebrate a successful year."
Following a thriving inaugural staging of the Championship at RACV Royal Pines Resort, Thorburn says the PGA Tour of Australasia is looking forward to returning.
"Both the players and the crowds really embraced the Championship at its new home in 2013 and we're already looking at ways to build on this success in 2014," added Thorburn.
"With the course exceeding expectations, the quality of golf on display from champion Adam Scott, American young gun Rickie Fowler and our own rising stars the likes of Jack Wilson was exceptional."
The Championship's return to its traditional end of season position will also provide additional time for Graham Marsh to complete the first stage of the $10million upgrade to the RACV Royal Pines Resort layout.
"RACV has invested a significant amount of money to upgrade their championship course so this date will allow suitable time for the work on the front nine to be completed," added Thorburn.
"While the 14-under par winning total last year demonstrated the course was more than capable of standing up to the Professionals the re-development will provide new challenges with green sizes being reduced by about 40 per cent."
The Australian PGA Championship will be played at RACV Royal Pines Resort from Thursday 11th – Sunday 14th December.
The tournament is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, RACV, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast Tourism, Emirates, Coca-Cola Amatil, Hahn Premium Light, Amadio Wine and Srixon.
The Championship is managed by the PGA with the assistance of TRP Sports.
Inclusive Golf Championships a big hit at Emerald Lakes
Laughter and friendly banter could be heard around the course, driving range and putt-putt course from the 60 participants who relished the opportunity to learn more about the game of golf in a fun and welcoming environment.
The Championships catered for all levels of golfers from organisations including the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, Special Olympics Queensland, Gold Coast Recreation and Sport, Life Stream Australia and the Queensland Amputee Golf Association.
The pinnacle event was the 18 hole Single Stableford Championship which was won by Craig Read with a scorching 34 points.
While the 18 hole event was underway, participants for the 9 hole event got themselves ready for a fun day with their nominated partners. Remaining participants who did not compete in either of the events lined up for a masterclass on the range with Golf Queensland's Participation Development Officer, Lee Harrington and local PGA Professionals Adrian Lawson and Indong Kim.
The professionals demonstrated to the group how anyone, no matter their ability or physical restrictions, can play the game. Further, they helped participants learn new skills on the range and putting green through demonstrations and skill based activities.
2014 Golf Queensland Inclusive Golf Championships Results:
18 Hole Single Stableford Championship:
Winner: Craig Read – 34 points
R Up: Matt Curley – 32 points
9 Hole 4 Person Ambrose:
Tom Merryweather, Mike Merryweather, Chad Johnson and Ryan Paton – 35
Tristan Carsberry, Dennis Carsberry, Darren Gibson and James Stewart – 38 c/b
Soft hands save Steve Bowditch
Bowditch, a member of both the Queensland junior and senior State teams in 2000 and 2001, saluted in the Valero Texas Open on Monday morning (Queensland time) for his first USPGA victory, and joins fellow Queenslanders Jason Day (World Golf Match Play Championship) and John Senden (Valspar Championship) as winners this year.
Despite a four-over final-round 76, Bowditch finished at 8-under the card to win by a shot from Americans Daniel Summerhays and Will Mackenzie, with Matt Kuchar a shot further back.
Shane Healey, the teaching professional at Tewantin-Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, says that since he first started coaching Bowditch as a 14-year-old his pitching and chipping game was phenomenal.
"Steve has always been a major talent – he was playing off scratch at 14," Healey said.
"He hits it a mile and we all saw over the weekend how good his short game is, but he can be cavalier and overly-aggressive at times and that is probably why he hasn't won on the US tour previously.
"But despite a shaky final round he put it together in his now-home state of Texas and he can no doubt thank that amazing short game of his for the win."
Time and time again over the four days his pitching saved Bowditch, with his scrambling around the greens on the final day 100% from within three metres. He carded eight under during the tournament despite hitting only 51% of fairways and 60% of greens in regulation.
His win not only won him $US1.116 million in prizemoney, but an exemption into all majors for the next two years and a place in the field at the 2014 US Masters, starting at Augusta on Thursday week (April 10).
And in an incredible twist of fate, Healey will be at the Masters to watch his former pupil tee it up for the first time. He is attending as part of a Callaway-sponsored incentive prize.
Four Queenslanders – Bowditch, Day, Senden and defending champion Adam Scott – will play in the Masters.
The four-over final-round score by Bowditch on Monday was the highest by a winner since Vijay Singh at the 2004 PGA Championship, but the field averaged 73.8 on a windy final day at TPC San Antonio. Bowditch had shot 69, 67 and 68 before the final-round 76. – TONY DURKIN
Srixon confirms support for Isuzu Queensland Open
The State-based championship will be played from 28 to 31 August 2014 and hosted at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club.
Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said it was pleasing to welcome Srixon back as a sponsor of the Isuzu Queensland Open.
"Golf Queensland has a long standing partnership with Srixon and we are thrilled to have them on board for this Championship," Mr Castrisos said.
In 2013, Golf Queensland successfully reinstated the Championship to the PGA Tour of Australasia calendar with PGA Professional Nick Cullen adding his name to the list of high profile winners.
"With the support of our sponsors such as Srixon we hope to build on the success of 2013 ensuring for the long-term stability of the Isuzu Queensland Open."
Manager Director for Srixon, Martin Wright said the company was pleased to partner with Golf Queensland and support the State-based Championship.
"The Isuzu Queensland Open is an important Championship for not only Professional golfers but also Amateurs," Mr Wright said.
"Srixon is proud to align its brand with an event that helped leverage the careers of golfers like Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch and Peter Senior to international prominence."
Queenslanders making headlines
Webb wins again, chases No. 1
Scott fails to close, but Augusta beckons
Adam Scott has a problem, if being No. 2 in the world and the defending Masters champion can be considered a problem. Read More.
Talent recognised at Qld Golf Industry Awards
With 28 awards presented and over 450 attendees, it was a strong representation of the positive direction of the Queensland golf industry.Golf Queensland presented five awards, including Beerwah Golf Club's Joan Harvey for Club Super Volunteer of the Year, Jack Sullivan for Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year, Amy Walsh for Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year, Taylor Macdonald for Male Amateur Golfer of the Year and Ashley Ona for Female Amateur Golfer of the Year.
Other notable winners include Golf Queensland's Women's State Team Coach, Richard Woodhouse, winning the coveted PGA Teaching Professional of the Year and Nudgee Golf Club, winning GMAQ Club of the Year. Carbrook Golf Club's Scott Wagstaff took home the GMAQ Manager of the Year, while Redland Bay Golf Club picked up the Junior Program of the Year Award.
Greg Norman Golf Foundation CEO Rae Clarke was a very deserving winner of the Service to Sport Award.
Winners Background:
Joan Harvey - Club Super Volunteer of the Year
Joan Harvey has been an amazing volunteer for the Beerwah District Memorial Golf Club for over 40 years and has holding the position of Junior Coordinator for over 30 years.
Joan's passion is her juniors; she has been instrumental in guiding young golfers through the mechanics and etiquette of golf and also making extra time to meet up with them after school. During 2013 while she was undergoing cancer treatment, 83-year-old Joan displayed her true dedication as a volunteer; not missing one junior clinic, senior's golf day or management meeting.
Jack Sullivan - Junior Male Amateur Golfer of the Year
Jack Sullivan excelled in 2013, finishing the year ranked second on the Junior Boys Australian Amateur Rankings.
Jack won the NSW Junior Amateur and Greg Norman Junior Masters and was a member of the champion Queensland Boys' Interstate Team in 2013. Due to his positive results in 2013, Jack was announced to be joining the elite Queensland Academy of Sport Squad for 2014.
Amy Walsh - Junior Female Amateur Golfer of the Year
Amy Walsh enjoyed a very successful 2013, finishing as the eighth ranked player on the Australian Girls Ranking System. As a result of her dedication to the game, Amy won the NSW Junior Amateur and the South Australian Girls Junior Masters in January.
As captain of the Queensland Girls Junior Team she helped the State be crowned champions in the Australian Girls' Interstate Team Matches. Amy competed in the Australian Youth Olympics golf team, and was selected as the flag bearer at the opening ceremony. Due to her strong results in 2013, Amy will be joining the elite Queensland Academy of Sport Squad for 2014.
Taylor Macdonald - Male Amateur Golfer of the Year
Taylor Macdonald had an exceptional 2013, consistently finishing with top results. Taylor represented Australia at a number of events including the Nomura Cup in Thailand, winning both the team and individual events.
He is current Keperra Bowl champion and Australian Men's Foursomes champion. Taylor is a member of the Australian National Squad, the Queensland Academy of Sport Program and the champion Queensland Men's State Team.
Ashley Ona - Female Amateur Golfer of the Year
Ashley Ona showed her talent with positive results in 2013, winning a number of high profile tournaments. She is currently the Queensland Women's Amateur champion, South Pacific Ladies Open Classic champion and Australian Foursomes champion.
Ashley was a member of the Queensland Women's State Team and Queensland Academy of Sport Squad in 2013. After winning the Queensland Amateur in October, Ashley made the step up into the professional ranks.
Senden claims second PGA Tour victory
Golf Queensland congratulates John Senden on winning the Valspar Championship on the PGA TOUR this morning.Starting the final round two off the lead, Senden entered the famed snake pitt, the final three holes at Innisbrook Resort, tied in the lead with Americans Kevin Na and Scott Langley.
With a brilliant chip in birdie on the 16th hole and a long birdie putt on the 17th, Senden tamed the snake pitt and sealed his second PGA TOUR victory.
Making it safely in the clubhouse at 7-under, Senden watched on as Kevin Na failed to birdie the last to force a playoff ensuring his one shot win.
Senden last won on the PGA TOUR in 2006 at the John Deere Classic, the same year he won the Australian Open on his home Tour.
Aside from the US$1,026,000 winner's cheque, with this win Senden has sealed an invitation to The Masters in April. He finished T35 at Augusta in 2013 which was his best performance on the famed layout.
He also earns starts in the WGC - Bridgestone Invitational, US PGA Championship and the 2015 Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
Senden becomes the second Australian to win on the PGA TOUR in 2014 after Jason Day won the WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship in February.
Australia is the only country outside of the United States to have a winner on the PGA TOUR in the 2013/2014 wrap around season.
Toogoolawah locals enjoy come and try event
By Neville Austin
On Saturday the 8th of March I travelled to Toogoolawah Golf Club, 86km's West of Brisbane to help develop a junior program.With the help from the local school and the businesses we had a great roll up of 13 students ranging from 5 years of age to 13. With two hours of drills games and a whole lot of fun, we started with large oversized plastic clubs with oversized foam balls, this gave the children a chance to get some of the basic correct. Catching games and hitting to targets mixed with throwing the ball at the targets to get a feel of distance control, we then moved onto the children having a little fun by trying to hit the ball through some cones at 20 metres.
After a short break, giving me a chance to catch my breath as the children were so energetic and willing to try anything, I didn't get much of a chance to stop over the first hour and a half.
We then set up the smaller soft balls and junior teaching clubs with metal heads and graphite shafts which allowed the children to get a feel of the longer heavier clubs. During this next hour we quickly progressed into another competition with the boys wanting revenge on their recent loss. Boys came up trumps with a score of 2/1, having shown great improvements they had the opportunity to hit real balls for the last quarter of an hour with great excitement.
It is my belief that the day was a great success with the club captain Judy having 8 juniors wishing to come back to the club on a weekly basis, it is my plan to visit the club on a monthly term to ensure these juniors are encouraged to use correct techniques and have an enjoyable time while at the club with a chance of them becoming the future of our regional clubs.
Queensland Men's and Women's State Teams announced
The Australian Capital Territory will host this year's event, with the Men's event to be held at the Federal Golf Club and the Women's at Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club.
Golf Queensland's Head Coach, Tony Meyer said this year's team selections were incredibly competitive with many players performing well over the past year.
The Queensland Men's Team will be looking to defend their 2013 title, while the Women's Team look to improve on last year's third placing.
Cory Crawford (Sanctuary Cove)
Taylor Macdonald (Redcliffe)
Kade McBride (Lakelands)
Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland)
Anthony Quayle (Hills International)
Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast)
Simon Viitakangas (Palmer Gold Coast)
Aaron Wilkin (Wynnum)
Men's Coach - Tony Meyer
Men's Team Manager - Matthew Toomey
Karis Davidson (Palmer Gold Coast)
Jaimee Dougan (Beaudesert)
Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly)
Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise)
Anna Stanton (Woodford)
Amy Walsh (Palmer Gold Coast)
Women's Coach - Richard Woodhouse
Women's Team Manager - Jillian Johnson
For more information, see www.golf.org.au.
Isuzu QLD Open back this August
Chair of Golf Queensland, Peter Castrisos, said the Championship was successfully reinstated onto the PGA Tour of Australasia in 2013.
"We are now looking forward to capitalise on this success and grow the championship further on and off the course," Mr Castrisos said.
"The Championship attracted higher than anticipated entries with 320 golfers vying for a spot in the field of only 120.
"We are proud of the results in 2013 which included working with the PGA, Brookwater Golf and Country Club and over 50 volunteers to deliver the Championship that attracted over 5,000 spectators."
Mr Castrisos said the event proved it could gain significant media exposure for not only golf but for the Ipswich region.
"A key priority was working with children in the local region to introduce them to golf. We achieved this by engaging with 1,000 children through schools and other activities and intend to grow this further in 2014," he said.
The 2014 Isuzu Queensland Open forms part of the PGA Tour of Australasia and will carry Official World Golf Ranking points.
The Isuzu Queensland Open is open to amateur golfers and PGA professionals to play in a 72 hole championship event.
Golfers including Norman Von Nida, Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Senior and Stuart Appleby, who was an amateur when he won in 1991, have their names etched on the TB Hunter Cup.
To view highlights of the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open click here.
To view the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open results click here.
Golf Queensland announces 2014 QAS Squad
Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast), Cory Crawford (Sanctuary Cove), Blake Proverbs (Royal Queensland) and Amy Walsh (Emerald Lakes) will join Taylor Macdonald (Redcliffe), Aaron Wilkin (Wynnum), Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland), Jaimee Dougan (Beaudesert) and Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly - pictured) to make up this year's squad.
The squad is selected by using a selection criteria that includes national and international tournament performances as well as commitment to training and fitness.
Golf Queensland Head Coach Tony Meyer said the QAS Squad forms the pinnacle of the Golf Queensland High Performance Program.
"There is no doubt that all players selected this year for QAS have earned their spots on the squad," Mr Meyer said.
"They will have the opportunity to work with some of the best golf specific service providers in the country which will enable them to reach their full potential."
Three members of the squad have represented Australia in tournaments during the past year. Aaron Wilkin and Taylor Macdonald were successful at the recent Nomura Cup in Thailand and Amy Walsh competed in the Callaway World Junior Championships.
After his exceptional year, Taylor Macdonald was also named as a member of the 2014 Golf Australia National Squad.
Jack Sullivan won the NSW Junior Boys Amateur and the Greg Norman Junior Masters and Blake Proverbs was ranked number one on the Golf Australia Boys' rankings in 2013.
The 2014 QAS Squad is proudly supported by Srixon and Fayde Apparel.
The Queensland Academy of Sport Golf Program is conducted with the assistance of the Queensland Government and forms the pinnacle of the Golf Queensland High Performance Program.
The QAS Golf Program, which commenced in July 2001, is designed to assist Queensland's most talented amateur players in reaching their full potential within the amateur golf ranks.
QAS scholarship holders have access to world-class coaching and support services including sport science, strength and conditioning, medical, career and education in addition to financial support for competition and training costs, depending on the level of their scholarship.
2012 Qld Stroke Play Champion impresses with NZ Open win
Starting the day with a one shot lead the 22-year-old looked solid throughout the round firing a 6-under 66 to finish with a tournament total of 18-under 270.
Having turned Professional at the end of 2012, Papadatos held of many challengers including the experienced Kiwi Mark Brown to claim his maiden victory.
Brown eventually finished the leading Kiwi, four shots behind the young Aussie disappointed that he wasn't able to end the 12 year Kiwi drought at the National Open.
A further shot back was David Klein (NZ), while Ash Hall (VIC) and Richard Lee (NZ) rounded out the top-5 on 12-under the card.
But this day was all about a coming-of-age performance from Papadatos who admitted etching his name into the Brodie Breeze Trophy hadn't sunken in yet.
He said the final few holes were all a bit of a blur as he tried to close out the victory.
"I just wanted to concentrate and not get too overwhelmed with what was happening," said Papadatos about the final hole.
When he hit the green in two and comfortably made the two-putt for par he could finally relax. He was swamped by a swagger of young Aussie Pros who showered him with champagne.
"It's awesome, great bunch of guys and they're very supportive. We all try and beat each other but at the end of the week, but there's no hard feelings."
Before today's win Papadatos' best result on the PGA Tour of Australasia was a third place finish at the ISPS Handa Perth International last October.
The champion wasn't too sure how he handled the pressure all day.
"I kept believing in myself and telling myself I could do it, the whole way round. But there's always that thing, deep down wondering if you really can."
Papadatos said it was "unreal" to follow in the footsteps of some great Aussie players – the likes of Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Peter O'Malley and Craig Parry – who had won the New Zealand Open.
He also followed the lead of his good mate Jake Higginbottom who won as an amateur at Clearwater in 2012.
"I didn't really think at the start of the week I would have had my name on the trophy behind him, but as the week started to progress, I thought there was a good chance so I'm pretty happy."
Papadatos believed the win, where he earned 16 World Rankings Points, status on the PGA Tour of Australasia until 2016 and three starts on the Japan Tour would be massive for his career going forward.
"Obviously some great players have won this event, it's a massive honour. I wouldn't have told you at the start of the week I was capable of this. I'm really happy."
Not feeling as upbeat was Mark Brown. He said there was little comfort in finishing second and the leading Kiwi for the second New Zealand Open in succession.
"It was just frustrating that I didn't have the A-game today like I played a couple of the other days," said the 39-year-old.
"The chances I did give myself I didn't convert and it was only really towards the end that I made a couple of birdies so Dimi played great. He holed the putts when he needed to.
"It's all about winning and particularly this tournament, so I take no solace in finishing second at all. It wasn't what I wanted so it's just really disappointing."
He was not surprised to see such a young inexperienced player handle the pressure of leading throughout the final round with so much composure. It was a sign of the times.
"The young guys now have got no fear. They all putt great, their short games are great so when they do make a mistake off tee to green they'll save it and not only that, they'll hole putts."
New Zealand amateur Jordan Bakermans finished as the leading amateur to claim the Bledisloe Cup when Southland No.1 Vaughan McCall was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.
"It is a huge honour to win this trophy," said the 20-year-old from the Christchurch Golf Club.
"It was my goal at the start of the week and while I would have loved to make the cut this is a pretty cool honour to take home from this tournament."
Meanwhile in the New Zealand Pro-Am Championship Australian Brody Ninyette and amateur Sam Hamilton claimed the title in the best-ball format despite Ninyette shooting a 13-over 85 in the final round.
They won the first NZ Pro-Am to be staged at the NZ Open by two shots from Nick Gillespie and John Bowring on a 39-under par total.
For all final scores please click here.
Day wins WGC MatchPlay, climbs to world no.4
Day's momentous victory in the World Golf Championship Accenture Matchplay title in the Arizona desert is the biggest of his career. He has won in America before, back in 2010, and he won the individual section of the World Cup at Royal Melbourne in December, which does not count in his list of 'official' tour wins. But this is his first WGC title, and they have come to sit immediately beneath the four majors for men.
The big knock on 26-year-old day used to be that he could not find a way to win. He often played himself into contention but did not close the deal, and he has six top-10s in majors to show for that. But it's not true anymore. The boy from Queensland is maturing, fulfilling the promise he first showed when he won the world junior championship in 2004.
He will wake tomorrow as the world's No. 4 player, his career-high ranking and just three spots from assuming the mantle he set himself to reach a long time ago. With Scott (No. 2) and Day, Australian golf suddenly looks remarkably strong, not to mention that Karrie Webb is still in the top 10 on the women's side and that the likes of Minjee Lee, the amateur who won the Victorian Open on the weekend, is coming through.
Day had a remarkable week. He took 22 holes to win his first match against Billy Horschel, but then cruised through to the semi-final, teeing off not long after dawn today at Dove Mountain against Ricky Fowler. Nearly 11 hours on, he was still trying to finish off a conjurer of a Frenchman in Victor Dubuisson, the world No. 30 and a man whose name is now etched into the psyche of golf-lovers.
It was one of the greatest matches ever seen, an epic and a classic.
Day was by far the dominant player through nine holes, three up. Even at the 12th hole he was three up and his putt for birdie lipped out; had it gone in, he was four up. Then Dubuisson, a former European amateur champion, rallied strongly. Day was still two up with two to play, and at the 17th, Dubuisson drove into a fairway trap. Producing an astonishing six iron shot from 165 metres, the Frenchman somehow got up and down for birdie to extend the match.
Still, Day only needed a half at the 18th to win the match, and his approach found the back of the green while Dubuisson was bunkered. This time the Frenchman got up and down and Day's birdie putt for the win glided three metres past the cup. Another putt to win it all, and it stopped short in the jaws. The Frenchman had survived, winning the hole and extending the match.
The drama was only beginning. Dubuisson made two consecutive recovery pars that will go into the annals, arguably among the best ever seen. The first came from halfway up a cactus bush at the 19th hole, hit with an almost carefree attitude but to inside two metres from the hole. Certainly there was a big element of luck, but the Frenchman is renowned for short game. It deserves to go into the archives among the great shots of tournament golf.
The second, from underneath a bush in the desert area beside the next hole, brought a wry smile from Day. Of course, it stopped close to the cup and Dubuisson made his par.
At the 22nd, his luck changed. The 23-year-old Dubuisson had a five-metre downhill putt to win the match but missed, reprieving the Australian. Then at the 23rd, with darkness falling, Day hit a lovely, spinning chip from beside the 15th green, a short, driveable par-four, and Dubuisson, from a similar spot, went long. The Frenchman's long putt for birdie did not fall, leaving Day a metre for the title.
He buried it with his new mallet-style putter, an impliment with the word 'Dash' stamped on the bottom after his young son, Dash, who was on the green to celebrate along with his American wife Ellie. "We did it,'' said Col Swattan, Day's mentor, caddie, coach and father-figure.
"I think the biggest thing was just 'how much do I want it?','' said Day. "How much do I want to win. I was visualising myself with the trophy last night, and I'm just glad I could finish it off. But it was a close one.''
Meanwhile Adam Scott resumes playing this week in the Honda Classic in Florida after a six-week break. Jason Day has spent nine years as the Next Big Thing, producing good results but a lack of entries in the 'W' column that was noted. Now, he has corrected that weakness, and graduated to WGC level. Majors are next on the wish list.
All you can say is ... bring it on.
Webb holds on for fabulous fifth Open title
The 39 year-old Queenslander finished at 12-under par with a final round 4-under par 68 to beat Korean Chella Choi who carded a 2-over par 74.
"I feel very fortunate to have won today. But I liked my chances at the start of the day because of the wind picking up. If we had another day like we had the first three days, I probably was a little too far back to have a chance, so I was thankful for the weather changing and I played as good as I have in a very long time," Webb said.
"I was hitting some quality shots early on and I realised that I'd gotten into that mindset and so I stayed on top of myself to make sure that that's what I did and never tried to hit a shot. I just played the shot that the conditions dictated," Webb added.
It was a full scale turnaround from the events of last week.
"It's amazing what happens, what a difference a week makes. Obviously this time last week I wouldn't be expecting to be sitting here, so I'm glad things changed around quickly for me," Webb said.
The victory is Webb's 52nd professional title and comes with a US$180,000 winner's cheque.
For overnight co-leader Choi, a drive out-of-bounds on the second hole caused trouble early in the round.
"I went out of bounds on the right hand side and that was a really big problem for me. It was a hard game today. I didn't like that part but Karrie played so good today," Choi said.
On her first trip to Australia, American Paula Creamer posted a final round 4-under par 68 to share third place with Kiwi Lydia Ko and France's Karine Icher at 10-under par.
American trio Morgan Pressel, Amelia Lewis and Stacy Lewis and Korean Jenny Shin finished in a tie for sixth at 9-under par.
Australian Amateur champion Minjee Lee finished in a tie for 11th place as the leading amateur after slipping to a final round 78 in the windy conditions but Webb heaped praise on the 17-year old from Perth.
"She's got more talent in her little finger than I ever did at 17. She should hold her head up high. She's played very well the last two weeks, probably the best out of anyone consistently the last two weeks. She should be really proud of herself. You'll definitely see a lot more of her," Webb said.
The championship is sanctioned by the LPGA Tour, the Ladies European Tour and the ALPG Tour.
Click Here for Final Scores
Summers claims maiden victory at QLD PGA
Shooting 24-under 256 this is Summers' first victory since turning Professional in 1991.
"I'm ecstatic, relieved, elated, I'm just feeling a whole mix of emotions at the moment," said Summers.
"I've had a lot of chances to win in the past so to have a three shot buffer on the last was fantastic."
"I was still as nervous as a kitten on the 18th hole, my heart was beating a million miles a minute."
Providing an exciting final round, New Zealander Ryan Fox went head to head with Summers eventually finishing runner-up on 21-under the card.
"Ryan's length is prodigious, if he hits it straight there won't be too many who can compete with him," added Summers.
Summers sealed the victory with a miracle eagle on the par-5 16th hole.
"I hardly missed a fairway all week and I hit the worst tee shot of the week, it was a big spear cut right with my three wood," added Summers.
"I was under the trees with a little gap then I had to go over the trees further down."
"My last words as I put my club down were, 'be nice.' I thought this could go anywhere."
"It clipped a little bit on the way up and down, next thing I heard was a massive roar and I was just in shock."
"It was ridiculous but I am going to take it with both hands and run."
After struggling with a back injury in the final two rounds, Summers was relieved to finally have his name engraved on the Charles Bonham Trophy.
"I have a long history of back issues and it felt very close to going this morning," added Summers.
"I was very concerned, I didn't go to the range at all this morning, I spent a lot of time with the physio."
"I have had a good history at the Queensland PGA, I finished second here in 1996 and had a couple of thirds including last year. It's nice to get my first win at a tournament I have played well in the past."
Victorian David Bransdon made a Sunday charge for the title shooting an 8-under 62 to finish outright third on 19-under the card.
A further shot back was defending champion Brad Kennedy and West Australian Stephen Dartnall.
Queensland State Team and QAS member, Taylor Macdonald, fired a final round of 5-under to finish 11-under as leading amateur of the tournament.
The PGA Tour of Australasia now heads south for the Oates Victorian Open to be played at 13th Beach Golf Links.
Ipswich Sports Conference and Expo
The conference and expo will provide a great opportunity for Sport and Recreation administrators, coaches and teachers across the city to gain first-hand knowledge from industry experts.
Chris Rawlinson – Commonwealth Games Gold Medallist (Athletics) and now performance specialist with a vast array of skills as an international coach and sports specific marketing.
Catherine Clark – Experienced CEO and Senior Executive with posts in national and international sports organisations and senior policy roles within Government. Catherine is a former CEO of Gymnastics Australia and current Board member of Hockey Queensland.Gordon Young – Performance Pathway Manager with Squash Australia working closely with the AIS Squash Program, the National Head Coach and the Performance Pathway.
Rodney Coxsedge - Regional Coordinator at Australian Sports Commission. Rodney is keen to get kids physically active after school and into club sport.
Click Here for all the detailsFollowing on from the conference, the ISH Expo is the perfect time to speak with local partners and suppliers to explore opportunities for you organisation.
Just some of the suppliers (outlined below) will have offers at the Expo relevant to both schools & sporting clubs in the Ipswich region.
• Coca Cola Amatil – who provide a range of food and drink products and will be launching their rewards program in Ipswich
• Peters Ice Cream – Its current status as the number one ice cream manufacturer and much loved national food has made the Peters brand iconic within the Australian landscape.
• Multi-Sport Concepts & Play Hard Sports – Sports Equipment and Sports Surface specialists providing sustainable solutions to your club or school facility.
• Magical Memorabilia & Custom Framing, Limelight Cinemas Ipswich & Ipswich Tickets – these organisations will have some unique opportunities for your clubs annual fundraising efforts.
• Plus many more with special offers only for Ipswich region sporting clubs and schools!
RSVP: You can book your place for both the Conference and Expo now by following this link http://ipswichtickets.com.au/event?id=393
Woods Wins Ladies Masters
American Cheyenne Woods secured her first major professional tournament when she held off a strong challenge from Australian amateur Minjee Lee to win the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast.The 23-year-old shot a final round of four-under-par 69 on the RACV Royal Pines layout to finish the tournament at 16-under-par, two shots ahead of 17-year-old Lee who also posted a 69 to finish on 14-under-par. South African Stacy Lee Bregman (72) and Swede Camilla Lennarth (70) finished in a tie for third position at 12-under-par.
Another Swede Caroline Hedwall (66) soared up the leaderboard to finish in a share of fifth position with South Korean amateur So Young Lee and fellow compatriot Minsun Kim.It's the best result in Woods' two-year professional career, with the interest in the niece of superstar Tiger Woods resulting in the American Golf Channel taking the final two hours of the broadcast live into the United States.
Woods was absolutely elated with her win, "This is a huge accomplishment for me."
"The Ladies European Tour has been great to be able to play this last year, I've been able to see all of these great players, play with Solheim Cup members, so I've learned so much from all of these girls and to be able to come out here and actually compete with them and come out on top was huge for me." Encouraging words from her coach before she left for Australia have certainly came true.
The win didn't come as a huge shock even though she missed the cut last week, "Not necessarily a shock but I missed the cut last week by two shots in New Zealand, 77, 71 so I didn't play well last week but I came into this week with a new mindset, I worked on a few things and everything just kind of clicked. It worked out really well, after the first round I knew I could win, so from then on that was the goal."
Woods started the final round with a one shot lead, she immediately picked up a shot with a birdie on the par-4 1st.
A bogey on the par-4 4th and a hat-trick of birdies on the par-4 6th, 7th and 8th by the reigning Australian amateur champion brought the pair together. However, Woods took the outright lead again with a birdie on the par 5 9th.
The world No.363 didn't relinquish that advantage, adding birdies on the par-5 12th and 15th before a triumphant birdie on the par-5 18th completed a five-birdie, one-bogey final round.
Karrie Webb chats with Queensland Juniors
Amy Walsh, Rebecca Kay, Hyunsik Kong and Chris Park had the opportunity to ask questions and receive invaluable advice from the seven-time major champion.
When asked what her best piece of advice would be for an elite amateur looking to take the next step, Webb said it was a hard time to determine whether playing professionally is the right thing to do.
"Goal setting is often an overlooked part of golf. Make sure you set goals and stay on top of them and create a process to achieve them," she said
"You have to love the game. I still put in the hard work and have been putting in the work since I was about 11 years old.
Webb is currently on the Gold Coast in preparation for the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters tournament, which starts at RACV Royal Pines Resort tomorrow.
Smith joins Rookie Professional Squad
The squad members are: Rebecca Artis, Jake Higginbottom, Nathan Holman, Stacey Keating, Bryden Macpherson, Cameron Smith, Matt Stieger, Brady Watt and Jack Wilson.
The program comprises nine players this year.
The Golf Australia Rookie Program offers a way of assisting professional golfers as they enter the most exciting yet challenging time of their professional careers; finding and establishing themselves on an international Tour and understanding the demands of travelling to different parts of the world whilst at the same time trying to compete against the best players in the world.
Successful applicants each receive a rookie scholarship that is offered for a period of one year with a review after six months. The scholarship holder can be part of the program until their fifth year of professional golf.
There are two streams of funding within the scholarship.
The Training and Preparation funding offers support to access to coaching, strength and conditioning, biomechanics, sports psychology, physiotherapy and advice from nutritionists.
The Competition and Travel Funding helps cover a range of player expenses including airfares, accommodation, entry fees and caddy fees.
Golf Australia High Performance Director Brad James said this year's squad includes a number of new professionals in addition to several players who have Tour experience.
"It's a challenging environment out there on Tour when players have to coordinate all of their travel, budgeting and various other matters – in addition to playing professional golf at a competitive level and improving their games," James said.
"The purpose of this program is to ensure these players do not have any of their development compromised by challenges that arise. We work to make that transition to professional golf and Tour life as smooth as possible. It is based on a culture of success and it is important that these athletes continue to track towards top 100 world ranking status in order to be considered again for the program in the future," James said.
Golf Queensland selects top juniors for Interstate Series
Golf Queensland's Head Coach, Tony Meyer said the selected players thoroughly deserve their places on the teams.
"All players have shown solid form in recent months and are looking forward to representing their home state," Mr Meyer said.
"It will be exciting for many of the new members of the teams who will be playing in their first Interstate Teams Championship. It is an important event in our players' development."
In 2013, both the Queensland Boys' and Girls' Teams were victorious, with the Girls' Team remaining undefeated for the past three years.
Three male and two female development players have also been selected to travel with their respective Junior State Teams to compete in the Australian Junior Amateur Championship.
Boys' State Team:
Liam Anderson (Coolangatta-Tweed)
Hyunsik Kong (Emerald Lakes)
Kodie Koski (Caloundra)
James Macklin (Nudgee)
Chris Park (Lakelands)
Blake Proverbs (Pacific)
Boys' Development Players:
Lawry Flynn (Brisbane)
Connor Reeves (Hervey Bay)
Jack Trent (Headland)
Boys' Coach: Grant Field
Boys' Team Manager: Shane Stevenson
Karis Davidson (Palmer Gold Coast)
Samantha Foley (Royal Pines)
Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe)
Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed)
Kate Law (Maryborough)
Stacey White (Pacific)
Girls' Development Players:
Robyn Choi (Royal Pines)
Tyla Smith (Coolangatta-Tweed)
Girls' Coach: Virginia Irwin
Girls' Team Manager: Jessica Jenkins
Walsh wins Junior Masters
Amy Walsh has taken out the Volvik/RACV Junior Masters today earning a spot in the senior event which kicks off this Thursday.Held on the same championship course at RACV Royal Pines, Walsh shot a Gross 72 to win the title and receive her invitation to this week's professional tournament.
The Emerald Lakes amateur will now tee up against some of the world's best female golfers including fellow Queenslanders Karrie Webb and Katherine Kirk.
Rhianna Lewis took at the Nett prize finishing with a 74 on a count back from Stacey White and Amy Walsh.
The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters runs from Thursday 6 February to 9 February at RACV Royal Pines Resort. Read more.
Community activities kicks off Ladies Masters week
Over 500 juniors will participate in a number of golf activities around the area during the week, with ALPG, LET and PGA professional golfers also engaging with the juniors. Players already confirmed include former World No.12 Lindsey Wright, LET winner, England's Felicity Johnson and Women's NSW Open winner Joanna Klatten.
Golf Queensland will begin activities on Monday, visiting Gold Coast Recreation and Sport to assist special needs athletes in having a getting involved with golf.
Tuesday and Wednesday will see local schools William Duncan State and Merrimac State learning basic golf skills and being introduced to new and fun golf activities.
The 'Behind the Ropes Experience' will take place on Thursday and Friday, with Kelvin Grove State College and Robina State High School getting all-access passes at the Ladies Masters. The school students will tour the media centre, have an opportunity to talk with the stars, attend a clinic, learn about career pathways in golf and watch the players in action on-course.
A junior golf activity centre will be set up on the grassed area in front of the clubhouse over the weekend, open from 10am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday. There will be chipping targets, putting practice and other fun activities available, using the latest MYGolf and SNAG equipment.
Adrian Hewat, Golf Queensland's Participation Development Manager who has coordinated the week's activities alongside Lee Harrington, said he was looking forward to getting involved with the Gold Coast community.
"Working with the community is a rewarding experience and teaching basic golf skills is one way we can give back," Mr Hewat said.
"Golf is a terrific sport for children to stay active while learning some core life skills and we are excited to be further promoting the sport within the Gold Coast community.
"The week isn't just about watching golf; it's also about getting out there and giving it a go."
Tickets for the tournament can be purchased here.
Qld amateurs to tee it up at Women's NSW Open
Ellen Davies-Graham, who stepped up into the professional ranks earlier this week, will be playing in her first tournament as a professional, while previous Queensland QAS Squad members, Ashley Ona and Courtney Massey will also be competing.
Among the Professionals, 25 amateurs will contend for the title including current QAS Squad member Gennai Goodwin and State Team member Amy Walsh.
"It is pleasing to see players who have been part of Golf Queensland's programs transition into the professional ranks and compete on home soil in professional tournaments," said Luke Bates, Manager of Golf Operations at Golf Queensland.
"For our elite amateurs, the opportunity to compete in professional events will hopefully assist in this transition and provide them with additional confidence and experience which will no doubt be very useful to them in the coming years."Players from 17 countries will be competing in the first ALPG major tournament of the season, with nine Ladies European Tour winners in the field.
Player Information:
Amy Walsh is a member at Emerald Lakes Golf Club on the Gold Coast. Walsh has seen very positive results within the last year. Her successes include winning the South Australian Junior Masters and NSW Junior Girls Championship. Walsh also finished as runner up in the Srixon International Junior Classic and was the Australian representative at the Callaway World Junior in the United States. She was part of the victorious Queensland Girls' Interstate Team and is currently ranked 8th on the Australian Girls' Amateur Rankings.
Indooroopilly member Gennai Goodwin, is a member of the Queensland Women's State Team and Queensland Academy of Sport (QAS) scholarship holder. Goodwin is no stranger to professional tournaments, competing in the Victorian Women's Open in 2013.
Karis Davidson shows shining talent
That, says her father Graeme, is a far cry from the putting speed of the carpet in the family home back in Innerleithen Scotland, where the young Gold Coaster first displayed her championship-winning golf talent.
"It was Christmas night, and I had scored a new putter from Santa," recounts the 15-year-old's dad.
"Karis was five I think, and she and I had a putting competition on the carpet. As soon as she swung the putter that night I could tell she was a natural."
A decade later that innate ability has, according to her coach Ian Triggs, taken Karis to the edge of a budding professional golfing career.
"To put the Australian Amateur final in perspective it was akin to Tiger Woods playing a rookie pro," he said.
"Not only is Minjee Lee two years older than Karis, which is a huge difference at this age, she is the No.5 amateur in the world, has now won this championship twice, is a former Australian Junior title winner and has the US Girls' Junior championship among a host of other victories.
"To get to the final against the best girls in the country was an outstanding achievement for Karis. And to compete so well against Minjee, winning as many holes as she did, has done wonders for her confidence and for her game.
"Karis is a wonderful talent, works very hard at her game and no doubt has a big future. But she needs to become bigger and stronger and tick a few more other boxes before she is ready to take that next big step."
In the final at The Grange Lee led the 2up at the 18-hole mark after she and the young Queenslander carded a birdie blitz in the morning. Davidson birdied three of her first five holes and took the challenge to the defending champion before Lee rolled off four straight birdies on holes 5-8 in the afternoon round to surge clear. Lee eventually won 6 and 5.
The Davidson family – dad Graeme, mum Faye and younger brother Zach - moved to the Gold Coast from Scotland in February 2008, ostensibly so Karis could develop the golfing ability first spotted in the carpet putting episode.
"We had relatives living at Varsity Lakes and visited them in 2005 with the idea of emigrating," said mum Faye.
"Obviously the weather here is much more conducive to outdoor sport, and as her results have shown Karis has blossomed. And AnK Golf, with whom she trains at Sanctuary Cove, has been a big influence.
"When Karis first joined her coach there, Chris Lee, she was playing off 15. Her handicap is now plus two.
"But not only are the coaching techniques first class, but the coaches and team members are all very friendly and helpful."
Her runner-up in the national title was a fitting culmination to a break-out year for Karis. Among her other achievements was second in the Greg Norman Junior Masters Open, but first in the under 15 division; runner up in the Queensland Amateur; best finish for Team Australia in China playing in the Aaron Baddeley International Junior Championship; won the Aaron Baddeley Australian National 36 hole title: second in the South Pacific Ladies Classic (54 holes); won (72 holes) for the second year running; and was second in the Katherine Hull Classic (54 holes).
Her next big event is the New Zealand Open at the end of the month (January) to which she received a special invitation. - TONY DURKIN
Lee and Koh crowned Australian Amateur Champions
New Zealand 19 year-old Tae Koh clinched the first major win of his amateur career on his first trip to Australia with a resounding 6&5 win over Western Australian Curtis Luck at The Australian Amateur Championship presented by Audi at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide.
The Manukau Golf Club member and World Number 275 led 4up after the first 18 holes and said he was overwhelmed to clinch victory.
"It feels great obviously. Winning 6&5 was a pretty good effort I thought. I thought it was going to be a pretty tough match. You play pretty good players. To do it in that fashion is awesome," Koh said.
In doing so, Koh becomes the first New Zealand man to win the title since former U.S Open champion Michael Campbell did in 1992. Koh also earns an exemption into the Emirates Australian Open at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney later this year.
"That's big – Michael Campbell won a major and was a great player. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps. The Australian Open – wow. Big crowds, I'll have to get used to that. Hopefully I get to play with some good pros and see what they do," Koh said.
Born in Korea, Koh moved to New Zealand at the age of six and began playing golf when he was seven after caddying for this father. He stopped playing golf for four years in his early teens to pursue cricket and soccer before returning to the golf course four and half years ago.
For Luck, from Cottesloe Golf Club, it was the end of a solid week and continues his good form in 2014 following his win at the Boys' Victorian Junior Masters earlier in January.
Final - Tae Koh (NZ) defeated Curtis Luck (WA) 6&5
Click Here for Hole-by-Hole Scores
Australian Women's Amateur Championship presented by Audi - Final
Western Australian Minjee Lee has successfully defended her Australian Amateur Championship crown after defeating 15 year-old Queenslander Karis Davidson 6&5 in today's final at The Grange Golf Club.
World Number 5 and 17 year-old Lee led 2up after the first 18 holes with the pair putting on a birdie blitz in the morning. Davidson birdied three of her first five holes and took the challenge up to Lee before the Royal Fremantle member rolled off four straight birdies on holes 5-8 in the afternoon round to surge clear.
"It feels good. It's always a long week at the Australian Amateur and it's good to get the win and start the year off on a high," Lee said.
"I was just steady today. Whenever Karis made mistakes, I just took advantage of that. After that I holed a couple of putts early on the front nine in the second round and I got to 6 or 7up," said Lee who earns a place at the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open next month.
Lee, who graduated from school in 2013, has now won two Australian Amateur titles, the Australian Junior title and the US Girls' Junior title among a host of other victories.
"I don't have school this year so I'm going to play all of the Aussie professional circuit events and then go to China for the World Ladies Championship. After that I think I'll head to the United States for the U.S Women's Amateur and play a couple of other big events over there," Lee said.
Fellow National Squad member Ryan Ruffels caddied for Lee for the semi final and final. The pair teamed up for Lee's Australian Amateur victory in 2013 in Melbourne.
"He's good company, we had fun out there and it was pretty cruisey," Lee added.
Final - Minjee Lee (WA) defeated Karis Davidson (QLD) 6&5
Click Here for Hole-by-Hole Scores
Quarter Finalists set at Australian Amateur
The final eight players to compete for the Australian Men's Amateur Championship have been decided.
Two Victorians, two New Zealanders, two Americans, a Western Australian, a South Australian and a New South Welshman have all booked their places in the quarter finals.
Zach Murray overcame Ryan Ruffels 3&2 in an all-Victorian third round match while Cameron Davis (NSW) defeated Taylor MacDonald (QLD) 2&1 to progress to the quarters.
Curtis Luck (WA) beat last year's runner-up Geoff Drakeford (VIC) 1up while Americans Max Buckley and Daniel Snyder accounted for Grant Booth (NSW) and Blair Riordan (NZL) respectively.
Local favourite and Grange Golf Club member Anthony Murdaca (SA) flew the home town flag into the quarter finals while Victorian Todd Sinnott and New Zealander Tae Koh also won through to the final eight.
MEN'S QUARTER FINALS (Saturday AM)
Zach Murray (VIC) v Todd Sinnott (VIC)
David Snyder (USA) v Curtis Luck (WA)
Max Buckley (USA) v Tae Koh (NZL)
Cameron Davis (NSW) v Anthony Murdaca (SA)
The quarter finals and semi finals are held on Saturday before the 36 hole final which takes place on Sunday.
RESULTS AND DRAW - Australian Men's Amateur Championship
Australian Women's Amateur Championship Round 2 Match Play
Defending champion Minjee Lee (WA) stormed into the quarter finals with another dominant performance, defeating Hannah Green (WA) 5&4.
Lee will now face fellow Western Australian and Oklahoma State college player Jayde Panos who defeated Celina Yuan (NSW) 3&2 to book her quarter finals spot.
Spain's Luna Sobron, who was runner-up at the Women's British Amateur in 2013, continued her impressive form with a 3&2 win over Ellen-Davies Graham (QLD). Sobron will now play Shelly Shin (NSW) who defeated Cassidy Evreniadis (SA) 1up.
Victorian Su-Hyun Oh and 2013 runner-up Jenny Lee (SA) will face off in the other quarter final while Chantelle Cassidy (NZL) will play Karis Davidson (QLD). Davidson beat Alyssa Keir (WA) 3&2 in the second round.
WOMEN'S QUARTER FINALS (Saturday AM)
Chantelle Cassidy (NZL) v Karis Davidson (QLD)
Su-Hyun Oh (VIC) v Jenny Lee (SA)
Minjee Lee (WA) v Jayde Panos (WA)
Luna Sobron (ESP) v Shelly Shin (NSW)
RESULTS AND DRAW - Australian Women's Amateur Championship
Entry is free for spectators. The 36 hole men's and women's finals take place on Sunday 19 January.
Top qualifiers fall at Australian Amateur
English top qualifier Ryan Evans fell at the first hurdle after he was handed one of the tougher assignments against 64th qualifier Ryan Ruffels (VIC) who won 3&2 in hot conditions at The Grange Golf Club in Adelaide.
Both the men's and women's fields began on a shotgun start at 7.00am to avoid the predicted afternoon temperature of 46 degrees celsius.
Ruffels was one of 32 men to progress including 2013 runner-up Geoff Drakeford (VIC), Grange member and 2013 Australian Junior Champion Anthony Murdaca (SA) and National Squad member Taylor MacDonald (QLD) who beat fellow National Squad member Lucas Herbert (VIC) 3&2.
A total of eight international players made it through to the next round including Americans David Snyder and Max Buckley.
The top 32 players will play on Friday morning before the top 16 go head-to-head in the afternoon.
The quarter finals and semi finals are held on Saturday before the 36 hole final which takes place on Sunday.
RESULTS: Australian Men's Amateur - Round 1 Match Play
Australian Women's Amateur Championship Round 1 Match Play
16 year-old Korean and top qualifier So-Young Lee's campaign ended on the opening day, losing to Chantelle Cassidy (NZL) 2&1 as Australia's leading players progressed.
Australia's World Number 2 and 3 amateurs Minjee Lee (WA) and Su-Hyun Oh (VIC) cruised to comfortable victories, winning 7&6 and 6&5 respectively over Sue Wooster (VIC) and Samathan Foley (QLD).
Jayde Panos (WA) also recorded a resounding 7&6 victory to move into the round of 16 on Friday afternoon.
Women's British Amateur runner up Luna Sobron (ESP) won 5&4 to maintain her progress while 2013 runner-up Jenny Lee (SA) won 1up.
The top 16 women will play in the second round of Match Play on Friday afternoon
RESULTS: Australian Women's Amateur - Round 1 Match Play
Entry is free for spectators. The 36 hole men's and women's finals take place on Sunday 19 January.
Evans and Lee top qualifying at Australian Amateur
Play was suspended for 75 minutes on Wednesday afternoon as the apparent temperature at Adelaide Airport (the closest recording station) rose beyond 39 degrees. A wind change shortly after allowed play to recommence as the temperature dropped.
Australian Men's Amateur Championship Qualifying:
Evans, from Wellingborough Golf Club near Kettering, finished with rounds of 68 and 67 to finish at 9-under par, three clear of Victorian Lucas Herbert (70, 68) and Japan's Kazuki Higa (68, 70) who finished at 6-under par.
American and University of Kentucky sophomore David Snyder fired the round of the day with a 6-under par 66 to finish fourth at 4-under par.
Victorian Geoff Drakeford finished in fifth place with Queensland's Damien Jordan sixth. Grange member Anthony Murdaca was the best of the locals, in a seven-way tie at 3-under par.
The top 64 men will now contest elimination Match Play with the first round taking place at 7.00am on Thursday with a shotgun start.
Australian Women's Amateur Championship Qualifying:
16 year-old Korean So-Young Lee carded a second consecutive 69 to finish at 3-under par and finish the top qualifier by four strokes.
From 88 Country Club, south east of Seoul, Lee finished ahead of defending champion and Western Australian Minjee Lee who rebounded from her opening round 73 to finish with a 3-under par 69.
Victorian Su-Hyun Oh finished in a tie for third at 1-under par with Women's British Amateur runner-up Luna Sobron from Spain.
Western Australian Jayde Panos closed in a tie for fifth place with South Australian and 2013 runner-up Jenny Lee and New South Wales's Shelly Shin at 2-over par.
The top 32 women will now contest elimination Match Play with the first round taking place at 7.00am on Thursday with a shotgun start.
The Amateur Championships are Australia's oldest golfing events, dating back to 1894. Past winners include Michael Clayton, Michael Campbell, Mathew Goggin, Brett Rumford, Kristie Smith, and Nikki Campbell, and with both champions receiving exemptions into the respective Australian Opens, they are the most prized titles in Australian amateur golf.
Entry is free for spectators. The 36 hole men's and women's finals take place on Sunday 19 January.
Final Qualifying Scores - Australian Men's Amateur Championship
Final Qualifying Scores - Australian Women's Amateur Championship
Play suspended at Australian Amateur Championships
On a day where the mercury topped 40 degrees, play was first suspended for 40 minutes mid-afternoon as heavy storm clouds and lightning moved into the area. With the storm front clearing, players returned to their positions at 4.25pm local time. Play was suspended for the day at 5.45pm local time as a second storm front approached the courses.
In the completed opening rounds of the men's championship, Kazuki Higa (JPN) is in a tie for the lead with Geoff Drakeford (VIC) and Dale Brandt-Richards (NSW) with the trio shooting 4-under par 68s.
Todd Sinnott (VIC) and Denzel Ieremia (NZL) are further shot back after 3-under par 69s.
In the completed opening rounds of the women's championship, So-Young Lee (KOR) leads following her 3-under par 69. World Number 2 amateur Su-Hyun Oh (VIC) finished with a 2-under par 70 to be in second place. Grange Golf Club member Cassidy Evreniadis (SA) finished with an even par 72.
The incomplete first rounds will recommence on Wednesday morning at 6.30am.
The Amateur Championships are Australia's oldest golfing events, dating back to 1894. Past winners include Michael Clayton, Michael Campbell, Mathew Goggin, Brett Rumford, Kristie Smith, and Nikki Campbell, and with both champions receiving exemptions into the respective Australian Opens, they are the most prized titles in Australian amateur golf.
Entry is free for spectators. The 36 hole men's and women's finals take place on Sunday 19 January.
Scores - Australian Men's Amateur Championship
Scores - Australian Women's Amateur Championship
Tseng returns to Ladies Masters
Tseng, who first started playing in the event as a 16-year-old amateur, has a superb record at RACV Royal Pines Resort. In seven appearances she has won once (2011) and posted another three top 5 finishes.
Tseng has been a superstar of women's professional golf since 2010. In 2011, the Taiwanese player was dominating the women's game, she started the year off perfectly with back-to-back wins in the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open and Volvik RACV Ladies Masters. Following the two wins in Australia, she fulfilled one of her dreams, to become No.1 in the World. She was unstoppable for the majority of the year, capturing 11 titles worldwide in total. By the middle of the year, she became the youngest player, male or female, to win five majors.
During the 2012 and 2013 seasons Tseng suffered a series of nagging injuries which yielded only ten top ten finishes. With USD $9,376,000 in official Korean prizemoney to her credit Tseng has now regained her fitness and ready for a big season in 2014 commencing at one of her favorite tour stops at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, February 6-9.
Tournament Chairman Bob Tuohy said "We have known Yani for so many years, we have been a great supporter of her during her amateur career and she has been during her professional career, it is fantastic news that she is returning once again in 2014."
Tseng joins defending champion Karrie Webb, Americans Jessica Korda and Cheyenne Woods, Swede Caroline Hedwall and England's Charley Hull as players confirmed.
The event will once again be played under the co-sanction status with the Ladies European Tour and the Australian Ladies Professional Golf.
The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the State.
The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters will be broadcast from the Gold Coast by ABC Sport, live throughout Australia, on Saturday 8 February between 2:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday 9 February between 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
Large Queensland representation at Australian Amateur
Over 40 Queenslander's will travel to Adelaide to compete for the titles of 2014 Australian Men's and Women's Amateur champions.
Last year, the Australian Men's Amateur title was won by Queensland's Cameron Smith (pictured) who pulled off an extraordinary come from behind victory. Smith has since moved into the professional ranks.This year will prove to be another good contest, with a total field of 288 players. Not only will there be a strong Queensland and Australian contingent, but also a strong international field including over 50 international players from nine countries.
"It is exciting to see so many Queenslander's competing in the biggest amateur golf tournament in Australia," said Golf Queensland Golf Operations Manager Luke Bates.
"Golf Queensland is supporting a squad of 15 players through the QAS Golf Program to attend the Australian Amateur Championship.
"Assistant QAS Coach David Nable will travel to Adelaide with the players to assist them throughout the week.
"A number of Queenslander's have won national ranking events recently and we are hopeful of a similar result this week."
One Queenslander to watch is Redcliffe's Taylor Macdonald, who has been a scholarship holder in the Queensland Academy of Sport since June. In that time, Macdonald has seen fantastic results including a win at the Nomura Cup, Keperra Bowl and selection in the Golf Australia National Squad. In 2013 he also won the Victorian Amateur Championship and finished the season ranked second on the Australian Men's Rankings System.
Another one to watch is 16-year-old Samantha Foley (Royal Pines), who had a remarkable year as a junior. Foley won the Queensland Mixed Foursomes and the Queensland Girls Amateur Championship in December. She was also a member of the victorious Queensland Girls Interstate Team.
Simon masters Royal Melbourne
Simon has been playing the game since he was 12 when he was inspired by his Finnish father and New Zealand born mother to pick up the clubs. In 2012 he took out the Port Phillip Amateur and was runner up in the Gary Player Classic, but today's is his biggest win and he paid tribute to the high standard of this event. He is very excited about the exemptions that comes with today's win including The British Amateur, the Porter Cup, Players Amateur, Dogwood Invitational and the Canadian Men's Amateur. Viitakangas plans to play as many amateur events as he can this year and hopes to enter the Australian PGA tour school at the end of the year.
Melbourne golfer Todd Sinnott who had a share of the overnight lead with Viitakangas, has finished in second place. Four bogeys on his front nine today, when the conditions were at their toughest, made the 21 year old's task that much more difficult. The wind was a major factor in today's higher scores; the round of the day, two under, belonged to another local Lucas Herbert, and he finished in third place.
American Cameron Wilson returned the best score of the internationals in this field: a three over today his worst for the tournament. He finished one shot ahead of fellow American Max Buckley and three other Australians Cory Crawford, Daniel Hoeve and Taylor MacDonald.
It has been a good day for the Australians who have taken out the World Cup run in conjunction with this event.
Simon Viitakangas will be presented with the Green Jacket during a presentation dinner at the RACV Club in Melbourne tonight.
The Australian Master of the Amateurs is the highest ranked Amateur Championship in Australia ranked in the top 20 in the world by the R and A
For all scores and further information on the 2014 Australian Master of the Amateurs, please visit www.masterof theamatuers.com.au
Story courtesy of Jim Conway, Master of the Amateurs
Viitakangas in share of the lead going into final of Master of the Amateurs
There was barely a flutter in the flags as the temperature moved into the 30's and the birdies were plentiful among this international field of elite amateurs.
But still leading the pack, this championship's 'Mr Consistency', Simon Viitakangas who has defied the weather extremes. His third successive 2-under round, sees the 21 year old Queenslander with a share of the lead going into tomorrow's final round.
Teeing off with him tomorrow, Melbourne golfer Todd Sinnott whose game gets better the longer this tournament progresses. Six birdies left him five under for the day, six under overall and sharing the lead.
The leading international is American, Cameron Wilson. The 21 year old from Connecticut is currently ranked 27 in the world. His second sub-par round leaves him just two shots behind the leading pair. A further shot back is Gold Coast amateur Corey Crawford followed by American Max Buckley and 19 year old New Zealander Tyler Hodge.
The round of the day belonged to another Queenslander, 20 year old Aaron Wilkin. His six under 66 sees him with a share of fifth place. He had an eagle on the second hole (par 5), but a bogey on the 16th, the same hole that caught him out yesterday.
It is tight at the top in the World Cup competition which is part of the Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship. Australia leads the USA by three shots followed by New Zealand, England and China.
A warmer day is forecast for the final round of this championship which tees off at 8.00 tomorrow morning; admission to Royal Melbourne is again free.
Viitakangas in lead after round two of Master of the Amateurs
The sun shone on Royal Melbourne Golf Club today in stark contrast to cool temperatures and gusty winds of yesterday, but it was just another day at the office for the 21 year old who has carded rounds of two under on both days.
Just one shot back is the leading international, 21 year old Cameron Wilson from Connecticut. He obviously enjoyed today's warmer weather, improving three shots on his first round. Ten countries are represented in this field of 53 elite amateurs; their handicaps range from zero and plus 6.
Holding third place tonight is another Gold Coast amateur Corey Crawford. He is one shot ahead of five players all one under after two rounds: American Max Buckley, New Zealander Tyler Hodge and Australians Todd Sinnott, Daniel Hoeve and James Gibellini.
A warmer day is forecast for round three of this championship which tees off at 8.30 tomorrow morning and admission to Royal Melbourne is again free.
Korda and Woods ready to take on Webb
The youthful pair is a great edition to the high caliber field being assembled for the 25th staging of the event.
Korda, is coming off a fantastic year on the LPGA. In just her third year as a professional, the talented golfer made the cut in all the 21 events she played in and posted six top 10 finishes, with her best finish being runner-up in the Mobile Bay LPGA Classic. She finished 25th on the Money List with US$593,389.
Korda will be making her third appearance on the Gold Coast and she is thrilled to be coming back.
"I'm excited to return to Australia for the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters in February. The Gold Coast is a fantastic place and I always look forward to going back." Korda said from her home in the States.
"My family has some great history in Australia and it's always a thrill for me to play golf there where the fans have been so supportive of my career."
Korda, who is currently ranked 39 on the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings will be one of the players defending champion Karrie Webb will be watching. Webb, who is going for unprecedented ninth Ladies Masters title, will have to watch out for the long hitting American. Korda finished fifth in the 2013 tournament at Royal Pines, so she likes the layout.
Fellow compatriot Woods, who is the niece of Tiger Woods, will be back and will be looking to improve on her 33rd finish earlier this year. In 2013 Woods played 11 events on the Ladies European Tour and posted three top 20 finishes in her rookie year. The 23-year-old has full exemption on the LET in 2014.
Tournament Chairman Bob Tuohy said "Jessica's and Cheyenne's return to the RACV Royal Pines Resort is welcome and has boosted the high quality of field being assembled".
The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters is supported by Tourism and Events Queensland as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural and regional events throughout the State.
The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters will be broadcast from the Gold Coast by ABC Sport, live throughout Australia, on Saturday 8 February between 2:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday 9 February between 2:00pm to 6:00pm.
Samen-Curtis and Foley triumph at Boys and Girls Amateur
Matthew Samen-Curtis (Headland) and Samantha Foley (Royal Pines) have emerged triumphant after 3 gruelling days at the Boys and Girls Amateur.
Samen-Curtis, like many of his compatriots, battled on the first 2 days but stayed in contention with timely birdies. As overnight leader, and ultimately Championship Runner-up, Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast) looked like kicking away on the opening 9 of the final day, Samen-Curtis stormed home with a back 9 of 7 under 29 (1 eagle, 6 birdies, 1 par and a bogey).
With 4 holes remaining, Samen-Curtis was cruising. An untimely double bogey on the 15th gave Sullivan optimism, but Sullivan's own bogeys on 16 and 17 allowed Samen-Curtis the luxury of a 4 shot buffer heading down the par 5 18th. Tapping in for his 12th birdie of the day, Samen-Curtis was excited to celebrate his victory with his parents and sister.
The Girls Amateur was equally as enthralling with Samantha Foley birdieing the 71st and 72nd hole to claim a 1 shot victory over Karis Davidson (Palmer Gold Coast). Recovering from a first round 80, Foley had rounds of 1 over, 2 over and 3 under to capture the Championship.
Trailing Davidson by 5 shots after 54 holes, Foley applied early pressure in the final round, turning in 4 under 34. Both girls showed the strain of a tough 3 days with bogeys on the incoming 9. It was Foley's birdie on the penultimate hole which was the deciding factor, with Davidson and Foley both making birdies on the 72nd.
The 14 and Under Boys and Girls divisions were won by Cameron John (Waverley)and Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed) respectively. John was especially dominant with 11 shots separating him and Runner-up Chris Jimenez (Pacific). The Girls Runner-Up was first round leader Doey Choi (Concord), who finished only 1 shot behind Kay.
With players making numerous birdies and eagles during the Championship, it was Lisa Edgar who achieved the rarest of feats. Playing her 63rd hole, Edgar left the putter in the bag when she holed out with a 9 iron to record an albatross.
Congratulations to Indooroopilly Golf Club and their staff for another fantastic event. The course was in first class condition and players are looking forward to returning in 2014.
McIlroy returns to winners circle in Sydney
Trailing Scott for the majority of Sunday, the World Number 6 sunk a 12 foot birdie on the 18th green to collect his first title since November 2012, while it was heartbreak for Scott who bogeyed the last.
McIlroy's final round of 6-under 66 was just too good for Scott who with a 1-under 71, (his worst round of the tournament), finished at 17-under the card in second position.
2006 Australian Open Champion John Senden finished in third position, for his trouble claiming one of three spots up for grabs in the 2014 Open Championship.
In only his second year as a Professional Bryden Macpherson also secured a return to The Open Championship, the Victorian last competing for the Claret Jug in 2011 as an Amateur.
Finishing at 9-under par alongside Macpherson, Rhein Gibson will also make the trip to Royal Liverpool in July for his Open (and Major) debut.
But Sunday was all about two-time Major Champion Rory McIlroy who was delighted to finish atop the leaderboard for the first time in 2013.
"Since the end of September I've just felt in a better place, a better place mentally with some things off the course," said McIlroy.
"Golf's a long career and I'm 24 years old. I get a little impatient at times and if I actually just took a step back and looked at the bigger picture, it hasn't been too bad a year."
While admitting that he felt a little guilty of ruining Scott's Triple Crown glory, McIlroy had nothing but praise for Scott.
"He's had a phenomenal year. Masters champion, he won one of the FedEx Cup play off events. He came down here to Australia, won the Aussie PGA and then the Aussie Masters. Then World Cup last week and here," he said.
"He's a true gentleman and he's a credit to the game but he's also a credit to this country. I was just lucky to be able to come out on top today."
Whilst disappointed that the Triple Crown fairytale didn't end as predicted, a dejected Scott was thankful for such a successful season that included victory at the US Masters and back-to-back wins at the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola and the Talisker Masters in November.
"It's been a great year. Obviously I didn't want to finish like that. If I didn't play any good the first few days and played great today and finished second I'd be pretty chuffed going into Christmas, so that's how I should look at it," said Scott who shot a course record 10-under 62 on Thursday.
"I'm gutted. I felt like I never had a better chance to win the Aussie Open but it was tight the whole back nine."
"Nothing was going my way on the greens today. I could have put this thing away I think early on if the putter was behaving how it should have, like it did the rest of the week but I just misjudged into the last and a player as good as Rory is going to take that opportunity."
Regardless of the result Scott still secured the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit title, his second since turning Professional in 2000.
Western Australia's Brady Watt also didn't leave empty handed, his 5-under par finish in a tie for 14th earning him the title as low amateur in the field.
Clean sweep for Australia at World Cup
With a third round of 1-under 70 Day finished at 10-under the card to claim the individual trophy over Denmark's Thomas Bjorn, while Day's Australian teammate Scott finished in outright third at 7-under par.
The outstanding individual results by Day and Scott also handed Australia the World Cup of Golf team title, the Aussies overcoming the United States by 10 strokes; the biggest winning margin in the last ten years of the tournament.
The win was particularly momentous for Day having learned only last week that a number of his family members had been killed in the Philippines disaster.
"It would have been the easiest thing for me to just go ahead and pull out of the tournament with what has been going on over the last week," said Day.
"But I really wanted to come down here and play with Adam and really try and win the World Cup and we achieved that which is great."
"This is really special to me and my family."
Two-time World Cup champion and Australian golf legend Peter Thomson watched the victory from the confines of the Royal Melbourne clubhouse and greeted Day and Scott following their round.
"He said that he was going to see his friend, Kel Nagle, and he was going to tell his friend about what he saw today," said Jason.
"Then I replied, 'I would like to have five British Opens too.' He said, "At least get three." So I have to kind of fulfil my promise there one day."
In taking out the teams event, Day and Scott became the first Australians to claim the title since Peter Fowler and Wayne Grady captured the 1989 World Cup in Spain.
The individual title for 26-year-old Day was only his second as a Professional, and his first in Australia.
"It's taken me a while to get my second win and it couldn't be more fitting with Scotty by my side winning the World Cup down here in Melbourne," said Day.
"Today I learnt a lot about myself and I am just really excited for next week to get started as well but I am definitely going to embrace being a World Cup winner tonight and I won't go too crazy but I will definitely have a drink or two."
After sending a warning yesterday that he still didn't think the individual title was out of reach, Scott's finish in outright third position completed a remarkable comeback after being tied for 46th on the leaderboard at the end of Round 1.
"I tried to keep my focus a little bit on the teams' event, especially after Thursday obviously when I was far behind," said Scott.
"I think we will look back with really fond memories and be very proud that we have played here and represented Australia and won the World Cup in Australia.
"I have got to congratulate Jase on winning individually. He has come down and played great and that's not always easy to do and it has been great to watch his development as a player, rapid development really, and I have a lot of respect for how much he puts into the game and I'm not surprised he is winning these kind of events and there will be plenty more to come."
Q&A with Taylor Macdonald
Queenslander and Golf Australia National Squad member Taylor Macdonald has been around the world playing golf recently but took some time to catch up with Golf Queensland before he tees off in the NSW Open.How was last week's Nomura Cup experience?
As a team we did really well. We came through strong on the last day and everyone played pretty well. We all get along like a house on fire which is really good. The experience for all of us as a team was fantastic.
What is it like to play in a team environment versus individual events?
You are still representing Golf Queensland and Golf Australia at the individual events so you feel like it is still a team effort.
You tee off tomorrow in the NSW Open. What is it like playing in tournaments at this level?
I've played in a few pro events so I'm getting the hang of it. I'll go out there and play my own game like any another golf tournament.Congratulations on your recent selection on the Golf Australia National Squad. You must be looking forward to 2014?
I'm looking forward to our first camp, which is in a few weeks. I worked hard over the past year to try and get in the national team. The opportunity opens a lot of doors and I'm looking forward to the year ahead.
It has been a good couple of months for Taylor. As well as the winning the Nomura Cup, he also recently won the 2013 Keperra Bowl and finished 20th in the Asia-Pacific Amateur.
Taylor tees off in the NSW Open tomorrow at 6.20am (AET).
Nomura Cup: Australia marches to victory in Thailand
The Australians posted a final round 201 for a total of 828 to beat Korea in second place. Hosts Thailand finished in third place with China in fourth place.
Sharing the lead overnight, the Australians hit the right gear in the final round with all players finishing under par for the day. New South Welshman Cameron Davis fired his best round of the championship with a 6-under par 66 while Victorian Geoff Drakeford finished with a 5-under par 67. Queenslander Taylor MacDonald shot a 4-under par 68 while Queenslander Aaron Wilkin shot a 3-under par 69.
It was Australia's tenth victory at the championship since it was first held in 1963.
Conducted by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, each team consists of four male players, contesting 18 holes of stroke play for four days. In each round, the total of the scores from each team constitutes the team score for the round. The four-day (72-hole) total is the team's score for the championship.
View Final Results
Master Scott set for Aussie Golf Slam
Starting the day four shots clear of the field, Scott saw his lead dwindle as American Matt Kuchar fired around the composite layout.
A playoff loomed as the pair were tied on 14-under the card before a double bogey on the 18th for Kuchar handed Scott the title.
"You can't think about the result until you're walking up the last and you know where things stand," said Scott who made par on the last to finish with a tournament total of 14-under 270.
The Talisker Masters is Adam Scott's second PGA Tour of Australasia title in as many weeks meaning the Queenslander has only the Emirates Australian Open standing in the way of his Aussie golf Triple Crown.
"I've never won back-to-back weeks so this is a first and something that I like."
"I think it's very hard to win two tournaments full stop, let alone back to back, so I'm quite pleased with myself this week."
"Sometimes you win a little bit ugly. All the good stuff I had done in the first three rounds counted for a lot, even though it wasn't the prettiest golf today."
Scott now looks forward to teaming up with Jason Day to represent Australia in the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf next week, also being played at Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
"My game is in pretty good shape so my focus is to go and get Jason revved up and make sure he's in good shape on Thursday," added Scott.
"I think it's going to be a lot of fun in all seriousness. I hope Jason and I get to play together at some point."
If Scott goes on to win the next two weeks he will have achieved an extraordinary feat affectionately being named the 'Scotty Slam.'
Disappointed with his finish, Kuchar enjoyed playing the Talisker Masters at Royal Melbourne and believes he is well placed to once again take on Scott next week.
"At Royal Melbourne you can really pay the price for being just a little off when you are playing aggressive and it got me at a bad time," said Kuchar of his double bogey finish.
"It was a rough way to end but it's the nature of the game, you have to be ready to bounce back."
"The guys who look toward the positive seem to do well in the long run. You see guys some carry over some bad momentum but I know better than that."
Finishing outright third on 10-under the card was Fijian Vijay Singh with South Australian Nick Cullen a further shot back in outright fourth.
Rounding out the top-5 on 6-under 278 was Victorian Matthew Griffin and New Zealander Ryan Fox.
Queenslander's dominate in Australian Mid-Amateur
Victorian Sue Wooster won her third Australian Women's Mid-Amateur title by one stroke after a final round 85 at Moonah Links Golf Club.
Wooster finished with 80-85 (165) to hold off a strong finish from Queenslander Katrina Jones in second place. Victorian Kerry Henningsen was three strokes further back in third place.
The first round was abandoned on Wednesday due to poor weather.
The Australian Men's and Women's Mid Amateur Championships have been played since 2007 and are for players aged 30 - 54 years.
View Men's and Women's Results
Men's Inter Association 2013 Wrap
After 3 days of competitive golf Sunshine Coast South Burnett and North West Districts have emerged victorious in the Gross and Nett Championships respecitively of the Men's Inter Association at Carbrook Golf Club.
Sunday saw the first round as a Four-Ball Stroke where the best score out of the 2 team's scores counted towards their District's total. The South West team of Josh Lambert and Phil Burns won on countback from Josh Kalms and Adam Rydwanski (SCSBDGA) after both finished with 6 under 64 rounds. FNQ stalwart Danny Bradley teamed with Michael Morgan to have the best Nett score of 61.
Day two had players combining for Foursomes with Kalms and Rydwanski going one better and winning the day with an even par round of 70. Best Nett went to the North West team of Mike Ruri and Jim McGregor with 67.
With 4 teams within a handful of shots , the final day's singles would be critical. The best 3 out of 4 scores count towards the District's total so the pressure was on for team members to contribute. BDGA started well and looked like narrowing the gap to SCSBDGA with early rounds of 68 and 70 to Ashley Grosvenor and Mitchell Smith. When Adam Rydwanski and Mitchell Early signed for 69 apiece, the 3 shot lead was maintained until the end, with David Grenfell and Joshua Kalms rounding out the winning team.
North West needed only to play within a few shots of their handicaps in the last round to wrap up the Nett Championship, and with no big moves from the chasing pack, the team of Rob Murphy, Ron Corstiaans, Mike Ruri and Jim McGregor held on for victory.
Carbrook Golf Club is to be congratulated for the hospitality shown to the players during the tournament as well as the fantastic condition in which the course was presented.
The 2014 edition of the Inter Association will be hosted by Wide Bay District at Hervey Bay Golf Club.
Triumphant homecoming for Master Scott
Starting the day with a two stroke lead over Rickie Fowler and David McKenzie, Scott fired a 4-under the card round to finish with a tournament total of 14-under 270.
"I sat here a few days ago letting you know that this is the one I wanted," said Scott.
"It feels amazing to be able to kind of tick the boxes down here in Australia now."
"It's very memorable one for me here on the Gold Coast as well on my first event back this year. I think this is the icing on the cake for me."
Inclement weather delayed play at RACV Royal Pines Resort but didn't put a dampener on Scott's game.
"I went back out feeling pretty good about myself really," said Scott who went on to eagle the par-5 12th, his first hole after the delay.
"It just faded in of my intended line. It was a pure strike, it ended up being a great result and a big part of me going on to win I think," said Scott of his approach into 12.
Winning his first Australian PGA Championship will have a special place alongside Scott's career highlights.
"I'm really proud, the PGA means a lot to me and my family and I think this is an incredible win," said Scott, whose father Phil is a PGA Professional.
"The PGA has been so involved in my family for a really long time, and it being the one I hadn't won down here I really wanted it bad."
"It's a special win to me, I felt an incredible support from the crowd, it was nice seeing them getting so excited for me to get a win."
Scott now turns his attention to the Talisker Masters, Emirates Australian Open and becoming the first player since Robert Allenby in 2005 to claim the Australian Triple Crown in the same season.
"That would be an incredible way to end the year," added Scott.
"But I think I am going to enjoy this for a couple of days before I think about playing next week and trying to win."
Finishing second was crowd pleaser Rickie Fowler who helped create an exciting final day's play coming within a shot of the lead.
"It's nice to get a good runner up finish here, I was looking forward to giving Adam a little bit more of a challenge. It's a little tough to catch a guy when he's making an eagle and a
couple of birdies. " said Fowler.
"I definitely enjoyed my time on the Gold Coast and I'm looking forward to getting back down to Australia hopefully next year. We loved it," added Fowler who made the trip with his family.
WA Goldfields PGA Champion and Third Year Trainee Jack Wilson finished in outright third on 8-under the card claiming the Kel Nagle Plate in the process.
"Winning was always the thing from start to finish that I wanted to do. I knew I was in a good position when I got off to a good start," said Wilson.
"I saw my name climbing up the leaderboard, you know it's good to watch, it's good to see it getting up there, it's exciting."
A further shot behind Wilson was Cameron Percy and rounding out the top-5 on 6-under 278 was Michael Wright.
For all final results please click here.
The PGA Tour of Australasia now moves to Royal Melbourne Golf Club for the Talisker Masters to be played from the 14 - 17 November 2013.
Wear green to celebrate our Masters Champion!
The PGA has announced that the second round of the tournament will be officially known as 'Wear Green for Adam Scott Day' providing sports fans with the opportunity to show their pride in Adam Scott's historic achievement.
"The whole of Australia was buzzing with excitement following Adam's momentous victory at Augusta National in April," said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
"This will be Adam's first tournament back on Australian soil and, with the tournament being played in Adam's hometown of the Gold Coast, we wanted to provide a welcome home befitting his achievement whilst also giving fans the chance to celebrate."
Fans attending the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola on 'Wear Green for Adam Scott Day' will be encouraged to wear a touch of green or go all out and design costumes that flood RACV Royal Pines Resort in the colour synonymous with the US Masters.
"I have already heard some grand plans for costumes and am looking forward to seeing how Australia congratulates Adam on Friday," added Thorburn.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is also throwing his support behind 'Wear Green for Adam Scott Day.'
"Masters Champion Adam Scott, who will receive the keys to the city on 6 November, is of course our home-grown hero so we're encouraging people who buy tickets for Friday 8 November to come dressed in green as part of Wear Green for Adam Scott Day," said Mayor Tate.
"I hope the crowd is awash with a sea of bottle green, full of Adam Scott fans!"
Fans unable to make it to the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola for 'Wear Green for Adam Scott Day' are encouraged to participate on Friday 8th November via the Australian PGA Championship facebook page and Twitter using #Green4Adam.
Tickets for the tournament are now on sale at www.ticketek.com.au with children 16 years and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Discounts are also available for members of RACV and affiliated motoring clubs as well as for Gold Coast residents.
Visit the Australian PGA Championship website at www.pgachampionship.com.au for further details.
The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will again be co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The Championship is proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland as well as Coca-Cola, RACV, City of Gold Coast, Gold Coast Tourism, Emirates, Volkswagen, Hahn Premium Light, Amadio Wine and Srixon.
Ian McPherson wins Men's Senior Match Play
A member of Joondalup Country Club in Perth, McPherson is the first player from Western Australia to win the title.
The Australian Men's Senior Match Play Championship is open to the leading 32 players from the Australian Men's Senior Ranking System; and a Super Senior Section for the leading 8 players aged 65 years and over. It is played over two and a half days, with players who are eliminated from the main championship progressing to consolation flights.
Finalists set at Men's Senior Match Play
Dale enjoyed comfortable victories over Laurence Bockman (NSW) in the quarter final and Sal Ballard (NSW) in the semi final while McPherson (WA) defeated David Limbach (NSW) in the quarter final and Allan Bullas (VIC) in the semi final.
Bullas earlier defeated three-time champion Stefan Albinski (NSW) in the quarter finals.
FINAL: Denis Dale (NSW) v Ian McPherson (WA)
The Australian Men's Senior Match Play Championship is open to the leading 32 players from the Australian Men's Senior Ranking System; and a Super Senior Section for the leading 8 players aged 65 years and over. It is played over two and a half days, with players who are eliminated from the main championship progressing to consolation flights.
Match Play Results
Sisters of Swing return to the Gold Coast
The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters will revert to a seventy-two hole tournament with increased money.
Mr Tuohy acknowledged the on going sponsorship support of Korean Golf Ball Manufacturer Volvik together with long standing event partners RACV, Tourism and Events Queensland, the Gold Coast City Council and Gold Coast Tourism.
Defending Champion Karrie Webb is likely to go head to head against New Zealand's teenage sensation, world number 5, Lydia Ko and a world class field of players from over twenty countries.
The 2014 Volvik RACV Ladies Masters will feature many new and exciting new faces as a result of Europe's crushing victory against arch rivals the US LPGA Tour in the 2013 Solheim Cup.
Our television partners, ABC Sport, J Golf Korea, Sky NZ and other international networks around the world will broadcast the Ladies Masters reaching 120,000,000 house holds providing priceless global and domestic exposure for the Gold Coast and our sponsors, Tuohy said.
Karen Lunn, Executive Director of the ALPG said on behalf of the Co-Sanction Partners, the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf: It is only fitting that the Australian Ladies Masters returns to RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast for its 25th Anniversary celebrations in February 2014. The event has been the highlight of the ALPG Tour calendar since its inception in 1990 and it has grown into one of the most significant women's sporting events in Australia. On behalf of the ALPG and our co-sanction partner the Ladies European Tour, we would sincerely like to thank our co-title sponsors Volvik and RACV together with Tourism and Events Queensland and also our other event partners for ensuring the future of this important event on our schedule.
Mr Kyung Ahn Moon, Chairman of Volvik said it's his pleasure to continue to co-sponsor with RACV the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters and return to the beautiful RACV Royal Pines Resort next February and join in the tournaments 25th year celebrations. I personally hope that Volvik will be a memorable brand not only for Australian golfers but also in every other country the international television reaches.
Mr Colin Jordan, RACV Managing Director & CEO, said that RACV was delighted to co-sponsor this prestigious women's event, now in its 25th year at RACV Royal Pines.
"As the 'home of championship golf' in Queensland, RACV Royal Pines is looking forward to hosting the event and welcoming the world's leading players, their families and large crowds," he said.
"We are very pleased to see the tournament revert to a 72-hole format this year.
"RACV recently appointed Graham Marsh Golf Design to undertake a redesign of the championship course to increase the challenge of the course for professional golfers, whilst retaining the appeal of the course for amateur, social and corporate golfers.
"RACV is very excited with Graham's concept design, which has involved input from both the ALPG and PGA. Works will commence immediately after the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters and are expected to take a couple of years to complete."
RACV continues to invest in new and upgraded facilities at Royal Pines for the benefit of Auto club members and guests. A brand new Day Spa will be unveiled before the tournament, work on a new state of the art gymnasium is about to commence and the Conference and Event facilities will undergo refurbishment in the coming months.
Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey welcomed news that the event would celebrate its 25th anniversary on the Gold Coast.
"The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters brings an international flavour to the Gold Coast's dynamic event calendar, showcasing the Gold Coast and Queensland to over 120 million households across the globe," said Minister Stuckey.
"The Queensland Government is proud to continue supporting this event through Tourism and Events Queensland as part of our goal to double overnight visitor expenditure from $15 billion to $30 billion by 2020.
"We look forward to welcoming some of the best women's international golfers back to the Gold Coast and invite them to stay on and discover the fantastic tourism experiences the region has to offer."
Please visit www.ladiesmasters.com for further information.
Australian's complete solid week at Asia-Pacific Amateur
The Korean, who finished second alongside Rory McIlroy at last week's Korean Open, fired a closing 70 for a 3-under-par total that earned him an invitation to next year's Masters Tournament. He also secured a place in International Final Qualifying for The Open Championship along with runner-up Shohei Hasegawa of Japan, who shot a 71.
Victorian Lucas Herbert was the highest-placed Australian after a final round 3-under par 68 moved him into a share of fourth place at 3-over par for the championship, six strokes behind champion Lee.
U.S Amateur runner-up, Western Australia's Oliver Goss finished in outright seventh place after a final round 72 left him at 4-over par for the championship. Fellow Western Australian Brady Watt was one stroke further back at 5-over par in a tie for 8th place.
Western Australian Daniel Hoeve finished in a tie for 17th place while Queensland's Taylor Macdonald finished in a tie for 20th place.
Victorian Geoff Drakeford missed the 36-hole cut.
Final Results
Ona Stays Strong to Claim Qld Women's Amateur
Ashley Ona (Gailes) has held off the strong challenge of Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise) to claim the 2013 Qld Women's Amateur Championship at a perfectly presented Southport Golf Club.
In one of the most closely contested finals of recent time, Ona managed to reach a 4 hole lead on two separate occasions, only for Orchard to peg her lead back to 2 both times. Ona held strong on the final 9 holes to match Orchard's eagle on the penultimate hole and claim the Championship 2/1.
Women's Amateur Wrap Up
The leading 16 qualifiers from the Women's Stroke Play returned to Southport Golf Club on Thursday to contest the Amateur Championship, with 2012 champion Hayley Bettencourt looking to defend her title won at Pacific Harbour.
Whilst the Men's Amateur was littered with upsets on day one, all bar one higher seed advanced to the Quarter Finals, with 11th ranked Jaimee Dougan (Beaudesert) a dominant winner over Amy Walsh (Emerald Lakes) 5/4.
With first round victories, 2012 Final combatants Bettencourt and Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise) locked in a Quarter Final encounter, after wins over Jiwon Jeon (Hills) and Stacey White (Pacific).
The bottom half of the draw saw comfortable wins to top seed Anna Stanton (Woodford) 4/3 over Sue Wooster (National) , Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly) 6/4 against Suzanne Fairhurst (Bonnie Doon) and Lauren Mason (Horton Park) 2/1 over Adele Huggard (Sandhurst).
The match between Ashley Ona (Gailes) and Robyn Choi (Emerald Lakes) was close all day and it wasn't until the 22nd hole that Ona was able to claim her spot in the Quarter Finals.
Friday's blustery conditions in combination with their opponent's fine play, saw higher ranked Lauren Hibbert (Pennant Hills), Goodwin and defending champion Bettencourt fall to Dougan, Orchard and Ona respectively. The win was especially sweet for Orchard who was runner up to Bettencourt in two Amateur Championships in 2012.
Top seed Stanton was not adverse to drama herself as she needed birdie on the 18th to force a playoff against Mason. With another birdie on the par 5 first, Stanton scrambled through to the afternoon's Semi Final.
In a promising sign for the future of Queensland Golf, all four Women's Semi-Finalists hail from the Sunshine State.
Dougan and Orchard could not be split over the opening 9 holes but Orchard snuck away early on the back nine and maintained her advantage to claim a 2 up victory and move into her second consecutive final. Dougan will derive great benefit from her performance and will definitely contend in many more Championships.
Drawing on all her experience and the confidence of claiming the 2011 Royal Canberra Ladies Classic against seasoned professionals, Ashley Ona started with a birdie and never surrendered her lead over Anna Stanton. Stanton should be proud of her achievements this week, having finished runner up to World Number 1 Amateur Su-Hyun Oh in the Stroke Play and reaching her maiden Amateur Semi-Final.
Blue skies and a gentle breeze greeted Orchard and Ona as they prepared for the 36 hole final. After coming so close last year, Orchard was keen to get off to a good start. Early halved holes were broken by Ona's first birdie on the third hole. Orchard responded immediately but when Ona won the 5th, 6th and 8th holes, it looked like Orchard would be bridesmaid again.
Orchard had other ideas, and after a run of 5 halved holes, she birdied 14 and 15 to cut the deficit to 1. Ona's fourth birdie of the morning on the 17th had her lead back to 2 as players went for lunch.
Showing her class, Ona exploded out of the blocks after the intermission, birdieing the 19th and 20th holes to extend her lead to 4 up.
Displaying the qualities which won her the 2012 Women's Amateur Player of the Year, Orchard made yet another charge to win the 24th and 25th holes. Heading into the final 9 holes of the Championship, Ona led by only 2.
Steady play by both players over the next 3 holes had Ona holding a 2 hole lead and when she won the 31st hole, Orchard's hopes looked forlorn. Another 2 halved holes and Ona was dormie 3.
A great birdie by Orchard on the 34th hole and a miracle was in the offing. The expectations of an amazing comeback were heightened when Orchard holed a 12 metre eagle putt on the penultimate hole. The joy was short lived for Orchard however when Ona rolled in her own 2 metre eagle putt and celebrated with a hug of her caddie as the realisation of a Championship victory set in.
Congratulations are extended to Southport Golf Club for their hospitality and immaculate condition of the golf course.
O'Reilly Storms to victory in Qld Amateur
Callan O'Reilly (Pennant Hills) has taken out the 2013 Queensland Men's Amateur Championship 10/8 in a dominant performance over defending champion Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland).
On a perfect day for golf, O'Reilly birdied the 1st hole and was never headed. With O'Reilly having 9 birdies and an eagle in 28 holes, McLeod was always under the pump and could not match his 2012 heroics to be the first player in over 2 decades to successfully defend the title.
Full Amateur Wrap Up
After a well deserved rest day, the Top 16 qualifiers from the Men's Stroke Play Championship headed to Southport on Thursday, to contest the first round of the 2013 Amateur Championship.
Leading qualifiers Anthony Quayle (Hills) and James Gibellini (Emerald Lakes) were favoured to advance deep into the Championship, however Day One proved to be full of upsets. Gibellini stumbled in the opening round and lost to Dale Brandt-Richards (Mona Vale) and when the other fancied seeds were all defeated, the top half of the draw was thrown wide open.
Defending Champion Jake McLeod (Royal Qld) won his opening match 1 up over Cory Crawford (Sanctuary Cove), whilst fellow State Squad member Aaron Wilkin also advanced after a 2/1 victory over Duncan Shaw (Kooyonga).
Friday saw the Quarter Finals tee off in the morning and AJ McCoy (Royal Qld) shot out of the blocks with 4 birdies in his first 6 holes to be 4 up over a shell shocked James Macklin (Nudgee). Macklin fought hard but was unable to reel McCoy in and went down 3/1.
NSW visitor Callan O'Reilly (Pennant Hills) held off the challenge of Brandt-Richards, after a fortunate ricochet on the first extra hole enabled O'Reilly to halve the 19th and claim victory on the 20th.
McLeod was sluggish early in his match against Wilkin, however a back 9 charge lifted him into the afternoon Semi Final where he would meet top seed Quayle, who snuck home with a 1 up victory on the 18th over Sam Rawlings (Riverside).
After a brief break for lunch, players headed out for the afternoon Semi Finals. McCoy again got off to a fast start but O'Reilly was not letting him out of his sight. Once O'Reilly made the turn 1 up, he would not be headed again and closed out a 3/2 victory and made his way into his first Qld Amateur Championship final.
The other Semi Final between McLeod and Quayle was a tight affair with neither player able to gain more than a 1 hole advantage in the 1st 14 holes. A win on the 15th for McLeod proved just the buffer he needed to fend off a valiant Quayle, who's attacking play over the final holes unfortunately was not rewarded.
State rivalries would be renewed Saturday morning when Queenslander Jake McLeod took on New South Welshman Callan O'Reilly, with McLeod looking to be the first player to successfully defend the title in over 25 years.
A birdie on the opening Par 5 hole, provided O'Reilly with the dream start and a lead he would maintain for several holes. O'Reilly put the foot down heading towards the turn, with wins on the 7th, 8th and 9th holes extending his lead to 4. Another win on 13 and the margin was out to 5. McLeod bravely fought back with a birdie on the 14th, but when O'Reilly birdied the 17th, he headed into the lunch break with a commanding 5 hole lead.
McLeod needed a good start to the afternoon and after leaving himself with a 3 metre eagle putt, thought that he could turn things around. Unfortunately his putt slid by and after O'Reilly holed his birdie putt, status quo remained.
O'Reilly's 6th and 7th birdies of the day enabled him to extend his lead to 7 through 23 holes. After dropping the 24th hole, O'Reilly made yet another birdie and with a 7 hole lead and only 11 holes remaining, McLeod's challenge was all but over.
McLeod's bogeys on the 26th and 27th holes gift wrapped a 9 up advantage to O'Reilly. On the 28th, Callan O'Reilly finished in style with his 9th birdie of the day, as he claimed the 2013 Queensland Amateur Championship 10/8. It was a dominant display from start to finish as O'Reilly birdied almost a third of the holes and eagled another.
Congratulations are extended to Southport Golf Club for their hospitality and immaculate condition of the golf course.
Queensland Amateur finalists decided
The Women's Championship final will be an all Queensland affair, with Ashley Ona (Gailes) and Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise) defeating their opponents to advance. Orchard, who will play her second consecutive Queensland Amateur final, defeated Jaimee Dougan (Beaudesert) 2/1 in the semi-final, while Ona defeated Anna Stanton (Palmer Colonial) 2/1.
In the Men's Championship, Callan O'Reilly (Pennant Hills) and Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland) will battle it out in the final. O'Reilly defeated Alex McCoy (Royal Queensland) 3/2 in the semi-final, with defending champion, McLeod holding off the challenge of top qualifier Anthony Quayle (Hills International) to win 1up.
Josie Ryan triumphs at Women's Senior Amateur
Ryan said she was pleased to win the title for the second time following her victory in 2003.
"I'm delighted to win the Championship again after many years. I had some fantastic support from my fellow Queenslanders. It was a great match against Wendy and she only got this far because Wendy knocked some great players out," Ryan said.
O'Connell still had reasons to celebrate with her victory in the Australian Women's Senior Rankings system.
New Age Veterans Flight Champion: Linda Urquhart (NSW)
Veterans Flight Champion: Nicky Moon (ACT)
Super Veterans Flight Champion: Lu Proud (TAS)
Super Veterans Plus Flight Champion: Anne Alletson-Brown (QLD)
The Australian Women's Senior Amateur Championship is open to players aged 55 years and over. Players contest 36-holes qualifying, with the leading 16 players progressing to elimination match play. The leading eight players in four separate age divisions also qualify for age flights.
Match Play Results
All-Queensland Finalists at Women's Senior Amateur
Both are former champions at the event, with O'Connell winning in 2006 and Ryan in 2003.
Ryan defeated top qualifer Robyn Puckett (USA) 1up in the quarter finals before a semi final win over Jill Blenkey (NSW) 4&3 in the afternoon,
O'Connell needed 20 holes to defeat Robyn Boniface (NZ) in the quarter finals before a 2up victory over defending champion Jacqui Morgan (NSW).
The Australian Women's Senior Amateur Championship is open to players aged 55 years and over. Players contest 36-holes qualifying, with the leading 16 players progressing to elimination match play. The leading eight players in four separate age divisions also qualify for age flights.
Match Play Draw
Queenslanders in Australian Women's Senior Amateur
In cool conditions, Morgan enjoyed a comfortable 5&4 victory over Annabel Harris (QLD) while Puckett defeated Lorry Brown (SA) 4&3. Puckett will play Josie Ryan (QLD) in the quarter finals and Morgan will play Liz Smyth (ACT).
Robyn Boniface (NZ) will play Wendy O'Connell (QLD) and Ros Fisher (WA) will play Jill Blenkey (NSW) in the other quarter finals.
The quarter and semi finals will be played on Thursday.
The Australian Women's Senior Amateur Championship is open to players aged 55 years and over. Players contest 36-holes qualifying, with the leading 16 players progressing to elimination match play. The leading eight players in four separate age divisions also qualify for age flights.
Match Play Draw
Oh victorious at the Queensland Women's Stroke Play Championship
Having opened the Championship with a two-under par round of 71, followed by a second round 73, Oh found herself with a one shot lead over Lauren Hibbert (Pennant Hills) heading into the third day. After the morning round, Lauren Hibbert fired a three-under par (70), to further apply the pressure on Oh.
Oh carded a two-under par (71) to place both players on 215 (-4) heading into the afternoons final round.It was Hibbert who faulted early with an opening double bogie on the first hole, and a double also and the 9th hole with a further three bogies on the back nine, she was slipping back down the leader board and out of contention.
Oh capitalised in her final round with some consistent play, scoring two front nine bogies followed by three on the back nine, a couple of bogies on the back nine didn't hamper her campaign she signed for a two-under par (71), beating the nearest rival Anna Stanton (Palmer Colonial) by five shots, finishing six under for the Championship.
Stanton got off to a shaky start on the Southport layout after an opening round of five over par 77 to find herself in a tie for seventh. Fortunately for Stanton her week improved firing a second round 70 to place herself near the top heading in the final day. Her third round three under par 70 increased her confidence heading into the afternoons final round. Stanton fired five birdies, but closed with a double bogie on the 18th hole to return at 72.
Western Australian player Hayley Bettencourt (Mandurah) placed herself in third after carding rounds of 76, 73, 71 and 75 finishing on 295(+3) for the championship.
After a runaway victory at the Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship earlier this year, world number two Oh continues to place herself at the top of the leaderbord.Southport Golf Club is to be congratulated for the magnificent condition of the course and the hospitality shown to all the players and caddies.
The top 16 players from the stroke play will enjoy a well-earned day's rest before returning to Southport Golf Club to compete in the Queensland Women's Amateur from Thursday to Saturday.
Top 16: Anna Stanton, Hayley Bettencourt, Lauren Hibbert, Gennai Goodwin, Ashley Ona, Amy Walsh, Ali Orchard, Lauren Mason, Adele Huggard, Jiwon Jeon, Jaimee Dougan, Robyn Choi, Suzanne Fairhurst, Cheerie Tan, Stacey White and Sue Wooster.
For the full leader board, please Click Here
The Champion of Champions title was decided over the first 36 holes. With rounds of 73 and 77, Gennai Goodwin from Indooroopilly Golf Club emerged a seven-shot victor over Robyn Choi (RACV Royal Pines).
The Champion of Champion's event is open to all players who have won a Club Championship in the previous year.
Felton's Fine Form Captures Men's Stroke Play Championship
Macdonald goes wire to wire at Keperra Bowl
The Queensland Academy of Sport and National Squad Member was nothing but brilliant all week, firing a first round six-under par (66) and going one better in the second round with seven-under par (65). His two round total of 131 (-13 ) was seven shots clear of his nearest rival.
Macdonald further increased his lead on the third day of the tournament, firing a three-under par (69) to eliminate any potential rivals heading into the final round. He shot four bogies and seven birdies in today's final round to close out his campaign with a three-under par (69), giving him a four round total of 269 (-19).
Damien Jordan (Coolangatta-Tweed) finished in outright second, nine shots back from Macdonald. The 2013 Queensland Men's Mid-Amateur champion, Jordan fired rounds of 69, 70 and 71 for the first three rounds, which placed him in the second last group for the final round. Jordan was nine shots back, but carded two bogies and six birdies to finish with a four-under par (68) making him 278 (-10) for the tournament.
The majority of the field from this year's championship will now travel up to Bribie Island to compete in the 2013 Queensland Men's Stroke Play Championship at Pacific Harbour Golf Club, Sunday 20 - Tuesday 22 October.
For complete scores from the 2013 Keperra Bowl, please CLICK HERE
Adam Scott secures PGA Grand Slam title
Scott eagled the 17th hole at the Port Royal Golf Course on Wednesday to claim his decisive lead over Rose, who had started the final round on top of the leaderboard.
The Australian, who became the first player from his country to win the Masters this year, produced a bogey-free seven-under 64 to overhaul Rose and lift the trophy with an overall score of eight under.
Rose looked on track to win the pink jacket in Southampton, Bermuda, when he carded four consecutive birdies on the front nine but a bogey on the ninth hole halted the Englishman's momentum as he moved to seven under for the tournament with half a round to play.
Scott notched three birdies on the front nine to reach four under and picked up shots on the 13th and 15th holes to increase the pressure on Rose.
The 33-year-old Englishman then bogeyed the 16th hole, which allowed Scott to draw level, and the Australian capitalised on the par-five 17th with an eagle three to wrap up victory.
Rose finished at six-under overall, while Jason Dufner claimed third at three under after a one-under 70 and Padraig Harrington finished fourth at three over for the tournament after an even-par round on Wednesday.
Six champions join field for open thriller
Past winners Greg Chalmers, John Senden, Aaron Baddeley, Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby and defending champion Peter Senior will all be in the field vying for the Stonehaven Cup.
Senior has enjoyed another successful season on the Champions Tour, recording eight Top 10 finishes while Ogilvy, the 2010 Australian Open champion and former U.S Open champion, recorded his best PGA TOUR result for the year at the Honda Classic in March where he finished runner up.
World Number 2 and Masters champion Adam Scott and World Number 16 Jason Day will lead the strong Australian contingent on the Rose Bay layout with World Number 6 Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy heading the charge for the international players.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said: "It's a very special year for Australian golf and it's great to see Sydney host this world-class event. Visitors coming to the Australian Open Golf in Sydney are in for a real treat to indulge in their golfing passion. The NSW Government remains committed to the long term vision of showcasing the historic Australian Open and highlighting Sydney and NSW's stunning, world-class golf courses to the world."
Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said Australian players held a special place in their hearts for the championship and always returned to support the Emirates Australian Open.
"We're really pleased to be able to showcase so many of the Australian players who already have their name on the Stonehaven Cup. These six have won the trophy ten times between them," Pitt said.
"It's also an exciting time for the next generation – players like Jason Day – who are bidding for their first Emirates Australian Open victory at the end of next month in Sydney. We're looking forward to a fantastic championship and have no doubt the crowds will be out in force to see world-class golf."
The Emirates Australian Open will be broadcast live on the Seven Network across all four days and the championship will again be sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The Championship is owned by Golf Australia and is managed by World Sport Group in conjunction with the PGA of Australia, with the assistance of TRP Sports.
Tickets are on sale via Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849.
The 2013 Emirates Australian Open will be played at Royal Sydney Golf Club from 28 November – 1 December.
Twitter: @ausopengolf
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Upcoming international amateur teams selected
Cameron Davis (NSW), Geoff Drakeford (VIC), Taylor MacDonald (QLD) and Aaron Wilkin (QLD - pictured) will form the Nomura Cup team at Santiburi Country Club, Chiang Rai, Thailand from 14-17 November.
Davis is a Japan Amateur Semi-Finalist and will play the Japan Open in October while Drakeford was runner-up at this year's Australian Amateur and won the individual section of the Juan Carlos Tailhade Cup in Argentina in 2012.
MacDonald won last year's Victorian Amateur Championship while Wilkin finished runner-up at the Mandurah Amateur Open in Western Australia a fortnight ago.
Gareth Jones will be the Team Coach and Matt Cutler will be the Team Manager.
Grace Lennon (VIC), Hannah Green (WA), Sam Daley (QLD) and Ruben Sondjaja (NSW) will represent Australia at the Spirit International held at Whispering Pines Golf Club in Texas from October 30 – November 2.
Sondjaja and Daley are both playing US college golf and are based at Iowa State University. Sondjaja finished runner-up at 2013 Riversdale Cup.
Tony Meyer will be the Team Coach.
Anthony Murdaca (SA) and Jarryd Felton (WA) will travel to Argentina for the Juan Carlos Tailhade Cup and the Argentine Amateur Championship from 14-24 November at Los Lagartos Golf Club and Martindale Country Club.
Murdaca won his second Australian Boys' Amateur Championship in April and will return to Sydney following the Juan Carlos Tailhade Cup to compete in the Emirates Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club. Felton's recent success included his win at the Mandurah Amateur Open a fortnight ago.
Grant Field will be the Team Coach.
The 2014 National Squad will be announced in early November.
Australian team selected for Asia Pacific Senior Amateur
The six-man team to contest the event in 2013 is Stefan Albinski (NSW), Denis Dale (NSW), Richard Greville (NSW), Peter King (Qld), David Limbach (NSW) and Roy Vandersluis (NSW)
Albinski is Australia's number one ranked senior golfer and three time Australian Senior Amateur Champion. Dale sits in second place on the Australian Senior Amateur Rankings and has been a consistent performer over many years.
Vandersluis who is in third place on the rankings has also had a solid season with four top ten finishes and one ranking win in the last 12 months. Peter King continues to perform with two wins and three top ten finishes in the past 12 months, while Limbach and Greville will make up the team after a consistent year on the seniors ranks.
The Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship is played over 54-holes stroke play, and comprises an individual event with the team event in conjunction. Australia's Denis Dale from New South Wales is the defending champion after taking out the title last year at Discovery Bay Golf Club in Hong Kong, while Australia also goes into the event defending the team title.
In each round, the total of the four lowest scores constitutes the team score for the round. The three-day (54-hole) total is the team's score for the championship.
The event is organised by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation.
Keperra Bowl Attracts Internationals
American youngster, David Snyder who currently plays off a handicap of +5, narrowly missed qualifying for this years US Open (1 shot), arrived in the country recently and was quick to book a round on Keperra's famed Old Course and just as eager to praise the championship layout and its current playing condition.
Snyder will be just one of the players to watch over the four days as some of the best international amateur golfers descend on Keperra, including members of the Australian National squads and State Representatives, all of whom will be chasing world amateur golf ranking points.
The Keperra Bowl is the only Golf Australia National Tier One Ranking event held in Queensland each year by way of invitation from Golf Australia and Golf Queensland. The Tournament is also an R & A approved world golf ranking event, and it is anticipated that there will be a field of around 150 players.
The Bowl will be held at the Keperra Country Golf Club from Tuesday 15th to Friday 18th of October.
In spite of devastating local and state-wide flooding experienced earlier in the year, the Old Course has responded remarkably well and will be an excellent challenge to all players who will again provide the spectators with some excellent world class stroke play.
The organising aspects of the Bowl are well advanced and the Keperra Golf Club is pleased to announce that following a successful 2012 tournament, Hahn Super Dry 3.5 will be the Principal Partner for the 2013 Keperra Bowl. The Club is also pleased to announce that this relationship has been extended for a further three years.
Keperra Golf Club also welcomes Austral Volvo this year as a Tournament Platinum Sponsor. Toro Australia are again sponsoring a hole in one prize of $1,000 for the first player who may have an ace on the 12th hole These partnerships further strengthen the quality of the event and it's standing as a high profile amateur sporting event in Brisbane.
Critical to the ongoing success of any major sporting event is media support. Your media outlet has been identified as one that would help to promote the Keperra Bowl in 2013 and we seek your editorial support. Entry is free to the public on all four days.
For event details please click here.
Ingram, O'Shea and Vessman win the 2013 Gertrude McLeod Winners Event
In Division 1 (handicaps 0-22) Lesley Ingram fired a brilliant nett round of 72 to beat runner up Tracy Barratt (Pacific) by a single shot after she returned a nett 73.
The Division 2 category (handicaps 23-32) was won by Darlene O'Shea after she fired seven pars and one birdie to return the day's best nett round 69. Mary Willis (Rockhampton) finished runner up on a count back after returning a consistent nett round of 70.
City Golf Club member Donna Vessman won Division 3 (handicap 33-45) by three shots after she fired a nett 70 on the Surfers Paradise layout. Lita Perrier (Pacific) was runner up in Division 3 after a score of nett 73.
The Pacific Golf Club Team members of Tracey Barratt, Rina Judd and Lita Perrier combined well to win the aggregate nett teams event.
The Gertrude McLeod Winners event is the finale of the Club Level Gertrude McLeod Qualifier Competition, where Club winners are invited to play in their relevant division in a State Final.
For all Gertrude McLeod Scores click here.
Quayle, Macklin and Trent champions at Gary Player Classic
The 15 and Under division was closely fought over the final 3 rounds, with Trent (Headland) clinging to a 1 shot win (total 299) over playing partners Chris Park (Lakelands) and Ian Chiang (Hills). Local player Chris Jimenez (Pacific) won the 72 hole Nett with a 287 total.
The 2012 15 and Under winner James Macklin (Nudgee) took the step up in age group (16-17 Years) in his stride as he closed with a 3 under round 69 and a 6 shot victory over third round leader Ben Elliott (Lakelands). 3 shots further back was Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast). Jarrod Mann (Keperra) was the 72 hole Nett winner on 289.
Starting the final round 3 shots behind leader Tim Hyland (Bonville), Anthony Quayle fired a final round 71, highlighted by a chip-in eagle on the 72nd hole, to capture the 18-20 Year title. Hyland unfortunately couldn't match his previous rounds' exploits, closing with 78. It was enough to hold off halfway leader Simon Viitakangas (Palmer Gold Coast), who finished on even par 288. The 72 hole Nett winner was Scott Jolly (Coolangatta-Tweed) on 297.
On the third day of play, Ryan Thomas (Willows) managed a magnificent hole-in-one on the 17th.
Gary Player is also to be thanked for his 42nd year of continued support, with 40 of those years held at Pacific Golf Club.
Each year Pacific Head Professionals Paul Hazlett and Mark Victorsen donate a prize for the Most Improved Player and this year's winner was Josh Capes. In the previous 12 months, Josh has lowered his handicap from 14 to 3 and cut a staggering 42 shots off his 3 round 2012 total.
Moving day brings changes at the top of the Gary Player leaderboards
Moving day has brought change at the top of all Gary Player Classic leaderboards and on the traditional moving day of a tournament, the scores were as hot as the temperatures the competitors encountered.
The 15 and Under division saw its third leader in 3 days with Jack Trent (Headland) jumping to a 2 shot lead after a 1 over round of 73. Ian Chiang (Hills) is in second but looking to fight back after signing for 78.
Ben Elliott (Lakelands) leapfrogged overnight leader Josh Edgar (Surfers Paradise) in the 16-17 Years division, after Elliott recorded a 1 under 71 and Edgar had 74. There are 6 players within 5 of the lead and all possess the ability to rocket up the leaderboard and claim the title, including 2012 15 and Under champion James Macklin (Nudgee).
Tim Hyland (Bonville) has been a model of consistency over the opening rounds, to be the only player to record 3 sub-par scores, after a third round 68 followed his previous rounds of 70 and 71. Hyland will take a 3 shot advantage into the final round. Round of the tournament came from 2012 Qld Amateur Champion Jake McLeod with an amazing 7 under 65, capped off with an eagle 3 on the 18th hole.
Shot of the day was Ryan Thomas who had his first Hole-in-One on the 17th hole with a beautifully struck 5 iron!
The 54 hole cut of the leading 25 players (including ties) was made in all age divisions, with the final round commencing at 6:30am Friday.
For all scores, please follow the link: http://www.golfqueensland.org.au/gq-events/gary-player-classic-2
Stacey White wins 2013 Katherine Hull Classic
White started the day a single shot back from joint overnight leaders Rebecca Kay, Karis Davidson and Amy Walsh but was quickly in contention as the other players faltered. She was able to hold her nerve to post a final round score of two under par 71, This was good enough to join her second round score of two under par 71 and her first round score 75 to finish 217 for the Championship.
White finished two shots clear of Gold Coast player Karis Davidson (Palmer Colonial).
Davidson was unable to catch White after faltering with three bogies and just two birdies in her final round. She finished with rounds of 70 (-3), 75 and 74, even par for the tournament.
Coolangatta-Tweed member Rebecca Kay was victorious in the 15 Years & Under Division. Kay opened her tournament with a 74 (+1) but then returned a two under par round 71 in the second round; she closed her campaign with a 77 to finish 222.
Robyn Choi (Emerald Lakes) was the runner up in the 15 Years & Under Division returning rounds of 81, 73 and 74 - 228.
In the Under 21 Years Division, Anna Stanton (Woodford) managed to edge out Beaudesert member Jaimee Dougan after returning rounds of 72, 73, and 77 for 222.
Dougan finished the tournament with scores of 75, 68 & 81 for 224. Dougan's second round score of 68 (-5) was the tournaments' best.
The Katherine Hull Classic will continue to be a prominent feature on the Golf Queensland calendar. Thank you to Katherine for her continued support of the event.
A special thank you must also go to the course superintendent Pat Pauli and his team for presenting the Horton Park layout in such magnificent condition.
Jason Day makes Emirates Australian Open Return
The 25 year-old Queenslander has enjoyed a successful year on the PGA TOUR, finishing in a tie for second at the U.S Open in June and third at the U.S Masters in April.
"I'm looking forward to coming back to Sydney for the Emirates Australian Open in November," Day said.
"The Open has always had a special place in the hearts of Australian players and I'll be ready to do battle with all the other guys at Royal Sydney and hopefully win my first Stonehaven Cup."
Day last played the Emirates Australian Open in 2011 when he finished in a tie for fourth place at 9-under par at The Lakes.
With a host of top 10 finishes in recent years, Day's sole PGA TOUR victory came at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in 2010.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said: "The NSW Government welcomes the news that Australia's second highest ranked player Jason Day will join a star-studded field to play in the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney. Jason joins World Number 2 and Australia's only US Masters champion, Adam Scott and Northern Ireland's two-time Major winner, Rory McIlroy to add class and depth to the Australian Open."
"The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has entered a strategic partnership with Golf Australia to stage the Open in Sydney until 2015. We are committed to our long term vision of seeing the tournament become the premier event of its kind in the Asia Pacific region."
Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he was delighted to see Day return to Australia.
"Jason has been right in contention at recent Major Championships – particularly at The Masters and U.S Open and we're thrilled that he will be back in Sydney to contest the Open," Pitt said.
"Together with Masters champion Adam Scott, we've got Australia's two hottest golfers ready to go head-to head with two-time Major champion Rory McIlroy for what will be a big week of golf in Sydney."
Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia said "Jason has been one of the most consistent players on the PGA TOUR this season and we're looking forward to welcoming him to Royal Sydney. His inclusion alongside Adam and Rory ensures this year's Emirates Australian Open is a not to be missed event."
The Emirates Australian Open will be broadcast live on the Seven Network across all four days and the championship will again be sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The Championship is owned by Golf Australia and is managed by World Sport Group in conjunction with the PGA of Australia, with the assistance of TRP Sports.
Tickets are on sale via Ticketek at www.ticketek.com or by calling 132 849.
The 2013 Emirates Australian Open will be played at Royal Sydney Golf Club from
28 November – 1 December.
Twitter: @ausopengolf
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Jordan wins Queensland Men's Mid Amateur Championship
Jordan opened the week with a two-under par round 70 on the first day, to place himself in the top five players. Jordan was one of only seven players to shoot under par in the opening round. An even par round of 72 on the second day was enough to secure his spot in the final lead group of four players.
Commencing the final round a single shot back from second round leader Glen Thomson (Arundel Hills), Jordan fired three birdies on the front nine but stumbled on the Par 4 10th hole and finished it with a double bogey. After gaining his composure, Jordan returned a further three birdies in the closing five holes.
He eventually returned a brilliant final round of four-under par 68 to finish on 210 (-6) for the Championship.
Mat Crandell (Byron Bay) was five shots back in second place on 215 (-1) after a closing round of even par-72. This followed his opening round of 73(+1) and a consistent second round of 70 (-2).
Dean Dunleavy (Redcliffe) finished on 216 (Ev) to secure third place.
As part of Srixon's support of the Championship, each player was invited to receive a dozen Z-Star Golf Balls and compete in a separate nett event. Colin Miskell from Redland Bay was extremely excited to have made this decision as it led to him winning the Srixon 54 Hole Challenge. Miskell shot nett rounds of 70, 73 and a final day nett 67 to take home a year's supply (12 x 12 dozen boxes) of the Srixon Z Star Ball. Miskell was one of 124 players that chose to play the Srixon ball at this year's championship, as did the Championship winner Damien Jordan.
In the Upper Mid-Amateur Division (44-54 years) Lester Peterson (Bardwell Valley) finished on 217 (+1) to edge Ballina Golf Club member Ross Muller after he finished runner up on 220 (+4).
In the Srixon Teams event section, it was a close battle between Brisbane club Keperra and Interstate visitors Castle Hill. The eventual winners were the team from Castle Hill which comprised of Mark Thomnson, Rod McDonald and Justin Reynolds. The winning score left them with a seven shot win over the team from Keperra Golf Club who comprised of Mark Draper, Trent Greer and Tony Robertson.
The Srixon NTP Challenge was held on the Monday afternoon. Each player had one attempt at a 70m pitch shot from the clubhouse to the practice green. After numerous close shots from competitors, the eventual winner was Wayne Scapella of Calliope Golf Club, Wayne's great pitch resulted in him winning a Srixon Prize Pack.
It was the second tournament of a three year agreement to have the 2013 Queensland Men's Mid-Amateur Championship hosted at RACV Royal Pines Resort. With a capacity field of 156 players and the fantastic feedback received by players over the three days, it is certain to be "must play" event in 2014.
Kiwi Murray Martin wins Australian Senior Men's Amateur
The New Plymouth member finished with rounds of 74-74-74 to be at 6-over par. He is only the second Kiwi to win the title, following in the footsteps of three-time champion Rod Barltrop.
Martin said he was delighted with the victory.
"It's great to put my name under senior greats including Rodney Barltrop and Stefan Albinski," Martin said.
"It's been great to come over and play with my Australian mates and wonderful to have my family here to see me sink the last putt to win the championship."
Defending champion Sam Christie (Indooroopilly) stormed home in the final round to finish in a tie for second place with Kiwi Frank Borren.
Christie carded a final round 1-under par 71 - the best round of the championship.
Kiwi Michael Leitch finished in a tie for fourth with Concord member Paul Maslen.
For the host club, Michael Maher was the best placed in a tie for 8th.
The first Australian Men's Senior Amateur Championship was first played in 1981 and is contested over 54-holes Stroke Play.
Players must be 55 years and over to be eligible for the Championship.
Final Results
Martin takes outright lead at Australian Men's Senior Amateur
The New Plymouth member shot a second consecutive 74 to lead the championship by four strokes on 148 going into the final round on Thursday.
Fellow Kiwi Frank Borren is in second place, a stroke behind Martin after a second consecutive 76.
Concord member Paul Maslen is in third place after a second round 76. Fellow New South Welshman Michael Lee (Carnarvon) is in fourth place.
A large group of 11 players are tied in 5th place.
The final round begins on Thursday.
Round 2 Results
The Australian Men's Senior Amateur Championship is played from 3-5 September at Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Ballard and Martin lead Australian Men's Senior Amateur
The pair holds a one stroke lead over Kiwis Arthur Parkin and John Sanders, Penrith Golf Club's David Limbach, Pennant Hills' David Edwards and Peter Cherry (The Grand) - the best placed Queenslander at 3-over par.
Kiwi pair Frank Borren and Michael Barltrop are tied at 4-over par in eighth place.
Defending champion Queenslander Sam Christie opened with a 7-over par 79 while three-time champion Stefan Albinski (NSW) opened with a first round 80.
The second round begins on Wednesday.
Round 1 Results
The Australian Men's Senior Amateur Championship is played from 3-5 September at Royal Queensland Golf Club.
Ryan Ruffels - Isuzu Queensland Open Leading Amateur
15-year-old Victorian Ryan Ruffels finished as leading amateur at the Isuzu Queensland Open, with a tournament total of 5-over 293. He finished in a share of 19th position, one shot ahead of NSW teenager, Cameron Davis.
Golf Australia recently wrote an excellent story about Ryan and his background. Click here to read this story and find out more about the Isuzu Queensland Open leading amateur for 2013.
Scott leads trio of Aussie winners
Scott wins The Barclays
Adam Scott today claimed his second title of the season adding The Barclays to his stunning US Masters victory.
Scott fired a bogey-free round of 5-under 66 to finish at 11-under par, one stroke ahead of Tiger Woods, Graham DeLaet, Justin Rose and Gary Woodland.
Finishing as clubhouse leader about 45 minutes ahead of the chasing pack, the 33-year-old Australian was forced to watch on as the challengers failed to convert birdie chances to force a playoff.
"I couldn't believe it to be honest," Scott said.
"I think I just played a good round today and I came in and really didn't think I had a chance but obviously things went my way a lot out there and I'm so happy."
"It was a good charge, but obviously I got a lot of luck, the guys struggled coming in."
"I've been in their position, too. It's hard getting it done and I was playing from a position of nothing to lose today."
Scott's win is expected to lift him to No. 2 on the Official World Golf Rankings while he is also now second in the FedExCup standings.
Scott's six-stroke come-from-behind win is the largest in The Barclays history.
Several other Australians put in solid performances over the four rounds including Jason Day (tied for 25th), Matt Jones (tied for 33rd), Greg Chalmers (tied for 37th) and Stuart Appleby (tied for 41st).
La'Cassie earns PGA TOUR card
Queenslander Bronson La'Cassie defeated Matt Bettencourt on the third playoff hole at the Cox Classic in Omaha Nebraska to claim his first Web.com Tour career title and a PGA TOUR card for 2014.
With a fourth round of 4-under 67, the 30-year-old won his first international Tour title in a three-hole playoff with former PGA TOUR winner Matt Bettencourt, with the American bogeying his third time down the 18th.
With the win La'Cassie jumped from 33rd to sixth on the overall Web.com Tour moneylist to finish inside the top 25 and secure his immediate future on the PGA TOUR.
"It feels really good, it gives you the belief that you can do it again so it feels great," said La'Cassie.
"I've never been to the TOUR before so that will be sweet."
La'Cassie said he will now set his sights on the Web.com Tour Finals to position himself with the highest priority ranking possible for next season.
Kennedy wins in Japan
Yet another Queenslander Brad Kennedy maintained his third round one shot lead to claim the Kansai Golf Open Golf Championship on the Japan Tour overnight.
Claiming approximately AUS$100,000 for the win, the victory was Kennedy's second on the Japan Tour, his first coming at the Gateway to the Open Mizuno Open in June last year.
With the best round of the day (66) fellow Australian Aaron Townsend finished three off the lead in fourth position.
The win lifted Kennedy into 11th position on the Japan Tour moneylist with ¥26,528,656 (AUD$297,227) while Brendan Jones remains as the leading Aussie in fourth position with ¥34,683,366 (AUD$388,731).
Cullen wins Isuzu QLD Open
Meanwhile on home soil South Australian Nick Cullen yesterday claimed his first PGA Tour of Australasia title at the Isuzu Queensland Open at Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Read the full story at www.pga.org.au.
Queenslander La'Cassie wins Cox Classic
Queenslander Adam Scott wins The Barclays
Adam Scott added even more hardware to a career-defining season on Sunday when he won The Barclays and moved to No. 2 in the FedExCup standings on Sunday.
While others where struggling on a Liberty National course that had firmed up well after three days of sunshine, Scott shot a bogey-free 66 that lifted him to 11 under and one stroke ahead of Tiger Woods, Graham DeLaet, Justin Rose and Gary Woodland. The victory was the second of the season for Scott and the 10th of his career.
"I can't believe it to be honest," the Aussie said. "I just played a good round today and I came in and really didn't think it had a chance. But obviously things went my way a lot out there, and so happy."
Scott finished about 90 minutes before the final group and he was tied, at the time, with his good friend Rose. The Englishman proceeded to miss a 16-footer for birdie at the 17th hole and then made a three-putt bogey at No. 18, failing to convert from 5 feet for par, to leave Scott alone in the lead.
Next up was Tiger Woods, who proved extremely resilient while battling a back issue that forced him to his knees after hitting his approach at the 13th hole. Woods pulled back within a shot of Scott after consecutive birdies at Nos. 16 and 17, but left a tying 27-foot putt from the fringe at the 18th hole about a couple of inches from the hole.
"I had a chance," said Woods, who leads the FedExCup standings. "... I hit a good putt. I thought I made it. It was a little double-breaker and I thought I had it."
Scott's last challenge came from Woodland, who had held a share of the overnight lead with Matt Kuchar at 12 under. But Woodland missed birdie putts of 8, 10 and 10 feet on the last three holes, the latter with Scott standing with his caddy Steve Williams on the range and watching the action on the LED board.
By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM
Nick Cullen victorious at the Queensland Open
Firing a 3-under 69 in the final round, Nick Cullen claimed victory with a tournament total of 9-under 279.
"I felt really good, I had been playing well and my swing feels good. I just hung in there, went through my routine shot by shot and tried to stay in the moment – it worked out well," said Cullen.
Cullen started the day with a one shot lead thanks to his course record round on Saturday.
"It was really important yesterday, I would have been a fair way of the pace if I hadn't shot such a good score."
"To get myself in front and in a good position was vital, it made it a lot easier today."
Opening with a birdie Cullen extended his lead over the field with just two blemishes on his score card.
"I birdied the first two, it was really great to get off to a good start because around a course like Brookwater if you get off to a bad start it's hard to recover."
"The whole time I was weary that Pom was really close, he was only two, three, even one shot behind me for a lot of the day."
"This course can really eat you up every hole so two shots is nothing, honestly until I was 15 feet away on the last I wasn't ready to relax."
The Isuzu Queensland Open is the first victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia for the 29-year-old South Australian.
"I am feeling great, it's been a long time between wins so to finally have another one feels awesome," said Cullen, who won the 2012 Indonesia Open.
"It makes my season a lot easier, it gives me status next year and it will let me look at playing US qualifying school."
"It just takes the pressure off and it's great to know I can win again."
Unable to catch Cullen was three time European Tour winner Peter O'Malley who finished five shots back at 4-under the card.
"I just made a few too many mistakes on the back nine; I made all my birdies on the front nine this week but it was great to be in contention and back playing golf," said O'Malley.
"Nick played fantastic golf, he went out and just did everything right so full credit to him."
After a 4-under 68 in the final round Victorian PGA Champion David McKenzie finished outright third on 2-under 286.
The only other player under par for the Isuzu Queensland Open was New Zealand Open champion Jake Higginbottom who finished outright fourth at 1-under 287.
A further shot back at even par and tied fifth were Victorian Scott Laycock, West Australian Jason Scrivener and New Zealander Ryan Fox.
Finishing the Isuzu Queensland Open as the leading amateur was 15 year old Victorian Ryan Ruffels with a tournament total of 5-over 293.
For all final round scores please click here.
The PGA Tour of Australasia will now take a three week break before travelling across the Pacific to New Caledonia for the South Pacific Golf Open Championship to be played from 18 – 21 September 2013.
For the full PGA Tour of Australasia schedule please click here.
Cullen claims course record to lead the Isuzu Queensland Open
Starting the day at 1-over the card, Cullen had a blemish free round on his way to firing a 7-under 65 to beat Scott Laycock's record by one.
"I didn't know that but it's great. I was just trying to a shoot a score and make birdies," said Cullen who is now 6-under for the tournament.
Staying relaxed was the key for Cullen who believed that the course suited his style of play.
"I have been doing some really good work with a sports psychologist and I think that really helped today; to stay in the moment and focus on the right things."
"Also I think the course really suits me, I like playing a lot of rescues and three woods off the tee, so its' perfect around here, you probably only hit three or four drivers every day," added Cullen who only hit driver twice in the third round.
"It's about keeping it in play and giving yourself as many chances as you can because you know the scores probably aren't going to be that low."
Having already claimed his first Professional victory, at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open on the OneAsia tour, Cullen knows what it takes to win tournaments.
"You always want to stay relaxed when your somewhere close to the lead, I know Peter O'Malley is playing well and the course suits him too but there is still a lot of golf left."
"I played great today and shot a good number so I am feeling good for tomorrow. I'm not going to treat it any different, I am going to play the same and stay in my process."
Overnight co-leader Peter O'Malley found trouble on the 11th hole to drop down the leaderboard.
"I had a real mixed bag today, I played pretty good but just like yesterday I had one bad hole, racked up a seven and that was it," said O'Malley of his triple bogey on the 11th.
"I hit a bad tee shot and just had no real option on my second but to chip it out."
"My third shot felt solid but I looked up and it went straight right. I am not sure what I did there whether I miss aligned, if felt good, but went straight in the water so obviously something went wrong."
O'Malley bounced back to close his round with four consecutive birdies finishing the third round on 5-under the card and one shot back of Cullen.
"From then on I played quite well and it was good to finish off the way I did, hitting a couple of good putts. "
"To close that way is good for your confidence not only heading into tomorrow but the rest of the summer too."
In the final round O'Malley and Nick Cullen will be paired with New Zealander Ryan Fox, who is a shot further back at 4-under the card.
"I played with Nick the first two days, it will be good to get out with him again tomorrow, we have a lot of fun, it will be a good shoot out," added O'Malley.
The fourth round will tee off at 8.25am on Saturday with the leaders on course at 10.15am.
For all round three scores please click here.
For all round four tee times please click here.
Five lead at the Queensland Open
Three time European Tour winner Peter O'Malley is joined by overnight leader Josh Younger, Queenslander Marcus Cain, New Zealander Pieter Zwart and Korean Jun Seok Lee at the top of the leaderboard on 2-under the card.
Peter O'Malley used his years of experience to take advantage of the challenging layout in tough wind condition shooting a 1-under 71.
"I hit a lot of good shots today which is pleasing considering the amount of golf I have played recently," said O'Malley who is coming back after knee surgery.
"You can shoot good scores out there but you can't get away with hitting a bad shot. You have to continue that for four days so there won't be that many under par after four rounds."
A genuine chance to claim his first Queensland Open title, O'Malley is happy to be contending at 48 years of age.
"Visually this place suits my eye, it's not a course where you do think you will make a lot of birdies so you just have to minimise the mistakes," said O'Malley.
"It's a course where length is not a huge advantage - we go to some courses these days and I know that I can't contend.
"But I look around here and it's the sort of course where I can work my way around and be in contention."
At the other end of his career, Jun Seok Lee flew under the radar for his 2-under 70 round on a course where he feels at home.
"I teed off on the 10th and started with a bogey which made me a bit nervous but I bounced back with a birdie and then just tried to play smart and not make any doubles," said Lee who gained his status on the PGA Tour of Australasia via qualifying school this year.
"Brookwater is similar to the courses I am use to playing in Asia, it's very tight and has a lot of ups and downs so I felt comfortable out there."
New Zealand Open champion Jake Higginbottom had the round of the day, firing a 4-under 68 to move back into contention at even par.
At the conclusion of the second round New Zealander Ryan Fox was the only player, other than the tournament leaders to be under par. He sits in outright sixth on the leaderboard at 1-under the card.
Overnight leader Tom Bond struggled in the conditions in the second round finishing with an 8-over 80 to be 3-over the card for the tournament and six off the lead.
Other big casualties included Kim Felton, Stephen Leaney and local Michael Wright who all failed to make the weekend rounds with the cut made at 7-over par.
Making it through to the third round were 56 Professionals and eight amateurs.
Victorian Lucas Herbert and Queenslander Simon Viitakangas are the leading amateurs on 2-over 146.
The third round will tee off at 8.40am on Saturday with the leaders on course at 10.30am.
For all round two scores please click here.
For all round three tee times please click here.
Video highlights from the first round are available at our FTP site:
• host - ftp.pganational.net.au
• username - firstname.lastname@example.com
• password - MediaPGA01
Brookwater bares its teeth
Making an early charge was New Zealander Pieter Zwart who after his first nine was 3-under the card.
Finding his second nine more difficult he ended the his round 1-under 71 to be 2-under the card.
But this was enough to see Zwart perform the best of the morning field and currently be tied second.
"I am happy with my score because it's a really hard golf course," said Zwart.
"I putted really well, but I left a couple out there. I hit it in the water and made double but that's golf I guess."
Also shooting a 1-under 71 in the second round was fellow Kiwi Troy Rophia, who joined the PGA Tour of Australasia this year via qualifying school.
Having relied on his short game Rophia is pleased with where is positioned heading into the weekend.
"I was quite lucky I only had 11 putts for the first nine holes, my short game has been amazing leading into this event," said Rophia.
"To get the ball around this golf course in 1-under I am extremely happy."
Overnight leader Josh Younger struggled to a 3-over the card 75 but has remained close to the top of the leaderboard, tied second on 2-under the card.
Big name's to fall victim to Brookwater Golf and Country Club were local Stephen Leaney, Kim Felton and local Michael Wright who all look set to miss the cut.
Younger and Bond lead the Queensland Open
Playing in the morning field Tom Bond fired a 5-under 67 to be the outright leader before being joined by Victorian Josh Younger who matched him in the afternoon.
Bond, a rookie Professional from Adelaide surprised even himself with his opening round but was pleased with the way he handled the challenging layout at Brookwater Golf and Country Club.
"The course is brutal and I had only played each nine once in my practice rounds so it was much better than I expected to be honest," said Bond.
"I have never played a course like this with the undulation and it plays quite long, even on the holes where you can hit a long drive a lot of the time you are going uphill."
During his round Bond had a run of four birdies before adding a further three to his scorecard which were counteracted by two bogeys.
"I had been playing pretty well early but wasn't making any putts, then all of sudden the putts started dropping and it went from there."
"It's a long course but you can't really attack it too much," added Bond who only hit three drives for the day.
At 26 years of age Bond is a late comer to the Professional ranks but after finishing in the top-10 at Qualifying School and again at the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship he is pleased with his decision.
"I didn't really start playing golf seriously til I was about 18," said Bond who last year captained the South Australian State Team which included former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett.
"I had wanted to turn Pro for the last couple of years but I wanted to know I was definitely good enough before I went to Q-School."
A more seasoned Professional, 29 year old Younger was happy to have held on during his mixed round which was highlighted by an eagle on the par 5 8th.
"I played pretty good on the front nine and hit a lot of good shots which I was able to capitalise on, then the eagle on eight and birdie on nine really got things going," said Younger.
"I hit a good drive, then hit rescue on to the green, got it up to about 12 foot from the hole and was lucky enough to roll the putt in," he said of his eagle.
"I made a couple of crook shots around the back which I paid for but I was lucky enough to get a couple of birdies late to steady the ship."
Finishing the first round outright third on 3-under the card was New Zealander Ryan Fox.
While a further shot off the pace are Andrew Tschudin (VIC), Marcus Cain (QLD), Jean-Louis Guepy (FRA), Kim Felton (WA), Daniel Fox (WA) and amateur Cameron Davis (NSW).
The second round of the Isuzu Queensland Open gets underway at 6.30am Friday.
For all round one scores please click here.
For all round two tee times please click here.
PGA Professionals enjoy Queensland Open community engagement activities
"It's great to come out and help some local kids, it's nice to see them enjoying themselves and really getting involved with the activities," Blyth said.
"MYGolf is a fantastic starting point for juniors getting to know the game and learning the basic skills of golf."
Golf Queensland's Participation Development Manager Adrian Hewat said it was a very rewarding experience. "The kids loved learning tips from the Professional golfers and seeing how far they could hit the balls," Mr Hewat said.
"It's great to see the Pro's giving back to the game and encouraging the next generation to develop a passion for golf."
"We would like to thank Adam and Max for their time today and also acknowledge Ipswich and Claremont Special Schools for their commitment to the program."
The Isuzu Queensland Open, sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia, is on at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club from Thursday 22 August to Sunday 25 August. Entry is free and spectators are welcome.
Smith makes his Aussie debut at Queensland Open
Being played at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club from the 22 - 25 August, Smith will be familiar with the layout having trained there with the Golf Queensland High Performance Team.
"It's been a while since I have played out here but I have played the course quite a bit. You need to be a good long distance putter because there are a lot of centres of greens that you need to hit," said Smith.
Renowned for his skill with the flat stick Smith shrugged off suggestions that he may be able to use this and his course knowledge to his advantage.
"If I did have a strength it would be my short game but I have to get it on the greens first and everyone gets a practice round to see the course so I don't think my experience will count for too much."
While this is his first tournament as a Professional on home soil he has already had a taste of life on Tour having played two tournaments on the Web.com Tour in the US.
"Now it's my job I have to work harder. I have had some ups and downs but so far it's all been pretty good."
"The competition is a little harder and the guys are different but other than that it wasn't much different over in the States."
The reserved 19 year old has some lofty career goals and felt it was time to start his career as a Touring Professional.
"I just felt the need to turn Pro, I felt like I had done everything that I needed to do as an amateur and taking the next step was necessary," said Smith.
"It didn't really bother me that I missed out on the US amateur tournaments; I got to play two Web.com Tour events which I felt would be a better learning experience."
"I want to be number one in the world that's the ultimate goal really so I am going to US Q-School at the end of the year."
Concentrating his efforts on the Isuzu Queensland Open this week Smith is expected to be a hot contender for the title.
"I don't have any expectations, everyone is coming to win so I will just play my own game," added Smith.
"I try not to think too much about anything but my own game, which sounds really selfish but that's the way it is with an individual sport."
Inside the field at the Isuzu Queensland Open
Queenslanders looking for victory....A strong contingent of Queenslanders has assembled to contest their state Open Championship for the first time since 2007 when Ryan Haller claimed the title. With more than a quarter of the 120 man field hailing from Queensland, Michael Wright will spearhead the charge as the tournament is played at his home course, Brookwater Golf and Country Club. This is the first time the PGA Tour of Australasia has visited the challenging layout renowned for its tight fairways. Local knowledge will be at a premium this week so Michael Wright and the Queensland amateurs who undertake their high performance training with Golf Queensland at Brookwater are expected to perform well. "I have been playing here for 10 years now so that will definitely be an advantage come Sunday," said Wright. "But I still have to execute the shots and play the course the correct way otherwise my local knowledge isn't going to count for much." If he were to win Wright would be the first player since Andrew Tschudin at the 2012 Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship to win on his home track.
Amateurs ready to shine....A quality group of amateurs have assembled to contest the Isuzu Queensland Open with Queenslander Kevin Marques and Victorian Lucas Herbert already proven contenders on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Herbert, who is just 17 years old, finished tied runner-up at the Heritage Classic in his first start on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Not to be outdone Kevin Marques was tied for the lead after two rounds at the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship. "I am pretty excited, I always like coming to Queensland. I have never played at Brookwater before but I am looking forward to having a look at the course, I have heard a lot of good reports," said Herbert. "Every professional event that you play is just a big learning experience, I learn so much off the guys that I play with so I love playing PGA Tour of Australasia events."
Norris fit and healthy....South Australian Jason Norris will be looking for redemption in the Sunshine State this week. Having co-led the Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship after the first two rounds earlier this year Norris was forced to withdraw and admitted to hospital with viral meningitis. Now fully recovered Norris will be looking to pick up at the Isuzu Queensland Open where he left off. "It took a couple months to get over and get back to fitness but I am feeling good," said Norris. "I am coming to win the Queensland Open and I'm looking forward to playing Brookwater, it's a super golf course for a tournament."
Cameron Smith backs his man....
The PGA will this week launch their expert tipping competition that will run throughout the summer of golf. While a number of industry experts are all vying for the tipping title so too is Kangaroos, Maroons and Melbourne Storm Captain Cameron Smith. His tip for the Isuzu Queensland Open? He couldn't go past his name sake, 19 year old Queenslander Cameron Smith who after a successful amateur career, in which he claimed the Australian Amateur title, recently turned Professional. "He might have just turned Professional but Cam knows how to mix it with the big boys, he proved this at the QLD PGA and IFQ. Also, how can I not support my names sake?" said Smith.
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PGA Tour of Australasia back underway
With nine remaining tournaments to be contested before the end of the year, in addition to the World Cup of golf, the season is set to see Australia's top Professionals return to Australian shores and challenge for over $6 million in total remaining prizemoney.
"Australian golf fans have been very lucky in recent years with many of the world's best travelling to all parts of Australia to compete in our biggest tournaments and 2013 will be no different," said Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia.
"In recent months Adam's major win has ignited significant interest in our game and his return to Australia combined with the support of all our other Australian players will ensure this year's PGA Tour of Australasia season is one of the most successful on record."
With five tournaments already run and won in early 2013, the Isuzu Queensland Open also sees the resumption of the race for the Normal Von Nida Order of Merit Medal with a number of international tournament exemptions on offer to the Professional who claim's the lion's share of the over $7 million total prizemoney on offer in 2013.
After finishing second to Peter Senior in last year's Order of Merit, New Zealand's Michael Hendry currently holds a commanding lead over Scott Strange (WA) and Gareth Paddison (NZL) heading into the second half of the year.
To view the 2013 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit visit www.pga.org.au/pgatourorderofmerit.
With upcoming tournaments scheduled in Queensland, New Caledonia, Western Australia, Melbourne and Sydney between now and the end of the year, Thorburn says that while it will be the golf that will bring the crowds to the tournaments, the PGA Tour of Australasia events will be about much more than the on-course action.
"In conjunction with the PGA Tour of Australasia season the PGA has a number of community based initiatives planned in conjunction with every upcoming tournament and we'll endeavour to expose the game to as many people as possible."
"Data shows that during the PGA Tour of Australasia season more Australians are playing golf, and we hope that this year's Tour will again spark a trend that we will leverage through community, school and club based initiatives."
Please see an overview of the remaining PGA Tour of Australasia tournaments below with further event details available at www.pga.org.au/australasia.
PGA Tour of Australasia end of year schedule
22 - 25 Aug, Isuzu Queensland Open, Brookwater Golf and Country Club
18 - 21 Sep, South Pacific Golf Open Championship, Tina Golf Club, Noumea, New Caledonia
03 - 06 Oct, WA Goldfields PGA Championship, Kalgoorlie Golf Course, Kalgoorlie
10 - 13 Oct, WA Open Championship, Mt Lawley Golf Course, Perth
17 - 20 Oct, Perth International, Lake Karrinyup Country Club, Perth
07 - 10 Nov, Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola, RACV Royal Pines, Gold Coast
14 - 17 Nov, Talisker Masters, Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne
21 - 24 Nov, Gloria Jean's NSW Open, Castle Hill Country Club
28 - 01 Dec, Emirates Australian Open, Royal Sydney Golf Club, Sydney
PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School
11 - 13 Dec, First Stage Qualifying School, Sandhurst (Nth Course) & Peninsula (Sth Course)
17 - 20 Dec, Final Stage Qualifying School, Peninsula Country Golf Club (North Course)
The Isuzu Queensland Open gets underway at Brookwater Golf and Country Club from Thursday 22nd August with live scores and the latest news available at www.pga.org.au as well as on the PGA Tour of Australasia's iPhone app available at the iTunes store.
Golf drives into Ipswich
PGA Professionals will team up with Golf Queensland throughout the week to help showcase golf in the local community.
Over 700 students will participate through a series of clinics at schools and at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club this week ensuring the legacy of the tournament remains.
"We are pleased to be bringing the PGA Tour of Australasia to the Ipswich area, through the Isuzu Queensland Open we are able to showcase golf to many Queensland sports fans," said Simon Butterly, General Manager - Tournaments Division for the PGA of Australia.
"But the week isn't just about watching golf; it's also about getting out and giving it a go."
"Golf Queensland has organised a number of initiatives throughout the week to engage the community with the game and I know that the Professionals enjoy interacting with the local people that are supporting them for the week."
Adrian Hewat, Golf Queensland's Participation Development Manager who has coordinated the weeks activities, said the response from the Ipswich community has been overwhelming.
"Working with the community is a rewarding experience and golf is one way we can give back," Mr Hewat said.
"Golf is a terrific sport for children to stay active while learning some core life skills."
The public will also have their chance to get into golf with an activity centre being held at the Orion Springfield Central on Thursday 22 August from 3.30pm - 7.30pm.
Spectators are invited to attend the tournament at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club from Thursday 22 August to Sunday 25 August. Entry is free.
Country Week Wrap
Country Week Wrap
Monday & Tuesday –Stroke
Johnson wins the 2013 Qld Men's Country Week
Boyd Johnson has beat a quality field to successfully take out the 2013 Queensland Men's Country Week Stroke Event held on Monday at Indooroopilly Golf Club and Oxley Golf Club on the Tuesday.
The Surfers Paradise member shot consistent rounds of 71 and 72 to finish 143 (-1) for the stroke event. Johnson finished three shots clear of his nearest rival and last year's champion Jason McDonald (Brookwater).
McDonald was unable to make the necessary birdies on the Oxley layout after he again finished with a one over par 73 on both days of the competition. Lawry Flynn (Toowoomba) finished a further shot back behind McDonald on 147, 3 over par.
B Grade was won by Headland member Simon Whittle, he fired rounds of 82,83-165 to win by three shots. John Smith (Craignish) was to consistent for the C Grade division after he shot consecutive rounds of 86,86-172 to beat runner up Lachlan Ferguson (Blackwater).
Daniel Rolston (Pine Rivers) won the D Grade division.
Milton Smyley was fortunate enough to have a Hole In One on the Par-3 6th hole at Oxley Golf Club on Tuesday.
Thursday – Foursomes
Wynnum Golf Club hosted the Foursomes section with 130 players vying for their Divisional Titles. Warren Clein (Mackay) and John Smith (Craignish) played fine golf, signing for 86 and a 3 shot victory over 2012 Division 2 winners, Barry Thoms and Chris Bath (Rosewood).
Nett winners, on countback, were Paul Cannan and Jason Hanley (Rosewood) with 72.5, edging out Michael and Rod Walker (Nambour/Gympie).
The afternoon saw the Division 1 field take to the fairways, and after another countback, the Toowoomba pairing of Ray Cole and Russell Dennis beat Adam Gemmell and Joshua Miles from Laidley. Both signed for a 1 over round of 71.
Norm Mitchell and Stephen Wright (City GC) won the Nett section with a great score of 5 under 65, narrowly defeating Patrick Callaghan and George Barnsley (Borneo Barracks) by a shot.
Friday – Fourball
Blessed with more fine weather, players headed to Nudgee for the concluding day of Country Week for the Fourball Championship.
Continuing their affinity with Country Week, the Rosewood pairing of Barry Thoms and Chris Bath dominated the field, finishing with 52 points and a 6 point victory. In second place were Dean and Rick Fittler (Toowoomba/Bribie Island) with 46 points.
The Teams Event which was conducted as part of the Stroke rounds on Monday and Tuesday, went to the Bribie Island quartet of Allan Down, Neil Robinson, Shane Weatherley and Brendan Spann.
A massive thank you is extended to all four hosts (Indooroopilly, Oxley, Wynnum and Nudgee) for the fantastic manner in which their courses were presented and the hospitality extended to the Country participants. Players are already booking their 2014 trip!
This week would not be the same without sponsors, and City Golf Club and Motel are to be congratulated on their continued support of country golf. They do a wonderful job promoting country golf, as well as supporting the annual Sand Green Championships.
Guyatt aims to add his name to the T.B. Hunter Cup
First played in 1925, the tournament's rich history has inspired many golfers to greatness and has witnessed some of the biggest names in the sport face-off to have their victories etched on the famous T.B. Hunter Cup. The championship forms part of the PGA Tour of Australasia and carries Official World Ranking Points.
Tuesday's ceremony will also welcome the rejuvenated Cup from out of the cupboard and paraded back into the brightness of the Sunshine State.
Over the years there have been one or two interruptions to the tournament's course with World War Two the most infamous. In 2008 the contest again succumbed to the tide of another global upheaval, the GFC and a lack of sponsorship.
Isuzu has now ensured a return of the Isuzu Queensland Open for at least the next three years and news of the $110,000 prize purse has also gone global. Twenty-three international Pros and more than 300 other hopefuls have now registered in a record line-up for the 2013 challenge.
"As a proud Queenslander it's fantastic to see the Queensland Open return to the PGA Tour of Australasia and I'd like to thank Golf Queensland and Isuzu for their hard work to get it up and going again," said 2011 NSW PGA Champion Matthew Guyatt.
"I haven't played my state Open Championship since 2007 when I was a PGA Trainee so I am looking forward to teeing it up at Brookwater in front of my friends and family and hopefully adding my name to the T.B. Hunter Cup," he added.
The Isuzu Queensland Open runs between 22-25 August and the general public are invited to come and watch and enjoy the spectacle free-of-charge.
On Tuesday 13 August 2013, members of the media are invited to attend an official parading of the T.B. Hunter Cup and welcoming of the Isuzu Queensland Open back to prominence.
Brookwater Golf and Country Club, in Greater Springfield will host the ceremony. The state's official number 1 public access course which was designed by Greg Norman - a two times Open winner - is also a major sponsor and has secured The Isuzu Queensland Open for the next three years.
Jones wins the 2013 Queensland Business Women's Championship
Wantima Member Katrina Jones (pictured) has won the 2013 Queensland Business Women's Championship at Headland Golf Club.
Play got under way at 7:30am in what can only be described as perfect conditions. Unfortunately the field was unable to capitalise on The Headland layout.
Katrina Jones fired a 13-over par round 86, along with Susan Reguson (Coolangatta Tweed) and Debbie McCauley (Caloundra).
Jones finished onto after the top three results were decided on a count back.
Gailes member Leanne Gwyther won the Nett division with a score of 77.
In the Division 2 category Kirstean Kaergard (Headland) used her local knowledge after she fired 35 points to win by 4 points Collongatta Tweed member Jennifer Dallinger.
For all Scores and results Click Here.
O'Malley and Leaney add experience to Queensland Open
Confirming their positions in the field are three time European Tour winner Peter O'Malley and four time European Tour winner Stephen Leaney.
"I have heard such great reviews of the golf course, which is probably my main reason for playing. I heard that Brookwater is consistently rated the best course in Queensland," said Leaney, while for O'Malley it is a matter of getting the competitive juices flowing once more.
"I have had some time off, I was moving house and I had a knee operation so I just wanted to get back to golf," said O'Malley who has fully recovered from a tear in his meniscus.
Between them, the pair has 21 international victories but the Queensland Open title has eluded them.
"Obviously I am going there with the full intention of having the chance to win come Sunday. I haven't won a tournament in Australia for quite a long time now so I have been working really hard to get myself back to having the chance to win," said Leaney.
As two of the most experienced competitors in the field they plan to draw on their knowledge to give them a competitive edge.
"From what I have read and seen Brookwater is a very tight tree lined golf course and big greens with tough levels which suits my game," said Leaney.
"It's not all about power; you have to be very precise with your tee shots and iron shots and have a lot of patience. I guess being around as long as I have I tend to have all those qualities, so hopefully I can bring those to the week of the Open," he added.
O'Malley also sees the strategic layout of Brookwater Golf and Country Club, which measures 6505 metres, benefitting his game.
"Every golf course we play these days is getting longer and longer which doesn't help me but I know how far I hit the ball and I can control it," said O'Malley.
"So a golf course where there is a strategy and a lot of thinking about where the right spots are to hit the ball then my experience will help."
Aside from the competitive element tournaments such as the Izusu Queensland Open also present an opportunity to help develop young players.
"I try to play with a few guys either in practice rounds or in the lead up and a lot of them are asking questions about how to do things which is great because that is exactly what I did when I turned Pro," said O'Malley.
"You have to try and learn from people who have been there and done that so I am quite happy to give some advice."
The younger generations have left their own mark on Leaney who is impressed by the quality of player coming through the amateur ranks.
"They are on the verge of turning Professional and they are only 17 or 18 years old, there is certainly a trend and these guys have more of a chance to win these tournaments than what they used to," said Leaney referring to Jake Higginbottom and Oliver Goss winning as amateurs on the PGA Tour of Australasia last year.
Leaney himself won the West Australian Open as an amateur and knows the opportunities that a tournament like the Isuzu Queensland Open can present to those just starting their career.
"I pretty much got my start when I won my first West Australian Open as an amateur back in 1991 and I know how important these tournaments are to the development of young guys," said Leaney.
"It will be god to get drawn with a couple of guys who haven't been around before and hopefully they can learn and kick start their career."
But the amateurs teeing it up in the Isuzu Queensland Open aren't just there for the experience, they aim to win and O'Malley views them as serious competitors.
"The elite players at the amateur level are used to winning so when they first come out and play in a Tour event and they get into contention it doesn't faze them," said O'Malley.
"It's all about being in your comfort zone, if you feel comfortable about winning and you put yourself in contention you are going to succeed."
The Queensland Open has traditionally been an important development event for some of Australia's best international golfers including Greg Norman, Peter Senior, Ian Baker-Finch, Stuart Appleby and Brett Ogle.
The Isuzu Queensland Open will be held 22-25 August 2013 at Brookwater Golf and Country Club.
Player pre-qualifying will be held on 19 August 2013 at Virginia and Keperra Golf Clubs.
Spectators are welcome and entry is free.
Big Aussie contingent at US Western Amateur
A large contingent of eleven Australians are in the field for this week's Western Amateur Championship which begins tonight at The Alotian Club outside Little Rock in Arkansas.
156 of the game's top amateurs will walk in the footsteps of Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson in an attempt to win one of the oldest and most prestigious titles in the non-professional game.
Australians Nathan Holman (VIC), Jordan Zunic (NSW), Brett Drewitt (NSW), Geoff Drakeford (VIC), Oliver Goss (WA), Viraat Badhwar (QLD), Brady Watt (WA), Ruben Sondjaja (NSW), Aaron Wilkin (QLD), Taylor MacDonald (QLD) and Ricky Kato (NSW) will fly the flag in Arkansas.
This year, the Western Amateur will feature 54 of the world's top 100 players compared to 40 last year when the field was ranked second-strongest in the world – a fitting way for The Alotian Club to host its first major golf championship.
"The Western Amateur always gets an excellent field, but having 54 of the top 100 players from all over the world proves how highly regarded this championship is in the game of golf," said Vince Pellegrino, vice president of tournaments for the Western Golf Association.
The 2013 Western Amateur will feature the world's top five amateurs. Three have made the cut in various PGA TOUR events.
This year, contestants hail from 10 nations – Australia, Denmark, England, Finland, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, the United States, Venezuela and Wales.
"The Western Golf Association is thrilled once again to have top amateurs from all over the world playing in the Western Amateur," Pellegrino said. "All of us are looking forward to seeing how the course plays against a field of such outstanding amateurs."
This year will be the first time the Western Amateur has been contested in the state of Arkansas, and it is the first time since 1966 that it has been played in the South.
It also is the first time The Alotian Club, which opened in 2005 and is ranked No. 15 in the country by Golf Digest, has hosted a major competition.
Founded in the Chicago area in 1899, the Western Amateur brings with it the rich traditions of golf, symbolized most dramatically by its who's-who of past champions, including Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ben Crenshaw and Curtis Strange.
The Western Amateur's 156-man field consistently ranks among the top three in the world along with the British Amateur and U.S. Amateur.
The Alotian Club is ranked No. 15 on Golf Digest's biennial ranking of "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses."It also was named by Golf Digest as the best new private course in the country in 2005. Widely renowned golf course architect Tom Fazio designed the course.The course measures 7,480 yards from the championship tees, plays 6,780 yards from member tees and 5,385 yards from forward tees. The course's signature trait is elevation change, the most dramatic coming at the sixth hole with a 100-foot drop from the tee to green.
For The Alotian Club, hosting the 111th Western Amateur championship will provide a high-profile platform to showcase the course's beauty and challenging design while also highlighting the club's support of caddies and the WGA's Evans Scholars Foundation, which grants college scholarships to deserving caddies.
"Caddies are an integral part of the history and tradition of golf. That's why I wanted a caddie program at The Alotian Club," said Warren Stephens, The Alotian Club's founder. "Since 1930 the Evans Scholarship Program has sent 10,000 caddies to college, including three from The Alotian Club – two currently at Northwestern University and one at Marquette University. Hosting a first-class competition and supporting scholarships for caddies made the decision to welcome the Western Amateur to Arkansas an easy one."
Story by Golf Australia/Western Amateur
Headland Junior wins in Palm Springs
The Headland Golf Club junior had rounds of 72, 67 and 71 on the TPC Stadium course at PGA West in Palm Springs this week to win by two shots from Sachin Kumar of Trinidad and Tobago, who had beaten him by five shots in the San Diego Masters two weeks ago. His brilliant five-under second round included two eagles and three birdies.
Earlier in the month, also in the US, 13-year-old Jack finished second in the San Diego Junior Masters and third in the World Junior Callaway tournaments, returning four and five under the card respectively. Two years ago he was placed second in the under 12 division of the Future Champions tournament.
A member of the Invincibles Sunshine Coast Junior Golf Tour and a student at Matthew Flinders College at Buderim, he joined the Invincibles Tour when he arrived on the Sunshine Coast from Perth in 2009. He joined Headland as a nine-year-old, was given a handicap of 24 and now plays off 0.9.
Jack joins a former Headland junior, Adam Scott, as a winner on the world stage this year after Scott became the first Australian to win the US Masters back in April.
Headland Golf Club professional John Victorsen has described the win by young Jack, to complement Scott's Masters victory, as the 'perfect world double'.
"I have been the professional at Headland for more than 30 years and the biggest thrill will always be seeing our juniors, at whatever age, have success," he said.
Victorsen, who along with Noosa Springs teaching professional Peter Heiniger has been involved in coaching 13-year-old Jack, says the success of the youngster and Scott on the world stage in the one year had 'made an old pro very happy, and very proud'.
Leading by one shot going in to the final round and playing alongside Kumar, Jack fired a one under par 71 to finish two strokes clear. He started his final round in dazzling form, carding four birdies in a front nine of just 32, and despite three bogeys coming home he was able to hold off Kumar who mixed two birdies on the back nine with a bogey and double bogey.
O'Connell victorious at Qld Senior Women's Amateur
Wendy O'Connell (Northlakes) has taken out the Queensland Senior Women's Amateur Championship at Horton Park Golf Club for a third consecutive year.O'Connell won her final match 6&5 after her opponent Rosalind Fisher (Gosnells) was unable to continue the good form that secured her finals berth.
O'Connell was steady all week and remained undefeated to take out this year's event in stunning form.
This is Wendy O'Connell's fourth Championship title, winning in 2007, 2011, 2012 & 2013.
Interstate player Jo Sellen (Sale) was victorious in Division 1 of the 55-64 years matchplay final, while Lindel Forsyth (Horton Park) took out the Division 2.
Carmel Smith (Horton Park) proved too strong, winning 2&1 in Division 1 of the over 65 age group, with Division 2 won by Nudgee member Margaret Emerson.
Congratulations must go to Horton Park Golf Club for again hosting this year's event in its sixth year at the venue.
For results, click here.
Bullas produces class shots in playoff to capture Men's Senior Amateur
Alan Bullas (Commonwealth) has produced 2 high class shots in the playoff to capture the 2013 Men's Senior Amateur Championship at Oxley Golf Club.
Light rain greeted 100 players for the final round and with Oxley proving to be a stern test over the initial 36 holes, predicting the winner would be a difficult task.
Graham Farrell (Oxley) stormed into contention with an even par front 9, but with 4 players within a shot through 9 holes, a tight finish was ahead. After a tense back 9, where the lead changed every hole between up to 6 players, Alan Bullas and local hope Brad Oliver finished tied on a 230 3 round total.
The par 3 9th was where the title would be decided, and after Bullas plugged his tee shot into the greenside bunker, Oliver looked set to claim victory after finding the green, 5 metres from the hole. Undeterred with his misfortune, Bullas played a remarkable bunker shot to a metre and put the pressure back on Oliver. Oliver's birdie putt slid narrowly by and after Bullas made his par, the pair returned to the 9th tee.
This time it was Oliver who failed to find the green. Sensing an opening, Bullas hit a stunning tee shot to within 20cm to all but wrap up the Championship. After Bullas tapped in, Oliver chose to putt from the fringe and when he again marginally missed his putt, the 2013 Senior Men's Championship was heading to Victoria with Bullas.
In his acceptance speech, Bullas was still stunned with his win stating that, "You come to these events hoping to win but I've never expected it to actually happen! I'm just speechless."
To show just how close the tournament was, defending champion Peter King (Windaroo), Neal Pitches (Royal Wellington) and overnight leader Richard Greville (Avondale) all finished an agonising 1 shot outside the playoff.
The Senior Nett overall winner was taken out by Gailes member Rod Lawerson with a 214 total. Lawerson was the only player to finish the tournament under handicap.
Oxley did emerge victorious in the Club Teams Event, comfortably holding off the challenge of Arundel Hills. The team of Bruce O'Neill, Brad Oliver, Graham Farrell and Axel Drillis will no doubt celebrate their victory enthusiastically.
Congratulations must go to Oxley Golf Club on the wonderful way they embraced the event. The course is in great condition with many players lauding its presentation. A special thanks is extended to Mandy Murray for organising the Oxley volunteers, and the volunteers themselves for giving of their time to assist.
For all scores please follow the links on the Senior Amateur event page:
Jones wins the Queensland Women's Mid-Amateur Championship
For full results in the Women's Mid-Amateur, CLICK HERE.
In the Senior Women's Amateur the top placed qualifier Faye Payne was knocked out in the first round after eighth placed qualifier Rosie Glasson had a dream finish, Glasson fired a hole in one on the par 3 17th to finish 2-up to progress through to the next round.The Four players to progress through to the semi-finals of the knockout match play- Jill Blenkey (Newcastle), Wendy O'Connell (North Lakes), Rosalind Fisher (Gosnells), and Rosie Glasson (Twin Waters) will be vying for a spot in the final tomorrow morning here at the Horton Park Golf Club.
For the first round results of the match play, CLICK HERE.
Payne top Qualifier at Horton Park
After 36-holes, Coloundra member Fay Payne (pictured), holds the top position on the Horton Park layout. Payne returned a second round score 77 to card a two round total of 155.Newcastle member Jill Blenkey equalled Paynes second round score of 77 (+4) to finish a single shot back. The 2012 Champion, Wendy O'Connell qualified in third position in the match play format.
The top eight players from the 36-hole gross event will contest the Match play series to be played out over the next three days. Fay Payne (Caloundra), Jill Blenkey (Newcastle), Wendy O'Connell (North Lakes), Rosalind Fisher (Gosnells), Josie Ryan(Headland), Linda Urquhart (Bribie Island), Gia Stolz (Caloundra) and Rosie Glasson (Twin Waters) will fight it out for the title of the 2013 Women's Senior Amateur Champion.
For all scores and the Match play Draw CLICK HERE
In the Mid-Amateur Championship, Katrina Jones of Wantima has fired an even par round of 73. Jones second round score included two eagles and two birdies to hold a six shot lead heading into tomorrow's final round
Julie Swanson is in outright second after a second round score of 79 to hold a two round total of 161.
The final round of the 54 hole Mid-Amateur Championship will be contested tomorrow. Lead groups will tee off after 9:00am
For full results and draw times for the Mid-Amateur CLICK HERE
Qld's Walsh and Sullivan win NSW Junior Championships
The contingent from Queensland made their mark on our state by storming to victory in the NSW Junior Boys and Girls Events. Amy Walsh opened with a superb round of six under par 68 to lead the entire tournament field. She followed that up with rounds of 77 and 76 to finish with a tournament total of 221 and capture the NSW Junior Girls title.
Fellow Queenslander Jack Sullivan secured the NSW Junior Boys Championship with a three round total of four under par 209, five shots ahead of his nearest rival.
This year was the first time JNJG incorporated the Country Junior Boys Championship as well as introducing a Country Junior Girls Championship. Central Coast junior and Cromer Golf Club member Robbie Hogan took out the Country Junior Boys Championship with a total of 217. Catalina junior Hayley McNeill won the inaugural Country Junior Girls Championship with a 54-hole total of 230.
Dan's the 'sand' man
IT'S amazing what a five-year "spell" away from the great game of golf can do for a golfer's confidence.
With renewed enthusiasm, Dan Hughes returned to golf after a lengthy layoff and scored an impressive Queensland Sand Green Championship victory at Mitchell Golf Club.
Hughes, who grew up at Mitchell 500 kilometres west of Brisbane, wasn't one of the favourites going into the tournament, but he soon caught the attention of his rivals, and later the handicapper, after firing rounds of 69-61 for a 130 total – 12-under par.
He finished one stroke ahead of Charleville's Luke Short (68-63).
Hughes, who plays out of Toowoomba Golf Club at Middle Ridge, had 1.9 strokes shaved from his handicap and now plays off 3.3.
His stunning 10-under par 61 set a new course record. The previous course record of 62, held by legendary sand green specialist Jimmy "Sandman" Shreeve, stood for 24 years.
Ironically, Hughes was Shreeve's caddie on that day in 1989.
When asked about his incredible round Hughes said: "I don't know where that came from. I guess I snuck under the radar."
Well, 16 putts over the final 18 holes certainly helped him post such a low number.
Not renowned as a deft putter, Hughes, who started playing golf on Mitchell's sand greens when still in nappies, was deadly on and around the greens.
"I chipped in three times," he said. "I had seven putts on the front nine and nine putts on the back nine.
"My putting is probably the worst part of my game, but I just had a good day," said Hughes, who is a good driver of the golf ball.
"I first picked up a club when I started walking and spent the first 18 years of my life playing golf on Mitchell's sand greens.
"It takes a bit of practice to get used to sand greens, but there is no secret to it.
"You just have to hit the ball much harder than you do on grass greens. That's all there is to it.
"Winning the tournament is definitely the highlight of my golf although I did win the Central Highlands Open at Blackwater once, which was great.
"I don't normally practice, but I did practice for the Sand Green Championship."
Hughes, who works as a concrete tester for Boral, said he was enjoying being back playing the game he loves.
"I have only just started getting back into golf after a five-year spell," said Hughes, who also enjoys fishing and camping.
"I gave golf away because I just got sick of it and I had a couple of young kids.
Due to family commitments, Hughes is restricted to playing just one round of golf a fortnight.
"I think I have only had about six games of golf this year," he said.
"My kids (daughter, 9, and son, 6) are young so it's not easy to get away for a round of golf although my son is starting to take an interest."
For all the scores, click here.
2013 Inter-District Match Play for the Junior Jug
This year, it was a closely fought out battle until the final matches on Thursday morning, with the competition finishing in a tie between the Central Queensland (Sarah Antcliff, Lily McKelvie and Georgia McManus) and Gold Coast (Amy Walsh, Robyn Choi and Lisa Edgar) teams.
Both teams finished on 18 points.
The Brisbane District team finished in third place.
The Hervey Bay Golf and Country Club were very supportive of the event and the course was in excellent condition.
The Junior Jug continues to play a key role in fostering a spirit of high level competition and ongoing development between Queensland's best young female players. The event also helps to spread the word on the many benefits of our great game amongst female golfers.
Local Pro set to support Qld Open
Former Queensland State Representative, Matt Guyatt, who became a household name in 2012, when he led the 2012 Australian Masters for the first two and a half days before finishing in 10th, will be competing in the Isuzu Queensland Open in August, joining top amateurs and other notable professional golfers such as Peter O'Malley and Stephen Leaney.
"It's great to see the tournament back on the PGA Tour of Australasia calendar after six years," Guyatt said.
"I live locally, so to be able to sleep in my own bed throughout the tournament will be great, as a professional golfer, it's not often you get to do that during a tournament.
"Brookwater is a fantastic course and I'm looking forward to getting out there and playing on it again," he said.
The highlight of Guyatt's golfing career so far, has been winning the 2011 NSW PGA Championship on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Last year Guyatt travelled to the US for final qualifying of the US Open, thanks to his Australian win in 2011. Heading to the Tour site for qualifying, Guyatt was fortunate to be paired with two major winners Davis Love III and Ben Curtis for the 36 holes.
His plan over the next few months will be to play the OneAsia, Challenge Tour in Japan and Australasian tours, chasing another win and also the opportunity to secure his cards for 2014.
Guyatt would love to play on the main tour in Japan again and long term would love to be playing on either the European or PGA Tour, being inside the top 100 players in the world.
The Queensland Open has been important development event for some of Australia's best international golfers including Greg Norman, Peter Senior, Ian Baker-Finch, Stuart Appleby and Brett Ogle.
The Isuzu Queensland Open will be held 22-25 August 2013 at Brookwater Golf and Country Club. Player pre-qualifying will be held on 19 August 2013 at Virginia and Keperra Golf Clubs. Spectators are welcome and entry is free.
Maverick Antcliff wins Rice Planters
Antcliff, currently at the Augusta State, recorded a final round of 66 to catch Cody who is a member of the golf team at Duke University.
Antcliff, played for Augusta State for the first time in season 2013 after being forced to wait over a year for his paperwork to be completed.
The Rice Planters has a history going back to the mid 1970's and has an honour role that includes several major champions.
Holmes Wins Queensland Women's Sand Greens
In the Bronze I Division overnight leader Beth Lethbridge (Roma) captured the title after rounds of 80,86 (166). Vicki Atkinson (Emerald Lakes) was able to use her knowledge of the sand greens to finish in outright second, the former Cunnumulla member fired consistent rounds of 88,88 (176).
Madeline Jarman (Stanthorpe) was consistent all weekend and managed to take out the Bronze II Division after firing 90,90 for 180. Incredibly Jarman was sixteen shots clear of runner up Paula Connolly (Roma).
All players were greeted with superb conditions on both days of the championship.
The Miles Golf Club received extremely positive comments from all involved due to the great preparation of their course and kind country hospitality.
For all Championship Results and information, please click here.
Adam Scott returns to Sydney
The World Number 4 created Australian sporting history in April by becoming the first Australian to win the coveted Green Jacket at Augusta National.
Scott, the 2009 Australian Open champion, said he looked forward to a great week in Sydney.
"Winning the National Open is the title every Australian golfer wants. We have a great sponsor in Emirates, a great course in Royal Sydney and I am sure the Sydney sporting public will come in great numbers to support the event. I look forward to competing and celebrating with them during the week," Scott said.
Scott finished in a tie for fifth at the 2006 Australian Open at Royal Sydney Golf Club.
Scott's confirmation comes as the Seven Network confirmed it will broadcast the championship live across all four days in an agreement negotiated with World Sport Group.
The NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said: "The NSW Government welcomes the news that US Masters champion Adam Scott will play in the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney. The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has entered a strategic partnership with Golf Australia to stage the Open in Sydney until 2015. We are committed to our long term vision of seeing the tournament become the premier event of its kind in the Asia Pacific region."
Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he was delighted to welcome Scott back to Sydney.
"Adam's extraordinary achievement at Augusta National was one of the greatest moments in Australian sport. We're thrilled to have Adam playing the Emirates Australian Open where fans will be able to congratulate him on the victory and watch him compete for Australian golf's most important title," Pitt said.
"We are also very pleased that the Emirates Australian Open will again be broadcast on the Seven Network and we know they will again do a terrific job of covering the championship."
Seven's Head of Sport, Saul Shtein said: "We're pleased to be partnering with the Open and Golf Australia and bringing Adam Scott's phenomenal journey to all Australians. The Emirates Australian Open is a tremendous event and we're looking forward to delivering a terrific coverage to our audience."
Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, said Adam's confirmation adds to what already promises to be a stellar field. "The Emirates Australian Open will wrap up both the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia Order of Merit seasons," he said.
"We're confident a number of international players will stay on after the World Cup to compete in the Emirates Australian Open, making for the perfect finale to the Australian golf season."
The 2013 Emirates Australian Open will be played at Royal Sydney Golf Club from
28 November – 1 December.
Twitter: @ausopengolf
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TEQ see community value in Isuzu Queensland Open
Golf Queensland today announced support from Tourism and Events Queensland for the 2013 Isuzu Queensland Open scheduled to be played from 22 to 25 August 2013 and hosted at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club.
The Championship secured the funding under the latest round of Tourism and Events Queensland's Regional Development Program.
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the latest round of funding had been allocated to event organisers based on the event plans they had put forward.
Ms Stuckey said strong support from regional stakeholders, including local MPs and regional tourism organisations, was vital to the ongoing success of the program.
"Regional events are delivered in partnership with local communities and that combined effort is vital to their success, which is why it's great to see such a collaborative approach taken in the successful applications."
Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said it was pleasing to include Tourism and Events Queensland to the list of supporters of this great tournament.
"The Ipswich City Council was very forward in supporting the event and I am thrilled we can now also include the State Government as a supporter," Mr Castrisos said.
"The Isuzu Queensland Open will provide the Ipswich and broader community with an opportunity to be part of this historical State-based golf championship."
Mr Castrisos said part of the condition for receiving the funding included using it for marketing activities to increase awareness of the event and destination through strategic planning, engagement of short-term personnel and hire of temporary infrastructure.
Pre-qualifying rounds for the Isuzu Queensland Open will be hosted at the Ipswich and Virginia Golf Clubs on Monday, August 19. Further information can be found at www.golfqueensland.org.au.
Queensland's Jason Day claims a share for second at US Open
Justin Rose claimed his maiden major win and became the first Englishman to win a major championship since 1996 after he closed his final round with an even par 70, two shots ahead of Day and Phil Mickelson.
Earlier this year, 25-year-old Day finished in third position at the US Masters. He also finished as runner-up in both the 2011 US Open and US Masters.
It wasn't very long ago that Day was a regular face at Queensland State events. As a 17-year-old, he competed in the 2005 Queensland Open, finishing as leading amateur. He turned professional the following year.
Day began his golf career as a junior in Beaudesert at the age of six. As an amateur, Day was twice awarded the Australian Junior Order of Merit and was consistently a key team member of the Queensland State Team. His amateur success extended to the United States where he won the Boys 15–17 division at the 2004 Callaway World Junior Championship and was runner-up in the 2005 Porter Cup.
It was Jason's stellar year on the Nationwide Tour in 2007 which really underlined his enormous potential. Ten top-25 finishes from 19 starts in 2007 included a maiden victory at Legend Financial Group Classic, where a final-round 67 and a tournament-record 16-under-par 268 made him the youngest player ever to win a PGA Tour-sanctioned event. A further highlight came via a scintillating 62-63 (17-under par) finish to the Cox Classic in Omaha - the 125 total over the final two rounds equalling the lowest 36-hole score in Nationwide Tour history despite finishing a shot behind eventual winner Roland Thatcher.
Gaske and Foley win Queensland Mixed Foursomes Championship
Gaske and Foley led by three shots at the conclusion of the morning round when they fired a nearly perfect score of 72.
Anna Stanton (Woodford) and Mitchell Smith (Oxley), Mathew Samen-Curtis (Headland) and Lauren Mason (Horton Park) finished the first round on 75 in equal second.
Gaske and Foley fired a consistent second round score of 71, this consisted of four birdies and one eagle. Their thirty six hole score 72,71-143 was enough to win this year's Championship.
Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise) & Kevin Marques (Indooroopilly) fired a fantastic second round score 69 to join their first round score of 77 and elevate them into second place, finishing on 146.
It was just 12 months ago that Kevin Marques and Samantha Foley combined to win last years mixed foursomes championship at Virginia Golf Club.
In the Nett Division Kerrod Crocker (Wynnum) and Tracey Hersom (Wynnum) won on a count back, the pair just edging out Rihanna Lewis (Pelican Waters) and Louie Dobbelaar (Pelican Waters) when both groups finished on a two round total of 148 nett.
2013 Mixed Foursomes Best Dressed (right): John Walker, Catherine Coates, Alex McCoy, Tahlia Condon, Louis Dobbelaar and Rhianna LewisGolf Queensland wish to thank the McLeod Country Golf Club for the fantastic condition the course was presented.
For complete gross and nett scores please click here.
Aussie tee times at the US Open
Nine Australians will do battle for the 113th US Open title this week when the tournament kicks off at the historic Merion Golf Club in Pennsylvania.
Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Jason Day, Marc Leishman and John Senden were all automatic qualifiers while Marcus Fraser, Mathew Goggin, Alistair Presnell and Aaron Baddeley all made it through sectional qualifying.
Baddeley will be the first Australian on the course, hitting off at 7.29am Thursday local time (9.29pm Eastern Australian time) with Rory Sabbatini and David Lingmerth.
An all Australian grouping of Marc Leishman, John Senden and Marcus Fraser will hit off at 3am Friday Australian time.
Other groupings and starting times are:
Jason Day, Matteo Manassero, Rickie Fowler (10.06 pm Thu Australia)
Geoff Ogilvy, Angel Cabrera, Paul Lawrie (2.41am Fri)
Adam Scott, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy (3.14am Fri)
Mathew Goggin, Steve Alker, Alistair Presnell (4.35am Fri)
News courtesy of the PGA of Australia. Click here to read more news from the PGA of Australia.
Qld Open back on calendar
For the past five years, touring professional Ryan Haller has been celebrating his Queensland Open victory writes David Newbery.
Yes, since 2007, Haller has been able to boast: "I'm the Queensland Open defending champion."
That's because the tournament has been missing from the golfing calendar following Haller's popular win at Gainsborough Greens.
But that's history. This year the $110,000 Isuzu Queensland Open makes a welcome return at Brookwater Golf and Country Club from August 22-25.
Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said he was excited to have the state's premier event back on the calendar after a five-year absence.
"The Isuzu Queensland Open will give a fantastic opportunity for our top amateur golfers to qualify and compete against the PGA professionals in a 72-hole championship event," he said.
Former Queensland Open champion Peter Senior said the tournament would provide an opportunity for young and up-and-coming players to experience a championship at this level.
"The Queensland tournament has a rich history and it is encouraging to see it back on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule in 2013," Senior said.
PGA of Australia CEO Brian Thorburn said the return of the Open would see top-flight golf return to Ipswich.
"The Sunshine State has produced some of our country's best international golfers, all of whom started out playing in events such as the Queensland Open," he said.
The Queensland Open has a rich history dating back to 1925.
In fact, no fewer than five major winners – Jim Ferrier, Kel Nagle, Greg Norman, David Graham and Ian Baker-Finch – have their names etched on the TB Hunter Cup.
Dan Hughes shoots Mitchell course record to claim Sand Green Championship
Dan Hughes (Toowoomba) has fired a stunning course record 10 under 61, to emerge victorious in the 2013 Queensland Sand Green Championship at Mitchell Golf Club.
After an opening round of 69, Hughes was on fire early, making the turn at 7 under and continued his form all the way to the final hole. The previous course record of 62 was held by Jimmy Shreeve since 1989, whose caddie on that day was none other than Dan Hughes!
Surprisingly Hughes still had to fight for the win, with close friend Luke Short (Charleville) storming home on the back 9 with a 29. In third place was defending champion Anthony Timms (City), who closed with 2 under.
After darkness prevented the B Grade playoff on Sunday, Lachlan Barden (Roma) and Shane Robinson (Blackall) returned to the course at 7:30am to play the long par 3 18th. Drawing number 1 from the hat, Robinson opted for a hybrid off the tee, having found the hazard with a 4 iron in the second round. A solid shot to just left of the green put the pressure squarely on Barden. When Barden was unable to find the green with his second shot, Robinson shut the door with a great chip to 1 yard of the hole, tapping in the putt and claiming the B Grade Championship.
The C Grade Championship was taken out by Burrum visitor Phil Kennedy who described his amazing round of 74 (3 over) as "just one of those days where EVERYTHING went right." Overnight leader Terry Mayne (Middlemount) was unable to continue his hot form, clearing the way for Paul Hinchcliffe to claim the runner-up prize after a closing round of 76.
Thanks must go to Mitchell Golf Club for an outstanding job in hosting the 2013 edition of Men's Sand Greens, to the many local sponsors and the naming sponsor City Golf Club, for their generous continued support.
Players are already planning next year's pilgrimage to Hughenden where another weekend of fine Sand Green golf will ensue.
For all tournament scores please follow the links on the event page -https://golfqueensland.worldsecuresystems.com/gq-events/qld-mens-sand-greens
Webb wins 2013 Shoprite LPGA Classic
By Australian Ladies Professional Golf
Karrie Webb secured win number 39 on the LPGA at the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer in Galloway, New Jersey this morning.
It was an emotional week for Webb as her grandma has been in hospital. The family weren't sure if she was going to make it and Karrie's Grandma told her to win this week for her and of course, Webb didn't want to let her grandma down. In what is further great news, her Grandma is on the mend.
Asked after her round if winning gets "old", the seven time major champion responded "It never gets old and it never gets any easier either."
"Today was extremely tough. I'm just glad that I pulled it out. I knew I need to make one birdie coming in because I didn't think I could par in and feel comfortable, so it was a great birdie on the last".
Webb then explained the situation with her grandma and said the win was for her.
Webb was happy when she woke up and the wind was blowing as hard as it was. Webb, who started five shots behind China's Shanshan Feng, got off to a flying start with a birdie on the second followed by an eagle on the very next hole on the par-5 fourth.
Her only blemish came on the sixth when she took a bogey, apart from that Webb's ball striking ability and sinking critical par putts were the keys to her win today.
Mid-way through the final round three players were tied for the lead but it became a two way dual between Webb and Feng at the end.
Webb had a superb up and down from 40 yards on the par-5 18th to birdie the last and move to four-under-par. That meant Feng had to birdie two out of the last three holes when Webb holed out.
Read more on the ALPG website.
Queensland's Marques wins Malaysian Amateur
Marques fought out a tight tussle with Saksansin and fellow Queenslander Taylor MacDonald for most of the round.
23-year-old Marques took advantage of MacDonald's triple bogey on the 13th to move into the lead to eventually end with a three-under par 68.
It was enough for Marques to finish a stroke clear of Saksansin, who completed his round earlier to top the leaderboard on nine-under 275 after a tournament best of six-under 65.
MacDonald, the top-ranked player in the field, bounced back strongly with a closing eagle to salvage a one-under 70, to take third place on 276.
That put him one stroke ahead of India's Karan Taunk who finished the day with an impressive 67.
The quartet of Thailand's Chanachok Dejpiratanamongkol (71), Udayan Mane of India (69), Indonesian Syukrizal (69) and Taiwan's Chieh Po-lee (72) were five strokes adrift in joint fifth.
In the absence of Gavin Kyle Green, who did not return home to defend the title due to his commitment with his studies in United States, Abel Tam (72) finished as the leading Malaysian this year with a four-day total of one-under 283.
He shared the ninth spot alongside Singaporean duo Edgar Oh (71) and Jerome Ng (72).
Foley goes one better in 2013 Women's Country Week
Mount Coolum hosted the first round of the Silver and Bronze II Championships on Tuesday with 2011 Champion Samantha Foley shooting a course record equalling 72 and establishing a considerable 9 shot lead over her nearest rival, defending champion Eileen Bell (81).
In the Bronze II Championship, Judy Williams (City Golf Club) set the early pace, as she was the only player to break handicap on the demanding Mount Coolum layout.
At Tewantin-Noosa Golf Club, Bundaberg member Pam McDowell (91) led a large field of over 180 players, with locals Debbie Gordon (Caboolture) and Rene Baker (Peregian Springs) only a shot behind.
Overcast conditions greeted the players for the second round, with Silver and Bronze II heading to Tewantin-Noosa and Bronze I players to Mount Coolum.
With the confidence gained from her performances at the Girls Interstate Series, Foley would never surrender her lead, signing for another par round and a 19 shot victory over Josie Ryan (Headland). In third position was City member Margaret Richards.
Local knowledge proved invaluable as Tewantin Noosa member Irene Kerr (42 points) came from 10 points behind overnight leader Williams to capture a stunning 3 point win.
Round two of the Bronze I Championship concluded at Mount Coolum, where Jan Smith (Bribie Island - 97,92) emerged victorious on countback from Pam Hodgson (Pelican Waters - 96,93). In Division 2 of Bronze I, another countback was required with Cheryl Francis defeating her City Golf Club compatriot Jennifer Bradford.
Congratulations must go to Tewantin-Noosa and Mount Coolum golf clubs who hosted a fantastic event, with special mention to both clubs' ladies committees who put in hours of work to coordinate the army of volunteers and make the Championships a success.
In 2014 the Women's Country Week heads west to the Darling Downs, with City and Toowoomba Golf Clubs looking forward to again hosting upwards of 400 players.
Srixon supports Queensland golfers Ona and Goodwin
Both players were selected by Srixon to receive a scholarship which included funding the trip to Asia as part of the agreement the organisation has with Golf Queensland.
The women will first compete in the 30th Malaysian Ladies Amateur Open Championship from 21-23 May at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Read more
This will be followed by the Singapore Ladies Golf Association Amateur Open to be played from 28-30 May at the Laguna National Golf and Country Club. Read more
Ona and Goodwin have just returned from Tasmania where they finished third at the Australian Women's Interstate Series, only dropping one match during the tournament.
Golf Queensland Head Coach Tony Meyer said it was great to see a company such as Srixon support emerging golfers.
"Ashley and Gennai are both deserving of the opportunity to play in Asia against some of the best amateur golfers in the world," Mr Meyer said.
"Both players are great ambassadors for Golf Queensland and Srixon Sports.
"The opportunity this scholarship provides these players to compete overseas is vital for their development as International golfers."
Ashley Ona
Queensland State Team 2009-13
Australian Junior Champion 2008
Canberra Classic Champion 2011 (ALPG Event)
QAS Scholarship Holder 2009-13
Gennai Goodwin
Queensland State Team 2013
Queensland Junior Team 2011-12
QAS Scholarship Holder
Queensland Women's Team put in solid effort for third at Australian Interstate
Ellen Davies-Graham, Ashley Ona, Nadine White and Ali Orchard were all winners for Queensland on the final day.
Victoria claimed the Women's title, defeating reigning champions, Western Australia in the final round. In the second consolidation final, Tasmania triumphed over South Australia to finish fifth and sixth respectively.
Ellen Davies-Graham (Redcliffe)
Jaimee Dougan (Beaudesert)
Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly)
Ashley Ona (Gailes)
Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise)
Nadine White (Pacific)
Team Manager: Hayley Wilkinson
Team Coach: Richard Woodhouse
Queensland Men's Team edges NSW for Australian Interstate Title
A strong New South Wales side put up a good fight; however they came up one match short, with Queensland winning the Championship 4.5 to 3.5.
Cameron Smith remained undefeated throughout the Championship for the Queensland side.
Queensland Team Captain, James Gibellini, said "The team put in a magnificent effort and showed a lot of heart throughout the week.
Victoria finished in third place after a battle with Tasmania in the first consolidation final, while South Australia and Western Australia finished in fifth and sixth place respectively.
Queensland Team:
Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly)
James Gibellini (Emerald Lakes)
Taylor MacDonald (Redcliffe)
Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland)
Kevin Marques (Indooroopilly)
Cameron Smith (Royal Queensland)
Simon Viitakangas (Palmer Gold Coast)
Aaron Wilkin (Indooroopilly)
Team Manager: Matthew Toomey
Team Coach: Tony Meyer
Finalists Confirmed at Australian Interstate Series
Defending champions New South Wales and 2011 champions Queensland will contest the championship final on Friday at the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches at Tasmania Golf Club.
Queensland halved their contest with Victoria to finish on top of the table while New South Wales defeated South Australia 5-2 to finish in second place.
Queenslander and Australian Amateur champion Cameron Smith recorded the biggest winning margin of the championship so far with a 9&7 win over Victorian Nathan Holman. Smith was 9-under par when the match finished after 11 holes.
Home state Tasmania beat Western Australia 4.5-2.5 in the fifth round to finish in third place.
The Tasmanians will take on Victoria in the first consolation final for third place tomorrow. Victoria rebounded on Day 3 to earn a share of the points in their contest with Queensland.
Western Australia will take on South Australia in the second consolation final.
The finals take place at 7.50am on Friday morning at Tasmania Golf Club.
Click Here for Results
The Victorian women's team continued their excellent form at Royal Hobart Golf Club to finish on top of the table going into Friday's final of the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches.
They will play defending champions Western Australia for the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup with the Western Australian side looking for a hat-trick of victories after clinching the title in 2011 and 2012.
Victoria halved their contest 3.5 points apiece with Queensland with Su-Hyun Oh and Julienne Soo both recording solid wins for Victoria while the Western Australian side defeated Tasmania 5-0 to book their place in the final.
Queensland and New South Wales will contest the first consolation final after New South Wales defeated South Australia 4-1 this morning.
South Australia and Tasmania will play off in the second consolation final.
The finals take place at 7.50am on Friday morning at Royal Hobart Golf Club.
Click Here for Results
DAY 2 SUMMARY: Australian Interstate Series
The Queensland men took full advantage of their 6-1 victory over South Australia in the morning on Day 2 to move into top spot at the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches in cold and wet conditions at Tasmania Golf Club.
Reigning Australian Amateur champion Cameron Smith and Aaron Wilkin were among those to record victories in both their matches for the Queensland side looking to make it three wins in the last four years at the championship.
New South Wales is in second place after bouncing back from a loss to Western Australia to complete a resounding win over Victoria in the afternoon.
After leading overnight, the Victorian men suffered heavy losses on the second day.
Tasmania produced the result of the day to beat Victoria 6-1 in the morning before New South Wales defeated the Victorians 6.5-0.5 in the afternoon to leave them in third place.
Tasmania's afternoon halved contest with Queensland moves them into fourth place ahead of Western Australia in fifth and South Australia in sixth.
Click Here for Results
The Victorian women's team continues to shine following a day of resounding wins at the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches at Royal Hobart Golf Club.
Leading overnight, the Victorians completed consecutive 5-0 victories over Tasmania and New South Wales on the second day to move eight matches and a contest clear of Western Australia in second place.
Su Hyun Oh and Julienne Soo recorded strong wins in both their matches for the leaders.
Defending champions Western Australia moved up into second place after victories over New South Wales and South Australia.
Minjee Lee, Hannah Green and Hayley Bettencourt were undefeated on the second day for the Western Australian side.
Queensland is in third place after a 5-0 win over South Australia and 4-1 win over Tasmania.
New South Wales is in fourth place and South Australia and Tasmania round out the leaderboard in fifth and sixth.
Click Here for Results
DAY 1 SUMMARY: Australian Interstate Series
The Victorian men's team has taken the lead after the opening day of play at the Australian Men's Interstate Teams Matches at Tasmania Golf Club in Hobart.
In breezy conditions, 2013 Victorian Open runner up Nathan Holman and NSW Medallist Tom Power Horan were undefeated on the opening day, helping the Victorians to defeat South Australia 5-2 and Western Australia 4-3.
Queensland is in second place following a 5-2 victory Western Australia in the morning before sharing the points with New South Wales in the afternoon.
The New South Wales team is in third place after victory over local favourites Tasmania in the morning.
South Australia is in fourth place with Tasmania and Western Australia tied fifth.
Click Here for Results
A strong opening day performance from the Victorian women's team gave them the outright lead at the Australian Women's Interstate Teams Matches at Royal Hobart Golf Club.
The Victorians produced dominant 4.5 to 0.5 wins over Western Australia and South Australia with Grace Lennon and Jo Charlton recording strong wins for the leaders.
New South Wales leads the chasing pack after defeating Tasmania and halving their contest with Queensland in the afternoon.
South Australia and Western Australia are tied in third place while home state Tasmania sits fifth.
State rivalries heat up for Australian Interstate Series
Tasmania Golf Club is hosting the Men's Interstate Teams Matches for the first time since 1993 while Royal Hobart Golf Club will host the Women's Interstate Teams Matches for the first time as Australia's oldest team championship gets underway.
Among the leading players in action this week are current Australian Amateur champions Cameron Smith (QLD) and Minjee Lee (WA). Western Australia will field a pair of World Number 2 ranked players in their respective teams with Lee in the women's team and Riversdale Cup champion Brady Watt in the men's team.
Su Hyun Oh (VIC) and Grace Lennon (VIC), the World Number 4 and 17 respectively, recently returned with Lee from Australia's victory at the Queen Sirikit Cup in Taiwan.
The South Australian team is boosted by recently crowned Australian junior champion Anthony Murdaca.
Each championship culminates in a morning of finals on Friday.
The Australian Interstate Teams Matches have played host to the early careers of some of Australia's best players including Greg Norman, Karrie Webb, Jason Day, Aaron Baddeley, Sarah Kemp and Sarah-Jane Smith.
Western Australia will be looking to for a third straight win in the women's championship for the Gladys Hay Memorial Cup, a feat not achieved since New South Wales from 1999-2001.
New South Wales are the defending champions in the men's championship.
Click Here for Score Updates and more information
Inspired Queensland Boys' bring home national golf title
Left with the difficult task of defeating a strong Victorian team in the final round, the Queenslanders found themselves all square over the five matches after nine holes.
The team rallied on the back nine to finish, with three wins and two losses to claim the National title.
After a long week of golf, consisting of seven contests over 126 holes, Jack Hulyer (Coolangatta-Tweed) remained undefeated for the Queenslanders.
"The team played exceptionally well throughout the tournament. I am very proud of the perseverance and sportsmanship they displayed," said Team Manager, Graeme Mathers.
"Adam Scott's win at the US Masters on Monday certainly inspired the boys' to push themselves."
When asked about the win, Golf Queensland Manager Golf Operations Luke Bates said "The Queensland Boys' Team have not won the event since 2006 and to now join the Girls' Team victory earlier in the week is a fantastic result for junior golf in Queensland.
"The players, coaches and support staff put significant preparation into the National Teams Matches each year and it is just reward for everyone involved to have both junior teams win in 2013."
Mr Bates said Queensland golf has had an inspirational week following the pursuits of Adam Scott, who won the US Masters, with Jason Day and John Senden also featuring heavily in the Major.
"Both Queensland teams should be proud of their achievements this week and now join an elite group of Australian golfers.
"Karrie Webb, Adam Scott and Jason Day were all members of previous victorious Queensland teams in 1992, 1995 and 2004 respectively."
Final standings:
Queensland - 1st
Victoria - 2nd
New South Wales and South Australia - 3rd
Western Australia - 5th
Tasmania - 6th
Australian Capital Territory - 7th
Northern Territory - 8th
Queensland Boys' Team:
Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly)
Matthew Cheung (Pacific)
Jack Hulyer (Coolangatta-Tweed)
Blake Proverbs (Pacific)
Jack Sullivan (Robina Woods)
Shae Wools-Cobb (Horton Park)
Manager: Graeme Mathers
Coach: Grant Field
Queensland and Victoria duel for Boys' Interstate Title
Victoria and Queensland will battle it out for the Australian Boys' Interstate Teams Matches title when they go head to head in the final round at Bunbury Golf Club on Thursday.
The Victorians defeated New South Wales 3-2 in the fifth round before beating the Australian Capital Territory boys 5-0 in the penultimate round while Queensland accounted for Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
New South Wales is in third place and plays the home state Western Australia on Thursday.
South Australia is in fourth place and Western Australia is in fifth.
Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory round out the leaderboard.
The final round takes place on Thursday.
Click Here to view Results
Queensland Girls' Team seals victory in Australian Interstate
The Queensland team defeated Western Australia 4-1 in the final round, and needed Victoria to defeat New South Wales to seal the victory.
Queensland Team Coach, Virginia Irwin was thrilled with the win.
"The girls performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament. They focused, stayed in the present and played for each other," Irwin said.
"They worked hard and thoroughly deserve the win."
This completes a hat trick of victories in the National Championship for the Queensland Girls' Team.
New South Wales and Victoria finished tied in second place, with Western Australia in fourth and South Australia fifth.
Final Results
Queensland Team:
(L-R below)
Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed)
Stacey White (Pacific)
Dee Dee Russell (Coolangatta-Tweed)
Samantha Foley (RACV Royal Pines Resort)
Amy Walsh - Captain (Emerald Lakes)
Kate Law (Maryborough)
Virginia Irwin (Coach)
Jessica Jenkins (Manager)
Tambo hosts junior golf camp with Golf Queensland
Youth from ages 5 to 17 participated in the camp, structured to teach participants fundamentals of the game.
The first two days of the camp ran through golfing skills including short game, long game, putting and specific rules before engaging in some competitive play for the Central West Junior Championships on the final morning.
Major winners of the Central West Junior Championships included Blackall's Ronan Robinson who won the title of junior champion boy with a round of 91. Runner up Stephen Turnbull, Tambo, finished with a score of 93.
The junior champion girl was Blackall's Rochelle Robinson who finished the day with a score of 58. Runner up and 14 yrs and under champion was Fiona Stevens from Tambo with 62.
14 years and under boys champion was Nickolas Johnson from Tambo with a score of 47. The Runner up was Blackall's Kyle Williams with a score of 55.
12 years and under boys champion was Rangi Soloman from Ilfracombe with a score of 47, while runner up Bayley Williams from Blackall had a score of 71.
The 10 years and under champion boy was Clay Gleeson with a score of 36. Runner up was Neo Turner from Tambo with 44.
The 10 years and under girls champion and runner up, both from Tambo, were Molly Turnbull with a score of 44 and Karla Sankey with a score of 51.
Eight years and under boys champion was Cody Harrington from Palm Meadows with a score of 41. The runner up was Jim Stevens from Tambo with a score of 45.
The 8 years and under boys champion, which was played on a composite course, was Tom Lines from Isisford with a score of 36. The runner up was Brock Sankey from Tambo with a score of 38.
The eight years and under girls champion was Jamie Pactridge from Tambo with a score of 44.
Runner up was Taleah Turner from Tambo also with a score of 44.
Both Mr and Ms Harrington congratulated all of the participants on their efforts over the weekend.
Ms Harrington said both she and Peter were impressed with the ability levels across the board.
"Country kids far out perform city kids – they just lack the technical skills."
Mr Harrington said that's where she and other PGA Professional coaches come into play.
"Lee did a community coaching course last year to teach the basics to local coaches."
He added that those coaches now have level one coaching qualifications and can use those skills to continue the fundamental.
According to Mr and Ms Harrington, there were three community volunteer coaches that were instrumental in the success of the weekend - Shane Robinson, Kim Trickett and Bill Rogers.
Ms Harrington said the camp was successful.
"It was a pilot for other camps in other regional areas."
"There's a golf club in every town – we need to see the people at the golf clubs putting their hands up to take the next step."
"Ideally, we would like to hold a junior golf camp once a year, but it needs people in local areas to support it."
Feedback from the juniors said they were only too happy to support the continuation of camps in future years.
Overall girl and boy winners Ronan and Richelle Robinson said the camp was a great opportunity for kids to start off using the correct techniques.
"It's great for the kids to start off learning how to do it right," Rochelle said.
Eight year olds Tommy Lines and Codi Johnson said the camp taught them how to stand and swing properly.
For one of them, it was their first time playing and now after the camp, they are both convinced they want to return next year.
"We want to keep playing after this – it's been really fun," Codi said.
Blackall-Tambo Regional Council Sport and Recreation Officer Kim Trickett said it was a privilege for the kids to have tuition from coaches of Lee and Peter's calibre.
Following the camp, the volunteer coaches have arranged tentative dates for the juniors to participate in an inter-town competition.
More details will be announced at a later date.
Queensland's Adam Scott first Australian to win US Masters
On the second hole of sudden death play-off, Scott holed a birdie to defeat Argentine Angel Cabrera's par.
Having learnt the game while growing up in South-East Queensland, this is the 32-year-old's first major title win.
His victory has ended the Australian drought, with eight runner-up finishes by Australian golfers over the 77-year history of the tournament.
Scott's fellow Queenslander, Jason Day, held the lead for a large portion on the final day and was two shots clear midway through the back nine, but made two consecutive bogey's to finish in outright third on seven-under.
Victorian Marc Leishman was even for the day and finished tied for fourth with world number one Tiger Woods, while Queenslander John Senden, finished three-over in a tie for 35th.
Golf Queensland CEO, Lindsay Ellis, said he was thrilled to see Queensland golfers Scott and Day finishing first and third in one of the world's biggest tournaments.
"Along with the rest of the nation, I congratulate the Aussie contingent on their performance," Mr Ellis said.
"Scott, Day and Senden began their amateur careers in Queensland and it wasn't so long ago that they were playing on Queensland golf courses and competing in state championships.
"Scott was a member of the Champion Queensland Junior Team in 1995 while a member at the Royal Queensland Golf Club and Day played at Hills International Golf Club and was a member of the winning Queensland Junior and Open teams in 2004."
Mr Ellis said Golf Queensland is dedicated to developing amateur golfers and has a High Performance program in place focussed on this objective.
"Just recently, Golf Queensland facilitated three advanced junior clinics in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay working with over 45 juniors from the age of 12," Mr Ellis said.
Queensland's current crop of amateurs are also competing strongly with three males and one female in the World's top 50 Amateur Rankings
"It is hoped that today's fantastic result will also motivate our junior representative teams competing in Western Australia at the Australian Boys' and Girls' Interstate Teams Matches," he said.
"If we look at what our Queensland amateur players have achieved nationally and internationally already, it is an extremely exciting time for the Queensland golf industry."
Australian Junior Amateur Final Report
National Squad member Minjee Lee (WA) became the first player since Victorian Jane Lock in 1975 to hold both the Australian Amateur and Australian Junior titles in the same year with victory at the Australian Girls' Amateur at Mount Lawley Golf Club.
The World Number 2 amateur and Royal Fremantle member posted rounds of 69-71-71-68 to finish at 13-under par and win by 8 strokes after holding off an early challenge from Mount Lawley member Hannah Green (WA) and Su Hyun Oh (VIC). Lee had six birdies in seven holes between the 8th and the 14th.
Lee, who heads to Taiwan on Sunday with Oh to represent Australia at the Queen Sirikit Cup said she was pleased with the victory in her home state.
"It feels good to win it at home and I played well so I think it's a deserved win" Lee said.
"Both my iron play and my putting were good this week. I needed to make birdies during today's round and I just hit one good shot after another and it ended up being a chain of birdies."
Lee earned an exemption into the 2014 ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open with the victory but was already exempt with her Australian Amateur victory.
Green finished on 5-under par in second place while Oh finished in third place at 4-under par.
Jenny Lee (SA) finished in fourth place while Julienne Soo (VIC) finished fifth.
View Final Results
Australian Boys' Amateur Championship - Pinjarra Golf Club, WA.
2010 Australian Boys' Amateur champion Anthony Murdaca (SA) followed in the footsteps of World Number 7 Adam Scott by winning his second Australian Boys' Amateur Championship at Pinjarra Golf Club, south of Perth.
Murdaca finished at 16-under par after rounds of 66-66-71-69 and becomes just the third player in history to win the title multiple times, joining Scott (1997/1998) and Kiwi Grant Waite (1982/1983) with multiple victories.
A member of The Grange Golf Club, Murdaca said he was delighted to win the title again after a close battle with Lucas Herbert (VIC).
"It feels great, feels amazing to be honest," Murdaca said. "It was a pretty close one. Lucas and I were in a battle all day but I birdied the last to win."
"I feel pretty privileged be in that company," Murdaca said of the Adam Scott link. "I've been working on it for two years and my ball striking was a lot better this week and I really wanted to win another Junior title."
Herbert fought Murdaca for most of the day but finished in second place at 13 under par. The young Victorian finished in a tie for second at the PGA Tour of Australasia's Heritage Classic earlier this year.
Kevin Yuan (NSW) finished tied in third place at 8-under par after a final round 68 with Minwoo Lee (WA), brother of Minjee, who fired a 67 – the round of the day.
Ryan Ruffels and Harrison Traylen finished in a tie for fifth at 7-under par.
Murdaca earned an exemption into this year's Emirates Australian Open at Royal Sydney Golf Club with the victory.
View Final Results
Australian Junior Amateur - Round 2 Report
Royal Fremantle member Minjee Lee (WA) extended her lead to five strokes after the second round of competition at the Australian Girls' Amateur Championship at Mount Lawley Golf Club.
The current Australian Amateur champion backed up her opening round 69 with a 2-under par 71 in cloudy conditions to hold the lead over defending champion Su Hyun Oh (VIC) who also shot a second round 71.
Mount Lawley member Hannah Green (WA) is on even par, a stroke further back from Oh. Australian Amateur runner-up Jenny Lee (SA) is three strokes behind in a tie for fourth with Montana Strauss (VIC) who has indicated she will withdraw from tomorrow's third round.
The final two rounds are played over 36 holes on Friday.
View Round 2 Results
Australian Boys' Amateur Championship - Pinjarra Golf Club, WA.
2010 Australian Boys' Amateur champion Anthony Murdaca (SA) is hunting a second National Junior title after a second consecutive 66 put him at 12-under par at the Australian Boys' Amateur Championship at Pinjarra Golf Club, south of Perth.
Were he to win, Murdaca would become just the third player in history to win the title multiple times, joining Adam Scott (1997/1998) and Grant Waite (1982/1983).
Lucas Herbert (VIC) is his nearest challenger after shooting a 4-under par 68 to be two strokes behind Murdaca.
Minwoo Lee, brother of Minjee, is in a tie for third place with Harrison Traylen (WA), seven strokes behind the leader.
Ryan Ruffels (VIC) is in a five tie for sixth place with Viraat Badhwar (QLD), Jordan Bishop (SA), Kevin Yuan (NSW) and Ben Elliott (TAS).
The final two rounds are played over 36 holes on Friday.
View Round 2 Results
The Australian Boys' Amateur Championship is held at Pinjarra Golf Club from 10-12 April.
The Australian Girls' Amateur Championship is held at Mt Lawley Golf Club from 10-12 April.
Australian Junior Championships - Round 1 Report
Australian Girls' Amateur Championship - Mount Lawley Golf Club, WA.Current Australian Amateur champion Minjee Lee (WA) eased her way to a four stroke lead after the opening round of the Australian Girls' Amateur at Mount Lawley Golf Club in Perth.
In warm conditions, Lee shot a 4-under par 69 to lead Mount Lawley member Hannah Green (WA) and Bankstown junior Celina Yuan (NSW) who finished with even par 73s.
Defending champion Su Hyun Oh (VIC) finished with a 1-over par 74 and shares fourth place with Jessica Lasky (NSW).
Montana Strauss (VIC), Shelly Shin (NSW) and Kirsty Hodgkins (QLD) all finished at 3-over par in a tie for sixth after the opening round.
The second round takes place on Thursday.
View Round 1 Results
Australian Boys' Amateur Championship - Pinjarra Golf Club, WA.Lucas Herbert (VIC) and Anthony Murdaca (SA) both fired course record 6-under par 66s in a birdie blitz during the first round of the Australian Boys' Amateur at Pinjarra Golf Club near Mandurah.
Herbert finished in a tie for second at the PGA Tour of Australasia's Heritage Classic over the summer while Murdaca remains the youngest player to win the Australian Junior Championship when he did so as a 14 year-old in 2010.
Grant Booth (NSW) is in outright third after an opening 67 while Viraat Badhwar (QLD) is in fourth following a 68.
Lake Karrinyup member Kiran Dayawala (WA) is in a tie for fifth with Blake Collyer (VIC) after first round 69s.
View Round 1 Results
The Australian Boys' Amateur Championship is held at Pinjarra Golf Club from 10-12 April.
The Australian Girls' Amateur Championship is held at Mt Lawley Golf Club from 10-12 April.
Emirates Australian Open returns to Royal Sydney in 2013
After three consecutive years at The Lakes Golf Club, the Open will return to the Royal Sydney's Rose Bay layout for the first time since 2008 when Tim Clark became the first South African since Gary Player to win the Open after a play-off victory over Australia's Mathew Goggin.
NSW Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said "The Australian Open is synonymous with Sydney, having hosted the event since 2006. The NSW Government, through Destination NSW, has established a strategic partnership with Golf Australia to stage the Open in Sydney until 2015, with the long-term vision of the tournament becoming the premier event in the Asia Pacific region."
Golf Australia CEO Stephen Pitt said he was pleased the Open would return to a club with significant historical ties to the championship.
"Royal Sydney has hosted the Open 13 times and counts Gary Player, John Senden, Aaron Baddeley, Robert Allenby and Mark Calcavecchia among the past champions to lift the Stonehaven Cup there," Pitt said.
"We are looking forward to returning to Royal Sydney in November with Australia's most coveted championship."
Earlier this month 6-time Australian Open champion Jack Nicklaus confirmed the Open would move to The Australian Golf Club in 2014.
"The Emirates Australian Open is an important tournament for the PGA Tour of Australasia, and we're delighted it's positioned away from other iconic sporting events in what is a very busy summer for Australian sport," said Brian Thorburn who oversees the PGA Tour of Australasia.
"In fact we hope the tournament will be able to capitalise on these other sporting events, including the Ashes, bringing even more golf fans from around the world to Royal Sydney's doorstep."
The 2013 Emirates Australian Open will again be sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia.
The Championship is managed by Golf Australia in conjunction with World Sport Group, with the assistance of TRP Sports.
The 2013 Emirates Australian Open will be played at Royal Sydney Golf Club from
28 November – 1 December.
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Date confirmed for Australian PGA Championship
Moving from its traditional spot as one of the final events of the PGA Tour of Australasia and OneAsia seasons, Brian Thorburn CEO of the PGA says the scheduling positions the Championship to attract a quality field for its inaugural year on the Gold Coast.
"Since announcing the new home of the Championship we've received some great feedback from a number of areas and we're looking forward to creating a new legacy for the tournament on the Gold Coast," said Thorburn.
"Our priority for this year is to ensure we position ourselves to maximise opportunities for the Australian PGA Championship, in terms of attracting both a quality field and the fans."
"With the date now confirmed we can get on with business, which will mean doing everything in our power to create one of the most successful and popular events on the Gold Coast calendar."
While Thorburn is unable to go into details, he did confirm the PGA has already approached a number of high profile international players, and confirmed talks will continue at the upcoming US Masters.
"We're also looking at a number of other initiatives to boost the off-course atmosphere. RACV Royal Pines provides us with a wonderful opportunity to enhance the entertainment value and we're looking forward to working with our stakeholders to bring some of these new ideas to life."
Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business, and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, said the Championship would deliver significant economic and tourism benefits for the Gold Coast.
"The Australian PGA Championship is a great addition to the Gold Coast event calendar and will boost visitation to the region during November," Ms Stuckey said.
"Our plan to rebuild tourism is to have a more coordinated and strategic approach to attracting visitors whether they come for holidays, festivals or events like the Australian PGA Championship."
"As we look toward the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, it is world-class events like this that showcase our region as a premier sporting event destination."
The Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca-Cola will be played at RACV Royal Pines from Thursday 7th - Sunday 10th November.
The tournament is proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland, Coca-Cola, RACV, Gold Coast City Council, Gold Coast Tourism, Emirates, Volkswagen, Hahn Premium Light, Amadio Wine and Srixon.
The Championship is managed by the PGA in conjunction with World Sport Group, and with the assistance of TRP Sports.
For further information please visit the Championship website.
Qld's Amy Walsh to compete in Callaway World Junior
Callaway World Junior
Brett Coletta (VIC), Hannah Green (WA), Lucas Herbert (VIC) and Amy Walsh (QLD) will represent Australia at the Callaway World Junior in San Diego, California from 16-19 July.
Green and Herbert have represented Australia before at the Trans-Tasman Cup with Herbert a current member of Golf Australia's National Junior Squad. Coletta and Walsh represented Australia at the Australian Youth Olympics Festival in Sydney earlier in the year.
The Team Coach will be Khan Pullen.
Minjee Lee (WA), Grace Lennon (VIC) and Su Hyun Oh (VIC) will represent Australia at the 35th Queen Sirikit Cup at Sunrise Golf and Country Club in Yangmei City, Taiwan from 17-19 April.
Australian Amateur champion Lee won her third WA Amateur title in four years last week and Lennon is fresh from her victory at the Women's Riversdale Cup in Melbourne. Oh was joint runner-up at this year's Volvik RACV Ladies Masters on the Gold Coast in February.
Australia finished third in the championship in 2012 behind Korea and New Zealand.
The Team Manager will be Matt Cutler and the Team Coach will be Shani Waugh.
Thunderbird International Junior
Julienne Soo (VIC) and DJ Loypur (VIC) will form the Australian team at the Thunderbird International Junior championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona from 24-27 May.
Soo won the San Diego Junior Masters in 2012 and is the reigning Victorian Girls' Amateur Champion while Loypur won the Victorian Junior Masters at Waverley Golf Club in January.
The Team Coach will be Peter Knight.
Several past competitors at the Thunderbird International have gone on to be PGA Tour winners including Americans Hunter Mahan and Ryan Moore.
2013 Club Level Rules Seminars
Club Level Rules of Golf Seminars are now open for registration!
Headland Golf Club 16th April - CLICK HERE
Southport Golf Club 27th May and 3rd June - CLICK HERE
Wynnum 18th and 25th June - CLICK HERE
Golf Queensland State Teams retain Caddies Cup and PJ Davies Plate
The Golf Queensland Men's Team & PGA Team finished in a 4-4 draw, with the amateurs retaining the trophy. In the PJ Davies Plate matches, the Golf Queensland Boy's Team defeated the PGA Trainees 5-1.
Dating back to 1927 the Caddies Cup originally sponsored by The Courier Mail and was a tournament specifically for Caddies, when caddying was popular. A young Norman Von Nida was the winner in the first two events played at Royal Queensland Golf Club. The event was discontinued in 1961. Wanting to maintain the trophy the Queensland Golf Union began using the trophy for the annual match against the PGA in 1986.
The Queensland State amateur teams are in training for the Australian Interstate Series' with the Boys' Team competing in Western Australia from 15-18 April and the Men's Team heading to Tasmania to compete from 30 April - 3 May.
CADDIES CUP - GOLF QUEENSLAND & PGA PROFESSIONALS DREW - 4 matches each.
Individual Results
Match No 8 Kade McBride Lost to Brenton Fowler 1 down
Match No 7 Cory Crawford versus Paul Hayden all square
Match No 6 Simon Viitakangas lost to Sam Eaves 6 & 5
Match No 5 James Gibellini versus Rika Batibasaga all square
Match No 4 Kevin Marques defeated Aaron Pike 5 & 3
Match No 3 Jake McLeod defeated Heath Reed 2 & 1
Match No 2 Aaron Wilkin lost to Brett Rankin 6 & 5
Match No 1 Cameron Smith defeated Sven Puymbroek 1 up.
As the holders of the Caddies Cup the Golf Queensland team retain the trophy.
P.J.DAVIES PLATE - GOLF QUEENSLAND DEFEATED PGA TRAINEES - 5 matches to 1.
Match No 6 Blake Proverbs defeated Leon Ang 3 & 2
Match No 5 Matt Cheung defeated Brad McLellan 3 & 2
Match No 4 Shae Wools Cobb defeated Dale Walker 3 & 2
Match No 3 Jack Sullivan defeated Matt Douglas 1 up
Match No 2 Jack Hulyer lost to Rick Coleman 5 & 4
Match No 1 Viraat Badhwar defeated Tim Hart 4 & 3
Belonogoff and Bronwyn win the 2013 Queensland Women's Fourball
Belonogoff and Park were thrilled to win the President's Cup, As both players agreed it was worthwhile having the day off work to play in the event.
It was a closely run win with the team of Adele Webb and Pauline Stewart from Pelican Waters Golf Club finishing second on nett 67 and Jenni Holland and Sandra Yarrow (Gympie Golf Club) third, with nett 70 on a count back.
In the gross event, victory went to the team of Wendy O'Connell and Ellen Davies Graham who finished on one under par-71, ten in front of Margaret Bailey and Dorothy Kayhler.
Full list of results click here.
Caddies Cup and PJ Davies Plate
1. Cameron Smith v Sven Puymbroeck
2. Aaron Wilkin v Brett Rankin
3. Jake McLeod v Heath Reed
4. Kevin Marques v Aaron Pike
5. James Gibellini v Rika Batibasaga
6. Simon Viitakangas v Sam Eaves
7. Cory Crawford v Paul Hayden
1. Viraat Badhwar v Tim Hart
2. Jack Hulyer v Rick Coleman
3. Jack Sullivan v Matt Douglas
4. Shae Wools Cobb v Dale Walker
5. Matt Cheung v Brad Mclellan
6. Blake Proverbs v Leon Ang
Inclusive Golf Championship a big hit at the RACV Royal Pines Resort
Laughter and friendly banter could be heard around the course and driving range from the 60 participants who relished the opportunity to learn more about the game of golf.
The Championships catered for all levels of golfers from organisations including the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, Special Olympics Queensland, Gold Coast Sport and Recreation, Life Stream and the Queensland Amputee Golf Association.
The pinnacle event was the 18 hole Championship which was won by Craig Read with a scorching nett 73.
Kate Wilson took out the Ladies 18 hole event finishing with a nett 84. Barbara Harth came in second with a nett 90. Kate Wilson also took out the nearest the pin on hole 2, with a shot that almost saw her hole the shot for one.
While the 18 hole event was underway, participants for the 9 hole event got themselves ready for a fun day with their nominated partners. Remaining participants who did not compete in either of the events lined up for a masterclass on the range with Golf Queensland's Development Officer, Lee Harrington and local PGA Professional Loic Truet.
Both professionals demonstrated to the group how anyone, no matter their ability or physical restrictions, can play the game. Further, they helped participants learn new skills on the range and putting green through demonstrations and skill based activities.
Many of the participants hadn't played on a golf course of this nature, normally keeping to the driving ranges, and were thrilled to be provided an opportunity to play on a prestigious course like RACV Royal Pines.
2013 Golf Queensland Inclusive Golf Championships Results
Winner: Craig Read 73 nett
Ladies Winner: Kate Wilson 84 nett
N.T.P: Kate Wilson on Hole 2
9 Hole Championship
Winner: Marc Bright and Matthew Ardly 38
Runner Up: Chad Johnson and Richard Holmes 40
Third: Shane Locke and Dave Gavin 43
Dodd and Sullivan claim Indigenous Championships at Murgon
Rickie Dodd (Windaroo) and Kiri Sullivan (Middlemount) have emerged victorious in the 2013 Queensland Indigenous Championships after 3 days play at Murgon Golf Club.
After the only sub par round of the tournament yesterday, Dodd held his nerve in the final round to hold off Blackwater challenger Craig Dodd by 2 shots. Tied 3rd a further 3 shots back were Shane Bird (Wondai) and 2012 Champion Robin Harrison (Hervey Bay).
Kiri Sullivan (Middlemount) pulled away with a final round 81 to claim the Women's Championship. Sullivan's play was consistent all weekend and she is already planning to return in 2014 to defend her title.
The loudest cheer of the presentations was reserved for local junior Edward Combo (Murgon), who beat his older peers to win the Overall Nett Division with 16 under his handicap. Combo only began playing competitive golf since the start of this year and with continual regular play his scores will continue to drop dramatically.
In the closest division, Hervey Bay member Elgar Harrison claimed the Seniors' Division by 1 shot from Brian Harrison (Nudgee) and Gordon Wragge (Murgon).
Murgon Golf Club, staffed completely by volunteers, is to be congratulated for the fantastic course presentation and hospitality extended to all visitors.
For all Championship scores, please follow the links below:
CLICK HERE for Men's Scores
CLICK HERE for Women's Scores
Queensland Interstate Teams Announced
Tasmania will host the event with the Men's event being played at the Tasmania Golf Club and the Women's event being played at the Royal Hobart Golf Club.
Golf Queensland's Head Coach, Tony Meyer said both the selected teams have an excellent opportunity to win the Championships.
"The selected players have had fantastic results over the past few months and thoroughly deserve their places on the teams," he said.
The Australian Men's and Women's Interstate Teams Matches are Australia's pinnacle Amateur Team Golf Championships.
Men's State Team:
Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly)
James Gibellini (Emerald Lakes)
Taylor MacDonald (Redcliffe)
Jake McLeod (Royal Queensland)
Kevin Marques (Indooroopilly)
Cameron Smith (Royal Queensland)
Simon Viitakangas (Palmer Gold Coast)
Aaron Wilkin (Indooroopilly)
Men's Reserve:
Cory Crawford (Sanctuary Cove)
Men's Team Manager - Matthew Toomey
Men's Coach - Tony Meyer
Women's State Team:
Ellen Davies-Graham (Redcliffe)
Jaimee Dougan (Beaudesert)
Gennai Goodwin (Indooroopilly)
Ashley Ona (Gailes)
Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise)
Nadine White (Pacific)
Women's Reserve:
Lauren Mason (Headland)
Women's Team Manager - Hayley Wilkinson
Women's Coach - Richard Woodhouse
Qld Men's and Women's Foursomes Championships
Blake Proverbs (Pacific) and Jack Sullivan (Palmer Gold Coast have taken out the 2013 Men's Foursomes with rounds of 70 and 73 to Adam Mollis (Blackwater) and Mark Stenhouse (Noosa Springs) by a shot.
The Women's Foursomes Championship was won in dominant fashion with newly crowned Queensland Female Amateur Golfer of 2012, Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise) teaming with Sheree Hasson (Mackay) for rounds of 71 and 72 and a 14 shot victory. After a runner up finish in 2012, Orchard was glad to go one better this year and claim a title won previously by Karrie Webb.
Queensland clean sweep at Australian Foursomes Championships
Queenslanders Aaron Wilkin and Taylor MacDonald won the Australian Men's Foursomes Championship with a 3-under par total at Riversdale Golf Club today.
The pair finished with rounds of 70 and 71 (141) to win by two strokes from NSW pair Ryan Smith and Matthew Wittenberg who finished with rounds of 71-72 (143).
Victorian pair Loren Bunting and Will Hume finished in third place on 144.
NSW pair Ruben Sondjaja and Jordan Zunic finished in fourth place on 145.
Queensland pair Ashley Ona and Jaimee Dougan successfully defended their Australian Women's Foursomes title, winning by one stroke at Riversdale Golf Club in Melbourne.
In warm conditions, the pair finished with rounds of 78-81 (159) to beat NSW pair Cathleen Santoso and Lauren Hibbert who finished with rounds of 79-81 (160).
Ona and Dougan are the first pair to sucessfully defend the title in the history of the women's championship.
Victorians Grace Lennon and Su Hyun Oh finished in third place on 162. Mikaleigh Pickles and Nadine White finished fourth.
Ali Orchard finishes second at Elvie Whitesides Championship
The 16-year-old Cottesloe Golf Club member won the championship with scores of 78, 74, 72 and 75, a total of 299.
Western Australia's Hayley Bettencourt catapulted into third place with a fourth round 72, finishing the event on 308.
Jiyai Shin clinches first Women's Australian Open win
Shin, a runner-up at the Open in 2008, claimed the first LPGA Tour event of the year after a final round 1-under par 72 to hold off Taiwanese World Number 1 Yani Tseng who fired a closing round 7-under par 66 to finish second.
"Well, finally I win in Australia so I'm really happy about that and well, I was so nervous this morning because on this course I had a good chance for birdie but also a lot make it hard to keep the par," Shin said.
"I missed a few greens today but my chip shot was great and I had a good up and down out there. So well I believe - and then when I come through the 18th, the green, so many people were down there so I felt it was amazing to walk through the 18th."
Tseng said she was pleased with her performance and runner-up finish.
"I was always feeling good here and I tried my best today. I think today I got some pretty good lucky bounces too, because I didn't drive as well like last few days but I got some good bounces, kick on the fairway, hit the tree, bounced to the fairway, so it's kind of really lucky. To finish 7 under, I'm very happy for whole week. On the last hole I just tried a little bit too hard," Tseng said.
World Number 1 amateur Lydia Ko finished with a 3-over par 76 to finish third and was philosophical about her final round and last fortnight.
"Obviously there are points and aspects where I do need to learn. Like, to me, today I think I realised that you know, after a bad hole it kind of carried onto the next hole. Like you can see, Jiyai Shin didn't really matter what she had on one hole, the next hole it was pretty fresh. So those are the kind of aspects I learnt. You know, I played with some big names out there this week, I was very privileged to play with them," Ko said.
Thailand's Moriya Jutanugarn finished in a tie with Spain's Beatriz Recari at 13-under par while France's Gwladys Nocera finished in a tie for sixth with Spain's Carlota Ciganda at 12-under.
Shin, Tseng and Jutanugarn have all earned places in the LPGA Tour's season-ending CME Group Titleholders tournament in November in Naples, Florida.
Click Here for Final Scores
Queenslanders shine at Coca-Cola QLD PGA
The highest ranked player in the field, Kennedy claimed victory by two shots from Kiwi Michael Hendry with an 18-under 254.
"It's been great, I came up here with not much expectation but the things I have been doing mentally and physically have got me through," said Kennedy.
Kennedy started the round a shot behind Hendry and spent the round going head-to-head with the Kiwi.
"I got off to a bad start, I was three back after six holes but I just kept hanging in there making a few birdies," added Kennedy who headed to the 18th tied with Hendry.
"Coming up the last, you are playing a tough hole but that is what we play for, to be able to hit a perfect shot down there."
"It went a lot further than my normal distance but to stand up there, hit a good six iron and then hole the putt is something that will stay in the memory bank for a while."
"A birdie on the last is the perfect ending to a great week."
This is the first time Kennedy has claimed his state PGA title, making it his third victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia.
"I have been a Pro for nearly 16 years now, I did my Traineeship, have been a Club Pro and done all that, so to win a QLD PGA is great."
"I came close five or six years ago so it's great to get another trophy in the cabinet," added Kennedy.
Launching his 2013 season in winning form Kennedy is now full of confidence as he heads to the Japan Golf Tour.
"I have another few months off before Japan starts so I am just going to get back to practicing,"
"Japan is going to be a long season I will need to be physically and mentally ready."
"I guess my coach is going to make me train harder now to not let me rest up on a win."
A bogey on the last was costly for Michael Hendry who finished his Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship at 16-under 256. Hendry will now focus his attention on defending his NZ PGA Championship title in two weeks time.
Finishing in outright third on 14-under the card was New South Welshman Anthony Summers while the leading amateur Cameron Smith finished a shot further behind in outright fourth.
Rounding out the top-5 on 12-under 260 were Ryan McCarthy (TAS), Scott Laycock (VIC), Rohan Blizard (NSW) and Gareth Paddison (NZ).
Canberra set for LPGA Season Opener
Headlining the morning groups are Rolex World Number 1 Taiwanese Yani Tseng, American Michelle Wie and newly crowned ISPS Handa NZ Women's Open champion Lydia Ko at 9.10am off the 10th tee.
The world's No. 1 player endured the first rough patch of her record-setting career in 2012 – a year which still included three victories.
Six weeks off including a spot of snorkelling in the Philippines and some time at home in Taiwan has her fresh for the 2013 season.
Plus a chat to her mother, Yu-Yun, back at home in Taiwan helped. The elder Tseng reminded her daughter it had been the Chinese year of the dragon in 2012. "I was a dragon, so my mum said: 'It's okay, your bad year is over. Your good year is coming this year'.''
In the other morning pairings, American Lexi Thompson, Scot Catriona Matthew and World Number 6 Korean So Yeon Ryu tee off together while Queenslander Katherine Hull-Kirk, American Brittany Lincicome and France's Gwladys Nocera begin at 8.50am.
World Number 12 Karrie Webb, World Number 3 Stacy Lewis and defending champion Jessica Korda headline the afternoon field, teeing off the first at 12.50pm.
Lewis, who lost a playoff for the Open at Royal Melbourne last year to Korda, remains an understated figure of her country's golf, sometimes in the shadow of the media stars despite better results. "I'm not Michelle Wie. I get that, and I'm fine with that. It just gives me more motivation.''
Feisty Lewis has her eyes on the No. 1 ranking, having climbed to No. 2 last year before sliding to No. 3 late in the year behind Tseng and Na Yeon Choi of South Korea.
Webb will play with home advantage but said the pressure of playing at home was not as much of a factor as it had been.
"I don't know if I feel the pressure anymore. I do like playing in Australia or love playing in Australia and I do like to play well, only because the one or two times a year that I get a home field advantage with fans that are actually pulling for me harder than they're pulling for someone from another country. That's what I love about it. I probably put that pressure on myself just so I can have that experience with the fans and give them what they came to watch."
Tiger's niece Cheyenne Woods tees off with Swede Anna Nordqvist and Korean World Number 8 Jiyai Shin among other major groups in the afternoon.
A former runner-up at the Women's Australian Open, Korean Shin won her first major championship by nine strokes in 2012 at the RICOH Women's British Open at Royal Liverpool.
ABC1 TV will broadcast the tournament live across all four days. Thursday's broadcast runs from 3.00PM-6.00PM (AEST).
Tickets are available online at www.ticktek.com or at the Main Entrance gate.
The 2013 ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open will be played at Royal Canberra Golf Club from 14-17 February.
Twitter: @womensausopen
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Amateurs ready for breakthrough win
Smith, along with fellow Golf Queensland state team members Viraat Badhwar, Taylor Macdonald Jake McLeod and Kevin Marques, will tee off in the Coca Cola Queensland PGA Championship at Toowoomba's City Golf Club on Thursday February 14.
And Grant Field, his coach of eight years, tips Smith could well score his breakthrough win next week or the week after, at the Victorian Open.
"A lot of our young amateurs have vast tournament experience and these guys won't be overawed by this field," he said.
"And wins in professional tournaments recently by fellow young amateurs Jake Higginbottom and Oliver Goss gives them an indication of how close they are to winning at this level.
"Without putting too much pressure on Cameron, I honestly believe he is close to a win at this level. He is striking the ball beautifully and is in a good place mentally."
Field said there was no better environment for young amateurs than to pit their game and their wits against seasoned professionals. And he is confident the four Queenslanders would emerge from the tournament better golfers.
"For a young bloke eyeing a professional career, playing against mostly seasoned pros who are, in general, battling each week to make a decent wage, is a terrific learning curve," he said.
"These pros are real fighters because not only is it their living, but in many cases they are playing to put food of the table. This is grassroots professional golf, and to play well and score well in this environment will do these guys untold good."
Another Queensland youngster to have gained invaluable experience from playing in a professional tournament recently was Gold Coast 14 year-old Becky Kay, who played in the first two rounds of the Australian Ladies Masters at Royal Pines last week.
Although missing the cut and finishing at the tail of the field after successive rounds of 10 over, the experience was a massive learning curve for the budding champion.
"She did very well. She played off the men's black tees and some par fours were just impossible for her to reach, but she was terrific," said he dad Scott.
"Becky was disappointed with her score but the experience was invaluable."
Australia wins Ten Nations Cup
Brady Watt (WA), Lucas Herbert (VIC), Ryan Ruffels (VIC) and Geoff Drakeford (VIC) combined to win the international team competition with a 38-under-par total of 826, finishing just a single shot clear of the Kiwis.
England took third on 31 under, Argentina finished six shots back in fourth on 839 and Scotland took fifth on 22-under-par 842. Colombia posted a 213 to take sixth on 847 while South Africa, who launched a third round comeback with a 10 under 206 on Friday, made up another 11 shots in the final round to take seventh on 13-under-par 851.
Ireland finished in eighth place on 861 and France finished with a total of 877.
Australia's final round 205 was a combination of a 70 from Watt, a 69 from Drakeford and a superb six-under-par 66 from 16-year-old Herbert.
Team coach David Nable said the side was absolutely thrilled with the victory.
"It's incredible to have won the Ten Nations Cup and to have Australia's name on the trophy," he said.
"We came over here with the hope of winning it. To have done it, is really incredible."
But the final round was a tightly fought contest and New Zealand certainly gave the Aussies a run for their money.
Starting three shots off the pace, Tyler Hodge holed a long putt at the 18th for a 68, Vaughan McCall carded a 69 and Blair Riordan knocked in seven straight birdies between the third and ninth holes on his way to a six under 66.
But their final round 203 left the Kiwis an agonising shot short of Australia's target.
"Credit to New Zealand, because they really brought it home strong and were able to make it a very close match in the end," Nable said.
"It's a very proud moment for the team. Brady shot that course record 62 on Thursday, our young 14-year-old Ryan Ruffels shot a seven-under-par on Friday and Lucas brought it home with his 66.
"We are looking forward to the SA Stroke Play next week. Hopefully Australia can have another good week in South Africa."
Watt, who recently joined the Golf Australia National Squad, won the Individual Competition. The world number five finished with a 72-hole total of 18-under-par 198, three shots clear of New Zealand's Hodge and four ahead of Colombia's Carlos Ernesto Rodriguez.
The Australians now head to the SA Stroke Championship . The tournament tees off at Oubaai Golf from 12-15 February.
826 Australia 216-202-203-205
827 New Zealand 209-215-200-203
833 England 212-208-207-206
839 Argentina 212-212-202-213
842 Scotland 211-207-218-206
847 Colombia 214-217-203-213
851 South Africa 217-223-206-205
861 Ireland 214-222-211-214
877 France 215-221-217-224
270 Brady Watt AUS 69-62-69-70
273 Tyler Hodge NZ 70-68-67-68
274 Carlos Ernesto Rodriguez COL 70-68-67-69
275 Vaughan McCall NZ 69-72-65-69; Toby Tree ENG 69-71-67-68
278 Louis Taylor RSA 72-71-68-67; Max Orrin ENG 72-66-71-69; Graeme Robertson SCO 69-69-69-71; Jamie Lopez Rivarola ARG 69-69-66-74
279 James White SCO 71-67-75-66
Webb clinches eighth Masters Crown
Webb, who was two strokes off the lead heading into the final round, posted a bogey-free five-under 67 at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast to secure the title at 13 under.
The 38-year-old Australian carded just one birdie on the first 11 holes before surging up the leaderboard with four birdies on the following six holes.
Webb, who first won the event in 1998 and more recently in 2010, became the first woman in history to claim eight tour wins at the same tournament.
Overnight leaders Su-Hyun Oh and Ariya Jutanugarn were left to rue final rounds of 71 and finished in equal second alongside South Korea's Chella Choi at 11 under.
Oh, the 16-year-old amateur from Victoria, recorded a mixed round of seven birdies, four bogeys and one double bogey, while Thailand's Jutanugarn carded three birdies and two bogeys.
America's Jessica Korda claimed outright fifth at 10 under, followed by local hope Stacey Keating, who was a further shot behind in sixth overall.
Sweden's Pernilla Lindberg and American Dori Carter ended in a tie for seventh at seven under, while South Korean So Yeon Ryu was a further shot adrift in outright ninth.
American Alison Walshe slipped to 10th overall at five under on the back of a disappointing 74.
Queensland Junior Interstate Teams Announced
Golf Queensland's Head Coach, Tony Meyer said all selected players thoroughly deserve their places on the teams.
"All players have had fantastic results over the past couple of months and are looking forward to representing their home state.
"It will be exciting for many of the new members of the teams who will be playing in their first Interstate Teams Championship. It is an important event in our players' development" he said.
Queensland has had an excellent record in this tournament in the past, with the Girls' Team winning four of the last five Championships (2012 team pictured).
Two male and female development players have also been selected to travel with their respective Junior State Teams to compete in the Australian Junior Amateur Championship.
Boys' State Team:
Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly)
Matthew Cheung (Pacific)
Jack Hulyer (Coolangatta/Tweed)
Blake Proverbs (Pacific)
Jack Sullivan (Robina Woods)
Shae Wools-Cobb (Horton Park)
Boys' Development Players:
Kodi Koski (Caloundra)
Tristan Nicholls (Sanctuary Cove)
Boys' Team Manager - Graeme Mathers
Boys' Coach - Grant Field
Girls' State Team:
Samantha Foley (Coolangatta/Tweed)
Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta/Tweed)
Kate Law (Maryborough)
Dee Dee Russell (Coolangatta/Tweed)
Amy Walsh (Emerald Lakes)
Stacey White (Pacific)
Girls' Development Players:
Kirsty Hodgkins (Redcliffe)
Kimberley Ikin (Pacific)
Girls' Team Manager - Jessica Jenkins
Girls' Coach - Virginia Irwin
Development Player Manager - Shane Stevenson
Wildcard Becky is Masters' youngest
Becky was notified on Sunday of her wild-card invitation and will tee it up alongside the likes of Australian household names Karrie Webb, Katherine Hull and Sarah-Jane Smith, as well as defending champion Christel Boeljon, reigning British Open champion Jiyai Shin and current US Open champion, So Yeon Ryu.
The winner of the Junior Women's Masters planned for the Gold Coast yesterday (Monday) was to have been extended an invitation to play in the senior event, but the tournament was washed out. Tournament directors Fay Campbell and Denise Engwirda then contacted Masters tournament chairman Bob Tuohy, suggested Becky should be invited, and the deal was subsequently done.
"I have been involved in the Ladies Masters for 18 years, and Becky is the youngest player that I can recall," said Mrs Campbell.
"She is a brilliant talent who has attained quite remarkable results of late, and deserves to be there. She will be an acquisition to the field and the experience she gains will be invaluable."
Kiwi Lydia Ko, who became youngest person to win a professional golf tour event when she saluted at the 2012 NSW Open at 14 years of age, was also 14 when she played at Royal Pines last year, but was about to turn 15 (in April).
Becky, who started playing golf just four years ago and in that time has reduced her handicap from 36 to scratch, is currently ranked the number nine junior in Australia and number two in Queensland. This year she has already won the South Australian Junior Masters, finished second in the South Australian Junior Championships and been named in the Queensland under 18 team.
Prior to Christmas she contested the Greg Norman Junior Masters in Queensland and won her age group by 11 shots.
First QSOOM event of 2013
A total field of 67 male and female golfers competed in the inaugural event with home clubs ranging across south east Queensland and Northern New South Wales
The first event received fantastic feedback from the players with many saying they couldn't wait to play the next event at Wynnum Golf Club on the 11th February.
The winner of the Women's event was Wendy O'Connell (pictured below with Indooroopilly Golf Club staff)
The winner of the Men's Nett event was Gary Cosier
The winner of the Men's Scratch event was Monte Fairhall
Visit the Golf Queensland website for the event results, QSOOM Points Table and entry details for the next event at Wynnum Golf Club.
Cameron Smith wins Australian Men's Amateur Championship
Queenslander Cameron Smith completed an extraordinary turnaround to win the Australian Men's Amateur Championship against Victorian Geoff Drakeford at Commonwealth Golf Club on Sunday.
Trailing 5-down to Commonwealth member Drakeford at various stages, Smith fought back to win his maiden Australian Amateur title with a 3&2 victory.
"I'm gobsmacked, I can't even believe I came back from that," Smith said.
"I played some good shots and put him under pressure and holed some putts. I thought if I could him get down the
last hole I was in with a shot but turns out I got it done before that which was quite nice."
"Mum was pretty stoked when I told her, she was just yelling and couldn't get a word out," Smith said.
Smith earns an exemption into the 2013 Emirates Australian Open with his victory.
"It's definitely a good start to 2013 and hopefully this form can carry through to the next few tournaments,"Smith added.
Western Australia's Minjee Lee cruised to a 6&5 victory over South Australian-based Korean Jenny Lee in the final of the Australian Women's Amateur Championship.
Minjee was in control for much of the match and it was a chance for the Royal Fremantle member to go one better than her narrow loss in the final in 2011.
"It feels amazing. It's such an honour to win this tournament. It's been a long week so it's a great reward," Lee said.
Lee, the current US Girls' Junior Champion, said she felt she could respond when she was challenged.
"I felt I could always get back up if I was down," she said.
Lee's grandmother and mother were also there to watch her victory.
"Mum said afterwards she was going to have a heart attack a couple of times, but she's proud of me," Lee said.
Lee earns an exemption into next month's ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open at Royal Canberra Golf Club from 14-17 February.
"It's an LPGA event so it will have a great field and I'm really looking forward to it," Lee added.
Queensland Senior Order of Merit Inaugural Event Starts Monday
Male and female golfers from Brisbane and surrounds have registered to play in the event, with some participants travelling from the Sunshine Coast and northern New South Wales.
QSOOM events will be held at various clubs from Coolangatta to Mosman throughout the year. Entry is available to all male and female golfers, 55 years of age and over, who hold a current Men's Australian or overseas equivalent handicap of 27, or a Women's Australian or overseas equivalent handicap of 45 to play in a Queensland-wide event.
This inaugural event is the first of 45 QSOOM events to be held in 2013.
The next event will be held at Wynnum Golf Club on Monday 11 February. Click here to enter.
Click here to view full schedule of events.
Australian Amateur - Round 1 Match Play Report
Top seeds fell on a sizzling first day of Match Play action at the Australian Men's Amateur Championship as temperatures soared in Melbourne.
Number 1 seed Brady Watt (WA) lost 5&3 to Anthony Houston (VIC) while Number 2 seed Todd Sinnott (VIC) lost to England's Neil Raymond 4&3.
Houston will now play Commonwealth Golf Club and National Squad member Geoff Drakeford in the second round.
Fellow National Squad member Cameron Smith (QLD) endured a tough battle with fellow Queenslander Kade McBride and won on the 19th hole.
Anthony Murdaca (SA) defeated Ryan Laird (VIC) to progress to the second round where he'll face Viraat Badhwar (QLD).
Ryan Ruffels, son of tennis great Ray, defeated Jarryd Felton to make it through to Round 2.
The second and third round Match Play will be played on Friday.
Click Here for Draws and Results
World Number 1 New Zealander Lydia Ko continued her march towards defending her title with a comfortable 6&5 win over Jessica Dengate (NSW) in the first round of Match Play at the Australian Women's Amateur Championship.
It was commanding performance from Ko with birdies on her opening five holes for the day.
Joint top qualifier Grace Lennon (VIC) lost 2&1 to fellow Victorian Lauren Hibbert.
Four-time US Mid-Amateur champion Meghan Stasi also progressed with a 1up victory over Ellen Davies-Graham (QLD).
Minjee Lee (WA) came back from 5 down to defeat Ebony Heard (SA) 2up.
Kiwi Julianne Alvarez beat Carly Beck (NSW) 3&2.
The second and third round Match Play will be played on Friday.
Click Here for Draws and Results
The Australian Amateur Championships presented by Audi are held at Commonwealth and Woodlands Golf Clubs from 15-20 January.
Australian Amateur - Round 1 Qualifying Report
Watt recorded eight birdies and two bogeys at Woodlands while Sinnott finished with seven birdies and a bogey at Commonwealth.
The pair are two strokes ahead of Queenslander Taylor MacDonald and New South Welshman Dale Brandt-Richards who finished with 68s.
Queenslander Viraat Badhwar finished with a 3-under par 69 to be in outright fifth.
The second round of qualifying is held on Wednesday.
Lee, a former runner-up at the Championships, mixed eight birdies with a bogey and double bogey to lead by one stroke from New Zealander and World Number 1 amateur Lydia Ko and Western Australia's Tatiana Wijaya who shot 4-under par 69s.
Victorian Grace Lennon and New Zealand's Munchin Keh are tied fourth at 3-under par.
Western Australia's Hannah Green is tied with China's Jing Yan and Japan's Asuka Kashiwabara in sixth place after 2-under par 71s.
The second round of qualifying is held on Wednesday.
Australian Youth Olympics starts Thursday
The 2013 AYOF will be the sixth edition of the Festival since the inaugural event in 2001. As a legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, this multi-sport youth event is a significant part of developing future Olympians and complements the International Olympic Committee's (IOC's) Youth Olympic Games (YOG).
The AYOF seeks to provide future Olympic athletes with an environment reminiscent of an Olympic Games and promote the Olympic ideals of friendship, solidarity and fair play.
The five day Festival embraces a high level of sports competition, and features elements of the Olympic Games model such as an Opening Ceremony, Medal Ceremonies and Village type accommodation for athletes and team officials.
Golf, which was contested at the 1900 and 1904 Olympic Games, will again be on the program in Rio 2016. The 2013 AYOF will herald its global debut as it emerges once again as an Olympic sport.
Golf will feature players from Australia, Great Britain, People's Republic of China and New Zealand with players contesting 72 holes stroke play , with no cut and comprise a boys' and girls' individual competition with winning players eligible for gold, silver and bronze medals.
There will also be a team competition – gold, silver and bronze medals (two boys and two girls from each country, aggregate of all four scores from each round).
Australia will be represented Rebecca Kay (QLD), Bianca Ling (VIC), Frazer Droop (VIC) and David Micheluzzi (VIC) and Amy Walsh (QLD), Celina Yuan (NSW), Brett Coletta (VIC) and Kevin Yuan (NSW).
Rebecca Kay, from Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club, was the 2011 Queensland State Schools champion and finished in the top 10 at the Australian final of the Aaron Baddeley International. She is a former Athlete of the Year in the golf program at the Gold Coast Academy of Sport and ranked 20th on the National Junior Girls' Rankings.
Bianca Ling, a member of Kingswood Golf Club, won the Victorian Junior Girls' Masters in January - an Australian junior ranking event and finished third at the Girls' Tamar Valley Cup in Tasmania. She is ranked 11th on the National Junior Girls' Rankings.
Frazer Droop, from Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, finished runner up in this year's Victorian Junior Masters. He finished third at the Northern Territory Junior Championship and fourth at the recent Aaron Baddeley International Junior – Australia final. He is ranked 14th in Australia on the National Junior Boys' Rankings.
David Micheluzzi, a member of Cranbourne Golf Club, finished fifth at the Victorian Junior Championships and won the Portsea Junior Open and Latrobe Junior Open in Victoria in 2012. He is ranked 31 on the National Junior Boys' rankings.
Amy Walsh, a member of Emerald Lakes Golf Club, finished 7th at the NSW Junior Championship in addition to three other top 13 finishes in junior ranking events. She finished 12th at the Australian Girls' Amateur Championship and is ranked 16th in the National Junior Girls' Rankings.
Celina and Kevin Yuan are siblings from Bankstown Golf Club. Kevin, the older of the pair, won the Srixon International Sub Junior Classic and finished fourth at the Subaru NSW State Age Championships.
Celina finished third at both the Jack Newton Junior Golf International and the NSW Junior Championship.
Brett Coletta, from Sandhurst Golf Club, won the Peninsula Junior Masters and is the Senior and Junior Club Champion at Sandhurst at the age of 16. He was also selected to represent Victoria at the School Sport Australia Championship.
The tournament will be an official World Amateur Golf Ranking event.
All set for go at Australian Amateur
A total of 288 men and women will conclude practice rounds today at Commonwealth and Woodlands Golf Clubs in readiness to contest qualifying over 36-holes with the leading 64 men and 32 women then contesting elimination match play, from 15-20 January.
Viraat Badhwar (Qld) and Su-Hyun Oh (Vic) will come into the event full of confidence after winning the first Australian Ranking Events of the year – the Australian Master of the Amateurs and the Lake Macquarie Amateur respectively.
The World's Number 1 female golfer and defending Champion, New Zealand's Lydia Ko will go into the Women's Championship as strong favourite, however four-time US Mid Amateur Champion Meghan Stasi will also be a strong force. The contingent of five players from Japan and Korea will also be hoping to take the trophy off shore, while World Number 4 Minjee Lee (WA) will be looking for her first Australian Amateur crown.
Of the Australian players in the Men's Championship, 2012 Australian Amateur Medalist Cameron Smith (Qld), in-form Brady Watt (WA), and National Squad Member Brett Drewitt (NSW), will all be hoping the trophy remains Down Under.
However 2011 Asian Amateur Runner Up, Korea's Soo-min Lee will be looking to take the trophy overseas, as will one of the three Japanese players or one of the four Englishmen or five Germans who warmed up on the Melbourne sandbelt last week at the Australian Master of the Amateurs. Vaughan McCall and 2012 Australian Boys' Amateur Champion Tyler Hodge will head the New Zealand contingent.
Once again, State and International Teams will contest the Ross Herbert National and International Teams Trophies, played in conjunction with the two qualifying rounds.
The Amateur Championships are Australia's oldest golfing events, dating back to 1894. Past winners include Michael Clayton, Michael Campbell, Matt Goggin, Brett Rumford, Kristie Smith, and Nikki Campbell, and with both champions receiving exemptions into the Australian Open, they are the most prized titles in Australian amateur golf.
Viraat Badhwar wins Australian Master of the Amateurs
Born in India, Viraat's parents moved to Australia six years ago, to further their son's golfing career. He has just finished high school in Queensland and later this year heads to Stanford University in California. Then college becomes his priority: there'll be no consideration of a professional golf career just yet! It was his first time in the Australian Master of the Amateurs and his first time at Royal Melbourne, and he thoroughly enjoyed both describing the experience as very special. He's hoping to be back next year to defend his title.
From ecstasy for the winner, to what must be agony for Australia's highest ranked amateur golfer, Brady Watt. He has led this tournament from day one and held a commanding lead going into the final round. But big problems on the 391 metre par four 6th (4-over) and the 346-metre par four 8th (3-over) were blemishes that cost him the title.
Most scores suffered in today's trying conditions: South Australian Chris Brown with an impressive 67, the only player to go around under 70. Melbournian Geoff Drakeford, who had sub par scores in his first three rounds, went three over today to finish third, one shot ahead of last year's champion Nathan Holman.
The best finish among the twenty highly ranked internationals who contested this year's event came from Scot Ewan Scott who finished fifth, one shot clear of England's Garrick Porteous and Patrick Rodgers of the United States.
Tournament Director Peter Mann said 2013 had seen the strongest field to ever contest this event.
Viraat Badhwar will be presented with the winner's green jacket during a gala dinner at the RACV Club in Melbourne tonight. He will join a long list of champions including Jason Day, Brendan Jones, Ben Meyer, Ashley Hall, Mark Anderson, Andrew Tampion, Toby Wilcox and Jordan Sherratt who have all won the Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship.
LEADER BOARD (after final round)
279 Badhwar (Qld),
281 Watt (WA),
282 Drakeford (Vic),
283 Holman (Vic),
285 Scott (Scotland),
286 Porteous (England), Rodgers (USA),
287 Sinnott (Vic), Beaucousin (France),
289 Brown (SA),
290 Hodge (NZ), Rank (Canada)
291 Lamb (USA), Hinton (England), Rannar (Sweden), Hoeve (WA)
Badhwar in tie for lead after round one of Australian Master of the Amateurs
Amateurs Championship which is being played at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club. Rain had
threatened as the first players teed off, but later in the morning when the sun broke through,
conditions were close to perfect.
Five players finished the day at five under the card; another five players are just one shot back.
Defending champion Nathan Holman heads a very talented leading group. The 21 year old is
coming off five wins in less than two years. He had an eagle and five birdies in today's round of
Steady play from young New South Wales golfer Jordan Zunic sees him also with a share of the
lead. The 21 year old is a member of the Bonnie Doon Golf Club and is ranked number ten in
Australia. Australia's number one ranked amateur, Brady Watt from Perth is also on the top rung
tonight. A member at Royal Perth Golf Club, the 22 year old has a world ranking of 16.
Emerging young Queenslander Viraat Badwhar from Indooroopilly Golf Club shot seven birdies
in his round. The 17 year old is already in the world top 100. 21 year old Melbourne golfer
Geoffrey Drakeford also enjoyed today's conditions and is the 5th player with a share of the lead
tonight, thanks to a round of four birdies and an eagle. He is a member at near-by
Commonwealth Golf Club so would be hoping local knowledge will be an advantage over the
next three days.
While it is all Australian at the top, some of the highly regarded international players sit within a
couple of shots. Among them 14 year old Tianlang Guan from China who has already qualified
for this year's US Masters.
This event has brought together 54 leading amateur golfers from 12 countries vying for the title
of Australian Master of the Amateurs and the green jacket which will be presented to the winner
after the 4th round on Friday.
Another fine but much cooler day is forecast for tomorrow with play starting at 8.30am … and
entry is FREE.
CLICK HERE for more information.
Queenslander's win SA Girls' Junior Masters
Congratulations to Queenslander Amy Walsh (Emerald Lakes) who won the SA Girls' Junior Masters last week, with a final score of 75, one stroke ahead of fellow Queenslander Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta-Tweed).
The SA Junior Masters was reduced from 72-holes to 18-holes following extreme heat in Adelaide which deemed play too dangerous for competitors.
The first round was played in searing heat, with the second round cancelled on the first afternoon when the temperature rose to 39 degrees. With a temperature of 44 degrees predicted for day two and rounds 3 and 4, play was cancelled with the winners determined after the first 18-holes.
National Squad Member, SA's Anthony Murdaca won the Boys' section with 71, three ahead of of group of three players on 74.
Girls' Leaderboard:
1. Amy Walsh (Qld) 75
2. Rebecca Kay (Qld) 76
3. Cassidy Evreniadis (SA) 78
4. Hira Naveed (WA) 79
5. Rachel Taylor (SA) 80
6. Kristalle Blum (SA) 82
Boys' Leaderboard:
1. Anthony Murdaca (SA) 71
2. Kiran Dayawala (WA) 74
2. Travis Miller (SA) 74
2. Austin Bautista (NSW) 74
5. James Correll (ACT) 75
5. Jack Mcleod (NSW) 75
7. Joshua Hayes (SA) 76
7. Jack Hynes (SA) 76
7. Kieren Barratt (SA) 76
7. Luke Morrison (NSW) 76
Queensland's Viitakangas wins 2012 Port Phillip Amateur
Click here…> for 2012 Men's Port Phillip Amateur – Final Scores
Click here…> for 2012 Men's Victorian Amateur - Match Play Draw
Click here…> for 2012 Women's Port Phillip Amateur – Final Scores
Click here…> for 2012 Women's Victorian Amateur - Match Play Draw
Click here...> for 2012 Victorian Amateur Match Play - Progressive Scores (from 7.45am - 17/12/12)
Hailing from Robina Woods on the Gold Coast, 19-year-old Viitakangas confirmed his emerging status as one of Australia's players with a final round two-under 71 for a four round total of 287 to win by a solitary stroke from overnight leader Brady Watt from Royal Perth.
After leading into the final round, the Western Australian closed with a three-over 76 to finish at 288. Indooroopilly's Kevin Marques fired a fine round, with overnight leader Brady Watt from Western Australia a further stroke behind on 288 after a final round 76.
16-year-old Oh from Metropolitan claimed the Women's title with a great final day at Commonwealth beginning with a four-under 70 morning round followed by a 76 in the afternoon including an eagle at the 322 metre 11th after holing out with a wedge.
Oh's four round total of 289 won the inaugural Women's Port Phillip title by three strokes from fellow State player Grace Lennon who closed with a 75 to finish at 292. Talented Western Australian Minjee Lee finis
After early morning rain, cleared to an overcast but fine day, scoring was made difficult by a gusty south-westerly wind on the tree-lined layout.
Following the completion of the Port Phillip Amateur, the leading 31 men's players with 72-hole scores of 307 or better and Commonwealth's Frazer Droop who survived a sudden death play-off involving five players on 308 and the leading 16 women's players with scores of 319 or better will now progress to the match play rounds of the respective Men's and Women's Victorian Amateur Championships.
The match play rounds will begin at Yarra Yarra Golf Club on Monday 17 December with the men's first round matches to commence from the 1st and 10th tees from 7.30am while the women's first round matches will commence from the 1st and 10th tees from 12noon.
Both Viitakangas and Victorian State player James McMillan from Royal Melbourne are unavailable to progress to the match play rounds due to competing at this week's Australian PGA Tour School that starts on Wednesday.
The 2012 Men's and Women's Victorian Amateur Championship culminates with the 36-hole finals on Wednesday 19 December at Yarra Yarra. The morning rounds will commence at 7.30am with the afternoon rounds scheduled for 12noon.
Queensland Open returns in 2013
Golf Queensland today announced the Queensland Open would return in 2013 with Isuzu as its naming rights sponsor.
Isuzu's three-year commitment has ensured the tournament's return as a state-based championship to be played from 22 to 25 August 2013 at the Brookwater Golf and Country Club.
Forming part of the PGA Tour of Australasia, the tournament will carry Official World Golf Ranking points.
Golf Queensland chair Peter Castrisos said it was pleasing to have this premium event back on the calendar after last being played in 2007 when it was won by Queenslander Ryan Haller.
"Without sponsors such as Isuzu, events of this calibre which are open to professionals and amateurs would not be possible," Mr Castrisos said.
"The Isuzu Queensland Open will give a fantastic opportunity for our top amateur golfers to qualify and then compete against the PGA professionals in a 72 hole championship event."
Ranked number one in the State following the release of Golf Australia magazine's best 50 courses, Brookwater Golf and Country Club will ensure the golfers are set a challenge in vying for the $110,000 prizemoney on offer.
The host venue is also one of the key supporters of the event through their Partner Sponsorship commitment.
Mr Castrisos said since 1925 the Queensland Open has been a key tournament for many top-ranked professional players.
"Golfers including Norman Von Nida, Greg Norman, Ian Baker-Finch, Peter Senior and Stuart Appleby, who was an amateur when he won in 1991, have their names etched on the TB Hunter Cup," he said.
Brian Thorburn CEO of the PGA of Australia echoed Mr Castrisos' thoughts.
"Throughout the years the sunshine state has produced some of our country's best international golfers, all of whom started out playing in events such as the Queensland Open."
"The Queensland Open will be the third PGA Tour of Australasia tournament contested in Queensland, and we look forward to working alongside Golf Queensland in the coming months and years."
Recent Emirates Australian Open and past Queensland Open winner Peter Senior said the tournament provides a fantastic opportunity for young and up and coming players to experience a championship at this level.
"The Queensland tournament has a rich history and it is encouraging to see it back on the PGA Tour of Australasia schedule in 2013."
A number of fantastic sponsorship opportunities over varied levels are still available for organisations interested in being involved with this prestigious event. For a complete sponsorship prospectus please contact Luke Bates at Golf Queensland office on 07 3252 8155.
Pictured: Past Queensland Open winners Ian Baker-Finch and Peter Senior with the TB Hunter Trophy
McBride and Shin Victorious in Boy's and Girl's Amateur
Kade McBride and Shelly Shin have emerged victorious in the Boys and Girls Amateur, after a brutal 36 hole final day's play at Indooroopilly Golf Club.
McBride (Indooroopilly) held his nerve for a 2 shot win, as conditions got the better of most. Tristan Nichols (Emerald Lakes), playing two groups ahead of McBride, stormed home for second with rounds of 71 and 74 to apply pressure to the overnight leader and finish in second.
Shin (Concord) came from 4 back in the last round to defeat Anna Stanton (Woodford) by 2 shots in a see-sawing battle that came down to the final 9 holes.
McBride and Shin join Australian golfing greats the caliber of Norman, Scott, Day, Webb and Hull that have won the Queensland Junior Amateur Championships.
Other winners were:
Girls Nett: Mia Martin (Indooroopilly)
Boys Nett: Daniel Ikin (Pacific)
Girls 14 and Under: Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta Tweed)
Boys 14 and Under: Chris Park (Lakelands)
For full results, please CLICK HERE.
Record-setting Senior clinches Stonehaven Cup
In gale force conditions that forced the suspension of play, Peter Senior's experience shone through to see him shoot even par in the final round winning with a 4-under 284 tournament total.
"Winning the PGA a couple of years ago up at Coolum was great, but I tell you what, nothing beats winning right here," said Senior.
Finishing in outright second was 12 time Japan Tour winner Brendan Jones, who watched on from the clubhouse as Senior sealed the title.
Australian Cameron Percy finished third at 2-under the card, while a bogey at 18 saw World Number 4 Justin Rose finish a shot back in fourth.
Patience was the key for the evergreen Senior who becomes the oldest winner of the Stonehaven Cup since Peter Thomson, who at 43-year-old won the title in 1972.
It was an emotional victory for the Queenslander who has had 10 top-10 finishes on the Champions Tour this year, the win made even sweeter with his son Mitch caddying.
"It doesn't get any better than this. We've had three years on the Champions Tour where Mitch has caddied for me for the last two years, and we've lost three playoffs, so it feels unbelievable to win with him on the bag."
"Mitch, we finally did it! Mitch's one per cent is looking pretty good!" added Senior.
"I'm so proud to have been on his bag while he's won. It's a big thing for me," added Mitch Senior, who wasn't thinking of the money.
Play was suspended at The Lakes Golf Club for just over three hours during today's final round due to gusting winds reaching speeds of 80km/h moving balls on a number of greens.
Senior, a crowd favourite, was thankful for the support he received today.
"A special thanks to everyone who stayed around today. It was a real nasty day but I had a lot of support out there and I thank you very much for all that support."
For the final Emirates Australian Open leaderboard click here
Cameron Smith competing in Emirates Australian Open
Smith, who is part of the Queensland Academy of Sport golf program and a member of the Golf Australia National squad, will be competing in his second National Open.
In amateur events, Smith has been a consistent performer, having won the Australian Stroke Play Championships the last two years and recently represented Australia in the World Amateur Teams Championships in Turkey.
Smith will tee off this morning with former Australian Open Champion Peter Lonard and South Australian Nick Cullen. It should prove to be a big week for the young Queenslander with his mother and father both making the trip to Sydney to watch their son compete in his second National Open.
Stieger wins NSW PGA Championship
Stieger, who recently joined the professional circuit, carded a four-under par 68 in the final round to claim the PGA Tour of Australasia event.
The 21-year-old, who placed 52nd in last month's Australian Masters, posted a bogey-free round as he finished three shots clear of countryman Daniel Nisbet at 15 under.
Nisbet bogeyed his opening hole on day four but remained focused to close out the tournament with a three-under 69 and 12-under overall.
Nick Cullen, winner of the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open on the OneAsia Tour, holed seven birdies in the Southern Highlands on his way to a five-under 67.
Cullen concluded the championship at 11 under, one shot ahead of New Zealand's Ryan Fox (70) and Australian Kyle Grant (68), who finished in a share of fourth position.
Swede Thomas Petersson (71) and Australian pair Callan O'Reilly (75) and Daniel Popovic (71) were in a share of sixth position at nine under.
Chris Gaunt (65), Craig Hancock (69) and Anthony Summers (70) were seven shots adrift of Stieger, while 2011 Indonesian PGA Championship runner-up Matthew Griffin finished tied for 12th at seven under.
Meanwhile, 2008 NSW PGA Championship winner Tim Wood headlined a group of five players who ended the tournament in a share of 18th spot.
Wood experienced a mixed day on the greens, recording one bogey, one double bogey and three birdies as he produced an even-par 72 round.
Australians Jake Higginbottom (73), Alex Katholos (69), Gavin Fairfax (69) and New Zealander Nick Gillespie (71) joined Wood at five under.
Appleby clinic kicks off summer social golf events
Yarra Bend Crown Lager Social Golf Club Golf Day
When: Today, November 30, 2012 from 1:00 pm
Where: Yarra Bend Golf Course – Yarra Bend Rd, Fairfield, VIC
Yarra Bend is Australia's first Crown Lager Social Golf Club Super Centre and is getting ready for a huge summer of social golf. Crown Lager Social Golf Club Ambassador Stuart Appleby will be on hand from 1pm for a demonstration clinic to participants before hitting the ceremonial first tee shot at approximately 2pm. AFL legends and golf nuts Tony Shaw and Michael Christian will also be in attendance at what is the first Crown Lager Social Golf Club event run at Yarra Bend Super Centre.
On-site contact: David Gallichio from Golf Australia on 0419 317 933.
South Australia:
Golf SA Golf Month - Crown Lager SGC Hole in One Competition
When: Today, November 30, 2012 from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Where: North Adelaide Golf Course – Strangways Tce, North Adelaide, SA
North Adelaide Golf Course have partnered with Golf Australia and the Crown Lager Social Golf Club as a CLSGC Super Centre. To celebrate, as part of Golf SA's Golf Month, a Hole In One Competition on the modified 1st Hole at North Adelaide Golf Course will be run this coming Friday, November 30.
For $10, each participant will be given one chance at the major prize of $10,000.
Everyone is welcome to try and chance their luck at the major prize.
On site contact: Christian Puccini from Golf South Australia on 0412 401 534.
Darling Downs Dominate Inter Association
The Darling Downs District has taken out the 2012 Men's Inter Association Team's Event at City Golf Club with a commanding 6 shot victory.
With only a 1 shot lead heading into today's play, the team of Anthony Timms, Nigel Weldon, Justin Shine and Troy Neville combined beautifully to shoot a team score of 205 and hold off the fast finishing Gold Coast District.
Wide Bay and Moreton tied for third place, a further 6 shots back.
The Nett Event was won by the South West team of Luke Short, Phil Burns, John Lethbridge and Phil Barber, with an aggregate of 346.
For a full list of Results, please CLICK HERE
2-for-1 Australian Open ticket offer for club members
Don't miss a minute of the action at this year's Emirates Australian Open and you can bring a friend to The Lakes for the same cost!
Book your spot on the fairways as World Number 5 Justin Rose, World Number 6 Adam Scott, Tom Watson, Geoff Ogilvy, defending champion Greg Chalmers and Chinese 14 year-old superstar Guan Tianlang strut their stuff in the quest for the Stonehaven Cup.
Golf club members can now pre-purchase their Open tickets and receive a 2-for-1 ticket discount.
This offer is only available for a limited time.
Volvik RACV Ladies Masters 2013
RACV Managing Director and CEO, Colin Jordan, welcomed Volvik as the co-title sponsor and event partner, and was delighted that RACV Royal Pines Resort would host the Ladies Masters for the twenty-second consecutive year.
"RACV is delighted to be co-title sponsor and host of this quality women's golf tournament, and I am pleased that this year's event will once again attract many of the world's best female golfers to play at the RACV Royal Pines Resort."
Volvik Chairman, Mr Moon said "It's my pleasure to co-host the Ladies European Tour and ALPG Sanctioned Ladies Masters with RACV. RACV Royal Pines Resort is a world-class golf course that gives golfers the opportunity to experience conditions usually reserved for champions.'
"I personally hope that Volvik will be a memorable brand not only for Australian golfers but also in every other country through the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters international telecast."
Speaking on behalf of the Co-Sanction Partners, Warren Sevil, CEO of the Australian Ladies Professional Golf said "We welcome Volvik to the Ladies Masters and thank them for their support of Australia's longest running women's professional golf tournament. This tournament boasts an enviable history of attracting the world's best players and the ALPG Tour and LET look forward to delivering another quality field to an event which is played at a world class venue and broadcast to an extensive local and international reach of golf fans. We thank RACV for their continued support and hosting and express our sincere gratitude to Tuohy Associates for making it 24 consecutive years."
Bob Tuohy acknowledged the ongoing support of long term key stakeholder Events Queensland and the Gold Coast City Council.
Events Queensland supports the 2013 Volvik RACV Ladies Masters as part of a growing calendar of sporting, cultural, business and regional events throughout the state.
The Volvik RACV Ladies Masters will be telecast by ABC Sport nationally each day with live pictures broadcast in Korea by J Golf, Sky NZ, ESPN Star Sports Asia and other key overseas markets.
Asia-Pacific Amateur: Live Scores AND TV Schedule
2013 AUSTRALIAN TV SCHEDULE(Times are AEDST, Check Local Guides)
Thursday 1 November: 7.00pm-9.00pm LIVE (FOX SPORTS 2)
Friday 2 November: 7.00pm-9.00pm LIVE (FOX SPORTS 2)
Saturday 3 November: 7.00pm-9.00pm LIVE (FOX SPORTS 2)
Sunday 4 November: 7.00pm-9.00pm LIVE (FOX SPORTS 2)
LIVE SCORES: www.aacgolf.com/scores
Six Australians are in action in today's opening round of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at Amata Spring Golf Club in Thailand.
Brett Drewitt (NSW), Oliver Goss (WA) Nathan Holman (VIC), Ricky Kato (NSW), James McMillan (VIC) and Cameron Smith (QLD) are all hunting a victory which carries with it an invitation to the 2013 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
The champion and runner(s)-up also earn places in International Final Qualifying (IFQ) for The Open Championship in 2013.
Goss starts in Thailand on the back of his impressive play-off victory at the WA Open last week and Smith represented Australia recently at the Eisenhower Trophy in Turkey. Smith is the only player in this year's Australian contingent to have played the championship before.
Drewitt, Holman, Kato and McMillan have also recorded consistent results this year, culminating in their qualification for the event via the World Amateur Golf Ranking.
Each year, invitations for the championship are sent to the leading players from the APGC-member countries. Each country is automatically provided with two positions, which are to be filled by their highest-ranked players from the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). If there is only one or no players from a member country in the rankings, they are able to nominate one or two players accordingly provided the player/s have a handicap of 5.4 or less.
The remainder of the field is filled by taking the next highest ranked players from the WAGR with the maximum number of players allowed from a country being six. The only exception is for the host country, which is allowed to nominate an additional four players.
Today's start follows the announcement that Royal Melbourne Golf Club will be the first Australian club to host the championship in 2014. Nanshan International Golf Club in China will host the 2013 championship.
The Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship features 120 players from the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation's (APGC) 36 member associations.
Jones, McLaughlin and Webber win the 2012 Gertrude McLeod Winners Event
In Damp overcast conditions Katrina Jones (Wantima), Janet McLaughlin (Horton Park) and Lauris Webber (Keperra) have won their respective divisions at the 2012 Gertrude McLeod Winners Event held at the Carbrook Golf Club.
In Division 1 (handicaps 0-22) there was a clear winner with Katrina Jones firing a brilliant round of one under par 71. Jones's round included four birdie's and just three bogies. Even though the competition is a nett event Jones's handicap of scratch still enabled her to to win by five shots to Leanne Gwyther (Gailes) who finished runner up.
The Division 2 category (handicaps 23-32) was won by Janet McLaughlin (Horton Park) after returning a score of 77 nett. Roslynn Mammen (Redcliffe) was a further shot back on nett 78 to finish in second.
Keperra Golf Club member Lauris Webber managed to edge out Kay Mathews (Wynnum) on a count back in Division 3 (handicap 33-45), both players had consistent rounds, to finish on nett 71.
The Gertrude McLeod Winners event is the finale of the Club Level Gertrude McLeod Qualifier Competition, where Club winners are invited to play in their relevant division in a State Final.
For all Gertrude McLeod Scores click here.
McLeod Victorious In Epic Final
Jake McLeod (Hills International) has won a battle of attrition to take home the 2012 Queensland Men's Amateur Championship at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club.
McLeod started strongly and was 3 up, yet let slip golden opportunities to extend his lead on the second nine. Luke Humphries (Pymble) was patient, pegged back the lead and heading into the final 9 holes, the match was all square.
Conditions were not conducive to low scoring, but the match was of high quality with each player proving why they were deserved finalists.
When McLeod won the 28th, 29th and 31st holes, it seemed like a bridge too far for Humphries to square the match again.
Humphries, however, had other ideas and after a few errant shots from McLeod, Humphries found himself only 1 down with 3 to play.
McLeod steadied himself and looked to have taken back the initiative when he hit a great tee shot into the tricky par 3 16th. Humphries took two chips from an awkward position to leave a 4 foot putt for bogey, which he duly made. Needing only two putts to be dormie 2, McLeod pushed his first putt slightly long and missed the returning putt, to bring life back into the match.
After halving the 35th hole and watching McLeod hit his second shot on the 36th to within 10m, Humphries needed all of his resolve to hit a precise approach to 5m. After making birdie, Humphries had come back to level the match and send it to extra holes.
Both players were decidedly nervous as they missed opportunities to win on the first play-off hole, and so play continued to the par 5 2nd.
Humphries found the fairway bunker with his tee shot and McLeod pounced on the slight opportunity by reaching the green in two shots and putting the pressure back on Humphries.
With the thoughts of missed putts still lingering, McLeod quelled his nerves and holed the 1 metre putt for birdie and the Championship.
It is McLeod's second state title after claiming the Northern Territory Amateur previously.
Both players are to be congratulated for their sportsmanship in what was a tense culmination of 72 holes of stroke play and over 72 holes of match play within a week.
Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club are to be applauded for the magnificent condition of the course and the tireless work of all staff.
Peter King wins 2012 Victorian Senior Amateur Championship
Peter King and Rick Oliver (Young) finished tied for the lead on 225 after 54 holes, both shooting a four-over par final round 75. King and Oliver managed to hit the 348m - par 4 – 18th hole in regulation, but with Oliver three putting for bogey it was an easy two putt for King to be crowned the 2012 Champion.
King started the day four shots behind the overnight leader, Kevin Skehan who struggled today with 89 to finish tied 13th. The 61-year-old Queenslander managed to fire rounds of 76-74-75 for a three round total of 12-over-par. Graham Bowen (Mandura) narrowly missed out on the playoff with King and Oliver, finishing on 226 after an excellent level par-71 this afternoon. Past winner, Michael Jackson (Yarra Yarra) was two shots adrift on a total of 227. Defending champion Stefan Albinski finished tied 7th, a further five shots back from King and Oliver.
The final round of the nett section saw Michael Jackson notch out Kingswood member Peter Bence on a count-back to take Victorian Senior Handicap Championship with a three round total of 215. The four marker fired an opening and closing rounds of 71 nett, and 73 nett in his second round. In third was Ignatius Duivenvoorden of Yarram with a 54 hole total of 216, just shot behind the victor.
However, the shot of the day belonged to Eastern's Andrew Hansen who had a hole-in-one on the 133 metre - par 3 - fourth hole. Using a nine iron, Hansen struck the perfect shot that landed just short of the hole and calmly rolled into the hole to achieve his fourth hole in one.
Final Results can be found by clicking here.
Double Delight for Bettencourt
Hayley Bettencourt (Mandurah) has added the Queensland Women's Amateur title to her Stroke Play Championship won earlier in the week at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club.
With a blistering start, Bettencourt jumped to a 4 hole lead through 7 holes over Ali Orchard (Surfers Paradise), yet more excitement was to come. A perfectly struck iron to the par 3 8th, landed in the centre of the green, fed down the slope and into the hole, to record her second ace for the week! Orchard's valiant attempt to halve the hole looked on line, yet came up 2 feet short.
As the wind picked up, Bettencourt's approach play was sublime with the resulting tap-in birdies giving Orchard no chance to peg back the lead before the half-way break.
After the morning's round, Bettencourt was 6 up but Orchard never felt out of the match and knew that a few birdies of her own would put the pressure back onto Bettencourt.
Orchard clawed back to 4 down through 27 holes but Bettencourt's response to Orchard's charge was clinical. Whenever Bettencourt looked in trouble, her short game salvaged the required pars to maintain her lead.
A crisply struck hybrid to 10 feet, set up a 2 putt birdie on the 30th hole, matched by Orchard when she holed her six foot attempt.
When Orchard was unable to get up and down from the greenside bunker, Bettencourt had won.
The match was played in great spirit and both players are to be applauded for the way they approached the match.
Mixed Results for Top Qualifiers at Pacific Harbour
There were mixed results for the leading qualifiers in the Men's and Women's Amateur at Pacific Harbour today.
The top women qualifiers were comfortable winners, led by Hayley Bettencourt, who accounted for Nadine White 3/2 and Grace Lennon, who was victorious over Jade Fisher 5/4.
Leading local hope Lauren Mason was beaten by Celine Yuan 3/2, in what was one of the day's few upsets.
Whilst interstate players dominated the women's draw, it was a great day for the Queensland Men, winning 7 of the 8 matches.
James Gibellini dominated Teremoana Beaucousin to emerge an 8/7 winner, whilst Taylor Macdonald defeated Ben Clementson 5/4.
The match that drew the largest crowd was Dimitrios Papadatos, fresh off his Queensland Stroke Play Title, against Cameron Smith, who only qualified for the Amateur Championships after a play-of fwin for the 16th position.
Papadatos and Smith were both under par for the day, and the largest lead was only 2 up to Papadatos, mid-way through the round. Smith fought back to take the match into extra holes, and after birdies and pars resulted in halving the 19th and 20th holes, Papadatos conceded the match when his chip for par on the 21st narrowly missed.
Quarter Finals and Semi Finals for each championship will be commence at 7am Friday, with more exciting golf guaranteed.
For live scores and draws CLICK HERE
Nisbet to make pro debut in Perth
The Queenslander, who represented Australia at the Eisenhower Trophy in Turkey, arrives in the west following his extraordinary performance at the First Stage of PGA Tour Q-School in Texas where he won by 12 strokes.
"The week was good, I have played Lantana Golf Club a few times so I knew the course, I was very happy with my game and things went pretty well for me."
"The goal was just to make the top 18 to go through to the next stage, obviously I knew the better position I got then the more chance that I was going to get my first preference for second stage."
"It has been my dream for a long time, PGA TOUR is where I want to play for the rest of my career, hopefully it will work out, but I just want to stay grounded and put my best foot forward."
He comes to Royal Perth having played the course on several occasions during his amateur career.
"We played the Australian Interstate Series here, junior and amateur, so I am pretty familiar with the course."
"Queensland won the last Interstate series, I was part of the winning team so that was a great bonus, it's a wonderful course and I really enjoy playing it."
"It wouldn't necessarily suit me, I mean it's a very tight course and it's just a lot of percentage plays and not necessarily a lot of drivers off the tee, if you can keep it on the fairway and your short game is nice and sharp you will be able to shoot a good number."
"I just want to take a few of the things I had going right for me last week (in Texas) and bring them into this week and put a good number on the board," he added.
In addition to representing Australia, Nisbet's recent successes include winning the US Players Amateur Championship and Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship earlier this year. He finished runner-up to German Marcel Schneider at the Australian Amateur Championship in January.
"I had a long two day trip back home and straight across to Perth but hopefully I will be able to manage the jet lag quite well, I have done it a few times now so hopefully it won't affect me too much"
"I had a good week last week and I just want to stay focused and not let last week judge how I go in this event."
Ryan Peake will also make his Professional debut at the John Hughes Geely / Nexus Risk Services WA Open Championship after pre-qualifying for the tournament on Monday.
Entry into the John Hughes Geely / Nexus Risk Services WA Open Championship is free and play begins on Thursday.
Papadatos wins 2012 Queensland Men's Stroke Play Championship
Dimitrios Papadatos (Moore Park Golf Club) has won the 2012 Queensland Men's Stroke Play Championship at Southport Golf Club on the Gold Coast.
A third round of three-under par (68) allowed Papadatos to take a commanding eight shot lead heading into the final 18 holes. Papadatos continued his good form in the afternoon and signed for an even par (71).
Papadatos's four round total of 273 (-11) was enough to give him his first Queensland Stroke Play Championship victory.
Overnight joint leader Taylor Macdonald (Nudgee) found it tough in the morning round, where he recorded a five-over par (76). In the final round Macdonald closed with a two-under par (69) to finish on 279 (-5) to take outright second.
James Gibellini (Emerald Lakes) made his charge on the final day with a 72 (+1) in round three. In the afternoon, Gibellini signed off for a final round of 70 (-1) to finish outright third on 281 (-3). Gibellini compiled a strong day's play in windy conditions, but was unable to close the gap to Papadatos.
Although the players experienced inclement weather with blustery and wet conditions, the Southport layout proved to be a fantastic Championship facility. The course was presented in outstanding condition with full credit going to the superintendant Stuart Moore and his staff.
The top 16 players from the Stroke Play will now progress through to compete in the Queensland Amateur Championship (Matchplay) to be held at Pacific Harbour Golf & Country Club, Bribie Island.
Top 16- Dimitrios Papadatos, Taylor Macdonald, James Gibillini, Blake McGrory, Aaron Wilkin, Jake McLeod, Cory Crawford, Jarrod Freeman, Luke Humphries, Daniel McGraw, Thomas Horan, Daniel Gale Anthony Quayle, Teremoana Beaucousin, Ben Clementson and Cameron Smith.
For the full leader board , please Click Here
Jack Sullivan (Palmer Colonial) took out the Men's 2012 Champion of Champions title. The Champion of Champion's event is open to all players who have won a Club Championship in the previous year.
Sullivan (pictured right) fired rounds of 68 (-3), 67(-4)- 135. Daniel McGraw (Gailes) finished runner-up three shots back with rounds of 74, 64-138.
Click here for the Champion of Champions Results Click Here
Bettencourt Completes Wire to Wire Victory
Having opened the Championship with a course record four-under par round of 68, followed by a second round 73, Bettencourt held off an early final day charge from fellow Western Australian, Whitney Hillier.
With players buffeted by winds gusting over 60km/hr in the final 36 holes, Bettencourt closed with 77, aided by a hole in one on the 13th.
Australia's 11th ranked Women's player, Bettencourt was excited about her victory: "After the hole in one I was surprisingly calm, but after the double bogey on the next hole, I had to settle myself down. It was the same result as having 2 pars, so I just focused on keeping it simple and finishing my round as well as possible. I'm proud of the work I have done with my coach and it's great to have a win in such a prestigious event. "
Hillier was left to rue earlier round opportunities as her string of birdies, were followed by several bogeys. "I made more than enough birdies in the first two rounds, but I got too aggressive on some holes and let slip a few shots. Consistency was crucial this week at Pacific Harbour, and I just wasn't" said Hillier.
Completing an interstate sweep of the placings, Grace Lennon (Heidelberg) finished in third a further two shots back.
The leading Queensland player was Lauren Mason who finished in fifth place.
Pacific Harbour is to be congratulated for the magnificent condition of the course and the hospitality shown to all the players and caddies.
The top 16 players from the stroke play will enjoy a well earned day's rest before returning to Pacific Harbour to compete in the Queensland Women's Amateur from Thursday to Saturday.
For the full leader board, please Click Here
CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONSThe Champion of Champions title was decided over the first 36 holes. With rounds of 81 and 80, Maddison Coster from Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Golf Club emerged a nine-shot victor over Cheryl Sternberg (Laidley).
Watt wins the 2012 Keperra Bowl Championship
Brady Watt (Royal Perth Golf Club) has won the 2012 Keperra Bowl at the Keperra Country Golf Club.It was Watt's consistency all week which secured this years Championship and his first major win on the National Amateur golfing calendar.
Watt opened this year's event with consecutive rounds of three-under par (69). He followed this up with a brilliant eight-under par (64) in the third round. A final round of six-under par (66) gave Watt a four round total of 268(-20).
Joint overnight leader James Gibellini (Emerald lakes) slipped back early in the final round after recording an opening bogey on the first hole. Gibellini did recover with a birdie, however a triple on the 11th hole and a further three bogey's ended his campaign, eventually finishing in a tie for 8th.Indooroopilly member Viraat Badhwar opened his final round with a birdie on the first hole, which was one of six birdies on the last day. A late double bogey on the 17th hole led to Badhwar finishing with a three-under par (69). This joined his first three day scores of 68, 69, 67 to finish on 273, five shots back from Watt.
First round leader Brett Drewitt (Long Reef Golf Club) finished on 274 one shot back from Badhwar in outright third. Drewitt's final round score of four-under par (68) was enough to elevate him into the final three placing's. Drewitt shot a one-over par (73) in the second round and six-under par (66) in the third round.
Cameron Smith (Royal Queensland) made an early charge on the final day with four birdies in the opening seven holes. Smith momentum was impeded when he made bogey on the par five 9th, finishing with a four-under par (68) to place himself in outright fourth.
Jordon Zunic (Bonnie Doon) equaled the course record on the second day firing a nine under par 63.
Throughout the week players experience perfect conditions with the Keperra Country Golf Club layout proving again to be a fantastic Championship facility. The course was presented in outstanding condition with full credit going to the superintendent and his staff.
The majority of the field from this year's championship will now travel down to the Gold Coast to compete in the 2012 Queensland Men's Stroke Play Championship at the Southport Golf Club- Sunday 21- Tuesday 23 October.
For complete scores from the 2013 Keperra Bowl, please CLICK HERE
Eisenhower Trophy: Australians finish in 15th
The Australians posted their best round of the championship with a team score of 6-under par with all three players firing rounds of 3-under par 68 at Antalya Golf Club's Sultan Course. The round left Australia in outright 15th place at 5-under par for the championship.
Smith was the leading Australian on the individual leaderboard in a tie for 13th at 5-under par. Mexican Sebastian Vazquez won the individual section at 15-under par after the three rounds.
The United States claimed their 14th Eisenhower Trophy with a record-setting 54 hole score of 24-under-par 404, winning by 5 strokes from Mexico in second and Korea, Germany and France tied in third.
The Australian men's team last won the Eisenhower Trophy in 1996 in a team that included Jamie Crow, David Gleeson, Jarrod Moseley and Brett Partridge.
Each team has two or three players and plays 72 holes of stroke play over four days. In each round, the total of the two lowest scores from each team constitutes the team score for the round. The four-day (72-hole) total is the team's score for the championship.
The 2014 World Amateur Team Championships will be played in Japan.
Preview: Eisenhower Trophy
The event, which is also known as the Eisenhower Trophy, has been played for since 1958 when first held at the Old Course at St Andrews.
Australia has been one of the more regular contenders for the title through the history of the event and have won it on two occasions (1966 and 1996). In recent years however their performances have not been quite so good. In 2010 the Australians finished a lowly 26th in what was their worst ever performance in the event.
Australia is represented in 2012 by Queenslanders Daniel Nisbet (Caboolture) and Cameron Smith (Brisbane) and New South Welshman (Narrabri) Matt Stieger. For all three it will be their debut in this event.
Nisbet, who will be attending the PGA Tour's Qualifying School soon after this event, has had a great season, winning the Lake Macquarie Amateur Championship and finishing runner-up at the Australian Amateur and the Master of the Amateurs before a win at the Players Amateur Championship during a North American campaign.
Two weeks ago Smith finished 17th at the Asia Pacific Panasonic Open in Japan, an event co sanctioned between the Japan and Asian Tours, a performance which was sure to give the 19 year old a great boost heading into this week.
Smith, a 2011 Australian Stroke-play Champion, finished as the leading qualifier at the Australian Amateur Championship earlier this year and is a former Australian Junior Champion.
Steiger, the 2011 Australian Amateur Champion, made it through the first round at the US Amateur before being defeated by the leading qualifier Bobby Wyatt. Stieger also made the quarter finals at the British Amateur and recorded top five finishes at the Porter Cup and the Scottish Amateur.
Australia's highest ranked player on the R&A rankings Jake Higginbottom missed out on making the team after an indifferent run of form through the middle of the year although last weekend he won the City of Sydney Invitational.
New Zealand, who won this event for the only time in 1992 when represented by Michael Campbell, Phil Tataurangi, Grant Moorhead and Stephen Scahill, is represented this year by Ben Campbell, Vaughn McCall and Matthew Perry.
Ben Campbell has already advanced to the second stage of European Tour qualifying.
The event involves 72 holes of stroke-play with the leading two scores from each country counting each day.
Macklin, Badhwar and Macdonald victorious in Gary Player Classic
The 2012 Gary Player Classic at Pacific Golf Club has concluded with James Macklin, Viraat Badhwar and Taylor Macdonald successful in their respective age groups.
Trailing by 2 shots after the first day, Macklin (Nudgee) stormed to the lead of the 15 and Under age group, with a 2 under par round of 70 and extended his lead on day 3 with 73. With an insurmountable 9 shot lead, Macklin held his nerve to shoot a final round of 76 to finish on 297 total and an 11 shot victory over Hyunsik Kong (Emerald Lakes).
The closest age group was the 16-17 years, with the lead changing every day. Round 1 leader Tim Hyland (Bonville), dropped back into the field with a second round 78, but fought back with a third round of one under to sit 3 shots off the leader, Teremoana Beaucousin (Tahiti).
Beaucousin was a model of consistency all week, with 3 rounds of 1 under par 71 to lead Toyota World Junior Champion Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly) by a shot heading into the final round.
After a tight battle all day, Badhwar had a 10 foot birdie putt on the 18th to take victory, but the putt fell short. So after 72 holes Badhwar and Beaucousin, after yet another round of 71, headed to a play-off.
Both players made par on the first play-off hole (8th) before Badhwar secured the title with a birdie on the 9th (second play-off hole). Badhwar now heads to Stanford University to begin what will no doubt be a successful college career.
Taylor Macdonald (Redcliffe) blew the competition away with a first round of 8 under par 64, and after solid rounds of 72 and 70, held a 7 shot lead over Simon Viitakangas (Palmer Gold Coast).
Viitakangas started strongly in the fourth round, recording birdies to Macdonald's bogeys and when the group made the turn at the 10th, Macdonald's lead was cut to only 2 shots. Viitankangas drew level mid-way through the back nine, but a birdie on the 16th gave Macdonald a one shot lead that he maintained to the end.
Congratulations must go to Pacific Golf Club for the superb condition that the course was presented in. A special thank you to the major sponsor, Adina Watches, for again providing stunning new timepieces for the victors and runners-up in each age division.
For full results, please CLICK HERE and follow the links.
Gary Player Classic Reaches An Exciting Halfway Point
The 2012 Gary Player Classic has reached an exciting half way point with a host of players closing in on the overnight age group leaders.
After his round of 64 yesterday, Taylor Macdonald (Redcliffe) followed up with 72 today and allowed the chasing pack, led by Jake McLeod (Hills) with the day's lowest round of 68 (-4), to close to within 4 shots, heading into the final two rounds.
The 16-17 year age group is the closest with the top 9 players separated by only 7 shots. Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly), aided by a chip-in eagle on his last hole, leads by 2 shots from Tahitian visitor Teremoana Beaucousin who has recorded back to back rounds of 71.
James Macklin (Nudgee) emerged from the crowded 15 and Under leaderboard with a fine round of 70 (-2), to sit 3 shots in front of Kai-Jen Tsai (Hills) who bounced back from an opening 79 with today's round of 72.
The third round is a seeded draw and play will commence at 6:30am Thursday, with the cut of 25 players in each age group made for the final round on Friday.
For all age group leaderboards, please follow the links on the Gary Player Classic event page
Choi wins the 2012 Katherine Hull Classic
Annie Choi (Sanctuary Cove) has proven too dominant, successfully winning the 2012 Katherine Hull Classic at the Sunshine Coast's Horton Park Golf Club.
Choi was too strong, after closing out the field with a final round score of 73 (even par) to join her first round score of 69 (-4) and a second round score 75 (+2) to finish 217 for the Championship.Choi finished a single shot clear of the 2011 champion Lauren Mason (Horton Park).
Mason was unable to catch Choi after boogieing the 14th, 15th and 16th holes in the final round. She finished with rounds of 72 (-1), 73 and 73 one under for the tournament.
Palmer Gold Coast member Karis Davidson was victorious in the 15 Years & Under Division. Davidson opened her tournament with a 74(+1) but then returned a disappointing 81(+8) in the second round; she closed her campaign with a 79 to finish 234.
Rebecca Kay (Coolangatta Tweed) was the runner up in the 15 Years & Under Division returning rounds of 78, 78 and 79 - 235.
Goodwin finished the tournament with scores of 80, 68 & 74 for 222. Goodwin's second round score of 68 (-5) was the tournaments' best.
The Katherine Hull Classic will continue to be a prominent feature on the Golf Queensland calendar, thank you to Katherine for her continued support of the event.
A special thank you must also go to the course superintendent Pat Pauli and his team for presenting the Horton Park layout in such magnificent condition.
For all championship results and scores CLICK HERE.
Smith impresses in Asia Pacific Open Debut
Smith, who will next head to Turkey to represent Australia at the World Amateur Team Championships, shot rounds of 67-71-66-71 for a 9-under par total at the event co-sanctioned by the Japan and Asian Tours.
Fellow Aussie Marcus Fraser was one stroke better at 10-under while Brendan Jones finished a stroke behind Smith at 8-under par.
Asian Tour rookie Masanori Kobayashi (JPN) produced a magical front nine to win the title.
Kobayashi matched the second best nine hole score of seven-under-par 28 on the Asian Tour for nine-under-par 62 and a winning total of 17-under-par 267 at the Higashi Hirono Golf Club.
Koumei Oda closed with 67 for second while Shiv Kapur of India and Juvic Pagunsan of the Philippines shared fourth place after shooting a 67 and 71 respectively at the US$1.9million event.
Jake Higginbottom, the only other Australian amateur in the field, missed the cut.
Queensland Secondary Schools Team Championship
The runner-up was one of the Kelvin Grove State College teams. The team of Mia Martin. Sarah Yamaki and Dylan Han ended close with a total of 70 points.
The Individual Girls' Section was won by Caitlin Cotterill (AB Paterson College) with 35 points, while Dylan Han (Kelvin Grove State College) won the Boys' Individual Section with 39 points.
A total of 16 teams from 11 different schools around Queensland competed in the Championship, with the winning team getting to compete in the Australian Secondary Schools Team Championship at Peninsula Golf Club in Victoria during December.
CLICK HERE to view the full results.
CLICK HERE for more information about the National Championship
Smith starts well at Asia-Pacific Open Golf Championship
Ikeda has finished second in the past three tournaments on the Japanese Tour but has put himself in position to challenge for victory after building a two-stroke lead on Thursday.
And the 26-year-old Japanese was thrilled with his performance in the joint Japan Tour-Asian Tour event.
"I will give myself 80 or 90 points for my round," Ikeda said.
"I was really close in the last three weeks but I'm still proud with what I achieved.
"I started off very well and the momentum started to build.
"Everything went smoothly so I guess that's why I have no bogeys."
A group of five players are next on the leaderboard after the first round with Katsumasa Miyamoto, Koumei Oda, Yusaku Miyazato, Hiroyuki Fujita and Kazuhiro Yamashita all finishing with seven-under 64s for a share of second spot.
Korea's Kim Do-hoon is outright seventh at six under, a shot ahead of Tomohiro Kondo, Masamichi Uehira and Shigeru Nonakawhile, who hold a share of eighth place.
A group of 15 players are at four under, including Australian amateur Cameron Smith, while his compatriots Kieran Pratt and Darren Beck are three under.
Draper wins the 2012 Queensland Men's Mid-Amateur Championship
Draper opened his campaign with a sluggish round of a two over par 74 on the first day, to sit in the top 15 players. He then gained composure to fire on the final two days. An even par round of 72 on the second day fell just short of securing his spot in the final rounds lead group of four players.
Starting the final round three shots adrift from the leader Guy Wall (Pymble), Draper showed his intention early opening with a birdie on the first hole. This was one of five birdies which helped him race into contention under the radar of the lead group. Draper eventually closed with a brilliant final round of three under par 69 to finish on 215 (-1) for the Championship.
Guy Wall was one shot back in second place on 216 (Ev) after a closing round of one over par-73. This followed his opening round of 75(+3) and a fantastic second round of 68 (-4) which was the lowest of the tournament.
Jason McDonald (Brookwater) finished on 217 (+1) to secure third place.
As part of Srixon's support of this year's Championship, each player was invited to receive a dozen Z-Star Golf Balls and compete in a separate nett event. Mark Coonan from the Pacific Golf Club was extremely happy to have made this decision as it led to him winning the Srixon 54 Hole Challenge. Coonan shot nett rounds of 71, 72 and a final day nett 66 to take home a year's supply (12 x 12 dozen boxes) of the Srixon Z Star Ball. Coonan was one of 106 players that chose to play the Srixon ball at this year's championship, as did the Championship winner Mark Draper.
In the Upper Mid-Amateur Division (44-54 years) John Fearnley (Dunheved) finished on 218 (+2) to edge Nudgee Golf Club member Gary Heslop after he finished runner up on 219 (+3).
In the Srixon Teams event section, it was a close battle between two Brisbane based golf clubs. The eventual winners were the team from Nudgee Golf Club which comprised of Steve Toyne, Grant Fenell and Gary Heslop. The winning score left them with a one shot win over the team from Keperra Golf Club who comprised of Tony Robertson, Daniel Butler and Trent Greer.
In a new initiative for the 2012 event, a Srixon NTP Challenge was held on the Monday afternoon. Each player had one attempt at a 60m pitch shot from the clubhouse to the practice chipping green. After numerous close shots from competitors the eventual winner was Grant Pearce of North Lakes Golf Club, Grant's great pitch resulted in him winning a limited addition Never Compromise Putter.
It was the first of a three year agreement to have the 2012 Queensland Men's Mid-Amateur Championship hosted at RACV Royal Pines Resort., with a record field of 150 players and the fantastic feedback received by players over the three days, it is certain to be "must play" event in 2013 and 2014.
Golf Queensland would like to thank Srixon, RACV Royal Pines Resort and Coca Cola Amatil for their fantastic support of the event.Click here for the event page and results.
Christie wins Men's Senior Amateur on debut
The Indooroopilly member finished with rounds of 77 and 74 (151) to beat fellow Queenslander Peter King, New South Welshman Graham Blizard and Victorian Greg Welsh.
Christie said he was thrilled and surprised by the result.
"I've always wanted to play in the Senior Amateur and I thought this year I'd do it. Yarra Yarra is a wonderful golf course and I decided I'd come down," Christie said.
"I honestly had no expectations at all so it's fantastic to win," he added.
The championship was shortened to 36 holes after gale force winds forced the cancellation of play on Wednesday.
Victorian Barry Tippett and West Australian John Wanless finished a stroke further back in fifth place.
American Kemp Richardson was the leading international player in a tie for 10th place.
Defending champion and the number one ranked senior golfer Stefan Albinski, finished in 22nd position.
Teams event winners:
Score: 471
Team: Alan Bullas, Michael Jackson, Ross Percy and Barry Tippett
Age winners:
Under 60 years - Barry Tippett (Vic) 154
60-64 years – John Wanless (WA) 165
65-69 years – Roy Vandersluis (NSW) 155
Over 70 years – Tony Gresham (NSW) 162
Jack Brown Shield
Jack Brown Shield stays with the Queensland Senior PGA
In a hard fought battle, the team of Senior PGA members have retained the Jack Brown Shield after a 5 all draw with their Senior Amateur counterparts at Oxley Golf Club.
In perfect conditions, the lead changed several times between the teams with the last result going the way of the PGA, and giving them the required 5 matches to retain the Shield.
Compliments must go to Oxley Golf Club for their hospitality and the great condition that the course was presented in.
Full Results:
Peter King lost 5/4 to Neil Wall
Rodney Dale won 1 up over Paul Bosa
Dave Morrison won 1 up John Barrett
Greg Collins lost 2/1 to Paul Dalgleish
Ian Reed won 6/5 over Guy Ferguson
Graham McDonald lost 5/4 to Hugh Dolan
Joe Long lost 6/4 to John Martin
Michael Peeck won 7/5 over Doug Kercher
Stephen Rowley lost 2/1 to David Hutchinson
Colin Hallam won on forfeit
Jones Wins the 2012 Business Women's Championship
Wantima member Katrina Jones has won the 2012 Business Women's Championship at Palm Meadows Golf Club.
After an early stumble with a bogey on the first hole and double bogey on the second, Jones managed to regain her composure and close with two birdies. Jones returned the day's best round of six-over par (78).
Virginia Oxenford (Surfers Paradise) returned her round of 82 finishing in second position.
Katrina Jones (pictured) also won the 2012 Queensland Women's Mid-Amateur Championship, which was held at Horton Park Golf Club earlier in the year.
Natalie Griffiths (Burleigh) won the Business Women's Nett Division with a score of 75 nett. Jodie Rockliffe (Coolangatta) finished as the nett runner-up, finishing with 77 nett.
In Division 2 (HCaps 19-45), Michelle McGregor was too strong, finishing with 43 points. Ruth Bedingfield (WGN) finished runner-up with 37 points.
The Palm Meadows course was presented in fantastic condition and the day was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
For all Scores and Results Click Here
Queenslander's in Australian World Amateur Team
Queensland's Daniel Nisbet (Caboolture) and Cameron Smith (Royal Queensland) have been named in the Australian Men's World Amateur team, compete for the Eisenhower Trophy. The Championships will be played from 27 September - 10 October at Gloria, Antalya and Cornelia Golf Clubs in Antalya, Turkey.
Nisbet and Smith are joined in the team by Matthew Stieger (New South Wales) and will be coached by Golf Queensland's Head Coach, Tony Meyer, with Brad James as Manager.
"It is fantastic for Queensland golf that we have two players selected to play in the Australian Team for the World Amateur", Meyer says. "I am extremely excited to be part of the team travelling to Turkey and am looking forward to assisting the Australian Team play at their best throughout the event".
Meyer is an AAA Australian PGA member, has been the Queensland Women's Coach and on the Queensland Golf Coaching Panel since 2009. In 2010, he was awarded the Queensland PGA Teaching Professional of the Year.
Nisbet won the Players Amateur Championship in South Carolina in July and won the Lake Macquarie Amateur earlier in the year. He was runner-up at the Australian Amateur Championship in January.
Smith is a former Australian Junior and Australian Men's Stroke Play champion and finished runner-up to Nisbet at the Lake Macquarie Amateur and recorded a top 4 finish at the Porter Cup in the United States.
The women's Espirito Santo Trophy team is Breanna Elliott (Victoria), Whitney Hillier (Western Australia) and Min Jee Lee (Western Australia). The women's team coach will be Shani Waugh (Western Australia) and Matt Cutler will be the women's Team Manager.
Organised by the International Golf Federation, teams of men and women come from all over the world to compete for the Eisenhower Trophy (men) and Espirito Santo Trophy (women) within three different zones: Asia Pacific, America and Europe & Africa.
Each team has two or three players and plays 18 holes of stroke play for four days. In each round, the total of the two lowest scores from each team constitutes the team score for the round. The four-day (72-hole) total is the team's score for the championship.
Bath and Thoms win Men's Country Week Fourball Championship
Continuing their fine form from Thursday, the Ipswich pairing of Chris Bath and Barry Thoms were too strong for the field, recording a 51 point stableford total and a 2 point winning margin.
Chris Mobbs and Clayton Curran (Moranbah) were second with 49 points and the early leaders Murray Franks and Greg Robinson (Black Springs) came third with 48 points.
Friday also saw the announcement of the Teams Event winners, and after solid rounds on Monday and Tuesday, the Moranbah team of Byron Heading, Steven Stewart, Chris Brewster and Simon Kaye took home the prize with an aggregate score of 444.
Congratulations goes to all the host clubs (Redcliffe, Nudgee, Gailes, Keperra and Oxley) for the magnificent condition that their courses were presented in and the hospitality that was extended to the players. Plans are already in motion for the 2013 edition of Men's Country Week and it promises to be another exciting and enjoyable week.
McWilliam and Duncan win Men's Country Week Foursomes Championship
Jason McWilliam (Toowoomba GC) and David Duncan (Windaroo) emerged victorious in the Men's Country Week Foursomes Championship at Gailes Golf Club.
Trailing by 2 shots after the first 18 holes, McWilliam and Duncan played the last 9 holes in 1 under to record a 1 shot win over the Brookwater pairing of Jason McDonald and Tony Seymour.
The Nett Winners in Division One were Glen Neighbour and Mark Trims (Bribie Island) who were 1 shot victors over Nathan Dixon and Aron Savic from Ipswich.
The Division Two Foursomes were at Keperra Country Club, where the team of Glen Evans and Robert Kirk from Gayndah were comfortable winners with a 27 hole score of 132. Runners-Up on the day were John Roberts and Kevin Nunn (Moranbah) with 136.
Barry Thoms and Chris Bath (Ipswich) were run-away winners of the Nett section with a great score of 97.5. In second place were the Moranbah duo, Brendan Morgan and Wayne Keene with 108.25.
Senior Club Teams Challenge
Sanctuary Cove got off to an impressive start defeating Ipswich Golf Club 4 ½ to 1 ½ in the first elimination final at Sanctuary Cove. In the following week, Ipswich rallied in the second match of the elimination final to defeat sanctuary cove 3 ½ to 2 ½, but it wasn't enough with Sanctuary Cove progressing through to the final winning seven match to five on aggregate.
Sanctuary Cove managed to secure their place in the Grand Final; with form from the Elimination Final still on their side they defeated Gailes in the first Grad Final match at Sanctuary Cove five matches to one.
After the disappointing loss, Gailes had left themselves with a difficult task having to defeat Sanctuary Cove Six matches to nil, but it wasn't over as Gailes would have the home advantage to try and turn the tables their way.
After some promising match scores after the first few holes, Gailes was out to prove that they weren't going down without a fight. But it wasn't to be with the final scores resulting in three matches each and handing the 2012 Senior Club Teams Challenge to Sanctuary Cove Golf Club winning 8 to 4 on aggregate.
Congratulations must go to the 2012 Senior Club Teams Champions- Jeff Davey, Masa Terashima, John Hodgetts, Des Brennan, Dennis Amundsen, Bill Perske, Bruce Spencer and Barry Ridden(c). Sanctuary Cove has won the event on two other occasions 2006 & 2008
McDonald Captures Country Week Stroke Championship
Jason McDonald from Brookwater Golf Club has fired two fine rounds to capture the 2012 Men's Country Week Stroke Championship at Redcliffe today.
After a solid opening 72 at Nudgee on Monday, McDonald came home in 71 at Redcliffe to defeat Darren Neilson (Toowoomba) by 2.
The C Grade Division was won by Headland member Jonathan Welch after he fired rounds of 90, 88 for 178 to finish one stroke ahead of Gavin Crouch from Rosewood Golf Club.
Moranbah member Kevin Nunn was victorious in the D Grade division with Neil Robinson (Bribie Island) finishing runner up
Redcliffe and Nudgee Golf Clubs are to be congratulated for the outstanding condition their courses were presented in.
After a rest day on Wednesday, players will again hit the fairways, with Keperra and Gailes hosting the Country Foursomes Championships.
For all results and upcoming tee times of the 2012 Men's Country Week please click here
The Queensland Men's Country Week Championship is proudly sponsored by City Golf Club Motel, Toowoomba.
Smith and Nisbet to compete in prestigious U.S. Amateur Championship
Queensland's Cameron Smith and Daniel Nisbet have qualified for the U.S. Amateur Championship, to be held at Cherry Hills Country Club in Denver from 13-19 August.
The U.S. Amateur is the leading annual golf tournament for amateur golfers in the United States and was established in 1895. The winner of the U.S. Amateur gains automatic entry into the U.S. Open, US Masters and the British Open Championships.
Both Smith and Nisbet qualified for the tournament automatically by virtue of their top 50 World Amateur Ranking. The two men are also coming off a long overseas schedule, having been competing in the United States and United Kingdom in various tournaments since May.
"Cameron and Daniel have both had some outstanding results in the last 12 months and are arguably Australia's top two amateur golfers," says Tony Meyer, Golf Queensland's Head Coach. "There is no doubt that both players are capable of bringing the title back to Queensland."
Smith and Nisbet are joined in the tournament by seven other Australians - Jake Higginbottom (NSW), Oliver Goss (WA), Matthew Stieger (NSW), Brett Drewitt (NSW), Rory Bourke (Vic), Todd Sinnott (Vic) & Ryan McCarthy (Tas).
The championship winners list reads like a who's-who of golfing royalty, with Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Tiger Woods (3), Phil Mickelson & Mark O'Meara all having claimed the Havemeyer Trophy. Nick Flanagan is the only Australian to win the event.
The format is eighteen holes of stroke play on Aug. 13 and 14, after which the field will be cut to the lowest 64 players. Six rounds of match play begin on Aug. 15 and the championship concludes with a scheduled 36-hole final match on Aug. 19.
Daniel Nisbet wins Players Amateur in the US
The 21 year old Caboolture local claimed the title with rounds of 69-66-70 after the final round was cut short because of storms on Sunday and earned a place in next year's RBC Heritage event on the PGA Tour at Harbour Town Golf Links at Hilton Head.
Nisbet joins an honour roll including the likes of Price, Bill Haas, Camilo Villegas and Rickie Fowler.
On a day of inclement weather, play was suspended because of thunderstorms about 12:45 p.m., with the leaders having played 10 holes.
When the storm had not eased more than 90 minutes later, Nisbet was declared the champion and the results reverted to the 54-hole scores.
The early ending didn't change the inevitable result. After entering the final round with a one-shot lead over Alabama star Bobby Wyatt, Nisbet had extended his lead to six shots by the time the storm hit.
He made four birdies and just one bogey on the front nine, even chipping in from the fringe in front of the green after hitting a conservative approach at the par-4 eighth hole.
What was played of the final round amounted to more of the same great play that made Nisbet the frontrunner over the final three days. He didn't make a double bogey all week.
Wyatt made a charge late Saturday, but he couldn't continue the momentum Sunday morning. While Nisbet birdied two of the first three holes, Wyatt made bogeys at No. 4 and 5 and couldn't make up any ground.
Up next for Nisbet is the Southern Amateur next week in Little Rock, Ark. He plans to turn professional at the end of this year so he will be playing for money when he plays in the RBC Heritage on a sponsor's exemption next April at Harbour Town Golf Links.
O'Connell wins second straight Women's Senior Amateur
Wendy O'Connell (Northlakes) has taken out the Queensland Women's Senior Amateur Championship at Horton Park Golf Club.
O'Connell qualified in the second position for the match play but was elevated to the leading position after Vicki Laws (Surfers Paradise) withdrew due to Club Championship commitments. O'Connell remained undefeated to take out this year's event in stunning form.
Western Australian player Glenys Ferguson (Wanneroo) was out to holt O'Connell's good form, after some early misfortune Ferguson fought hard to get O'Connell back to all square heading down the last hole. Ferguson found the right hand rough off the tee while O'Connell hooked her tee shot in the left trees. O'Connell then played a fantastic recovery shot hitting the green to apply the pressure.
Ferguson's approach was left short, leaving her a fifty foot chip to the pin which she played on the green eight feet from the flag. O'Connell's nerves nearly got the better of her after putting her first about seven feet to the right of the hole. Ferguson then missed her putt allowing O'Connell to put her second putt in for the win.
Jane Franklin (Kingaroy) was victorious in division 1 of the 55-64yrs matchplay final, while Robyn Boreham (Headland) took out the division 2.
Anne Alletson Brown (Boonah) proved too strong winning 7&6 in division 1 of the over 65 age group, with division 2 being taken out by Wantima member Joy Cann.
Congratulations must go to Horton Park Golf Club for again hosting this year's event over the five days.
For all Results and Photos CLICK HERE
O'Connell & Ferguson secure their finals berth
Wendy O'Connell (Northlakes) and Glenys Ferguson (Wannaroo) have secured there spots in the final of the Championship Division in the 2012 Senior Women's Amateur at Horton Park Golf Club
O'Connell (pictured) was too strong for Twin Waters member Rosie Glasson who went down on the 15th 4 & 3, while Interstate player Liz Smyth (Royal Canberra) put up a hard fight to finally be defeated by Ferguson on the 17th hole (2&1).
Tomorrows 18 hole match play final along with the other Divisional Flights will commence at 6:56am with the Championship division teeing off at 7:20am
For Match play Results , CLICK HERE.
King Reigns Supreme at Bribie Island
Peter King (Windaroo) has held off all challengers to reign supreme in the 2012 Senior Amateur Championships at Bribie Island Golf Club.
After being neck and neck all day, King pulled away over the final stages from second round co-leader
Rodney Barltop (Royal Wellington) and Stefan Albinski (Mona Vale). Knowing he needed par or better, King hit a stunning approach shot to the 18th hole, leaving him with a tap-in birdie to claim victory.
Sanctuary Cove member Barry Miles held off the fast finishing Dave Morrison (Coolangatta Tweed) to claim the Nett Championship, with Jan Borren in third.
Run in conjunction with the Amateur Championship, the Club Team Championship finished with an overseas victory, as Royal Wellington dominated from day one and never relinquished their lead to run away with a 13 shot margin over the Coolangatta Tweed 1 team.
The Walking Stick Trophy, contested by teams of 6 from Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and ACT, saw the hosts Queensland scrape home by 4 shots over 2011 champions New South Wales.
Credit must go to Bribie Island Golf Club and all the staff for hosting the event in very testing conditions, with constant rain proving to a hindrance. The course was in great condition, with the greens the envy of many visiting players.
Next year's Championship will be held at Oxley Golf Club, with players already planning for what will be another hard fought event.
CLICK HERE for full results
Jones victorious in the Queensland Women's Mid-Amateur
After 54-holes, Wantima member Katrina Jones (pictured) has cruised to victory in the 2012 Queensland Women's Mid-Amateur.
Jones fired a final round of 81 (+8) to finish 8-shots clear of Caloundra Golf Club member Debbie Macaulay, whose 3 round total of 248 was good enough to take out second place. Robyn Callagan (Ipswich) finished a further 12-shots behind on 260.
For full results in the Women's Mid-Amateur, CLICK HERE.
In the Senior Women's Amateur only two of the top four qualifiers have progressed, with the match of 2nd placed qualifier Josie Ryan and 7th qualifier Glenys Ferguson, Ferguson won the match on the 21st hole.
The Four players to progress through to the semi-finals of the knockout match play- Wendy O'Connell (Wantima), Rosie Glasson (Twin Waters), Glenys Fergusson (Wanneroo) and Liz Smyth (Royal Canberra) will be vying for a spot in the final tomorrow morning here at the Horton Park Golf Club.
For the first round results of the match play, CLICK HERE.
Daley leads Senior Men's Amateur
Daley leads after day one
Phillip Daley from Ballina has shot an impressive 1 under par round of 71 today to lead Jan Borren (Royal Wellington) by a shot in testing conditions on the first day of the Senior Men's Amateur Championship at Bribie Island Golf Club.
Age divisional leaders after day one:
55-59: Stephen Rowley (Nudgee) 75
60-64: Brian Sams (Port Macquarie) 73
65-69: Robert Still (Royal Canberra) 77
70+: Paul Lulofs (National) 81
CLICK HERE for full results of Round One
Laws and Jones on top at Horton Park
After 36-holes, Surfers Paradise member Viki Laws, holds the top position on the Horton Park layout. Laws returned a second round score 78 to card a two round total of 155.
Due to her Club Championships Viki Laws was unable to stay for the Match Play section of this year's championship. This allows the 9th player to qualify.
Wantima member Wendy O'Connell (pictured) equaled Laws second round score of 78 (+5) to finish eight strokes back. The 2011 Champion, O'Connell now heads into the match play format as the highest placed qualifier.
The top eight players from the 36-hole gross event will contest the Match play series to be played out over the next three days.
Wendy O'Connell (Wantima), Josie Ryan (Headland), Liz Smyth (Royal Canberra), Annabel Harris (Horton Park), Rosie Glasson (Twin Waters), Carmel Smith (Horton Park) Glenys Ferguson (Wanneroo) and Janette Ferguson (Wantima) will fight it out for the title of the 2012 Women's Senior Amateur Champion.
For all scores and the Match play Draw CLICK HERE
In the Mid-Amateur Championship, Katrina Jones of Wantima has maintained her lead after shooting a score of 80 (+7) for a 36-hole total of 159.
Caloundra's Debbie Macaulay sits seven shots back after she fired an eight over par round of 81 to be at 167.
The final round of the 54 hole Mid-Amateur Championship will be contested tomorrow. Lead groups will tee off after 9:00am
For full results and draw times for the Mid-Amateur CLICK HERE
Laws leads the Queensland Senior Women's Amateur Championship
Viki Laws (Surfers Paradise) has shot a four over par 77 to take a commanding lead into the second round of the Queensland Senior Women's Amateur played at Horton Park Golf Club today.
Laws leads Royal Canberra member Liz Smyth by four shots after Smyth shot an opening round of 81.
After some overnight showers players found the conditions difficult as the course was still very damp.
Horton Park local Annabel Harris was one of the few players to better her handicap after she fired a 71-nett.
For full results from day one of the Senior Amateur click here.
The Women's Mid-Amateur Championships are being held in conjunction with the Senior Amateur with Wantima member and former Queensland State player Katrina Jones leading after her opening round of 79.
Jones has a strong lead of seven strokes over Murwillumbah member Catherine Coats after she returned her round of 86.
Caloundra's Debbie Macaulay shares second place after also returning an 86.
For full results from day one of the Mid Amateur, click here.
Queensland Senior Women's and Men's Amateur
The 2012 Senior Men's Amateur will be held Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 July at Bribie Island Golf Club.
Defending Champion, Greg Corben (Twin Creeks, NSW) will be among the 160 men from across Australia and New Zealand to compete next week.
There will also be 10 players from the Top 20 Australian Senior Ranking Table in the field.
Other notables include: number 1 ranked Australian Senior Amateur player in Australia, Stefan Albinski (Mona Vale Club, NSW), and a strong contingent from over the Tasman, lead by Rodney Baltrop (Royal Wellington, NZ) who plays off a handicap of 2.
Many of Queensland's leading senior players will also be competing over the three days, including Peter King (Windaroo) and Peter Hallam (Redcliffe).
Queensland Senior Women's and Mid-Amateur
There will be 50 women competing in the Senior Championship and 10 in the Mid-Amateur.
2011 Senior Women's champion, Wendy O'Connell (North Lakes, QLD) will again take to the field to defend her title.
Other contenders for the title include: Fay Payne (Caloundra, QLD) who has won the Championship on five occasions and Josie Ryan (Headland, QLD) who has won the Championship three times.
There will also be eight players from the Top 20 Australian Senior Women's Rankings in the field.
McBride wins Junior Boys Champs of Victoria
Kade McBride from Gold Coast's Burleigh Golf Club in Queensland has shot rounds of 79, 69, 67 for a total of 210 to win the Junior Boys Amateur Championship by four strokes. Victorian Ben Eccles (Kooringal GC) was runner up on a countback from Curtis Luck (Cottesloe GC Western Australia) and Viraat Badhwar (Indooroopilly GC Queensland) who all finished on 214. The Championship was reduced to 54 holes after rain delays kept the players from taking to the course during the first day.
Click Here for the full story, leaderboards and photos
O'Keeffe wins Queensland Women's Sand Green Championship at Longreach Golf Club
Overnight leader Brooke O'Keeffe (Springsure) has maintained her good form to win the 2012 Queensland Women's Sand Green Championship by six shots today at Longreach Golf Club.
O'Keeffe shot an opening round course record 68, followed by an even-par 72 (140) to take the title by six shots from Rowes Bay's Fiona Bell who had rounds of 74, 72 (146). Shae Holmes (Mackay) finished in third place after firing a six-over-par total of 148 (76, 72).
Overnight joint leader Lynne MacNamara has captured the Bronze I division title after rounds of 84, 82 (166). Lenore Johnstone (Ilfracombe) used her local knowledge to finish in outright second place with rounds of 88 and 85 (173).
Christine Simpson (Emu Park) was able to make the most of her outstanding first round score and take the Bronze II division title, after rounds of 82, 94 (176). Paula Connolly (Roma) finished in outright second place after firing consistent rounds of 97, 95 (192).
All players were greeted with tougher conditions on day two as strong winds buffeted the course.
The Longreach Golf Club received extremely positive comments from all involved due to the great preparation of their course and kind country hospitality.
For all Championship information including photo gallery and results, please click here.
O'Keeffe shoots course record to lead Queensland Women's Sand Green Championship
Brooke O'Keeffe has fired a course record to lead the 25th Queensland Women's Sand Green Championship.
Through Longreach Golf Club's extensive preparation for the State Championship a number of new Ladies tees were introduced. As a result of the changes the low score from today was guaranteed a course record.
When Springsures member O'Keeffe fired a fantastic score of four under par 68, she not only gained the course record but also put herself in a commanding six shot lead to her nearest competitor Fiona Bell (Rowes Bay) who carded a 74.
O'Keeffe, who is a past Queensland Sand Green Champion, navigated the sand green course with six birdies and two bogies.
Lynne MacNamara (Blackall) shares the lead in the Bronze I division (19-29) with local Longreach member Jill Magee after both players shot 12-over par rounds of 84. Robyn Nunn (Longreach) sits a further two shots back.
Christine Simpson (Emu Park) leads the Bronze II division (30-45) by twelve shots after a fantastic opening round of 10-over par 82. Racheal Lenton (Winton) sits in second place after an opening round score of 91.
A fantastic field of 77 ladies has converged to the town of Longreach to compete in the 25th Queensland Women's Sand Green Championship.
The player's will enjoy the official Championship dinner tonight in town, with the final round of the Championship commencing Sunday morning.
For all Championship information including draw, photo gallery and results, please click here
Australia wins first Toyota World Junior title
The Australian team of Viraat Badhwar (QLD), Ricky Kato (NSW), Oliver Goss (WA) and Anthony Murdaca (SA) has won the Toyota World Junior Championship at Chuckyo Golf Club in Japan.
Trailing leaders Canada by eight strokes going into the final round and sitting in fourth place, the Australians closed with a superb final round team total of 10-under par to claim victory by two strokes at 13-under for the championship.
Badhwar and Kato both closed with final round 67s (-4), Goss finished with a 69 (-2) and Murdaca 71 (E) to seal Australia's first win at the championship. The previous best finish was a tie for third in 2007 and 2008.
Overnight leaders Canada finished tied with Japan in second place at 11-under with the USA in fourth at 10-under par.
Queensland's Viraat Badhwar won the tournament's individual title, finishing at 12-under par following rounds of 72-68-65-67 on the par 71 6,846 yard course.
Round 3 Report:
The Australian team dropped to fourth place after the third round of the Toyota World Junior Championship in Japan.
Viraat Badhwar was the best of the Australians with a third round 7-under par 65. Ricky Kato finished with a 75. Oliver Goss and Anthony Murdaca both fired 78s.
Badhwar is joint leader in the individual standings.
Australia sits 8 strokes behind leaders Canada (-11). The United States is second with hosts Japan sitting third.
Round 2 Report:
The Australian team moved into second place in Japan following a superb 11-under par team score at the Toyota World Junior.
All players were under par with Ricky Kato (-6), Viraat Badhwar (-3), Oliver Goss (-2) and Anthony Murdaca (-2).
Canada holds the second round lead after they shot a 12-under par total for the day to go to 13-under par for the tournament. They have a 5-stroke lead over Australia and a 6-stroke lead over Japan. Adam Svensson (64) and Kevin Kwon (67) were the low rounds for Canada and the tournament as a whole for the day.
The captain of Team Canada Mike Carroll had this to say about his team, "we had two of our better players (Adam and Kevin) shoot a 64 & 67 as well as Blair Hamilton who got it back from being 3-over to end up at 1-under. Going into tomorrow with the lead can never be a bad thing, as we saw, there are some very low scores to be had out there as we saw not only from our team, but from Australia and Japan".
The teams of Australia and Japan made the biggest moves today jumping into 2nd and 3rd place respectively. The golf course played very well and was in great condition. The golf staff did a great job getting the course in shape for the round after last night's typhoon.
Round 1 Report:
The Australian team of Oliver Goss, Ricky Kato, Anthony Murdaca and Viraat Badhwar are in fifth place following the opening round of the 2012 TOYOTA Junior Golf World Cup being played at Chuckyo Golf Club on the Ishino Course in the Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Goss was the best of the Australians with a 1-under par 70 while Badhwar fired a 1-over par 72 and Badhwar finished with a 74 with the Australians finishing at 3-over par for the day.
The par 71 6,846 yard course is a true test for the best juniors in the world. 13 countries representing 6 continents are competing for the championship.
The Round 1 tee times were played earlier as Typhoon Guchol was due to hit the area later in the day. With the storm approaching the conditions were to worsen throughout the morning.
Mexico takes the lead in the first round with a score of 4 under par. The play of Juan Carlos Serrano leads his team with the score of 69 (-3) Right behind the leaders are United States and Canada with a score of one under par.
The captain of Mexico Jorge Coghlan stated "the fine play of Juan Carlos helped motivate his teammates. My inexperienced Mexican team did extremely well in the wind and rain, being patient under these difficult circumstances was their strong point today."