Doyle breaks through for maiden Victorian PGA win
BY iseekgolf.com | Von Nida Tour | 2003 Victorian PGA Championship | Wrap | 12 Oct 2003
Birthday boy Martin Doyle scored a breakthrough win in the Links Group Victorian PGA Championship. Doyle shot rounds of 69, 71, 70 and 67 for a four round total of 277 to finish two shots clear of NSW PGA champion Chris Downes who closed with a 69. A shot behind was Nathan Green from Newcastle who fired a brilliant 65 to post the lowest round of the week at Kew.
Russian Open champion Marcus Fraser was alone in fourth place at five under par.
Doyle took the lead from the first hole and never let go at any stage. He made eight birdies in the final round to keep all challenges at bay and collect the trophy and a cheque for AUD$18,000. “It means a lot to win,” Doyle said.
“It’s very, very special. Last year I was leading and I’ve been close a few other times, so it’s great to finally get over the line.” Doyle, who turned 30 last week, won’t have too much time to celebrate either achievement as he travels to Spain for stage two of European Tour qualifying next week.
Runner up Chris Downes had another good week, shooting rounds of 72, 71,67 and 69. Nathan Green finished third with a 65, the low round of the tournament. He made up considerable ground over the final 18 holes, climbing the leaderboard constantly throughout the day.
Tournament drawcard Marcus Fraser is taking the next five weeks off in Corowa to prepare for the remaining tournaments before Christmas.
Photo and article – PGA Australia
