Three-way tie for lead in Victorian PGA
BY iseekgolf.com | Von Nida Tour | 2005 Victorian PGA Championship | Round One | 02 Mar 2005
Qualifier Shane Johnson is an unlikely three-way joint leader of the tournament with a three under par 69 on the Greg Norman designed layout in Melbourne’s western suburbs.
Sharing the number one position is Steven Jeffress from NSW and newly appointed Director of Golf at the Illawarra Golf Club, Ashley Marsay.
Johnson, a 31-year-old who ran the pro shop at Devil Bend on the Mornington Peninsula for six years, is now hoping to forge a career as a tournament player. The proud father of two girls leads the Victorian charge for the title along with Cameron Percy and Daniel Hyndman (70) with large group close behind on 71.
Steven Bowditch, the 21-year-old tournament draw card ended his round with a rush, with birdies on four of the final five holes, including the difficult 16th and 18th which were playing directly into a strengthening southerly wind. He signed for a 70, two under par. He is in the sort of form that has made him a standout on the Australasian PGA Tour over summer.
Earlier on Bowditch had appeared strangely subdued, even plummeting to two over par on the fourth before finally snapping out of it and destroying the back nine with the days best 9 holes of 32.
Of the up-and-comers, James Nitties posted a 75, while 2003 US amateur champion Nick Flanagan finished on 73.
The other tournament draw card, Peter Senior, had a slow start carding a one over par 73 but is still keen to show he has what it takes to conquer this demanding course and possibly do what no other has done and win the Victorian championship again 18 years apart.
Source – PGA Australia
