Hall wins 2009 Subaru Victorian Open
Von Nida Tour | 2009 Victorian Open | Round Four | 01 Feb 2009
Ashley Hall has claimed a two-shot victory at the 2009 Subaru Victorian Open. The 25-year old Victorian held off strong challenges from playing partners Scott Laycock and Craig Scott to finish 10-under par.
Throughout a thrilling day of play at the immaculately presented Spring Valley Golf Club, the lead changed several times before Hall sealed the win on the final hole of the Championship.
Overnight leaders Hall and Laycock continued their tussle into the day but by the conclusion of play on the front nine, both were tied for the lead at 9-under the card. Scott, who was one shot off the pace after yesterday’s play, seemed to be out of contention when four bogeys on the front nine saw him drop to 3-under par.
An early birdie on the back nine took Laycock, a former winner of the Championship, into the lead. Hall steadied as three bogeys from four holes saw Laycock relinquish the lead. Just as it looked like a two-way battle for the title, Scott’s game was brought to life with four consecutive birdies.
A 17th hole bogey from Hall gave Laycock and Scott hope going into the final hole, but Hall remained solid taking the 54th Victorian Open Championship title. A stunning 6-under par back nine from Scott, secured him tied second place with Laycock at 8-under the card.
Hall has continued his run of success in his home state after claiming the 2007 Victorian PGA Championship.
Although Laycock, 37, narrowly missed out on adding to his 2001 Victorian Open Championship title, his performance today showed that his is still a contender for major titles.
25-year old Scott, has returned to Australia after a stint playing on the Canadian Tour. The Sorrento-born golfer is taking positive signs from his performance at the Championship.
“I’m playing well,” said Scott. “It’s just a matter of time (for a break-through win).”
New South Welshmen Paul Sheehan and Aaron Townsend both returned impressive round scores to finish the Championship at 7-under par. A round-low score of
4-under par from David Diaz had the former Victorian Open Champion in contention for a top three finish going into the final holes, but the leading group was able to hold off the late charge.
It was a clean sween for the Victorians with Bryden MacPherson leading the way for the Amateurs, returning a 2-over par performance. 18-year old MacPherson has continued a promising start to his golfing career after taking out leading amateur tournament, The Dunes Medal in December. His result at the 2009 Victorian Open has done little to disprove the prediction that MacPherson is one of the country’s brightest stars.
Favourable conditions saw strong crowds turn out to Spring Valley to watch the final round of the 2009 Championship.
Source – Victorian Open
