Macpherson wins NZ Amateur Stroke Play

BY Anthony Powter | New Zealand Mens Amateur Tour | 2009 New Zealand Amateur Championship | Strokeplay Wrap | 25 Apr 2009

Bryden Macpherson has won the New Zealand Amateur Stroke Championship after a final round 1-over-par, 71, at Titirangi Golf Club in Auckland.

Macpherson, winner of the 2009 Australian Amateur Stroke title last month, played peerless golf despite atrocious conditions in Auckland with rounds of 72-67-65-71, to finish three strokes ahead of South Africa’s, Nicol Van Wyk.

Both Macpherson and Van Wyk were the only players to finish the four round stroke qualification under par, as scores blew out as players struggled to combat the conditions. Macpherson, in contrast, felt that he was able to thrive under the challenge.

“It probably suited my game,” said Macpherson when asked about battling the strong winds and at times, driving rain.

“I was able to hit different types of shots and play some interesting short game shots as well. It’s being good and I’m playing really well at the moment irrespective as to how hard it was out there.”

It’s Macpherson’s second national amateur stroke play championship title in as many months, after winning last the Australian Amateur Stroke Championship against Jin Jeong on the first play-off hole at Royal Queensland.

“I’m feeling good about where my game is going at the moment,” says Macpherson.

“The momentum is there going forward with the remaining matches and I’m feeling pretty confident – definitely.”

Any voodoo associated with stroke play winners moving into the championship proper is quickly discarded by Macpherson.

At the Australian Amateur Championship Macpherson was unlucky to encounter an in-form Daniel Nisbet, winner last week at the South Australian Amateur Classic, and bowed out in the opening round.

“I was a little unlucky to be drawn against Daniel and whilst there is definitely a bit of a trend towards top qualifiers going out early in these championships, I’m feeling good about my matches going ahead, especially if the difficult conditions continue.”

Australian Amateur Champion and the world’s highest ranked amateur competing this week in New Zealand, Scott Arnold, had a costly final round 78, to finish in a tie for fifth at 8-over-par, with rounds of 70-71-69-78.

Arnold was the next best-placed Australian finishing as the 6th qualifier to set up his opening match with Mathew Perry, 17, who’s main amateur win to date was the (NZ) South Island Under 16 Championship.

Matt Jager’s final round of 72 ensured he is around for the Championship proper finishing well inside the top-32 in equal 8th position, following rounds of 75-72-71-72. Jager is the eight qualifier and sets up an opening round encounter with Tim Leonard from New Zealand.

If Jager and Macpherson advance in tomorrow’s two rounds they set up a possible quarter-final encounter on Monday, as both have fallen into the upper half of the draw.

The fourth and final Australian to make the top-32 was Paul Griffths in a tied of 19th at 14-over, after rounds of 74-72-76-72. Griffths will play James Donnelly in the bottom half of the draw where Arnold is also placed.

Ryan McCarthy started the final round in a tied 14th position after an impressive third round 69, but was unable to continue with his form and narrowly missed qualification after finishing with a closing 81, to miss the top-32 by a stroke.

This week in Auckland, Macpherson again produced the form to claim another major amateur title. The New Zealand Amateur Stroke Championship adds to the Victorian’s ever grown list of achievements since evolving from the junior ranks last year.

Back at the 2008 Australian Amateur Championships at Royal Adelaide, Macpherson gave us an illustration as to his capabilities as he outplayed more seasoned players, including Scott Arnold in the opening round of the match play, only to be cut short by the eventual winner, Norway’s Anders Kristiansen in the second round.

Macpherson’s opening break then came at the Dunes Medal last December where he fired a sizzling course record 9-under-par second round, 63, to set up his maiden amateur title.

Much has passed since and Macpherson has evolved into a serious contender in any major amateur golf tournament he competes. This week he has the opportunity to claim a national amateur championship proper and the 18-year-old is relishing his chances.

“I’m feeling good about my game,” he says.

“Actually, I’m quite happy for the conditions to continue the way they are as I’m putting well and many others are having trouble handling the weather. It probably gives me more of an advantage than if conditions were calmer.”