Nisbet makes it four in a row at Keperra
BY Anthony Powter | Queensland Mens Tour | 2009 Keperra Bowl | Round Four | 15 May 2009
In an Australian season that’s been nothing less than spectacular, Daniel Nisbet has claimed his fourth title in as many starts winning the Keperra Bowl this afternoon in Brisbane. The 18-year-old did it with style with a 10-foot birdie on the final hole to deny Brendan Smith victory by a stroke.
Nisbet fired rounds of 64-71-64-68, to finish 21-under with Brendan Smith having the low final round 66, after opening rounds of 68-67-67. Twice this season Smith has finished runner-up, with Scott Arnold piping him at the Lake Macquarie Amateur back in January.
Smith displayed gritty determination during the closing stages of today’s final round, and he’s turn to claim a National Trial title is only a question of time.
Matt Jager continues with his fine run of tournaments with the New Zealand Amateur Champion finishing in outright third at 15-under, with rounds of 65-70-69-69. A group of three shared a tie for fourth at 12-under-par, which included Gavin Fairfax, Earl McGlinn and Adam Boyer.
Today’s win was Nisbet’s fourth in succession and he created history with the longest winning major Australian amateur title streak, after securing last month’s Golf SA Amateur Classic at Royal Adelaide, the Queesland Men’s Amateur Stroke and the Queensland Men’s Amateur.
“It’s been a lot of hard work and travel,” remarked Nisbet as he held the Keperra Bowl this afternoon.
“It was a goal of mine at the beginning of the season to just put four good rounds together. I never envisaged pulling four main Australian amateur events together and it gives me plenty of confidence to go overseas with.”
Nisbet’s first international event will be the Scottish Open Amateur in Aberdeen, starting 28 May.
“It’s my first experience in the UK, my confidence is on a high at present and hopefully I can continue to perform as well as I’ve been doing here in Australia.”
It was a fitting way to end the Australian amateur summer with arguably the most informed amateur collecting another title. Keeping also in perspective that last year’s winner Matt Griffin finished at 15-under, Nisbet’s efforts this week is reflective of the immense talent he is.
The recent move to be based at the Victoria Golf Club, where Nisbet practices and plays pennants for the famed Melbourne Club, has returned obvious dividends, yet he remains loyal to his Queensland roots.
“It’s always nice to win events back home in front of all the local supporters,” says Nisbet.
“It’s been an amazing few months for me. I’ve got pretty high expectations now going over to the UK and US, so hopefully I can pull through.”
Nisbet has sent a message to the world amateur circuit. He’s ready, confident and playing sensational golf. It’s potent mix and the current world ranking of 56 is sure to improve once he lands on foreign shores.
This weekend Nisbet will spearhead the Victoria Golf Club in the Melbourne Pennant final against Commonwealth on Sunday. He’s undefeated in the series and will be seeking to make his contribution for Victoria to successfully defend the prized Metropolitan Pennant flag.
It’s a punishing schedule, yet Nisbet is primed and ready for the challenge.
Watch this space as one of our most talented amateurs is set to make his mark this season in the UK and the US, as he’s already done this season in Australia.
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