Teater wins, Australians third in Utah
BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2009 Utah Championship | Round Four | 14 Sep 2009
So good had Josh Teater’s play been at the Utah Championship that he could afford a double bogey at his final hole today and yet still cruise to a four shot victory over Tyler Aldridge with a further shot back to a group of four players including Australians Matt Jones and Andrew Buckle.
For Teater, who is in his rookie Nationwide Tour season after a stellar career on the Hooters and Tar Heel Tours, it was his breakthrough victory but he has now earned himself enough money to be assured of a trip to the PGA Tour in 2010. Teater finished runner up to Michael Sim at the Christmas in October event a month or so ago.
Buckle continues the improvement he displayed last week in Mexico, three late birdies edging him into third and giving him now some hope of a return to the PGA Tour. Buckle has moved to 30th on the Nationwide Tour money list with six events to play.
Jones was playing the Nationwide Tour after missing out on a place in the FedEx Cup finals on the PGA Tour. Jones is at this stage struggling to retain status for 2010 in his rookie season on the PGA Tour but this week might provide the catalyst for a big finish to the season which for him will recommence in early October at the Turning Stone Resort in New York.
Amongst the other Australasians, David Mckenzie was 14th, Alistair Presnell 32nd, Steve Allan 37th and New Zealander Grant Waite 57th.
