Herman holds on to win Moonah playoff
BY Anthony Powter | Australasian PGA Tour | 2010 Moonah Classic | Round Four | 07 Feb 2010
Jim Herman will sleep a lot easier this evening after winning the Moonah Classic on the first sudden death play-off hole over fellow countryman, Chris Kirk.
The two Americans finished on 11-under-par to force the first play-off in the tournament’s three year history. Kirk, who is yet to win on tour, held the lead for the best part of the final round, but bogeys on the 16th and 17th, opened the door for Herman.
Herman in contrast played consistent golf despite admitting to have nerves all day, finishing with a 2-under-par,70, with only the single bogey on the 5th.
“I got lucky on 16 and 17 when Chris made bogeys,” remarked Herman.
“The way I was able to finish this event off was very satisfying. I wanted to make that putt and just finish it.”
The result was truly deserved for Herman. He’d become the crowd favourite, since his blistering opening course record round of 62, and when his third shot into the par-five 18th hole in the playoff, that nearly spun back in for eagle and finished 2m below the cup, victory seemed assured for Herman.
“To have a win on the first play-off hole after playing aggressively all week is certainly the way to go.”
“I felt that I deserved this win after holding the lead since Thursday and a win is a win. It’s very satisfying for me, that’s for sure.”
Herman blasted out of the blocks at Moonah his opening two rounds at Moonah. It was not until the third round where the 32-year-old from New Jersey carded his first bogey. Rounds of 62-70-75-70, testament to Herman’s continued fine run on foreign soil.
“For some reason I seem to play better out of the USA,” remarked Herman at the post-round press conference.
“I had success in New Zealand in 2008, where I had a 4th at the New Zealand Open, and then I win here. I don’t know what to make of it, it’s a bit strange.”
Herman was lucky to even make the field at Moonah, having being the firs alternative and getting the call up a fortnight ago in Queenstown. Today’s win was ten years in the making and Herman was savouring every minute with claiming his first major title.
“I’ve won some lower level events, but none as big as this.”
“I’m simply overwhelmed with emotion. I was nervous out there and just kept talking to my caddie about anything throughout the day. I talk a lot when I’m nervous and it obviously worked.”
Herman is a true tour journeyman, having played the various feeder tours and worked as a Club professional over the years. The enormity of today’s result and the resulting springboard effect it will have for the rest of Herman’s season when he returns to the US, were certainly evident as Herman addressed the questions about his immediate future from the media.
“You know nothing is for certain in this game as to where a win like this might lead,” said Herman.
“I realise there is a long way to go, and that with this opportunity I’ve now been given, that I’ll have to make my own results. The fact is I now have the opportunity and that’s all I’m after.”
American Robert Gates, last week’s New Zealand Open winner, finished third at 10-under after a 66, while Victorian Jarrod Lyle shot 68 and tied fourth, a further shot back, with American Tag Ridings.
