Wright inches ahead at NSW Open
BY Anthony Powter | Von Nida Tour | 2005 New South Wales Open | Round One | 17 Nov 2005
Michael Wright has opened up a 2 shot lead with a sensational six under 66 in the first round of the Proton NSW Open at Liverpool Golf Club. Wright, who claimed an earlier Von Nida victory in the Toyota Southern Classic, exhibited solid driving on the tight fairways, and heads into the second round with the slightest of breathing space ahead of five other players, including Brad McIntosh and amateur Alex Simpson.
McIntosh again showed that he is a force to reckon with going out in four under 32 – the result of some monster drives enabling him to attack the pin with his second shots.
“I drove the ball well today and was able to wedge it in close. I played Pennant Golf for Liverpool and know the course well. It’s a great track and today brought back plenty of fond memories from when I was an amateur. Tomorrow I want to play the same and keep my drives on the short stuff. Do that and your score will follow and that should see me around for the weekend.”
Although still early days in the tournament, former world number one amateur Michael Sim will be assessing his form following a two over 74. He sits well back in the field and it was not the start Sim was hoping for in his first event as a professional. The fact is, however, Sim is a class player and will be fully aware that more will be required tomorrow if he is to play the weekend.
Gavin Flint, who is another promising and emerging talent showed solid form to bounce back after a slow start to finish with a 72. He is one shot ahead of Tony McFadyean, who currently sits on the top of the Von Nida Order of Merit.
Both Flint and McFadyean will be looking to improve on their start as they battle not just for the tournament, but the number one Order of Merit ranking that will be determined at the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday.
With so much at stake in this season ender of the Von Nida Tour, and the chance to play in the 2006 HSBC Champions Tournament in China, you can be sure that the top rookies will be aiming to be in the final group come Sunday.
