NSW Open victory opens doors for Wright
BY Anthony Powter | Von Nida Tour | 2005 New South Wales Open | Wrap | 20 Nov 2005
Michael Wright will not be gettin up early tomorrow in an attempt to qualify for the remaining limited spots in the Australian Open following his win in the Proton NSW Open. Wright, who lead from the start, was solid carding a two under 70 to take the title from Brad McIntosh by two shots.
“What won it for me today was that I scrambled well with my game. I was in trouble on the 12th and the 5th and Brad was playing well. I nailed the second shot from the poop on both holes and escaped with a par for both. That’s what won it for me today.”
“All I could think was not having to qualify for the Australian Open this week. This shows that I can do it more than once and for me the win today is special.”
It was Wright’s second win on the Von Nida Tour. What is also unique is that in both victories he led from wire to wire.
Wright’s win today now sets him up nicely for the Australian Summer main tour. At 31, Wright believes his best golf is yet to come and like most golf professionals sees America as the goal.
“My goal on the main tour is to come in the top 60. I’m 63rd at the moment and hopefully if I play solid this week in Melbourne, I will get into the top 60 bracket. I felt relaxed out there today, I breathed hard out there and maintained my composure. I got to make a living somewhere next year and I will be attempting to qualify in Asia.”
The NSW Open was anything but a closed shop.
Local favorite Brad McIntosh nailed his tee shot on the par 3 18th, nearly holing it. The ball released through to the back fringe of the green, had it sunk he would have been tied with Wright. Wright’s tee shot was 15 metres to the left. Wright’s putt took off to the right and finished 2 metres to the right.
“I hit my 7 iron too strong and left myself with a putt that was just frightening. Full credit to the boys doing the pin placements today – it was tough.”
McIntosh was fully aware of the situation following Wright’s putt – hole this and then a playoff. McIntosh’s putt slipped past and Wright had the trophy and his ticket to the Australian Open.
It was said at the start of the Proton NSW Open that it would be a tournament within a tournament and it was. Adam Bland held his composure in the final round to win the Von Nida Order of Merit and deservedly so as it been a remarkable first year for him as a professional. He is a young player going places and doors will also now open for Bland as sponsors become interested and exemptions, particularly the $US5 HSBC tournament next year in China.
He is a player to watch this summer; but it was Michael Wright’s day and he heads to this week’s Australian Open full of confidence.
Photo – Anthony Powter
