Europe claim Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy
IN: News | World Amateur Mens | Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy (2006) | Wrap | 28 Apr 2006
The experienced European golf team took out the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy over Asia Pacific in Auckland today.
They came from behind to win eight of the 12 final day singles with one match halved to claim the title over Asia Pacific 18 to 14 at Auckland Golf Club.
Asia Pacific began the day with a 10.5 to 9.5 advantage but were never seriously in the hunt to secure the six wins from the 12 singles matches required to defend the trophy.
Heavy overnight rain gave way to fine weather with the Middlemore course standing up to the conditions.
Asia Pacific were quickly on the back-foot with the Europeans dominating the early matches with wins to Joost Luiten (Netherlands) over Ajeetesh Sandhu (India) 3 and 1, Rory McIlroy (Ireland) over 16-year-old Wu Hu (China) 3 and 2, Marius Thorp (Norway) beating Yuta Ikeda (Japan) 1up, Pedro Oriol (Italy) 3 and 2 against Ben Leong (Malaysia) and Richard Ramsay (Scotland) with a 4 and 3 win over Andrew Dodt (Australia).
Luiten led the way with six birdies and an eagle in his round while Asia Pacific fought back through Yuki Ito (Japan), who fired seven birdies in his win over Nigel Edwards (Wales).
Mt Maunganui's Josh Geary birdied the final two holes, including a spectacular approach on the last, to nab a win over Swiss champion Damian Ullrich but compatriot Mark Purser (Hamilton) three-putted the last hole to lost his match to French champion Julien Guerrier.
From that point Europe had the trophy in their hands, with the battle of the No 1s Won Joon Lee (Australia) and Oliver Fisher (England) finishing fittingly at all square. The Australian shot eight birdies in his round while Fisher managed five birdies and an eagle in a superb display.
Geary, who had three wins and a half in five matches this week, said it had been an invaluable experience.
"It's been a chance to test yourself against some of the best amateur players in the world. It has given me a benchmark and gives me confidence that I can do okay at the top level.
"I actually did not really hit it that well all week. I need to go away and do some work on my swing. But I got it around okay and got the result which was extra pleasing."
The sixth Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy will be held at Valderrama Golf Club in Spain in 2008.
Source - NZGA
