Pitt goes low to claim WA PGA

BY iseekgolf.com | Von Nida Tour | 2006 Western Australian PGA Championship | Wrap | 28 May 2006

Andrew Pitt has closed with another 66 to claim victory in the West Australian PGA Championship.

A gutsy bunker save for birdie on the final hole ensured Pitt would finish at 12 under par, and leave rival Dean Alaban with the arduous task of having to eagle his final hole to go into overtime.

Alaban, well aware of the task ahead approached his 4 iron from 205 metres with only one thing in mind.

Carrying the hopes of the 1000 strong gallery the WA local took dead aim. His shot landing inches over the trap before running across the edge of the hole, only to leave himself with a 7 metre eagle opportunity to force a playoff with Pitt.

The putt wasn’t to be and victory was Pitt’s, the Victorian securing his maiden tour victory one shot clear of Alaban.

Western Australia’s favourite son Kim Felton nearly snuck in under the leaders guard matching his second round performance of 63 to finish his tournament in outright 3rd position in 10 under. Felton will return to the Nationwide Tour with a fresh charge of confidence after being in contention yet again in a tournament in his home state.

Victoria’s Jon Abbott played solid golf all day without making progress, the rookie signing for his best result as a Professional, a tie for 4th with joint overnight leader Adam Crawford. Crawford stumbled at the 10th and 11th playing the two holes in three over par to halt his charge and drop back to seven under and seemingly out of contention. He bounced back with a couple of birdies in the concluding holes but showed bitter disappointment at an opportunity lost.

The Von Nida Tour breaks for the winter with the Cairns Classic leading a stretch of 5 events the includes The Queensland Masters, The Queensland Open, The Queensland PGA and the New South Wales Open in October and November later this year.

Source – PGA Australia