Davis' youthful game prevails in QLD Senior Open
IN: News | Queensland Mens | Queensland Senior Open (2006) | Wrap | 27 Jul 2006
The final day at Nudgee Golf Club this morning was delayed due to foggy weather, however it was clear that Rodger Davis (NSW) was the unbackable favourite in the inaugural Queensland Senior Open Championship. Davis, courtesy of a course record 62 (-9) in the opening round, commenced today's third and final round with a seven shot lead and was never threatened completing the Championship with a 71 to finish at twelve under par.
Finishing in second place was David Merriman (NSW) with rounds of 69.68.69 for a 6 under par total of 206. He finished 6 shots clear of third place getter, Toowoomba City Golf Club professional Bryan Smith (69.71.72 - 212).
While Davis is now retired from his full-time professional playing career, he still enjoys playing at his home club of Lakelands once a week, and sometimes an extra round with his wife in the mixed event. The players and guests enjoyed a candid interview with Davis during the Championship dinner, where they learnt a bit more about one of Australia's finest golfers. Interestingly, even with a 7 shot lead, when asked if he would return to defend his title, Davis was quick to note that even Arnold Palmer surrendered an 11 shot lead in one event, and he would leave that decision until after the final round, if he was Champion.
The leading amateur in the field was a tight contest, but eventually Bill Banks (Yowani) was awarded the trophy on a countback, after finishing equal with Trevor Box (Ocean Shores). Banks shot rounds of 73.76.74 - 223 ( 10) for the three rounds.
The Queensland Senior Open is the last event on the Australian Senior Order of Merit (for amateur golfers). After today, current Australian Senior Champion, Dennis Dale (Cabramatta) will be crowned the inaugural winner of this new event, which runs from 1st August to 31st July.
The officials from Nudgee Golf Club, the Queensland Golf Union and the PGA (Qld division) were very pleased with the success of the inaugural Senior Open and Nudgee Golf Club and sponsors Panasonic and MFS are already committed to the event in 2007 and beyond.
By definition internationally, a senior golfer in the professional ranks is 50 years and over, whilst a senior in the amateur ranks is 55 years and over. This definition obviously provided the professionals with an advantage here this week, however the amateurs enjoyed the opportunity to compete with the pros in the inaugural Senior Open Championship and all will be keen to return in 2007.
Source - QGU
