Buckle wins first pro title with Queensland Open

BY iseekgolf.com | Australasian PGA Tour | 2002 Queensland Open | Final Round | 03 Nov 2002

A lucky bounce off a course sign today saved Andrew Buckle as he stormed to victory in his first tournament as a golf professional in the Queensland Open at Ipswich Golf Club.

Buckle, 20, was holding a two shot lead playing the 18th hole but mis-hit his approach shot, crashing it into a “Quiet Please” sign held by a course official. The ball bounced back to the green five metres from the flag and he two putted for a par to block out the challenge of overnight leader Paul Sheehan (NSW).

Any other outcome for the shot could have resulted in a four way play off with Sheehan, Ryan Haller and Craig Warren (NSW), who tied for second at 10-under par. Warren was the surprise name on the prize list after starting the day in equal 11th position on -8 but he finished with three birdies to join Haller as clubhouse leader.

Buckle’s big hitting pulled the crowd, particularly after he stamped his name on the tournament by driving the par four 10th hole at 351 metres for a birdie. The win was virtually sealed with another birdie on 17 until the lucky break on the last completed the fairy tale move into the professional ranks.

Sunshine Coaster Craig Jones became the ninth player of the tournament to equal the course record of 66 to finish outright fifth on minus 9.

In a day of whirlwind changes to the leader board, Peter Senior challenged early from his position three behind the leader but after two early birdies he crashed with a double bogey on the tenth after hitting out of bounds. Senior, usually a crowd favourite with a big following gallery, found himself almost alone as word of Buckle’s charge went around the course. The golden oldie of the circuit finished with a two over par 74 in equal 15th position while fellow veteran Wayne Grady, who had led the field after the first round, faded to equal 30th despite a one under par 71 today.

Another Sunshine Coast veteran Tony Carolan squandered his chance for his best pay day with a two-over par round that left with a share of sixth prizemoney.

In the same group was last week’s Victorian Open winner Andre Stolz who had four rounds under par to finish at minus 9.

Defending champion Shane Tait, from North Queensland, also finished at nine under with his card marred by a one over par 73 on day three.