Jones makes it three Australasian wins in Japan

BY iseekgolf.com | Japan Tour | 2002 Philip Morris Championship | Wrap | 04 Nov 2002

Brendan Jones became the third first-time Australasian winner in as many weeks, capturing the prestigious 200 million Yen Philip Morris Championship with a tournament record after a final round -2 (70). Jones takes home 40,000,000 Yen or close to $600,000 Australian dollars for his victory.

Jones opened the tournament with a -7 (65) and didn’t look back as he went wire-to-wire to secure the first title of his professional career at -19 and two shots clear of defending champion Toshimitsu Izawa. Jones’ tournament total was a shot better than the previous tournament record set by Ryoken Kawagishi more than three years ago.

Jones’ win this week followed the victories of New Zealander David Smail at the Japan Open two weeks ago and Australian Scott Laycock at last week’s Bridgestone Open. Izawa could only match Jones with a 70 and finished runner-up at -17.

Scott Laycock came within six strokes of a second victory in as many weeks but in the end had to settle for equal 5th place at -13. Laycock’s finished earned him 7,266,666 YEN (AUD$106,000).

Recent Japan Open winner, David Smail finished in 29th with AUD$20,000 with New South Welshman, Steve Conran, another two shots back at –4 and in a tie for 38th and AUD$13,500. Richard Backwell finished in 51st and Anthony Gillgan finished last at 8 and 61st.