Kulacz breaks through at Federal Amateur
BY Anthony Powter | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2006 Federal Amateur Open Championship | Wrap | 02 Oct 2006
Sinking a slippery birdie putt on the 18th is exactly what Rick Kulacz needed to claim the 2006 Federal Amateur Open Championship and with that a walk up start in the 2007 British Amateur Championship. For Kulacz victory in the Federal Amateur represents not only a breakthrough, but the catalyst to springboard his amateur career overseas.
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Locked with Rika Batibasage walking down the 18th, Kulacz, after letting a few slip past on the 15th and 16th hit one of the best approach shots in his career, a 110 metre pitch to the championship pin position, namely the top tier. Batibasage responded also making the same level but failed to sink his putt leaving the door open for Kulacz.
It was not an easy birdie putt, the greens were hardened and running fast, but Kulacz struck his putt with firm resolve and the result followed.
“I did not get off to a good start and the goal today was to make as few mistakes as possible. I managed to maintain my momentum on the 6th with a putt from 20 feet and it triggered my round off.”
“It’s worked out well, this is one of the best tournaments going around and I am really overjoyed to get this one and finally get a win because I have not won for a while and this victory is really sweet.”
Kulacz’s victory in the Federal Amateur will hopefully be the first of many. He’s been open in the past that for his game to improve, consistency was the key. This week in Canberra he held onto the lead for three rounds and this has to give the Western Australian not only the confidence but the momentum needed to advance his career.
It’s his first major title since 2005 and the victory today could not have come at a better time, the consistency appears to have returned as well as the resolve to hang in there to follow through with the goods.
The saying “close but no cigar” has to apply to Rika Batibasaga from Indooroopilly. Without doubt you can expect to hear more from this player. Possessing a swing that most professionals would die for, Batibasaga’s style of play is exciting to watch.
“One more putt that’s all, but I am happy with the way I played this week. I learned a lot of new shots out there. It was my putting and missing the shot one on the 11th cost me.”
Batibasaga starting playing at 10 and the 19-year-old simply fell in love with the game. This week he showed exactly what he can do and its given the Queeslander the confidence to move forward within the major amateur events.
“I plan to keep practicing hard and go to America probably the year after next. I have a few things I need to work on with my game before I take that step.”
It was fitting that Kulacz has claimed the Federal Amateur Championship, he held his game together over three rounds this week and proved he is capable of withstanding the challenges of major amateur championship golf. A beautiful three iron approach into the centre of the 17th from 195 metres, with the scores even and the Championship in the balance, reflected pure professionalism, and with that patience from Kulacz; the rewards followed.
Photo – Anthony Powter
