Brown continues stunning debut at NSW Open
BY Anthony Powter | Von Nida Tour | 2006 New South Wales Open | Round Three | 11 Nov 2006
» Round Three Photo Gallery – 2006 NSW Open
You can put aside Mitchell Brown’s amateur achievements and there were many, the New Zealand Amateur, the NSW Amateur, not to mention the various runner up finishes at the Lake Macquarie Amateur, which occurred on more than one occasion whereby that particular Championship never fell his way and never will following his decision to go professional this week.
Times have changed for Brown, he is now making a living from a game he passionately loves. Stayed tuned with this rookie player as you are bound to be reading the name “Brown” in the future, there is simply too much talent and it is ready to burn. Moving forward, Mitchell Brown is presently poised to claim his first professional title in as many starts at the NSW Open this weekend.
After a third round 66, Brown is positioned at 9 under and takes a one shot lead over Ben Bunny and Tony McFadyean into the final day. Aaron Townsend from Newcastle is in fourth position, only two shots behind Brown, after a third round 65 to be positioned at 7 under.
Brown’s decision earlier this week to join the professional ranks was a natural move considering what he’s achieved as an amateur. The timing also is perfect. There’s a full Australian schedule that already includes starts in next week’s Australian Open at Royal Sydney and the New Zealand Open, before going to the Asian Tour School in search of a Tour Card. The issue of going pro in his situation is a no brainier.
“I was a bit nervous early in the week, but holed a few putts and got it going. With that, everything then started to fall into place. It was a bit weird playing as a professional, but that’s the way it is and there’s no going back now. After the British Amateur, I definitely wanted to turn pro, but I had a setback in America when I broke my wrist, which was not much good and I was down about the whole situation.”
“At the time I was thinking maybe or maybe not I should go professional. The wrist healed well and the break from golf freshened me up. I then said why not, lets give it a go.”
The wrist now has a new pin, a type of “bionic wrist”, and Brown feels he is stronger than ever, although he’s not regarded as a long hitter, rather more a technician around the golf course with a mind like a steel trap; perfect for a professional golfer.
“The two month break has freshened me up. I’m playing well and have some good starts on the Australian schedule before going to the Asian Q-School. I am hitting shots and not worrying about my wrist. There is a lot for me to do this summer and I am really looking forward to it now I’m a pro.”
“This week the greens at Moore Park are a bit soft in the morning and then are getting bumpy towards the end of the day. Tomorrow I plan to just pick a line and putt to that. Whatever comes of that; we will see.”
To be leading your first professional tournament moving into the final day is a dream start for any rookie. You sense talking to Brown after his third round today that he is taking it all in his stride, not phased by the enormity of his achievement at the NSW Open. Irrespective if Brown is holding the NSW Open Championship trophy this time tomorrow, this is a player who is going places.
Brown’s disposition and display of control over his game is more akin to a seasoned professional, not a rookie. Brown has the game but more importantly, the mind to play professional golf. This is bound to assist him as he finds his way onto a main tour over the next six to eight months.
Whilst the immediate plans appear to be focused on Asia, it’s only a matter of time before Brown will make his way to America. Presently, it’s Moore Park, Sydney in the NSW Open that will be getting Brown’s immediate attention towards finishing off the job; and what a finish that would be in your maiden venture as a professional.
Photo – Anthony Powter
