Stewart surges, Dodt holds at Riversdale Cup
BY iseekgolf.com | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2007 Riversdale Cup | 10 Mar 2007
Tim Stewart today sent a strong message to his rivals for the coming Australian Amateur Championship with a 66 during the second round of the Riversdale Cup. Stewart’s second round score elevated the current Australian Amateur Champion to the equal lead with Andrew Dodt at 8 under, two shots ahead of Michael Foster.
Four shots behind the leaders are a swag of players including Aaron Pike, Rohan Blizard and Paul O’Hara, all within striking distance on a course many consider is capable of low scoring.
According to National Squad member and current joint leader, Andrew Dodt the key to going low at Riversdale is with putting.
“Riversdale is not a long courses compared to most we play. There are players here capable of shoot in the low sixties and with that take the lead. Putting on this layout is the secret; finish above the hole and you’re dead. The greens this week are super fast and very challenging. You have to keep it below the hole; do that and you’re score low.”
Dodt is not backward in identifying the Riversdale Cup is one of the most sought after events on the Australian amateur circuit.
“The Riverdale Cup attracted such a strong field this year. It’s like a major American amateur the way its run and the level of competition. It’s certainly an event you want to try and win.”
Stewart’s 66 was the low round of the championship today, a single shot better than Dodt. Stewart recently made the final of the NSW Amateur, only to be pipped 2 & 1 by seasoned British amateur player, Gary Wolstenholme. A victory this week will give him an obvious lift going into defending his Australian Amateur title later this month at NSW Golf Club.
With two rounds remaining, the Riversdale Cup is reaching the critical stage of the tournament. More than ten players are within five shots of the leaders and with 36 holes remaining, those who can get their putter working are sure to climb the board to do their best to claim Australia’s second oldest amateur golf tournament. The question is whether Dodt or Stewart will let them.
Photo – Anthony Powter
