Final day cancelled at Australian Amateur
BY Anthony Powter | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2007 Australian Amateur Championship | 25 Mar 2007
Round Four Photo Gallery
The decision to cancel today’s final round of the Australian Amateur Stroke Championship was reviewed with mixed responses by players. Only 15 had completed their rounds, most scoring well into the 80’s, a few in the 90’s.
Others like Rick Kulacz and Tim Stewart had solid rounds going in the difficult conditions. Stewart was only three over the card after 13 as was Kulacz after 15. They, like all competitors, have to replay the final round tomorrow for championship.
Conditions certainly were horrific, especially on the exposed 14th and 15th holes. Tempers were fraying, balls moving at address, play was virtually impossible.
The course had been prepared by the green staff in consideration of the conditions. Holes playing into the wind had been shortened, pins were in more generous places than usual on a final day. It ultimately made no difference.
It was around 12:50pm that players were seen making their way back to the clubhouse, word was spreading that no more golf was to be played. The Rules Committee then convened to decide what action needed to be taken. After an hours deliberation, the Committee decided play would resume tomorrow with a two tee start, along with the ladies who are scheduled to play their match play format.
For some it was welcome news, their cards quickly ripped up and discarded, as they felt a new life had been afforded by mother nature herself.
Debate was still flourishing as players made their way to the car park as to whether the right decision had been made. Even those who were holding a score felt it had. The conditions were simply too extreme.
The delay will mean the men’s match play and championship proper now starts Tuesday. Before then, life has, for many, crept back into their Australian Amateur. They now have another shot. Judging by the amount of scorecards in the locker room bin, there weren’t too many complaining about what had occurred; everyone would return tomorrow.
