Top amateurs re-group at Mandurah Easter Amateur
IN: News | Australian Mens Amateur | Mandurah Easter Amateur Championship (2007) | by Anthony Powter | 07 Apr 2007
Less than a fortnight ago, Australia’s best amateurs were playing at NSW Golf Club for the Australian Amateur Championship, in a tournament where everything was thrown at the field. Rohan Blizard eventually claimed the title following ten long days of grind both in stroke and match play.
Most last week were forced to simply rest and recover, too battle scarred from the punishment dished out by the elements and the course itself. They left Sydney that week savouring the experience of having played pure links golf, on a course many will remember for a while. The general consensus amongst players was that the NSW layout was brutal but a wonderful course.
Events now move to Western Australia for the Mandurah Easter Amateur Open, another national selection trial event, viewed as the last Australian major amateur to collect, before heading overseas.
The Manurah Easter Amateur not only carries the sought after world R&A ranking points, but also for the winner a start in the British Amateur in June, to be played at Royal Lyntham & St Annes. There’s also the opportunity to put your name alongside the likes of many prominent Australian professionals who are previous winners, including Geoff Ogilvy.
After today’s first round, Ashley Unbers has a one shot lead after a 5 under 67 from John Martino and Golf Australia National Squad member Josh Younger.
Daniel Beckmann is currently in outright 4th position with a three under 69, to be then closely followed by a pack of players capable of taking the title, including Jamie Arnold (71), Brenton Haines (71), Australian Amateur Champion Rohan Blizard (72), Tim Stewart (72) and Andrew Dodt (72).
Andrew Dodt, who won the Australian Amateur Stroke title at NSW Golf Club, views this week’s tournament as one certainly to claim.
“After the Aussie Amateur. I didn’t touch a club for four days. I was simply wasted from playing. This week in Western Australia is important, as the winner gets a start in the British Amateur and you also got the opportunity to move up the world rankings before heading overseas. It all counts and that’s in the back of your mind out there when you’re playing.”
“It’s a tough layout, obviously different to NSW, but one that’s heavily tree lined coupled with greens that are very reasonable. It certainly won’t be easy, but a least not a punishing as the Australian Amateur was.”
Dodt’s performance in claiming the Australian Amateur Stroke Play title a fortnight ago strangely did little for his world ranking, moving him a single position up to 39th. Dodt’s obviously keen to continue the upward trend this week, hopefully with more impact, before heading overseas.
As expected, Rohan Blizard jumped the world amateur ranking order following his victory with the Australian Amateur, moving a massive forty places to be our second highest ranked player, behind US based Bronson LaCassie. Blizard is keen to continue his form and is approaching this week event no differently to any other major amateur tournament.
“A lot has obviously happen since the Australian Amateur in Sydney. This week will be no different to how I’ve been approaching any event this year. I’m keen to keep my game going and take the form to New Zealand next week for their National Title.”
“The field this week is strong and like all National Trails, the level of competition is always high. If I can keep the driver straight, I feel I’ll have another strong tournament.”
With 36 holes to be played on the third and final day on Monday, the first two rounds are more about keeping in contention. The players feel the course will toughen as the weekend unfolds. Those who are able to remain within 5 strokes of the leaders going into the final round on Monday feel they are in with a chance.
Tim Stewart shares the view of most when he commented after his par round 72 this afternoon, it’s about re-grouping;
“Thirty six holes on the final day is a lot of golf, anything can happen and usually does. Get your game going, you can move right into contention and even win the tournament. This is provided you started close to the leaders and that’s the way you have to approach a tournament like this.”
Photo – Anthony Powter
