Dodt wins tight tussle at Keperra Bowl
IN: News | Queensland Mens | Keperra Bowl (2007) | Wrap | 18 May 2007
In one of the most exciting Championships in recent history, Andrew Dodt (Gatton) has outlasted a host of players to win the 2007 Keperra Bowl, held at Keperra Country Golf Club in Brisbane’s North Western suburbs. The week was one of extraordinary scoring and included two course record of 63 by Kevin Lee (Oxley) in the opening round on Tuesday and Rick Kulacz during round three on Thursday. Ultimately it would be Australian Stroke Play Champion, Dodt, who managed to play the superior golf through the closing holes today and take out his first National Selection Trial event.
The golf course at Keperra was certainly vulnerable to low scoring this week with the drought creating a hard and fast environment and the greens prepared in excellent condition. With water at a premium, the club has focused their attention on the greens and tees and have done a great job in preparing the golf course considering the tough conditions. Having said this, we have seen some unbelievable golf from many players and the cut mark of 147 (+3) illustrating the depth of talent present in Australia’s amateur ranks.
The final round was an exciting finale to the week with at least five players holding the lead, or a share of the lead at some point, and another host of players within striking distance.
The overnight leader Jamie Arnold (Cronulla) started off slowly and was overtaken by Blake McGrory early through the front nine. Double bogeys at the 8th and 11th holes however would damage McGrory’s chances and he would eventually finish six shots back with a closing 72 (Even). Arnold was never really able to find his range today and finished with a respectable round of 71 (-1) for a share of 5th place on 274 (-14).
Dodt played well through the front nine and made the turn in 33 (-3) with a birdie on the 9th and then managed birdies at the 10th and 11th to hit the lead at 16 under par. Birdies at the par 4’s 15th and 16th holes would extend Dodt’s lead with his nearest rival at that point Kevin Lee.
Through the latter stages of the round, while Dodt held a small lead he was challenged by a host of players including Kevin Lee (Oxley), Jamie Arnold (Cronulla), Rohan Blizard (New South Wales) and Leighton James (The Grange NZ) in an exciting finish. Pars at the 17th and 18th holes would be enough for the leader and seal the victory and a memorable week for Dodt.
Kevin Lee finished second at 272 (-16) and should again be proud of his performance in what has been an unbelievable three week stretch for the Korean national, who lives in Australia. Lee , who celebrated his 19th birthday last Wednesday won the Queensland Medal at Bribie Island two weeks ago and then finished runner up to Rika Batibasaga (Indooroopilly) in last week’s Queensland Amateur (Match Play) Championship. It must also be mentioned that Lee has recorded two course record rounds in the last three weeks, illustrating the ability the young man possesses in shooting very low scores. His second placing this week is yet another great week for Lee who will certainly have a future in the professional ranks.
Rick Kulacz again impressed this week finishing in equal 3rd position which was certainly highlighted by his course record equaling 63 (-9) yesterday. He will join Dodt, Arnold, Blizard, Matt Griffin and Tim Stewart in a six-man Australian Team to contest the Four Nations event at Barwon Heads Golf Club in Victoria next week against Canada, Japan and New Zealand.
The Interstate Teams event was won by the Western Australian Team of Kulacz and Michael Foster (Hartfield) with a four round aggregate total of 554 (-22). They won by three shots to the New South Wales pairing of Tim Stewart (Monash) and Rohan Blizard.
All in all, the 2007 Keperra Bowl has been an outstanding week of golf and one that is unlikely to repeated for some time. While the Champion, Dodt played some outstanding golf and is a deserving winner, Australian golf can be very pleased with the position that its amateur ranks is in, with so many young golfers playing well this week.
Source – QGU
