Griffin bags maiden win at Mandurah
IN: News | Australian Mens Amateur | Mandurah Easter Amateur Championship (2008) | Round Four | by Anthony Powter | 24 Mar 2008
Matthew Griffin has won the Mandurah Easter Amateur Open in Western Australia, finishing at 8-under-par, a single shot from Matt Jager, who stormed home with a closing 4-under-par 68 to finish 7-under-par. Griffin ended the tournament with rounds of 69-71, after taking a two-stroke overnight lead in to the final 36-hole round from emerging star, Jason Scrivener.
Jason Scrivener would eventually finish 3rd, at 3-under-par, followed by former Australian Amateur champion, Tim Stewart at 2-under-par and T4 with Craig Hancock. John Cassidy and Michael Foster finished T6 at even par, whilst defending champion, Josh Younger, managed a creditable 8th finish, at 1-over-par.
The Mandurah Easter Amateur Open is Griffin’s first major Australian amateur title. The 24-year-old Melbournian has been consistent all season, finishing runner-up at the Lake Macquarie Amateur and securing three other top-10 National Trial event finishes. The win today, rightfully deserved.
“All season, I’ve played into contention, but I’ve never actually lead an event going into the home stretch,” remarked Griffin this evening.
“Today, I did and managed to pull the thing off. It’s by far my biggest win after being close so many times before. It’s just an amazing feeling to win a tournament in this manner.”
Following the morning round, Griffin had opened a four shot lead over Michael Foster, Matt Jager and Jason Scrivener, after he eagled the 490-metre par 5, 18th. Griffin’s momentum and confidence soaring as each hole passed.
“I made the turn feeling confident as my ball striking was the best it’s being for while,” remarked Griffin.
Scrivener applied the pressure in the afternoon round, blasting out of the blocks as he embarked on birdie frenzy, with three birdies on the opening five holes. Jager also played some stunning golf on his way to a closing 68, re-affirming what immense talents these two young Western Australians are becoming.
“I had no idea what the others were doing, which was probably a good thing,” commented Griffin. “To say I did not feel nervous out there, would be wrong, as I was.”
Today’s victory is symbolic for Griffin in more than one way. Certainly winning the first major amateur tournament has a special place, however, it was the manner in which the win unfolded that had him smiling this evening.
“It’s the first occasion that I’ve been in a situation of having the lead and what it’s really like to feel the pressure with fighting to hold it,” commented the 24th ranked world amateur.
“I was so pleased with how my swing held up under the pressure, especially my ball striking. This afternoon was the purest I’ve hit the ball all week, and it’s great to know you can play like that in these situations.”
The final 18 holes was not all easy going for Griffin, with Jager applying pressure all afternoon and only a stroke eventually separating the two for the title. Both had chances to break away throughout the round, but Griffin was able to keep the pressure to a minimal simply by not forcing any putts.
“I was able to just keep the ball in play and hit a lot of greens close so as not to cause any damage with long putts and that’s probably what won it for me today,” remarked Griffin.
Griffin’s chances for the Eisenhower team also suffered no damage. It’s given selectors plenty to think about, particularly with Scott Arnold’s win at the Riversdale Cup last month, and then Griffin’s today. Both players are considered likely candidates for the third member slot in the team.
Today’s victory was a well-deserved and timely win for Griffin, the result of pure determination and trust with himself and his swing. He rightfully joins the likes of Geoff Ogilvy, Jarrod Moseley, Brett Rumford and James Nitties, all of whom have experienced success at Mandurah.
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