Coles claims third Aussie Nationwide win
IN: News | Nationwide | Chitimacha Louisiana Open (2008) | Round Four | by Bruce Young | 31 Mar 2008
Gavin Coles today won his fourth Nationwide Tour event when he parred the last eleven holes of his final round at the Chitimaca Louisiana Open to narrowly defeat Kyle Thompson.
Australians have now won three of five events on the 2008 Nationwide Tour schedule following earlier victories by Jarrod Lyle and Ewan Porter.
Thompson finished his round of 65 nearly one hour earlier than Coles and was forced to wait while the third round leader reeled off a series of pars to keep his nose in front. The 39-year-old Coles combined his typically accurate tee to green game with a great week on the greens and stayed in front despite several strong finishing rounds by his nearest pursuers.
Coles earns US$94,500 and joins the money list in 6th place although with limited PGA Tour status he will also play events there in which he can gain a start. After finishing 15th in PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open last week, Coles has clearly found some good form although as to where he will play next is an issue for him.
Coles is not entered in next week’s Nationwide event in California and has not made the Houston Open field so it may be that he will next play at the Nationwide Tour’s Athens Regional Foundation Classic in three weeks time as he will struggle to gain starts on the PGA Tour for the next few weeks.
As a winner this week he may be eligible for next week as a late entry and will decide to play to take advantage of his current good form. It will also provide an opportunity for Coles to stake his claims for one of the 2009 PGA Tour cards via this year’s Nationwide Tour.
Greg Chalmers finished 7th and moves to 10th on the 2008 money list, making four Australians inside the top ten.
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