World number one claims Aussie Medal
IN: News | Australian Mens Amateur | Australian Amateur Championship (2008) | Round Four | by Anthony Powter | 17 Apr 2008
Danny Willett has won the Srixon Australian Amateur Medal by a stroke from overnight leader Josh Yonger and Grant Scott. Willett fired a closing 3-under-par 70, to finish the championship a 6-under-par, a single stroke ahead of his nearest rivals.
The win adds to Willett’s 2008 Spanish Amateur and 2007 English Amateur titles. Willett faces local Christopher Brown, in the first round elimination match play, which starts tomorrow at Royal Adelaide.
Willett was simply ecstatic with today’s win. “Ask me in the morning about making up the four shot difference, and I thought it would be a tough task,” said the R&A world number one.
“I got the start that I wanted with a birdie on the first, to Josh’s [Younger] bogey, and just kept it going from there.”
Younger was obviously disappointed with his final round 3-over-par 73, however, remains optimistic with his chances during the elimination match pay.
“Earlier on in the round, I was looking for a rock to hide under,” said Younger this evening.
Younger exhibited pure grit and determination during the middle part of today’s round, making up territory and turning the front nine a stroke behind Willett.
“I managed to get some back and make amends for the terrible start. I had my chances out there, as it got close there in the later part of the round, with a few players within a shot of the lead.”
Grant Scott secured one of his best major amateur finishes by joining Younger in a tie for second.
“I’m a better match play constituent that stroke play,” says Scott.
“I’m just wrapped with my finish today. It’s being a long time in the making. My games good and I’m just looking forward to the next stage.”
Undoubtedly the biggest contest in tomorrow’s elimination stroke play is the match up between world number five, Danny Lee, and Australia’s Tim Stewart. It promises to be one of the best encounters in this championship.
Lee has the physiological advantage over Stewart. When the two last played each other at the 2007 New Zealand Amateur, Lee was the victor. Stewart obviously will be looking the settle the score and is regarded as one of the world’s best match play players. He’ll be a formidable opponent for Lee.
The stage is set for some interesting duels over the next three days of elimination match play. The mood amongst the players this evening during the cocktail party to launch the World Amateur Championship, is that a fresh tournament starts tomorrow and all are optimistic about their chances.
“There’s plenty of golf left here at Royal Adelaide and be sure, I’m looking to secure both,” says Willett.
Willett’s clearly has the game and the form with him this week. The tournament now moves to the next level, where anything can and usually does happen.
With the likes of some of Australia’s best making the top 32, including, Rohan Blizard, Matthew Griffin, Matt Jager, Scott Arnold, Jordan Sherratt and Michael Foster, this year’s Australian Amateur is certainly shaping up to be one of the most closely fought contest and a perfect prelude to the World Amateur championships, to be played at Royal Adelaide in October.
Discuss this article in our forums
