Kristiansen victorious in Aussie Amateur
BY Anthony Powter | Australian Mens Amateur Tour | 2008 Australian Amateur Championship | Grand Final | 20 Apr 2008
Norway’s Anders Kristiansen defeated Michael Foster 7&6 in the final of the Srixon Australian Amateur Championship at Royal Adelaide Golf Club.
“This is by far my biggest win,” said 17-year-old Kristiansen, the 2007 World Junior Champion.
“I’ve won junior championships, but never a big amateur title or a national title like this. It’s late back home and my mum stayed up all night sending and receiving text messages as to how I was playing.”
Kristiansen never allowed Foster any opportunity to make a move during today’s final, holding the lead from the first hole. A two hole difference was the closest Foster was able to get to the Norwegian.
“I just could not get it going out there today,” said Foster.
“He got off to such a good start, with the birdie on the first and from there I was just playing catch-up for the rest of the day.”
Foster’s only chance to apply any pressure on the match was at the 23rd hole, after Kristiansen’s drive found the left side fairway bunker and his approach had fallen well short of the green. A missed chip by Foster resulted in the hole being halved and any momentum being gained by the 2007 US Rice Planters champion.
“The 23rd hole was a critical mistake for me,” remarked Foster.
“I needed to win that to get back to one down, but I hit the chip right in the hosel and missed my chance. Full credit to Anders, he played solid golf and I just was not able to get it going.”
Kristiansen hails from Sarpsborg, south of Oslo. Golf is in his blood, his father, a green keeper at Borregaard and was insturmental in his son’s development, highlighting the importance of course management and being patient on unfamiliar courses.
It was his course management and mental focus that was his key to winning this Australian Amateur.
“I’ve never played courses like this before,” said Kristiansen, where for nine months of the year golf courses are closed in Norway.
“Back home you just bomb it with the driver and wedge it in. Here you have to think about your shot, place the driver and be creative around the greens.”
“It’s totally different to back home, but my Dad taught me that you have to think about your game, not just bomb it. I really looking forward to returning here in October for the Eisenhower Trophy, but this win today is really special for me and it will be a week that I remember for some time.”
