Leishman equals record with WNB victory

BY Bruce Young | Nationwide Tour | 2008 WNB Golf Classic | Round Four | 13 Oct 2008

Marc Leishman not only moved closer to a place on the 2009 USPGA Tour by winning the WNB Golf Classic today, but his massive 11 shot victory equalled the previous greatest winning margin on the Nationwide Tour set by Chris Smith at the Omaha Classic in 1997.

Leishman’s victory took his 2008 earnings to US$198,000 and within just a few thousand dollars of securing his 2009 PGA Tour card. The final figure is somewhat changeable but most predict it will be around the US$205,000 mark. With guaranteed last place money at the Tour Championship of around $US4,000, it would seem Leishman is all but assured of his move to the higher level next season.

Leishman actually bogeyed two of his last four holes today but that will be of little consequence as he bathes in the glory of his first victory on the Nationwide Tour. Leishman began the season with only partial exemption on the Nationwide Tour but has played his way into a stronger position.

A second place in Utah in early September was followed by two missed cuts but he was quickly out of the blocks this week and took a five shot lead into the final round. With a birdie and an eagle in his first four holes, he was never threatened and was afforded the luxury of two dropped shots over the closing four holes.

Keoke Kotner finished alone in second place after a final round of 68 while there was further good news for Australian golf when Aron Price finished third and moved to 15th on the money list. Price is now assured of his place on the PGA Tour in 2009.

Greg Chalmers finished in a share of 4th position with fellow Australian Won Joon Lee and two others and moves up three places to 3rd position on the money list.

Victorian Cameron Percy struggled a little on the final day with a round of 75 after dropping three shots in his first three holes but his 9th place is further evidence of some good form of late having finished second at his previous start.

Jarrod Lyle and David McKenzie finished 35th and Grant Waite 53rd.

The Nationwide Tour moves to Chattanooga for this week’s Chattanooga Classic with just the Miccosukee Championship between that event and the season ending Tour Championship.

 

Position Score Player Country R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 Total
1 -21 Marc Leishman 67 66 66 68 267
2 -10 Keoke Cotner Mexico 70 71 69 68 278
3 -9 Aron Price 67 72 68 72 279
T4 -8 Darron Stiles 71 69 70 70 280
T4 -8 Greg Chalmers 70 72 70 68 280
T4 -8 Spencer Levin 66 70 72 72 280
T4 -8 Won Joon Lee 69 69 71 71 280
T8 -7 Brendon De Jonge 71 68 67 75 281
T8 -7 Brendon Todd 68 68 73 72 281
T8 -7 Cameron Percy 72 68 66 75 281
Position Score Player Country R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 Total

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    About the Author: Bruce Young

    A multi-award winning golf journalist, Bruce's extensive knowledge of the game comes from several years caddying the tournament circuits of the world, marketing a successful golf course design company and as one of Australia's leading golf journalists and commentators.


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