Last week 108 of the best Australian golfers competed in the 54 hole Royal Melbourne Seniors Classic played on the famed Royal Melbourne Composite Course boasting 12 holes from the West Course and 6 holes from the East Course.
The event was taken out by Greg Rhodes from Victoria with South Australian John Davey from Tea Tree Gully Golf Club runner-up.
South Australia was well represented by Bruce Lindner (20th), Norm Cordina (23rd), Chris Everett (33rd), John Keogh (64th), Mark Griffiths (76th) and Bill Winslow (91st).
Full Final round wrap below by Golf Victoria
Greg Rhodes (VIC) has held onto his lead in a race to the finish line at Royal Melbourne. The Coomealla member struggled on the greens in the final round to narrowly defend his title by one shot from South Australian John Davey of Tea Tree Gully.
In typical Melbourne fashion the temperatures radically changed for the final day, dropping to a high of 21 after the heat wave of round 2. Play moved to the West Course for the third and final round of the Royal Melbourne Seniors Classic, following rounds 1 and 2 on the Composite and East courses respectively.
It was a fight to the finish for the Championship cup with Rhodes (231) and Davey (232) neck and neck in the lead group. Both players held on to fend off third placegetter Ian Frost of Rich River, who had a field best of 74 in the final round which included a birdie on the 15th hole to finish one behind on 233. Rhodes is currently the number one ranked senior male amateur in Australia and is adding this title onto the long list of accomplishments on his impressive golfing resume.
The Royal Melbourne Senior Classic is one of three National Ranking Senior Events played in Victoria each year and always boasts a strong field of local players, interstate and international guests. The Championship offers players aged 55 and over with the opportunity to play both East and West Courses along with the rare opportunity to test their skills over the Composite Course layout.
Golf Victoria is extremely grateful to the Royal Melbourne Golf Club for allowing the inclusion of this event into the senior program. All courses were presented in pristine condition throughout the three days and the hospitality provided by the club was first class.
Leading Scores
1. 231 Greg Rhodes 78-72-81
2. 232 John Davey 75-78-79
3. 233 Ian Frost 80-79-74
4. 235 Wayne Evans 82-74-79
5. 236 Gordon Claney 82-77-77
6. 237 Mark Stanford 79-77-81
7. 240 Kym Olsen 85-77-78, Rowan Easterbrook 83-77-78
9. 241 Greg Gillard 84-82-75
10. 242 David Robb 85-76-81, John Wheeler 76-81-85