By Alistair Hogg New Orleans did not prove a happy hunting ground for the Australian contingent with three missed cuts, a disqualification and Michael Sim leading the bunch tied for 18th at six-under. None of the Aussies were ever really in the hunt in an event that was dominated by Americans. Nine of the top ten places were occupied by Americans, led by Nick Watney who won with a score of 15-under from Ken Duke and Anthony Kim, three and four strokes back respectively. Matthew Goggin was the next best Australian at four-under along with Steve Elkington and Jarrod Lyle. Peter Lonard shot the best round out of the contingent from down under with a second round 68. Unfortunately for Lonard, third and fourth rounds of 74 and 72 saw him slip out of contention. Australian results from the Zurich Classic of New Orleans Steve Allan -2 (T56) Steven Bowditch 71 74 (MC) Gavin Coles 75 80 (MC) Steve Elkington -4 (T28) Matthew Goggin -4 (T28) Paul Gow 75 74 (DQ) Nathan Green -1 (T56) Mark Hensby +1 (T66) Stephen Leaney 70 78 (MC) Peter Lonard -3 (T38) Jarrod Lyle -4 (T28) Michael Sim -6 (T18) Scott Hend shot a solid seven-under to finish equal third in the BMW Asian Open. The Aussie was definitely in contention to win but a disappointing final round 75 spelt the end to his challenge. Kane Webber was the next best Australian at four-under followed by Peter O&aposMalley just a stroke back. The event was won by Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin who finished 10-under. Australian results from the BMW Asian Open at Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC, China Scott Barr -3 (T15) Adam Blyth -2 (T19) Marcus Both +7 (T58) David Bransdon -2 (T19) Tony Carolan -2 (T19) Gavin Flint +9 (64) Scott Hend -7 (T3) Adam Le Vesconte +3 (T45) Matthew Millar -1 (T26) Peter O&aposMalley -3 (T15) Brett Rumford +1 (T37) Kane Webber -4 (T10)
Author: Alistair Hogg