Rory Bourke from the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club has won the 2012 Victorian Country Championship following the final round played over the Ranfurlie course of the Amstel Golf Club on Tuesday October 2nd.
The 24-year-old State player fired a closing round 69 for a two round total of four-under-par 140 to win by seven strokes from NSW Boys Champion, Lucas Herbert and Coomealla member Ryan Laird on 147. Lauren Bunting (Lonsdale), Michael Harricks (Chalambar) and 2000 Country Champion Terry Vogel (Cobram-Barooga) finished eight shots adrift on 148.
With an overcast morning clearing to fine but cool afternoon, a fresh southerly breeze made low scoring difficult. However Bourke made the best of the calmer morning conditions, going out in a steady two-under 34 including birdies at the 2nd, 4th, and 8th holes. While a bogie at the 7th halted his initial run, a steady inward nine of 35 thanks to birdies at 10 and 11 was enough secure the lead in the premier title for Victoria’s Men Country Golfers.
Mildura member, Ashley Whitehouse was the only other player to break par over the Championship, with an impressive one-under par 71 today to finish tied seventh.
The Victorian Country Colts title for players’ aged 18-23 was taken out by Ryan Laird while Neangar Park’s Lucas Herbert won the Victorian Country Junior Championship for players’ under 18 with rounds of 75 and 72 for a 36-hole tally of 147. Maryborough’s Garry Sluce was junior runner-up on 149 with Traralgon’s Tom Couling three stroke further back in third on 154.
Country Golf Week continues on Wednesday October 3rd when the Country District Teams matches commence. The 16 Country Districts are divided into three divisions to contest the Shield, Plate and Bowl competitions in round robin matches that conclude on Friday.
Final Scores from the 2012 Victorian Country Championship are available by clicking here…>