Date: February 18, 2013
Author: Golf Australia

Cameron Smith fourth at Queensland PGA

nslander Brad Kennedy has won the 2013 Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship played at the City Golf Club in Toowoomba.

The highest ranked player in the field, Kennedy claimed victory by two shots from Kiwi Michael Hendry with an 18-under 254.

“It’s been great, I came up here with not much expectation but the things I have been doing mentally and physically have got me through,” said Kennedy.

Kennedy started the round a shot behind Hendry and spent the round going head-to-head with the Kiwi.

“I got off to a bad start, I was three back after six holes but I just kept hanging in there making a few birdies,” added Kennedy who headed to the 18th tied with Hendry.

“Coming up the last, you are playing a tough hole but that is what we play for, to be able to hit a perfect shot down there.”

“It went a lot further than my normal distance but to stand up there, hit a good six iron and then hole the putt is something that will stay in the memory bank for a while.”

“A birdie on the last is the perfect ending to a great week.”

This is the first time Kennedy has claimed his state PGA title, making it his third victory on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“I have been a Pro for nearly 16 years now, I did my Traineeship, have been a Club Pro and done all that, so to win a QLD PGA is great.”

“I came close five or six years ago so it’s great to get another trophy in the cabinet,” added Kennedy.

Launching his 2013 season in winning form Kennedy is now full of confidence as he heads to the Japan Golf Tour.

“I have another few months off before Japan starts so I am just going to get back to practicing,”

“Japan is going to be a long season I will need to be physically and mentally ready.”

“I guess my coach is going to make me train harder now to not let me rest up on a win.”

A bogey on the last was costly for Michael Hendry who finished his Coca-Cola Queensland PGA Championship at 16-under 256. Hendry will now focus his attention on defending his NZ PGA Championship title in two weeks time.

Finishing in outright third on 14-under the card was New South Welshman Anthony Summers while the leading amateur Cameron Smith finished a shot further behind.

Rounding out the top-5 on 12-under 260 were Ryan McCarthy (TAS), Scott Laycock (VIC), Rohan Blizard (NSW) and Michael Hendry (NZ).