Record low scores in perfect conditions highlighted the first round of the 2014 Federal Amateur Open.
Two of Golf Australia’s top ten ranked players, Troy Moses and Ben Eccles made the most of the conditions, both shooting a 7 – under par, sixty five to be joint leaders after the first round. Tied with them from the afternoon field was Patrick Wilson from Dubbo.
That equals the lowest round since the event gained national ranking status eleven years ago. Taylor McDonald and Matias Sanchez were next best, one behind. Japan’s Daisuke Matsubara playing of out the Kutsuki Golf Club was tied in fourth position with Cameron Haines and Kiran Day.
Sydney’s Troy Moses said he got off to a good start and was four under after his first five holes. “I played all par 5’s well and felt comfortable on the putting surface” Moses who plays out of the Bonnie Doon Golf Club said.
“I will have to watch being over confident heading into the second round. Watching my processes will be my priority going into the second round.”
In day two Patrick Wilson topped the leaderboard. In a stunning round played in near perfect conditions the Dubbo golfer has equalled the Federal Golf Club’s course record.
Wilson went out in a 3 – under 33, then scorched through the back nine holes shooting a 6 – under 30 to sign the card at the course equal record of a 9 – under 63.
Wilson eagled the par 5 – 13th hole, adding another 9 birdies to the tally. The only blemish in his round was a bogey on the 2nd and 12th holes.
The course record was set by the 2014 Federal Golf Club Champion, Adam Robinson who shaved 2 shots off the long standing record of 65 in round 3 of the recently held Club Championships.
“I’m happy to share, but it was nice not to have it beaten” Robinson said. “I’ll shake his [Wilson’s] hand tomorrow for not beating it” he said.
Currently tied for fourth, Robinson will turn professional following the tournament this weekend. After some time away from the sport he picked up his clubs again 2 years ago and has been shooting low scores ever since.
2015 is set to be a development year for the Canberra based Cooma local. He’ll then look to qualify on the Australasian Tour. Sixty seven players have made the overnight cut and will play rounds 3 and 4 tomorrow. Of that number 7 are from the local region. The first players will hit off at 6:20am tomorrow. There is no entry fee to come and watch.
The Federal Open has a rich history with past starters including PGA stars, Jason Day, Victor Dubuisson and Mark Leishman.
For more information visit: www.fgc.com.au