Date: June 20, 2017
Author: Golf Australia

Giant-slaying McClelland on a roll

New South Welshman David McClelland is walking tall in the land of the giants heading into tomorrow’s semi-finals of the Australian Senior Men’s Match Play Championship.

The Wyong member, ranked No.23 in the 32 men who qualified to play at Coolangatta Tweed Heads Golf Club this week, will face Victorian Gordon Claney in the semi-finals after continuing his stellar form today.

After toppling the highest ranked player in his pool, Western Australia’s John Banting, on the opening day, McClelland advanced to the knockout phase by beating South Australian Chris Everett 1-up this morning to top the pool.

He then took down Queensland’s Tim Deakin in this afternoon’s quarter-finals to reach the final four, where he’ll face Claney.

The Victorian had a big day, too, firstly outlasting previously unbeaten three-time champ Stefan Albinski to win his pool, then overpowering another New South Welshman Peter Ferris 5&4 in their quarter-final.

On the other side of the draw, top seed Greg Rhodes flirted with elimination when he was pushed to a halved match by local member Phillip Towle in their pool match, with the Victorian advancing courtesy of greater winning margins within their pool, then beating WA’s Martin Minogue 3&2 in their quarter-final.

Another West Australian, Ian McPherson, beat Darryl Hearsch 1-up to advance from their pool, but he met his match in fifth seed Steve Toyne in the quarters, losing 2&1 in an entertaining afternoon clash.

Queenslander Toyne, seeking his third title, will face Rhodes tomorrow morning with the winners of both semis to compete in Thursday’s final.

See http://www.golf.org.au/eventdisplay/australian-senior-mens-match-play/10437 for all details of the championship.