Gardiners Run at Chirnside Park were hosts of the Stuart Appleby Signature Tournament for the second consecutive year. Players contended with a warmer than average day with the mercury reaching into the low 30’s. Although quite hot, conditions were relatively calm in the heart of the Yarra Valley, providing ideal conditions for low scoring. The event has a strong history of great champions, with the likes of USLPGA professional Su-Hyun Oh and 2016 Isuzu Queensland Open champion Brett Coletta as former winners.
Hill Top’s Joseph Thomas proved too strong in the boys section after firing a brilliant round of level par 72 to take home the silverware. However, the victory wasn’t a walk in the park when a playoff was required to separate the tie between he and local Gardiners Run member Jake Fullerton. Heading down the 18th hole on the first playoff hole, Thomas hit the challenging 380 metre par 4 in regulation and then effortlessly rolled in his birdie putt for the title.
Kono Matsumoto played her way around the par 71 layout for a fantastic round of 71 today to take out the girls Signature Tournament title. The 17 year old had a relatively consistent day with nines of 37 and 34 for her one under par tally. Ashni Solanki was close behind and finished runner up after signing for a score of 73.
There we some fantastic scores in the overall nett section, but in the end Alessandra Nagayo took top honours. The 13-marker hailing from Waverley Golf Club effortlessly broke her handicap by a massive 9 shots for a round of 63 and the victory.
A big thanks must be extended to Gardiners Run’s and their staff for the excellent condition of the course and their hospitality.
Click here for final results