The inaugural Box Hill Senior Amateur was contested this morning under a brilliant sunshine on the narrow par 71 tree lined layout. In 2014 the Senior calendar now boasts 32 events with Box Hill as one of the five new tournaments on the senior circuit this year.
Taking top honours in the gross section today was Ray Walker from Chirnside Park with a more than respectable one over 72. A countback was needed to spate the eventual winner as Walker and Tony Hyde finished with 72 apiece. Walker’s 36 on the back nine was a single shot better than Hyde to claim the maiden title. Barry Tippett (13th Beach) rounded out the prize winners to place third after carding 74 today.
This is Walker’s second victory for the year and is again proving that he is force to be reckoned with. The 62 year olds first victory for 2014 came at Keysborough in late January when he returned a round of 73 in high winds.
Graham Bone from Commonwealth clinched the nett prize after carding 68 off a handicap of 11 to finish two shots ahead of Trafalgar’s John Hoare. Steven Wallace took home third place on a five way count back with his round of 71. Bone’s last victory came at the Hidden Valley Senior Amateur back in October of 2013.
However, the shot of the day came from Wayne Phillips who scored his first ever hole-in-one. The lefty’s ace came at the 85 metre 19th hole after a perfectly struck gap wedge.
Cranbourne will host their annual Senior Amateur tournament commencing this coming Monday and will be closely followed by the Bendigo Senior Amateur on the 13th and 14th March.
Click here for final results