Sporadic showers and cold gusty winds tested the capacity field that assembled to contest in this year’s Victoria GC Senior Amateur. Victoria Golf Club is renowned for its thick tea tree lined fairways and dense bunkering that catches errant shots from tee to green.
The magnificent par 72 layout was home to the late Doug Bachli who famously came from behind in 1954 to become the first Australian to win the British Amateur Championship. The Victorian Senior Order of Merit trophy that is fiercely contested amongst players throughout the year is named in Bachli’s honour.
Alan Buckley belied the trying conditions to card an impressive five-over par 77 to claim victory this afternoon. The Commonwealth member was able to ward off Victoria local Kevin Skehan to clinch the title by two shots and be the only player to better his handicap amongst the 72 competitors.
Buckley had an up and down opening nine, including two double bogies, to go out in 41. After turning five over par the 63 year old recomposed himself on the back nine to storm home with a stellar even par 36. This was Buckley’s first ever victory since he started playing senior events back in 2005.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth compatriot Bob Harper took home the honours in the nett component with a 74 off a handicap of 12 this afternoon. Tony Tonkin of Kew placed second and Kyneton’s Barry Murphy third, both edged out of first place on a count back.
Players will have a rest day tomorrow before many of them compete over the world renowned Royal Melbourne (West Course) layout on Friday afternoon.
Click here for final results