Pickwick and Walker have held on to claim medallist Westcoast Open Amateur honours after round 4 play is abandoned.
In conditions which could be best described as miserable, players battled their way through wet and icy weather around the picturesque Port Fairy Golf Links. Sporadic sunshine and torrential downpour bounced back and forth all morning with a hail storm making a late appearance during the closing holes. The unfortunate decision to abandon play came shortly after the delayed completion of round 1 and severe thunderstorms predicted for the mid-afternoon.
Jessica Pickwick of Kilmore has led from start to finish to take out the women’s title by 5 shots from Commonwealth’s Alex Hilliard. Both players carded 77s today to finish on 54-hole totals of 224 and 229 respectively. Pickwick moved across the world from Kilmore to Texas in 2011 for US college, representing Western Texas before transferring across to Tarleton State University. Since her return, she has won multiple state titles including the 2015 Victorian Women’s Par 3 Championship and 2016 Victorian Women’s Spring Tournament.
Across in the men’s field, David Walker of Chirnside Park has claimed his first tournament win since his return to amateur golf. Round 1 leader Caleb Perry was on the hunt today, with Walker finishing on a 54-hole total of 2015 (-1) and holding off the local member by a mere 2 strokes. Walker was a former Victorian State Team member and 1997 Victorian Boys Champion before turning professional in 2005. Reclaiming his amateur status in 2013, Walker described this win as an important one for his comeback.
Golf Victoria would like to extend our appreciation to both Warrnambool Golf Club and Port Fairy Golf Links for the exceptional way they have hosted the event. The courses were presented in excellent condition with friendly hospitality provided.
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