The 2018 Victorian Men’s Country Championship incorporating the Junior Country Regions concluded this morning on the Mornington Peninsula at Rosebud Country Club. Like yesterday, conditions were challenging with a gusty and cool southerly sweeping across the North course.
Starting the day with a two-shot deficit over Daniel Gill, Matthew Lever edged his way back this morning to claim the 2018 Men’s and Boy’s Country Championship titles with rounds of 75 and 73. Lever, a member of Moonah Links, fired a round of two over-par 73 to capture the honours by a single shot over both Gill and Shane Grover.
Gill stood on the 18th green with a 15-foot uphill par putt to tie Lever, unfortunately it narrowly missed leaving Lever with two putts for the win. Lever is in fine form after not only taking home the silverware today but also firing a red hot 66 at Moonah Links in the first round of the club championships only yesterday morning before making his way to Rosebud.
After winning the Men’s and Boy’s Championship last year, Caleb Perry now finds himself on all three trophies after etching his name on the Colts plate with rounds of 77 and 75.
The lowest nett score for the tournament was returned by Logan Lilly who blew the field away today with his 62 from his 14 handicap. Next best was Josh Brown three shots back on 142.
With several districts in the running for the Junior Country Regions it was destine to be an enthralling finish. Sleeping with the lead last night and with the pressure of making it three in a row, South Western district prevailed this morning by warding off North Eastern district buy just three shots. Ironically, the three-shot victory was the same amount they won by in 2017. James Walker fought hard for his North Eastern team but solid performances across the board from the Western district, especially from Angus O’Brien, proved pivotal to their success.
Western district was far too strong in the handicap section win with a solid win tallying of 882. The 9-man team finished a whopping 20 shots ahead of their nearest rivals.
A big thank you must be extended to the Rosebud Country Club for their hospitality and support. Also, thanks must be passed on to the 107 competitors as well as the districts and their team managers for the continued support.
<image="2" align="left" />
<image="3" align="left" />