The Rice Planters was my second event of my US Trip for 2008. It followed the Dogwood where I finished in tied 18th on 8 under which was a good result after a slow start. The Rice Planters is played in Mt Pleasant Charleston a great place and favourite of all the Australians. The week includes Americas 4th of July celebrations which is fun to see. So the week started with a good round of 67. My form coming into the week was really good so it was nice to get of to a good start. In round 2 I followed it up with a 65, which left me on 12 under and 2 in front. Round 3 was a tough day but I was able to have a 70 and still hold onto the lead. Day 4 was a really tight day with a close battle with Mike Stern all day. Josh Younger played really well and gave a good challenge with a closing 68. I was lucky enough though after it was all tied up after 14 holes to birdie 15 and 16, which gave me a two shot lead. After a bogey on the extremely tough 17th hole a solid par gave me the win. It is always a lot of fun to be in contention down the stretch and to win is always a huge buzz. It was great to play the last day with Josh also as we are travelling together and it always makes travelling easier when you are playing well. It is great to win away from Australia and follow in the steps of many other Aussies who have won the Rice Planters. Following the win it was great to head out with the other Aussie boys and enjoy Charleston on a Saturday night. Both Josh and I have had a great week staying with the Fleming family as we did last year and we have been extremely well looked after. From here it is off to Belfair and the Players amateur which is a great event and we are all looking forward to hopefully another Aussie getting a win. Matt