Final Leaderboard Queenslander Sam Christie won his first Senior Ranking event on debut with a two stroke victory at the Australian Men’sSenior Amateur Championship in blustery conditions at Yarra Yarra Golf Club in Melbourne. The Indooroopilly member finished with rounds of 77 and 74 (151) to beat fellow Queenslander Peter King, New South Welshman Graham Blizard and Victorian Greg Welsh. Christie said he was thrilled and surprised by the result. I ve always wanted to play in the Senior Amateur and I thought this year I d do it. Yarra Yarra is a wonderful golf course and I decided I d come down, Christie said. I honestly had no expectations at all so it s fantastic to win, he added. The championship was shortened to 36 holes after gale force winds forced the cancellation of play on Wednesday. Victorian Barry Tippett and West Australian John Wanless finished a stroke further back in fifth place. American Kemp Richardson was the leading international player in a tie for 10th place. Defending champion and the number one ranked senior golfer Stefan Albinski, finished in 22nd position. Teams event winners: Victoria on 471 Alan Bullas, Michael Jackson, Ross Percy and Barry Tippett Age winners: Under 60 years – Barry Tippett (Vic) 154 60-64 years John Wanless (WA) 165 65-69 years Roy Vandersluis (NSW) 155 Over 70 years Tony Gresham (NSW) 162
Author: Hamish Jones / Golf Australia