Overnight leaders Ben Ferguson of The Vines and Kathryn Norris of Mandurah earned medalist honours at the WA Amateur today at Cottesloe Golf Club.
The pair will take the number 1 seedings into the matchplay that commences tomorrow, with the top 32 men and top 16 women qualifying to compete for the WA Amateur title.
Ferguson shot 71 in today’s final round to finish on 8-under par, holding off the surging Min Woo Lee (66) and Nick Curnow (68) who closed a shot back.
Overnight leader Kathryn Norris was never challenged in the women’s as she cruised to a five shot victory with Royal Fremantle’s Jessica Whitting in second.
“I played some pretty good golf and I’m happy with my result,” said Norris who finished on 3-under par.
“Hopefully I can do as well in the matchplay as (winning the medal) is a nice feeling.”
With five rounds to come in three days for the women, and six rounds for the men, fitness will play a big part — and Norris is leaving nothing to chance.
“I’m just going to take it easy, drink lots of water and have lots of sleep — be easy going with no stress.” said Norris.
While Norris was relatively stress free today, it wasn’t the same for Ferguson who held off the charging pack for the win.
“I got off to a good start today but I was a little bit shaky in the middle of the round,” said Ferguson.
“I knew Min Woo and Freddy were hot on my heels and they were playing well — it was good to finish off with a couple birdies.”
Even as the number 1 seed, Ferguson says he doesn’t want to think too far ahead when the matchplay gets underway.
“I’m just going to keep playing my game,” said Ferguson.
“Take it one shot and one match at a time. Try and keep my emotions down, hopefully do the same as today and get the win."