The 2011 Development Series between teams from Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and the &aposRest of Australia&apos began on the North Course at the Peninsula Country Golf Club on Tuesday December 6th. The course superintendent, Steven Hughes had the course in immaculate condition with all players ready to fight it out for the Development Series Shield for men and women players. Following the conclusion of the Australian Colts Series in 2011, the Series was initiated by the three States to provide competition for emerging young talent. Each team consists of four males and two females between the ages of 18-22 who did not compete at the Australian Interstate Series in 2011. This year the four teams are competing in the head to head match play format. The first contest of the series was squared between Victoria and Tasmania after each team recorded three individual match wins. A strong New South Wales dominated early against the Rest of Australia side and ultimately won the contest 4.5/1.5. The New South Wales team continued their strong form into the afternoon with a 4.5/1.5 triumph over Victoria. The &aposRest of Australia&apos team stayed in touch with NSW after defeating Tasmania 4/2. The third and final round continued on another beautiful Melbourne day which saw a tough match between Victoria and the Rest of Australia. The match was strongly fought early but Victoria ultimately came out victors with a 4-2 victory and secured 2nd place overall. Meanwhile, NSW faced Tasmania in a tough final match and although the contest was very tight at the half-way stage it was NSW which ultimately came out on top and secured the Development Series Shield. 1st New South Wales 3 Contests 13.0 Matches 2nd Victoria 1 .5 Contests 8.5 Matches 3rd Rest Of Australia 1 Contest 7.5 Matches 4th Tasmania 0.5 Contests 7 Matches
Author: Graeme Phillipson