Day 2 – Odgers claims her fourth at Kyabram
Catherine Odgers has been crowed the 2013 Victorian Women’s Par 3 Champion following the final days play at Kyabram Parkland Golf Club today.
Once again the Kevin Hartley inspired putting surfaces proved challenging for the players as the small, elevated greens claimed more than one prisoner for the duration of the tournament. Although the sun shone for much of the day, unlike yesterday players contended with a moderate northerly wind.
The Wodonga member finished today with a seven-over par 61 to claim victory by a comfortable four shots and etched her name on the crystal bowl for the fourth time since its inaugural year in 2006.
Following her opening round of 62, Odgers’ front nine of 32 placed her in a commanding position as she maintained her composure coming in, shooting an excellent two-over 29 on the back nine to claim victory with a 36-hole total of 124.
Although Ogders’ ball striking was not up to her usual standard, her outstanding short game and finesse around the greens ensured success.
Defending Champion Jessica Pickwick and Metropolitan’s Michelle Hui both finished with a two-round total of 128, however Hui edged out the three time Champion on a count back to claim second position.
Recent winner of the Golf Victoria’s Ruby McKenzie Trophy at Murray Downs, Stephanie Robinson of Sanctuary Lakes was next best in outright fourth, eight shots behind the Odgers on 132.
Meanwhile the nett component of the championship was tightly contested as Naomi Cartwright from Kyabram Parkland took home the handicap honours in A-Grade. Cartwright carded a 53 nett today to mirror her round of 53 yesterday to narrowly notch out Mary Dewis of Euroa by two strokes.
Elizabeth McMurray was victorious in B Grade with a two round total of 150 gross. Hailing from Ballarat, the 23 marker narrowly defeated Jan Tipping and Mareza Bauerle by just a single shot. Margaret Broomfield carded rounds of 52 and 47 nett to win the handicap section on a count back over Jenny Shepherd.
Although today has seen the Women’s Championship conclude, the Men’s Par 3 will begin Saturday morning where a fiercely competitive capacity filed will be fighting to home the 54-hole title.
Golf Victoria wishes to extend its thanks to Kyabram Parklands Golf Club and their volunteers for their hospitality and support throughout the entire event. Thanks should also be extended to Sue Rea (GV Chair Women’s Advisory Group and Board Member) for her assistance.
Day 1 – Catherine Odgers leads at Kyabram
The 2013 Victorian Women’s Par 3 Championship teed off today in overcast, chilly, yet completely breathless conditions. This year’s title has attracted a record breaking field with 148 players from 47 separate clubs taking to the course, including a 14 strong contingent from the host club. The course itself was presented in superb condition, albeit fairly damp due to recent downpours.
For the first time in the tournaments history, the Women’s and Men’s Par 3 Championships are taking place within the same week, and both at the unique Kyabram Parkland Golf Club. Situated in the lush Goulburn Valley, Kyabram was established in 1958 and is Victoria’s only 18-hole par 3 course.
The opening round saw Wodonga member and three time Par 3 Champion, Catherine Odgers, lead the way with a nine over-par 63 this morning. Staring on the 14th hole, the 3 markers sound short game and nines of 29 and 34 was worthy enough to see her at the top of the leader board by a single shot.
Back to back winner and defending champion Jessica Pickwick is applying pressure on the leader, finishing the day with steady 64 to find herself in a superb position to challenge come tomorrow afternoon.
Trailing close behind the leader sit a cluster of three; Michelle Hui (Metropolitan), Tracey Clouston (Numurkah) and Kilmore’s Sari Saly, who all fired rounds of 65 today. 2012 Mid-Amateur Champion, Helen Pascoe, is a further shot adrift.
Jan Tipping (Yarrawonga Mulwala) and Jenny Shepherd (Ballarat) head the field in the nett section at the halfway mark after both players fired stellar rounds of 48 nett. The duo find themselves two strokes clear of local member, Helen Armstrong, and Hill Top’s Di Day after posting 50 nett this afternoon.
Also noteworthy was Sue Martin, Jan Rayner and Alison Ballantyne who returned 51 nett.
The second and final round of the Championship will be contested tomorrow morning from 8:30am.
Click here to view round 1 results