The final round of the 2017 edition of The National Senior Masters Championship has concluded on yet another spectacular golfing day at Cape Schanck. More ideal conditions could not have been planned for the duration of the championship, with brilliant sunshine lighting up the undulating links across all 3 days. Kym Olsen has secured himself the coveted Green Jacket on the Ocean Course today following a dominating display of artistry out on the links.
Using his home ground knowledge, Olsen carded 3 sub-par rounds for a record breaking 54-hole total of 5 under par which included 15 birdies in total for the championship. The current Australian Senior Amateur champion rolled in a seven-shot victory over fellow National member Mark Limon at 2 over par. Rounding out the top 3 positions and trio of local winners at 5 over par was 2016 runner-up Simon Bracegirdle.
Nett honours was awarded to NSW visitor Rex Suckling who finished strong today with a nett 71 for a total of 1 over par. Following a strong start on day 1, the Belmont member found the Old course a challenge yesterday but rallied home in the final round to finish a mere shot ahead of runner-up Ian Donaldson of Yering Meadows. Claiming third place on a count-back a further shot back was fellow New South Welshman Paul Dickinson of Wyong.
Across on the Moonah course in the Consolation field, the best scratch score was carded by Steven Davies with a 77 off the stick. In the nett section it was Henk Van de Ven of Howlong who enjoyed his first win in 8 years with a solid nett 70. Shot of the day went to another ace on the par 3 hole 13th by Metropolitan’s Frank Newton, backing up the hole in one on the same hole from Rob Coxon of Green Acres in round 1.
The championship is one of three National Senior ranking events in Victoria, consistently attracting a high calibre field of the top local, interstate and international senior male players since its inception in 2010. The 54-hole stroke format consists of a 36-hole cut for the top 75 gross players (plus ties) rounded out with the next best 25 nett players.
Dates of the 2018 championship are locked in for Tuesday 10 to Thursday 12 April. Golf Victoria wishes to thank The National Golf Club for the first-class hospitality provided to all players and guests.
To view full results and photos from the championship, click here.