Jacob Ryan has birdied the final hole to win the 2018 NSW Men's Sand Green Championship at Hay Bowling GC. In what was definitely a battle between David & Goliath, Travis Merritt of Rutherglen GC made life difficult for Ryan coming 3 shots back with eight holes to play only to go down gallantly on the last hole.
Jacob held his nerve with a second round 74 and total of 145 (+1) to finish one shot clear of Travis Merritt. A further three shots back and tied for third place were Nathan Schneider and Neil Newton who both finished with totals of 149.
"We had a great battle. I nearly ran him down, but full credit to Jacob," said Travis Merritt
"Glad to get the win, enjoyed the weekend. Thank you, Hay GC," smiled Jacob Ryan
This is the second time that Jacob Ryan has won the NSW Sand Green Championship, his last was back in 2015 at his home club, Cobar Bowling GC.
The 36 Hole Nett winner was Neil Newton of Walgett District Sports Club with a total of 139. He pipped out overnight leader and Hay's Paul Pless on a countback.
In the Teams Event, Ian Bunyan, Dean Smith and Paul Pless of Hay Bowling GC were never in danger with their twelve-shot lead from round one. In the end, they finished 15 shots ahead of the field, combined all three of their scores for a total of 432 nett aggregate.
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The NSWVGA 36 Hole Championship was won by Hay Bowling GC local Neil Jackson with a total of 159. Overnight leaders Steve Beattie and David Doig found it tough to score on day two and by the turn had a battle on their hands. Neil Jackson ended up a 4 shot winner over Finley's Colin McNamara and Steve Beattie finished back in third place a further three shots.
"I was suprised I had won. I didn't expect it, but I am happy and excited," stated Neil Jackson.
In the Nett Division, Wayne Dunbar, another local golfer from the Hay Bowling GC edged out Neil Headon of Hay Bowling GC to win on a count back with 145 nett.
Congratulations to all the winners this year. See you next year at Barraba GC on 12-13 October 2019.
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After Round 1 of the 2018 NSW Men's Sand Green Championships at Hay GC, we have joint leaders. Travis Merritt of Rutherglen GC and 2015 winner Jacon Ryan both battled the early wet conditions to post rounds of 71 (-1). Hot on their heals is Beechworth's Nathan Schneider who posted a respectful round of 73 (+1).
Leading the nett competition are locals Paul Pless and Troy Hartman of Hay GC with an impressive score of 66 nett.
In the NSWVGA Championship, defending champion Steve Beattie shares the lead with David Doig after shooting round of 79 (+7). Hay's own Neil Jackson is a further one shot a drift along with Finley's Colin McNamara
Leading the NSWVGA Nett scores, is David Doig (71) with a handfull of Hay GC golfers which include Donald Butler, Neil Jackson and Christopher Kem only one shot behind.
In the Teams Event which is held in conjuction, the team of Ian Bunyan, Paul Pless and Dean Smith of Hay GC have a commanding 12 shot lead over the field.
Round 2 tomorrow is a shotgun start at 9:00am.
LEADERBOARD – CLICK HERE
DRAW ROUND 2 – CLICK HERE
PHOTO GALLERY – CLICK HERE
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The Men's NSW Sand Greens Championship is open to male amateur golfers with a GA handicap of 27.4 or under. It is played over 36 holes stroke play, 18-holes on the first day and 18-holes on the second day.
The Championship also incorporates the NSWVGA Sand Greens Championship, the Junior Sand Greens Champion, and the NSW Sand Greens Teams Event.
Round 1 of the 2018 Men's NSW Sand Greens Championship begins on Saturday 13th October and is being played at Hay Bowling & Golf Club.
DRAW ROUND 1 – CLICK HERE