Gardiners Run was host to today’s Stuart Appleby Signature Tournament. The course was in top condition with near perfect weather greeting the players this afternoon – ideal for low scoring. Commencing in 2004 the Signature Tournament boasts an impressive honour roll with the likes of Todd Sinnott, Brett Coletta, and Su-Hyun Oh all holding the trophy aloft during their junior careers.
Matthew Edwards fired a career best five under-par 67 to have his named etched on the silverware in the boys section. Edwards’ carded six birdies, 11 pars with his only blemish coming on the par 3 11th hole. The 15-year old Patterson River member warded off his fellow playing partner Blair Christie by three shots, who in his own right had a solid round of two-under par. Edwards’ 67 today ties Matias Sanchez’s score back in 2014, who is the reigning Australian Men’s Amateur
13-year old Allesandra Nagayo was too strong in the girls section capturing victory with a round of three over-par 75. Donned “Swingderella” by the Edge Davao the smooth swinging Rowville Sports Academy member pipped out Sayumi De Costa by a single shot. Nagayo carded two over 38 for her outward nine before coming home with 8 pars and one bogey on her inward nine.
75% of today’s field either played to, or broke their handicap – an astonishing feat. However, it was Thomas Ngo, Michael Song and Louis Van Ingen that came in with today’s lowest nett rounds with the trio carding an amazing 62. Ultimately there can only be one winner and it was Geelong’s Louis Van Ingen that prevailed on a count-back for the overall handicap sector.