Date: May 01, 2011
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Suzuki and McGraw win Queensland titles

Queensland Women&aposs Stroke Play In what was a thrilling final day, Saki Suzuki (Lakelands) has won the 2011 Queensland Stroke Play Championship at the Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club -The Pines. Suzuki proved too strong in a rain affected 54 hole Championship, carding rounds of 74, 73, 68 – 215 to finish one-under par for the Championship. Suzuki took the trophy by an impressive two strokes, her win positions her as top qualifier for next week&aposs Queensland Amateur Championship (Match play). Suzuki will be defending her title at this year&aposs Amateur Championship after successfully taking out the 2010 event. Nudgee member Elmay Viking was the nearest challenger, finishing runner-up after returning scores of 76, 71, 70 – 217 (+1) for the 54 holes. Ashley Ona (Gailes) was unable to capitalise on her early consistency after carding rounds of 75, 72, 73 -220 (+4). In the Nett Championship Emerald Lakes member Amy Walsh was dominant after having 17-under her handicap over the 54 holes. The top sixteen players qualify for next week&aposs Queensland Amateur Championship. The 36 hole match play format will be contested on the Arundel Hills Layout commencing next Tuesday. Queensland Men&aposs Stroke Play Daniel McGraw (Gailes Golf Club) has won the 2011 Queensland Men’sStroke Play Championship at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club, Bribie Island. A third round of three-under-par (69) allowed McGraw to take a commanding six shot lead heading into the final 18-holes. McGraw continued his good form in the afternoon and signed for a four-over-par 76. McGraw s four round total of 290 (+2) was enough to give him his first major win in his golfing career. Overnight leader Dimitrios Papadatos (Toukley) found it tough in the morning round where he recorded four-over-par 76. In the final round Papadatos closed with a one-over-par 73 to finish on 293 (+5) to take outright second. Cameron Smith (Royal Queensland) made his charge early on the final day with a 71 (-1) in round three. In the afternoon Smith signed off for a final round of 76 (+4) to finish outright third on 297 (+9). Smith compiled a strong day s play but was unable to close the gap to McGraw. Although the players experience inclement weather, the Pacific Harbour layout proved again to be a fantastic Championship facility. The course was presented in outstanding condition with full credit going to the superintendant and his staff. The top 16 players from the Stroke Play will now progress through to compete in the Queensland Amateur Championship (Matchplay) to be held at Arundel Hills on the Gold Coast from next Tuesday.