Despite the forecast of showers and wet conditions, the opening round of the 2015 Australian Men’s Senior Amateur Match Play Championship began in great golfing weather with friendly rivalry a common theme amongst all matches at Coolangatta and Tweed Heads Golf Club.
Perhaps the biggest upset of the opening round was a 4 and3 win to 31st-ranked Trevor Box (Qld) defeating the 2009, 2011 and 2012 Match Play Champion Stefan Albinski (NSW), who was ranked second coming into the Championship and was a hot favourite. The fourth-ranked Steve Toyne (Qld) was stretched to the 19th hole before prevailing over fellow Queenslander Phil Towle, while last years’ runner up and the No.1-ranked player Barry Tippett (Vic) defeated the host club’s very own Dave Morrison 4 and 3.
Sunny weather continued in the afternoon for round two of the championship with solo international contestant Michael Barltrop of New Zealand defeating Alan Bullas (Vic) comfortably 5 and 4 to progress to the quarter-final. Jumping out of the blocks and five up after the first five holes, Trevor Box continued his upset streak defeating Mick Streit (Vic) 7 and 5. Mark Pearson (NSW) took 21 holes to secure his place in the final eight, overcoming Martin Monogue (WA) while Ian McPherson, Steve Toyne, Sal Ballard, and Vince Clark progressed through to the next round.
Day two looks set to have the heavyweights of senior men’s golf go head to head where there will be only two standing at day’s end. For the championship draw and results please visit the following link:
http://www.golf.org.au/eventdisplay/australian-senior-mens-match-play/5492