Victorian Greg Rhodes confirmed his ranking as Australia’s top senior golfer with a one stroke victory in the Queensland Senior Men’s Amateur at his first attempt at the title.
On a dramatic final day where Rhodes, fellow Victorian Doug Francis and South Australian John Davey held the lead at various stages, the 59-year old school-teacher eventually prevailed on the last hole when Francis made bogey.
“It was very close all day with each of us taking the outright lead at different times. It was really a case of nip and tuck throughout,’’ said Rhodes.
“The Queensland Seniors was one event I hadn’t played, and it was great to win and to enjoy plenty of sunshine this week.
Rhodes, who started the final round one shot behind Davey and tied with Francis, carded a one-over 73 for an aggregate 221 for the 54-hole event.
Francis shot a 74 while Davey was a stroke back in third place after closing with a 76.
Rhodes, from the Coomealla GC on the Murray River, recovered well on the homeward nine after dropping three shots when he bogeyed the eighth and then made a double-bogey on the ninth hole.
He is on target to take a fourth successive Golf Australia Senior Men’s Order of Merit after establishing himself as the country’s leading senior amateur in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Rhodes won the Australian Men’s Senior title at his first attempt in 2015 and was again successful last year at Royal Hobart.
He will defend his national crown at Spring Valley (Victoria) later this year.
“I have to arrange the time off work yet,’’ he joked.
Francis (Metropolitan GC) made the turn in even par and surged to the lead with birdies on the 11th and 12th holes. He dropped a stroke on the 13th but made another birdie on the 14th where Rhodes also made birdie.
Murwillumbah’s Warren Colefax (74-75-78) played consistently throughout the event to finish fourth, six shots behind the winner.
Thank you to the continued support of PresCare and host course Coolangatta-Tweed Heads Golf Club.
PresCare continues to evolve as a leading provider high-quality aged-care facilities and in-home community care throughout Queensland. PresCare recognises the importance of people remaining independent no matter how old they are. Visit the PresCare website for more information.
LEADERBOARDS
Championship
Championship Nett
55-59 Gross
55-59 Nett
60-64 Gross
60-64 Nett
65-69 Gross
65-69 Nett
70+ Gross
70+ Nett