The 2021 Sanwell Cottesloe Open launched today, with local WA favourites Brett Rumford and Brody Martin sitting top of the leaderboard, both setting Cottesloe course records with rounds of 66. Outstanding golf by both gents, Rumford was steady all day, bogey free. Martin had a more colourful card, making an outstanding eagle on the challenging 8th, and after dropping shots on hole 4 and 10, promptly made them back with a string of birds. Impressive work from Martin, sharing cuddles with his new bub between holes.
Local Gosnells Amateur, sixteen year old Josiah Gilbert was hot on the heels of these seasoned Pros all day. Josiah, who has rarely played the Cottesloe course, carded an impressive 67, supported by his brother on the bag. With only one slip up on the second, Josiah was steady and seized birdie opportunities when presented. Narrowly missing an eagle on the 17th, this youngster is impressive and has a cool head on his young shoulders. It will be an exciting dynamic in the top group tomorrow for the final eighteen in the 36-hole Sanwell Cottesloe Open.
Gilbert shared, “My best hole today was probably 15 – I hit the middle of the fairway, but then let myself down with my approach. What I was most happy with was I then managed a good up and down to recover and save par. It kept my momentum going and I kept my head on all day (especially after a silly three putt early on.). Cott is seriously challenging – I couldn’t believe how firm it was playing – it really is in amazing condition and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to take part in this competition. It is so important to gain experience playing amongst a professional field and I am grateful for the PGA for including me.”
With the afternoon field unlucky with the rain, tomorrow’s predicted weather could bring in a new dimension to the final challenge. The public are warmly welcomed to enjoy the hospitality offered at Cottesloe Golf Club tomorrow, with free entry, parking, and first class golf viewing.
Leaderboard and tomorrow’s draw can be viewed at https://pga.org.au/tournament/
