The 2021 Gosnells Open was contested over the weekend with a field of 126 Gosnells Members and visitors from other Clubs. The event has long been the premier event of the Gosnells Golf Club, and this year did not fail to disappoint. This year we attracted an elite field of 22 plus handicappers and welcomed many players who have enjoyed international success on the amateur circuit.
The stage was set on Saturday morning, with course staff working hard in the lead up to the event to ensure the course presented and played well. The perfect golfing conditions made sure to aid the golfers in getting off to a great start.
Round 1 saw players challenged with the course conditions, with only five players finishing below par. Gosnells Junior Champion, Josiah Gilbert put on an outstanding effort in round 1 finishing with a score of 65, finishing day one with a 3-stroke lead.
Round 2 saw a similar start with a seeded draw based on Saturday’s results. Thanks to all those who volunteered to start the field over the weekend – our timings were adhered to throughout the weekend.
For those who were unable to attend, Club Professional Scott McLean took to Facebook Live to keep viewers informed of progress on each hole. Josiah maintained his lead in the event up until the 34th hole where he lost his two-shot lead. Opponent Connor McKinney birdied the 7th and Josiah had a bogey, his third of the day. The two boys were all square on the 35th hole and the stage was set for another play off going into the 36th hole. The 9th hole saw Connor tee off first, finishing just long of the green by almost six metres. Josiah’s tee shot finished over the green. A fair crowd of members were intently watching from the putting green embankment and alfresco at this point. Josiah kept his cool, and proceeded to hit a near perfect chip, which hit the pin and deflected 3 feet away. Connor’s next putt was for the win, however, despite a great shot, he did not hole the putt and the boys were headed into a sudden death play-off down the 1st hole.
Both boys, along with approximately 60 spectators headed down to the 1st tee – Both players hit their tee shots which landed on the 8th fairway. Josiah’s second shot finished short of the green as did Connor’s. It was all to play for and Josiah fearlessly chipped from the right of the green and holed out. Connor then had his chip to extend the play-off which proceeded to catch the lip of the hole and deflect leaving Josiah Gilbert to become the youngest Gosnells Open Champion.
It should not go without notice that Connor McKinney played an outstanding game of golf on Sunday – he had a flawless round of bogey free 64, 6 under par, equalling the amateur course record set by Kevin Connor in 2005.
Presentations were then held, where members and players celebrated a home grown win for Josiah.
Congratulations to our gross runner up, Connor McKinney (Joondalup), Third Place Getter, Connor Fewkes (Goldfields) and to Nett winner, Gerard Lougheed (GGC), nett second winner, Kloden Brown (Royal Fremantle) and nett third, Nathan Willis (GGC).
Congratulations to all the players – what a fantastic weekend of golf!
Gosnells would like to thank all their volunteers, spectators, and staff for working so hard to deliver a faultless event – the spirit and pride in our Club was visible and enjoyed by all!
