The outstanding Mandurah Country Club layout presented a challenge to the field at this year’s Public Course Championship with the sea breeze just kicking in when the first groups teed off on Sunday afternoon. The highly-rated layout was in its usual magnificent condition for the 18 hole stroke event but scores reflected the challenge of the wind and slick greens.
This event, only in its second year, saw defending champion Tavis Whitcher from Armadale GC return to defend his title. Whitcher’s round was highlighted with three birdies, including a run of one under for his last six holes. However, some inconsistency throughout the opening 12 holes led to a finishing position of 3rd with a score of 78.
In his first appearance at this event, Perth Golf Network member Glenn Harry recovered from a slow start. Harry found himself 3-over after two holes but rallied to finish at 5-over (76) which was enough to take the honours this year. It was clear that his solid finish of five straight pars was the difference against his closest rivals who faltered both early and late in their rounds. Glenn a 9 handicapper had a great round and praised the course condition in his victory speech.
Runner up to Glenn was Sam Cutri from the Armadale Golf Club. Cutri was looking like a likely winner with three holes to play until he came to grief on the 375-metre par 4 16th with a quadruple-bogey. Despite a bounce-back birdie at the long par-3 17th Sam could only manage a par at the last which had him one shot short of forcing a countback.
A small field of women contested the event and it was Lynley Hunter from Yaringa Ladies who triumphed over Keir Williams from Collier Park Golf Club. Lynley set up her win with a fine 6-over first nine that allowed for a risk-free closing nine that saw her coast to a two-shot victory.
In the Stableford competition, it was a photo finish between Jacob Tucker (Future Golf) and Armadale members John Smith and Augustine Kendale who all finished on 35points. It took two countbacks to separate them with Jacob taking 1st place from John and Augustine trailing in 3rd place.
GolfWA and all competitors thanked Mandurah Country Club for hosting the event and all looked forward to growing the event for next year.
Results of all sections can be found at the following links:
