An exciting finish with two eagles and a birdie launched Brad Kennedy to a one-stroke win at Rosebud Country Club on the final day at The Players Series in Victoria. Kennedy narrowly defeated promising amateur Elvis Smylie and LPGA tour player Su Oh who held a joint lead with Kennedy until the final two holes.
The Player Series offers men, women, and juniors the opportunity to play together with the backing of high profile professional former US Open Champion Geoff Ogilvy. The support of high-profile golfers is critical; however, it is the next stream of international golfing stars that this series hopes to attract and offer a professional environment experience.
One of those was local WA amateur, Kirsten Rudgeley who not only proved she is a future star, but a potential champion finishing 9th equal to Geoff Ogilvy himself! Outstanding rounds of 68,74,64 and 68 kept Kirsten in the top tier for the duration of the series.
It’s been a fantastic competition and I am really pleased with how I performed. To have a bogey free round on the third day was a real achievement for me. I was aiming at 3 under for the day but getting that eagle on nine was handy.
I am very grateful to the organisers of this event and Geoff Ogilvy for supporting men women and juniors in a joint competition. It’s such a great format and everyone was so supportive of each other.
Asking Kirsten how she felt playing in a professional environment with media and spectators, in true “Curly” form she shared “it was pretty cruisy.” Kirsten’s modesty, positivity, and genuine love of the game it a wonderful testament to the future of Australian golf. An amateur on paper, she certainly conducts herself in the manner of a seasoned professional with the talent to match.
You go girl!
