Danny Nesbitt of the Links Shell Cove has claimed the Illawarra Open Series crown by 14 shots from last year’s winner, Shoalhaven Heads’ Mark Johnston.
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Johnston led the series for most of the year but couldn’t hold off the fast-finishing Nesbitt, who carded a final round four-under-par 66 on his way to finishing second at the Links Shell Cove Open, behind clubmate Colin Mitchell, the final event of the series.
Sadly for Mitchell, despite winning four times throughout the year, he failed to play in enough events in the three qualifying zones to be eligible for the title.
Ben Howchin of The Grange took out the nett prize at +6, while Darren Payne of The Highlands, the runner-up.
The Golf Illawarra district championships are held on Sunday, at the Links Shell Cove. Entries are still Open.
Kiama Young Guns Through to state fInal
The Kiama Golf Club junior pennant team made the trek to Bidgee Lakes Golf Club in Gundagai last weekend to play against the Murray District team with a place in the state finals to be held in January at Newcastle golf club at stake.
The battle proved to be a bit of a one-sided affair, after nine holes Kiama was up in all six matches and eventually went on to win comfortably by five matches to one.
Wil DaIbarra defeated Rorey McNamara 6/4, Eddie Ward defeated Bryan Filliponi 2 up, Ethan Harvey defeated Lochie Conboy 7/6, Will Blomley defeated Georgia Payne 3/1, Harrison Kiteley defeated Liam Munt 3/1, and Jett Parker lost two down against Clayton Scott.
The format in junior pennant sees the two lowest handicappers from each team playoff scratch with the remaining four playing with the benefit of handicap.
The win now means Kiama will now head to Newcastle in a bid to win the state finals in January, a feat they achieved in 2015 and 2016.
Mauritius Open Blow for Smyth
Trav Smyth’s decision to bypass the Australian PGA Championship for the Mauritius Open proved disappointing for the 24-year-old.
Smyth opened with a four under 68, but a poor front nine in round two saw him finish with a three-over par 75, to miss the cut by one.