In another impressive performance, Australian Senior Amateur Golf Champion Stefan Albinski has taken out the 2008 Queensland Senior Amateur Championship.
Enhancing his growing reputation as the best amateur senior golfer in Australia, Albinski defeated New Zealand senior legend Rodney Barltrop in an enthralling playoff after both had finished tied at one under par after 54 holes on the Bribie Island Golf Course north of Brisbane.
Albinski won the Australian men’s national senior title at his first attempt in Perth in April and followed that up with a sizzling win in the North Sydney Seniors Championship last month.
Albinski and Barltrop dominated the Queensland event, with third place going to defending champion Brian Sams (NSW) nine shots away.
It was an exciting climax to a great week as the 2007/ 2008 Australian Senior Order of Merit draws to a close with the final event, the Queensland Senior Open, to take place at Nudgee Golf Club next week.
In wet conditions that cleared into the afternoon, the final round saw both players battle it out on the front nine, with nothing separating the two.
Barltrop holed his third shot from about 50 metres on the par 5, 12th hole for eagle to get to four under par at that point and three in front. He made three late bogeys including one on the last to allow Albinski back in. Albinski took full advantage with a birdie on the 12th to get to one under par and then a birdie on the 14th (par 3). A bogey on the last left him all square with Barltrop in regulation play.
Going down the difficult par four 10th hole in the sudden death playoff, Albinski managed a solid par after hitting the green in regulation. Barltrop hit his second in the green side bunker and failed to get the ball out, costing him any chance of the title.
In fading light, Albinski was announced 2008 Queensland Senior Men’s Amateur Champion.
Final Results:
1 215 Stefan ALBINSKI (NSW) - 73 70 72
2 215 Rodney BARLTROP (NZ) - 73 69 73
3 224 Brian SAMS (NSW) - 73 75 76
4 226 John BEAUMONT (SA) - 74 74 78
5 227 Michael MAHER (QLD) - 72 75 80
6 228 Tony KENNINGS (NSW) - 74 75 79
7 229 Colin HALLAM (QLD) - 72 81 76
8 230 Phillip DALEY (NSW) - 76 77 77
8 230 Rick OLIVER (NSW) - 75 79 76
8 230 Michael LEITCH (NZ) - 72 79 79
New South Wales took out the International Teams Event, eventually running away with the title, 16 shots ahead of nearest rivals New Zealand.
Adding to the Championship, Golf Queensland also awarded the following age and Nett winners:
55 – 59 Years- John Beaumont (Mt Gambier)
60 – 64 Years - Tony Kennings (Tallwoods)
65 – 69 Years – Barry Miles (Sanctuary Cove)
70 Years and Over - Geoff Everett (The Lakes)
Overall Nett Winner – Darryl Wilkins (Pacific Harbour)
Overall Nett Runner-Up- Norm Way (Gailes)
55 – 59 Years Nett Winner- Lindsay Stuckey (Keperra) OCB
60 – 64 Years Nett Winner- Geoff Burke (Keperra)
65 – 69 Years Nett Winner- Jim Maher (Southern)
70 Years and Over Nett Winner- Alan Welch (Sanctuary Cove)
The Championship continues to be very popular amongst the players, attracting players from all over Australia and New Zealand. In fact, 185 entries were received this year for the 160 places in the field. Golf Queensland will announce the venue for the 2009 Championship shortly.
