HE was taken right down to the wire but gun senior amateur golfer Stefan Albinski proved too tough in the final of the 2009 Australian Senior Matchplay Championship at the Thirteenth Beach Golf Links in Victoria today.

Albinski beat fellow New South Welshman Russell Rogers 1 up after 18 holes and added another prestigious title to a trophy cabinet that is bulging after just a couple of years on the men’s over 55 amateur circuit.

Albinski won the first hole but when Rogers birdied the second to take it back to square it set the tone for the match.

Whenever Albinski managed to get one or two in front, Rogers would claw his way back with some quality golf. After the 16th it was all square.

On 17 Albinski looked to be in trouble when he drove too far right but stopped just a few metres short of potential disaster.

After a nice drive Rogers was on the sloping green for two but his ball somehow stayed above the hole, giving him an almost impossible downhill putt.

Albinski’s second missed the green but he chipped close to the hole for a gimme putt.

Rogers slippery downhill putt rolled a couple of metres past the hole and when he narrowly missed the return he started the 18th 1 down.

After beautiful drives, Albinski found the centre of the green with his second while Rogers missed to the right.

When an outstanding chip by Rogers guaranteed him a par, Albinski coolly putted to within inches to safely level the hole and take the title.

Albinski currently holds the Senior Amateur titles in Queensland, Tasmania, Western Australia and Victoria but lost his national title earlier this year.

“It’s fantastic to win the championship,” Albinski said. “The course is in great condition although the wind has made it tough and it’s great to win a national title.”

All in all it was a highly successful event with 32 of Australia’s top senior amateur golfers battling it out from the start of the week.

Defending champion Denis Dale lost a close match against  Queenslander Dave Morrison 2 & 1 during the second round so there was always going to be a new name on the trophy.

(Photos Courtesy Golf Austalia)

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