RODGER DAVIS has played one of the shots of the year to birdie the final hole of the day and claim his third Queensland Senior Open title at Nudgee Golf Club.

With his drive bunkered on the left hand side of the fairway and his approach to the elevated 18th green obscured by an overhanging Moreton Bay Fig, Davis crisply struck his second to within six inches of the flag.

Earlier, in blustery conditions overnight leader New Zealander Craig Owen dropped three shots in his opening holes.

However, with the winds also affected his playing partners, the Kiwi still had a one shot lead over Davis and defending champion Garry Merrick after nine holes.

Ahead, New South Welshman David Saunders gathered a couple of quick birdies to move into the picture at one-under par, while Lyndsay Stephen from West Australian marked his time at even par.

Nudgee’s 12th hole proved to be the tournament turning point as Owen found trouble to the right of the long par five, settling for a double bogey seven.

At the same time Davis wedged to within two feet, holing for a birdie and claiming a one shot lead at one-under par. But again the chasers kept pace, Merrick making birdie on 15.

As the final groups trekked to the 18th Davis held a slender one stroke lead from Merrick and two over Saunders.

An errant tee shot into the fairway trap placed Saunders in a precarious position and his title chances slipped away with his missed seven foot par putt. Saunders efforts saw him settle for a tied 3rd position with Stephens.

Merrick similarly strayed to the left of the demanding 18th leaving his second with a restricted backswing and in the ominous shadow of the giant Moreton Bay Fig.

With his own heroics Merrick hoisted the approach high into the westerly setting sun, nestling 15 feet away from flag. As the ensuing putt dropped Merrick had posted the clubhouse lead at two-under par for the tournament.

This then paved the way for Davis to play what every amateur dreams of - the championship winning shot.

The amateur section was highlighted by the battle between Nugdee Club Champion, Shane Ryan and Twin Creek’s Greg Corben.

Three days of competition saw the two separated by a single shot, Corben’s final day two-under 69, failing by the narrowest margin.

Ryan’s total of 218 (five-over) displayed the quality of the amateur competitors tying him for 11th overall in a field that boasted numerous internationally credentialed professionals.

The PGA Legends Tour now moves onto a Gold Coast swing before moving onto the traditional week in the Darling Downs.

THE future of Australia’s premier senior golf tournament, the Handa Australian Senior Open, continues to strengthen with the announcement to co-sanction the event with the European Senior Tour.

The three year co-sanctioning of the Handa Australian Senior Open will see a $100,000 increase in the prize money to AUD$400,000 and the inclusion of the leading 30 players from the European Senior Tour.

It will be the opening tournament on the 2011 European Senior Tour schedule and will be followed by the Handa Cup Senior Masters in Japan the following week.

To be held at Royal Perth Golf Club from 19-21 November 2010, the Handa Australian Senior Open will see the likes of Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Sam Torrance compete for the prestigious title.

The tournament will also be a significant occasion for Australian golf icon Ian Baker-Finch, who will make his debut on home soil as a Senior golfer at the event.

He will be joined in the field by defending Champion Mike Harwood and fellow countrymen Peter Senior, Wayne Grady and David Merriman.

Chairman of the International Sports Promotion Society and long-term golf supporter Dr Haruhisa Handa said he was pleased the European Senior Tour have agreed to co-sanction the event and pledged his continued support to the tournament he resurrected back in 2007.

“I am so proud of the growth of the Handa Australian Senior Open over the past 3 years and to now have the event feature in conjunction with the European Senior Tour is a big step forward for Senior Golf in Australia,” said Dr Handa.

ISPS is a leading sponsor of a number of European Senior Tour events. Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “The European Senior Tour is delighted to be invited for the first time to co-sanction the Handa Australian Senior Open with the PGA of Australia and for this tournament to be the first to count towards the 2011 European Senior Tour Order of Merit.

 “Over the years, we have had numerous legendary Australian players participate on our Tour and this opportunity will allow for them to showcase their talents on home soil and to be joined by our legends such as Sandy Lyle, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam.

Stephen Pitt, CEO of Golf Australia also confirmed their enthusiasm at the continued growth of the event. “The Handa Australian Senior Open is the biggest tournament on the EZ-GO PGA Legends Tour and to see it co-sanctioned with the European Senior Tour is a fantastic achievement”, said Pitt.

Simon Butterly, General Manager of the Tournament Division of the PGA of Australia added, “The Handa Australian Senior Open provides a fantastic opportunity for our members to play an internationally recognised tournament, for an impressive prize pool on their home soil.”

“This move to co-sanction the tournament with the European Senior Tour is indicative of the growth of the EZ-GO PGA Legends Tour in recent years, and I hope that Australian senior golf continues to develop in years to come.”

Household names including Rodger Davis, Bob Shearer, Michael Clayton and Peter Fowler are anticipated to play at the prestigious Royal Perth Golf Club from 19-21 November 2010.

US CHAMPIONS TOUR rookie Peter Senior has had his best finish of the year with a second placing at the Regions Charity Classic in Alabama.

It was his fourth top 20 finish in seven starts on the premier US over 50’s circuit and more than justifies his decision to relocate the family to the US and give the lucrative American seniors tour a burl.

The popular Aussie hit the magic 50 mark mid last year and went on to win the 2009 Australian PGA Seniors Championship on the Australian Legends Tour.

However, the US was largely unchartered territory for him after spending most of his career playing in Japan, Australia and Europe. His career wins since turning professional in 1978 includes 19 wins in Australia, four in Europe and three in Japan.

“It sounds simple, but I love playing golf. When I was about 48 I started giving it some more thought, talked to Stewart Ginn and Rodger Davis (both Australian ex Champions Tour competitors) about their experiences and decided to go for it.”

Senior started the Alabama tournament with a bang last Friday with an opening round of 65 and stayed in touch with a second round 66.

In the final round Sunday he was taking the tournament by the throat, birdying four of his first six holes but then finished with 12 consecutive pars to end three strokes behind winner Dan Forsman.

He ended tied for second with Japan’s Joe Ozaki after a bogey free tournament.

 “I got off to a good start, and then I went to sleep,” Senior said. “I missed a short birdie putt on No. 7 and I never got going after that. Then Dan just blew the competition away and coasted home.”

The runner-up cheque took Senior’s tour earning to about $USD320,000 in four months and he is 17th on the Champions Tour Money List.

He made the tour after becoming the first Australian to top the Qualifying School last year and the long time Gold Coast resident decided to re-located to Orlando this year with wife June and children Krystalle (21), Jasmine (17) and Mitchell (15).

Being able to take the family was a large part of the decision.

“I’ve talked to a few fellow Aussies and their one regret was travelling so much they didn’t get to see their children grow up. I didn’t want that to be me,” he said. “I’ve got myself a home base in Orlando and my wife and son are with me, which makes it a lot easier.”

Senior is also scheduled to play in the Senior British Open at Carnoustie this year and thanks to his success at the International Qualifying event at Kingston Heath in January will also play the British Open the week before.

JOHN CLIFFORD has fired a final round five under par to take the 2010 Bendigo Bank SA PGA Seniors Championship in style.

Fresh from his win at the $20,000 Ocean Eyre Whyalla Pro-Am, the New South Welshman kept his composure over the final round to finish on six under for the PGA Legends Tour event, one shot clear of Greg Carroll (QLD) and Michael Harwood (VIC).

“I am very happy with my round today. It looked like it was going to slip away from me with five holes to go but I made some birdies at the right time which put me back on track” a delighted Clifford aid.

“After the victory at Whyalla where I decided to get everything out of my head and get back to playing golf, I started playing a lot more aggressively which has definitely paid off.”

Following the wins Clifford is weighing up his options and deciding if he will head to Asia to play some upcoming events.

Overnight leader Garry Merrick could only manage an even par round to finish in a tie for fourth with Queenslander Mike Ferguson.

Despite a one over par round, Rodger Davis won the Bendigo Bank Series by two shots from Michael Harwood.

From eight rounds on the SA Legends Tour, Davis had four sub par rounds to finish with a cumulative total of eight under par.

KIWI golfer Craig Owen has held off a fast finishing Lyndsay Stephen to win the 2010 Peninsula Springs Victorian Seniors Open by three shots today at The Dunes Golf Links.

Owen’s final round two under par 70 was enough to claim the title despite Stephen’s final round five under 67.

Joining Stephen in second place was fellow European Tour player Noel Ratcliffe and Queenslander Ossie Moore.

 “I am so excited to be able to win here today. I have had some doubts about being able to finish off a tournament; I have put those to rest today,” Owen said.

The New Zealander was the only player to go under par during each of the three rounds of the tournament.

Despite inclement weather closing in on the final groups, Owen was able to master the difficult conditions and challenging Dunes layout to post four final round birdies.

Lyndsay Stephen, who divides his time between the European tour and events at home, had the round of the day with five birdies and two eagles.

The PGA E-Z-Go Legends tour now moves to Sorrento Golf Club on Sunday followed by the McMullin Legends Pro Am at Growling Frog in Melbourne’s north on Monday.

NEW ZEALANDER Craig Owen had a four shot lead after the first round of the Peninsula Springs Victorian Seniors Open played at The Dunes Golf Links in Rye, Victoria, on Wednesday.

Owen produced eight birdies in his round of six under 66 with two bogies his only blemishes.

After starting with a bogey, Owen reeled off 6 birdies in the next eight holes for an outward total of 31. He had a further two birdies on the back nine with a lone bogey after a 3 putt on the par 3 13th hole.

The Kiwi played some exquisite iron shots that put him in the perfect position to convert the birdies.

“I was hitting it really close today”, he said, “I was able to get the ball close to the hole on holes 3 through to 9.” “I was also able to hit all the par 5’s in two today and two putt them for birdie.”

Three shots back sharing second is 2010 Dunes Big Pot Champion , Rodger Davis (NSW), Garry Merrick (SA) and Mike Fergusson (Qld).

Fresh from picking up the winner’s cheque of $40,000 after two days of matchplay, Davis shot a 3 under 69 in the afternoon field.

Davis’ round took a turn for the better after he was able to eagle the par 5 15th hole (his sixth for the day).

“I was playing really well,” Davis said, “I just couldn’t hole a putt until I rolled in 15 footer on the par 3 6th”.

Five players share 5th place on one under 71, including Lyndsay Stephen and Brett Officer.

One of the days highlights came from South Australian Peter Ormsby as he aced the 135 meter par 3, 3rd.

Day two of the Peninsula Springs Victorian Seniors Open got underway at 8.00am today, with the final round on Friday 26th March.

RODGER DAVIS and Gerry Power have taken out The Dunes Big Pot team event that served as a curtain raiser to the Victorian Senior Open Championship that begins today at the Dunes Golf Links in Rye.

Davis, the 1986 Australian Open Champion and Power, an amateur, claimed the $40,000 first prize of what is an innovative new format open to amateurs and professionals over 50 that has been likened to limited over cricket.

The four ball knockout matchplay event comprises teams consisting of a professional and amateur who play off the stick over nine holes.

Davis and Power won 2 up over 2008 Champions David Good and Paul Lulofs after teams battled over two days.

In a thrilling final peppered with birdies made by both pairs, Davis and Power combined well to finished five-under through the nine hole contest.

Attention has now turned to the 54 hole Peninsula Hot Springs Victorian Senior Open which commenced this morning.

The Senior Open is the 12th Order of Merit event on the 2010 Legends Tour and holds a prize purse of $35,000.

A COURSE RECORD 66 during the second round of the inaugural Handa New Zealand Senior Masters has helped Victorian Mike Harwood continue his winning ways on the over 50’s professional golf circuits.

The reigning European Seniors Tour Rookie of the Year followed up his win in Tasmania earlier in the month with an emphatic 10 under par (206) victory after three rounds of New Zealand’s newest and richest seniors golf tournament.

The event, with a prize purse of NZ$150,000 is part of the PGA Legends Tour and brings the best of Australian and New Zealand senior golfers to the Kiwi mainland.

Unfortunately for the hosts at the Millbrook Country Club, it was a clean sweep by the Aussies with fellow Victorian Michael Clayton finishing strongly with a final round 69 to take second place with a six under par total of 210.

Queenslander Wayne Grady was third a shot further back after a final round 72 with his three birdies offset by three bogeys.

The leading Kiwi was Simon Owen, who finished tied for fourth with New South Welshman Noel Ratcliffe.

New Zealand golfing institution Sir Bob Charles finished in 12th equal placing after a final round of 74.

EUROPEAN Seniors Tour Rookie of the Year Michael Harwood has gone back to where his golfing resurrection began and has taken the Finance Brokers of Tasmania Seniors Open for the second year running in Hobart.

Harwood carded a two under par 69 to finish one shot ahead of New South Welshman Peter Criss in the 36 hole event at the Kingston Beach Golf Club on the weekend.

“After 15 years of not playing competitive golf, last year this tournament kick-started my seniors career and gave me a lot of confidence about the year ahead. I hope this win has the same effect in 2010,” Harwood said in his presentation speech.

The Victorian will now focus on his upcoming European Tour Seniors events in Brunei, Thailand and South Africa.

It was also back to back wins for the Senior Open Amateur winner, Tasmanian star senior Michael Leedham, who also happened to be Harwood’s final round playing partner in the jointly conducted event.

Leedham finished with a final round 72 for a tournament total of 147, three strokes ahead of second placegetter Ross Bockman (NSW).

Three NSW senior amateur golfers tied for third - Greg Stanford, Bob Angus and Denis Dale.

The amateur actually beat the pro on the back nine, with Leedham playing it at three under while Harwood was one over.

But Harwood’s four birdies on the front more than evened that score.

DAVID MERRIMAN has run down overnight leader Rodger Davis to win the $20,000 Bing Lee NSW PGA Seniors Championship by a stroke.

The New South Welshman finished the 36 hole event at the Oatlands Golf Club in Sydney at one under par.

Third place went to 2009 PGA Legends Order of Merit Winner and Australian Seniors Open Champion Michael Harwood, who finished one over.

Strong winds restricted scoring in the final round with Merriman using all of his European Seniors Tour experience to add the 2009 Bing Lee NSW Seniors Championship to his already impressive resume.

Merriman’s round of even par 70 was the second best of the day with Sydneysider Chris Fox the only player to break par.

Fox recorded a one-under 69 to finish the tournament at four over par and tied 6th.
Merriman, a former Australian PGA Seniors Champion, thought he’d blown his chances of victory after bogeying the short par three eighteenth however Davis could only manage three pars in closing to fall one shot short of the winnings score.

Oatlands Golf Club President Richard Peet praised the tournament success and continued support from major sponsors Bing Lee and Samsung.