DEFENDING CHAMPION Stefan Albinski has staged one of his now classic come from behind performances to take the 2009 Queensland Senior Men’s Amateur Championship.
Albinski, from the Mona Vale club in Sydney, made it back to back wins with a final round three over par 75 in very difficult conditions at the Oxley Golf Club.
Albinski finished on 225 and nine over for the 54 hole championship, three strokes clear of 2007 winner Brian Sams (Port Maquarie).
Overnight leaders Chris Coats (76-73-80) and Colin Hallam (72-77-80), both Queenslanders, tied for third place on 229.
Albinski trailed after his opening rounds of 76 and 74 and was two shots behind Hallam with just 6 holes remaining in the final round.
Playing with his customary final round determination, Albinski managed a game changing chip in from off the green on 13 and clutched up and downs on the final three holes to clinch the title.
After birdying the 17th, second place getter Brian Sams had been the clubhouse leader with a final round 75, while Hallam came to grief on the long par three 13th. It was a three stroke turnaround when Albinski holed from off the green.
Hallam’s effort was enough for him to take win 55-59 Years division. The 60-64 years category was won by Asquith member Denis Dale, who came back from a disappointing opening round 82 with two 74’s for a 230 total.
Kevin Ashley from the Newcastle Golf Club finished on top in 65-69 Years finishing with a fine round of 77. The 70-74 age category was won by Geoff Everett (The Lakes) who finished with 80, making it four age championships for Everett in this event.
Dale’s final round 74 and an even better 73 from Noel Wood helped the New South Wales team win both the Walking Stick Challenge and the Invitational Teams Event, overtaking Queensland in the final round after trailing in both events for the opening two days.
1. 225 ALBINSKI Stefan (NSW) 76-74-75
2. 228 SAMS Brian (NSW) 78-75-75
3. 229 COATS Chris (QLD) 76-73-80
3. 229 HALLAM Colin (QLD) 72-77-80
5. 230 DALE Denis (NSW) 82-74-74
5. 230 BULLAS Alan (VIC) 75-79-76
5. 230 PERCY Ross (VIC) 76-77-77
5. 230 MAHER Michael (QLD) 75-78-77
5. 230 READ Ian (QLD) 78-74-78
10. 231 WOOD Noel (NSW) 80-78-73
10. 231 POKAI Michael (QLD) 77-75-79