DUNTRYLEAGUE’S Robert Payne continued his success at Dubbo Golf Club, once again taking out the Macquarie Cup on Sunday.
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Payne secured his third consecutive Macquarie Cup - his ninth overall - with a one under total of 141, five shots in front of his nearest competitor, Sydney’s Graham Kilby (146).
Payne shot 70 on Saturday, and 71 on Sunday to win his first major individual title of 2014.
“It’s a course I know very well,” he said.
“I always have a plan at Dubbo, and it worked well on the weekend. The pins were pretty tricky at times, and some people undid themselves by being too aggressive and attacking the pins. I just aimed for the middle of the greens, and hoped I’d putt well, which I did all weekend.
“I drove solidly and my irons were okay. The second day was a bit up-and-down, but Saturday was pretty solid.”
After 27 holes Payne was four shots clear, and despite a sporadic final nine he held on for victory.
“I think in that situation, four in front with nine to play, the biggest problem is always yourself,” he said.
“I just tried to make sure I didn’t do anything stupid, played it safe and when I got the chance to be aggressive I went for it.”
A double bogey on the 12th, which he eagled on day one, was a setback for Payne.
However, he regained composure with consecutive birdies to all but seal the win.
“It was very satisfying, “ he said.
“Especially to finish with a birdie on 18. The greens were a bit soft after a fair bit of rain, but everyone had to play on them. And the weather was beautiful for golf.”
Payne also won the Good Friday four ball best ball with teammate Shane Stanley, of Charlestown, by three shots.
The Duntryleague Club Championship is next on Payne’s agenda. Payne enters the match play rounds, which begin on May 4, a strong favourite after qualifying in first position.
“There’s also a [Golf NSW Seniors] event on May 8 and 9 at Duntryleague, so I’m tossing up whether to play in that or not,” he said