COOMEALLA golfer Greg Rhodes has taken out the 2015 Men’s NSW Senior Championship, hitting a par round of 70 at Duntryleague in Orange on Thursday to claim an eight-stroke win.
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Rhodes, from Mildura, fired a three-round, scratch total of 202 following an opening round score of 68 at Duntryleague on Tuesday before a second round, four-under 64 at the Orange Ex-Services’ Country Club course on Wednesday.
Ahead of his eight-hour commute south to ensure he’s there to teach his Victorian Certificate of Education Year 12 class this morning, Rhodes said the simple goal ahead of his maiden championship run was qualification for an Australian seniors side in the near future.
To win is a bonus.
“I was hoping to play well,” Rhodes said.
“But I thought with a player like your local man here, Rob [Payne], who’s a nice fella and a magnificent golfer, I thought he was odds-on favourite.
“I’m just happy to be in this situation.
“I love playing up here, the course is amazing, really fantastic. I believe it’s ranked in the top 100 courses in Australia, and I can understand why. It’s just beautiful.
“I played well. It was really enjoyable.”
Rhodes played his final round on Thursday with Payne, who finished second with a scratch total of 210. Payne hit a final round, two-over 72 to claim the country golfers’ crown.
Mona Vale-based Mark Pearson fired a 73 to finish five strokes back from Payne in third.
Rhodes said despite eventually winning by a healthy margin, he was always wary of golfers like Payne and fellow playing partner Warren Gorton, who shared the lead after day one with a 68 before rounds of 72 and 75 ensured the Hawks Nest Golf Club member shared third.
Windy conditions added to the challenge on day three, as did the firmer greens.
“And I guess there were a few people following me around ... there was a bit on the line so you add a bit of pressure on yourself as well,” Rhodes said.
Of the other Orange players, Denis Schultz and Wayne Carpenter finished tied on 227, John Dubois shot 244 and Hugh Johnston 280.