South Australian Am: Defending champ Williams medals
ADELAIDE, Australia (March 18, 2013) -- Defending SA Amateur
Champion Jack Williams from The Grange Golf Club has claimed the 2013
SA Medal finishing atop of the leaderboard after the strokeplay section
of the State Championship with a 7-under par total of (281) 72-72-69-
68 at Flagstaff Hill.
After beginning day two at even par, William’s started to find his
groove. “I read the greens much better today and holed a lot more
putts” Williams said. “I was pleased with my ball striking and only
missed two fairways all day which helps. I had 14 birdies for the 72
holes which I’m really happy with.”
Still a member at Flagstaff Hill where he practices and plays at least 40
hrs a week, Williams said he started to feel the pressure with a few
holes to play. “The last 4 or 5 holes, I felt a bit of pressure, I really
wanted to qualify first to give myself the best chance going into the
Match Play.”
Williams is quietly confident heading into the Match Play rounds at The
Grange West. As well as being his home club, it was where he won last
year as a 17 year old against Brad Moules, after qualifying sixth.
“I feel a lot more confident and comfortable going into the Match Play
at my home club after the success last year. It’s a pretty long course
which doesn’t really suit me, but I like the fast greens. Hitting the ball
the straightest is the key, so I hope to keep hitting fairways and
greens.”
Tim Baker (Kooyonga) qualified in second position at 5-under with
rounds of 70-71-73-69 (283) ahead of Chris Brown (Grange) 71-72-70-
71 (284).
International, Sam Claridge (Harpenden Common - UK) qualified in 10th
position on 292.
Ricky Kato from The Australian Golf Club, who qualified 13th, posted
the lowest round of the tournament with a 5-under 67 in round three.
Eight South Australian’s made it through to the Match Play (top 16)
with Heath Riches (Kooyonga) the 16th qualifier at 11-over on 299.
The South Australian Men’s Amateur Championship Match Play rounds
(round of 16) commence at The Grange on Thursday 21 March from
7.30am. The Final will be played at 8am on Sunday over 36 holes.