Brett Drewitt captures New South Wales Amateur

NEW SOUTH WALES, Australia (Feb. 8, 2012) -- The field was whittled down from 280 to two and today the finalists, Brett Drewitt (Long Reef GC) and Michael Lambert (New South Wales GC), battled it out over 36-holes at Elanora CC to determine the 2012 Men's NSW Amateur Champion. Both players overcame some tough matches this week, with Drewitt defeating the talented Jake Higginbottom (The Australian GC) and youngster Ricky Kato (Bonnie Doon GC) in a tough match. Lambert knocked out Australian representative Matt Stieger (St. Michael's GC) and won on the 19th in an exciting semifinal yesterday against Callan O'Reilly (Pennant Hills GC). Lambert had a good start and took an early lead in the final. Drewitt clawed back and sat at 1-up after 12. It was an extremely tight match from there on in, eventually coming right down to the wire. At 3-up with three to play, it looked like Drewitt had it in the bag. However some solid play from Lambert saw him take both the 34th and 35th hole. With a good crowd following the pair, it was down to the 36th hole of the match. Both players played it well off the tee, then put reasonable shots onto the green. Lambert's long putt landed just a few feet from the hole. Drewitt's long putt just behind it. In a tense final shot, Drewitt holed the putt, securing him the victory. It was a sweet reward for Drewitt, who finished runner up last week in the NSW Medal in a playoff. He was understandibly thrilled with the victory, and in his thank you speech praised the quality of the courses, which were just outstanding.