Holman Takes Riversdale Cup

Victoria’s Nathan Holman won the 116thRiversdale Cup in Melbourne today when he clinched a third-hole play-off of the international championship event. Holman went into the play-off at 8 under with New South Wales’ Matthew Steiger. The two had battled for the top of the leaderboard throughout the tournament, with Holman setting the pace on day one with an equal course record 62. He recaptured the lead on the third day and took his first national title on the 21st hole with a birdie. The third generation Woodlands Golf Club member had a topsy-turvy day three putting four greens to come home at one under the card for a total of 280. “I got my nerves under control after the first shot of the play-offs and then it was down to putting,” said Holman. “It was a pretty tough day with the swirling wind. I struck my putts well despite the four three-putts, but I am very pleased to have won my first national event.” In third position was Brett Drewitt, NSW with minus one today (281), followed by New Zealanders Ryan Fox (-2) and Ben Campbell (+ 3) on 284. Holman will now set his sights on the Australian Amateur at his home course before focusing on a possible professional career at the end of next year. Victoria’s Todd Sinnott (+2) took out sixth position in the championship with 285. The International teams event was won by New Zealand’s Ben Campbell and Ryan Fox with 568, followed by NSW’s Matthew Stieger and Luke Humphries in a tie with England’s David Coupland and Ben Loughrey on 577.