The Bridges Financial Service Armidale Open was played out on the weekend over 36 holes with Derek Shirlaw taking out the A grade championship with 148 shots and Amanda Carr winning the inaugural women’s A Grade event.
The greens and fairways were picture perfect with a strong field of local golfers competing. Men’s champion Derek Shirlaw had a mixed weekend with a five over on Saturday however bounced back to be in contention with a very competitive one under on Sunday.
“I didn’t feel I was in the running on Saturday but towards the end of my round on Sunday I felt like I had a shot,” said Derek.
“I had level par on the front nine and seven birdies all day with five of those on the back nine so it was a huge improvement from Saturday.
“I knew if I could do well in the last few holes I had a chance.”
Derek’s main rivals included five players that were all within three shots with eventual runner up Paul Cleland the one to beat after Saturday.
“I tried to put everything out of my mind on Sunday after the poor round the day before which seemed to work as I putted much better,” said Derek.
“I drove really well today and played some good approach shots and really loved playing the par fives as I hit it quite a decent way for a 48 year old.”
In the inaugural women’s event Amanda Carr was honoured to be the first woman to win the event and enjoyed a great weekend of golf.
“I improved a lot on Sunday from my previous round and played an all round good game today however my putting was a bit indifferent,” said Amanda.
“Kay Nash played some great golf and was my major competition who led by one shot leading into Sundays round but I was able to catch up with a good round today.”
For further results from The Bridges Financial Service Armidale Open see the golf reports in Around the Grounds.
