A FIRST-round 71 in wet conditions proved to be the difference for golfer Justin McPhee on his way to winning the weekend’s Mildura Open.
In the drizzle and the breeze, McPhee led the formidable Greg Rhodes by one stroke after the opening 18 holes, and with the duo both scoring 76 on Sunday, the former clinched overall honours with 147 total to 148.
Clinton Jones finished third with 150, a single stroke ahead of Daryl Morgan, Garth Doherty and Ed Parker (151).
In the women’s draw, Broken Hill golfer and Sunraysia regular Jenny Stephenson put on a clinic with rounds of 78 and 82 (160) to claim the Open by 16 strokes from Lisa Garioch (176), with Nia Whittle (183) in third.
McPhee, the reigning Coomealla Open winner, said it was nice to get this year’s campaign off to a good start.
“I was (happy), they were tough conditions and it was a bit annoying out there with the wind and the rain,” he said.
“I do have an umbrella but it doesn’t open all that often!
“My focus was just on playing the course and not getting too caught up in what the seeded group were doing.
“Technically we should have scored better in the second round because it was perfect conditions but the pressure was on a bit more, and luckily I was able to hold my lead.
“I like to play in all the Opens where I can so it’s nice to get off to a good start this year. Particularly after a a few of the courses have been flood affected I want to try and support as many of them as I can.”
McPhee said it was pleasing to see strong junior numbers for the Open.
Stephenson’s performance, meanwhile, was made more impressive by the fact it was just her second game with a new set of clubs.
“Very happy, especially in the rainy weather on Saturday to score a 78, I was happy with that,” she said.
“It was only my second game with a new set of clubs too, I am still adjusting to the swing and weight, so to perform like I did I’m pretty happy with that.”
Stephenson is a regular on Sunraysia courses, and said her game has improved significantly in the eight years she has been making the trek south.
“Being in Broken Hill, Mildura is the closest place where we can play on grass, and having a number of friends down here too makes it much easier in terms of accommodation,” she said.
“I just love to play on any course as long as there is a game, I’m not picky about where I play.
“There also aren’t many female golfers in Broken Hill so if you want improve you have to go away to play. I’m turning 63 this year and playing off four at the moment, so I’d definitely say it’s helped.
“All the golfers down there make me feel so welcome.”
The next Open takes place at Merbein Golf Club on Saturday and Sunday.
