A SIZZLING three-under first round by Cameron Stewart proved to be the difference as he overcame Sunraysia golfing legend Greg Rhodes at the Mildura Open on Sunday.
While in the women’s event, Jennifer Stephenson called on her experience to hold off a fast-finishing young gun Stephanie Baker by two shots.
With 52 competitors in the Men’s and 20 in the Women’s A-grade competitions it was a successful outing in what many considered to be decent golf conditions.
Mildura Golf Club member Stewart set up his victory with an impressive three under par 69 on day one, and despite a nervous six over par round of 78 on Sunday, held on to win on his home course.
Coomealla member and multiple Open winner Rhodes was three shots back with a total score of 150.
“I hadn’t played in a couple of weeks so I was quite happy with that.” Stewart said.
“I’ve competed against Greg quite a few times which is hard to do so pretty happy with the win.
“I was a little bit nervous on the Sunday, though.”
In the women’s event, Broken Hill’s Jennifer Stephenson finished with a score of 163 to claim victory.
A consistent Stephenson followed up her first round score of 82 with a subsequent score of 81.
Emerging young star Stephanie Baker of the Riverside Golf club was not far off the pace with a score of 165.
Stephenson was happy with the result which was her first outing of the year.
“Steph’s a really, really good little player.” she said.
“I was surprised on the first day that she had 85 actually,
“She’s come a long way in such a short time.”
Stephenson was full of praise for the Mildura Golf Club, saying the course was “in really good nick” for the full weekend.
“I was happy with my consistency because sometimes it’s hard to do it over two days,” she said.
