By Josh Riseley
A HARD-HITTING returning player and a well-known veteran were winners at the Mildura District Golf Championships over the weekend.
In a nail-biting affair in both the men’s and ladies’ competitions, Domenic Vartuli and Sue Laird each won by a single stroke in the two-day 36-hole competition in Red Cliffs.
“I had a putt on the last to win it and I made it so that saved a play-off,” Vartuli said.
“It was from about four to five feet away uphill, a good way to win.”
Runner-up Daryl Morgan had an impressive score of 70 on the second day.
As a 21-year-old Vartuli played golf in the US but he went on hiatus a few years ago when he shifted his focus to other areas, including his family’s table grape farm in Cardross where he has worked as a manager.
“I work seven days a week so I probably started taking it seriously again three months ago,” he said.
“You’ve got to find time.
“The golf range is open until later so as long as I get some time to practise driving I can make it work.
“I hit the ball very well, my driver was hot.
“It helps the scorecard when you hit the ball as far as I do — it makes the game easier.
“It was good to get a win.
“Front nine I kind of struggled on but I finished strong at the back nine.
“There’s more par 5s on the back half so that suits my game.”
Meanwhile, in the ladies’ a 76-stroke round on the first day was the difference-maker for Sue Laird, who narrowly edged out Jenny Stephens to claim victory.
“I thought I played quite well but so did everyone else to be honest,” Laird said.
In a different display to the men’s competition, Laird showed why fundamentals are important, her short game a standout over the two days.
“I had a couple of really good putts drop in and that made the difference because I had such a slow start,” she said.
“I shot three over on the first hole but fortunately some long-putt birdies brought me back into the match.”
