Harwood wins his third Tasmanian Senior Open
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Victorian Michael Harwood, has won the 2012 Tasmanian Open after the final round was washed out.
Hardwoods’ first round of six under par 65 was enough to take out his third Tasmanian Open trophy in four years. Harwood is now the first player to have won the event three times.
The second round commenced under cloudy skies but the conditions were perfect for golf with warm temperatures and a gentle breeze. However after six holes the heavens opened and play was suspended. With the rain showing no sign of abating a decision was made to abandon play with the Championship to be decided on the round one scores.
With a full clubhouse for the presentations Harwood, Wayne Grady and Roger Davis entertained those present with stories from their golfing careers.
"It is a great honour to win the event for a third time. The course was presented beautifully and whilst it is disappointing to not be able to finish the round today, I am more than happy to take the win”, said Harwood.
"I will be heading to the European Seniors Tour again this year and it gives me great confidence to have now had a couple of wins before the season starts in Europe”, Harwood commented.
In a blemish free round Harwood’s six birdies proved the difference in 30 plus degree temperatures and a stiffening sea breeze.
Fellow Victorian David Good who shot four under 67 in the first round finished outright second.
South Australian Garry Merrick (69) and Mike Zilko (NSW) (70) were the only other players to break par in the first round.
Rodger Davis was in a five way tie for fifth on even par. 1990 US PGA Champion Wayne Grady was a further three shots back in a tie for 14th on three over par 74.
Graham Roberts from Royal Hobart Golf Club won the best gross score for the amateurs with Queenslander Eric Oxenford taking out the best nett score.
The Tasmanian Pro-Am series gets back underway tomorrow for the Irrigation Tasmanian Highlands Pro-Am at the historic Bothwell golf course.