Women's Mid-Amateur winner Sue Wooster (L)
and Men's Mid-Amateur winner Andrew Tharle (R)
(Golf Australia Photo)
VICTORIA, Australia (November 11, 2016) -- Andrew Tharle wasn't spectacular during the final round of the Australian Mid-Amateur but he was able to do enough to claim the title. The mid-amateur winner for a second time, Tharle shot a closing round 1-over 73 to post 2-over and win by a single stroke over two others.
Tharle, who also won the event in 2012, was 2-under through 12-holes before hanging on down the stretch despite three bogeys.
Defending champion Mark Boulton made a hard charge with a 2-under 70 to reach 3-over but he parred the last two holes after birdieing the 16th. Boulton was ultimately done in by a 5-over start that left him 11-strokes back after the first round. He had to settle for a tie for second with Ashley Grosvenor.
For the second straight year Grosvenor led heading into the final day and for the second straight year he found himself looking up at somebody on the leaderboard.
The top-five was founded out by Greg Longmore and Greg Corker sharing fourth at 8-over.
In the Women's Mid-Amateur Sue Wooster blitzed the field to win her fourth career title and first since 2013. Wooster was 11-over and eight shots in front of second place finisher Adele Huggard with Gemma Dooley in third.
ROUND TWO RECAP
As the saying goes the more things change, the more they stay the same. One year ago Ashley Grosvenor held the 36-hole Australian Mid-Amateur lead and now one year later the name on the top of the leaderboard is exactly the same. Only this time Grosvenor hopes he can hold on and win the title.
Playing at The Sands Torquay Golf Course Grosvenor is even-par through two rounds and one shot in front of Leo Lui and first round leader Andrew Tharle both of whom are 1-over.
The three at the top have been able to create some separation from them and the rest of the field. Defending champion Mark Boulton is fourth at 5-over while Craig Corker and Dean Ellis share fifth at 6-over.
After a first round 4-under 68 The Sands Torquay Golf Course played markedly more difficult on day two and Grosvenor was able to take over the lead despite a 4-over 76. During the round Grosvenor was able to roll in three birdies but they were offset by three bogeys and two double-bogeys.
In the Women's Mid-Amateur Sue Wooster has opened up an eight-stroke lead over Gemma Dooley and Adele Huggard.
ROUND ONE RECAP
Andrew Tharle posted a 6-under 66 to take the opening round lead at the Australian Mid-Amateur being hosted by The Sands Torquay Golf Course. As one of three players under-par he will carry a two-stroke lead into Thursday's second round.
Wednesday's first round saw Tharle eagle twice, on the 3rd and 16th holes, birdie four-times and also bogey twice.
Last years 36-hole leader Ashley Grosvenor is in second place following a bogey-free 4-under 68. Grosvenor rolled in birdies on the 3rd, 9th, 12th and 18th holes.
The only other player under-par, Leo Lui sits in third thanks to a first round 3-under 69. His highlight came on the 9th hole when he eagled to turn in a flawless 4-under 32. Lui was 1-over coming home with two bogeys and a birdie.
Defending champion Mark Boulton is tied for 10th at 5-over and 11-strokes back. Boulton showed a year ago that he is capable of playing from behind rallying from three down on the final day a year ago.
In the Women's Mid-Amateur Sue Wooster is 6-over and leading Adele Huggard by three shots. Wooster recorded her lone birdie on the 9th hole.
ABOUT THE
Australian Mid-Amateur
The Australian Men's and Women's Mid Amateur
Championships have been played since 2007.
The
Championships are played over 54-holes stroke
play, and are for players aged 30 - 54 years.
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