Stars turn it on at Horsham

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by Golf Australia and PGA of Australia

The Horsham Golf Club was absolutely sparkling all weekend.

The course was pure and the golf was very similar to the Telstra Store Horsham Western Open to give rave reviews over the weekend.

The combined Pro Australia format Golf Australia and PGA of Australia was a hit with everyone involved in its second year, with the beautiful Wimmera course a perfect backdrop for a number of moving golf.

It was only in the fifth hole of a pulsating play-off that James Marchesani, who recorded great results in China, saw colleague Victorian Ben Murphy after two days of tense action had tied them under one.

Remarkably, both of them endured the playoff pressure for nearly an hour before Marchesani secured the win over the 18th green.

"It was great to return to a form in the last few weeks, and I am glad I won here at Horsham," Marchesani said.

“All involved must be so proud. You have a beautiful golf course, great facilities and some of the best greens I have ever planted.

“Thank you to the Telstra Store Horsham and the Horsham City Council for your great support for the event. I look forward to returning next year. "

Players were treated to Sandbelt conditions in the beautiful Horsham layout, where the greens were firm and fast and the wind raged throughout the weekend.

Starting the day tied with Brady Watt and Murphy, Marchesani started slowly before a few late birdies gave him a three-shot lead in the back nine.

Marchesani caught a bit on the back nine and made three consecutive bogeys, but was still on the 18th tee with a one-off lead.

Ahead of the track, but behind a shot, Murphy hit the best shot of his young career, a thriving ride within 4m on the 290m par-4 18th.

He quietly rolled into the eagle pit to find the direct guidance.

The tee shot of Marchesani found the bunker on the green side and with nerves of steel he splashed out to 1.5 m and converted the birdie putt to ensure the playoff.

The two exchanged pars on the first three play-off holes, with birdies halve the fourth.

Both players drove down 18 on the fifth trip, with James going up and down to seal a memorable win.

In the simultaneous Ivo Whitton event, Heidyy & # 39; s Lachy Aylen saluted with consistent rounds of 74-71, good enough for T6 in the open event and five strokes free of second place Harry Smiles.

"It was great to come here and test ourselves against the professionals to see where we really are," said Aylen.

"I am happy with my result this week, but I realize that I still have a lot of work to do to compete with the best."

Concluding the Susie Tolhurst event, Kim Kennedy claimed a two-branch win over Monica Marchesani.

Therese Magdulski, Victorian golf activities from Golf Australia and state manager were delighted with the combined format.

"The event is a great opportunity for amateurs to measure their game standards with those of the pros," she said.

"Horsham Golf Club had great support from the local council for the event – and it's a great way to demonstrate regional Victoria.

"It is also a great way for Golf Australia and the PGA of Australia to work closely together."

A similar event will follow at Shepparton Golf Club in December.

FULL SCORES