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Round 4 - Albinski fires a great 67 to edge out Sams

The last round of the 72 hole Victorian Senior Championship is always a tough one. Golfers are a little tired but there is a title to be won and other trophies for age groups and handicap divisions. 2008 was no different and there was a definite air of excitement on another good day at Rosebud Golf Club. The showers that threatened never arrived and the wind was generally quiet and not too strong.

Following extract from the VGA

Fifty-nine year old Stefan Albinski has won the 2008 Victorian Senior Amateur Championship following the fourth and final round played at the Rosebud Country Club today (Thursday October 30th).

A member at the Mona Vale Golf Club in Sydney, Albinski fired a superb four-under 67 for a 72 hole total of 292 (seven-over-par) to take the title by just one stroke from defending champion Brian Sams who closed with a 72 to finish on 293 to complete a New South Wales quinella. Former Victorian State player Chris Tatt from Buninyong finished third on 294 after a final day one-under 70.

The final day of the 14th Victorian Senior Amateur was played in overcast and humid conditions but without a hint of breeze. Improving every day after an opening round of 80, Albinski surged into contention with an outward nine of three-under 32 including birdies at the 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 9th to move into contention take a one-stroke lead into the final nine.

Key moment at the 16th when he struck a 3-wood to three-metres and holed the putt for eagle to take charge of the title. Despite bogeys on the closing two holes, Albinski held on to win

The Victorian Senior Amateur Handicap Championship, which is played concurrently with the stroke event, saw Greg Welsh from the Colac Golf Club take the title after a final round nett (handicap reduced) score of 67 for a four round total of 275. The five handicapper won by seven-strokes from Eastlake's Alf Fernandes who closed with a final day 69 to finish on 282 from a handicap of 14. Long Island's Phil Wood finished third after returning a total of 283 from a three handicap.

In presenting the Championship trophy, VGA President John Hobday paid compliment to the Rosebud Country Club commenting that "all courses used were presented in superb condition for the entire week. Full credit must go to the course staff together with the Club Committee and members for the time and effort that they have put into this facility."

"On top of that, the organisation has been simply excellent. From the lunches and evening meals provided to the overall hospitality extended to all players and partners, the support that Rosebud has given the Championship has made for an excellent week of golf."

The Victorian Senior Amateur Championship continues to go from strength to strength with a near capacity field of 154 players competing in this year's event from 91 clubs, including 32 Interstate clubs.

The only Australian 72-hole Championship for amateur golfers aged 55 and over will head to the Wimmera in 2009 when the event will be hosted by the Nhill and Horsham Golf Clubs from Monday October 26th to Thursday October 29th , 2009

The "Walking Stick Trophy" went to the strong Victorian side from a gallant NSW team with Queensland some distance away in third place. Victoria had led this keenly contested event from Day One and eventually ran out winners by eight shots. The walking stick trophy is played once a year between seven man teams from Queensland, NSW and Victoria with the best five scores to count.
For all the scores click on the 2008 Results button above.

Round 3 - Jackson and Sams Share Lead After 54 holes

Brian Sams moved back into a share of the lead with a very good round of 73 with the only mistake being a double bogey on the 17th. He shares the lead with Michael Jackson whose 74 was a mixture of holed long putts, missed short ones and a holed-out bunker shot. Joining them in the final group will be Phil Wood who played steady golf for a score of 75 and a 54 hole total of 222.

Stefan Albinksi recorded the best round of the day with 72 and he has forced his way into the second last group. Albinksi could have scored even better but managed a series of three puts on the closing holes. His total of 225 places him four shots behind. He is joined in the group by Chris Tatt who also struggled on the greens to record a round of 76 for a total of 224. The third player will be "Mr Putter", Greg Welsh, who was back to his best with 24 putts in a score of 75. If he maintains this high standard of putting he will certainly challenge for the title.

The third last group comprises three NSW players. Current Australian Match Play winner Denis Dale moved up the field with a round of 73 and a 54 total of 225. This total was matched by Australian Senior Team representative Tony Kennings who recorded a steady score of 75 to go with his 76 and 74. Greg Corben had his second successive score of 76 and he also sits on a total of 225 and a share of sixth place. Victorian David McDonald surprised his supporters when he lost ground with a disappointing score of 79 but he shares tenth place with John Beaumont who has scored consistent rounds of 76-75-75. It will be very difficult for anyone further back to win the 2008 Championship.

Perhaps the round of the day belongs to NSW 73 year old Geoff Everett. Following opening rounds of 79 and 75 Everett equalled his age with a great round of 73. A pity he three putted the last or he would have broken his age. Geoff - you are a marvel!

In the "Walking Stick Trophy" NSW clawed back a few strokes and with one round remaining trail the Victorian team by 9 shots. All will be decided on the final day.

Round 2 - Jackson Joined by McDonald and Wood at Halfway Mark

Victorian Michael Jackson may be getting on in years but the determination he has shown over a great golf career were again evident as he "struggled with his game all day" but still returned a 75 and a share of the 36 hole lead. Jackson was certainly unlucky on the final hole when his drive finished in the fork of a tree causing a one shot penalty.

Joining Jackson in the lead are fellow Victorians David McDonald and Phil Wood. McDonald is the current leader of the Victorian Senior Order of Merit and his game looked almost foolproof as he recorded a very tidy 73. Wood is a former Eisenhower Cup player and he showed all his class with a round of 74. All players reported that the course was in great condition but reading the pace and the line of the greens was proving very difficult.

Brian Sams returned a 76 for a total of 148 and found hinslef just one stroke behind the leaders. Sams has won the last three Victorian Senior Championships and he will definitley be the player to beat when the pressure mounts on Day 3 and Day 4. Victorian Chris Tatt shares the same score as Sams on 148 after also recording 76. Tatt does not play many senior tournaments but has certainly impressed many with his grooved golf swing during this event. Rounding out the Top 6 players is NSW player Greg Corben who followed an opening 73 with a nicely compiled 76. Corben could be a surprise packet and a player to watch!

Another Victorian Greg Welsh matched his opening round 75 with another and he shares sixth place with NSW player Tony Kennings on 150. Welsh is quickly earning a reputation as the best putter in senior golf following rounds with 24 and 26 putts. There are many envious players watching Welsh and his nearly perfect putting action. Kennings is a regular high finisher in Order of Merit events and should be thereabouts when the final groups are battling it out on Day 4.

Tournament favourite Stefan Albinski bounced back from his opening 80 with a one over par round of 73 and has moved back into contention on a 36 hole total of 153. He needs a good third round to be a chance on the final day.

In the teams competition for the "Walking Stick Trophy" Victoria moved further ahead and now hold a 12 shot lead over the NSW team. Queensland seniors have not brought their best games and look to be too far away to worry the other two states.

Round 1 - Jackson, Sams and Tatt Take Early Lead

The defending champion Brian Sams (NSW) made a great start to the 2008 Victorian Seniors with a one over par 72 on the West Course at Rosebud Golf Club. Joining him in a three way tie for the lead are Victorians Michael Jackson and Chris Tatt. Over 150 players have travelled to the very impressive Rosebud 36-hole complex to compete in this prestigious senior event - the only 72 hole senior event in Australia.

A single shot behind on 73 is NSW golfer Gerd Reidler who returned his best ever Order of Merit performance. Sharing the same score as Reidler are well known Victorian Phil Wood and another NSW newcomer in Greg Corben. Just behind the round one leaders are Victorian David McDonald and Queenslander Peter Terrace. Both McDonald and Terrace are expected to be right in the finish on day four.

A surprise for the day was the opening score of 80 by the current Australian and Queensland Senior Champion Stefan Albinski (NSW). It was a horror day on the greens for Albinksi who will certainly bounce back on day two.

In the teams competition for the famous "Walking Stick Trophy" Victoria edged to a narrow 2 stroke lead over NSW. This event is played between NSW, Victoria and Queensland once a year. Seven man teams compete with the best 5 scores to count.