The Mudgee stranglehold of the Lithgow Golf Open title continued on the weekend courtesy of ‘gun’ golfer Andrew Best who has now won the prestigious event six times.
The Open attracted a huge field of 130 golfers from 11 different clubs with all visitors singing the praise of the quality and challenge of the Lithgow golf course. On hand at the presentation was Graeme Osborne who spoke on behalf of the sponsor Westfund. He congratulated all the winners and also those who participated in the Open and added that Westfund was proud to be associated with such a great event that Lithgow can also be proud of.
The prolific Open winner Andrew Best (+4) said: ‘I love coming to Lithgow as the course is a real test of golf, very picturesque and you have to play well to capture the title as Lithgow have a host of quality players. “This year it was extra exciting as I had to take on Lithgow’s Justin Nelson in a play off after we both finished on 71 off the stick. “I was lucky enough to finished one stroke up after the three hole playoff and the win now gives me six Lithgow titles. It is pretty cool that I have now won four Lithgow titles in a row to go along with four Mudgee Open titles in a row.”
Club president Greg Guest said: “It was amazing how good the course came up considering the deluge of rain that hit Lithgow during the night.
“Thanks to our green staff and council workers who worked hard to bring the course up to the condition it was presented as.
“I would also like to thank our staff, especially Natasha Drury who worked tirelessly to make the Open the success it was.
“Thanks to Westfund and Drummond Golf Penrith for their sponsorship and to all the visitors that traveled here today.”
It was no surprise that Andrew Best was again in the title hunt as he was the lowest handicapper in the field. Best drew on all his many skills to finish with a one under par 71. Lithgow’s Justin Nelson (1) finished runner up and played well to finish with the equal best score of the day only to go down in a play off but can be proud of his efforts.
Mudgee also figured in the A grade handicap results with Jackson Woodbine (10) taking the win with a score of 69 nett. Runner up was Lithgow’s Chris Keller (6) on 71 points on a countback.
The B grade scratch winner was Josh Howarth (16) with a score of 85. Runner up was Jason Murray (15) on 89. B grade handicap winner was up and coming Lithgow junior James Bennett (26) with a score of 70 nett. Runner up was Kevin Large (24) from Henbury (Kandos) with a score of 73 nett.
There was a good roll up of women golfers which saw the following results:
Scratch winner was Lithgow Club champion Lynne Ritchie with 96. One behind was runner up Kim Flynn on 97.
Nett winner was Heidi Inwood with a score of 72 nett with Jennifer Wilde runner up on 76 nett.
The Veterans awards were scratch winner Christopher Holmes (+3) from Wallacia with a score of 71. Handicap winner was Darren Hunter (2) with a nett score of 71 nett.
The Junior winners were: scratch James Holmes (20) from Wallacia with 106 and the nett winner was Brodie Carter (21) with 86 nett.
Nearest to the pins were Paul Stewart, Bill Oldfield, Steve Mays, Christopher Holmes and Darren Hunter.
Longest drives: Justin McCann (A grade) and Brandon Van Veen (B grade).