McKechnie Crowned NSW Open Winner

Photo courtesy of PGA of Australia

Novocastrian Leigh McKechnie has added his name to the famous NSW Open trophy by overcoming some of the most challenging weather conditions of his and other players' careers, to win by one shot from James Nitties and claim the biggest win of his career.

McKechnie, who started the final day at 1 under par, mustered all his skills on a day where wind gusts exceeded 75 kmh which affected virtually the entire field.  His final round of 69 (-2) to finish the tournament at -3, coupled with his earlier rounds of 70, 72 and 70 (also achieved under trying conditions of high winds and scorching heat) deserved the accolades that came his way.

Only 3 players had scores better than par - McKechnie, Scott Arnold (who shot an unbelievable 66 to finish 3rd) and Matthew Guyatt (who had a 70 and finished equal 11th).

With a number of leaderboards around the course, McKechnie avoided each one until finishing with a wonderful downhill birdie on the 18th to conclude his round.  "I was very surprised when I finished and looked up to the large screen displaying the scoreboard" he said.

McKechnie's round was so good under the conditions that 2nd place getter James Nitties joked that he must have cheated - and then went on to add that it was a seriously great round.  Nitties was happy to sign for a 4 over 76 and for outright 2nd.

 click here for final results and prizemoney

Regular News

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2009 NSW Open - Final Round Draw (incorporating the Team Challenge Pro-Am)

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  Some images from Rounds 1 and 2

Current Championship leader - James Nitties

NSW Amateur, Brendan Smith with Tournament Host, Nathan Green, approach the 18th green

2009 NSW Open - Round 3 Draw (incorporating the Team Challenge Pro-Am)

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2009 NSW Open - Round 2 Draw

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Price a late withdrawal

2002 NSW Open champion, Terry Price, has been forced to withdraw from this years tournament due to a wrist injury he has sustained.  His place in the field has been taken by NSW amateur, Zac Mullins.

2009 NSW Open - Round 1 Draw

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Another 'Vintage' NSW Open

The Events NSW backed NSW Open Golf Championship again returns to The Vintage Golf Club in the middle of Hunter Valley wine country this November 26-29, and we look forward to some of Australia's best golfers competing for the 2009 title.

Staging the NSW Open at the outstanding Greg Norman designed golf course has been an overwhelming success the last two years and continues the work of local tourism bodies and other event promoters in bringing high quality events to this popular regional destination.

The continued resurgence of the Open, which was first held in 1931 and at one stage was considered one of the "Big 3" tournaments on the Australian circuit, has resulted in the event being rescheduled the week immediately prior to the Australian Open.

Being back to back with the Australian Open provides a perfect opportunity for the leading players to vie for the NSW Open title whilst honing their skills for their tilt at the national title set down for the similarly challenging NSW Golf Club at La Perouse. A number of former NSW Open titleholders such as Jack Newton, Ian Baker-Finch, Rodger Davis and Bob Shearer were at The Vintage last year and we hope they all return again in 2009.

The exclusive Team Challenge Pro-Am, modelled on the USPGA Tour event at Pebble Beach, will again be a feature of the event over the final two rounds of the championship.

We encourage every golf interested player, family and friends to join us at The Vintage and see our best players in one of the most welcoming regions in NSW.

Greg Mills
NSW Open Tournament Director

2009 NSW Open Television Advertisement

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Courtesy of NBN Television