29 November 2009

Local Player wins NSW Open

Novocastrian Leigh McKechnie has battled against the best field assembled for the championship in many years to claim victory by 1 shot over fellow Novocastrian, James Nitties, and finish with a final round 69 to finish 3 under par.

McKechnie, who started the day 7 shots behind the overnight leader Jason Norris, sat in the clubhouse while Nitties reeled off eagle then birdie to take a share of the lead with 3 holes to play. Unfortunately for Nitties, he dropped a shot at the 17th and then couldn't birdie the 18th to force a play-off and eventually saved par with a testing 4 footer at the last to take the runner up prize by a further shot to Scott Arnold.

The extremely difficult conditions over the 4 days was a real test of each players' ability and in the end, McKechnie shone through with scores of 70, 72, 70, 69.

Exciting finish to championship

With James Nitties having an eagle and then birdie on the 14th and 15th holes, he has tied for the lead with Leigh McKechnie who has finished his round and sits in the clubhouse at -3.

Nitties playing his penultimate hole, now has the downwind 18th still to play and sets up for a nail biting finish.

 

Nervous Wait for Clubhouse leader  McKechnie

North Westerly winds continue to buffet players in the final round of the NSW Open.

Leigh McKechnie is the clubhouse leader at 3-under for the tournament. His consistency with rounds of 70, 72, 70, 69 have paid off and he will have a nervous wait to see whether the overnight leaders can reestablish themselves after a difficult front nine.

Overnight leader Jason Norris struggled with the conditions to drop eight shots and was back to even as the players teed off on the 10th.

Scott Arnold re-emerged just off the top of the leaderboard after completing his final round with a 5-under 66. The rookie professional had a measured response to his second round of 80 to finish 1-under for the tournament.

Leaders battle the elements

Overnight leader Jason Norris and his playing partner James Nitties are struggling with the strong winds in the final round.  Both players have dropped 4 shots to par to be -4 and -3 respectively.

The high winds gusting at almost 70kmh have brought most of the field undone, but Heath Reed has held his position by dropping one shot to be -2 only one shot ahead of clubhouse leader Scott Arnold.

Another to be better than par today is Simon Fureaux who also sits at -1.  Rohan Blizard has dropped four shots to also sit on -1.

Despite the conditions, crowds have been steadily building to witness the finishing stages of what will be an intriguing afternoon's golf.

Arnold shows his class

Rookie NSW professional, Scott Arnold has shown his immense talent by shooting a 5 under par, 66 in very tough conditions.  He has finished the championship at -1.

Jason Norris still holds the lead at -7, now 3 strokes in front of both James Nitties and Rohan Blizard.

All Players now on course

All players have now commenced their final rounds, with leader Jason Norris and James Nitties having completed their first hole, with Norris having a par and Nitties a double bogey to slip a further 2 shots to be 3 behind Norris.

Nitties has been joined at 5 under by Rohan Blizard who snatched a birdie at the 2nd.

One big mover on another difficult day with wind gusts exceeding 50 kmh, is Scott Arnold who is 4 under for the day and Even for the championship.  This is a standout performance on a day where even par will be an extremely good score.

Expectations are that there will be many changes on the leaderboard as the day unfolds.

Overnight leader Jason Norris drives off the 1st Tee in the final round, while fellow player James Nitties and his caddy watch with interest in the background

James Nitties watches his drive intently of the 1st tee as he starts his final round

Early groups battle strong winds

The early groups out on course are having to battle strong winds and dust as they work their way around the outward nine holes at The Vintage.

Winds of 41 kmh are buffeting the course, but despite this several players are seemingly enjoying the conditions.  Scott Arnold, Justin Maker and Andrew McKenzie have each picked up 2 birdies as they have gone through 6 holes.  Arnold is used to conditions such as those on course at the moment, having experienced similar conditions at his home course, NSW Golf Club, venue for next week's Australian Open.

For those players entered into the Australian Open, todays conditions are an ideal preparation.

Wind and Heat Continue for Final Round

A continuation of hot windy conditions will greet the players as they tee off in the final round of the 2009 NSW OPen.

Although temperatures are not expected to exceed 32 degrees, the strong winds have whipped up early and with them have come some dust which is descending on the Hunter Valley.

The weather will play a big part in the outcome of the championship, and the finish is sure to be exciting with any number of players still in with a chance of snatching the title.

Todays feature groups are:-

11:14am - Nathan Green -2 (with his Pro-Am partner, Mark Waugh) and Brad Lamb -1

11:25am - Nicholas Cullen -2 (after a 6 under 65 yesterday) and Grant Moorhead -2

11:36am - Aaron Pike -3 and Heath Reed -3 (with his Pro-Am partner, Steve Waugh)

11:48am - Aaron Townsend -4 and Rohan Blizard -5 (with his Pro-Am partner, Andrew Johns)

12noon - Jason Norris -8 and James Nitties -7

 

28 November 2009

Changes aplenty at the end of Round 3

The third round of the championship has now concluded with Jason Norris now confirmed as being the leader at -8 as we head in to the final round tomorrow.

Round 2 leader, James Nitties had a tough day in the office and battled to a 2 over par, 73 to be one shot behind at -7.  The final round will be an intriguing battle between these two fine players, but the many others are within striking distance to make a surge on the final day.

Rohan Blizard (-5) and Aaron Townsend (-4) will be hot on their heels with Hath Reed and Aaron Pike both at -3.

Tournament host Nathan Green finished even for the day and remains in the hunt at -2.

With temperatures expected to rise to a moderate 28 degrees, the final round will see a number of players starting their final round knowing they have a shot at the title.

Norris shows hot form in Round 3

2007 NSW Open winner, Jason Norris, has returned the best score of the day and has the clubhouse lead at 8 under par.

Norris mastered the fluky winds and scorching temperatures to post a 7 under 65 to share the lead with James Nitties who is still to complete his round.

Another former winner, 2008 champion Aaron Townsend, who partnered Norris, also showed fine form with a 3 under 68 and is now just 4 shots from the lead at 4 under.

Rohan Blizard has just completed a round that featured 6 birdies and 2 bogeys with a 4 under, 67 and currently sits at -5 just 3 off the pace.

 

Hot and windy conditions return to The Vintage

Players are being subjected to 38 degree temperatures and blustery winds from the north, as they navigate the course for their 3rd round.

Overnight leader James Nitties still holds a 3 stroke lead over Aaron Pike and Jason Norris.  Norris has had a bogey free round and at the turn was 4 under for the day and 5 under overall.

Steven Jones had started a climb up the leaderboard to be 5 under but disaster struck on the first 3 holes of his back nine where he went triple bogey, double bogey and bogey to drop to 1 over par.

Rohan Blizard has also found conditions to his liking to be 3 under after his first 9 holes to be -4 overall. 

 

Early groups take advantage of conditions

The early groups on course have taken advantage of the favourable weather.

Nicholas Cullen has shown what could be achievable by posting a 6 under, 65 in the 1st group of the day, with 7 birdies and his only blemish being a bogey at the 6th.

Belmont pro, Graeme Stockley is also compiling a great round also with 7 birdies, but combined with 3 bogies to be 4 under for the day so far.

The leading group featuring overnight leader, with James Nitties at -9 and Craig Scott (-5) have just started their 3rd round.

Players aim to beat the course today at The Vintage

Tough conditions gave the course the edge over the players in the NSW Open at The Vintage in the NSW Hunter Valley yesterday but the tables could be turned for round three .
Kiwi PGA Tour player Tim Wilkinson was one over par with rounds of 70 and 73 and itching to improve on his outcomes today.
“The course beat us yesterday but we’ll be hoping to get our own back on it today. The conditions are calmer this morning. Yesterday the wind was swirling and making some of the doglegs a bit unpredictable. ”
Tournament leader James Nitties hits off in the final group at noon.

High temperatures greet players for Round 3

 With forecast temperatures to reach the high 30's, early players will take advantage of the benign conditions before the heat of the day takes hold.

Feature groups today are:-

11:14am - Gary Simpson (-2) partnering Steve Waugh

11:25am - Nathan Green (-2) partnering Mark Waugh

11:36am - Heath Reed (-3), Andrew Bonhomme (-3) partnering Andrew Johns

11:48am - Mark Purser (-3), Aaron Pike (-4)

12noon - Craig Scott (-5), James Nitties (-9) with former Team Challenge winners Rod Paech (2008) and Grant Howells (2007)

Early spectators will enjoy the clear, calm conditions, before expected higher temperatures later in the day.

 

An early visitor on Day 3

 

 

 

27 November 2009

Nitties storms to the front

After an extremely difficult day at The Vintage, with hot and swirling westerly winds, James Nitties has emerged as the tournament leader as the NSW Open heads into the weekend.

Starting early in the day, Nitties displayed his class with a day-best round of 68 to put him at 9 under par and 4 shots clear of his nearest rival.

With a round only equalled by Mathew Holten, the remainder of the field struggled throughout the day, with round 1 leader, Nathan Green unable to match his 1st round 64, finishing with a 5 over, 76, to be 2 under for the championship.

Craig Scott and Aaron Pike battled hard and both finished with a 70 to be 5 and 4 under par respectively to be 2nd and 3rd after the 2nd Round.

James Nitties watches his shot intently during his 2nd round, 68

 

Change in lead as wind affects play

The blustery wind and high temperatures have affected scores on Day 2 of the NSW Open.

Overnight leader, Nathan Green has dropped 2 shots to now be 5 under par and now trails James Nitties by 4 shots, after Nitties was out early in the day and posted a 3 under par 68.  This has been the best score on a difficult scoring day, only equalled today by Mathew Holten (NZL).

All players have struggled to come to terms with the strong westerly winds, with those out early having managed to safely return to the clubhouse relatively unscathed, but those out in the later groups are finding conditions significantly different to the 1st Round.

Wind picks up early on Day 2

With forecast of hot weather, including the possibility of early storms, blustery conditions have hampered some of the early groups on course at The Vintage.

However, enjoying the conditions is Sri Lankan amateur, Mithun Perera, who is 2 under for the day but still 1 over for the tournament.

Mithun Perera (SRI) starts his back nine during the 2nd Round, 2 under for the day.

 

Play is underway in Round 2

Play has commenced in round 2 of the 2009 NSW Open, with the weather reports predicting another hot day in the Hunter Valley.  Expectations are high for further 'hot' shotmaking from the players.

Mark Purser (NZL) starts his 2nd round at the 1st Hole.  Purser is 2 shots off the lead at 5 under after Round 1

26 November 2009

Nitties join Green at the top of Leaderboard

In a tournament promoters dream, NSW Open host Nathan Green leads James Nitties by a shot after the 1st round of the 2009 NSW Open.

Green who was out early in the day finished at 7 under, with a 64, and then Nitties, after a topsy turvy round came home with a flourish with 5 birdies on the back nine to finish at 6 under, with a 65.

Nitties is joined at 6 under by Doug Holloway (NZL) and Heath Reed (Vic).

Green sizzles in opening round

Tournament Host, Nathan Green has scorched around The Vintage and has the clubhouse lead as the morning groups finish their rounds.  Green, after finishing birdie-birdie-birdie, had a 7 under par, 64.

Fellow Novocastrian James Nitties, starting in one of the afternoon groups shot to 4 under after 8 holes, including a spectacular eagle at the Par 5 7th, before striking trouble at the difficult Par 3 8th, where he ended up with a triple bogey 6.  However, he has struck back brilliantly with 4 birdies through 15 holes and now sits at 5 under.

James Nitties in action during Round 1

 

Ideal scoring conditions at The Vintage

The early groups are continuing to set the pace at the 2009 NSW Open.

New Zealand professional Josh Carmichael is setting a hot pace in similar conditions, by racing to 6 under par after 15 holes after starting on the 10th tee.  Rookie NSW professional, Scott Arnold is also liking the steamy weather and sits at 5 under together with Richie Gallichan.

Crowds are already enjoying the fine golf with large numbers following the group of Nathan Green, Aaron Townsend and Brendan Smith.

Similar crowds are expected to follow local hope James Nitties in the afternoon.

 

Early Leaders take advantage of ideal conditions

NSW amateur Brendan Smith has started the tournament in fine style going to 5 under after 9 holes, but he is being pursued by his playing partner and Tournament Host, Nathan Green and big hitting Kiwi, Jared Pender at 3 under.

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.

16 November 2009

Nitties gives Tiger a shake

Leading Newcastle professional, US Tour Rookie of the Year nominee, and NSW Open entrant, James Nitties, stood tall at the Australian Masters which concluded yesterday at Kingston Heath in Melbourne.

Nitties who held a joint overnight lead, heading into the final round, with World No.1 Tiger Woods and fellow Australian Greg Chalmers, battled all day to secure the elusive gold jacket, but the imposing shadow of Woods prevailed on the day.  On a tough day at the office, Nitties finished with a one over par 73, to finish in equal 5th place but not before giving Tiger one hell of a shake throughout all 4 rounds of the tournament.

The form displayed by Nitties is a great sign for spectators attending the NSW Open, who will be keen to follow his and other leading players progress during the tournament which commences on 23 November.

 

19 October 2009

Green to Host 2009 NSW Open

This year's NSW Open takes on a unique approach with one of Australia's best performers over the past 12 months, Nathan Green, being offered and accepting the invitation to host the tournament for the next 2 years.

As a result this historical tournament will, for the first time in its 78 year history, be known as the 2009 NSW Open – Hosted by Nathan Green. Tournament organisers are delighted that Green has accepted this prestigious acknowledgement which is befitting of his growing stature in the game, both here in Australia and internationally.

Being born and bred in Newcastle, Green's involvement is also a natural fit given the location of the venue, The Vintage Golf Club. "This is a huge honour for me and I'm overwhelmed by this fantastic recognition as tournament host" he said before adding "I'm going to give the tournament my best shot but I know I'm up against a high class field all seeking that elusive NSW Open title".

The highlight of Green's year has to be his win in this year's Canadian Open on the US PGA Tour against a world class field, defeating South African star, Retief Goosen, in a playoff which rocketed him to prominence.

"Nathan is an outstanding golfer who is highly respected by his fellow players on the tour, and this matches his personality off the course" said NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills. "We are thrilled to have someone of Nathan's background and ability involved in a major way with the continued resurgence of the NSW Open".

Mills' comments were echoed by Events NSW CEO, Geoff Parmenter, who added "The NSW Open is a key lead up event to the Australian Open for the players and we look forward to watching golfing greats throughout November and early December play on some of the best golf courses in the world, right here in NSW".

23 September 2009 

Nitties & O'Malley set for Vintage Challenge

The 2009 NSW Open looks set to attract its best playing field in years with both James Nitties and Peter O’Malley confirming their commitment to compete for the NSW Open title.

After a highly successful 1st year on the US PGA Tour, where he had a full schedule on the Tour and featured strongly in a number of high ranked events resulting in high media exposure both here and abroad, Nitties is looking forward to the challenge that The Vintage provides.

"I'm excited by the opportunity to be playing the NSW Open again" said Nitties. "I've had a great 12 months but look forward to continuing to improve and there would be no better way than to start with a win in the NSW Open" he commented.

Plying his trade on a different side of the world, in the highly lucrative European Tour, Peter O'Malley has been one of Australia's leading players since turning professional in 1987. Peter has represented Australia in both the World Cup and Dunhill Cup, and who could forget his spectacular finish at the 1992 Scottish Open where he had a final round 62 courtesy of an eagle-birdie-birdie-birdie-eagle finish to beat Colin Montomerie by two strokes.

O'Malley has had many other successes since and has become one of the most popular golfers on the European and Australasian Tours.

I have always wanted to support the tournament when my playing schedule permitted and this year provides me with the perfect opportunity to do that" he remarked, before adding "to know that my name is yet to appear on the trophy alongside some of Australia's leading names, provides me with inspiration to take up the challenge at The Vintage in November."

NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills, said he was delighted that two of Australia's leading players, both New South Welshmen, will be competing. "Both Peter and James have proven themselves through the junior ranks in NSW and are now doing the same on the world stage.

In Peter's case he has been a consistent performer for many years and James has had that 1st year experience on the US Tour which will hold him in good stead for years to come. We're looking forward to seeing both of them pit their skills against the remainder of the field, and the course, in what will be an exciting 4 days of tournament play."

Friday, July 3, 2009

2009 NSW OPEN RETURNS TO PGA TOUR

The 2009 NSW Open continues its love affair with The Vintage as it steps up to the PGA Tour this November. The tournament has taken further strides in its rejuvenation by now being positioned immediately before the Australian Open on the newly charged PGA Tour of Australasia. This is a giant leap forward for the NSW Open and is a key initiative promoting opportunities for the leading players to secure a birth on the exciting new ONEASIA Super Series.

NSW Golf Association’s CEO and NSW Open Tournament Director, Greg Mills, said “We are working closely with the PGA to attract some of the sport’s big names”. Mills went on to say, “Spectators this year will not be disappointed with the quality of the field. Having the NSW Open back to back with the Australian Open is a real coup for Hunter sport and tourism”.

“Our continuing partnership with the Greg Norman designed Vintage Golf Course provides the perfect backdrop and a great test for our best players who will vie for our flagship event and the national title, in just two weeks of championship golf” said Mills.

“The NSW Open continues to grow in stature on our major circuit and is a joint venture between the NSW Golf Association, the PGA and The Vintage with important backing from Events NSW.
Many of golf’s elite players have their name on the trophy including Greg Norman who has just committed to support the Australian Open and Events NSW for the next three years. The question is - can Norman be lured back to the NSW Open and the fabulous Vintage course he designed in the Hunter?

A unique feature of the NSW Open is the Team Challenge Pro-Am format, which allows amateurs the tremendous opportunity to play alongside the leading professionals throughout the last 36 holes of the Championship itself.

The Vintage Golf Club’s owners, John Stevens and Don Panoz are delighted their venue will once again host the event where the golfing public can see the talents of some of Australia’s best golfers on their highly ranked NSW course.

Stevens and Panoz have recently announced that construction has commenced on their $40 million luxury hotel and destination spa complex at The Vintage. The internationally renowned Chateau Elan Group will operate the facility. This development comes hot on the heels of the welcome news that the F3 link to Branxton will run conveniently by The Vintage.

The NSW Open, a tournament with 78 years of tradition, will be held at The Vintage Golf Club at Pokolbin from 26th - 29th November, 2009.

The US PGA Tour has Pebble Beach

Australia has The NSW Open at The Vintage

An exclusive experience to play alongside leading tour players - a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The NSW Open has an exclusive arrangement with the PGA Tour of Australia to include a Pro-Am format which forms part of the tournament which sees amateurs partner the tournament players in the final two rounds of the NSW Open.

The Team Challenge Pro-Am is based on the successful and popular Pebble Beach tournament, made famous by the legendary crooner Bing Crosby, where amateurs and celebrities pair with a professional golfer for the 1st two rounds of the tournament before the halfway 'cut', when the professionals then fight it out for title honours over the final two rounds.

The difference with the NSW Open Team Challenge Pro-Am is that this is reversed so that the amateurs play ON the final two rounds where the tournament players are vying for the NSW Open title. The format is a fourball best ball stableford for the Pro-Am with the best scores over the final two days determining the winners.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity which can only be guaranteed through a sponsorship arrangement, with other applications received being placed on a waiting list.

Individuals eager to participate should complete the entry form by going to the link below:

Team Challenge Pro-Am Entry Form and Conditions

 

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