By David Nagel
VICTORIAN Ryan Haywood has made the most of perfect golfing conditions to fire a sizzling course record eight-under-par 63 to win the $10,000 Power Pro Electrical Contractors Pakenham Pro-Am on Friday. The atmosphere around the Pakenham clubhouse was electric around midday as an army of morning golfers made their way back to the 19th and the afternoon players hit the course for their shot-gun start with a clear idea of what score was required.
Earlier in the day ACT based professional Aaron Cox had set the morning pace with a four-under-par 67 and the pressure was on all the afternoon stars to go low. It was Haywood who shone brightest with his course-record score giving him a two-shot victory over runaway order of merit leader Leighton Lyle with Cox and Peter Nolan two shots back in equal third place.
As happens in golf tournaments of any description it was the final nine holes that made the difference. Haywood and Jason Norris both turned in four-under-par 31s with Lyle hot on their heels reaching the same number on the tenth.
In the end it was the winner of the past two order of merits, Haywood, that kept up the fast pace with a further four birdies around the back nine including a closing birdie for a bogie free round. Haywood was delighted to finally finish off a promising round.
“It feels great to get across the line and finish a round off,” Haywood said.
“I’ve been playing really well lately but keep throwing in a big number on one hole per round which makes it impossible to win at this level.
“I would really like to thank the Pakenham Golf Club for the great condition of the course and Power Pro Electrical Contractors for being the major sponsor, along with all the other sponsors.”
Recent British Open qualifier Ashley Hall started well but a double bogey on the short par-five ninth led to a one-over-par 72 while local favourite Scott Laycock struggled on his way to a three-over 74. Last year’s joint winners Terry Pilkadaris and Euan Walters both put up a solid defence of their titles shooting two-under 69s.
Pakenham professional Shannon Sandiford shot a two-over 73 but you couldn’t wipe the smile off his face after a great day for the club.
“It was a very big day, the biggest Pro-Am since I’ve been here and the course was in fantastic condition,” Sandiford said.
“The pros commented on the quality of the cooch grass so there were just positives all around.
LEADERBOARD
Ryan Haywood VIC -8 63
Leighton Lyle VIC -6 65
Aaron Cox ACT -4 67
Peter Nolan VIC -4 67
Josh Younger VIC -3 68
Wade Lowrie VIC -3 68
Luke Marino QLD -2 69
Euan Walters VIC -2 69
Michael Moore VIC -2 69
Terry Pilkadaris VIC -2 69
Jason Scrivener WA -2 69
