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_2008
Queensland Indigenous Championships
16th
March 2008
Thompson and Matthews win Queensland Indigenous Championships
In what turned out to be an amazing climax to
this year's Queensland Indigenous Championships at Murgon
Golf Club, India Matthews (Southport) has come from 8 shots
behind to force a playoff in the Women's Championship. Matthews
fired a course record 73 (+1) today and then won a three way
playoff at the first extra hole to become the 2008 Queensland
Women's Indigenous Champion.
India Matthews at just 13 years of age is the 2008 Queensland
Indigenous Women's Champion
It was the emergence of another talented young
player, with Matthews just 13 years of age. She showed maturity
way beyond her years to close the gap today, and remain focused
on each shot. In fact it was her father Greg, who was caddying
for her that had kept the scores in his head and after she
putted out on the 18th let her know that she had made it into
a playoff.
Kimberley Crawley went close to defending her title
The playoff, featuring last year's champion,
Kimberley Crawley (Horton Park) and Addi Butorac (Paradise
Palms) was a tense affair, however all three girls thoroughly
enjoyed the challenge. There had to be one winner however,
and it was fitting that Matthews took out the Championship
after her unbelievable round today.
The Men's Championship was not quite as close,
however Renton Ritchie (Hervey Bay) applied some pressure
on the defending champion Steve Thompson (Windaroo Lakes)
today. Thompson began the day 6 in front however his lead
was reduced to just 3 shots after 7 holes. Thompson played
the more solid golf over the closing holes, and a couple of
missed short puts by Ritchie, meant that Thompson would end
up as the eventual Champion by 4 shots.
Steve Thompson successfully defended his Championship
Ritchie should be pleased with his performance
today as he closed with a round of 69 (-1), however will feel
that he left an opportunity slip with the missed puts on the
back nine.
Finishing in third position was local player,
Peter Bligh (Murgon) who excited the township of Murgon with
his opening round of 69 (-1). Unfortunately the final two
rounds were not quite as good and he finished with an 80 (+10)
today to take third position.
Renton Ritchie finished runner-up for the second year
Golf Queensland was very pleased with the 2008
Championship which has been filmed by NITV and will be shown
on Fox (Channel 180) in the coming weeks.
The Murgon Golf Club was presented in excellent
condition and proved a fitting test for the Championship.
Golf Queensland Vice President - Carmel Smith was full of
praise for the course during the Championship Presentation
ceremony. She noted that the club is completely volunteer
based and the efforts to get the course to the level it is
in, is quite remarkable.
Golf Queensland will confirm the 2009 venue
and dates in the coming weeks, and is looking forward to the
future of the event. The interest shown, both locally and
nationally has certainly improved the profile of the event.
For further information on the Queensland Indigenous
Championships contact Scott Wagstaff at Golf Queensland on
0433 669 623.
Click on the events below to view the scores:
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