4th
May - 6:30pm
Lee hangs on to win
2007 Queensland Medal
Kevin Lee (Oxley) has won the 2007 Queensland Medal in
a thrilling finish at Bribie Island Golf Club, taking
the title by just one shot over Rika Batibasaga (Indooroopilly)
and Ray Beaufils (Surfers Paradise). It was a dramatic
climax to what was a fantastic week of golf at Bribie
with the golf course and weather absolutely perfect for
the entire three days. 
Lee (pictured right) took a 5 shot lead into the final
round this afternoon, and had looked quite impressive
as he reached 16 under par through the first 54 holes.
His second round 64 (-8) is a course record and was the
highlight of the week. He struggled a little through his
final round this afternoon however, after a double bogey
on the 2nd which saw the contenders draw close. While
the challengers drew close and even caught Lee at one
stage, he found something special on the par 5 12th hole,
when he managed an eagle after a 3 wood approach to 5
metres and then holed the putt.
Batibasaga (pictured below) at one stage got to 15 under
par through 12 holes, however gave one back on the par
3 14th. He would par each hole on the way in to post a
14 under total.
Beaufils played well all day and playing with Lee, he
obviously kept the pressure on Lee during the final round
as he stayed in touch with the leader. He tried to the
end and amazingly holed a bunker shot on the 17th hole
for birdie to get to 14 under par and importantly within
one of Lee. But both players would par the last and Lee
would be victorious.
Other
notable performances were from Daniel Nisbet (Caboolture),
who at just 16 years of age continues to impress and will
certainly be a player of the future. The current Australian
Junior Order of Merit holder fired rounds of 67.70.69.69
for a total of 275 (-13). An unfortunate bogey on the
17th proved costly on a hole he would certainly have been
looking at birdie and a share of the lead.
Aaron Pike (Indooroopilly) played in the last group today
and managed a 70 (-2) to finish at 278 (-10) and a very
creditable performance. His opening 66 (-6) really set
the standard for the week and he will go into next week’s
Match Play feeling quietly confident as a previous Queensland
Amateur winner in 2005.
All in all the 2007 Queensland Medal was a great success
and the Bribie Island Golf Club should be very proud of
their achievement in hosting the event. Many had not seen
the course in better condition and the players regularly
commented that the greens were the best they had played
on in years. The Greens Superintendent Sean O’Leary
and his staff should take a bow for their efforts in delivering
such a fine Championship course.
A playoff was required to determine the 16th position
to qualify for the Queensland Amateur Championship. Kevin
Marques (Indooroopilly) took the last position when he
outlasted 4 other players on the fourth playoff hole.
He will take on Lee next week in the first round with
some outstanding talent likely to produce some great golf
at Indooroopilly Golf Club.
The Queensland Amateur Championship is 107 years old and
the 16 players that have qualified will no doubt be keen
to add their name to the beautiful trophy that was introduced
in 1902.
For all the action next week, keep an eye on the Queensland
Golf Union’s website for all match results.
For further information on the Queensland Medal or Amateur
Championship contact Scott Wagstaff on 0433 669 623.
Full scores - click here
Match Play draw - click here
