Sunday 28 October 2007
Haller stamps
his authority on the Von Nida Tour
Ryan Haller has had more than 30 pro am wins Australia
wide but there is no doubt that his victory at this
year's City Pacific - Mirvac Queensland Open is the
highlight of his career thus far. Haller made an impressive
eagle on the final hole to not only shoot a closing
round 7 under par 65 but also helped him to a three
shot victory and lift the TB Hunter Cup.
Haller started the day at 13 under par after a third
round 67 which placed him in the final group on Sunday,
but it was Michael Brennan who everyone had their eyes
on and held the lead going into the final day. Brennan,
after a 63 on Saturday, got off to a flyer making birdie
at the par four 1st hole to open up a 2 shot lead. An
errant tee shot on the second though is where it all
come unstuck however, with a penalty drop for his third
and further recovery shot, Brennan could only manage
a quadruple bogey nine to drop back to 12 under par
for the tournament. Ed Stedman who also started the
day at 13 under par, took the opportunity and made birdies
at the 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th and the 9th holes to turn
for the back nine at 18 under par for the tournament.
Haller, who never seemed to panic, got off to a solid
start turning at 4 under par for the day to be one behind
Stedman with nine holes to play.
Ryan Haller (photo courtesy of Adam
Head - Courier Mail)
Haller made the back nine his own though with birdies
on the 10th and 16th holding strong under the immense
pressure that was building as he tried to secure his
first Von Nida Tour victory. A bogey on the par five
14th did little to faze him as a 35 foot final eagle
putt on the final hole dropped to secure victory by
3 shots. Stedman faulted early on the back nine making
bogies on the 12th and 16th though birdie on the final
hole in front of a healthy crowd allowed him to finish
with a closing round 68 and consolidate second place.
"This week I really tried to concentrate the my
mental side of my game, I even made my pre shot routine
a little quicker and it seemed to work" Haller
mentioned as well as talking about what the win means
personally. "This event has been one that I have
been playing many years both as an amateur and now as
a professional and to have my name etched on the trophy,
it is very humbling".
Haller now makes his way to the third round of Japanese
Tour School next week where the confidence he has gained
this week is sure to hold him in good stead to secure
his card. Haller also is preparing for one of the biggest
moments of his life when his wife Annette gives birth
to their first child in March. "I guess it really
hits home when you have this type of win because not
only does it means a lot for my career but for my family
life as well".
Stedman on the other hand now looks to use the result
as a springboard to go one better at the Queensland
PGA Championship at Emerald Lakes starting Thursday.
"It has been a while since I have been in contention
in a four round event and it really got the juices flowing.
Now I'm really looking forward to next week and hopefully
putting myself in a similar situation to go one better
next week" said Stedman.
This years leading amateur was first round tournament
leader Brett Rankin who has really come of age over
the past few months with a second position at the Queensland
Close Championship as well as being named in the 2008
Australian Amateur Squad which will see him go to China
for the Asia Pacific Amateur early next year. His rounds
of 64, 73, 67, 77 placed him in 24th position, winning
leading amateur by an amazing 21 shots.
The focus now moves to the final event in the Queensland
Swing of the Von Nida Tour at the magnificent Emerald
Lakes Golf Club. The week will start with the annual
Junior Pro Am and well as the Daiken Night Shootout
on Tuesday with the sponsors having a chance to play
with the pros on Wednesday before the tournament starts
on Thursday.
Ryan Haller and wife Annette celebrate
victory with the TB Hunter Cup
