Jones hangs on to win title at Hawks Nest

Kurri Kurri Trainee Professional Matthew Jones held of a strong finishing Ryan O’Flaherty to claim the NSW/ACT PGA Trainee Professionals Championship at Hawks Nest Golf Club.

2010 Champion - Matthew Jones

Jones, who held the lead at the close of each of the first three days surrendered his lead through nine holes as he struggled to come to terms with the blustery conditions.

Jones and O’Flaherty headed into the final nine all square at three over par after going out in four and two over respectively. The pair both lifted on the back nine as it became a match in two as the remainder of the field lost ground.

Jones put his head in front thanks to a birdie at the par five fourteenth and from their played flawless golf, answering all of O’Flaherty’s challenges. The pair both birdied the par three sixteenth and then two regulation pars was enough to secure Matthew Jones a one stroke win and his first championship victory.

At the presentation ceremony Hawks Nest Golf Club President Lee Rankin announced an extension onto the existing agreement between the club and the PGA with Hawks Nest Golf Club to host the tournament for the next three years.