Vernon Sexton-Finck

Rain, hail and debris couldn’t stop West Australian Trainee Captain and OOM leader Vernon Sexton-Finck from winning the 72 hole WA/NT Trainee Championships held at Nedlands Golf Club today.

In a final round battle with Victorian Ben Ford, Sexton-Finck managed to reel back a three stroke deficit, carding two bogeys and one birdie for 73 versus Ford’s 77 and respective totals of 295 and 296.

“I played very solid considering the severity of the conditions,” Sexton-Finck commented, “I wasn't really focusing on Ben, or anyone, rather tried to stay patient and minimise any mistakes, but still play aggressively. Anyone in the last two groups had a chance of winning, I think patience was the key today”.

Sexton-Finck thought he was heading back to the 18th for a playoff after missing his 6 foot putt for birdie on the 72nd hole although it was Ford who, in uncharacteristic style, missed his final three foot par putt to hand the tournament and 2012 title to Sexton-Finck.

“I definitely thought we were going into a playoff after I missed my birdie putt. I felt that I needed to make it, and gave myself the best chance after my second shot.”, said Sexton-Finck after the round.

“Ben had been putting very well all day, and surprisingly he missed. These things happen for unknown reasons sometimes”.

“Strangely it's one of the best feelings I've had in the game. I've always had a very close affiliation with Nedlands Golf Club, and to win here was simply perfect and I'll remember this forever. I've been in contention a lot at the Nedlands Masters, and not quite got over the line, but to win the WA/NT Trainee Championships here is as if it was meant to be. I wouldn't have wanted to win it anywhere else. I'm a happy captain!!”

Aside from setting a record four weather suspensions over the 72 hole, the event attracted record financial support in 2012, reaching a prize purse of $17,000 for the 26 person field.

Thank you to major event partner Matso’s Brewery of Broome who joined the event in 2012 as a cash and in kind sponsor, furthermore, Titleist, Coca-Cola Amatil and Nedlands Golf Club for their ongoing support.