Hinves holds on at Rich River
Monday, 8 February 2010
Third year trainee Chris Hinves from the Ballarat Golf Club in Victoria held on to secure the 2010 Coca-Cola Rich River Classic in Echuca-Moama with a solid final round of one-over seventy-three. In wet and blustery fourth-round conditions, Hinves finished one shot clear of Queenslander Matt Stone who dragged himself into contention with a one-under seventy-one. Hinves went into the final round tied for the lead with New South Welshman Greg Rodgers at three-under par, but Rodgers fell out of contention with early bogeys that lead to a final-round of seventy-seven. With seven players within three shots of the lead after three rounds Hinves had numerous potential challengers, but he came home strongly after a shaky start. After Stone had posted a four-round total of two-under, Hinves struck a perfect third shot on the par-five eighteenth to within three metres of the hole and calmly two-putted for his first significant victory as a trainee professional.
Normally renowned for its perfect weather, the magnificent Rich-River resort alternatively presented the ninety-five trainees from across Australia with high temperatures, strong winds and heavy rain throughout the week. Despite the weather, the Rich-River layout was again in fantastic condition, with all players praising the overall condition of the course.
In one of only two national PGA of Australia events that sees males and females competing alongside one another for the same title and prize purse, the highest finishing female for the week was local favourite Emma Bennett, who closed with a one-under par seventy-one to finish tied for sixth.
In a major coup for the twenty-seven year old tournament, Rich-River President Ken Peat announced a $10 000 increase in prize-money for the 2011 event, taking the total purse to $30 000. The surprise announcement, confirming Rich-River’s commitment to the future of Australian golf ensures that the Rich River Classic is retained as a significant event on the trainee playing calendar for many years to come.