Launceston Mitsubishi Exeter Golf Club Pro-Am

Four way tie at the top of the leaderboard

The Launceston Mitsubishi Exeter Golf Club Pro-Am was played in beautiful conditions today. Four professionals couldn’t be separated at the end of the day with Queenslanders Daniel Stevenson and John Collins, Victorian David McKendrick and Tasmanian local Scott Priest all shooting two-under 69.

Queensland’s John Collins had the Clubhouse lead after the morning round with a score of two under par 69. With conditions perfect for scoring in the morning Collins was surprised to be the clubhouse leader.

“I thought someone would have gone a lot lower out there this morning. I had five birdies in my round but let a few shots slip “, said Collins.

McKendrick who turned professional in 2010 only flew into Tasmania after finishing tied fourth at the Devil Bend Pro Am yesterday in Victoria.

“I missed a short putt on the last hole I played today which has proved a little costly, but it is great to be in the money two days in a row in different states”, said McKendrick.

Stevenson who has family ties in Tasmania, started slowly but came home with three birdies in four holes on the back nine. Stevenson when he isn’t playing golf is driving trucks at the Queensland coal mines.

“I am only playing part time now and don’t have to rely on playing golf for a living, but there is nothing like wining an event. Everyone has looked after us tremendously today here at Exeter”, said Stevenson

The next line of players came in at one-under par 70, two OneAsia players and a former tour professional couldn’t be separated and were tied fifth. Clint Rice, Kalem Richardson and Adrian Percy had every opportunity to join the leaders or go one better but it wasn’t to be.

The Exeter course was presented in tremendous condition for today’s event with many visiting professionals commenting on the excellent presentation of the course. Exeter Golf Club is becoming a must stop venue on the golfing itinerary in Tasmania.

The Tasmanian swing of Southern Tour continues tomorrow at the 9/11 Bottle Shop Ulverstone Pro-Am, spectators are welcome to attend. There are eight events on the Tasmanian Pro-Am schedule in 2012 with prizemoney in excess of $50,000.