Future champions grit their teeth in trying conditions - PGA of Australia

Future champions grit their teeth in trying conditions


Blustery conditions challenged players as the 2014 National Futures Championship got underway at its new home, the Ballarat Golf Club.

Blustery conditions challenged players as the 2014 National Futures Championship got underway at its new home, the Ballarat Golf Club.

Despite the trying weather conditions, the golf course was presented in pristine condition for a Professional tournament with picturesque fairways and smooth, fast greens.
 
While the tough conditions affected a large proportion of the field, it didn’t stop Alex Pitty, from Pennant Hills Golf Club in NSW shooting an impressive score of 70 to take the lead after round 1.­
 
With 3 birdies and only 1 bogey, Pitty showed tremendous poiseand consistency to post his two under score.

"I was really pleased with how I went today," said Pitty after his round.

"I was pretty lucky to get on the good side of the draw today, so I’m happy that I could make good use of it."

Pitty will have to stay on his game though, with three players only 1 shot behind and nipping at his heels.

After all carding 1-under scores of 71, Adam Demidjuk, Taylor Cooper and Sean Roach will be trying to put the pressure on as they attempt to get a share of the $55,000 total prize-purse up for grabs.

Demidjuk said he was very happy with his overnight position considering the conditions and quality of competition.

"It was blowing an absolute hurricane this morning and there is a really strong field of players here this week, so I’m pretty happy to be up there after round one."

The international visitors had a solid start to the tournament with Englishman, Gareth Davies leading the international charge with an opening round of 1-over 73.

The female contingent also put in a strong performance on day-one with Ashleigh Blacksell, from Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Club in Queensland and Elissa-Jayne Orr from Eastwood Golf Club in Victoria both shooting 73 and 74, respectively.

Wednesday proves to be a thrilling day of golf, with better weather forecasted as players strive to make the cut in the top 50.

See round 1 results here


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