TOM Power Horan charged home to claim victory in the 2022 Murray Open at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club on Wednesday.
Horan, who hails from Melbourne, was three shots behind overnight leader Andre Lautee at five under on Tuesday night but managed to hit six birdies in his first 12 holes on Wednesday, which proved to be the key moment.
Horan told The Guardian he was happy with his performance but was nervous about being overrun by defending champion Matthew Miller late in the round on Wednesday afternoon.
“I thought I had to shoot a pretty good score,” Horan said.
“Around five to eight under, I predicted, would be a good-enough score to get me the win, which was the case.
“I had a look at the leaderboard with around five to six holes to go, and I hadn’t been playing as well as I’d hoped, which put a bit of pressure on my putting, but it was nice to pull through and get the job done.”
Horan, Edward Donoghue, and James Marchesani have secured entry to the 2023 New South Wales Open thanks to their performances at the event.
Horan finished 10 under, one shot ahead of second-placed Miller.
It is the second time Murray Downs has hosted an event in the NSW Pro-Am Series.
In an address to the crowd following the presentation, Murray Downs president Col Edwards said they are excited to do it all again in 12 months’ time.
“Thanks to the PGA for coming along and supporting Murray Downs – we’re going to be back here again next year and hope you all come back, which we very much look forward to organising,” Edwards said.
Horan was impressed with the course.
It was the first time he’s made it to Murray Downs since the beginning of the pandemic.
“It’s great here,” he said. “This is only my second time playing at Murray Downs and the first since before COVID – but the course and facilities are great, and it’s definitely one of the best places to play on the river.”
Horan was not the only golfer dazzled with the course, according to Murray Downs chief executive Gregory Roberts, who said there had been a terrific response from the players.
“I spoke to Lisa, our golf pro, who played in the tournament,” Roberts said.
“She told me everyone was just blown away with the course and the layout.”
Edwards thanked the people responsible for allowing the course to be in such fine nick.
“A lot goes into making up the three days with the pro-am and the final two days of the event,” he said.
“It’s great to be able to put on an event like this, and all our staff, especially the greens staff, have done a fantastic job over the three days and the weeks leading up.”
Roberts also thanked the NSW Government and Golf NSW for their assistance in helping set up the event.
“I’d just like to thank them for their support – the funds they provided to allow us to host the event have not gone unnoticed,” he said.
