Rice wins at Historic Bothwell
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Tasmanian professional Clint Rice has secured his first win for 2012 at the Irrigation Tasmania Highlands Pro-Am at the historic Ratho Links at Bothwell.
Rice shot a five under par round of 61 over the 17 holes that were played in the Pro-Am. With three birdies in his first nine holes Rice made the turn in three under par, a further five birdies from the 11th to the 16th holes was followed by two late bogeys which was enough to secure the win by two shots from Glen Haynes (UK). Haynes who is visiting from the UK shot a three under 63 and also won the inaugural Two Metre Tall Brewery Stampede held late yesterday which came with a winner’s cheque of $1,000.
“It was great to come and play on a course that shows us how golf used to be played. The new holes here at Bothwell will really add to the experience”, Rice said.
“I was able to hit it really close today which made getting the birdies pretty easy. After running into trouble on 18 it was nice to come away with the win”
With obstacles such as farm fences, hedges and hay bales – not to mention a stray sheep or two, the opportunity to play on such an historic course brought professionals from all over Australia to the Central Highlands of Tasmania.
Rice recently graduated from the OneAsia tour school that was held in Malaysia in January. Rice now has the opportunity to play in up to 13 events each with a prize purse of $1 million.
“To have the opportunity to play in Asia without having to travel too far from home is a great opportunity for me. I will also be playing the Australian circuit and heading to Canada this year, so I am looking forward to really performing well and further developing my game”, commented Rice.
With cold and windy conditions faced by the players today only four players were able to break par. Tristan McCallum (WA) who won at Claremont last week finished outright third on 64 with fellow West Australian Patrick Willson one shot further back on 65.
The Tasmanian swing of Southern Tour continues tomorrow at the Country Club Tasmania and SIW/IGA 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.