Avondale Amateur Champions are Windred and Park!

Blake Windred from The Australian Golf Club has defended his Avondale Medal title by 1 stroke, coming from 3 strokes behind heading into the final round. Windred’s closing 3 under par 68 edged fellow NSW State Team Member Jordan Garner (Castle Hill) for the title, following 2 dropped shots from Garner at the death.

Following numerous lead changes throughout the day, it was Windred who held his nerve on the best on the back nine. Overnight leader Lewis Hoath (T14), as well as local favourite Jye Pickin (T6) and fast finishing Jediah Morgan (2nd) (Royal Queensland) all held the lead at various points in the final round.

Windred, in the next to last group, was able to post -9 in the Clubhouse and it was good enough for victory. “Last year I hit it awful and scrapped it around to get the win, but this year, it was better.” “I could’ve holed more putts this week, which is usually my strength, but I’m so happy with the way I hung in there.” “I’m pretty speechless at the moment, really,” Windred said after the round.

Lukas Michel from Metropolitan came home strong with a bogey free 67 to finish in a tie for 4th, alongside Jack Thompson (The Grange) after a 68, finishing 3 shots back on -6. Jye Pickin who held the lead after 18 and 36 holes, finished with 3 disappointing bogeys for a 74 after turning in 35.

Rounding out the Avondale Members, there were credible finishes from Chris Fan (T30), Bryce Pickin (T38) and Will Bayliss (T44) who had the low round of the week (65) on Wednesday.

Windred and Fan move onto the Victorian Open at Thirteenth Beach next week, a co-sanctioned European Tour event.

In the Women’s Avondale Bowl, 16 year old Korean Kumkang Park, known as “KK”, dominated the field with a commanding 8 shot victory. The overnight leader was never headed after holing out for Eagle on the 1st hole and finished with a 2 under par 70, the low round of the day on a long and sodden Avondale course.

“I am so happy because it is my first win in a major tournament,” said KK.
Victorian Amateur Champion, Korean Min A Yoon finished second (72) and edged New Zealander Carmen Lim and Hye Park (Royal Pines – T3).

The Avondale Course provided a stern challenge for all with only 2 sub 70 rounds posted for the tournament. The Avondale contingent comprised Members Grace Kim (11th), June Song (T14th) and Club Champion Kara Williams (T21).