If recent history is anything to go by, Matt Jones should have major expectations for next year after winning the Australian Open on his home course at the Australian Golf Club on Sunday.
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Pampling will qualify for next year’s Open at Royal Troon if he finishes among the top three of those not already exempt, like Spieth and Scott.
Ogilvy carded a three-under-par round of 68 to be equal third with Taiwanese amateur Yu Chun-An and rising Australian star Todd Sinnott – which is one shot behind US Tour professional Matt Jones on four under, and surprise leader Lincoln Tighe on five under. I’m absolutely ecstatic to get back to The Open.
“They’ve just gotten a little bit easier day-to-day and my putting’s been just slightly better today, and so I do believe that I have yet to peak at this tournament”.
“I did it at The Australian Open so why can’t I go and do it at the British Open”. Apart from winning this golf tournament, that was my next goal – to qualify for The Open.
“I’ve watched the Australian Open many years growing up – watching (Greg) Norman especially because he was my idol. I am going to go over a week early this time and prepare”.
The double major victor was in second place, just three shots behind Australia’s Matt Jones who had putted in off the green at the 17th for a birdie and then also birdied the last in a second straight score of 68 to finish at 10 under par.
“I’m delighted to get back there”. “If I can inspire young kids to play golf and help them out any way I can, if they’re interested in golf, sure”. Hopefully this year, maybe I will work it out and who knows what we can do.
Defending champion Spieth holed out with his shot from the fairway on the par-4 17th for an eagle, then the American had a tap-in birdie on 18 for a 67.
The 22-year-old narrowly missed an eagle putt at the last after a superb approach shot but tapped in for birdie, giving himself every chance of back-to-back titles in Sunday’s final round. I thought he was due to make one and he didn’t.
He said he’d never shot 10-under in a tournament round.
“It’s unbelievable. I didn’t think it would be enough coming in”.
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Spieth acknowledged as much but said ominously that he was peaking for the final round and would draw confidence from his course-record 63 he shot past year to run away with the Stonehaven Cup.
