Today I have just finished 21st in the City of Mackay Open. I had rounds of 68, 70, 69, 72 (-5). Was a little disappointing over the weekend as I was playing pretty good on Saturday and didn't come home strong. I'm really committed to getting into contention more often and to miss out on that opportunity was what I feel I let slip this week. Never the less, I had some highlights which included holing a 6 iron on the 3rd hole for an eagle 2 on the hardest par 4 on the course in the 3rd round. On two other occasions I had wedge shots sit on the side of the cup peering into the hole for eagles.

This week we travel to Rockhampton for a three round tournament which I have heard is in really good condition.

Today I learnt quite a bit playing with a lead which was nice. After the 1st round I had 67 (-5) and was leading by 3 going into Day 2. Both days had high winds which made it difficult and my bad shots were penalized. I wanted to be aggressive and play my own game just like Day 1 but in the end my aggression needs to be timed well to be effective. I had 78 (+6) and finished 9th equal 5 shots behind the winners. My 1st round consisted of 1 eagle, 6 birdies and 3 bogeys. My 2nd round had 1 eagle (12th hole both days, from chip ins), and 4 double bogeys. So just by minimizing the doubles to bogeys I would have been in a much better position. Now for a few days off and start back at Mackay.

Well, thanks to a birdie, birdie finish I managed to tie for 1st with 4 others in this one day event at Ayr Golf Club. My score of 67 (-4) was matched by my good friend Dale Clarke, Ben Bloomfield, Daniel Stevenson and Leigh McKecnie. My round started with a bogey, and consisted of one more bogey and 6 birdies. The course was in great condition after some tough weather over the past few months. A big thanks to Toni and Colin Reese my good friends who hosted my traveling partner Dave Scott and myself and have done so for 5 years.

Over 2 days I had rounds of 68, 70 (-8) and finished 4th. This was a good tournament as I had an opportunity to get close to winning. In the end I didn't take my chances but I learnt I was close.

Le Penina Golf Course View. Photo taken from near the 17th tee. This is where they have been filming the American Programme Survivor Samoa.

The final week in the Islands was a pretty testing one as Le Penina Golf Course put up a tough test. With one over par winning for 3 rounds showed the golf course probably won. In the end Mitchell Brown from Australia won by a shot from Damien Jordan also from Australia. Then two kiwis in 3rd and 4th. Brad Shilton on 3 over and myself on 6 over. Brad and myself played in the 2nd last group and we didn't feel like our scores were very good, but after a tough day we moved up places to be happy with our weeks work. This week was also pretty cool as my parents made the trip to Samoa for 6 days and watched me play. It was a fraction warmer than Taihape for them I think.

On the final night we had presentation and I managed to get a photo with or host for the two weeks Stan from Apia Central Hotel.
From L to R, fellow golfers and friends, Rick and Dale, Stan and myself.



My schedule now takes me back to QLD for a few small events then a string of bigger events from end of July to mid August.