Murdoch emerges on top in Torquay Pro-Am

A LONE bogey on the 14th hole was the only blemish in Jack Murdoch’s sublime outing at The Sands Torquay Resort, taking home the Torquay Pro-Am by one stroke and claiming his maiden PGA Pro-Am Series win.

Murdoch, who plays at The Sands Torquay, was stoked with his performance in shooting an impressive seven-under 65 round, edging out Simon Hawkes’ six-under 66. Matias Sanchez finished outright third at five-under 67.

“We were a pretty lucky with the weather, a bit windy this afternoon, but we missed all the rain thankfully,” Murdoch said after the win.

“It’s always in good condition so it’s always nice coming here for that reason.

“The course was great, especially with all the rain that they’ve had. The staff have done exceptionally well to get it up and running.

“I’ve played here a bunch of times, so it was good to be back.”

Lacklustre weather across the state did not deter The Sands Torquay’s course maintenance team, providing solid conditions for players in both fields.

The Torquay Pro-Am was recently commended at the PGA Industry Awards Night as Regional Pro-Am of the Year with course management on full display Sunday boasting why it is considered the “Jewel on the Surf Coast”.

Murdoch got off on the right foot with a birdie at his opening hole, the par-4 hole 10.

He eventually fell back to an even par with a bogey at the 14th, but an eagle at the par-5 16th and four consecutive birdies from Hole 2 provided the backbone to the round.

“Some of the par-fives are relatively short, so if you get your tee shots under way you can really put your foot down,” Murdoch added.

Former Bellarine resident Deyen Lawson triumphed at the Torquay Pro-Am a year ago and recorded his first win on tour at the Nexus Advisernet WA Open in the past fortnight.

Murdoch mentioned he would not mind taking a similar path at the Vic PGA and Queensland PGA tournaments in the coming weeks.

The Sands Torquay’s Amateur Winner on the day Edward Sargeant (left) with a score of three-under par, alongside The Sands Torquay’s general manger of golf Patrick Young.

“Hopefully I can do something similar to ‘Digger’ (Lawson), that would be nice,” Murdoch mentioned.

“We’ll see what happens. It just reiterates that what you’re doing is the right thing, more than anything.

“It’s good to test it under some sort of pressure and then hopefully take it forward into the next two events.”

The Sands Golf Course is also scheduled to host The Australian Senior Open from next March.

Plans are being finalised with Golf Australia and The SParms PGA Legends Tour to bring some of the world’s best known senior players to The Sands Resort.

It is anticipated The Australian Senior Open will from 2024 be joint sanctioned with the European Tours Senior Tour welcoming to Torquay some of the legends of the game.