St Michael’s Golf Club amateur Daley Loumanis has delivered the biggest performance of his career, producing a scintillating front-nine charge to claim a one shot win at the Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Tournament here at South West Rocks Country Club.

The 22-year-old Sydneysider, who began the final round three shots behind overnight leader Lincoln Tighe, delivered when it mattered most with a tearaway opening nine, five under par 31, to set the foundation for his barnstorming win.

Starting on the 10th hole, Loumanis wasted no time showing his intent. The university student fired off birdies on the 12th, 13th, 15th, and 17th before producing the shot of the day – a spectacular eagle from off the green on the 18th hole, his ninth hole.

The dramatic eagle proved to be the moment when the 21-year-old’s resolve went from ‘What if? to Maybe I can!’ as he set out on the back nine. It looked almost seamless, too, with the youngster able to stretch the lead to three shots. That was until the penultimate hole, when a very ill-timed double bogey crushed any thought of a final hole victory lap.

“I hit some really nice approach shots in, and then hit a great pitch shot on 17 ( his 8th) to just over a foot and tapped in for birdie. And then, yeah, 18 (his 9th) was a shot I probably didn’t expect to make, or even try making, up and down. So that was a big bonus there,” Loumanis grinned.

The late drama, however, was simply another layer of tension to an already gripping finale.

“Honestly, I was pretty happy with my decision at eight (his 17th). I Just didn’t quite pull off the shot. In reality, I probably should have had a look at the leaderboard, but anyway, the shot didn’t work out.”

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The win caps off what has been a breakthrough year for the young amateur, who earlier this year finished runner-up to Declan O’Donovan in the NSW Amateur Championship at Stonecutters Ridge.

Today’s result, however, came against some very well-credentialled players.

“Incredible, yeah, especially to be up against the pros. The goal was to make the top three to get into the NSW Open but winning it’s definitely a big bonus,” he added.

Currently in his final year at the University of Technology Sydney, studying Business with a major in marketing and minors in sports management and finance, Loumanis has only two subjects remaining before graduation. His development has been guided by legendary coach Johnny Serhan, who is currently in the UK with LET and Golf NSW Future Program member Kelsey Bennett.

“Johnny sent me a message last night. He’s over in the UK with Kelsey at the moment, and reminded me to hold my nerve, play my game and then see how it goes,” Loumanis grinned. “I think I did that pretty well.”

The victory celebration is going to be low-key for the freshly crowned champion, who plans to head straight home to his family.

“Get home and just relax, honestly, go see Mum and Dad, then just take the night easy and have a nice sleep in,” Loumanis smiled, adding that he couldn’t wait to share the moment with his St Michael’s teammates.

“There would have been a few guys watching for sure. I can’t wait to get home and see them. I’ll be back out there tomorrow.”

Open Qualifiers Lock Away Spots in Style

When the dust settled at South West Rocks Country Club, it was Loumanis, Louis Dobbelaar and Sydney’s Jayden Cripps who secured the coveted spots in the Ford NSW Open this November at The Vintage.

No one was more elated than Cripps, who, after 27 starts and “three or four” losses on a countback, had finally secured an incredible first state in his home state championship.

“My first one was at Murray Downs (2021), Cripps beamed.

“I missed out twice last year. fifth and tied beaten on a countback, then fifth again and didnt get in,”

“I’m a bit lost for words, it feels pretty unreal.

“I’ve been working with a sports Psychologist, Jamie Glazier about acceptance and writing two things down and whatever happens happens.”

“I knew I had to forget about the prize at the end of the day and just embrace the process, and achieving that today was the most pleasing thing.”

Cripps said making the field for his first NSW Open was going to be a moment in his playing career he would cherish.

“Making the week will be amazing, We’ll be having a little family gathering up there for sure. I’ve already got a text from a mate that wants to know where he should stay up there when he caddies for me,” he laughed.

Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series Remaining Schedule:

• Coffs Harbour – North Coast Open: August 4-6
• Catalina Club Batemans Bay – South Coast Open: September 17-19
• Queanbeyan Golf Club: September 21-23

The Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series is proudly supported by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.