Big Victorian golfer Ben Henkel has secured his second Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying title after severe weather forced officials to abandon play at Teven Valley Golf Course and declare the tournament complete after just 18 holes.

The Victorian, who held a commanding two-shot lead after Friday’s opening round, was declared the winner when play was called off for the third and final time late on Saturday following torrential rain that saw the course receive almost 50mm in under two hours.

Henkel’s brilliant seven-under-par 51 in the opening round proved decisive, with his bogey-free effort on the Craig Parry-designed layout.

“I would have loved to obviously win playing 36 holes,” Henkel admitted in his post-victory interview. “I was going all right today, I think I was even par and maybe one or two ahead still and had a good birdie chance before the final siren went.”

The victory continues a strong run of form for Henkel, who also claimed last week’s Redcliff Pro Am, making it two wins from two events entered this season.

“Winning this and last week’s win, so two in a row for ones I’ve entered. It’s really good for my confidence against some good fields,” he said. “This is definitely a big, good step forward.”

Related Links: Ford NSW Open RQ – Teven Valley – Final Scores

The win underscores some significant progress for the Victorian, who acknowledged the lessons learned from his debut season on tour have been invaluable in developing his approach to competitive golf.

“Last year’s Regional Open Win was important, and I’m coming in this year with a lot more confidence in myself,” he said.

FORD NSW OPEN Qualifiers

With the weather ensuring an early end to the day, the coveted Ford NSW Open Qualifying spots were decided on a countback from scores in yesterday’s opening round.

Queenslander Dillon Hart (-5), Kiama’s Will Diabarra (-3) and Sydneysider Neven Basic (-3) took the spots.

For Diabarra, the Ford NSW Open will be his first state Championship appearance.

“I’m over the moon, but I would have liked to have done the right way, but that’s alright. You can’t predict these things,” Diabbara said.

Basic, meanwhile, has earned his way to the Open via regional qualifying a couple of times before.

“The NSW Open was my first pro event in 2002 I believe, which is probably before half the field was born. So I’m looking forward to it.”

“I enjoyed the Vintage, and I’m really looking forward to playing another state open.”

Hart, meanwhile, had previously earned his place in the NSW Open through his playing status..

“I’ve got in via pro-am status previously, but this is the first time via regional qualifying, so I’m looking forward to it,” he grinned.

Despite the weather, the day did provide some highlights, with a couple of aces to Queensladners Jack Munrto and Will Florimo sending a buzz through the assembled spectators.

Shot of the day was courtesy of Will Florimo, who set a bit of course history, acing the 236 metre par-four 4th on the Craig Parry-designed layout, the first albatross ever recorded at Teven.

The laid-back Queenslander took the rare feat in stride, revealing it was his second career albatross.

Asked if he had put the ball away for safekeeping, Florimo casually replied, “Naah it’s still in play. It certainly helped git rid of the bogey-bogey-bogey start I made.”

Ford NSW Open Regional Qualifying Series Schedule:

Teven Valley: July 24-26
Lismore Workers: July 27-29
South West Rocks Country Club: July 30 – August 1
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.