Crawford Survives Thriller at Newcastle

Queenslander Adam Crawford held on to win the 2011 NSW Open at Newcastle Golf Club from Anthony Summers, Paul Donahoo, and rising Newcastle amateur Jake Higginbottom.

After playing near-flawless golf in the final round, Crawford was one happy man to win the NSW Open by one shot. After a disappointing first-round 74 in the rain on Thursday, the 36-year-old bounced back, shooting 66, 65 and 69 for a total of six-under-par 274.

After closing out his final round, Crawford watched as the challengers succumbed to final hole nerves.

Fellow Queenslander Paul Donahoo, the overnight leader at nine-under, and seasoned Sydney professional Anthony Summers had opportunities to force a playoff.

Donahoo was six under when he teed off from the 18th but dunked his second shot into the green-side bunker behind the hole. His third from the sand skated about 2.5 metres past, leaving him a tricky putt to save par and force extra holes. Sadly, he pushed his par putt right.

Summers, five-under with one to play, had a 4.5-metre birdie putt to grab a share of the lead but left his putt on the lip, leaving Crawford as champion.

Crawford was surprised with his win, given his prediction of the winning score being in the double figures at the start of the week.

“It’s great to win a State Championship. I’m surprised to be the winner at 6 under. It just goes to show how great a course this is.”

“I think us pros will be talking about this course for a while. I thought getting into a playoff would be great, but to win is just awesome.”

Higginbottom finished his week by taking home the honour of leading amateur and second place.

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