Last Drive Heroics Wins Ambrose State Final at Bonville Golf Resort Coffs Coast Sport News Of The Area by News Of The Area - Modern Media - December 18, 2020 Travis Merritt and Max Barraclough discuss strategy during the Keno Let’s Play Ambrose State Final at Bonville Golf Resort. Photo: Golf NSW WHEN you’re hanging on to a lead in a state final but your team of two is relying on you to hit a good drive on the final hole, the pressure can be intense. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au It was a situation Max Barraclough found himself in as he stood on the 18th tee during the Keno Let’s Play Ambrose State Final at Bonville Golf Resort. Playing alongside his Howlong club mate Travis Merrit, Barraclough did admit to a couple of nerves. “When you have got one drive left, and it’s down the 18th it is pretty difficult,” Barraclough said. The win was a first State Championship for the 22-year-old and it was still sinking in after the round. “We don’t have go back ‘til tomorrow so might have a few drinks tonight,” Barraclough smiled. The Howlong duo has had a couple of days to remember in the men’s section, returning identical rounds of nett 62.25 for a combined total of four points in the modified accumulation table. Runners-up were Gunnedah’s Sam Elphick and Michael Smyth who added a 64.25 to their opening 63.25. Merritt, a former NSW Men’s representative, said he was proud of the performance of his younger charge. “Max holed a few good putts early yesterday,” he said. “We got off to a hot start today, seven-under through ten, then came home with eight pars. Max hit the ball pretty well and we got the job done.” The Sawtell pair of Kate and Scott Pollard were runners up in the mixed division after adding a 67.25 to their opening 65.5. They finished behind the Monash pair of Angela Eksteen and Ross Fitzpatrick who held onto their day one lead, adding a 64.25 to their opening 59.25. Their combined total of three points in the reverse combined point score was more than enough to claim the division. Sheryl Villapana and Angela Smylie have held onto their lead to take out the women’s division. The Pacific Dunes pairing added a 67.5 in warm conditions to add to their opening 63.5. Their combined total of three points was enough to secure the crown by two points from Bermagui’s Maggie Hayes and Lynn Ponsford.
