Rankin dominates golfers

QUEENSLANDER Brett Rankin dominated the field at the Lae Golf Club, producing an outstanding performance to be crowned the NKW Group Morobe Open champion.
Rankin fired a three-under par 69 in the final round for a tournament total of 20-under par 264 to claim victory by four shots from his nearest competitor in Brady Watt who finished on 16-under par 268.
On a perfect afternoon for scoring, spectators were out in force as they were treated to a final-round masterclass from the leading groups.
Rankin made the turn at two-under par five, then a bogey on the 14th hole threatened to derail the round but bounced back with birdies on the 15th and 16th holes to secure the win.
“I felt I was in control of the tournament throughout the day,” he said.
“I knew I just needed to shoot in the 60s today and that would be good enough to win the event.”
This result is the four-round tournament breakthrough that Rankin needed.
He said he was thrilled to take the title.
Rankin began training in Brisbane recently and credits the improvement in his physical condition for helping him secure the victory.
“It is a great feeling winning the NKW Group Morobe Open here today,” Rankin said.
“I have been fortunate to win many pro-ams on the Ladbrokes PGA Pro-Am Series but this is the first four-round tournament.
“I still played great today but I didn’t hole as many putts which was the difference in the score.
“This is my seventh trip up here for the Morobe Open and I must say the course is getting better each year.
“The conditions were heavy in the first couple of rounds following all the rain.
“But yesterday (Saturday) and today (Sunday), the course was fantastic. Full credit must go to all involved.
“It’s been a fantastic event not only on course but also off it.
“The members of the Lae Golf Club are just so welcoming and the hospitality we are shown here is nothing short of incredible.
“I always look forward to returning each year.”
As the leaders were battling it out, Jacob Boyce made an eagle on the 10th hole, driving to the greenside bunker on the 305m, par-hour hole then proceeded to hole his bunker shot for an eagle two.
Professional golf remains in Papua New Guinea this week, with the PNG Open being staged at the Royal Port Moresby Golf Club as part of the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia.