Overlooking the Pitt Water on Barilla Bay, 15 PGA Professionals fought it out over 27 holes at the picturesque Tasmania Golf club for the Urban Golf Gear Tasmanian PGA Championship.

With the weather turning cool and blustery,the course and conditions challenged the scorers and after the first 18 holesit was Launceston GC head professional Jason "Jack" Russell who leadby two strokes at lunchtime with a 2-under par score of 70. Hot on his tail wasPeter Freeland on 72 and Brent Barlow of Mowbray GC on 73.

Following lunch, players teed off inreverse order for a final nine holes to determine the 2014 Champion. Some solidplay saw Russell extend his lead to three strokes with a hole to play. 

Unfortunately a drive tight up against the trunk of one of the gum trees liningthe fairway meant a chip out, lay up and a double bogey six which was justenough to stay one stroke ahead of a group of five players who had finished onlevel par.

It was the first time Russell had securedthe state title, adding to the state foursomes championship he had won on twoprevious occasions.

"I have to thank Mark Snooks forturning my putting around over the past few weeks and giving me something Icould rely on under pressure. I owe him a beer."

The Tasmania Golf club put on a finedisplay and new clothing brand Urban GolfGear supplied a sample of their stylish headwear for every player inthe field, while Mckillops General Insurance Brokers have also continued their support of PGA Members with event sponsorship for overa decade.

As always, the championship was held in afriendly and fun environment and the Tasmanian PGA Members had a great opportunityto network and share their stories heading into the busy summer of golf.