Mackenzie masters Virginia layout to take maiden victory

Jay Mackenzie has fired a bogey-free round of 6-under 65 to claim his maiden Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series victory.

Perfect on-course conditions presented for the 59 professionals playing the Breakas Beach Resort Vanuatu Virginia Pro-Am but it was young-gun Mackenzie to topped the experienced field.

Playing consistent golf, Mackenzie took advantage of benign conditions around the difficult Virginia layout to record birdies at holes 3, 5, 7, 8, 13 and 16.

“It’s the first time I have played the course,” said Mackenzie post-round.

“The course was in fantastic condition and the greens were outstanding, I rolled the ball really well on the greens today.”

“My ball-striking was solid most of the day but on my final nine holes I gave myself a lot of opportunities for birdies.”

A trio of players finished in equal second position on 5-under 66 including Simon Houston, Matthew Millar and James Anstiss.

“The course was presented well today and is a credit to those involved,” said Millar.

Dane McArdle and Aaron Pike both finished with rounds of 4-under 67 to tie for fifth place.

The next stop on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series schedule is the Kooralbyn Valley Resort for the Ramada Resort Kooralbyn Valley Pro-Am on Wednesday 31 July 2019.

Professionals Nick Russell, Warrick Betts and Cory Crawford have all fired rounds of 4-under par 67 to be declared joint winners in the Breakas Beach Resort Vanuatu Virginia Pro-Am

Russell and Betts were fortunate to be out early this morning and posted their rounds before the strong north easterly breeze came up just as the afternoon field teed off.

Thirty-year-old Russell played steady golf on his way to a bogey-free round and back to back victories on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series.

“My short game was great again today, I hold a bunker shot on my second last hole which was a great save," said Russell.

Professional Betts playing only his third event for the year had credited his more relaxed attitude to the game for his win today.

“I’m no longer playing full-time, it’s a nice feeling to be able to play and not worry about needing to make a cheque," said Betts.

Cory Crawford who played the afternoon field has fired his 4-under par 67 in challenging scoring conditions.

“The course was in fantastic condition and the greens were rolling really well, the course is a credit to the staff and members of the Virginia Golf Club," said Crawford.

Professional Clinton Lourens finished outright second after firing round of 3-under par 68.

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