Anthony Summers

MOST players would have given up a long time ago, but not Anthony Summers.

The New South Welshman ended a 23-year drought for his first title of his career.

Summers turned professional in 1991 and last month registered his maiden victory at the Coca-Cola Queensland Championship at City Golf Club, Toowoomba.

The 44-year-old carded rounds of 61-62-70-63 for a 256 total – three shots clear of big-hitting Kiwi Ryan Fox.

David Bransdon (261) finished third.

I’m ecstatic, relieved, elated,” Summers said. “I’m just feeling a whole mix of emotions at the moment.
“I’ve had a lot of chances to win in the past so to have a three-shot buffer on the last was fantastic.
“I was still as nervous as a kitten on the 18th hole – my heart was beating a million miles a minute.”
Summers said he was blown away by Fox’s length off the tee.

“Ryan’s length is prodigious, if he hits it straight there won’t be too many who can compete with him,” he said.
Summers sealed the victory with a miracle eagle on the par-5 16th hole.
“I hardly missed a fairway all week and I hit the worst tee shot of the week, it was a big spear cut right with my three wood,” he said.

“I was under the trees with a little gap then I had to go over the trees further down.
“My last words as I put my club down were, ‘be nice.’ I thought this could go anywhere.
“It clipped a little bit on the way up and down. Next thing I heard was a massive roar and I was just in shock.
“It was ridiculous but I am going to take it with both hands and run.”
After struggling with a back injury in the final two rounds, Summers was relieved to finally have his name engraved on the Charles Bonham Trophy.
“I have a long history of back issues and it felt very close to going this morning,” Summers said.
“I was very concerned, I didn’t go to the range at all this morning, I spent a lot of time with the physio.
“I have had a good history at the Queensland PGA.

“I finished second here in 1996 and had a couple of thirds including last year. It’s nice to get my first win at a tournament I have played well in the past.”

 

About David Newbery

Chief writer David Newbery has been living, breathing and writing and editing golf for more than 30 years. His extensive knowledge of the game comes from covering golf around the world. Hired by Inside Golf in 2009, David previously worked as the editor of The Golfer for 25 years and before that worked for numerous daily newspapers in Australia and overseas. The Brisbane-based journalist describes his golf game as “a work in progress”, but has had the privilege of playing golf with some of the game’s best players including nine-time major winner Gary Player. David enjoys travelling, reading, music, photography and spending time with family and friends – on and off the golf course.

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