Nathan Holman had made the most of his first trip to the Mercure Capricorn Resort, taking out the 2014 Pat O’Driscoll Real Estate Tropical Auto Group Golf Classic.
After starting the final round one shot behind, Holman new a good start was what he would require if he was to put pressure on the leader. Unfortunately a double bogey on the par 3, third hole looked to put aspirations on winning out of the equation, though with Holman being the true champion he was about to become, he was able to put that mishap behind him.
Holman would make the turn in even par, to sit three shots behind Clint Rice at 15 under par, after Rice got off to a flying start turning in five under par. Holman however would make birdies at 12, 15 and 17 and when Rice failed to make birdie at the last joining Andrew Dodt with clubhouse lead at 18 under par, Holman had the chance to edge clear.
A beautifully struck drive, followed by an even better fairway wood, set up a 30 foot eagle putt and more importantly two putts to but secure the win. After negotiating the first putt, Holman tapped in for birdie and a one shot victory.
The win was perfect timing for Holman, who jets off this evening for the first of two European Challenge Tour events starting this week. “This is a great win leading into the next couple of weeks and although the win here today has not yet sunk in, I am sure it will over the next 30 hours sitting on planes.”
“This is my first trip to the Capricorn Classic and it is no doubt one of the best Pro Ams I have played in Australia. The facility is second to none with two great courses and accommodation that creates an wonderful atmosphere throughout the tournament week. I am very happy to have won here today and I look forward to taking this form to Europe over the next few weeks,” said Holman.
Andrew Dodt and Clint Rice will certainly be happy with their performance this week to finish in a tie for second, though both players were somewhat overshadowed today by a course record equalling round by Gavin Flint on the Resort Course. Flint recorded 11 birdies on his way to an 11 under par 61 to finish on 14 under par and in a tie for eleventh.
Professionals will now take a couple of days off before making their way down the coast to Maryborough for their Pro Am which starts on Friday.
The QLD Sunshine Tour forms part of the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series which comprises of 200 events Australia wide.
Played across more than 170 golf courses around Australia, the Choice Hotels PGA Pro-Am Series plays an important part in the development of Australia’s Professional Golfers whilst also growing the game at a grass roots level by engaging an estimated 48,000 amateur golfers each year.
Australia's Golf News Leader, Inside Golf gives you in-depth coverage of Australian golf news, golf events, golf travel and holiday destinations, Australian and international golf course reviews, the hottest new golf gear and tips and drills to improve your golf game. Written by award-winning journalists, Inside Golf also features interviews with Australia's top professional golfers, the game's rising stars, industry leaders and golf equipment manufacturers. You can even win great golf prizes and equipment. It’s all in Inside Golf. FREE at Australian golf courses, driving ranges and golf retailers across Australia. 
