CRAIG Boucher won the Ballarat Distrit Golf Association 54 hole open tournament for the 13th time on Sunday
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Boucher (Midlands) hit 73-73-73 at Forest Resort, Midlands and Buninyong to take the top prize.
Ballarat Golf Club’s Kate McMahon defeated eight time winner Helen Pascoe in a sudden death play-off to win the women’s tournament, after both had an overall score of 255.
McMahon hit 87-83-85 over the three days, and Pascoe hit 86-85-84.
This was the first time McMahon had won the tournament.
“I didn’t think I’d win – I was in Bunnings when they gave me the call telling me to come back because I needed to play in the play off,” McMahon said. “I wasn’t really thinking about winning – just getting through the three days.”
McMahon, about six months pregnant, said she had just come out to have some fun and play three days of golf.
“You go out and you play against yourself more than anything else – and not think about what everyone else is doing.”
Boucher was already four shots clear going into the third day so knew he was in a good position.
“I played well the first day – which really set me up for the rest of the tournament,” the defending champion said.
“I had to play more defensive at Buninyong – Michael Harricks was on the hole behind me and I was keeping a close eye on what he’d been doing.”
Although there was a strong list of competitors, Boucher knew from the start he could win it again.
“I thought I could win it again – I’ve been playing quite well lately,” he said.
“I hit a birdie on the last two holes though so I knew I was in a good position. It’s good to keep winning it – have a bit of dominance and show my consistency.”
Tournament director Don Curnow said the tournament went very smoothly.
“It was great conditions for all 177 players,” Curnow said. “The finish was great – to have the two women play off, and Bouch winning yet again.”
nicole.cairns@fairfaxmedia.com.au