David Micheluzzi – the winner takes it all
David Micheluzzi – photo David Tease Golf NSW
Victorian David Micheluzzi has not only won his third title of the 2022/20223 PGA Tour of Australasian season at the Play Today NSW Open, but in doing so he has secured his immediate and perhaps long term future as a professional by securing not only one of the more signficant events on the Australian calendar but the right to play the DP World Tour in the 2023/2024 season.
Micheluzzi, who was already leading the Order of Merit following his two previous wins, two runner-up finishes and numerous other top tens this season, came from five shots off the 54 hole pace set by Queensland’s Kade McBride, timing his run to perfection with a six under par 65 to catch McBride in the shadows of the post and then wait while McBride, needing only a par at the last to force a playoff, took double bogey and the title went to the 26 year old Micheluzzi
The victory cemented the top position on the Australasian Tour’s current season Order of Merit which carries with it not only the right to play the DP World Tour next season, but a coveted start at the Open Championship at Royal Liverpool in July and so the outstanding former amateur who like so many other aspiring young professionals has had his early career impacted by Covid 19 now has a wealth of opportunity available to him.
“It feels pretty awesome,” said Micheluzzi. “I hit it awesome, didn’t putt my best but gave myself enough chances, and I’m stoked to be here.”
The Open Championship in July will be his first-ever appearance in a major. “It’s amazing to be playing the first major at the Open,” he said. “It’s the best major in my opinion and to be at Hoylake will be so exciting. It’s going to be a fun week.”
While the loss was no doubt gut wrenching for McBride, his runner-up finish will ensure he enjoys full playing rights on the PGA Tour of Australasia next season and brings to an end a run of events where he has been unable to make the weekend in six of his last seven outings. He moves to 21st on the Order of Merit from 83rd, so securing his immediate future was some consolation for the 28 year old as will the $40,000 he earns for his near miss.
McBride would say after he was ok with the fact that he was brought undone by going for the win at the last rather then playing safe and taking his chances in a playoff.
Lincoln Tighe continued his form resurgence with a final round of 63 to share 3rd place with the promising Nathan Barbieri and first round leader, Dylan Perry.
The PGA Tour of Australasia has just one more event remaining on its current season schedule that coming at the National Tournament Presented by BMW at the Greg Norman designed Moonah layout at the National Golf Club on the Mornington Peninsula beginning on March 30th.
