Bland Takes Melbourne
BLANDY BIRDIE FOR THE WIN
Adam Bland has triumphed with a fantastic birdie putt on the Stadium Hole to clinch his first Blitz Golf victory.
The high quality field included many tour winners and rising stars as well as popular sports stars. The feature groups were popular with the crowds following champion Nick O’Hern, 2 time Blitz champion Zach Murray, Matt Griffin and Glenn Maxwell.
The conditions were sublime and the Freeway Golf Course presented incredibly, with the signature Stadium Hole delivering all the theatre expected at a Blitz Golf event. The hole delivered entertainment not only from the golf, but also the various fan activations which kept the crowd in high spirits.
The first round was dominated by James Marchesani, who started birdie eagle, to quickly move to -3 and then went on to shoot an equal Blitz record -4 through the first round 6 hole blitz and 3 shots better than anyone else. James took home the first round leader’s bonus. 5 other players shot under par and were tied -1 including the eventual winner Adam Bland, Zach Murray, Nick O’Hern, Harry Takis and Danielle Peers.
An entertaining 7-way playoff (NTP) for the 3 spots in Round 2 saw Cameron John, George Worrall and Jon Holland hold their nerve. Jon Holland becoming only the second celebrity player in Blitz history to advance to Round 2.
The 3-hole 2nd round Blitz was dominated by George Worrall who had 3 consecutive birdies to shoot a Blitz record -3 in the 2nd round. Harry Takis and Adam Bland shot -2 each through their 3 holes whilst the last spot in the final went to Matthew Griffin who advanced via a NTP shootout over Ryan Haywood and Cameron John. As an amateur Harry Takis has now made 2 finals from 2 attempts after making the final in Brisbane in 2022.
George was up first in the final on the 130m Stadium Hole; and although hitting the green left himself with a long putt. Harry and Matthew hit solid shots but it was Adam Bland who executed best under pressure putting his shot to around 6 feet.
After the others missed their putts, Adam sealed the win with a clutch putt that threatened to lip out before dropping and the victory saw him claim the $10k first prize!
The show continues in Victoria on Sunday as Blitz heads to the Yarra Valley on Sunday January 7 to be played at The Eastern Golf Club with play commencing at 3pm.
The high quality field will be compelling viewing in what is shaping as another great event.
Congratulations to Adam on a well deserved win!