Sanchez Shines at Phillip Island
Pictured: Caitlin Cotterill On The Stadium Hole & Matias Sanchez Hits The Winning Putt
The Blitz Golf Australia series continued breaking records as it rolled into Phillip Island, with over 1,500 attending the Blitz event at Red Rocks Golf Course.
The celebrity field included current and former AFL stars – Jordan Lewis, Jeremy Howe, Jack Crisp and Steven May – alongside NRL favourite Ryan Papenhuyzen, Olympian Anabelle Smith and Melbourne Cup legend Damien Oliver. Pitted against a pro field led by one of Australia’s finest young stars, Matias Sanchez, and former tour winners such as Jason Norris, would not be easy in winds exceeding 50 km/h.
ROUND 1
During Round 1, many expected +2 would be the target score through 6 holes in conditions that were extremely tough. The Blitz mantra “Every Shot Matters” was never more true as the brutal winds punished errant shots and the setup favoured precision ball striking.
Last year’s champion Ruben Lal was the joint leader after Round 1 at even, joined by Matias Sanchez, first-time Blitzer Caitlin Cotterill and Adam Henwood. Amongst those to qualify from Round 1 included the very first fan – Jack Smith; who made the field for the event via an amateur qualifier. Local favourite Mark Boulton and long driver Steffan Scutti advanced to Round 2 via an NTP after finishing the 6-holes at +3.
ROUND 2
Jason Norris led the way in Round 2 shooting -1 through the 3-hole Blitz, including an excellent birdie on his final hole. Matias was even to also advance to the Final, whilst Peter Wilson and Caitlin Cotterill advanced via a sudden-death NTP. A final-hole bogey almost dashed Caitlin’s chance of a first-up Final before an excellent shot under pressure in the NTP saw her advance ahead of Ruben Lal and Mark Boulton.
THE FINAL
The Final saw all four players hit the green with their tee shot. After narrow misses by Peter Wilson, Caitlin Cotterill and Jason Norris, Matias was left with an excellent opportunity to claim victory. His shot was tracking all the way and somehow didn’t take a final turn, ensuring that all four players would repeat the Final. In the replay, Jason Norris was up first and hit a superb shot to a few feet, heaping the pressure on his competitors. Matias was the second closest with a similar putt to that on the first hole of the Final.
With Jason in close, birdies had to be made and Peter and Caitlin were unable to convert their chances. Matias then stepped up and sunk an incredible putt that reversed the pressure and put it all on Jason. Jason missed what looked to be a sure thing, proving how tricky the winds were, and handed the well-deserved victory to Matias. It was a dramatic finish to what was an excellent event, and plans are already underway to bring an even better event to the Island in 2027.