Becker victorious in SW Open play-off

A three-way play-off was needed to decide the winner of the weekend’s Nexus Risk Services South West Open golf title with Braden Becker claiming victory over Brody Martin and Max McCardle.

Becker finished the day on Saturday with 64 and performed well again on Sunday in almost perfect conditions to claim the title.

PGA TOUR-China player McCardle posted a bogey-free 4-under 68 and the other outstanding performer of the WA Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series Martin shot a 7-under 65 to finish at 9-under the card following 36 holes alongside Becker to force the play-off.

Martin was the first to bow out of the three-way tussle after the first hole with a bogey, leaving Becker and McCardle to continue.

Pars on the second extra hole led to a third and final trip, with Becker scoring another par that McCardle was unable to match, handing the WA player his fourth title of the WA stretch on the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series.

Fourth outright went to Rory Bourke who matched Becker’s first round of 8-under 64, narrowly missing out on the playoff by a shot.

Speaking to PGA Australia, Becker said he was pleased with the result.

“I knew the guys were going low and I just tried to stay focused on my game and make a couple of birdies coming in,” he said.

“It was really cool to get a win today in front of my brother, sister-in-law and my nephews Garrett, Bryce and Kaiden who made the trip down.

“I must also thank my girlfriend and biggest supporter Hayley (Bettencourt), we have had a great year so far travelling around Australia playing the Ladbrokes Pro-Am Series and hopefully, we can continue this form up north in the coming weeks.”

Bunbury Golf Club general manager Des Shearer said the Open had been a real success.

“It has been a terrific turnout and we have had the perfect weather for golf,” he said.

“We have had big crowds here over the two days which has been great to see.

“It was a really strong field and the top 10 golfers are really strong this year.”

On the Saturday Jarryd Felton shot a 3-under 69, Brad Moules and Daniel Fox both scored a 4-under 68 and the Dunsborough Pro-Am winner from Thursday Michael Choi posted a 5-under 67.

A total of 48 professional golfers and a contingent of amateurs took part in the $38,000 event which is the region’s biggest golf tournament.