Power celebrating win after fightback
CAIRNS golfer Frank Power will not forget his 44th birthday anytime soon.
Power recovered from “collapsing” in the first round of the City of Cairns Open on Friday to fight back over the final two days of the tournament to claim the 2017 edition yesterday afternoon.
The long-time Far North resident is now a four-time champion of the annual Cairns event, previously winning the Open in 1996, 2003, 2014 to go with yesterday’s triumph.
While winning the tournament yesterday made Power’s day successful, he was already on a high as he celebrated his 44th birthday at the Cairns Golf Club with his mates and family.
Power finished three under overall, after shooting five over on Friday, five under on Saturday before finishing off with three under in his final round.
“The first day was funny, I had a great front nine, or about 12 holes actually, were good then I just went downhill,” Power said. “I collapsed. “Saturday was good all day and then the same on Sunday, it was solid over the entire 18 both days.
“Sunday was the steadiest of the three days.”
He finished three shots ahead of Townsville’s Damien Haupt, who took a one-shot lead into the second round on Saturday but could not finish off in the final two days.
Power spent about eight years as a professional golfer in his younger days before recently stepping back to compete as an amateur.
“I won on the Queensland tour but not anything big when I played as a pro,” Power said.
“It was what they call a tier three tournament, but it was good to play on that sort of tour.
“I am lucky now with my work, I am able to play golf a bit as my job is flexible.”
Power’s win ends the reign of fellow Cairns golfer Matt Spilsbury, who had won the two previous editions of the tournament.
Earlier this week, Marion Wright romped to a commanding win in the 2017 City of Cairns Ladies Open.
The Half Moon Bay member converted a three-shot overnight lead into a four-shot victory on Tuesday afternoon.
The tournament is the culmination of City of Cairns Amateur Golf Week, which began in 1965.