Calm Kapor wins thrilling Survivor in playoff

IN a suspenseful three-hole playoff, it was the cool hand of Heath Kapor that proved the difference in the opening round of Survivor Golf at Gordonvale Golf Club.

Kapor made a magnificent birdie on the final playoff hole in front of an elated crowd to take out the opening series.

“It was an intense finish and hats off to young Tom Whittle (right) for pushing me all the way to force three playoff holes,” said.

“It’s a terrific format – fast, exciting – and a huge thanks to the organisers for running this great new tournament”.

“I cant wait for the next event, it’s great to play in front of a crowd. A huge thanks to Gordonvale Golf Club for hosting the event.”

After the first round of elimination,

Kapor which reduced the 36strong field to just 12 players, the initial cut-off was six over par through 9 holes.

Queensland Open qualified player Ollie Duncan was required to win the nearest-thepin shootout to advance to the second stage, narrowly defeating debutants Ryan Moresco and Saxon Capalos.

With 12 players remaining, the stakes got higher.

Putts started to roll in and the Survivor crowd started to swell around the remaining players of the field.

Stage 2 standouts Heath Kapor, Tom Whittle, Dan Ardley and Matt Dunn all advanced to the final hole, scoring even par for the stage’s three-hole format to be the final four players.

In front of a crowd of 40 players and spectators, it was eventually Kapor and Whittle battling to take out the prize.

After the two players parred the final hole twice, it was Kapor who hit the last shot of the day inside two-feet from the pin to take the crown.

Organiser David Cameron said Kapor was a deserving winner.

He played solid golf all day and used all his experience to finish off with the win,” he said.

“His winning shot on the par three was a very impressive golf shot.

“I’m also really proud of young Tommy Whittle. To be a 14-year-old taking on more senior golfers including some pros and open champions and eventually finishing second was a huge effort.”

He said it was great to see so many people coming out to watch the tournament.

The next two Survivor Golf 2020 events will be at Atherton Gold Club in April and at El Arish Golf Club in June.