Ancer secures Open place with victory at The Lakes
Abraham Ancer went into the final round of the Australian Open with a fivestroke lead. With a few ups and downs along the way, he won it by the same margin.
The Mexican golfer, making his first trip to Australia, shot a finalround 69 yesterday to finish with a 16-under total of 272 at The Lakes in Sydney.
Another major prize for Ancer’s win is a trip to next July’s 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush for finishing among the top three at the Australian Open who were not already exempt.
His lead was reduced to four strokes a few times. But Ancer’s shot of the day came on the fourth hole where he hit his pitch shot from just off the green well left of the flag, then watched it hit a slope and roll back down to finish in the hole for a birdie. He thrust both arms up in the air in celebration.
“It’s been crazy,” Ancer said. “This win is all for my family. They’ve been there every single day of my life pushing me, or Mexican golf as well.”
Australian Dimitrios Papadatos (67) also qualified for the Open after finishing in second. Jake Mcleod, who shot a 66 for the low round of the day yesterday, finished third to also book his place for the tournament in Northern Ireland next year.
Matt Kuchar and Keegan Bradley finished well off the pace with final-round 75s after being among the leaders for three rounds.
Kuchar will head to Melbourne next week for the World Cup of Golf to partner Kyle Stanley for the Americans at Metropolitan Golf Club. Ancer will play on the Mexican team with Roberto Diaz.