Felton bags golf title

It is his fifth national rankings title in just over a year.

Felton was almost out of contention after his opening round 73, seven strokes from the lead.

A second round 64 brought him right back into the mix and the Gosnells golf club member finished strongly at 9-under par, ahead of Australia number one Todd Sinnott (7-under) in second and former Australian number one Andrew Schonewillie (6-under) in third.

Felton trailed by two strokes at the start of the day’s play, but holed many crucial putts throughout both rounds particularly on the par-5 11th hole.

In the morning round, he sunk a seven-metre putt for an eagle to get within two shots of Schonewillie and holed another off the green in the afternoon for par, while Schonewillie missed a great birdie opportunity.

Instead of facing a likely three-shot gap with seven holes to play, Felton kept the deficit to a single stroke and a birdie putt from off the green on 15 securing him the lead.

‘I knew I was playing well so I just kept to my game plan and it’s paid off,’ Felton said.

‘I holed some good putts down the stretch and was able to finish it off.

‘It was a good day on the greens, and a good week apart from the first round, which I really struggled with, but it was good to bounce back.’

It was a mixed week for Felton, who lost a close friend from Gosnells Golf Club during the week.

‘Her husband is my sponsor and when I first joined Gosnells they were the first people I met,’ he said.

‘I’ve known both of them for 12 years and they’ve really helped me with my golf, so it was good to get the win today.’