Golf: Pearce records first ace in rich pro-am

Mahal Pearce
Mahal Pearce
Otago golfer Mahal Pearce has an impressive list of achievements, headed by his stunning New Zealand Open win in 2003.

But, before the weekend, one thing was missing. A hole in one. Pearce ticked off every golfer's No 1 wish when he aced the par-3 fifth hole at the Greg Norman-designed Glades course in Queensland on Sunday.

He carded rounds of 72, 70, 68 and 69 to finish third at the Jeep Pro-Am, the wealthiest tournament of its kind in Australia, for a cheque of about $10,000.

Pearce was in the hunt coming to the final two holes and went for it on the 17th, but found the water. He ended up three shots behind the winner.

Next up for Pearce is the Western Australian Open at the Cottesloe Golf Club, in Perth. Fellow New Zealand professional Josh Geary is the defending champion.

A week later, Pearce will play in the Perth International at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

Gold Coast-based professional Blake McGrory won the Jeep Pro-Am by two shots, sealing the Queensland Sunshine Tour order of merit.

Meanwhile, former Otago golfer Thomas Campbell has been in good form in the United States. Campbell advanced to the second stage of qualifying for the Web.

Com Tour with a strong performance in an event in Nebraska.

He had rounds of 79, 68, 70 and 72 at the Arbor Links Golf Club to finish on a 1-over par total and in a share of 18th place.

It is a significant step for Campbell, who now lives in Minnesota after studying on a golf scholarship at the University of Minnesota. He is back in New Zealand next week for the Harewood Open.

Add a Comment