Pilkadaris qualifies for Carnoustie

Australian Terry Pilkadaris has qualified for his maiden Open Championship in Carnoustie, Scotland after finishing joint third in the International Final Qualifying in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The Asian Tour stalwart sealed his berth amongst the top-four qualifiers after a sensational eagle at the final hole at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club. Rounds of 67 and 68 were good enough to earn him a dream outing in the world's oldest Major.

"I can hardly believe it; I don't think it has quite sunk in yet. I'm going to The Open. At Carnoustie," exclaimed Pilkadaris, a three-time winner in Asia.

At level par through 14 holes, Pilkadaris rallied late his round, shooting birdies on the 15th and 16th hole to move to within three shots of the leaders. After a par on 17, the tenacious Aussie knew he needed nothing less than an eagle at the last to qualify.

Pilkaris aimed 20-feet right of the pin, but pulled his four iron. Expecting the worst, he was ecstatic to find his ball had rolled to six-foot from the pin. Making no mistake, he took his time over the putt and when it dropped, he knew he was in with a chance.

'When I tied for eighth at the Joburg Open last weekend and missed out on a spot in Abu Dhabi, my wife said I was meant to stay in South Africa. She was right. South Africa loves me and I love South Africa," enthused the popular Aussie, who tied for third at nine-under with South African Desvonde Botes to claim the third and fourth spots on offer into The Open.

Desvonde Botes, a 14-time Sunshine Tour winner and a former Asian Tour regular, Scotsman Doug McGuigan and Adilson da Silva of Brazil were the other three players who qualified for the Open.

The remaining four IFQ's will be played at:
The Lakes, Sydney (Australasia) on 6 February
Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore (Asia) on 27 & 28 March
Oakland Hills, Michigan (America) on 2 July
Sunningdale (Europe) on 2 July

January 18, 2007

Bookmark page with:

Return to Top of Page