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After a two year hiatus, the Moascar Cup is back in local hands after Rob Penman won the 83rd Mudgee Open on Sunday.
And after his first look at the massive trophy, Penman has vowed to re-contest next year’s Open to attempt emulating the back-to-back titles of Andrew Best and Ben Lockwood in past years.
Joining Mudgee Golf Club about six months ago, Penman was rated by club captain Matt Consadine as a contender for the 2013 Open title.
By the time Penman finished his first Open round of 73 on Saturday, the ex-Queensland representative’s credentials were stacking up well.
At the end of day one, Penman was in a two-way tie for the lead alongside fellow scratch player Ben Michelmore from Wallacia. The now Mudgee local knew his first round was a decent one.
“When I got in after Saturday’s round I wasn’t sure [whether I’d be leading]. I thought I would be around the lead but would need to play a lot better on Sunday,” he said.
“However I came down this morning, I found out I was leading and was quite surprised.”
Mudgee’s Josh Campbell (77) and Best (78) were the next best locals after Saturday and still in contention.
However Penman carded another decent round of 75 on Sunday and his 36-hole total of 148 was enough to win the 2013 Ross Granata Mudgee Open by two shots.
Shooting 150 over the two days was enough to hand Goulburn’s Jonathon Gann second place and Branxton’s Mark Hale was a shot further back on 151.
Defending A-grade champion Lockwood put himself out of contention during the first round after carding 87.
Penman, who originates from Emerald, said it had been “a fair while between drinks”.
“It’s nice to feel it again,” he said.
“I definitely felt the pressure down the last nine holes.
“I can’t get over how tough this course is. I’ve played a lot of golf courses around Australia and the precision you need around this golf course is phenomenal.
“Hats off to the ground staff around here because it’s in great condition and you’ve really got to direct your golf ball.
“As with any country golf course everyone is friendly and open. It’s a great way to meet people. Coming from Emerald it was very similar. I’m definitely enjoying it.”
Mudgee veteran Ron Campbell was awarded the overall A-grade handicap winner on 140 from Greg Hunter (143).
Sunday’s best scratch round went to Consadine who shot 71 and three clear of fellow A-grader Peter Wheelhouse from Kurri Kurri.