Growling Frog News
Australian Seniors Champ claims record at Growling Frog
21 April 2008
David Merriman fired a four under par, 68 to break the Growling Frog Golf Course record and win the inaugural Northpoint Seniors Pro-Am in Yan Yean on Friday. He secured a one shot victory over former New South Wales Open Champion Trevor McDonald to share in a $10,000 prize purse.
Winner of the 2007 MediDRAIN Australian PGA Seniors Championship, Merriman, carded a four under par, 32 on the front nine to put himself in strong contention to claim the new course record, previously set at two under par, 70.
"I've been striking the ball really well of late but just missing around the green," said Merriman after Friday's win. "Today everything just seemed to click."
The 48 senior professionals and 49 amateur players who competed in the Northpoint Seniors Pro-Am enjoyed perfect conditions at the Graham Marsh designed golf course. Combined with the appearance of champions such as Rodger Davis, Geoff Parslow and Michael Clayton, it made for a memorable day for all.
Growling Frog Golf Course pro Wayne Rogers said it was exciting to have such high calibre players competing at the course.
"Having the likes of Rodger Davis, who's won tournaments around the world and was once runner up in the British Open, competing at the Growling Frog has been fantastic to see," he said. "The Northpoint Seniors Pro-Am has been a tremendous success."
David Merriman wasn't the event's only winner. The Northern Health Academic & Research Precinct also received a boost. Managing Director of Northpoint, Trevor Gorman, presented a cheque for $15,000 to Northern Health's Managing Director Dr Andrew Perrignon. The money was raised by 14 sponsor companies playing in the event.
Mr Gorman said, "I am delighted with the success of the day and I wish to thank the sponsor companies for their generosity."
The Academic and Research Precinct will be located at The Northern Hospital.
Media enquiries:
Kelli Martin
(03) 9217 2383
