2003 - Play-Off Drama Many said that he did not have the game for Horizons but history will show Peter Hughes (WAL) as Masters Champion of 2003. In the event's first ever Play-Off, Peter Hughes and 2002 Champion Tim Roebuck played sudden death on the first hole. They tied the hole but Hughes' had the advantage of an extra stroke. As they returned to the group Roebuck raised Hughes' arm high into the air to declare the new champion. Rounding out the placings was Glenn Smith in 3rd place. He seems to have all but forgotton his Chopper dramas of 2001. The Chopper award this year went to Jason Brouwers, who produced an underwhelming 42 points for the week-end. Kel Smith returned this year with some Masters knowledge and a very solid golf swing. This saw him more than triple his winnings from his last effort. Inaugeral Masters Champion Warren Ross was the ever-solid contender. His 59 points saw him just shy of 3rd place. Mark Peters caused high drama by pulling out on the 4th hole with a bad ankle injury. Marty Roebuck came to the Masters this year with a new driver but was still unable to tame the monster. The Rookies The inclusion of Liam Brindle this year had the struck fear into those with claims on the title. The mere mention of the Brindle name invokes an "always in the money" association. Alas a solid effort for his rookie year with 53 points. Other Rookies competing in their first Masters were Duncan Fraser, Leo Makhlin and winner Peter Hughes. Fraser adopted a "Nothing is going to phase me" approach and this served him well until he extracted only 17 points out of the Horizons layout. Leo makhlin came to the Masters with a new Putter but soon realised putting was something to be earned at Horizons, not a God given right. Little more needs to be said about Peter Hughes' Rookie year. Liam, Leo, Duncan and Peter were all great additions to the Masters fold. Notable Performances Team winners this year were Warren Ross and Peter Hughes at Nelson Bay (42 points) whilst Kel Smith and Peter Hughes won Horizons (42 points). Stand-out skins winner was Tim Roebuck with a tournament record (18.33 skins). Near Pins were collected by Sean Brindle and Warren Ross. Kel Smith and Leo "Bruno" Makhlin were the long Drive winners. |
