GOLF - Stance change proves a winner

A change in putting stance has netted golfer Dale Clarke immediate results with a win in the Jacobs Creek Pro-Am held at the Royal Adelaide Golf Club.
His four-under 69 on the challenging course was achieved despite it being the first time Clarke had played on the course.
"It's probably the best course I've played on since I've been here ... but I'll put the win down to putting well," Clarke said. "I had a putting lesson with one of the coaches three weeks ago and I've changed my set-up to a more comfortable one. I can see the line a bit better and it looks as though it's working out for me."
South Australian Shane Baxter and Queenslander Damien Jordan tied for second a shot back. Jordan is the clear leader of the South Australian order of merit after four events. The only other Kiwi in the field, Mark Boe - the son of All Black John Boe - finished in a tie for 11th.
Clarke is in Adelaide for a fortnight and has another three more pro-ams to play. The former Northland No1 is enjoying his first summer as a pro-golfer and is encouraged by his results, with two tournament wins, four top-five finishes and several top-10 placings out of about 20 pro-ams.
"It's been good fun. I'm enjoying the travelling part of it and that's good because I've got a lot of travelling still to do this year, with a trip home coming up and a tour of Queensland following that," he said.
Clarke arrives back in Whangarei to attend a benefit tournament on May 10 at his home course, Sherwood Park.
"My girlfriend and I have bought a campervan and we'll tour around following the tournaments, and then next year the plan at the moment is taking the next step and trying to qualify for the Canadian qualifying school," he said.