Golf: Close-range blitz gives Parry 19th title

ADELAIDE - Craig Parry enhanced his reputation as the best short-game golfer in Australasia by blitzing the field in the final round to win the $A600,000 ($754,812) Ford Open at the Kooyonga club in Adelaide.

The Western Australian's approach play and putting had been exemplary all week, but reached new heights yesterday as he carded a breathtaking final-round 8-under 64 to equal the course record set in the first round by compatriot David McKenzie.

It took him to a 14-under total, five strokes clear of overnight leader Raymond Russell, of Scotland.

Parry never gave his rivals a chance, at all producing five birdies in the first nine holes before adding to his tally on the 13th, 16th and 18th.

Russell remained consistent to the end with a round of 70, while New South Welshman Peter O'Malley was one shot back in third.

It was a disappointing tournament for New Zealand golfers.

Tony Christie was the best, tying for 25th on even par after finishing with a 73. Michael Campbell, who won last week's Johnnie Walker Classic in Taiwan, never got going and finished two-over after a 73 yesterday, while Marcus Wheelhouse went around in 75 to end on seven over. Six other New Zealanders missed the cut.

Parry's 19th professional win made up for disappointment at the same tournament last year when he led by two shots going into the final round before finishing second behind Stuart Bouvier.

"I was pretty disappointed last year, blowing a lead with about four to go, and this year I wasn't going to let that happen again," Parry said. "It's nice to be home and nice to win in Adelaide, it's been a long time coming."

Parry was a model of consistency, carding three consecutive 70s before his exceptional short game yesterday which evoked memories of his putting on the greens of St Andrews is helping Australia to this year's Dunhill Cup final in Scotland.

"I'm hitting the ball well, I've changed equipment and I'm very happy with it. My short game seems to have come back and I putted pretty well today.

"The first three days were very difficult. But the wind died down and the golf course and greens have stayed in great shape so that's why scores were down a little today."

Parry, who won nearly $A1 million on the US PGA Tour this year, was looking forward to a busy season on the Australasian tour.

He wanted to improve on his sixth placing on last year's order of merit, when he entered seven tournaments and placed in the top 12 six times. He was second on the tour's stroke average.
- NZPA