DEFENDING champion Billy Brigden had to produce his best golf when it came to the crunch to defend his NSW Sand Green Championships crown at Coolamon Golf Club on the weekend.
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After the Warren-based Brigden (73-75) finished level with Coolamon home town favourite Graham Broadhead (74-74) after the two rounds, Brigden saved his best golf for when it really mattered.
Both player drove the ball around 30 metres short of the green on the par-four playoff hole, with Brigden chipping to within three feet of the hole and Broadhead eight feet.
Brigden nailed his putt to birdie the hole, confirming his title after Broadhead narrowly missed his putt.
Brigden held the joint lead after the first round with another Coolamon local, club captain, Gavin Stephenson, but Stephenson faded with an 86 on Sunday to finished tied for 16th.
Michael Todd (149) and Steven Todd (151) were next best in the 91-player field, with Harrison Logan (166, tied for 26th) taking out handicap honours.
It was great to see a reasonable little crowd following them (on the playoff hole), it was a climax to a great weekend," Coolamon Golf Club committee member Mick O'Brien said.
"Everything went so well. Even the rain on Saturday night we managed to avoid, NSW were more than rapt with the way the event went.
"It was a real carnival atmosphere.
"I'd like to thank everyone for their support and who helped us out whether it was out on course or with the catering."
Mitchell O'Brien, who plays off a handicap of one at Coolamon and won the tournament when the club last held it in 2005, finished tied for 13th.
The tournament was open to golfers with a handicap of 27.4 or under.
LEADERBOARD
(Billy Brigden won after one playoff hole)
Billy Brigden 73-75 (148)
Graham Broadhead 74-74 (148)
Michael Todd 75-74 (149)
Steven Todd 74-77 (151)
Paul Besgrove 74-79 (153)
Brett Byrnes 77-77 (154)
