St Kilda assistant coach and former Carlton legend Steve Silvagni tees off during last week’s Keysborough Pro-Am.
By Paul Pickering
VICTORIAN golfer John Wade fired a course record-equalling 64 to claim the $5400 winner’s purse at last Thursday’s Keysborough Pro-Am.
Wade, who hails from Victoria Golf Club on Melbourne’s famed sand belt, edged out New South Welshman Aaron Townsend by a single shot, while local boy Scott Laycock shot 68 to finish in a tie for fourth.
While Wade’s early-morning birdie blitz was enough to stave off a challenge from an elite field of touring professionals, it was the tournament’s less-polished competitors who attracted the biggest galleries at Keysborough Golf Club.
With the St Kilda Football Club co-hosting this year’s event, the fairways were awash with Saints players and staff.
The football contingent included St Kilda coach Ross Lyon, assistant Steve Silvagni and stars Nick Riewoldt, Sam Fisher and Sam Gilbert. The day’s amateur title was won by Keysborough member Garry Smith with 41 stableford points.
Keysborough general manager Byron Smith said the day was a resounding success, with the course receiving glowing endorsements from golfers of all abilities.
Smith, though, was unconvinced by the standard of golf played by the Saints.
“There were some good golfers out there among the footballers, but there were also some who should definitely stick to their profession,” Smith joked. “But everyone enjoyed the day and there was a great crowd following.”
