Aussie Open Sunday

Apples has another great and final chance to win a tournament in 2007. He is 1 shot back from James Nitties and Rob Allenby at 9 under. I was on the range with Nick Flanagan during his warm up when the wind was starting to get up. My comment was "here comes Apples" and Nick asked what did I mean?. Stuart plays his best in the wind and in tough and dry conditions, because he can turn it into a chipping and scrambling competition. When it is tough, everyone misses greens, and around the Autralian there are lots of run offs and difficult chips. Apples has chipped or pitched in 4 times this week, but missed a bunch of makeable birdie chances. Craig Parry is right there as well, which is no suprise as he is another master in tough conditions around the green. I think Apples will put a great effort in today and in particular be very strong mentally. Hopefully by tonight he will have won his 2nd Australian Open title.

The Australian Open

We are at The Australian Golf Club in Sydney for the final event of the year, The Australian Open. I have a busy and exciting week ahead. This week I am working with Stuart Appleby, Nick Flanagan, David Lutterus, Terry Pilkadaris and Andrew Pitt. This is Stuart's last chance to finish off with a win in what he will feel has been a quiet and at times frustrating year with no wins to date. Nick is looking forward to a good Aussie Open after his best year to date after graduating to the US Tour after his 3 Nationwide wins and Dave Lutterus is on a high after winning his US Tour card at the gruelling 6 round Tour school in Florida two weeks ago. I had a win myself this week, when I was awarded the Australian olf Digest coach of the year at a dinner here in Sydney on Monday night. It is very rewarding to be acknowledged for what you do in the industry and I am feeling pretty pleased with myself. You know what they say "if you can't play, coach" Anyway a win is a win.