Malloch seals inaugural Sefiani Invitational title

Hann, Sandrejko and Jago wait to tee off

All it took was an eight foot putt.

On the final hole of the day, Dylan Malloch, 29, stepped up to sink the biggest putt of his career and wrap up the first Sefiani Invitational title with a round to play at Northbridge Golf Club.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Malloch.

It was just about the first thing that went right for Malloch on the back nine, who defied doctor’s orders to play despite suffering from flu-like symptoms. Commentators from around the globe have hailed Malloch’s bravery, drawing comparisons to other sporting greats who have overcome illness to succeed such as Jordan, Reed and Woods.

Jago fluffs a shot while Hann looks on in disgust

It was a tense finish, however, with Malloch surviving a furious final few holes from Anthony Sandrejko, some crafty play from Thomas Hann, and some truly flukish putts from Rod Jago.

“They made me work for it,” said Malloch. “My game left me a little on the back nine. Thankfully I’d managed to accrue a sizeable lead on the front nine, otherwise it could’ve been trouble.”

The final result from round three was a tie between Malloch and Sandrejko who finished on 5.5 points apiece. Jago was third with four points while Tom “Solo” Hann finished a dismal last with just three points.

It wasn’t until hole five that Malloch began to breakaway, following the destruction of Hann. The young professional had talked a tough game all week but once again crumbled when the spotlight shone upon him.

After the game Hann was very despondent and chose to lash out at reporters. A young intern from CNN suffered the full brunt of Hann’s wrath and was reduced to tears when Hann used a number of racial slurs to describe the reporter’s appearance.

Hann was later fined 40% of his winnings and has been ordered to undergo anger management counselling.

Hann’s agent later released a statement on behalf of the player, apologising for his behaviour.

Despite his irrational outburst, Hann stole the show on the par four 15th with a drive that echoed back to John Daly’s prime. He followed this with a glorious approach which landed within two metres from the cup. Unfortunately the pressure once again proved too much with Hann three putting to the cries of “fail” from spectators.

Perhaps the biggest revelation was the approach play of Sandrejko. Despite having next to no skill with the putter, Sandrejko’s iron play was a sight to behold. His tee shot on the par three 16th drew comparisons to Jack Nickalaus’s finest strokes.

Sandrejko teeing off on the par four 15th

“I’d been practising all week with my irons,” said Sandrejko. “It paid off in the end. Just that f&*ken final hole. Dammit.”

Sandrejko clearly benefited the most from the afternoon tee time, which allowed him ample time to recover from yet another significant overnight drinking and pill-popping session.

One player who wasn’t able to capitalise on the later start was Jago, who failed to impress for the second tournament in a row.

It took Jago eight holes again to accrue even half a point. Despite this, it was Jago who managed to convert the only birdie of the day with a sizeable putt on the par three 17th.

“Where was that earlier???” Jago was heard to yell after sinking the putt; his frustration clearly evident.

Overall though it was Malloch who walked away smiling. With the round 4 tournament at Wentworth Falls now merely a formality, Malloch could be forgiven for taking things easy.

“Not on your life,” he told your correspondent. “Those muppets are going down.”

NOTES

* LPGA star Natalie Gulbis was expected to attend but pulled out at the last minute due to scheduling conflicts. * Commenting on Malloch's win, PGA star Bubba Watson said, "Who the hell is Dylan Malloch?" *

LEADERBOARD

Dylan Malloch 28pts
Anthony Sandrejko 21pts
Rod Jago 19pts
Tom Hann 16pts