ON a day when blustery weather put the majority of the Bathurst Trainee Pro-Am field into trouble, Andrew Thompson rose to the challenge to record a strong win in Monday’s competition.

The Monash Golf Club trainee professional was the only player to shoot below par in the tricky conditions, recording a two-under score of 69 at the Bathurst Golf Club. 

An eagle on the 18th hole allowed Thompson to finish in style and post win number three for the season on the PGA Australia Trainee Tour, following successes at Windsor and Kiama.

Bathurst’s Chantal Hodson, the current NSW Golf Club trainee professional, had an excellent day on the fairways as she finished second on 72.

Josh Page (73) was third, while current Order Of Merit leader Trent Smith (75) finished fourth.

This year’s edition of the tournament featured amateur players getting in on the action alongside the 56 starting trainee professionals.

It also saw an increase in prize money on offer, with around $5,500 up for grabs.

“It was very tough out there. It just all clicked today,” Thompson said.

“I lipped out for eagle on the last. I didn’t start too well with a bogey, but then I went two birdies in a row and it was pretty steady after that.

“It was tough, windy and the greens were very fast. 

“It didn’t [take too long to adjust] because I’m from a course where the greens are fast.”

Thompson played alongside Bathurst’s trainee professional Tom Perfect (+6), who helped lure the eventual winner out west for the day.

“He kind of forced me out here,” Thompson laughed. 

“I got to know him this year when I started to travel with him.

“The year’s been going good so far. I’ve managed to win a couple [of tournaments]. This will be the third. Hopefully I can go on to win the State Championships next week.”

It was a great round of golf for Thompson considering he hadn’t had an opportunity to play in a Bathurst tournament for at least five years.

“I played here in the Junior Masters so playing out there brought back a few memories,” he said.

The result goes a long way to helping Thompson fight his way towards the top of the Order of Merit. 

Thompson came into the Bathurst tournament sitting sixth of 87 players.

Perfect might not have been able to improve on his result from last year’s inaugural running of the Bathurst event, but was happy to see the day grow into something even greater.

“I’m good mates with Thommo. It was a great day for him, he played very well. He got unlucky a couple of times, but bounced back very well. He’s a great player and he’s already won three times this year, so it’s a great result,” he said.

“We’ve had excellent response and supports from the Bathurst members for this event. It’s turned out very well.”

Perfect snared himself a nice consolation prize with the nearest to pin award for the eighth.

“I got a little win and you’ve got to celebrate every victory you can get. I managed to get one in close and I’ll take that,” he laughed.