HBA MGA - Henry sticks around to take FU Open play-off by default

Kingston, TAS, AU - The man with no last name, Sam Henry, won the FU Open on Sunday, his debut win in the MGA. In what was the 1-year anniversary of HBA MGA's existance, Henry won in semi-controversial circumstances when his 88 matched that of Lach Hinchliffe. In scenes not unlike the those that unfolded in Salt Lake City in the FORE! Championship, Hinchliffe had to leave early after his round for a family engagement. Unlike SLC though, Henry stuck around for the results and it paid dividends with him being awarded the eagle-emblazoned trophy. Henry is the fifth different winner in as many HBA MGA events, stretching back to Teirney's win in the 2011 Last Gasp. Perennial bridesmaid Hinchliffe settling for second place.

Despite not a shot seperating the top two place getters, 13 seperated them from the rest of the field. JJ Zucco, Chris White and chapter money leader Ben Hardaker coming in a three-way tie for third with 101. JJ and White having their highest finishes with the podium placing.

The final placings could have been much different had FORE! Champion Dale Potter learnt to control his hangovers by now. The text conversation he had with "Nods" Henry:

DP: So yeah, i'm not going to make golf...

SH: I guessed that seeing we're on the 12th hole. But now you can't defend your title!

DP: I'm on to my 12th spew... that's gotta win some sort of title

Dave Hamilton continued his 2012 slide, finishing in 8th place for the most mediocre. The 2011 chapter money title is a distant memory now. The meltdown award went to Shae Hickey, with a 51/62 differential of 11. A good effort to win the meltdown and also your highest event finish (ninth).

James Teirney took out the 'kinda long' drive, finding a good balance between length off the tee and controlling the "power fade" to finish it on the fairway. Brad Canning added to his third 10th placing in a row with the 'kinda close' on the 18th. Kiwi Adam Hall was furthest from the pin after he pulled his tee shot into the car park.

A good day for Nods though, and a fitting farewell as we see him off at the end of the month to Port Hedland in the Pilburra region of WA (a long way from Hobart). We might see him back for one more event, but I reckon he'll be gracing the presence of Perth MGA on his weeks off work.