Course record but no Gold

Sat, May 14 2011

Gold Coast golfer Courtney Massey broke the women’s course record at Darwin Golf Club with a blistering 66 off the stick during her run at the Gold Medal at the Arafura Games.

But her run still fell short of taking out the tournament.

The old record – by Bree Arthur – had stood for two years and was set during the last Arafura Games in 2009.

“I really like the course, the layout is nice, and you do get a bit of a run-out here,” Massey said.

“I’m very happy to be in the NT – I like the hot weather and I am used to it.

“And the Games are very friendly; everyone gets along very well and the atmosphere is very relaxed.”

In the women’s gross Massey was beaten by fellow team-member Ashlee Dewhurst, who won gold in a paly-off after both finished with a four-round total of 291 together with Whitney Hillier.

Darwin’s Ian walker took out the Gold Medal in the men’s gross, by four shots with a total of 286 – almost 20 years after first competing in the Arafura Games.

“I was really young when I first competed in the Arafura Games, I think in the second Games ever, some 18 years ago or some,” the 31-year-old said.

“But I left and moved to Brisbane – and only just came back to the Territory.

“And I remembered the Games from when I was young, so I thought I should give it another go.

“The competition was great, with some really good players.”

More information Arafura Games Media Centre (08) 8982 2333.