Thrilling playoff win for Brooke Price, Andrei Ezergailis dominates men’s competition in annual Albany Classic

Talented pair Andrei Ezergailis and Brooke Price have claimed their second titles in the Albany Classic after a challenging weekend of competition. The 2023 Vancouver Waste Services Albany Classic attracted more than 150 players to the Albany Golf Club across two days. The 2017 men’s champion Ezergailis secured his second victory at the event after two consistent rounds of golf. The Royal Fremantle member held a one shot lead over 2020 winner Shaun Cameron at the completion of a tricky first day on Saturday. Ezergailis produced a steady second round on Sunday on his way to a six-shot win, finishing on 143 to claim the honours. Cameron, a member of The Cut, was runner-up with 149 and Rockingham’s Marty Van Eldik was third on 150 while defending champion Jakeb Dunkley, also from Rockingham, was fourth with 151. In the women’s draw Price won a thrilling finish to the classic, prevailing in a play-off against defending champion Marion Nelson. Price held a handy four-shot lead after round one but was caught by Nelson on the final day, forcing a sudden death play-off. Scores were still locked after the first play-off hole but Price prevailed on the second to win her second title in three years. The Royal Perth member won with a score of 168, downing Denmark’s Nelson who also hit 168 across the two days. Cottesloe’s Madeleine Ratcliffe was third on 171. Windy conditions made life difficult on day one with higher scores and no player breaking par but on day two improved conditions allowed considerably lower scoring across the field. In the men’s Stableford nett division Shane Rogers from Rockingham finished in front on 77 points following by local Charles Johnson (73 points). Albany’s Judy Loveridge (71) won the women’s Stableford nett prize ahead of Denmark’s Lesley Wiles (69). A total of 122 men played in the classic while the women had a field of 30 competitors.