Aron Price says he’ll attack the 2014 US season with renewed confidence after shooting a tournament-record 16-under to win the Jack Newton Celebrity Classic at Cypress Lakes in the NSW’s Hunter Valley on Wednesday.
Price will be fighting to finish in the top 25 on the secondary web.com tour and earn a return to the US PGA Tour.
The 31-year-old from Sydney won the NSW Open at Castle Hill Country Club last month and stormed to a seven-shot victory at The Jack after shooting a course-record 11-under 61 on Tuesday and then finishing with five-under 67 in his second round.
Price was a part of the Jack Newton Junior program from age 11-18 and said it was an honour to take out the charity tournament which raises money for junior golfers and diabetes.
Tuesday was a dark day for Cronulla NRL supporters, but Sharks fan Price found a significant upside when he holed 12 birdies in his first round, including seven in the stretch home.
Kurt Barnes (-9) came second and Chris Campbell and Julian Reynolds (both -8) tied third, while Rudi Bzuidenhout (-6) provided the highlight of Wednesday when he landed a hole-in-one on the third.
Price says he’s determined to keep his win streak going in the US next year.
“The confidence is still there and next year is a big year,” Price told AAP.
“I need to get back up on the main tour. I need to be top 25 but really I need to set higher goals and win a few.
“It’s cool because I grew up playing the Jack Newtons so it’s good to come back and do what you can to help Jack out and help the foundation and diabetes.”
Victorian Lisa Jean (+4) edged out Nikki Campbell (+4) on count back to win the women’s title after shooting one better in the final round.
Soccer star Joel Griffiths (+5) won the celebrity component of the event also on count back over television presenter Shura Taft.
Next best were AFL great Robert DiPierdomenico (+3) and rugby league star Steve Menzies (+2).
It was the 35th anniversary of The Jack, which has raised roughly $3.8 million for its charities.
“It makes me feel old,” said golfing great Newton.
“The celebrities really support the event … and it’s really important the professionals come back so people who are sticking their dough in can see where the money’s going.”
