Sun shines on Lobacz
Defending champion Ben Lobacz moved into the Sunshine Challenge third round and revealed his secret weapon – his brother's clubs.
The 18-year-old from Waterlooville was crowned The News regional winner last year, representing the area in the national final in the Algarve, Portugal.
It's an experience the Petersfield GC – where he works – and Portsmouth GC member wants to sample again.
After an opening-round 6&5 win over Bill Jackson (East Horton), he then defeated Portsmouth's Robert Duncan 2&1.
Both wins were completed with brother Ross' clubs as Ben awaits the arrival of his new set.
Ross lost in the first round and has had to watch Ben go from strength to strength with the borrowed clubs.
The three-handicapper Lobacz said: 'I am getting a new set sorted so I'm using my brother's blades – but it's going really well.
'My brother's a good golfer but he doesn't practise enough. I definitely gave him some stick for going out, though.
'I'd love to have played him – I'd have won, of course!
'I've temporarily borrowed his clubs but I'm actually playing better with them. I won't tell him that, though, because he won't let me borrow them again!'
Playing at Crookhorn against Jackson, Lobacz was down on just one occasion on his way to victory.
A shot behind after the 11th, the champion hit back immediately with a birdie on the 12th to halt any momentum his rival may have gained.
It was a key moment in the game and from then on Lobacz closed the deal efficiently.
He said: 'I shot 68, which is one under around Crookhorn. I was pleased, especially giving him five shots.
'My short game has improved since last year. I was missing putts from four feet on a regular basis. At this level you can't do that.
'But working at Petersfield, the greens are fantastic so if you miss putts it's because you mis-read the greens. It rewards you for reading it right.
'I'm not going to say anything silly like I am definitely going to go and win the Sunshine Challenge again. I could come up against someone who just blows me away.
'But in all the matches in this tournament I seem to get to the tee and just feel really good about my game.
'I've got a good chance. And I'd love to go back to Portugal. It was fantastic, absolutely awesome.'
See next week's On the Green for the latest second-round results.
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 11 February 2012
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Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
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