Australian golfer Jasper Stubbs emerged victorious at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, securing an invitation to the 2024 Masters and earning a coveted spot in the upcoming British Open at Royal Troon. Stubbs, 22, finished tied with Chinese players Sampson Zheng and Ding Wenyi with a score of 1-over 285 at Melbourne’s Royal Melbourne golf course, leading to a dramatic playoff.
In the playoff, Stubbs and Ding made birdies on the challenging par-4 18th hole, while Zheng could only manage a par and was eliminated. Stubbs and 18-year-old Ding then returned to play the 18th hole again. While Stubbs found the back of the green with his approach shot, Ding stumbled and hit his shot into a greenside bunker.
Showing tremendous composure, Stubbs nearly holed his 13-meter birdie putt, leaving it just inches away from the cup. As Ding’s par putt failed to find the target, Stubbs tapped in for the victory. During regulation play, Stubbs carded a solid 69, featuring four birdies and two bogeys. His birdie surge came in the final nine holes, showcasing his resilience and determination.
Earlier in the tournament, Zheng had set an amateur course record with a spectacular 65 in the third round, establishing a four-stroke lead heading into the final round. However, his lead evaporated as he struggled to a final round of 75, punctuated by two birdies, four bogeys, and a double bogey on the par-4 2nd hole.
Ding, who started the day as a co-leader, stayed in contention with a fourth-round score of 70. With two birdies and a single bogey, the 18-year-old showcased his immense potential on the golf course.
Australian Max Charles and Lin Chuan-Tai from Chinese Taipei finished tied for fourth place at 2-over 286, a commendable performance in a highly competitive field. In addition to his Masters and British Open invitations, Stubbs will also enjoy exemption from qualifying for the British Amateur event.
By claiming this prestigious victory, Stubbs has firmly established himself as a rising star in Australian golf. His ability to perform under pressure and his golfing prowess have earned him well-deserved recognition in the golfing world. As he prepares for the 2024 Masters and the upcoming British Open, golf enthusiasts eagerly anticipate seeing Stubbs’ promising talent showcased on the global stage.
