Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club hosted the inaugural Sanctuary Cove Open Championship on Sunday 7 January 2024. The 36-hole Honour Board event saw our best professional and amateur golfers test their skills on both The Palms and The Pines courses. Despite recent storm and rainfall damage to both golf courses, they were presented in superb condition.
The field was headlined by the likes of Peter Senior, Brad Kennedy, Karis Davidson, Terry Price, and Kade McBride.
After the morning round on The Palms golf course, Sanctuary Cove teaching professional and staff Member Mitch Smith held a 3-shot lead after shooting a superb 5-under-par 65. Karis Davidson fired a 2-under-par 68 and Brad Kennedy a 1-under-par 69.
The afternoon turned to The Pines golf course with some blustery conditions and the occasional shower passing through. Legends Tour Professional and long-term Member Terry Price fired a brilliant front nine to put the pressure on the leaders in the final group. With 9 holes to play there was a three-way tie for the lead, which built excitement amongst the Members spectating.
Karis Davidson birdied the 12th hole to take a one-shot lead and Brad Kennedy responded brilliantly with a birdie on hole 13. The pair went shot for shot over the next 5 holes with both Karis and Brad lipping out for birdies several times.
The pair finished tied after 36 holes on a superb score of 4-under-par, which meant a sudden death playoff in front of an exhilarated crowd.
Both Karis and Brad hit good drives down 18. Karis then took the advantage with a superb iron shot to within 5 feet of the pin. Confidently rolling in the putt, Karis was crowned the inaugural Sanctuary Cove Open Champion. Congratulations Karis!
Click here for a full list of scores.