Scotch College

Door opens for Alistair after Moonah victory

Words: Mr David Ashton Photography: Paul Shire

By sinking a four-metre putt on the 18th hole at Moonah Links, Alistair Presnell (’97) tipped out veteran Peter O’Malley and won the 2009 Moonah Classic – as well as a cheque for $166, 153.

Presnell pitched his third shot on the last hole to within four and a half metres, and needed to sink that putt for the outright tournament lead. ‘I was struggling to get a read on it, but I hit it exactly how I wanted. I just wanted to get the speed right,’ Alistair said. ‘When it went in, it was more of a relief than anything. I was glad I didn’t have to step over a three and a half footer for par.’

The victory gave Alistair an entrée card to the American secondary Nationwide Tour, and the opportunity to advance to the main tour. ‘America is where I’d love to get to,’ he said. ‘I’m really looking forward to it. It certainly wasn’t on the plans at the start of the year. The money is great, but the win opens a big door for me.’

All of this makes it unlikely he will have to return to his trade for quite some time – Alistair did an apprenticeship in air conditioning.