Blake Windred has become an unexpected fan.
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The Charlestown 22-year-old was unsure how the Toronto Modified Super Sixes would fare, but having now played a round and won Friday's matchplay tournament he reckons the format could be a keeper.
Eight professionals, mainly from Newcastle and the Hunter, were split evenly into two groups of four. One-on-one battles took place in three, six-holes sections during the same round. Winners progressed and met each other before those still unbeaten crossed over for a final from the 13th to the 18th.
"It just ran so smoothly," Windred told the Newcastle Herald.
"We weren't really sure how it would all go but it was such a good day.
"It was perfect weather wise, there were plenty of people out watching around the course and there was some really good golf. I haven't played in six-hole matchplay before but I liked it and it's something that could be used again."
Adding to the occasion was simply returning to the fairways and greens in a competitive environment having been virtually out of action since March.
"It was awesome being back out there," Windred said.
"I've been going pretty hard during the [COVID-19] break working on parts of my game but I haven't been able to put that to the test.
"As soon as the opportunity arrived I jumped at it. You just can't beat that feeling or replicate that competition.
"Even driving out there you had that buzz."
Windred defeated Nathan Green 2-and-1 in the decider. He made birdie on the 17th.
Windred had accounted for Central Coast's Dimi Papadatos to reach the showdown, prevailing after initially cancelling out each other's back-to-back birdies thru holes seven to 10.
He opened the first six holes with success against Jake Higginbottom, kick started by three straight birdies.
Earlier in the day Green had beaten fellow Toronto player Callan O'Reilly, followed by Andrew Dodt.
Dodt finished all square with Sydneysider Dale Brandt-Richards in round one but advanced from an 80-metre play-off.
The other first-up encounter saw Papadatos overcome Wollongong's Jordan Zunich.
Windred will now turn his attention to the Northern Territory PGA, which has been reduced to a 54-hole tournament because of coronavirus travel restrictions. It starts at Palmerston Golf Course on October 23.
"I can't wait to get up there. It's something to play in and work towards. Hopefully I can post a good performance," he said.
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