VIS athlete Brett Coletta is looking to continue his winning form at the NSW Open Championship next week, after recently becoming the first amateur in 25 years to win the Isuzu Queensland Open.
The 20-year-old is then set to play in the Emirates Australian Open the following week, as he seriously considers if to turn professional.
“This win (Queensland Open) gives me a two-year exemption to Australasian Tour events and I will have some serious discussions with a number of people before deciding what to do,” he said.
It’s been a rollercoaster month for Coletta as he narrowly missed a place in the 2017 Masters after finishing runner-up in the Asia-Pacific Championship in Korea.
But it was that disappointment which Coletta said motivated him to win in Queensland. Even more remarkable, Coletta only gained a late entry into the field when former top amateur Cameron Davis turned professional.
Coletta survived a spirited challenge from rookie pro Lucas Herbert in the final round to win by three strokes.
By doing so he effectively became the first amateur since Stuart Appleby in 1991 to win the Open.
“The way I handled myself today was the biggest thing I’ve ever done,” Coletta said after the win.
“I’m lost for words and can’t explain how I feel.
“Obviously I was very disappointed after what happened in Korea. I wouldn’t wish that on anybody.
“But to come back and finish on top makes me so proud of myself.”
Coletta is also waiting on confirmation on an invite into the Australian PGA Championship to be held early next month.
