VIS’ Dave Micheluzzi and Zach Murray needed a monster effort to contend on Sunday in Singapore, but even then, they may not have reeled in eventual Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship winner Takumi Kanaya of Japan.
VIS scholarship holder Micheluzzi started the day four back at 6-under par and managed to close that gap to three after a pair of birdies kicked off his round.
Micheluzzi kept his head above water for marginally longer but made no real inroads on the leader, as Kanaya rattled home three straight birdies from the 14th hole to all but end proceedings.
The Victorian Institute of Sport athlete eventually settled for a 77 and slipped to a share of 30th.
He says that it’s still a confidence boost even though he didn’t produce his best golf.
“I feel like that’s one of my strengths, when I’m not playing my best I can always be around the mark,” said Micheluzzi.
”I wasn’t playing my best coming into this event, was really struggling with my game. I played very well the first day and then played steady the next couple of days and didn’t hole many putts.”
Meanwhile, a closing birdie lifted fellow Victorian Institute of Sport golfer Zach Murray to a T21 finish, his final round 71 capping off a consistent but frustrating week.
“I just didn’t convert again today on the back nine,” said Murray.
“I’m never that far away. The driving’s really good. The irons are good. I’m not far away at all.”
