Gates wins Michael Hill New Zealand Open in Tour debut (PGATOUR.com)
January 31, 2010
D.J. Brigman is one shot off the lead after the first round in New Zealand.
QUEENSTOWN, New Zealand (AP)—Robert Gates became the 13th player to win his Nationwide Tour debut, closing with a 2-over 74 on Sunday for a one-stroke victory over Australia's Andrew Dodt in the tour's season-opening Michael Hill New Zealand Open.
Gates, the 6-foot-6 former Texas A&M player who played the Canadian Tour last year, had a 14-under 274 total at The Hills. He opened with rounds of 65, 67 and 68 in the event also sanctioned by the PGA Tour of Australasia.
Gates, three strokes ahead entering the round, had a double bogey on the par-3 16th to fall into a tie with Dodt at 14 under, but Dodt followed with a double bogey of his own on the par-5 17th. Dodt birdied the final hole for a 72.
"I didn't hit really many bad shots at all. I got some bad breaks and that's golf," said Gates, who earned $108,000. "I was fortunate the first three rounds to get a lot of great ones. Andrew played an absolutely wonderful back nine."
Former Southern California star Jamie Lovemark (68) was third at 12 under.
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