- By Justin Falconer

Many came to Royal Melbourne to marvel at Tiger Woods and the world’s best.

But those that stuck around to watch the 2019 ISPS Handa Disabled Golf Cup witnessed something far more impressive.

Some incredible scoring from the game’s leading all abilities golfers capped off an extraordinary day at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and another special experience for all involved.

The American duo of Kenny Bontz and Chad Pfeifer dominated the day’s first match, shooting a combined 3-under-par in their four-ball contest against experienced Aussies Stephen Prior and Geoff Nicholas (2-over).

“I wasn’t really to sure what to expect,” said Pfeifer, “you have to hit really good shots to get the ball in the right section of the green. The greens are just unbelievable.”

“Chad and I play really good together, we’ve done it numerous times,” said Bontz,

“We ‘ham and egg’ like nobody else!”

Daphne Van Houten of the Netherlands, who made a name for herself playing against the men at last week’s Australian All Abilities Championship, combined with Mike Browne to shoot 1-over and earn an eight-shot victory over Tony Coates and Mike Rolls.

“It was probably the nicest course I’ve ever played on and the nicest greens,” said Browne.

“Daphne dug in and we pulled it out of the bag.”

Rounding out a 3-0 whitewash for the visitors was Ireland’s Brendan Lawlor and Adem Wahbi, the larger-than-life Europeans also shooting 1-over in their 10 holes to ensure Team World collectively finished under par.

The experienced Shane Luke teamed up with young gun Cameron Pollard on their way to a 4-over finishing score.

It wasn’t enough to snare a point for the hosts but it was a gallant effort considering the brutally tough condition of Royal Melbourne just hours after the Internationals maintained their Presidents Cup advantage.