Anthony Doyle delivered a commanding final-round performance to win both the Australian Hickory Open and the Asia-Pacific Championship in Brisbane earlier this month.
Doyle closed with a superb 68 at Brisbane Golf Club, producing the outstanding round of the tournament when the pressure was greatest. His combination of precision, patience and intelligent course management proved decisive on a layout featuring firm, sloping greens, hard-packed bunkers and little margin for error.
The victory had been built over three demanding days of competition at Brisbane and Royal Queensland Golf Clubs. Doyle opened the singles championship with a 78 at Royal Queensland, where fast greens and unforgiving lies tested the field. That solid start left him well positioned before his decisive final-round surge.
Doyle quickly took control at Brisbane, using a run of birdies to establish a lead that the chasing field could not overcome. His closing 68 was both technically accomplished and impressively composed, demonstrating his ability to elevate his game when the championship was on the line.
The strength of the field made the achievement particularly significant. Doyle competed against leading hickory players including Dave and Jeff Mansfield, Phil Baird of Manly, and former world and state champions Al Grieve and Darron Watt. Victory against competitors of that calibre was far from a foregone conclusion.
Doyle also enjoyed success in the foursomes earlier in the tournament, combining with Chris Cooper to record a winning 79. By the end of the week, he had secured both of the principal individual titles and completed an exceptional Australian campaign.
His success adds to New Zealand’s growing record in international hickory golf. Alongside Catherine Palmer, Mark Lawson, Murray Turnbull and Peter van Eekelen, Doyle’s achievement reflects the depth and quality of the game at Christchurch Golf Club.
The Australian and Asia-Pacific titles represent a fitting reward for a week of measured, skilful golf—and another important chapter in New Zealand’s hickory golfing story.