Herman claims Moonah Classic
7 Feb 2010
Jim Herman has capitalised on two late stumbles from Chris Kirk to win the Moonah Classic, the American making a birdie at the first playoff hole to beat his compatriot at Moonah Links on Sunday.
Having led the tournament after every round following his brilliant course-record 62 on the opening day, with Kirk joining him at the top after 54 holes, Herman made the most of Kirk's faltering finish to take out the Nationwide Tour co-sanctioned event.
With the pair returning to the 18th for the playoff a poor second shot from Kirk meant he came up short of the green with his third while Herman hit his approach to within six feet and then holed his birdie putt after Kirk had pitched to within 10 feet for his par.
Coming into the event with little to be enthusiastic about having missed his past seven cuts dating back to last September, Herman ended that run of outs in emphatic fashion while Kirk has now lost twice in playoffs after also going down to Aussie Jarrod Lyle two years ago.
Kirk, Herman tied for lead in Moonah Classic
6 Feb 2010
Americans Chris Kirk and Jim Herman will head into the final round of the Moonah Classic locked together and four shots clear of the field after Kirk vaulted into contention with a superb seven-under 65 in the toughest conditions of the event so far at Moonah Links.
Kirk began his third round tied 27th, 10 strokes adrift of Herman at two-under, but a bogey-free display that included four birdies in five holes on the front nine saw him rocket up the leaderboard to nine-under at the Nationwide Tour co-sanctioned tournament.
The Knoxville native led outright a couple of times late in the afternoon after a faltering Herman leaked three shots on the front nine but Herman largely held it together after the turn and his birdie at the 15th saw him eventually finish with a 75 that drew him level with Kirk.
