Australia is claiming to have discovered a new amateur player, now being compared to the likes of Sergio Garcia and Tiger Woods. Eighteen year old Aaron Baddeley, stunned fellow golfers, including Colin Montgomerie and Greg Norman, by winning the Holden Australian Open at the Royal Sydney Golf Club in New South Wales and claiming the Stonehaven Trophy.

The American-born teenager was paired with Colin Montgomerie on the second day and stole the limelight, becoming the nation's youngest ever champion in the 95 year history of the event. Aaron was also the first amateur to win the trophy in 35 years, with rounds of 67-68-70-69, and a total score of 274, two points ahead of Greg Norman and Nick O'Hern.

Due to his amateur status, Baddeley had to turn his back on the AUS$180,000 prize money, but he seemed little concerned:

"Hopefully when I turn professional I won't have to worry about money. The money is no problem as long as I am holding the trophy. My goal is to become better than Tiger Woods."

However, Baddeley is not rushing to lose his amateur status and has already made it known to the Australian Golf Union that he will be available to play in the Eisenhower Trohpy next year in Germany. He also states that he would decline any offers from US colleges, preferring to remain in Melbourne with his family and coach Dale Lynch, who have a meticulous three year programme worked out for Aaron.

After the match, several of the professionals were there to sing Baddeley's praises:

"He's very very good. He was very mature from the word go and holed some crucial putts." - Colin Montgomerie

"This should be the springboard for a great career. He's got that look in his eyes. You see it in his eyes that he's got no fear" - Greg Norman

"I played with him last week and the talent was evident - the sky is the limit" - Nick O'Hern