Cory Renfrew defeats Matt Hill in playoff to win CanTour Syncrude Boreal Open

FORT MCMURRAY, AB (July 1, 2012) – Victoria’s Cory Renfrew earned his first Canadian Tour victory in thrilling fashion Sunday, defeating Matt Hill of Sarnia, Ont., in a four-hole playoff to capture the Syncrude Boreal Open.

Renfrew carded a course record 63 in the final round, then won the all-Canadian playoff by converting a five-foot birdie putt on the fourth extra hole.

“I knew birdie would have to win it,” said Renfrew, who carded nine birdies in his final round including five straight and on six of his first seven holes. “I was fortunate to come out on top.”

After Hill birdied the final hole of regulation to force extra holes, both players made routine pars on the first two trips down the par-5 18th in sudden death.

Then, after Hill’s approach during the third playoff hole flew the green and clanged off the grandstands, the 23-year old made an outstanding shot to match Renfrew’s par and force a fourth extra hole.

Both players proceeded to hit approaches to within five feet, but only Renfrew was able to convert his, giving him the victory.

“Seeing Matt hit one in there close, I figured it was time to bear down and hit one close too,” said Renfrew. “I figured we were going back for another hole. Matt’s a great player and it’s just unfortunate he missed his.”

The 26-year old Renfrew earned $24,000 for the victory.

While he was unable to secure victory, Hill’s earnings of $14,400 gave him the ability to join the Canadian Tour as a member for the remainder of the 2012 season.

As an affiliate member, Hill needed to earn the equivalent of 50th place on the 2011 Order of Merit to secure status, a number he has now exceeded by more than $8,000.

Nate McCoy of Des Moines, Iowa, shot a one-under 71 to place third. McCoy was the leader after the first three rounds and took a one-shot lead over Hill heading into the final round.

Three shots back of McCoy at 11-under par were Roger Sloan of Merritt, B.C., and Daniel Im.