Goffman shows nerves of steel in classic win

James Goffman is again the toast of the top end after claiming the Northern Territory classic title in a sudden death play-off.  

After a dramatic final day at the Alice Springs Golf Club the Queenslander and New South Wales veteran Gemma Dooley were crowned NT Classic champions for 2024.  

Last year Goffman shot to prominence when he won the Alice Springs Open with a bogey-free course record final round of 63 to record a whopping 13-stroke victory – his first nationally ranked win.

This year on the same course, he found himself in a dog fight. 

The Bond University Bachelor of International Relations student and Victorian Matt Dahlsen were pitched into a sudden death playoff after posting even-par for the 54 holes.

Dahlsen, the reigning junior champion at Peninsula Kingswood Country Golf Club in Victoria, produced a stunning back nine 31 with four birdies and an eagle to reach the playoff.

But 20-year-old Goffman, from Royal Queensland Golf Club, overcame his Victorian rival when he made par against Dahlsen’s bogey at the third hole of the sudden-death playoff.

"I was nervous, don’t worry about that," he said of the playoff. 

"Every shot was the same off the tee, every wedge was the same, every putt was the same. It was a shame I didn’t get the three of them.

"Sadly Matt three-putted the last one, but that’s golf. It was good competition and could’ve gone either way."

Goffman shot rounds of 75-71-70 to post even-par overall in the 54-hole tournament along with Dahlsen. Overnight leader Phil Snyman ended up a shot back after posting a 72.

The Bond Elite Sports Program golfer gained a world ranking for the first-time last year with professional wins in Darwin Open and the Alice Springs Open as well as the Tasmanian Amateur strokeplay.

He is attempting to juggle the final year of his studies with an expanded playing schedule that now includes international events. 

“I’m really thankful for the support I get from Bond University to combine my studies with my ambitions to turn professional and compete on tour with the world’s best,” he said.