Brendan wins big

Brendan Doyle is a Tasman champion.

The gentle giant did Waahi Taakaro proud when he won the junior division at the annual Champion of Champions tournament at Motueka yesterday (Nov 22).

Up against 12 other club champions from Nelson, Marlborough and the West Coast, he shot an excellent net 71 on the tight tree-lined course to record the biggest win of his golfing career.

Playing off a 20 handicap, he went round in 91, which included a front nine 44. And there was nothing lucky about his performance as he had prepared well for the tournament by playing a practice round at Motueka just a few days earlier.

The other two Waahi Taakaro representatives had mixed days. Peter Watson finished mid pack in the intermediate grade after battling injury later in his round. He ended with a net 80. Pete Green found the going tough in the senior division, shooting a 91 off the stick for a net 86 to be well off the pace.

Paul Elmiger of Greenacres was crowned senior champ after carding a one-under 71, while Blenheim's Kobe Hart was runner-up with 75. Aaron Reid of Kaikoura won the senior net with a 72, with Rarangi's Blair Bavin runner-up on 74.

Mike Jacka of Greenacres won the intermediate title with a net 74 on countback from Aaron Tauwhare of Hokitika.

Former Waahi Taakaro member Elton Netto, now of Totaradale, finished second to Brendan in the junior grade with a net 73.

Our thanks go to Tasman Golf's Simon Winter for organising the tournament and to Motueka for hosting the event.