Loach claims second Maitai Masters title

Nick Loach has narrowly won his second successive Fico Finance Maitai Masters title after being pushed all the way by Rarangi’s Paul Silke.

After cruising to a five-shot victory last year, the Nelson professional was made to work hard on Saturday (Oct 31) before prevailing by just one shot in the annual 27-hole tournament on a pristine Waahi Taakaro course

Playing off a +4 handicap, the lowest in a full field of 64 golfers, Nick posted a one-under 71 for his first 18 holes, which featured three birdies - including a pivotal one on the tricky 18^th across the river - and two bogies.

Silke, who was on 3 handicap, was almost as good in recording an even-par 72 which included three birdies and three bogeys.

After a perfect morning, a swirling wind made conditions a little more difficult, but Loach opened the final back nine with a birdie and recorded two more to go with two bogeys to finish with a one-under 35 for a final 27-hole total of 106.

Again, Silke hung tough after a disappointing bogey at the par three 11^th. He birdied the par three 14^th to cut Loach’s lead but needed an unlikely eagle at the 18^th to force a playoff. A fine birdie at the last meant he finished with a 35 for a total of 107.

Silke at least had the consolation of finishing with the best net of 103 in the senior grade.

Loach said he enjoyed the tough challenge that Silke provided.

‘’Paul played very well and it was neck and neck. It was a good warm-up for me for the upcoming pro-ams.

‘’I was very happy with the way I hit the ball, and I only missed three or four greens all day, but I struggled a bit with my short game.’’

Loach again praised the Waahi Taakaro course, saying it got better year after year, and he hoped to be back next year to attempt a three-peat.

‘’It’s a great day out.’’

On a day (in horse racing terms) for stayers rather than sprinters, Waahi Taakaro golfers dominated the other grades, with Bryce Vincent crowned intermediate champion with a very creditable total of 126, better than what many of the lower handicapped golfers managed. Aaron Kotua posted the best net with a sharp 105.

Grant Thorn, a member of both Motueka and Waahi Taakaro, took out the junior title with a total of 140, while Dave Huntley scooped the best net prize with 108.

However, the top prize of the day for the lowest overall net went to local member Blair Joliffe. Playing in the junior grade, Joliffe recorded a brilliant net 66 and then followed it with a steady 36 for an unbeatable total of 102.

Tournaments don’t run themselves, so we want to acknowledge the following people for making it a successful day:

• Our wonderful team of sponsors including Fico Finance, Total Golf, Tides Hotel Bar & Eatery, Turf Hotel, Ocean Lodge, Prince Albert Hotel, Sprig and Fern, Placemakers.
• Greenkeeper James Dale and his Green By Nature team for presenting a course in great shape.
• Tournament director James Campion and his team of helpers both on and off the course for a smoothly run event.
• The BBQ team of John and Glen Towns, Winton Griggs and Warren Green for feeding the golfers.

 

Full prize list:

Senior grade; gross winner Nick Loach (106), 2^nd Steve Schwass (119) , 3^rd Andy Tasker (120). Net winner Paul Silke (103), 2^nd Peter Watson (107), 3^rd Karl Clark (108), 4^th Nathan Wells (111), 5^th Keri Kotua (113), 6^th Jarrod Huss (114).

Intermediate grade: gross winner Bryce Vincent (126), 2^nd Jason Lee (135). Net winner Aron Kotua (105), 2^nd Richard Pearson (113), 3^rd Manu Edmonds (115), 4^th Craig Barron (115), 5^th Gareth Edwards (115), 6^th Mike Williams (116).

Junior grade: gross winner Grant Thorn (140), Net winner Dave Huntley (108), 2^nd Lionel Guyton (109), 3^rd Morgan Thorn (110), 4^th Mark Clucas (113), 5^th Phil Sellers (113), 6^th Peter Churchill (115), 7^th Ian Archibald (116).

Lowest overall net: Blair Joliffe (102).

Twos: Paul Silke (2), Steve Schwass, Keri Kotua, Barry Rhodes, Andy Tasker, David Monopoli

Pitch for cash: 1^st Phil Tavite, 2^nd Paul Silke

Closest to pin No 2/11: Jayden Elmiger

Closest to pin No 5/14: Ian Hanford

Longest drive: senior Jarrod Huss, intermediate Craig Barron, junior Alex Knight

Straightest drive: senior Jet Wongpuan, intermediate Gareth Edwards, junior Neil McLaren

Country rover: Warren Carey