Clay and sand make a winning combination

CONSISTENT: Te Rongopai Clay, winner of the NZ Under 19 Women's Golf title, drives off at the start of her final round.

With the New Zealand Under 19 Women's Age Group Golf Championships for 2012 being held at the Mangawhai Golf Club, it was anticipated that the field might struggle with Mangawhai's testing mix of sand-based greens and fairways and a layout that can put the very best to the sword.

And so it proved, to a large degree. Playing from the men's club tees and faced with a steady nor'wester through most days, the demand for length and accuracy proved a real challenge for the field of 56 golfers from around New Zealand, facing three 18-hole competition rounds on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

Fortunately, the weather eased a little day-by-day and the players became increasingly familiar with the speed and slopes of the testing greens. The course was immaculately groomed and showed no signs of the heavy rains that had hit the area in the days prior to the event. 

At the end of day one there were a few dented egos and rueful smiles as tales of wind-blown downhill putts were recounted in the clubhouse. 

By the end of the second day, the leading group had emerged and the seeded draw for the final day was finalised. Te Rongopai Clay of Titahi Bay held a slender 1-shot lead over Manor Park's Julianne Alvarez with Lita Guo of North Shore a shot further back. 

The best round at this stage was a 74 shot by Julianne Alvarez on Wednesday, but Te Rongopai Clay's consistency (78,77) saw her in the leading role.

Day Three dawned fine and calm as the early starters got underway. Good crowds of locals were in attendance and there was a strong buzz of anticipation as play commenced. Te Rongopai, Julianne and Lita were the last group to tee off and all three played steadily through the first 9. One or two players made brief surges (Catherine Bell and Sai Ma both shot impressive 74s to move up the leaderboard), but on the 18th tee Te Rongopai held a 2-stroke lead and managed a straightforward par on the par 5 18th to clinch the prestigious New Zealand Under 19 Women's title. 

Local members, many of whom contributed to the success of the event by volunteering to act as starters, markers, spotters and general helpers, were highly impressed with the overall quality of the golf.

The players were generous in their praise of Mangawhai. Many had never visited the area before and enjoyed the local atmosphere and amenities. The course came in for considerable praise for its overall condition and the quality of presentation. The event showed Mangawhai Golf Club's ability to successfully host golfing tournaments of national significance.