Kwon 65 sets up Pro-Am win

 

Young professional Luke Kwon continued a brilliant run of recent form to card an impressive 7 under par 65 off the Mangawhai Golf Club's championship tees in last week's 2019 Partners Life Mangawhai Pro-Am. His outstanding score placed him one shot clear of Michael Hendry to secure the major professional's prize of the day.

A strong line-up of professionals, including Michael Hendry, Mark Brown, Grant Moorhead, Troy Ropiha, previous winner Peter Zwart and the up-and-coming Mark Hutson, each teamed with amateur players who were competing for prizes valued at more than $10,000. Main tournament sponsor Partners Life had their generous support augmented by The Clubroom who provided all the prizes played for by amateurs. Additional hole sponsors also made important contributions to the success of the day.

A capacity field of 120 players teed off, with three amateurs teamed with one professional in each group. The overall pace of play was good, although the midday heat proved a real challenge for some. Fortunately food and water stations on the course gave players a chance to recharge their batteries during their round.

A full clubhouse enjoyed a delicious buffet meal that was followed by prizegiving. Club president Tony Vale conducted proceedings as Naomi Ballantyne of Partners Life and David Feeney from The Clubroom presented prizes to the winning teams. Winning professional Luke Kwon, receiving his cheque from Geoff Smart of the NZPGA, spoke of his enjoyment of the day, remarking on the positive atmosphere and the outstanding challenge presented by the Mangawhai course.

Already planning is under way for next year's event, ensuring Mangawhai retains a strong presence on the New Zealand golfing scene. 

“We're a strong club, we have a course that has many special attributes and we have a brilliant team of volunteers who help us put on an event that everyone really enjoys,” said Tony Vale. “We have tremendously supportive sponsors – we can't thank them enough – so overall this has been a really positive experience for everyone.”

From left, Geoff Smart (NZPGA), winning professional Luke Kwon, Naomi Ballantyne (Partners Life). – PHOTO/Supplied