local takes bonnington trophy

 

Renowned for the quality of its greens, Mangawhai golf course was in exceptional condition for the Tom Bonnington Trophy event played in fine conditions over the weekend of May 16 & 17.

For the first time in Bonnington history, an Elite Women's division was held and played host to golfers from across Northland, North Harbour and Auckland – possibly the best womens field to have played at Mangawhai.

“A truly outstanding field of very talented women golfers enjoyed every challenge this great course threw at them,” said tournament director Stewart Speed.

The men's White Tee division teed off first on Saturday and, as with the women, attracted a strong field of local and visiting golfers.

Wind and slick greens meant precision was needed with approach shots.

Scores on day one, across both divisions, indicated that the course wasn't there just for the taking.

Men's club captain Ray Crawshaw grittily clawed his way to the head of the field with a one-shot lead over Trevor Bush of the Northland club, while Kylie Jacoby (Waipu) made her intentions clear by taking a one-shot lead over Bohyun Park (Gulf Harbour).

Both divisions were tightly bunched behind the leaders and Sunday promised great competition for the important titles at stake.

Sunday morning loomed with ominous grey skies but these soon dissipated and the final day commenced in very good conditions, along with a good crowd of spectators.

After 9 holes there was little change on the leaderboards.

In the womens group, Ela Grimwood was playing a strong round to put some pressue on Jacoby and Park, while Robbie Newman was starting the charge that would take him to eventual victory in the mens event.

Sponsor Mike McGarry of Mangawhai's A1 Coastal First National Real Estate was on hand to present prizes and spoke of his pleasure in being part of such a well-run and popular event. He especially welcomed the advent of the women's division and looked forward to ongoing participation in theTom Bonnington Cup and Trophy tournaments.

Stewart Speed and his organising committee did an outstanding job in co-ordinating every aspect of the event, along with John Donnelly and his greens team, Lisa and her catering, and other volunteers.

The Tom Bonnngton Cup for Elite Men, will be staged later this year at Mangawhai.
 

RESULTS Tom Bonnington Trophy (Nett, Mens White Tees) Trophy Winner Robbie Newman, Mangawhai 138 nett; Runner Up Trevor Bush, Northland 141; Third Mike Daniel, Royal Auckland 142; Fourth Kerry Simpson, Mangawhai 144; Fifth (countback) Ray Crawshaw, Mangawhai 144. Gross Winner Scott Wightman, Mangawhai 148; Rnner Up Ryan Steven, Titirangi 160; Third: Martin Worthington, Wellsford 161. Women's First National Elite Trophy (Gross, White Tees) Trophy Winner Kylie Jacoby, Waipu 156; Runner Up Vaha Fapiano, North Shore 160; Third (countback) Bohyun Park, Gulf Harbour 160; Fourth Ela Grimwood, Gulf Harbour 162; Fifth (countback) Rose Zheng, Pakuranga 162. Nett Winner Stacy Choi, Pupuke 154; Runner Up Shani White, Gulf Harnour 160; Third Subin Wui, Pupuke 162. Men’s Team Event (Best 3 of 4 Nett over both rounds) Winners Shayne Stuart, Clin Carley, Robbie Neman, Larry Renner; Runners Up Bill Mabey, Neville Polkinghorne, Pat Butler, Brian Browne. Twos were scored by Bohyun Park (2), Samantha Dangen, Brooke Kingi, Courney Manning, Subin Wui, Scott Wightman (2), Robbie Newman, Kerry Simpson, Ryan Steven.

ELITE FIELD: Sponsor Mike McGarry presents the First National Real Estate Trophy for Elite Women to Kylie Jacoby

LOCAL WINNER: Tom Bonnington Trophy winner Robbie Newman (left) accepts his prize from sponsor Mike McGarry.