Sponsor Lamb & Hayward CEO Stephen Parkyn (left) with the Canterbury Championship Winners
Scott Hellier needed to sink an eight foot putt on the 18th green to secure the Lamb & Hayward Canterbury Strokeplay title after starting the round with a six shot lead. He had been chased down by Jake Hallinan who was standing over a four foot putt on the 18th to shoot 67. Hellier got his putt to win, and perhaps seeing his title hopes dashed, Hallinan missed his putt for a two shot victory margin.
In his victory speech, the Southland Toro Rep thanked his mates for talking him into coming up, and said he would be back to defend the title next year. Dominic Brettkelly capped off a good weekend finishing third four shots back from Hallinan. The trying conditions got to many players with patience and perserverance winning the day.
The Women's Championship was equally close with 10 year old Jeong Hyun Lee taking the 36 hole lead, then holding on by a shot from Roun Lee. The youngster has been on the Christchurch golf scene for the last nine months and has been touted as the next Lydia Ko. Her progress so far bodes well for this accolade. Juliana Hung was the best of the local hopes finishing fourth.
In the Men's Masters Robbie Bell was just too steady and completed his eight shot triumph with a final round 75 for a two over par final tally. He relished the conditions while others could not cope. Jason Sincock showed a good return to form to finish second. The Shirley Greenkeeper will be pleased with his efforts after coming back from injury and not playing much golf in recent times. A third round 80 sunk the hopes of defending champ Blair Dibley and he finished thrid.
Ginny Bolderston won the Master's Womens title and won by a shot from Di Kay. Both Kay and Lynn Brand were threatening going into the back nine but could not sustain their runs to take the title from Bolderston. Brand finished third.
The players did well to survive the rainy conditions, and the course was a credit to the Templeton greens staff to remain in excellent playing order despite all the rain. Thanks must go to the club, its staff and members for hosting the tournament this year.
