It was an impressive performance by the Canterbury players who featured throughout the week at the NZ Amateur played at the Russley Golf Club. Tom Parker grabbed the last qualifying spot to make the matchplay draw with two miraculous birdies, both from over 25 feet. Parker won on the 19th hole over top qualifer Scott Hellier who had shot a course record 60 the day prior. Parker made his way through to the final after beating James Hydes and fellow Canterbury players Oscar Cadenhead (1up) and Hayato Miya (2&1).
“It’s been an awesome week so far and to be where I am after what happened in stroke-play is pretty exciting." "I have just enjoyed the week and played every match as though I’m lucky to be here,” said Parker.
On the other side of the draw Daniel Hillier progressed through to the final after getting a lucky break against Dominic Brettkelly who lost at the 19th hole. Hillier who was billeted with Parker throughout the week played superbly in the final to win his second NZ Amateur title. “It feels amazing, it’s been one heck of a week and I managed to get some putts to drop in the final and that was the difference today. Tom was brilliant all week and it was awesome to go head to head with him at one of the biggest events".
It was a great achievement for Hayato Miya at only 14 years of age to get through to the semi final against Parker. "I didn't quite finish it off" said Miya "but it was great fun". Amelia Garvey also progressed through to the semi finals after a strong showing throughout the qualifying and matchplay rounds. Garvey held a one up lead heading into the final hole before Rose Zheng made birdie to force the play off and again made birdie at the 19th to book her spot in the final against Silvia Brunotti where she looked to defend her title. Brunotti however was impressive and at just 14-years-old beat the defending champion Rose Zheng in dominant fashion (7&6).
Congratulations to the Russley Golf Club for all their hard work in preparing the course and running the event so successfully over the week with a large army of volunteers to support the NZ Golf staff.
Click here to view the hole by hole scoring.
