GNZ Mixed Foursomes
Richard and Pam Wright took the GNZ Mixed Foursomes title with three comprehensive victories across labour weekend in Rotorua.
With none of their matches making the 16th, the Wrights took control of each match early on in the round and, other than a brief spell on Saturday morning, were never behind as they saw off their opponents with comfortable wins of 4&3, 5&3 and 6&5, respectively, in their three matches.
The Mother and Son combination had never played together before and entered after deciding that playing a national tournament together should be on their bucket list. Winning, Pam said, was simply a dream come true.
Matamata members Richard, playing off a plus 1.9 handicap, and Pam (6.2) were seeded number one.
The weather played its part with 110 competitors from all over New Zealand, plus an Australian pair, enjoying the near perfect conditions on a well-presented course. Split into seven divisions, Roger and Christine Pears dominated their opponents in division two in the first two rounds, before beating Tim and Alison Pollock 3&1 in the final.
Cambridge pair Duncan Wright and Sian Stevenson, who were taken to the 21st hole before prevailing in their second match, took out the Division 3 title with a 4&3 win over Wanaka members Paul and Julie McEwan.
Axel and Bev Hansen (4&3) beat Australians Kim and Maryann Johnson to take the Division four title, whilst Philip Stark celebrated his Birthday by taking the division five title with Valerie Hancox, beating Ross and Nicky Stephenson 6&5. The final two divisions had two tight final matches. Ron Kusabs and Pamela Sutton, and Dave and Rhona Mason, both won 2&1 to take the sixth and seventh division titles, respectively.
PaR nz Golfing Holidays who manage the tournament under the auspices of Golf New Zealand, announced that the 2023 championship will be contested in Wellington at Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club. Details and entry forms to be published in due course.