Sam Jones first amateur to win Jennian Homes Trophy

Sam Jones created history in his own backyard when becoming the first amateur golfer to win the Jennian Homes Trophy.

The 26-year-old had an incredible 2022, picking up his first victory on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour at the Carrus Tauranga Open last month ago after being a bridesmaid a handful of times.

He finished second at the Renaissance Brewing New Zealand Strokeplay in April after Josh Geary shot seven under on the back nine to pip him at the post and again at the DVS Clearwater Open. He also finished second at the Christies Floorings Mount Open and 20th at the Autex Muriwai Open earlier this year.

The Manaia Golf Club member came into the final event of the year, the Taranaki Open, with a 190-point lead over Geary. He needed a strong finish to secure the title and create his own piece of New Zealand golfing history.

He achieved that wth a second placing.

“It was a long day out there,’’ Jones said.

``I got off to a bit of a slow start, but I managed to keep my nose in it and understood that I needed a strong finish to clinch the trophy. It was pretty tight at the start with Mike [Hendry] and Josh [Geary], but I’m over the moon to get it done.

“I just tried to stay as calm as I could. I had a few tee shots in the first three rounds of the tournament that I wasn’t feeling very comfortable on, but I read a couple of notes in my notebook today that calmed me down before certain tough tee shots, which really helped me commit to my lines a lot more.

“I just tried to free myself up today, and whatever happened, happened.”

He said his performances in top events this year give him plenty of confidence heading into the Nomura Cup in the Philippines this month.

Jennian Homes Trophy points breakdown:

Previous Jennian Homes Trophy winners:

2015/2016: Jim Cusdin

2016/2017: Mark Brown

2017/2018: Daniel Pearce

2018/2019: James Anstiss

2020: Daniel Hillier

2021: Ryan Fox