Bungard takes out 2023 Golf Otago Order of Merit

Phil Bungard (Island Park Golf Club) has etched his name into the Vardon Trophy for the second time in three years. After finishing as the leading Otago player in the 2023 Golf Otago Order of Merit. Bungard played in 10 of the 12 Otago Order of Merit events throughout the year, recording an impressive three wins and five top 5 finishes. Bungard started the year off well, winning the Southland Strokeplay with a total score of five under through three rounds at Invercargill Golf Club. The following week he finished in a tie for 2nd place at the Otago Strokeplay with a score of level par. His quality golf only continued as he won the Taieri Classic with a score of one under, and successfully defended his title at the Dunedin Strokeplay, held at St Clair Golf Club, finishing at one over.

Coming through the winter season Bungard continued to show this wasn’t just temporary form. Bungard finished runner up in both the Roxburgh Open and Chisholm links Open, and 4th in the Wanaka Open. A top 5 finish at the Lakes District Championship in Arrowtown put Bungard out of reach and would cement his name on the Vardon Trophy for 2023.

Through his strong performances year-round, Bungard was name in the Otago South Island Interprovincial team, where he won four out of four games at No. 5. Bungard was also selected to represent Otago at the New Zealand Interprovincial held at Paraparaumu and Waikane Golf Clubs in December, where he won an impressive 6 out of 6 games for Otago.

Final top 10 Order of Merit standings for 2023

Phil Bungard

Parker Aluesi

Callum Judkins

Ben Patston

Ryan Bellamy

Hamish Ireland

Brandon Hodgson

William McLauchlan

Jan Ebbinge

Jacob Bellamy