Putting Tour 2024's February Events
The first of the 2024 putting tour was held in Auckland at Treasure Island Adventure Golf's Captains Course this past Saturday afternoon. 17 players (5 amateurs and 12 pro’s) turned up. A great turn out for the first event of the year. It was good to see some new and old faces and thanks to those who travelled from out of the area, especially Valerie from the UK.
Round 2 saw Matt extend his lead with a 34 while James Goatley (35) and Darren (36) were his closest rivals only 4 shots behind. In the amateur both Nikki (39) and Karl (41) improved on their first rounds. After 2 rounds the amateur placings were announced. The top three were Nikki (79) followed by Karl (83) and Angus (90). Congratulations to Nikki on her win in this first event of the 2024 putting tour.
The pro group were re-arranged in reverse order with James Goatley (37) and Haz (38) closing the gap on Matt (39) to make up the top 3 after the third round followed closely by Darren (41) and John (40). After the third round only 6 shots between 1st & 6th place. Again the groups were rearranged in reverse order with Matt (109) leading James Goatley (111) by 2 shots, closely followed by Haz, and Darren.
Round 4 Matt equalled his best round of the day (34) while his closest rivals Haz (37) and James Goatley (40) could not match his scoring.
Congratulations to Matt (143) on his win with Haz (150) and James Goatley (151) on their top 3 finish.
A special thanks to Treasure Island Adventure Golf for letting us use the course. They closed the course for us throughout the afternoon.
- RP
The second event of the 2024 Putting Tour took place at Enchanted Forest Mini Golf in Onehunga, Auckland. 19 players competed in either the Amateur or Pro division. We welcomed three new players - Peter and Valerie on holiday from the United Kingdom and Alex from Auckland. Players also came from Napier, Tauranga, Whitianga and Auckland.
Round 1 got underway in perfect weather. After 18 holes, Darren Prole (Whitianga) on 37 held a one stroke lead over Alistair Watt, James Goatley (Tauranga) and Matt Ansley, all on 38. Matt scored a blistering 32 in Round 2 to lead Darren (39) by six strokes. James McCarthy did his best to catch the leaders with a 35. Alistair was still in the hunt with a 39.
After two rounds, the Amateur division winners were decided and local player Alex Saunders-Malouf (94) was crowned the #1 Amateur for the day. This was Alex’s first tournament so well done Alex! In second place was Valerie Bradshaw (UK), only 1 stroke behind and in third place was Angus Shaw (Napier) being one shot further back.
The Pros began their third round and it was Matt (36) and Darren (36) in first and second place but the damage had been done in Round 2 with Matt’s 32 leaving all players trying to play catch-up. James McCarthy and Haz Crawford both carded 37 to still be in the hunt for a podium finish.
Matt carded a final round 35 to lead Darren (37) by eight strokes with Alistair claiming third place with his final round of 39. A four-way tie for fourth (157) was recorded by Haz Crawford, James McCarthy and Faye Ansley.
The Onehunga event ended the weekend of mini golf with Matt Ansley claiming first place prize overall following on from his win on the Captain’s course at Treasure Island. Darren Prole was second with Haz Crawford third based on lowest round scores over the weekend.
The overall winner of the Amateur division was Nikki Shaw (Napier) followed by Karl Crawford in second and Angus Shaw in third based on lowest round scores over the weekend. A great weekend of mini golf. We now look forward to Otorohanga and Hamilton on the weekend of 23/24 March. Registrations are now open at mini24mar.lilregie.com/
- JA