|
 Newsroom Taranaki Open 2005 Hawkes Bay amateur Doug Holloway fought back in wet and windy conditions to claim the $40,000 Olex Taranaki Open in New Plymouth today. Holloway closed with a one-over 73 in driving rain and cold winds on the Ngamotu Links course today to win by three shots from Waikato professionals Guy Penrose and Brad Shilton. The 21-year old, who plans to turn professional early next year, recovered from a disastrous four-putt with three late birdies to seal the biggest win of his short career. He started the day with a three-shot lead over Penrose and local amateur Troy Ropiha, maintaining his advantage until his triple-bogey at the par-4 12th hole that elevated playing partner Penrose into a one shot lead. He in turn was overtaken by Shilton who made light of the tough conditions to scorch through the first 15 holes in seven-under par. However Shilton dropped shots on the 15th and 16th as Holloway took stock with superb birdies at the 14th, 15th and 16th to re-establish a lead that he would not relinquish. "This is the biggest win of my career. Winning the Malaysian Amateur last year was great but this is better to beat all the best New Zealand amateurs and all the pros in the field," Holloway said. Holloway said he turned his four-putt at the 12th into motivation. "It was a silly mistake that I should not have made. It fired me up and I played my best golf from then on." He rated his second from a difficult lie into the wind at 16 to set up his birdie as his best shot of the day. "It’s been a great week. I’ve putted well all week and really enjoyed the challenge of this event with the best amateurs playing with the professionals." Holloway heads to the United States next weekend as part of the first joint team from the amalgamated men’s and women’s golf to compete in The Spirit International before returning for the Interprovincials. He will then look to turn professional, heading to the Asian Tour School in January with fellow amateurs Brad Iles and Mathew Holten. Penrose enjoyed a solid day for a one-over 73 in the tough conditions, playing soundly without the same fortune on the greens today. That was not the case for Shilton who made four birdies and an eagle on the front nine but had his charge stopped with bogies at the 16th and 17th for his best pay day of his short professional career. First round leader Josh Carmichael (North Harbour) shared fourth place at five-under par with Wanganui amateur Riki Kauika, who showed a welcome return to form. "I was really happy with my game. I’ve worked hard on my game and my fitness and want to get back in the New Zealand team for the Eisenhower next year." One shot behind on four-under par 284 was Waikato amateur Mark Purser and New Plymouth professional Grant Moorhead who was unable to mount an expected challenge after starting the final round five shots off the lead. North Harbour professional Steve Gordon was eighth on two-under 286, a shot ahead of New Plymouth amateur Troy Ropiha, who was just one shot off the lead with eight holes remaining before two triple bogies ended his run. New Zealand’s Natasha Krishna was the leading female on nine-over par 297 to make a point to her Auckland selectors who controversially left her off the team for next week’s Interprovincials in Ngaruawahia. For further information contact: |
|
