Brown wins Carrus Tauranga Open

Mark Brown shows off the Carrus Tauranga Open TROPHY. BW Media.

Mark Brown claimed his second Carrus Tauranga Open title at the Tauranga Golf Club today.

Brown, 39, looked to have an unassailable lead of six shots when he began his final round but he struggled to make any birdies, as Richard Lee, Doug Holloway and Mark Purser closed the gap.

But Brown held his nerve to sign for an even par 70 to clinch the title by two shots. Holloway shot a five-under 65 to finish second, a stroke ahead of Lee (67) with Purser (64) and leading amateur Ryan Chisnall from Nelson tied for fourth.

The round of the day came from Ryan Fox with a seven-under 63 to lift him up to a share of eighth place.

But the week belonged to Brown, who made history on Friday with his course record equaling round of 59.

Brown says it was a relief to claim his second Carrus Tauranga Open title and his third victory on the Charles Tour.

"It is a really good feeling because it was a struggle today," Brown said. "I played nice tee to green for the first 13 holes but didn't get a lot out of it, then struggled on the way home.

"I hit some poor shots under pressure and I was lucky I had a bit of a buffer because things got a bit tight there for a while. The par save on 15 was probably the turning point for me. It was just at that point when it could have gone either way."

Brown was grateful for the support he received throughout the tournament from the former Wellingtonian's new home base.

"The members and locals here at Tauranga have really made this feel like home for me. I am really enjoying being here and was just pleased I could do it in front of them. I am looking forward to the rest of the year."

Carrus Tauranga Open
263 Mark Brown 68 59 66 70
265 Doug Holloway 71 65 64 65
266 Richard Lee 64 68 67 67
267 Mark Purser 67 70 66 64, Ryan Chisnall (Am, Greenacres) 67 65 69 66
268 Josh Geary 68 66 66 68