Golf: Cunning strategy pays off for pair

Janice Horwood of Toronto in action at the annual Canomu Invitational at Omanu Golf Club yesterday. Photo/John Borren

A crime of epic proportions threatened to take some of the gloss off a wonderful Omanu day at the 13th annual Canomu Golf Tournament yesterday.

The alleged crime was burglary, with the Canadian and Kiwi-accused getting away with the pick of a generous array of prizes. Canadian David Manness and Omanu member Rayna Stephens scorched their way through the 108-player field comprised of any even number of New Zealanders and Canadians, firing a combined 87 that was good for 51 stableford points and a four-point win.

In fairness, the Canadian foursome format, with its multiple tee shots, alternate balls and mulligans, lends itself to impressive scoring.

Manness and Stephens are avid fans of the competition after scoring an incredible 28 points on the outward nine.

"I told him I couldn't chip, so aggregated my chipping rights to him the whole way round. It worked a treat," Stephens said.

"Normally I chip it so far away I three putt anyway."

The format suited the pair down to the ground, with their respective games meshing seamlessly into an unstoppable scoring machine.

"I love this charming Canadian practice of mulligans," Stephens said after producing her best ever putting display.

"She did most of the putting today - I don't think she missed one," Manness said.

"Ours was a cunning strategy, never discussed at the beginning, but which worked out in the long run."

It was the first time Manness had played in the tournament, and he might yet be back to defend his crown. "They probably wouldn't put us together again; they'd probably tear us apart."

The pair, who did not have less than two points on any one hole, were last seen enjoying a beautiful spread near a table piled with impressive prizes. Their current whereabouts are unknown.