Golf: Geary putts way to three peat

Josh Geary plays from a bunker in the final round of the Carrus Open at the Tauranga Golf Club yesterday. Photo / Joel Ford

Josh Geary produced a memorable birdie blitz at the start of his final round to win the Carrus Open by eight shots at the Tauranga Golf Club yesterday.

The Tauranga local started the day tied for the lead with Richard Lee but after missing a two metre putt on the first hole for birdie, Geary drained five consecutive putts to open up an eight shot lead as Lee ran out of luck.

For good measure Geary birdied the 10th and 11th holes to be seven under but any thoughts of him emulating Lee's course record 59 were dashed as he dropped two shots coming home.

In the end Geary's eight shot lead was indicative of his dominance and gave him his third Carrus Open from three attempts.

His superb 64 in gale force winds on Saturday was still being talked about at the course yesterday and his remarkable short game was so good his playing partner Josh Carmichael said "he has the best short game I have ever seen. It was like watching 'Seve' Geary out there".

Lee and Troy Rohipa finished eight shots behind tied for second, with David Klein and Josh Carmichael four shots further back.

Geary says his start yesterday was definitely the winning of the Charles Tour tournament.

"It was a great start with those five birdies that opened up the lead," Geary said.

"I made some good putts and I drove it pretty straight. In those first few holes if you drive it straight and get up and down you are away laughing.

"My game was in good shape but mid back nine I had a couple of bad swings but that happens sometimes."

Winning in his home city means a lot to Geary who leaves today for two months of tournament golf in Australia.

"It is great to win here and have family support and friends out watching. It is cool to have that three from three record here and it is a course I like.

"There was a bit of pressure on me this week and I was three shots behind going into the weekend but I just stuck to my processes and it all came good in the end.

"Winning is always fun no matter what level you are at and it is a springboard for this summer.

"This win is great timing as the last few months have been pretty quiet for me so this is a great confidence booster."

Geary has been based in the US for the last four years and hopes to get back there someday as he says the courses suit his game.

But first he wants to get established on the One Asia Tour, where he has some opportunities to play.

Titirangi amateur Mun Chi Keh took out the women's tournament finishing eight-over.