Golf: Tyla Kingi settles for third after two stroke lead

Opotiki golfer Tyla Kingi's performance at the LawnMaster Classic hints at big things to come. Photo/File

Opotiki Golf Club's rising star Tyla Kingi will have to wait a little longer for her first win on the Charles Tour.

The 14-year-old went into Sunday's final round of the LawnMaster Classic at the Manawatu Golf Club with a two stroke lead, before finishing in a share of third place with Bay of Plenty teammate Alanna Campbell.

Auckland golfer Munchin Keh completed a memorable comeback after starting the day four strokes adrift, firing a five-under par score of 68 to defeat Gulf Harbour's Onyou Kim by two strokes.

The 21-year-old won for the third time on the Charles Tour, shooting six birdies to blow the field away in perfect conditions.

The New Zealand representative, who opened with rounds of 79 and 75, said her dramatic improvement came down to course management.

"I played a lot smarter today," Keh said.

"If I got in trouble then I took my medicine. I managed to putt really well and I only dropped one shot all day on 10. So it was a good day."

Keh and Kim shared the lead with three holes to playu before a double bogey from Kim on the par 3 16th effectively handed the title to Keh.

The New Zealand number one, who is expected to represent her country at the upcoming Espirito Santo World Teams Championship in Japan, said it was important to get a win on the board early in the season.

Douglas Holloway won the men's tournament in which Bay of Plenty players failed to make their mark.