When James Hamilton walked down the 18th fairway yesterday knowing his name was going to be etched on the 72-hole Omanu Classic winners trophy, not only did he notch up a personal milestone but he'd written himself into the history books.
Omanu Golf Club manager Barry Plank said it wasthe first time a player from Omanu had won the title in the 34 years of the event.
He said Hamilton did it in real style, leading the tournament from the first hole and starting the final round with a mixture of birdies and bogeys.
Mr Plank said with rounds of 68, 69, 67, and 72, and a final score of 276, Hamilton won the Classic 12 under par and 10 shots ahead of his nearest competitor. He beat 74 other amateur players for the coveted title.
"That's a massive effort and a fantastic win both for James personally and for the club," a delighted Mr Plank said.
He said Hamilton's win was definitely one for the record books as the last time a Western Bay of Plenty player won the Classic was in 1999. Runner-up was Fraser Wilkins from Auckland with a total of 268 and third was Brad Hayward from New Plymouth, the Taranaki golfer scoring 288.
In addition to the winner's trophy, Hamilton walked away with 40-inch LCD TV worth $1000 and 25 extra points in The Importer Order of Merit - contested over 12 tournaments by players from Bay of Plenty, Waikato, North Harbour and Auckland. Mr Plank said the winners of the last four Omanu Classic tournaments had all turned pro.
"So I would not be surprised if James also opts to turn pro."
Hamilton was not available for comment last night.
