Golf: Mitchell aiming for elusive double

Maraenui's Russell Mitchell plays a fairway shot during an unbeaten run in Greenwood Cup play at Waipukurau during the weekend. Photo / Duncan Brown

A couple of trophies have proved elusive for Maraenui golfer Russell Mitchell during recent seasons.

One is the Greenwood Cup, one of Golf Hawke's Bay's most prestigious men's interclub trophies, and the other is for the most successful No1 in the Greenwood Cup. With Maraenui winning their first three rounds in the seven round competition at Waipukurau during the weekend and Mitchell winning all three of his matches he staked an early claim for the 2014 double.

"That top No 1 trophy is one I've been aiming for for a while and I'm starting to play a bit better now," said Mitchell, who has played in at least six Greenwood Cup events and been Maraenui's No1 for the last four.

Maraenui haven't tasted Greenwood Cup glory since 2002 but Mitchell has every right to be confident about the team's chances this year.

"We've got a really good team. It's similar to recent seasons but everyone has got that little bit better and we've all got a bit more experience."

During Maraenui's 7.5-2.5 win against Dannevirke on Saturday Mitchell beat Brad Truesdale 2 up. He carded a 2 and 1 victory against Hugh Harrison during yesterday morning's 8.5-1.5 win against Takapau and was in commanding form during a 6 and 5 win against Nick Radonich as Maraenui walloped Waipukurau 9-1 in yesterday afternoon's round.

The final four rounds will be played at the Napier club on November 15 and 16.

"I used to hate playing at Napier when I was younger but I play the Waiohiki course pretty well now," Mitchell said.

He will have to if he wants to become a first time recipient of the top No 1 trophy.

Another unbeaten No 1 is Hastings kingpin Stu Duff and his high levels of composure in pressure situations have been well documented over the years.

Mitchell pointed out the field had a variety of conditions to deal with at the weekend, dry and firm on Saturday and extremely wet yesterday.

With no more tournaments until the next rounds of the Greenwood Cup Mitchell will have plenty of time to hone his game.

Maraenui will take a one- point lead over Napier into the fourth round and Hastings are another point behind in third place.