Golf: Nitsche wins after tight tussle

Christian Nitsche overcame a strong challenge from Taylor Gill at Waitangi Golf Club.

Northland golfers Christian Nitsche and Taylor Gill battled through two tightly-fought rounds of singles match play last weekend at Waitangi Golf Club to reach the final of the James Busby Plate and Golf Northland Match Play Championship.

For the second week running rain tested the patience of all players in the tournament.

A late morning downpour caused the suspension of play in the third round as the players were called back to the clubhouse after some waterlogged greens became unplayable.

Despite the weather intervention, the spirit of the players was positive and after a 90-minute break play resumed.

The lost time caused the final rounds to be reduced to nine holes and the final groups went out to play for their divisional trophies.

In the headline Division One, the two close friends played some superb golf in a match that demonstrated their ability and steel.

Gill took a one-stroke lead on the third hole with a great chip to the pin for par and Nitsche got back to even on the fourth.

Both birdied the fifth and parred the sixth. A short missed putt on the seventh cost Nitsche but a great second on eight got him back to square.

The par three ninth was halved in threes so the match went to sudden death extra play-off holes - back to the first, where Nitsche managed to outstay his mate to win the two trophies for the 2016 James Busby Plate and the 2016 Golf Northland Match Play Champion.

Their fellow competitors acknowledged the effort of both players, who represented Northland at the Junior Boys Interprovincial Tournament in Cambridge during the week, returning home at 10pm Friday but still made themselves available to support this event despite having played 14 rounds of golf in nine days.

They deserve credit for this great effortand a well-deserved rest.

Other notable results were Sean Doel, from Sherwood Park, winning Division Two and the Tamati Wake Nene Trophy; Darcy Thorburn, of Waitangi, winning the Sir George Grey Trophy in Division Three; Peter Roux, from Okaihau, the Hobson Trophy - Division Four; and Bob Crawley, of Waitangi, winning the Nine Pin Trophy in Division Five.

Fifty-six players participated in a full weekend of singles match play at the Waitangi Golf Club, attracting 29 from out of town bringing custom to local accommodation and food and beverage businesses.

The club looks forward to hosting the 40th anniversary of the event next year.