George Martin was so sure a leftie would win the US Masters on the same day as the opening round of the National Left-Handers Tournament, he placed a bet.
So when left-hander Phil Mickelsen collected the Masters title at Augusta yesterday, the Bay of Islands-based golfer cashed in and reckoned it
would be a good day on the Mount Denby course, playing in his first national tournament.
"However, it was not meant to be.
"I played my worst round ever, but I will look forward to improving over the next few days," he laughed.
This year marked the 25th anniversary of the national tournament and it is the first time it has been held in Northland.
When Martin, who is a member of the Whangarei Golf Club, heard the tournament was to be hosted by his club at Mt Denby, he entered thinking, "it's now or never."
"I turn 80 in September, and I wanted to play at a national tournament before then - I might not get another chance," Martin said.
Over the next few days, 139 players, representing 70 clubs in New Zealand from Invercargill to Kaitaia, along with 17 Australian lefties, will each play four rounds of golf in their respective divisions - open, ladies and seniors.
Last year's open men's champion Mark Hill is back to defend his title, as is senior champion for the past 10 years, Geoff Ingram.
The tournament continues today and concludes on Thursday, with competitors teeing off daily from 9am.
