Interview with winners Charlie Smail and Carmen Lim.
Walton golfer Charlie Smail has won the 2017 Danny Lee Springfield Open for the first time after beating off tough competition.
The 18-year-old held his nerve to win by four shots over second-placed Chris Charlton from Riverside, at the 54-hole event at Springfield Golf Club in Rotorua today.
Smail led going into the crucial second day after confirming his golfing pedigree on Saturday with rounds of 67 and 64. And with bogeys on the 15th, 17th and 18th hole completing a third round of 70, he secured victory.
Both of Smail's parents are former professional touring players and the plus one handicapper represented Waikato at the recent New Zealand Interprovincial championships.
Smail, competing for the second time at the Open, said he was pleased with his performance, especially his progression during the first day of play which saw him hit an eagle from 84m on the par 5 11th hole.
"It feels great to get a win under the belt at the start of the year," he said. "Hopefully this can be a kick start for the rest of the season.
"I was feeling pretty confident going into the second day because I had been a bit back in the field initially but then I had some good luck that changed everything."
"I held my putts and kept the ball in play over the competition. I didn't really hit any bad shots into the trees or anything like that."
In the women's field talented youngster Carmen Lim, 13, from Auckland, held on to beat New Zealand representative Chantelle Cassidy by one shot.
Carmen Lim, 13, from Auckland, in full concentration mode at the 2017 Danny Lee Springfield Open. PHOTO/ STEPHEN PARKER
Lim carded rounds of 68, 67 and 77 over the two days and was leading by five shots going into yesterday's final 18 holes following a sensational nine under par day.
The up and coming golfer, playing in her third Springfield Open, said she was surprised to win and admittedfinding it difficult playing in windy conditions during the second day.
"Last year I tied second so I'm really proud to get the top spot. I had no idea I had wonafter finishing on the last hole," she said.
"I played really well on the first day and had some excellent putting. I needed to because I was playing against a difficult field. The windy conditions didn't help me today so it was just about not making any major mistakes. This is a great start to the season."
The youngest player to take part in the 96-strong field was 10-year-old Joshua Bai from Auckland and nine Rotorua players participated.
The event this year, was for the first time to be included amongst those contributing points to the prestigious World Amateur Golf Rankings which are sanctioned jointly by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club and US Golf Association.
Clockwise from left, Harry Hillier, Charlie Smail, Jordan Golding and Chris Charlton at the 2017 Danny Lee Springfield Golf Open. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Tournament director Craig Tiriana said the winners embodied Lee's vision for the tournament to provide an opportunity for young amateurs to test their game.
"These winners are exactly what Danny wants. Charlie [Smail] is certainly one to watch for the future after proving himself to be a good form golfer and, well, what can you say about Carmen. It's incredible at just 13."
