Golf: Brown overcomes rain break

Omanu's Alanna Campbell won the women's title at the Carrus Open. Photo / George Novak

Mark Brown defended his Carrus Open title at the Tauranga Golf Club yesterday, despite severe rain deluges and a posse of talented young golfers chasing him all the way.

The 40-year-old Tauranga resident started the day tied for the lead with amateurs Johnny Tynan and Joshua Munn, and two shots ahead of first-round leader Jim Cusdin.

The pivotal moment came with Brown needing to sink a tricky five-footer for par on the 17th green, when it rained with such force that it caused a 20-minute delay.

Brown stepped up, slotted the putt and cruised down the 18th to finish with a solid par and victory by one shot over Cusdin and Munn.

Omanu's Alanna Campbell won the women's title at the Carrus Open. Photo / George Novak

"I wasn't quite where I wanted to be but I was just trying to hang in and keep the boys at bay," Brown said. "[Munn] was very impressive and he has a lot of game. There is certainly some good talent coming through."

Brown is pleased to have won back-to-back titles at his home course. "Last year I felt like I didn't play very well in the last round. I had a six-shot lead I think and just hung on by two or three, and felt like I played pretty defensive all day. I didn't really feel very good after winning it, funnily enough.

"This year was different. I had to play some pretty good shots in these conditions and didn't get a lot going today, but enough. There were firm greens this year that made it just a little bit tricky. People say it is an easy course but you have to hit some good shots around here to make birdies and that is the challenge.

"There is amazing support here from the club and all the members. It is nice to do it in front of them and I am really excited for the end of year as well." Brown has a busy schedule coming up, with the Dunhill Links (Scotland) next week, then tournaments in Australia, Fiji, Asia and the final stage of the European Q School.

Aquinas College student Alanna Campbell was also celebrating after she won the women's competition by two shots from Grace Senior (Wairakei International).

It was the Omanu member's second win on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour after her win at Muriwai in May.

"I am kind of relieved actually. My ball striking is not too great but I know my game well enough to get myself around and do what needs to be done, so I am pleased with it," she said.

Mount Maunganui's Hayden Beard, 25, had his best result since turning professional in January, finishing 10th equal with four sub-par rounds. His final-round 66 could have been even better but for two wayward tee shots into the racecourse on the 11th and 13th holes.

"I am happy. I tried to make as many birdies as I could and get myself in good positions. I managed to make a few putts and hit it close on a couple of the par fives," Beard said.