Golf: Howard delights at title win

William Howard won the 2016 Holiday Inn Rotorua Open yesterday. Photo / Ben Fraser

Former Rotorua golfer William Howard has claimed his first title at the Holiday Inn Rotorua Open after flying in from Rarotonga to compete in the tournament.

Howard (Cook Islands) ran away with the title shooting 11-under for the tournament which started on Friday and wrapped up yesterday at Rotorua Golf Club. Auckland's Leonard Powell and Chang Gi Lee tied for second at four-under par, seven shots back from Howard.

Howard, 22, said he was rapt to finally win the tournament after plenty of attempts.

"It's good to finally come back and get it done this time. I've been wanting to tick it off.

"I've played the tournament quite a few times and always thought I could do it, so I came prepared this year and it's good to get it done."

Howard attended Rotorua Boys' High School as a teenager before joining the Waiariki Academy of Sport for two years as a golfer. He has since headed back home to Rarotonga but is continuing with his golf.

He led by two shots going into the final round yesterday before pushing out to a big lead on the front nine.

"The main thing going into this round was just stay calm and take my chances early. I couldn't really let anything slip by and I started with birdie, birdie - so I'll take that any day." Howard's sister, Rotana Howard, is also a well known golfer who lives in Rotorua and she won the Lake View Classic last year.

When asked which sibling was better, between him and his sister, he said: "I think I would take that one." Both siblings have represented the Bay of Plenty.

Defending champion Nathan Kim (Auckland) finished in 13th while two-time winner Landyn Edwards (Rotorua) finished in fourth. A $5000 prize table was on offer during the four-round tournament and there was 58 amateurs in the field.

Results:

1st William Howard -11 (66, 67, 70, 66) Rarotonga, 2nd= Leonard Powell -4 (70, 66, 71, 69) Auckland, 2nd= Chang Gi Lee -4 (69, 66, 70, 71) Auckland, 4th Landyn Edwards -3 (69, 68, 74, 66) Rotorua, 5th Chris Charlton -1 (70, 71, 69, 69) Hamilton.