Golf: Back-to-back wins at Shirley for Doyle

Anthony Doyle. Photo / Getty Images

Anthony Doyle was in a class of his own to claim back-to-back victories at the Shirley Open golf tournament in Christchurch yesterday.

Doyle, the Christchurch Golf Club professional who rarely plays tournament golf, fired a final round of one-under-par 71 to finish on 14-under 274 in the last Charles Tour event of the year on his home course.

His winning margin of 11 shots was a tour record, made more remarkable in that his only two starts on the circuit have resulted in wins in the Shirley Open.

"It's a little bit emotional. I don't know yet how I feel," Doyle said.

He finished 11 shots clear of Auckland-based professional Brenden Stuart, who shot a 73 to finish on three-under 285. Stuart's best Charles Tour result left him one shot ahead of 2003 New Zealand Open champion Mahal Pearce, who managed a 71 to share third place with Ashburton teenager Mark O'Malley.

O'Malley closed with a 76 to hold on to the leading amateur spot from Daniel Pearce, of Hastings, who closed with a 71.

- NZPA