Golf: Europe home and dry in the wet

Europe 18 Asia Pacific 14

Auckland's big wet played into the hands of Europe in the fifth Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy international contest yesterday.

Europe came from behind to secure the honours for the third time, at Auckland Golf Club. Asia Pacific began the day with a 10 1/2 to 9 1/2 advantage and needed six wins from the 12 singles matches - but the Europeans started strongly and never relinquished their grip.

Gary Wolstenholme, 45, competing in his fourth Bonallack Trophy, said the conditions suited his team.

"There's been so much rain and it was very wet out there. That proved a key for us because the short game around the greens was vital," he said.

The Englishman, Europe's most celebrated amateur golfer, said the team had to respond to the challenge yesterday. "It's a great thrill. We were disappointed to let Asia Pacific back into things yesterday but today the team were just fantastic.

"We got ahead early and never let them into the match.

"I can't say enough about this team, there's a wonderful spirit among us all."

Wolstenholme, who has won national amateur titles in seven countries, said the irony was that the six Great Britain players would now return home and likely meet the six continental European players in the next major international competition.

"That was another thing in our favour today. When it came to the crunch we have the experience of playing much more of this type of team matchplay competition."

Mt Maunganui's Josh Geary came away from the three days with flying colours, with two wins and a half with compatriot Mark Purser (Hamilton) in team competition and a stunning victory in the singles.

Geary, 21, made spectacular birdies at each of the last two holes to edge out Swiss champion Danian Ullrich.

"It was an absolutely mint shot into the last hole. I was pretty pleased with that one," Geary said.

"This has been a fantastic experience this week. It has been a chance to test yourself against some of the best amateur players in the world.

"It has given me a benchmark and gives me the confidence that I can do okay at the top level.

"I actually did not really hit it that well all week. I need to go away and do some work on my swing. But I got it around okay and got the result, which was extra pleasing."

The standard was again of exceptional quality, with the 12 matches providing 87 birdies and four eagles.

The battle of the No.1s produced most fireworks, with Australian Won Joon Lee bagging eight birdies to finish all-square with England wonder-kid Oliver Fisher, who carded five birdies and an eagle.

The sixth Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy will be held at Valderrama, in Spain, a former Ryder Cup venue, in 2008.