Golf: Paddison ends winless dry spell

Gareth Paddison. Photo / Getty Images

Gareth Paddison shot an even-par 72 in trying conditions to comfortably claim the Wairakei Open in Taupo yesterday, revelling in his first start on the domestic Charles Tour.

The left-hander, who has plied his trade mostly in Europe and Asia, finished five shots clear of Tauranga professional Jared Pender and leading amateur James Betts of Paraparaumu.

It was Paddison's first win in three years and only his second victory as a professional in this country, with his last title in Dunedin in 2002.

The field again had to battle bad weather, with heavy rain forcing a further 90-minute delay. More than nine hours were lost with the wet conditions during the tournament.

The Lower Hutt golfer got into the field only as first reserve, making a late decision to play with a break in his OneAsia commitments.

Two early birdies by Pender saw the former Eisenhower Trophy representative with a share of the lead but back-to-back bogies after the suspension saw his challenge fade in his first tournament in three months.

Paddison finished on eight-under par 280, delighted with the win in his first appearance at the Wairakei International course since in his amateur days representing New Zealand at the Southern Cross Cup in 2001.

"It was a tough four days for the golfers and organisers alike," Paddison said. "We were very fortunate to get four rounds in.

"I came here not expecting too much. I had not played for three weeks. To put it together, especially with those two rounds of five-under in really difficult conditions, was really pleasing.

"It was close today but the turning point came when Jared made a couple of mistakes and then I made birdie at 17 which sealed it.

"It's great to win a tournament and I think it will give me some really good confidence for the rest of the season.

"I think this Charles Tour is a fantastic development for New Zealand Golf and it's been great catching up with players and playing with the amateurs."

Betts, the 2008 national strokeplay champion, showed a return to form with a fine one-under 71 to share second place with Pender on three-under par.Wellington-based amateur Nick Gillespie continued his strong form this season to finish fourth on one-under par.

Auckland professional Jon Bevitt shared fifth place with Srixon Academy player Mat Perry of Hamilton. Charles Tour order of merit leader Michael Hendry was seventh on one-over 289.

- NZPA