Jennian Homes Trophy on the line at Carrus Open

All roads lead to this moment as we enter the final event of the Jennian Homes Charles Tour season at the Carrus Open in Tauranga this week with Daniel Pearce in control to claim the major prize of the summer.

With two wins this season, the Ngamotu Classic and the Akarana Open, coupled with Gareth Paddison competing over in Japan this week, Pearce has a strong grip on the trophy which also comes with an additional $5,000 in prize money.

Although Pearce has made it into pole position, his form at the Autex Muriwai Open would have been a big wakeup call ahead of the final hurdle tomorrow.

"It was certainly a tough week [Muriwai Open] after winning Akarana, so I have worked hard and hopefully I can find a way to get back to where I was and be in contention again," said a determined Pearce.

"The Jennian Homes Trophy is a big goal for everyone playing out here, its an awesome concept and makes you work harder at every event. Hopefully I can do enough to hold off the rest of the lads."

This wont be easy for the Hawkes Bay professional who will have to hold off the in-form James Anstiss who fell just short of his maiden title last week in a thrilling three hole playoff against Gareth Paddison.

If the rookie-professional was to win this week, Pearce is still able to claim the major prize, but only by finishing in second place, third place or a two-way tie for third.

The 2018 Carrus Open is providing us with a range of great storylines, but one player who will look to keep things going to script is Mark Brown who aims for his amazing fourth win in a row and his fifth career victory here in Tauranga.

Its clear that Brown feels more than comfortable in his backyard and has complete ownership of this event, so you can guarantee his name will feature late on Sunday afternoon, regardless of his form.

"Its always nice to come back here to the Carrus and have the chance to defend your title. I love playing here and hopefully I can get over the line in front of family and friends once again," said Brown.

If Brown is to win in four days time, he would join Michael Hendry to hold the most collective wins on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour with six in total.

"I have been playing okay throughout the season, but just havent got that big win yet, so maybe coming back home will get me to the top again and finish the season well."

Its great to see a strong local contingent listed for the event this week with Jared Pender also enjoying a great 2017/18 season, highlighted by his strong performance at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open where he recorded three superb opening rounds to be in contention, to then finish tied 52nd after featuring late in the field on Sunday afternoon.

The inaugural Jennian Homes Trophy champion and very new father, Jim Cusdin will be here searching for more good news at a course he knows extremely well.

Bay of Plenty also feature strongly in the womens field with Rotana Howard, Jodae Ngaheu, Caitlin Maurice, Taylor Rose, Alessia Trebbi Tindall and Emmalee Morrell back in action as they look to win for the first time on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.

They will have to go past a strong group of golfers to do so, including the New Zealand Amateur champion, Silvia Brunotti who will be aiming to finish her breakthrough season in style.

The hot favourite however, has to be Aucklands Brittney Dryland who has featured in every event, yet still hasnt recorded a win this season. After opening her account at the Akarana Open two years ago, Dryland will be aiming to record her second victory at this level.

One thing that will play into her hands is the field is without last weeks champion, Muchin Keh who has returned to the China Tour to continue life as a professional after her recent success at the Autex Muriwai Open.

The final event on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour tees off at 7:15am tomorrow with free entry for all spectators.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Golf NZ