Mako Thompson wins New Zealand Age Group Championship

Local amateur Mako Thompson has won the 2017 New Zealand Age Group Championship with a clinical birdie, birdie finish at his secondary course, the Hastings Golf Club.

With one hole to play, he was tied with Hiroki Miya before making the decisive birdie to be crowned the under 19 champion.

This historic stroke play event was first played in 1962 and Thompson now joins some great names on the trophy. They include the likes of Greg Turner (1981), Michael Campbell (1987), Michael Long (1988), Adam Scott (1996), Steven Bowditch (2000) and Jason Day (2004).

"Im absolutely stoked, I have looked at all the names on this trophy, so to be part of that sort of company is awesome," beamed Thompson.

It was a nervous start for the Maraenui Golf Club local who made the turn at two-over par.

"Im very happy after a shaky start with a couple of bogeys on the front nine, but coming home in 33 was pretty cool and very happy with the birdie, birdie finish."

There was no better way to kick start the back nine than with a clutch eagle on the par five, tenth hole.

"I dont normally take driver on that hole, but I then stuck a three iron in there and backed it up with a 15-foot putt, so it was a fun start to the back nine."

Thompson will spend the next few seasons in New Zealand where he will aim to take this form in to the Jennian Homes Charles Tour and grow his game to the next level.

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Ayean Cho has won the New Zealand Womens Age Group Championships by a dominant five strokes at the Hawkes Bay Golf Club this afternoon.

Starting the day tied for the lead with Amelia Garvey, this two-horse race soon became one after Chos experience and class came to the floor with a four-under par front nine.

Her composed round of five-under, which included an eagle on the par four eighth hole, proved why she is inside the top 50 amateurs in the world (38th).

Finishing with a tournament total of 14-under in three rounds, this standard of golf on the local circuit is not only great for golf in New Zealand, but everyone playing alongside it.

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Stephen Liu continued his form in to the final day to win the under 13 boys by the same five shot margin.

His round of two-under par was too good for the chasing pack which enabled him to enjoy his walk down the final fairway in full knowledge he was about to become a champion.

Judging on his final two holes, he certainly enjoyed the occasion also carding back-to-back birdies like Mako Thompson to finish the tournament in style.

Robby Turnbull had a quiet, yet consistent round of one-over to hold on to second place alone.

FULL LEADERBOARD HERE

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