Golf: Hastings professional Daniel Pearce claims back-to-back victories on Charles Tour

Daniel Pearce and Vivian Lu after winning the Akarana Open during the Charles Tour at Mt Roskill, Auckland, today. Photo/Simon Watts, www.bwmedia.co.nz

Hastings professional Daniel Pearce secured his third Charles Tour title when he won the Akarana Open by three shots yesterday.

Pearce showed his experience this week with rounds of 66, 64, 66 and a composed 65, to hold off defending champion Gareth Paddison, who finished in outright second in the Barfoot and Thompson-sponsored open at the Akarana Golf Club.

This also means the 29-year-old has recorded back-to-back victories on the tour, having convincingly won the the Ngamotu Classic in October 2017.

"It's a great feeling. Winning is always fun and puts a smile on the face so it was a good day out there today," he said.

"This gives me a lot of confidence, the game is in pretty good shape and I now know I can win a golf tournament even when I'm hitting the driver so badly."

It was his iron play that stood out this week as he played the extremely challenging par threes in fine style, which are the strength of the Akarana Golf Club.

"I think I played the par threes seven or eight under this week, which is something I have never done in a tournament before, so to have my iron play going so good was a nice feeling."

Pearce said the tour was a great breeding ground for New Zealand golfers.

"Without this it's really hard to progress yourself because we play overseas a lot.

''If you've got nothing at home to play, to develop yourself and learn how to win, it's really hard to emulate that when you go overseas."

With this comes more than just prize money, as Pearce earns valuable points for the season-long race to the Jennian Homes Trophy, which will be decided in a fortnight at the Carrus Open.

After recording two wins in three events, Pearce has a commanding lead but the Autex Muriwai Open will be first on his agenda on Thursday.

Vivian Lu won her maiden tour event after fending off 13-year-old Darae Chung to win on the 72nd hole.

Brittney Dryland was third.