Close contests at Belmont Links finals

Men, left, Grant Allen (Intermediate), Phil Hooper (Senior), Neville Butler (C Grade), Hamish Young (Junior). Ladies left, Anne Williams (Bronze 1), Sera Raj (Bronze 3), Tara Raj (Silver Senior).

Phil Hooper claimed his first senior title at the Wanganui Golf Club championships on Saturday, but not without being pushed to the limit by veteran Barry Shannon in the playoff.

The club decided its seven major titles, with the senior men's being one of the most intense as the lead changed hands at least four times over the 36 hole challenge.

"At times it seemed a battle symbolising the style of Master v Apprentice, and on this occasion the long hitting youth prevailed in the changing weather conditions," said Dale Cobb, club director of golf and facilities.

Tara Raj continued her ownership of the silver senior ladies title, with the 14-year-old winning for the third consecutive year.

"Superior throughout the day against an improving challenger in Ladies club captain Carron Thompson," said Cobb.

"Another championship to Tara's already growing list of local and regional titles."

Grant Allen played very consistent in the men's intermediate final, defeating the highly regarded Heemi Stevenson.

Stevenson was heavily favoured to win the division, but once Allen had the led, he never looked like surrendering it.

Anne Williams made her first outing in the ladies bronze 1 final, and won the encounter with another consistent performance.

"Anne has trained hard for this victory and proof that practice does pay, after securing the 2017 title against an experienced and talented Yvonne Wallis," said Cobb.

Hamish Young and Peter Redpath had the closest challenge for the day for the junior title.
Young, having focused on achieving his first club championship all season, picked up the victory.

"Peter chased all day, but a surprising slow start, made it an even more difficult task to peg back a significant early loss," said Cobb.

Sera Raj completed the Raj family double winning the ladies bronze 3 championship final against Judy Jensen.

"Both ladies new to the competition in a battle that went the full 18 holes," said Cobb.

"Sera secured her first title at only 10 years. Another impressive victory for all the hard work that the family put into the girl's discipline."

The men's C grade championship was another playoff where it was hard to determine a clear winner.

Neville Butler and Peter Schmidt are two very competent performers on their day, but with Butler having previously won the junior title last year, that experience at finals golf may have given him the winning edge.

"Congratulations to all players/competitors," said Cobb.

"Another year passed and another season to recognise those athletes who consistently perform to a level and standard that we all want in this game."