Prized win after 10 years trying

Ladies winner Brydie Hodge, of Levin, and overall champion Lachie McDonald of Marton after the 2013 Keown Honda Wanganui Open.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The friends of Wanganui golfer Lachie McDonald thought he had really hit the big time when he posted a new photo of himself on Facebook after winning the 2013 Keown Honda Wanganui Open at the Belmont Links on Sunday.

But sadly, the 22-year-old had to tell them the flash sponsor's Honda motorcycle he was sitting astride with his trophy at the clubrooms was not his to keep.

"It's not like Lydia Ko [prizes], people would think it's a bit extravagant for a local 36-hole open," said the Marton Golf Club member.

Nonetheless, he was more than satisfied to have won the Open after 10 years of trying with two excellent rounds at Belmont shooting a 64 and 66 respectively to finish 11 shots clear of the runner-up, Hawkes Bay's Stu Duff.

"I got the old putter rolling, so it was awesome," said McDonald.

He only needed 23 putts to complete his morning round and 25 in the afternoon.

McDonald was especially delighted that it was the first time he had ever broken the 30 mark for nine holes.

The young man has been on quite a roll as he won the prestigious Waikato Winter Strokeplay title last month, finishing nine under over four rounds.

Next week he is entering the Kapi Tareha Memorial tournament at the Napier Golf Club, a 72 stroke play.

He will then pack his golf bag for the 2013 Carrus Tauranga Open, which is a Charles Tour event, September 26-29.