Schoolgirl performs at higher level

While she wasn't old enough to win the trophy, Wanganui golfer Tara Raj still made her presence known at the Manawatu Wanganui Secondary Schools championship, played at the Marton club last week.

Ten schools were represented across a field of 40 students, with Raj, 12, entering the girls individual section.

The Manawatu Wanganui Golf Inc website said Palmerston North Girls High student Rose Wu, playing off an 19 handicap, shot a very good round of 80.

"This was equalled by Wanganui Intermediate School student Tara Raj, however as Tara is a year away from secondary school level, [she] was not entitled to win the individual trophy.

"Tara Raj is perhaps the most promising of the up-and-coming young players and could well dominate the event during the next five years."

Palmerston North Boys High won the team event for the top three best gross scores, with Greg Shaw the boys' individual winner.

Feilding High School had the best team net, PNBHS's Mitchell Floyd-Naylor the best individual net.

Raj had recently competed at the Junior Tiger national final at the Manawatu Golf Club (Hokowhitu) after winning the Girls 12-14 grade qualifier for Manawatu-Wanganui.

She came third for her division at the national final, up from fourth the year before.

Raj also went to the South Island Under 19 championship, played at Coringa Golf Club in Christchurch in mid April.

She finished seventh overall and was the leading Under 13 player at the event.