Teen defends title

STRIDING OUT: Back-to-back Wanganui Golf Club senior women's champion Tara Raj leads finals debutante Brooke Polkinghorne a merry chase at Belmont on Sunday. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED

THE outcome of the Wanganui Golf Club championships was a tale of the repeat offender and the bridesmaid after a full day of golf in magnificent conditions at the Belmont links on Sunday.

Teenage sensation Tara Raj made it back-to-back women's titles when beating finals debutante Brooke Polkinghorne, while five-time runner-up Mike Arnott finally broke through to claim the main prize after beating Leighton Souness in the men's final.

In front of a sizeable gallery of followers and supporters both Raj and Arnott took command early in their respective grades to pretty much lead throughout and take the titles.

In addition to the club championship matches were an additional 15 other match finals of plates and consolations.

Wanganui director of golf and facilities Norm Rapson said the course was presented in excellent condition by greenkeeper Barry Shannon and his staff.

For the second year in a row, talented junior Raj made the final of the senior ladies championship and played first-time finalist Polkinghorne.

It was a close match where both held a lead at some stage of the first 18 holes, however, Raj was four up after the morning round. After a small break for lunch the first few holes were shared, but Raj gradually built up a commanding seven shot lead which was pinned back to five after the first nine holes. The consistency of Raj finally saw her take the match with six holes still to play, but both players are to be congratulated for a very good final, Rapson said.

In the men's final, Arnott, who had been the bridesmaid in five previous club finals, met Souness and both had their chances.

Arnott was four up after the morning round. The second 18 started evenly and Arnott held a four up lead after 27 holes. A turning point came on the par three 12th as both missed their tee shots firing left, although Arnott made a very good par putt to go five up. The match was finished in style on the par four 14th where Arnott made a great curling birdie putt to seal the match.

In other finals Keith Slight defeated Caleb Tuck, one of the club's newer members in the Intermediate Men's final. Two new members, Neville Butler and Glen Toy, fought out the Junior Championship with Butler prevailing, but there was no more popular win than Joel Corney holding off John Maslin on the 18th to win the Men's C Grade Championship.

Helen Dougherty defeated Lyn Hussey in the Ladies Bronze 1 final, Pru McDowall defeated Caro Hutchins in the Bronze 2 final and Barbara Smith beat new member Wigs Arathoon to win the Bronze 3 final.

Rapson said Barry Shannon, the course superintendent, was not only to be congratulated for presenting the course in great condition, but also for winning the trophy for being Top Qualifier in the Men's Senior Club Championship. Bradley Wallis was the best junior nett qualifier in the same event and also won the Senior Plate final.