Waikato amateur Luke Toomey delivered on his long heralded potential yesterday when he won the New Zealand Stroke Play Championship at the Hastings Golf Club.
The New Zealand rep, who began in a share of the lead with Auckland amateurs Tae Koh and Sam An at 10-under par, shot a tumultuous 3-under par 69 in the fine conditions to secure his maiden senior national title by two shots.
Australian amateur champion Koh (71) finished runner-up, while Takaka golfer Blair Riordan (70) and An (73), who claimed the Te Mana A Toi trophy for the tournament low round, finished in a share of third place.
But yesterday was all about Toomey. He became only the fifth golfer from the Waikato to win the St Andrews Salver following Ted McDougall (Tokoroa), Brad Shilton (Te Awamutu), Colin Taylor (Hamilton) and James Gill (Hamilton) and the first champion from the province for seven years.
The 21-year-old from the Riverside Golf Club, who held the third round lead two years ago in the same championship, was proud that he showed his renewed maturity to close out the title.
''I am just absolutely stoked to no longer be a bridesmaid and to win this after one of my best friends in Cam [Jones] last year makes it really special,'' Toomey said.
''I have had that many second and third places I have been wondering when it would be my turn and to open it up at the New Zealand stroke play is unbelievable.''
In the women's championship, Minami Katsu became the first Japanese golfer to win the Mellsop Cup in its 103-year history.
The 15-year-old, who began the final round with a six shot lead, completed a superb performance when she carded a 4-under par 70 at the Hastings Golf Club to win by seven shots and set a record for scoring in the event.
Auckland golfer Munchin Keh (70) chipped in on the final hole for eagle to claim second place from Japan's Haruka Morita (72), who three-putted the last for par.
Katsu made five birdies and a bogey in her round yesterday and never looked like relinquishing the lead. She signed for rounds of 69, 70, 68 and 70 for an incredible 19-under par total for a record total.
