Logan wins on favoured course

Inia Logan.
Inia Logan.
Cromwell teenager Inia Logan's relationship with the Roxburgh course grew even fonder after he fended off all challengers in fine conditions in the 36-hole Roxburgh Open at the weekend.

The talented 15-year-old broke 60 at the course when he posted a 9-under-par 59 in the Otago intercollegiate final in March.

On Saturday, he finished with a 3-under total of 133 in the first trial for Otago representative honours.

Millbrook professional Ben Gallie grabbed the bragging rights over the amateur competitors, carding 65 and 63 for an 8-under-par 128, but was ineligible for the championship due to his professional status.

There was never a dull moment on his two cards as he recorded three eagles, nine birdies, five bogeys and a double bogey.

With several golfers missing due to Otago No 1 Brent McEwan's wedding, the event was always destined to be competitive, especially around the tight 4370m par-68 course.

Otago masters player Kyle Geary (Chisholm Park) posted a 3-under-par 65 to lead the field at lunch.

He held a one-shot lead over Jamie Anstiss and Mark Brooks (both Queenstown), while Logan was three shots off the pace with an even-par 68.

Geary and Brooks faded in the afternoon, each carding 73 to leave the tournament wide open for the chasing pack.

Logan fired a 3-under-par 65 which was enough to seal the title from Anstiss and Duncan Croudis (Otago), who closed with 68 and 66 respectively to tie for second on 134.

The fast-finishing Daniel Barnett (Queenstown) shot 65 to claim third on 135.

A highlight of the day was the effort of 68-year-old Arrowtown golfer Granville Joynes, who matched his age with a par round in a rare feat.

The attention now turns to this Sunday, when a full-strength field will compete in the Chisholm Park Open over two rounds.

 - Michael Minty

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