Matamata successful host of Festival of Golf
The recent Festival of Golf at Matamata was a resounding success.
On Friday, July 7, the New Zealand foursomes results were as follows: Winners Brittney Dryland and Joanna Kim (71, 68), runners up Vivian Lu and Silvia Brunotti (72, 72) and third placegetters were Lucy Owen and Chantelle Cassidy (73, 72).
Nett winners were Caitlin Maurice and Ella Campbell (74, 72). Runners up Sian Stevenson and Zeta Syme (79, 70).
In third were Siyi Keh and Karameli Vitale (74, 75).
Saturday dawned promisingly for 78 players in the 43rd Ruth Middleton event.
After the first two rounds Siyi Keh (Pakuranga) held the lead on total 139 from New Zealand stroke and matchplay champion Chantelle Cassidy on 141.
In the final round these two were teamed with 3rd place Shani White (Gulf Harbour) on 147.
Leading the Nett was Jill Morgan (Cambridge) 71, 67.
The final round on Sunday was played in heavy but fine weather.
The leading three quickly became a two horse race with Siyi Keh keeping her nose in front until the final four holes.
New Zealand champ, Chantelle, produced a stunning finish with birdies on the four holes to take the title by one stroke from Siyi.
Chantelle has won the Ruth Middleton Cup fourth time in five years.
The Nett winner, Jill Morgan, (Waikato’s No 1 Masters player) played a stunning final round of 71 of the stick (Hcp 6) to take out the Burke Salver by a huge margin of 12 shots.
Her three Nett scores were 71, 67, 65.
Runner Up was Jennifer Manning (Horsham Downs).
Two Matamata players Sheelah Lamb (9th) and Pam Wright (16th) featured in the Nett prize list. John and Jackie Middleton attended the final day and prize giving.
Every year John speaks with affection about his late mother’s love of golf and how proud she would be to see so many young, and not so young, golfers showing their talent.