Brunotti, Hillier claim NZ titles

Young golfer Silvia Brunotti wants ‘‘to be like Lydia’’ Ko, and is on the right track to doing so, claiming the New Zealand Amateur Championship at just 14-years-old.

Brunotti beat defending champion Rose Zheng 7 and 6 on Sunday afternoon at the Russley golf course in a dominant display of golf, bursting onto the scene at the same age as Ko did.

‘‘I’m over the moon, I know it doesn’t look like it, but I am.’’

After being 1-down early in the fixture, the Italian-born golfer reclaimed the lead on the fourth hole and never lost it.

By the half-way stage, she was 3-up and as the day progressed the galleries realised that something special was happening.

‘‘I don’t know how to explain the feeling, it’s so unreal and I didn’t think I would get this far.’’

There was no time for celebrations, however, as she continued her study regime with her first science exam tomorrow.

In the men’s field, Wellington’s Daniel Hillier claimed his second title, defeating Canterbury’s Tom Parker 10-up in the 36-hole final.

After spending the week billeted with Parker, Hillier put his friendship aside as he completely dominated the hometown hope and was 7-up through 18 holes.

Hillier had his fair share of luck this week, but he didn’t give luck the chance to strike and was very satisfied with his efforts.

‘‘It feels amazing, it’s been one heck of a week and I managed to get some putts to drop in the final and that was the difference today,’’ Hillier said.

‘‘Tom was brilliant all week and it was awesome to go head to head with him at one of the biggest events.

‘‘It is a big step for me and I feel like my career is progressing nicely. If I can keep improving my game I may look to turn pro in a year or two and challenge myself at the next level.’’

Hillier now has won two New Zealand Amateur Championships, the New Zealand Under-19 Stoke Play, two New Zealand Age Group Championships and the Harewood Open. He was also the leading amateur at the 2015 New Zealand Open in Queenstown and the Australia Juniors Champion in the same year.