Smail wins NZ title

It was something his dad never achieved in his illustrious career.

Waikato’s Charlie Smail won the 2018 New Zealand Amateur Championship men’s golf title yesterday, defeating Wellington’s Kerry Mountcastle 5&4 in the 36-hole final.

The 20-year-old celebrated the moment with his family at Wairakei, which included father David, who has won over $12 million during his career.

‘‘It’s amazing and a very special feeling,’’ Charlie Smail said. ‘‘I can’t really believe it at the moment, this is the biggest win of my career by far. Quite a few people have come out to support me including family and members from the golf club, so it’s a special day.’’

David Smail added: ‘‘It feels pretty amazing and he has done a lot more than I did in the amateur stuff. I think I hardly ever made the top 32, so he’s done well and done us proud.’’

Mother Sheree, a standout amateur player who represented New Zealand and also played professionally, caddied for Smail during the week.

‘‘We are all immensely proud of what he has done today and I hope he eclipses us and makes us look silly,’’ she said.

Thirty-six holes wasn’t enough to find the women’s champion, with Auckland 14-year-old Vivian Lu making a clutch birdie on the first extra hole to claim the title. Lu made four birdies in five holes to close out the match against lead qualifier and hot favourite, Kum Kang Park.

Lu won the Akarana Open on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour this year.