Putting key in Bungard’s Wanaka Open win

ISLAND Park’s Phil Bungard won the Wanaka Open on Saturday, riding home on his putter.

Bungard won by four shots from Otago’s Brandon Hodgson while Johnny Mackay, of Cromwell, finished third.

Bungard hit a 1under 69 in the morning but was four shots behind Hodgson who had hit a 5under 65 in the morning.

Bungard though hit better in the afternoon with a 4under 66 while Hodgson could manage only a 4over 74.

It had rained in Wanaka overnight so the course was relatively soft and Bungard hit some good putts while others struggled to make any decent putts when it mattered.

The wind picked up in the afternoon and make it tricky at times but Bungard managed to stay on the fairway.

Mackay hit par for his two rounds.

Otago and Southland face off against each other in a 10man tournament at St Clair Golf Club this weekend.

There will be foursomes alternate ball on Saturday followed by singles matches on Sunday.