Auckland lead after Day 1 of NZ Women's Masters in Methven

2016 New Zealand Women’s Masters

Methven Golf Club

Round One – Auckland Take The Lead

Friday 01 April 

Article courtesy of NZ Golf 

Looking for their fourth win, Auckland have taken a 2-shot lead in the 2016 New Zealand Women’s Masters, being played at the Methven Golf Cub. 

The 25^th Masters tournament for district teams of four aged 40 and over, has returned to Methven, the venue of the inaugural event in November 1992.   

Scores from team captain and a past New Zealand representative, Lisa Herbert (32), Sian Kelly (34) and Jeon Scarlett (28) all contributed to today’s total of 98.  Brigit Holford, the non-counting card with 28 gross stableford points.   Auckland with wins in 1993, 2004 and 2008 finished second in 2015, to Southland.  

But for locals the highlight of the day was the top score of 37 by Aorangi’s captain Ginny Bolderston, to head start her beloved team to second position, with a total of 96 points.    Bolderston’s round included a chip in eagle on the par 5, 5^th and birdies on the 3^rd, 14^th, 15^th and 18^th. 

Previous professional Catherine Knight contributed 28 points and long-time Aorangi district rep, Jenny Kellahan, 31. The non-counting card, being Methven’s Angela Mowbray, (28 points).   Aorangi has never won the coveted Russell Grace Cup, but with the home advantage and their strong start anything could happen tomorrow with 36 holes scheduled to be played. 

With 93 points, Bay of Plenty is sitting in 3^rd place.  Dominant in the period 1997 to 2003 where they amassed five wins in seven years, Bay of Plenty would love to get their hands back on the trophy.  Spurred on by the most capped masters player, Anna Brabyn who represented the Bay 13 times, they sit only 6 points back.  Uncharacteristically team captain Shelley McElroy with 28 points had the non-counting card.  Judy Cameron had 31 points, Pip Lawson 30 and Gillian Lees, playing in her first masters, 32 points. 

In 4^th equal position lie Southland, the defending champions, along with Waikato.  Much has been written about the strong Southland team that remains unchanged for the 5^th consecutive year in a period where they have won six titles in the last seven years.   Southland sit only 10 shots back, on a total of 88 with opening rounds of 30 from team captain Robyn Boniface, 32 from Robyn Pullar and 26 each from Kerry Mariu and Fiona Murray (Murray the non-counting card being the last card recorded). 

Waikato, is led by the 2016 New Zealand Mid Amateur champion, Jill Morgan, who contributed 30 points, with regulars Deb Foster and Robyn Pellow, both 29 points.  The non-counting card, was Pam Wright (28 points). 

Results in playing order

(non-counting card based on the 2^nd of the two scores entered)

1^st        98 Auckland: Lisa Herbert 32; Sian Kelly 34; Scarlett Jeon 32; Brigit Holford 28 (n/c)

2^nd       96 Aorangi: Catherine Knight 28; Ginny Bolderston 37; Jenny Kellahan 31; Angela Mowbray 28 (n/c)

3^rd        93 Bay of Plenty: Shelley McElroy 28 (n/c); Judy Cameron 31; Pip Lawson 30; Gillian Lees 32

4^th        88 Southland: Robyn Boniface 30; Robyn Pullar 32; Kerry Mariu 26; Fiona Murray 26 (n/c): Waikato: Jill Morgan 30; Pam Wright 28 (n/c); Deb Foster 29; Robyn Pellow 29

6^th        87 Tasman: Michele Reardon 34; Tracy Barry 19 (n/c); Sue Murray 28; Robin White 25: Wellington: Fiona McBride 30; Kellie Orchard 28 (n/c); Sereana Phillips 29; Jennie Hewett 28

8^th        84 Northland: Samantha Dangen 34; Jo Taylor 20 (n/c); Alayna Cox 25; Ann Hathaway 25

9^th        82 Hawkes Bay / PB: Janie Field 32; Kathy Olsen 24; Fiona Ellis 26; Martha Manaena 23 (n/c)

10^th      79 Otago: Susan Greig 29; Liz McRae 24; Tracey Storer 26; Maria Arhanic 22 (n/c)

11^th      78 North Harbour: Vaha Fapiano 34; Annette Muir 20; Fleur Reynolds 19 (n/c); Julie Gillespie 24

12^th      77 Taranaki: Debbie McCallum 25; Ann Braithwaite 26; Eleanor Hodson 26; Kim Lucas 23 (n/c)

13^th      72 Canterbury: Anne Dick 23; Cheryl Kemp 20 (n/c); Joanne Kent 27; Di Kay 22: Manawatu / Wanganui: Jill Hall 24; Jenny Ritchie 25; Rebecca Hopper 23; Joanne Wilton-Eadie 20 (n/c) 

36 holes, are scheduled to be played tomorrow, starting from 8.00am with the final 18 holes, teeing off at 7.30am on Sunday 03 April.