Chung Runner Up at Akarana

Vivian Lu has gone wire-to-wire to win her maiden Jennian Homes Charles Tour event at the Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open after fending off a courageous Darae Chung to win on the 72nd hole.

Lu set up her week with a superb opening round of seven-under par, but had to finish things the hard way as Wellington's Chung slowly caught her to co-lead entering today’s final round. 

Lu then took control throughout the day before an amazing up and down from the trees by Chung squared things up coming down the last hole. The trees weren’t so forgiving on the 18th as they swallowed the 13-year-old’s ball which forced a drop, ending her challenge. 

Our newest winner on the national circuit was very satisfied with her week and will take a lot of learnings from it. 
 
“It feels amazing, I’m very overwhelmed because I started off well, but struggled in the second and third rounds,” said Lu.

“I will learn so much from this week because I was so nervous entering the final day, but it was nice to have my friend caddy for me and my family watching.”

Although the Auckland amateur is unable to receive prize money, she walks away with a new Iphone after her Dad had a slip of the tongue which she cashed in on to claim the biggest victory of her career.

Chung who ended the week two-shots behind will mark this down as a hugely successful week as the 13-year-old from the Shandon Golf Club, continues to grow. In third place was former champion Brittney Dryland who was unable to repeat her 2016 efforts to finish with a tough final round of two-over.

In the Men's Tournament, Daniel Pearce has won his third Jennian Homes Charles Tour title by claiming the Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open by three shots this afternoon at the Akarana Golf Club.  

Pearce showed his experience this week with rounds of 66, 64, 66 and a composed 65, to hold off defending champion Gareth Paddison who finished in outright second. 

This also means the 29-year-old has recorded back to back victories on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour, with the last event being the Ngamotu Classic in October 2017, which he also won in convincing fashion. 

Wellington's  Dan Hillier-Manor Park (74,68,66,65) , Kerry Mountcastle-Masterton (71,70,68,68) and Jordan Loof-Royal Wellington (67,67,72,75) all featured at the top end of the field.