Blustery conditions for Rarotonga open

The third and final round of the Rarotonga golf open tournament was played out in blustery conditions last Saturday and the windy conditions took their toll on some players.

Going into the last day, the leaders included Kirk Tuaiti in the senior mens division by 4, Rotana Howard by 13 in the senior ladies division, Bruce Manuela by 2 in the intermediate mens division, Aukino Tairea and Moetu Tangitamaiti tied in the junior mens division, Ake Tereia by 8 in the junior ladies category and George Hosking was leading by 8 in the mens vets.

In the senior mens, Kirk Tuaiti increased his lead to stay ahead of William Howard to take out first place, while in the senior ladies Mena stormed up the leader board to take second place.

Bruce Manuela surrendered his lead in the intermediate mens and finished level with Henry R Henry who ceded Bruce first place.

Aukino Tairea fell victim to the windy conditions and finished out of the running, while Ake Tereai had her lead in the junior ladies cut by Rita Howard but had enough lead to survive.

The full round-up of winners, with final scores were senior men-1st Kirk Tuaiti (207), 2nd William Howard (214), senior ladies-1st Rotana Howard (221), 2nd Mena Howard (242), intermediate men-1st Bruce Manuela (235), 2nd Henry R Henry (235), junior men-1st Moetu Tangitamaiti (250), 2nd Darrell Brown (255), junior ladies-1st Ake Tereia (261), 2nd Rita Howard (266) and vets-1st George Hosking (237), 2nd Henry Puna (240).

Particular thanks to the sponsorship from Scottys Pro Shop at Whitford Golf Club in New Zealand. David and Tracey Bartlett, representing Scottys, were at the club to present all the prizes.

Thanks to our other sponsors Coca Cola (courtesy of George George), CITC Liquor (courtesy of Fraser Nooroa), Vaima Water (courtesy of Marcel and Madeleine Tua) and the Tiraa George Family.

The Palm Grove Rarotonga Golf Club Championships start next Saturday 11.