Brogan and Kenning wins no surprise

The final round of the Palm Grove Golf Tournament played last Saturday produced no real surprises in the senior divisions although there were some close calls and some in other divisions fell by the wayside.

In the senior mens division, Royle Brogan slipped a little from the previous week but was still able to card a creditable 75 off the stick to retain the lead even with club manager Haimona Browne making a late run with a 70 off the stick.

After Mena Howards surge up the leader board last week she looked a good chance for the major prize but it was Maara Kenning with the steadiest nerves on the day.

Tuwunga Mataora, playing in the junior mens division, couldnt hold it together on the final day and followed up last weeks 75 with a 90.

In the vets division, Riiti Mamanu had the wheels fall off his game and Peter McKinley maintained his good steady golf throughout the tournament.

Final results for the Palm Grove Tournament were senior men-1st Royle Brogan (216), 2nd Haimona Browne (218), senior ladies-1st Maara Kenning (240), 2nd Mena Howard (241), intermediate men-1st Pokoina Matara (237), 2nd Yitiri Akama (239), intermediate ladies-1st Ake Tereia (260), 2nd Apii Urlich (263), junior men-1st John Teiti (245), 2nd Tuwunga Mataora (246), junior ladies-1st Here Story (276), Bernie Raffe (288) and in the vets division 1st was Peter McKinkley (241) followed by Riiti Mamanu ( 244).

This was an exciting tournament, especially on the last day when leads changed several times. Mama Tangi, representing our very generous sponsor, Palm Grove, was present for the prize giving at which Tangi graciously handed out the prizes. We thank Betsy Eisler of Palm Grove for the very generous sponsorship throughout the year.

This Saturday morning is another exciting time for the senior players who will take part in the famous Michigan Motors Shootout.

In this event, the 20 top players take part in a sudden death competition with some players dropping out at each hole until there are only two players left at the last tee.

This competition always has a good crowd who follow their favourites around the course and then wont speak to them if they didnt win.

Players involved are, (in tee-off order) Daniel Webb, James Herman, Royle Brogan, Teinaki Howard, Tereapii Urlich, Mena Howard, Tuaine Marsters, Henry Puna, Alice Pilkinton, Sonny Karati, Chris McGeown, Haimona Browne, Maara Kenning, Nga Manuela, Tom J Marsters, Kirk Tuaiti, Kurai Foster, Henry Story, Ned Howard, and Rotana Howard.

In the afternoon there will be a shotgun start at 1pm for all the members.

Following the afternoons play, there will be the half-year prize giving. All members, especially the prize winners, are urged to attend.

Good luck to all shootout players, and thank you Michigan Motors.