Junior golfers punch above weight

Aitutaki junior golfers have punched above their weight at the Whitford Age Grade Golf Tournament in New Zealand carding credible and impressive scores to place in the top three.

After a disappointing tournament in the Auckland Age Grade Golf Tournament, the Araura junior golfers provided exciting golf results to earn them a well deserve top placing in the Whitford Age Grade Golf Tournament.

Winston Kiria placed 2nd in the 3rd Division (handicap 12 18) and Leo Roa came 3rd in the 2nd Division (handicap 7 11) followed by Toni Turua at 4th in the same division.

The winner of the Auckland Junior Champs, Sam Arn from Titirangi Golf Club, also took out the Whitford Junior Champ with a mighty 73 and 68 (3 under par) in the 1st Division.

Results Winston Kiria 93/87, Leo Roa 84/79, Toni Turua 83/81, Teariki Smith 91/79, Karika Karika Jnr 90/88, Jojo Karati 88/83.

Leo Roa and Teariki Smith proved to everyone that they can master the course with a well earned 79 (8 over the card) and Teariki scoring the closest to the pin on No 11 to win himself a brand new sand wedge and Jojo Karati won the overall longest drive on No 18 to beat everyone in the tournament to win himself a prize.

Overall the boys performed very well on the last day of the tournament despite the wet conditions throughout the tournament.

The team acknowledges Air Rarotonga, Budget Rental, Ewan and Fenny Smith, Phil Urlich and family, Moe Nio, Mrs Manavaroa, Mr and Mrs Singh, Darren and Felecity Robertson, Aitutaki Golf Club, Rarotonga Golf Club and all the parents and junior golf committee for supporting the team during the preparation and course of the Auckland golf tournament. The team wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and is looking forward to a better 2012 golf year.