Maukeans fancy their golfing

Tuesday 7: While golfers took to the green for the first day of the Cook Islands Games golf tournament yesterday, team Mauke have already stood out as the team to watch.

Up to 50 golfers are expected to take part in the golf which began yesterday and will end this Thursday with a medal ceremony.

Golf tournament organiser Chris Foster reckons that Mauke players including local stroke championship runner up Sonny Karati, and 13-year-olds Joe Joe Karati and Tony Turua, are sure to be in the running for medals if their continue their good form seen during local club competitions.

In the women’s category, Vaka Te Au O Tonga are shaping up as the team to beat with veteran golfer Maara Kenning looking sharp yesterday when she teed off with national golf representatives Kurai Foster of Vaka Takitumu and young Ana Howard playing for Mauke.

Chris Foster also predicts that team Manihiki is not to be underestimated.

“Mauke and Manihiki have money so they can buy their players, unlike Takitumu and Te Au O Tonga who get the leftovers,” joked Foster.

The blazing sun made for a hot day on the green but by the looks of the golfers, there was nowhere else they would rather be than on the golf course. - Matariki Wilson