The second round of the Air New Zealand Golf Tournament was played at Rarotonga Golf Club last Saturday and 91 golfers all tried their best to win the major prize a return air ticket to Auckland, generously donated by Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand have been a really good sponsor of Cook Islands golf for many years and their support is greatly appreciated by all golfers.

A few of the leading contenders from the first round fell by the wayside in the second round and some of the 40 or so who were always in with a chance charged up the field. Even players with only a +2 for the first round improved to win prizes.

Winner of the sweep for the day was Pokipoki Pomare who finished with a creditable +7. Pokipoki is really starting to exercise more control over his game these days and the handicapper is looking forward to cutting his handicap even more in the future as his game gets even better.

Other players who improved on their first round included Mena Howard, Tai Raina, Kirk Tuaiti and Cedric Toru.

However, it was Tuaine Marsters who held up the best from the first round leaders.

Tuaine finished with a +5 on the day to give her a +12 for the tournament.

This was enough to make her the outright winner.

Tuaine received a return ticket to Auckland.

She also received a prize for the best ladies round of 78 along with Mena Howard.

Best round of the day for the men came from Kirk Tuaiti with a 69 off the stick.

Kirk also won the prize for the mens longest drive, while it was Tania Karati, once again, who outdrove all the ladies.

Two strokes behind Tuaine Marsters and clinching second prize of a $500 voucher was Pokipoki Pomare with a total of +10.

The other major prize winners were Mena Howard (+10), Rita Howard (+9), Royle Brogan (+8), Terangi Teokotai (+8), Haimona Brown (7), Philip Urlich (+7), Tai Raina (+6) and Henry Story (+6).

We were pleased to have Air New Zealand Cook Islands manager David Bridge and his wife Noeline in attendance at the Golf Club to present the prizes.

Air New Zealand also generously sponsored a second return ticket to Auckland.

All players who played both rounds of the tournament were eligible to win and all names went into a draw for this prize.

The lucky winner was none other than Club Captain Philip (Ipa) Urlich.

This was a marvellous tournament, wholly due to the sponsorship of Air New Zealand and the spirit of the players who took part. Thank you, Air New Zealand.

The draw for the Lionel/Virginia Tournament has been completed and you have until the end of the month to play your game.

Arrival times at the tee last week were much improved thank you players.

This Saturday is a normal club sweep day.