Wild weather for Raro Golf Open

Golfers from Rarotonga, Aitutaki and New Zealand suffered and endured three days of pretty awful weather, which included torrential rain and near-cyclonic winds, to compete in the Rarotonga Open Golf Tournament last week.

In spite of the weather some of the senior golfers turned in some magical golf in this competition which was very generously sponsored by Scotty’s Pro Shop in Whitford New Zealand.

A couple of the players who really tackled the course were William Howard back home from New Zealand for a brief visit, playing off a +1 handicap and Landyn Edwards on a +2 handicap.

On this sort of handicap it was always going to be a struggle for these two to be among the sweep prizes which were up for grabs on each day of the competition.

William Howard shot a great 66 off the stick on the first day to throw down the gauntlet to the rest of the field and place ninth place in the stableford competition for that day.

William’s score could have been lower if some of his putts had been just a shade more accurate.

He has stated that it is one of his ambitions to better his father’s course record of 63 and his golf is still improving so don’t be too surprised to see it happen one day.

Some of the senior players are carding scores in the 90s at times.

It was a matter of who could handle the rain and strong winds the best to sort out the eventual winners.

William Howard’s rounds of 66, 68, and 71 (total 205) were good enough to secure first place in the senior men’s division with Landyn Edwards (217) placing second.

In the senior ladies’ division, Maara Kenning was leading Kurai Foster by 1 stroke after two rounds but stumbled on the last day to finish third with 244 behind Rotana Howard (241) and winner Kurai Foster (239). It was Kurai’s 81 on the last day which clinched first place.

Winners of the other divisions were – intermediate men 1st Pokoina Matara (229), 2nd Leo Roa (233), junior A men 1st Rory Quirke (258), 2nd Darrell Brown (261), junior ladies 1st Ake Unuka (251), 2nd Donnie Willis (280), junior B men – 1st Ripanau Tauia (257) 2nd Antony Turua (267) on a count-back from John Teiti and Dennis Andrews, vets Enua Bishop (239) on a count-back from Chris Rahui.

After presenting the wonderful prizes, Scott Bower praised the way the tournament was handled and is looking forward to coming back next year.

I think we may expect a lot more interest from some New Zealand golfers next year as well. All our new-found Kiwi friends seemed to enjoy themselves a lot.

Today is the first round of the Palm Grove Tournament, once again generously sponsored by Betsy Eisler of Palm Grove. There will also be a lucky draw for a prize after each round which you must be present to win.

Players will note that the first tee time has now been changed to 7.30am to allow the greens staff to work in daylight. This will continue for several weeks until the sun rises much earlier.