Friday, 23 July 2010
THE Bay of Plenty Open returns to the Whakatane Golf Course next week with a talent-laden field entered.
The annual 72-hole strokeplay tournament is expected to showcase some quality play under the scrutiny of the New Zealand golf selectors.
The Pak’n Save-sponsored tournament tees off next Friday with three sections of competition. The main event, the men’s field, has 78 players with almost half on scratch handicap or better. The lowest handicapper and top contender is New Zealand representative Nick Gillespie on plus 3.8 from Hastings.
Eastern Bay players will also be among the action with Ryan Maxwell, Ranui Black, Richard White and Matthew Adamson, showing the way for Whakatane.
Destined to be just as exciting is the women’s section with 13-year-old New Zealand representative Lydia Ko of Gulf Harbour, on a plus 4.3 handicap, will head the field of 12.
Ko, known as “Knockout” to her peers, is the current North Island strokeplay champion. Caroline Bon from Northland on plus 3.2.
Whakatane’s Zoe Brake, on plus 1.7, will be back to defend her title after a count back win last year.
The youngest contestant, 11-year-old Tyla Kingi of Opotiki, is also on the card and plays off a 6.9 handicap.
The third section is the masters with a field of 20, who must be at least 40 years old. Handicaps range from scratch player Jason Madden of Mount Maunganui to 14 handicapper Eric Adams from Whangarei.
This is also a competent field with seven contenders under a three handicap.
On Wednesday there will be a sponsors day, starting with a barbecue and a free golf clinic. The day concludes in the evening with a light meal, entertainment and prizegiving.
On Thursday players will have a practice round. Tournament director Grant Wilkinson and his team are looking forward to fine weather and a good turnout of spectators.