On the 7th and 8th of May 2011 the final of the 2010 Order of Merit was played in Arrowtown in fine conditions, however it was very wet under foot. This final is an invitation only event for the top 12 boys, and top 4 girls, picked because of the points they have earned over the 2010 junior tournament season
With the support of Professionals Craig Palmer and Ben Gallie, the group played at two of the best golf courses in the country (Michael Hills “The Hills” and Millbrook Resort). Not only were the juniors able to play at the courses free of charge, Craig and Ben also gave their time and each played with a group of juniors. They were joined by Mahal Pearce, Brent McEwan and Michael Smith, each of playing with a group of juniors and offering support and advice on these challenging courses.
All players were required to meet at The Hills on Saturday afternoon to start the event. Craig Palmer had set the pins in tricky positions on the greens, which were playing two feet faster than what they had played in the NZ open. Mahal and Brent showed however that the course was not impossible, by posting scores of 71 and 73 respectively.
Thomas Facer also had an impressive round of 75 – 3 over with 2 triple bogies. This was an exception to the rule however, with most juniors posting scores in the high eighties in the difficult conditions.
After a meal, a good nights sleep, and the most rain in one night the area had seen for some time, the players were greeted on Sunday morning to a very wet but easier golf course. The race for the 2010 title was still on between two players, and after a years golf the player who placed the highest over the weekend would take the title.
After Saturday’s results, Thomas Facer had an 11 shot lead over Thomas Forbes, who had another consistent day on Sunday, shooting 2 over par 74 to take out 1st overall for the weekend and the 2010 title
Antony McCullough came back from a disaster day on Saturday to shoot a 2 under for a round of 70 at Millbrook to hold on to his 3rd place in the overall standings.
Chadol Han played consistently well all weekend to place 2nd and Laura Hoskin was the best of the ladies finishing 5th.
The Prize giving was held at Millbrook on Sunday afternoon with Greg Turner in attendance to hand out the prizes, and give the players a few words of advice. Overall the event was a huge success with the smiles of the juniors proving that and with over $3000 of prize’s given out for travel or equipment the smiles kept coming.
2010 Final Standings
1st Thomas Facer
2nd Thomas Forbes
3rd Antony McCullough
4th Scott Mitchell
5th Laura Hoskin
