Josh Geary has come a long way since starting out at Otumoetai and Mount Maunganui golf clubs to claiming his second win at the Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open - part of the Jennian Homes Charles Tour - at the weekend.
Working a nine-to-five office job isn't for Josh Geary.
The Mount Maunganui pro golfer would rather be outside, on the green, travelling the world.
"I love the people you meet and the travel. I have met friends all around the world now," he said.
"Nine-to-five can be a dead-end sometimes. I couldn't really do that, I am not suited for an inside job. I like that competition ... and making a living is a bonus."
And it's all seemingly paying off for the 34-year-old, having claimed his second win at the Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open - part of the Jennian Homes Charles Tour - at the weekend.
The wire-to-wire finish saw Geary, who has come a long way since starting out at Ōtūmoetai and Mount Maunganui golf clubs, win two shots clear of Kiwi golfers Dongwoo Kang and Mike Hendry to claim the trophy for the second time since 2014.
With rounds of 63, 64, 67 and 68, Geary proved he is at the top of his game.
Josh Geary claimed his second win at the Akarana Open. Photo / Simon Watts
Following his recent success at the 100th New Zealand Open, where he tied second, Geary was happy to finally get over the line. However, Geary said the victory was no easy feat.
"It was a bit of a struggle to be honest," he said.
"I played a lot better on Thursday and Friday but it was good enough to get the job done."
The greens were fast and the wind was up on Sunday, which Geary said didn't help his game.
But a vital birdie on the difficult 16th hole gave Geary a two-shot buffer down the home stretch to help him win the game.
"I stayed very patient and only made one bogey. The best part of it was the lack of errors. I didn't have to be too worried for the last few holes," he said.
"I am happy to finish on top, so I can't complain."
Geary will play in the upcoming Autex Muriwai Men's Open between April 11-14 before heading to Morocco on the European Tour in about three weeks' time.
Josh Geary claimed his second win at the Akarana Open. Photo / Simon Watts
New Zealand events helped golf professionals, like himself, to springboard into bigger overseas events, Geary said.
"It is great to keep playing, otherwise you sort of go in there cold with no competitive rounds, so it is just to keep your juices flowing," he said.
"It just shows which part of your game you need to work on under pressure. It is great preparation for us."
