NZ golfer Josh Geary on the Renaissance Brewing NZ Stroke Play Championship. Video / Supplied
Golfer Josh Geary has celebrated an "emotional" win in his first tournament since the death of his mother in a crash into Tauranga Harbour.
"You sort of knew she was somehow watching over and helpingme out," he said.
Geary won the Renaissance Brewing New Zealand Stroke Play Championship which was held at Christchurch Golf Club from Thursday to Sunday.
Geary took three months off from the sport from October and this was the first full-round tournament he had played since his mother died on December 8.
He said playing was "huge" for him, having worked through the grief of the sudden loss in recent months.
Maree Geary, 65, was a big fan of her son's golf and had been to hundreds of tournaments. Photo / Supplied
Geary said his mum was often on his mind, and it was no different while he was playing.
"You sort of knew she was somehow watching over and helping me out, which was a nice feeling."
He said the win was a "big confidence boost" to kick off the season.
Knowing his mum would always be at his games in spirit brought him comfort as well.
Geary has a few more pro-ams in the next two weeks before he and his partner's first child, a baby girl, is due in April.
While nothing has been set in stone, Geary is planning on heading back to Europe to play golf in either May or June.
Tournament director Dave Mangan said Geary's performance over the final nine holes was "incredible".
"They say that championships start on the back nine on Sunday, and for Josh to start birdie, eagle, birdie and shoot seven-under on the back nine was something else," he said.
"Hopefully, he can take some confidence from that performance and do it again in Europe later in the year. He certainly has the talent to do so."