Golf: Bay pair share North Island title

Tuhourangi Wilson (left) and Zack Swanwick give each other a bit of flak as they reflect of their sharing of the North Island under-13 golf title. Photo/Duncan Brown

Hawke's Bay golfer Tuhourangi Wilson was a lad with mixed emotions as the dust settled on the North Island under-13 golf championship in Hamilton last week.

"I was disappointed because I should have won it for myself. But at the same time it was also good to share it with Zack ... we've been friends and rivals for the past three years," Wilson said referring to fellow Bay golfer Zack Swanwick.

Napier Golf Club's Swanwick recovered from a five shot deficit going into the final round of the three-day, 54-hole strokeplay event at the Lochiel Golf Club to share the title with Wilson. While it was an awesome achievement for two Bay players to share the title the fact Swanwick, 11, will be eligible to play in the tournament next year added to the significance of the feat.

Karamu's Wilson, 12, who has secondary membership at the Napier, Hastings and Maraenui clubs and hones his skills with Maraenui's resident professional Scott Overend, shot a one-over par 73 during his first round, a one-under 71 during his second and a three-over 75 during his third. Swanwick had rounds of 76, 73 and 70.

"I just had to believe in myself going into that final round. Being in the same group as Tuhourangi on the final day helped ... it meant I could keep an eye on what he was up to," Swanwick said.

Mahora School year 8 pupil Wilson finished fourth in the tournament last year, one spot ahead of Taradale Intermediate School year 8 rival Swanwick. Last week the pair finished four shots ahead of their nearest rivals in their 15-strong field.

Wilson is no stranger to pressure golf. He has had two trips to the Unites States for the IMG Academy Junior World Championship, an annual tournament which hosts 1200 competitors in varying age groups from 56 countries and 42 states in the US. In 2016 he finished in a tie for sixth in his 9-10 years age group at the Carlton Oaks Country Club course in Santa Fe, California.

In 2015 he tied with three others in 54th place in a field of 117 at the Welk Resort San Diego Fountains course. Back in those days a regimented fitness regime which consisted of 50 sit ups, tummy crunches and push ups daily was part of his training schedule.

These days Wilson is a little more sensible.

"I just make sure I eat well. I train for two hours each day during the week and play for five hours each Saturday and Sunday," Wilson explained.

A big fan of former world No 1 Tiger Woods of the United States, four handicapper Wilson, expects to meet Swanwick again when the pair tackle the Hastings Open on January 27 and 28.

"That's my next big tournament and this weekend club play is on the agenda," Wilson said.

Like Swanwick he is eyeing the New Zealand under-13 title which will be up grabs in Palmerston North from September 5-8.

The Andrew Henare-mentored five handicapper Swanwick is eagerly awaiting the Hastings Open.

"The plan is to beat Tuhourangi there," he said within earshot of Wilson.

It's obvious the pair are good mates who enjoy throwing banter at each other.

"The under-13 North Islands will likely be back at Lochiel again next year. It will be good to win the title on my own rather than share it with somebody," Swanwick said.

"But in saying that I still regard the sharing of last week's title as the highlight of my golfing career."

While Swanwick doesn't boast the same international experience as Wilson his 2017 club-based successes were impressive. He won the trophy for the most outstanding male across all ages at the club, the junior championship and the intermediate men's championship.

There's no doubt more will be heard about Wilson and Swanwick in the future. Both are adamant they would prefer to be passing on news of outright titles successes rather than shared ones too.