Golf: Munn top amateur as Neho out in quarters

Whangarei's Kadin Neho watches a shot during day two of the New Zealand Amateur Championship. Defending champion Neho bowed out in the quarter-finals. Photo/Simon Watts

Whangarei golfer Kadin Neho hasn't been able to re-create his heroics from last year at the New Zealand Amateur Championship, being knocked out in the quarter-finals.

The defending champion, Neho, was knocked out by the eventual runner-up Tae Koh at the Nelson Golf Club, losing 5-4, after going into the quarter-finals ranked third.

Neho was the best finisher of the Northland contingent with Waipu's Chase McKeown, Kerikeri's Alex Neely, and Whangaroa's Brooke Kingi failing to make the play-offs.

Neho found his mojo on the opening day of the match play championship as the 18-year-old from the Whangarei Golf Club delivered a clutch win over Stroke Play Champion Luke Toomey by 1up.

He backed that up in the afternoon, in what was a repeat of the 2013 Amateur Final at the Manawatu Golf Club, when he defeated the final Tasman hope Ryan Chisnall 1up at the last with a birdie from 15 feet.

Neho has struggled with his game in recent times and said he feels like he is returning to his best. "My swing is feeling good again and with that I am becoming more confident. It is great to be in this position after how I have played recently. I know I have a few tough matches to come but it is good to have a chance to defend my title."

Last year the Whangarei Boys' High School student became the first golfer from Northland to win the amateur title in 120 years.

The eventual winner was Manawatu golfer Josh Munn who claimed what he called the "biggest win of my career" when he secured an incredible come-from-behind victory.

The New Zealand rep rallied on the homeward stretch to defeat Tae Koh on the 37th hole in cold and windy conditions in what will be remembered as one of the great finals.

Munn, who has won twice on the Charles Tour, and claimed the prized Lake Macquarie Amateur in Australia, was in disbelief to be the last man standing as the New Zealand Amateur Champion.

"This is the trophy that I have always wanted to win," said the 23-year-old Munn. "Ever since I was 13 years old I have talked about winning the NZ Amateur with my coach Andre [White] and to do it is just unbelievable. It is without doubt the biggest win of my career."