Golf: Baird's putting earns final victory

By BOB PEARCE

Sixteen-year-old Chanelle Baird putted her way to victory in the Auckland provincial golf championships at Remuera yesterday.

In a one-sided final, the Whangaparaoa teenager beat Jane Park of Titirangi 5 and 3, sealing her victory with a 7.6m putt.

Baird was four up after five holes against an opponent whose nerves cost her dearly on the greens. Park was still two down at the ninth and Baird was never really threatened.

Daughter of former Taranaki representative Darryl, Baird moved with her family from Waitomo to Whangaparaoa early this year and has already secured a place in the North Harbour representative team.

The drama of the day came in the semifinals where Park beat the very experienced Sandra Carey (Taumarunui) one up and Baird beat La Nahi (Onewhero), the top qualifier, at the first extra hole.

Nahi had some consolation when she was named at No 1 in the Auckland team for the national interprovincial championships in Dunedin next month.

The team, in playing order, are: La Nahi (Onewhero), Bridgit Holford (The Grange), Rachel Mahoney (Titirangi), En Woo Chung (Manukau), Jill Martin (Pukekohe). Jane Park (Titirangi) is the reserve.

Auckland are the defending champions, having won the Honda Cup last year in the Bay of Plenty.