Golf: Bay of Plenty locals claim NZ Foursomes title

Craig Hamilton. Photo / APN

Bay of Plenty locals Craig Hamilton (Omanu) and Sam Davis (Tauranga) combined superbly to claim the New Zealand Foursomes title at the Mount Maunganui Golf Club today (Fri).

The good mates shot a three under par 69 in round one this morning to take a comfortable lead and backed that up with an even par 72 this afternoon to claim the title by one shot from Tae Koh and Nick Voke and Mount golfer Brad Kendall and David Feeney.

Hamilton (+1.6) and Davis (+1.3) are from opposing clubs but practice together most days at Omanu.

"The key to foursomes is knowing each other's game and having fun," Hamilton said ahead of the tournament.

"Sam's an easy guy to get on with, but because you're not playing your own game the whole time, there's pressure having someone relying on you. You end up in parts of the course you wouldn't usually play from so you need the ability to move on from the odd bad shot pretty quickly."

Left-handed Davis worked with respected coach Jay Carter on moving the ball from right to left while Hamilton also fades the ball strongly, although he conceded his mate has got a few yards on him off the tee.

"Sam hits it long so we should be on the par-fives in two shots no matter who tees off. He also hits it straight, although I've probably just put the kibosh on him so you'd better say he hits it wide and short."

Hamilton hoped the win would put them in contention for future national selection.

"Foursomes probably isn't the big prize but any result at national level that puts your name out there has got to be a good one."

In the women's division Auckland's Caryn Khoo (Pakuranga) and Brittney Dryland (Titirangi) won by two shots from Larissa Jane Eruera and Chantelle Cassidy. Khoo, a Srixon Development Member, and Dryland had rounds of 78 and 77 to win the national title.