Golf: Consistency key to Dennison victory

By BOB PEARCE

Huapai golfer Bevan Dennison left most of New Zealand's top amateurs struggling in his wake when he won the Auckland strokeplay title by 10 shots at Titirangi yesterday.

The 23-year-old North Harbour representative was a model of consistency with rounds of 71, 70, 72, 70 for a three-over-par total of 283.

Second was Remuera player Matthew Cormack, recently returned from university in the United States, and third was Taihape's Riki Kauika, a leading contender for the New Zealand Eisenhower team, two shots further adrift.

Dennison, whose wife Spinel caddied for him throughout the sunny but bitterly cold two days, is preparing for a shot at the Australasian professional qualifying tournament in December.

He has given up his job and has been working hard in the gym and on the course, both at Huapai and at Titirangi, where he also has membership. His closing 70 with the pressure of leading included four birdies.

Most of the field struggled on the fast greens. Only two players broke par of 70, Richard Hislop (The Grange) and Northlander Alex Tait with 69s in the second round.

The tournament was a trial for the Eisenhower team and the main contenders had mixed results.

Form player Josh Geary was fourth, a stroke behind Kauika. Waikato players James Gill, Mathew Holten and Brad Shilton were in the top 10, but Kevin Chun was 28th and Doug Holloway 36th.

Across the harbour, New Zealand representative Sarah Nicholson (Hutt) won the North Shore 54-hole Classic by four shots from Sharon Ahn (North Shore). Penny Newbrook (Springfield) was third.