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Australian-domiciled Kiwi David Burton rallies to grab 2008 NZ Seniors golf title

Posted by admin under Latest Golf News, Mens Amateur Golf, Seniors Amateur Golf

Australian-domiciled Kiwi David Burton (pictured below) made two birdies in the final three holes to grab his first New Zealand Seniors golf title in Auckland.

Taking a four shot lead into the final round, Burton twice dropped back to a share of the lead with Sunshine Coast player Chris Coats. But Burton, who still retains a membership at Nelson Golf Club, made clutch birdies at the 16th and 17th holes in tough conditions to cement his win.

He finished with a three round total of one-over par 210 at the par-70 Akarana Golf Club.

The strong winds took toll on the scoring today, with a one-over 71 to Australian Phil Wood the best.

Burton mixed a bogey and birdie early before a horror run of five straight bogeys mid-round saw him drop back to chaser Coats after 12 holes. Both players made double bogies to remain level with five holes left before Coats dropped two in a row and Burton rallied with two birdies for the win.

He finished four shots clear of Coats and Muriwai’s Tony Treen on five-over 215. There was two shots further back to defending champion Stefan Albinski (Australia) and New Zealand selector Barry Shannon (Wanganui) with Wood sixth on 218.

The honours were shared int he trans Tasman rivalry with six Australians in the top 12.

Leading scores, NZ Seniors, Akarana GC, par 70:

211 David Burton (Nelson) 66 70 75
215 Chris Coats (Peregian Springs, AUS) 68 72 75, Tony Treen (Muriwai) 72 71 72
217 Stefan Albinski (Mona Vale, AUS) 75 73 69, Barry Shannon (Wanganui) 71 74 72
218 Phil Wood (Victoria, AUS) 73 74 71
219 Martin Webber (Royal Wellington) 71 75 73
220 Lindsay Brown (Keperra Country, AUS) 73 70 77, David Headland (Whitford Park) 73 73 74
221 Denis Dale (Cabramatta, AUS) 76 73 72, Ross Percy (Cobram Barooga, AUS) 74 71 76
222 Mike Leitch (Maungakiekie) 77 73 72
223 Alex Cleave (Lake Karrinyup, AUS) 73 75 75, Rick Oliver (Young) 76 72 75, Michael Barltrop (Auckland) 75 75 73, Rodney Bartrop (Royal Wellington) 74 76 73, Peter Williams (Akarana) 76 72 75, Frank Borren (Paraparaumu Beach) 71 73 79