A strong representation of Eastern Bay golfers performed well at the Māori Nationals earlier this month.  

Te Teko Golf Club sent several players, and the small Eastern Bay club punched well above its weight.

They had 22 players compete through the five divisions.

It was the first Māori Golf Nationals for a lot of the members, so was a big learning experience for most.

Top performer for the club, Desree Hunia, won the Senior Women’s Nett.

Kaleb Crawford bounced back well to win his division after a challenging first couple of days in the senior section, played at a challenging Bay of Islands Course, Kerikeri.

The tournament is always well known for its real whānau atmosphere, and it was the same in the far north.

Hunia, a Te Teko golfer who had success at the tournament, said it was awesome to be part of.

“First two days were strokeplay. I managed to take out the nett and stableford for the open women’s division, placing 12th overall.

“A big week of golf and an awesome one, always good meeting new whānau from across Aotearoa who share the same interest.

“Our EBOP whānau represented well with 22 members of Te Teko Golf Club alone. Watching the talent from the rangatahi and especially Ōpōtiki Golf Club, though, is and is always a highlight of the Māori golf nationals for me.”

Diane Tahuri also took out best nett lady in the senior kaumatua division.

Ōpōtiki also had a large contingent of golfers compete.

Their team consisted of 14 players, aged 14 to mid-70, with two players winning their divisions. Elijah Huriwaka won the Senior Men’s Division 2 Matchplay and Kupu-John Amoamo took out the Junior Division 1 Matchplay title.

Tatana Koopu made the final of Junior Division 2, and Shaynee and Stevie Biddle-Tai made the semifinals of the Senior Ladies Matchplay.

It was an impressive showing from the twin sisters, who also represented Bay of Plenty late last year at the National inter-provincials in Ashburton.

James Sharp made the semifinal of the Junior Men’s Division 1. Many of the team made it into their quarterfinal matches.

Ōpōtiki showed – for a small rural club of fewer than 300 members – they punch well above their weight.

Ōpōtiki Golf Club club captain Duane Taiapa said their juniors continued to do well in golf circles.

“The club is extremely proud of all who participated, especially our younger players

“They played without fear and represented their whānau, their town and our club with respect, humility and exceptional golf.

“We are already planning next year in the sunny Hawke’s Bay.”