CAPTION: From left, Lynne Gibbs, Shane Cunning (Managing Director Sheraton Fiji Resorts), Sue Roberston.
Announced at the final function and awards ceremony last night, Sue Robertson (NZ) and Lynne Gibbs (NZ) have won the 2013 Sheraton Fiji Denarau Women’s Golf Classic by a staggering 11 shots after another impressive round on the final day.
Starting the final round with a lead of 3 shots over fellow Kiwi’s Jackie Wells and Annie McDowall, they combined well to have the best round of the day, increasing their lead and inevitable win, by 11 shots. The three day tournament is competed for by pairs, with scores amassed by stableford points in foursomes, 4BBB and combined stableford play at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club.
Wells & McDowall slipped to third place overall with a final round of 64. Their final score of 150 was 17 shots off the pace. Second place was awarded to the oldest pairing of the tournament, Glenice Purcell and Glenis Shearer, also form New Zealand, who had a final round of 74 that bolted them up the leader board. Purcell and Shearer finished with 156 points.
The tournament, now in its 11th year is managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays. Tournament Director Denise Langdon commented at the awards ceremony of the camaraderie and passion that the girls exert into this tournament. “It is an event that they all look forward to, many now returning for the 8th, 9th and 10th time. There are many functions outside of the golf that the girls relish including themed dinners and events. We hope to announce dates for the 2014 tournament, in the coming week – some will start planning now”.
Just missing out in the top three was Susan Houston and Karen McNeill from New Zealand, with a final score of 149, just one shot back from third place. Local Denarau member Laura Cunning, partnered with Pam Messervey from New Zealand finished in 10th equal place, while Sulu Brooks and Edwina Petereson (both Denarau Golf Club members) finished in a share of 21st position.
There was a total of 39 golf clubs represented from around the South Pacific with players traveling from New Zealand, Australia and New Caledonia joining local Fijian members.
Top places as follows
167 – Sue Robertson (NZ) & Lynne Gibbs (NZ)
156 – Glenice Purcell (NZ) & Glenis Shearer (NZ)
150 – Jackie Wells (NZ) & Annie McDowall (NZ)
149 – Susan Houston (NZ) Karen O’Neill
146 – Gaylene Phillips (NZ) & Cheryl Simpson (NZ)
145 – Barb Caldow (NZ) & Sue Campbell (NZ)
144 – Julie Gee (NZ) & Trish McBride (NZ); Janice Hesp (NZ) & Ann Hogg (NZ); Lyn Melody (NZ) & Pene Trousslet (NZ)
143 – Pam Messervey (NZ) & Laura Cunning (FJ); Pam Griffith & Sereana Phillips (NZ)
142 – Kim Mline (NZ) & Terri Thompson (NZ)