Mark Andrews (Taieri Lakes) turned back the clock on his home course yesterday, scoring 66 and 71 to win the coveted Taieri Classic by a three-shot margin.
It was the second Classic win for Andrews (50), who last won the event 10 years ago, when it was decided over four rounds.
Amnia Logan (Wakatipu Junior) carded 69 and 71 to finish four under par for the day and take second place.
It was a day for former representatives as Brett Kennelly (Taieri Lakes) added a three-under-par 69 to his morning round of 73 and took third place, one shot ahead of Tom Parker (Christchurch).
Parker (17) finished in second place in the Otago strokeplay event two weeks ago and is rated as one of New Zealand’s top junior prospects.
Andrews set up his win in the morning round with a faultless six-under-par 66 with no dropped shots to par.
He started at the 10th tee and turned three under with birdies on 11, 16 and 17.
Coming home on the front nine he birdied the first two holes as well as the par 5 fifth to add to his 12 pars during the round.
In the afternoon he bogeyed all three par 3 holes on the front nine, giving the chasing pack a chance to close the gap.
But he birdied 1, 8, 12 and 13 to finish under the card on 71 and ensure his win.
In the morning Logan made one birdie and one bogey to turn square, a score he retained with three holes to play.
Logan made a strong finish with three birdies for his 69 to take second place at lunch.
Parker also turned square after nine holes in the morning but made four birdies coming home to finish under the card.
