Ben Slaven 2016 Match-play Champion
Ben Slaven, a member at Royal Wellington GC where the event was being held, has continued his stellar year by winning his 1st WGI title, the Matchplay crown. Slaven beagn the tournament with an extra hole win over Masters Interprovincial standout Malcolm Gullery of BFHGC on the 19th, then accounted for his provincial team mate Kerry Mountcastle of Masterton 1up, on into the semi's and up against another Toro team mate, beating EJ Nicholson from BFHGC 2up. The final saw Ben have to overcome a fast start by Miramar's Brad Rowland who won the first 3 holes, working his way back to even then pushing ahead to close out the match 3 & 2. The smooth efficent style and deadly putter formed a combination the province will be looking to harness in a weeks time at New Plymouth at the Toro Tournament.