Hutson Leads Harbour to Victory

North Harbour have won the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ to become the 2017 Toro Interprovincial champions at Mangawhai Golf Club after defeating Auckland 3-2 in the final. After five days of high-quality golf, North Harbour were deserving winners after finishing the week with a perfect record of eight from eight to win for the first time since 2005.

North Harbour 3 defeat Auckland 2: Mark Hutson def Johnny Tynan 3&2, Kit Bittle lost to Jared Edwards 3&2, Kevin Koong def Mason Lee 2&1, James Hydes lost to Matty Tiplady 5&4, Jake Lee def Jang Hyun Lee 5&4.

This young side was led by New Zealand Stroke Play champion and player of the tournament Mark Hutson who captured the final point late this afternoon.

Hutson has been part of this side for four years and was very proud of his team’s performance.

“It’s pretty awesome, the boys have done a fantastic job and haven’t lost a game all week, I couldn’t be more happy for them,” beamed Hutson.

“It feels really cool to be part of a team, golf is such an individual sport so to do this with all my mates feels great.”

This has been a breakthrough year for Hutson who along with the mentioned results competed in his first Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship on home soil.

“It’s been a busy year and I have played a lot of golf. It’s been an awesome ride to be honest and after a few career highlights, I am looking forward to a little rest.”

A massive feature of the winning side was number five Jake Lee who only lost once during the week and showed his class with a 5&4 victory in the final where he was an incredible seven-under through just 14 holes.

Silver medallists Auckland can hold their heads high after a superb effort in getting to the final. After opening their account with a halve against Aorangi, who recorded their second-best result at the event, they never looked back producing their best performance in 22 long years without hoisting the trophy.

After hosting the perfect event, the Northlander’s had something else to celebrate with Scott Wightman finishing the week undefeated. He was joined by Jordan Woodall who claimed a bronze medal for his Waikato side.

Hawkes Bay’s fairytale story came to an end in today’s semi-final against Auckland after playing a huge part in the event. In 2016 they finished in 14th to rise to fourth this week and threatened to make the final.

FULL MEN’S POINTS TABLE HERE

North Harbour 3 def Auckland 2 Mark Hutson def Johnny Tynan 3&2, Kit Bittle lost to Jared Edwards 3&2, Kevin Koong def Mason Lee 2&1, James Hydes lost to Matty Tiplady 5&4, Jake Lee def Jang Hyun Lee 5&4.

SEMI FINAL RESULTS

North Harbour 3 defeat Waikato 2 
Mark Hutson lost to Charlie Smail 2&1, Kit Bittle def Chris Charlton 5&3, Kevin Koong def Jason Boobyer 4&3, James Hydes def Tyler Wood 3&2, Jake Lee lost to Jordan Woodall 2&1.

Auckland 4 defeat Hawkes Bay 1 
Johnny Tynan def Ben Swinburne 3&2, Jared Edwards halved with Mako Thompson, Mason Lee def Adam Winter 1up, Matty Tiplady halved with Tyson Tawera, Jang Hyun lee def Russell Mitchell 1up.