Local golfer Kyle Maihi has won a third Maori national title in a row last week to book a spot in the New Zealand Open later in the year.
Maihi, son of former Counties Manukau Rugby representative and ex-President Kerry Maihi, beat out nearly 300 other golfers to win the title in Poneke – crowned champion for a third successive year.
The defending champion entered the tournament as the second seed but went on to beat Patrick Werahiko in the round of 16, Richard Apanui in the quarters, and Keanu Howe in the semi-finals.
Maihi faced Marcus Lloyd in the final and shot out to an early lead.
He sealed victory with a stunning eagle on the par 5 15th hole.
“It feels really special to win [my third title in a row]. I really enjoyed myself out there, and now I get to go to the New Zealand Open again and experience that again; I now know what I need to do to perform a bit better,” Maihi said.
“Representing Maori Golf at the New Zealand Open is really special. I’m looking forward to representing our people with pride again – I felt like I did that last year, so I’m going to continue that.”
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