Sam Marsters has played some of his Sunday-best golf to capture the North Island Stroke Play and the Bay of Plenty Open this weekend.

Marsters (Miramar) came from behind to beat Robby Turnbull (Remuera) by a shot after four rounds at Whakatane Golf Club.

Marsters made it two victories in as many weeks, following on from his success at the Wellington 72 Hole Strokeplay, shooting 72, 70, 65, and 68 to finish five under and add the Nth Island title to his other GNZ successes at the North Island and South Island  Age Groups titles he already has on his mantelpiece. After winning last week at Royal Wellington, he channelled this winning energy today to get the job done.

Starting the final round two groups in and two shots behind Turnbull, Marsters reduced the difference to one with nine holes to play, after going out in even, Turnbull turning in one over.

The Wellingtonian turned the tournament on its head when he chipped in for a birdie on the par 3 14th to take sole possession of the lead after Turnbull had dropped another shot. Marsters birdied the 16th and parred his way home to post the clubhouse lead at five under.

Turnbull continued to fight and birdied the par 3 16th himself to get within one. After a par at the tough 17th, he needed a birdie on 18 to force extra holes. His eight-foot putt slid by, crowning Marsters the 2022 North Island and Bay of Plenty Open Stroke Play champion.

He says it’s a great feeling to win in consecutive weeks.

‍