Brodie Ferguson, Han Kyeol Chung, Seunggu Kang, and Sarah Li have started the new year emphatically, taking out their respective North Island Age Group titles at Taupo Golf Club.

The North Island Age Group teed off Golf New Zealand’s competitive golf season, with 149 young people flocking to Taupo to get their hands on some silverware and start their 2024 seasons with a bang.

Taupo Golf Club presented a tough challenge in searing heat over the three days, reflected in the scoring, with only three players finishing under par for the tournament.

Kaitake’s Brodie Ferguson triumphed in the under-19 boys division, coming from behind to win by four shots following a scintillating final round.

He began Friday’s third and final round four shots behind Shinju Aoki following a 74 and 75 but carded an impressive six-under-66 to storm ahead with a one-under-par total.

The Taranaki amateur says he’s pleased with how he played on Friday.

“It feels surreal to be honest. Starting the day, I wasn’t thinking about it too much. I just tried to go out there and play some good golf and see where that put me. I’m obviously over the moon to get the job done," says Brodie.

His game needed some fine-tuning before today’s last round. Following round two, he spent some time on the range working on his ball, striking in an effort the special something he needed to claim a come-from-behind victory.

Brodie found what he needed thanks to some helpful advice from a friend and a tough mental game.

“Mentally, I hung really tough all week. I was on the range after my round yesterday, and I was battling with my ball striking a little bit. A friend of mine, Nathan, helped me out with a little swing tip, which came in clutch today [Friday]," says Brodie.

He made eight birdies and a couple of bogeys in his impressive final round.

Din Morrell (Putaruru), Nathan Clark (Tauranga), and Shinju Aoki (North Shore) finished equal second.

In the under-19 girls division, Han Kyeol Chung (Formosa) won by a remarkable five strokes following rounds of 71, 73, and 72 to finish five-under.

Although she won comfortably, Han needed to overcome some adversity in the final round after going out in four over. She was up to the challenge, coming home in five under following three birdies and an eagle.

She says she’s delighted to lift the trophy.

“It’s very exciting. I’m really honoured to win.

“I drove the ball really well – I hit lots of fairways all week. I also putted the ball really nicely.”

Ha Young Park (Whitford Park) and Rebekah Blackwell-Chin (Remuera) finished equal second.

Meanwhile, Seunggu Kang (Paeroa) finished atop the under-16 boys section at five-under-par, winning by a sizable eight shots over Ricky Kang (Takapuna).

The champion shot 67, 72, and 72 to dominate his section and is pleased with where his game is at entering 2024.

“I’m very happy to win. I played really well, especially in round two. I drove the ball really well and was mentally very strong. I’m proud of how I managed my game," says Seunggu.

“I really enjoyed the course. It set up well for me and was in great condition.”

Finally, Sarah Li (Pupuke) won the under-16 girls division by a shot at seven-over.

She carded rounds 76, 76, and 74 to finish ahead of Queenie Lang (Maungakiekie), who finished second, with Juwon Kim (Pupuke) finishing a further shot back in third.

Sarah says she’s happy to win following some words of advice from her parents.

“I’m really happy to win. I’m already looking forward to defending at next year’s event," says Sarah.

“I drove the ball really well. I hit plenty of fairways, which was really important here as there is plenty of thick rough. I was a bit nervous starting today but reminded myself to enjoy it as much as possible. It’s just a competition, and there are plenty of other tournaments coming up. I’m really happy to come away with the win.”

Under 19 Boys Tournament Information

Under 16 Boys Tournament Information

Under 19 Girls Tournament Information

Under 16 Girls Tournament Information