from left Christine Fleury led in by one of the Sheraton team and Annette Muir
Winners found in the 19th Sheraton Fiji Denarau Women's Golf Classic - Christine Fleury and Annette Muir - both from Auckland took out the 19th annual women's fun golf tournament, with a winning margin of 7 points.
Awarded last night in the Sheraton Fiji Ballroom, the pair combined well in what was their first time paired and playing in this popular women's tournament.
The 3-day challenge had the 100 players from Australia and New Zealand compete in three different stableford events. Day one, 4-Ball Better Ball, then Foursomes and yesterday's combined stableford scoring format.
Christine & Annette were always in the mix but their top score yesterday of 80 combined points sealed the win. Christine had 41 personal points, Annette 39.
In honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II, tournament organisers, PaR nz Golfing Holidays set the theme - 'Come As A Queen' - and it was enjoyed and embellished by all players.
Past winner Jane Williams paired with Lindy Williamson this year took out 2nd place with 156 total points. Both players are Masterton members from NZ.
The room reverberated with applause when the 3rd place-getters were announced; octaginarian Elaine Swanney stepped up with partner Jad Suttor to receive their winnings. Regular tournament players, their home club, Dannevirke, NZ, they amassed 150 points in their week.
4th place was shared, awarded to Sue Ross (Pahiatua, NZ) and Judy Jensen (Wanganui, NZ) with 148 points, along with the Urenui pair of Karen Luxton and Clazina Hagenson. Sue was another past champion. Also from Urenui in 6th place Jane Shaw and Kay Wyatt on 145 points.
Michele Reardon and Lee Willetts (Nelson) claimed 7th place with 144 points, back two places Robyn Orton (Hastings) and Angela Busby (Martinborough) with 142 in 8th place.
The lavish ceremony acknowledged the top ten place getters. In 9th place, shared with 141 points were Vicki Morrow (Ōpōtiki) and Glenda Giddy (Helensville), and Liz Fox and Susie Springhill who hail from Royal Auckland & Grange.
The 2023 tournament was the 19th in the events history including a New Zealand based event during covid. Last year PaR nz Golfing Holidays hosted a special 'Bula' reunion with an emotional return to Fiji post covid.
The 2024 Sheraton Fiji Denarau Women's Golf Classic, in the planning, will celebrate the PaR nz managed event, and a special 20th celebration.
Full results are listed below - well done Christine and Annette - who deserved the accolades they received last night. It was their week, starting with Christine's hole in one on Monday, on the fun Ambrose practice round. They travel home today with the 2023 Trophy!