Gaunt claims tite in weather-hit tournament
Daniel Gaunt captured his second title in Bermuda in three months after winning a truncated Grey Goose World Par 3 Championship at Turtle Hill Golf Club at the weekend.
Strong gales at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel layout forced organisers to cancel the final round on Saturday, thus securing the title and with it the $10,000 winner’s purse for Gaunt.
The Australian stormed to an emphatic victory at the Gosling’s Invitational at Belmont Hills in December.
The part-time professional and assistant greenkeeper at Burhill Golf Club in England led the field by two shots at the halfway stage of the 36-hole championship, carding an opening round two-over-par 56.
With several players all within striking distance of the 39-year-old’s lead, the stage was set for an intriguing showdown over the last 18 holes.
But a final round that promised plenty of excitement never materialised as the inclement weather made play impossible.
Canadian Tour player Ed Maunder finished second at four over par and PGA Champions Tour and former US Ryder Cup player Chip Beck in third, a further shot back.
Beck was among a foursome that included Anthony Mocklow, Bermuda’s highest finisher, that shot five-over par and earned a $2,806.25 share of the prize money.
Local players swept the remaining titles up for grabs.
Jevon Roberts captured the men’s amateur title by three shots over American Jon Keller.
“Was fortunate enough to battle through a shortened event to take home the win,” Roberts wrote on Facebook.
Anne O’Neill won the ladies amateur title by four-shots over Johannah Rasmussen, of the United States, with Allen DeSilva claiming the senior men’s title by five shots over compatriot Jeffrey Lindo.
Among this year’s tournament highlights was American senior player Larry Stemerman’s hole in one at No 11.