Masterton Golf Club’s Kerry Mountcastle. PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES
GOLF
JAKE BELESKI
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Masterton’s Kerry Mountcastle will follow in the footsteps of golf greats Rory Mcllroy, Rickie Fowler and New Zealand’s Sir Bob Charles when he competes at the World Amateur Team Championships in Ireland.
Mountcastle was named by New Zealand Golf in a three-strong team to contest the Eisenhower Trophy along with Daniel Hillier [Wellington] and Denzel Ieremia [Waikato].
This year’s event will be held at Carton House in Maynooth over 72 holes of stroke play from September 5-8, while the women’s event will be held at the same venue a week earlier.
Mountcastle closed off the domestic season in fine style with victories in the New Zealand Stroke Play Championship at Paraparaumu Beach, before beating the professionals at the Carrus Open for his maiden title on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour.
The New Zealand team will be hoping to emulate the victorious 1992 team and lift the coveted trophy.
Mountcastle said making the team was up there with his best achievements to date.
“It’s definitely something I’ve been working towards, but I wasn’t really thinking about making it for this year.
“It definitely made my day a bit better.”
He said being part of a team made it extra special.
“Being part of a team always feels a bit better – you’re not just doing it for yourself but for others as well.”
Joel Macklin, a golf professional at the Masterton Golf Club, has worked with Mountcastle and said his work ethic was one thing that set him apart.
“He gives up a lot of the social aspects and that sort of thing and really does put his game first.
“He’s at the point now where he’s won some pretty major national events and if he goes and plays well overseas there will be so many opportunities that open up for him.”
Masterton Golf Club chairman Rob Blackett said the club was thrilled with the news.
“As Masterton Golf Club board chairman, the club are very proud of Kerry’s selection as part of New Zealand’s Eisenhower Trophy team to compete in Ireland.
“His dedication and commitment to success are a great lesson to all of us.”
