A Week to Remember for Proud New Zealanders

Auckland, New Zealand: New Zealanders Zack Swanwick, Cooper Moore and Ryan Xie struck a philosophical note after narrowly failing to secure a maiden Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) title for their country.

Third-round leader Swanwick had to settle for second place, three strokes behind the triumphant Thai Fifa Laopakdee, while Moore ended fourth and Xie fifth.

Swanwick, whose solitary birdie in a round of 75 came at the par-five 18th, said: “It was a special week. Back in your home country, playing on a nice course, family out. A little disappointing, but it's tough to be sad walking away from the week.

“It was pretty cool, pretty loud, a lot of Kiwis came out, which is always good.”

Asked about his travails at the 11th where he suffered a triple-bogey seven to surrender the lead, Swanwick said: “I landed the bunker shot five, seven feet further. I was trying to keep it on the slope but couldn’t. It wasn’t that bad of a shot but ended up in not a good situation. I tried to stay calm … it’s just a golf shot. The next one is more important.” 

Moore, who like Swanwick closed with a 75, was also upbeat.

Last year’s Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation Junior champion said: “It was really exciting out there. Obviously, disappointed I didn’t get the result, but it was great fun. Great to have the opportunity. 

“I’m really proud to get myself in that situation, it doesn’t happen very often. I did all the right things. Stayed patient. 

“Overall, it was really cool. Definitely you could feel the support. The Kiwi fans came out and embraced golf.” 

Ryan Xie, who bounced back with a closing 66 – 14 strokes better than his Saturday return – added: “I’m proud of this week. It’s always what ifs, but my first time at the AAC, I’m very happy with it.

“It’s a very proud week for New Zealand – look at the top of the leaderboard. It’s been great.”