The 2024 Christies Floorings Mount Open, a highly anticipated stop on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour, saw seasoned professional Josh Geary claim another title, reinforcing his dominance as the most successful player in the history of the Tour. Geary’s performance was a masterclass, as he came from behind on the final day to surpass 54-hole leader Robby Turnbull in a thrilling head-to-head battle.

Turnbull, who led through three rounds, showcased his immense potential throughout the tournament. His ability to push Geary to the limit confirmed that he is one of New Zealand’s brightest young talents. However, Geary’s experience and skill shone through in the final round, where he mounted a comeback to secure the win, adding yet another title to his impressive resume.

The Mount Maunganui Golf Course provided a tough test from day one. Playing firm and fast, it presented some of the most challenging conditions the competitors have faced in recent years. The speed of the greens and the firmness of the fairways pushed the field to their limits. However, a bit of rain midway through the event softened the course, making conditions slightly more manageable, which helped players post lower scores, including a 10-under-par round.

Despite the slightly softened conditions, the overall scores were still significantly higher than last year’s, with the winner’s score coming in 12 strokes shy of the previous year’s result. These changes reflect the tremendous work put into the course, with notable improvements under the stewardship of Blair Dibley and his team.

The tournament also welcomed back Kazuma Kobori, who made a return to the Charles Tour after competing internationally. Kobori, preparing for the next phase of his career on the DP World Tour, was a welcome presence at the event.

Additionally, the Mount Open served as valuable preparation for Jayden Ford and Robby Turnbull, both of whom are set to compete in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in the coming weeks.

As the Jennian Homes Charles Tour continues, Geary’s victory serves as a reminder of his remarkable career and the exciting future of rising stars like Turnbull.