Starting the day three-shots back of the overnight leaders Ryan Chisnall and Jordan Loof,Hydes new he needed to hang tough in the blustery conditions that are typical of a winters day at Muriwai Golf Club.
Hydes made the turn at even-par for the day and fell a further shot back of Chisnall who had taken control of the tournament with nine-holes to play.
The Gulf Harbour amateur then rattled off four birdies on the trot on holes 11 through 14 to get himself back into contention.
Standing on the final hole of regulation play he was one behind Chisnall and tied with Loof. Chisnall went on to bogey the hole meaning a three-way playoff with Hydes and Loof was needed to decide the tournament.
A par on the first playoff hole was good enough for Hydes to take the title.
He says winning the Autex Muriwai Open is a dream come true.
“This feel unreal. I can’t believe I’ve just won a professional event. I’m speechless right now,” he says.
Although he was three shots back at the beginning of the day, Hydes knew the conditions would favor the style of golf he likes to play.
He says believing in himself all day was key to getting the job done.
“I knew it was going to be windy out there today and I’m a pretty good player in the wind. I just needed to back myself the whole day and I knew I would be a chance if I could do that.
“I just stuck to my game plan and tried to have as much fun as I could. It was pretty easy doing that with a couple of mates Chizzy and Jordy.
“I just can’t believe I got it done,” Hydes says.
The 21-year-old has recently been selected for the New Zealand Golf ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Academy, and it’s been a goal of his to win a Jennian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Charles Tour event before he turns professional.
He’ll now turn his attention to the remaining Jennian ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾s Charles Tour events that kick back underway in October.
