Tauranga golfer Caitlin Maurice battled the Wellington weather and a stellar international field to finish in a tie for 36th at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacifictournament at Royal Wellington Golf Club on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Scotland-based player, who grew up playing at Ōmokoroa Golf Club, posted rounds of 75-73-73-79 for a 72-hole total of 300 (12 over par) at the championship (WAAP).

Maurice’s performance was made more impressive by the challenging conditions players faced throughout the championship, with the weather dramatically shifting from warm, sunny conditions in the opening round to cold, windy weather.

Results aside, the week provided a special homecoming for Maurice, who plays and is studying at the affectionately known “Home of Golf” St Andrews in Scotland.

“It’s been really good to be back home,” she said after her final round.

“There was a couple from Ōmokoroa Golf Club, which is the best golf club out, watching me the first couple days, so that was really cool.

“Having the family around, being able to see them and have their support no matter how it’s going has been awesome.

For Maurice, representing New Zealand on home soil was a career highlight.

“As a junior golfer it’s always what you want to do, getting to a level where you’re representing your country,” she said.

“It’s been really cool to be back surrounded by Kiwis from your own country.”

Maurice expressed hope that her performance would inspire the next generation of golfers in the Bay of Plenty

“Hopefully they’re proud of me,” she said.

“Hopefully we can get some more junior girls into it in the Bay, and see the pathway and places golf can take you.”

The WAAP Championship ran from February 12-15 at Royal Wellington Golf Club, featuring 84 players from 25 countries across the Asia-Pacific region.

Korea’s Yunseo Yang took out the championship on Sunday afternoon, with an 8-shot lead finishing -16 through 72 holes.

The championship gives Yang a pathway to major championships through exemptions into three women’s major championships and elite amateur events.

- Supplied content