Golfer Pacific NZ - Jan 2016

January 2016 11th year as NZ’s exclusive Golf club magazine

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YOUR 2016 GOLFING CALENDER

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EDITORIAL

NEW ZEALAND EDITORIAL Paul Gueorgieff pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz Ph: 64 4 565 0385 Mob: 64 27 227 1038

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Is there a better format for the Interprovincials?

J

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

ust a thought. Is the format for the Interprovincials tournament the right one?

The latest editions of the Interprovincials were held last month, with the men’s competition in Invercargill and women’s event at Ashburton.

Waikato took out the men’s event for the second year in a row while Canterbury won the women’s competition for the first time in 22 years. Well done to them.

First let me put the Interprovincials into perspective. They are the most prized teams’

events in New Zealand amateur golf. Top players look forward to the event from the moment the latest event is concluded.

But under the current format some of the top teams don’t even get to play each other.

Teams are split into two divisions, depending on the results from the previous year, with the top two from each qualifying for the semi-finals.

In the men’s competition, for example, Waikato did not play the likes of Wellington or Auckland. Runner-up Otago did not play the likes of North Harbour or Manawatu-Wanganui.

I know there is no such thing as a perfect competition and a

little bit of luck is always needed to win such an event. But I wonder if the Interprovincials could be split into two divisions — one for the heavyweights and the other for the lesser lights.

I am sure that would lead to closer matches. It would also reduce the likelihood of one-sided matches in which part-timers are up against players who are virtually full-time golfers.

I am also sure that more of the top teams playing each other would create greater interest. It would also mean the semi-finals and final would most probably be a repeat of earlier matches but I don’t have a problem with that. Teams beaten in

previous encounters would out for revenge while the winners would be wanting to confirm superiority.

There could also be a promotion-relegation playoff between the bottom first division team and top second division team.

That would provide an incentive for those playing in the second division. The promotion-relegation playoff could be played alongside the semi-finals of the first division while the final could still be a stand alone event.

I ran this idea past a wise and experienced head. He said don’t fix was isn’t broken.

Just a thought.

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2

2016 A look at the 2016 golfing calendar

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor Golfer Pacific NZ

P

lanning a golf holiday for 2016?

Not sure where to go, which events to take in?

Then consider the following list we have compiled that might provide some ideas.

Two of the more obvious events are the men’s and women’s New Zealand Opens.

The first of them is the women’s event, which is headlined by the confirmed presence of New Zealand superstar Lydia Ko. The open, sponsored by ISPS Handa, is to be played at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch. It’s a three-day tournament from February 11-14. This is one of the great opportunities to see one of world’s greatest golfers, maybe the best woman golfer ever. You could top it off with a few days golfing in Queenstown, including a round at the remarkable Jack’s Point.

The men’s New Zealand Open, sponsored by BMW and carrying a $1 million purse, is from March 10-13. The field for the first two days will be split between

The Hills course and Millbrook Resort in Queenstown. The final two days will be at The Hills. There will be a host of New Zealanders to following including Ryan Fox who really made a name for himself in 2015. Once again you could tag on some more golf for yourself in Queenstown.

Staying with the New Zealand scene, there is also the Holden NZ PGA Championship at the Remeura Golf Club in Auckland from March 5-8. Many of New Zealand’s top golfers will be there. Reminder, its free entry for kids.

The highlight, in my book, for 2016 will be the Olympics at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Golf will be part of the programme for the first time in 112 years. New Zealand will be represented in both the women’s and men’s divisions.

Once again this will be another great opportunity to see Ms Ko in action. She is a genuine chance to win gold for New Zealand and, perhaps, fly a new New Zealand flag.

Danny Lee will represent New Zealand in the men’s division at Rio and at this stage it’s a close call to who will be the other, although Fox is the probable. This is a great opportunity to see Lee in ac-

tion.

The men’s competition is from August 11-14 and the women’s from August 1821. Ring these dates on your calendar.

Another obvious for golf fans is one of the four majors — The Masters, the US Open, The (British) Open and the US PGA Championship.

The Masters is in April, the US Open in June while The Open and US PGA are both in July. This year’s British Open, golf’s oldest tournament, is at Royal Troon in Scotland, so don’t bank of summery weather. Once again let’s hope Lee, Fox or any other New Zealand golfer can play in any of these events and make a good showing.

There are five majors in women’s golf.

These have greater interest for us more than usual because of Ms Ko. Three of the five majors are in the United States but the other two are probably hold more attraction for Kiwis. They are the British Open in England in July and the Evian Championship in France in September. Lydia won last year’s Evian to become the youngest women to win a golf major at the age of 18. It would nice to be on hand to see her defend her title at the ripe old age of 19.

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January 2016

February 11-14 Ladies European Tour: New Zealand Women’s Open Clearwater Golf Club, Christchuch.

February 18-21 LPGA Tour: ISPS Handa Women’s Australian Open Adelaide, Australia March 5-8 Australasian Golf Tour: NZ PGA Championship Remeura Golf Club, Auckland.

March 11-14 Australasian Golf Tour: New Zealand Open The Hills and Millbrook Resort, Queenstown.

Mar. 31-Apr. 3 LPGA Tour: ANA Inspiration Rancho Mirage, California.

April 7-10 PGA Tour: Masters Tournament Augusta National Golf Club Augusta, Georgia.

June 9-12 PGA of America/LPGA Tour: KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Sahalee Country Club Sammamish, Washington.

June 16-19 PGA Tour: US Open Oakmont Country Club Oakmont, Pennsylvania July 7-10 LPGA Tour: US Women’s Open CordeValle, California July 14-17 European Tour: Open Championship Royal Troon Golf Club Troon, Scotland July 28-31 PGA of America: PGA Championship Baltusrol Golf Club (Lower Course) Springfield, New Jersey July 28-31 LPGA Tour: Ricoh Women’s British Open Milton Keynes, England August 11-14 Olympics: Men’s Golf Competition Olympic Golf Course Rio de Janeiro, Brazil August 18-21 Olympics: Women’s Golf Competition Rio de Janeiro, Brazil September 15-18 LPGA Tour: Evian Championship Evian Les Bains, France September 30-October 2 Ryder Cup Hazeltine National Golf Club Chaska, Minnesota.

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GOLF NEWS

Waikato again men’s Interprovincials’ champions W aikato is for the second year in a row the winner of the men’s Interprovincials tournament.

Waikato beat Otago 4-1 in the final of New Zealand golf’s most prized teams’ event to repeat its win of the previous year.

But for the latest tournament, played at the Invercargill Golf Club last month, much of the drama for Waikato happened earlier.

For example in Waikato’s semi-final against Northland the win was secured with the final putt of the match.

Waikato’s number one player Luke Toomey (pictured) holed a 25-putt for birdie on the last hole to beat Luke Brown. That gave Waikato a 3-2 win over Northland.

A beaming Toomey said afterwards: “I wasn’t overly nervous at the time because I had no choice but to make the putt. For it to go in was a special feeling.”

But even making the semi-finals was a nail-biting exercise for Waikato.

On the final day of pool play, Waikato was beaten by Bay of Plenty in the morning and scrapped past Manawatu-Wanganui 3-2 in the afternoon.

In the match against Manawatu-Wanganui three of the five games were decided on the last hole.

Waikato, was all smiles at the team having won the event in last two years.

“All we were thinking about this year was going back to back so it’s pretty sweet to see our name on the trophy two years in a row,” Vincent said.

The only shining light for Otago in the final was Brent McEwan who finished his representative career on a high. He defeated Denzel Iremia 2 and 1 in his 103rd and final game for the district.

The weather for the tournament was good, although it rained on the final day.

The local course greenkeepers Craig Tinker and Daniel O’Conner worked tirelessly through the week and were assisted by Ben Finn from Paraparaumu in Wellington.

Guess who won the men’s Interprovincials’ tournament. The Waikato team (from left to right): John Bridle (chairman Waikato Golf), Nick Coxon, Chris Charlton, Daniel Graham, Sam Vincent, Luke Toomey (team captain – holding cup), Denzel Ieremia, Jason Boobyer (team manager), Terry Booth (chief executive Waikato Golf).

Toomey said the win was clearly a team effort.

“I’m incredibly proud of everyone, what a week,’’ he said.

“I can’t single anyone out, each one of us performed when they needed to.

Right through number one to all the management, it’s a great team.”

Waikato number five Chris Charlton, who is new to the team, led Waikato out well all week finishing with a record of six wins from eight matches.

He set the platform for this Waikato side which no doubt gave the rest of the team confidence.

Said Charlton: “I’m bloody stoked, wrapped for the boys to get over the line.

“I thought I played well this week and happy to try get the boys off to a good start. We came into this week wanting a win and nothing else, so it’s nice to achieve that.”

While the team was relatively young in age, it carried a lot of experience with four of the five players being part of the win last year and all playing in the same order.

Sam Vincent, who only lost two of his eight matches playing at No 4 for

Results: FINAL WAIKATO 4 – 1 OTAGO Luke Toomey def Duncan Croudis 4/3 Nick Coxon def Nick Borren 4/3 Denzel Ieremia lost to Brent McEwan 2/1 Sam Vincent Fraser MacLachlan 1 up Chris Charlton def Chris Snow 4/3 SEMI FINALS WAIKATO 3 – 2 NORTHLAND Luke Toomey def Luke Brown 1up Nick Coxon def Kadin Neho 6/5 Denzel Ieremia lost to Alex Neely 4/3 Sam Vincent lost to 2 up Chris Charlton def Sheldon Kearns 6/4 OTAGO 3 – 2 BAY OF PLENTY Duncan Croudis lost to William Howard 4/3 Nick Borren def Landyn Edwards 3/2 Brent McEwan lost to Sam Davis 1 up Fraser MacLachlan def Jordan Golding 1 up Chris Snow def Henry Spring 2/1.

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NEWS Canterbury’s first win in women’s Interprovincials since 1988

I

t took an extra hole playoff for Canterbury to win it’s semi-final of the women’s Interprovincials but it was a completely different story in the final.

Canterbury swept Bay of Plenty aside in the final to win 5-0 at the Ashburton Golf Club. It was Canterbury’s first win in the tournament for 27 years.

The one-sided final was a turnaround from earlier in the day when Canterbury faced North Harbour in it’s semi-final. At the end of regulation play it was 2-1/2 points each and a playoff was required to determine the finalist.

The playoff was between Amelia Garvey (Canterbury) and Ela Grimwood (North Harbour) who had halved their match. Garvey, who had missed a relatively short putt earlier in the day, found herself in similar situation on the first playoff hole. But on this occasion she holed the putt for victory.

In the final it was Canterbury all the way. The closest match was between Canterbury’s No1 Momoka Kobori and her Bay of Plenty counterpart Alanna Campbell. Kobori prevailed by 2 and 1.

Garvey, following her dramatic semi-final playoff win, couldn’t hide her emotions after the final.

“This hasn’t even sunk in, getting through the semis was the main thing with it being so tight,’’

Garvey said.

“I missed a couple of putts and then to get the first drive straight (in the playoff) and not out of bounds, then par the hole was awesome.

“I love this team, I think it’s the best ever. The way we trust each other, to go out there and have fun, and with two of our players undefeated it just showed how great they all played this week.”

Player of the tournament was awarded to Canterbury’s undefeated Catherine Bell who was the team’s anchor in the middle order.

Said Bell: “Simply amazing feeling, so proud of the girls.’’

Ashburton is Bell’s home course and that no doubt played a part in her winning form.

“I had a few tricks up my sleeve, but with matchplay you never know, so I am very happy to be in this position now.

“I didn’t even want to watch the semi. The nerves were incredible.”

Hilary O’Conner, playing at No 5 for Canterbury, was another to complete the week unbeaten.

Canterbury manager Kate Johnstone had planned for the Interprovincials for a long time and to see it come off was more than.

“Everyone kept telling us we had a good team,’’ Johnstone said.

“But we never tried to look at what the outcome was going

READER’SVIEWS

to be and we have always said, each day you start again and this is where we have ended up.

It’s hard to believe, I don’t think I believe it yet.’’

Johnstone said Garvey’s win in the playoff was a great comeback.

“For Amelia to come from where she was this morning, where she looked like she had her game wrapped up, then to bounce back in the playoff was amazing. So full credit to her.”

With a local team doing well it created a great atmosphere at the tournament with hundreds of supporters in attendance for the final day.

Results: FINAL CANTERBURY 5 BAY OF PLENTY 0 Momoka Kobori def Alannah Campbell 2/1, Amelia Garvey def Emmalee Morrell 3/1, Catherine Bell def Rotana Howard 3/2, Juliana Hung def Jodae Ngaheu 3/2, Hillary O’Connor def Heather Keefe 3/1 SEMI FINALS CANTERBURY 2 ½ NORTH HARBOUR 2 ½ Momoka Kobori lost to Vyan Park 1up, Amelia Garvey halved with Ela Grimwood, Catherine Bell def Krystal Hu 7/6, Juliana Hung lost to Shani White 2/1, Hillary O’Connor def Vaha Fapiano *Garvey def Grimwood on 19th hole BAY OF PLENTY 4 ½ WAIKATO ½ Alanna Campbell lost to Chantelle Cassidy 3/1, Emmalee Morrell Brooke Hamilton 2up, Rotana Howard def Fai Tongdethsri 1up, Jodae Ngaheu def Hana-Rae Seifert 1up, Heather Keefe halved with Kelly Nicholas

Interprovincial delight: The winning Canterbury team from the women’s Interprovincials (from left to right): Hillary O’Connor, Momoka Kobori, Amelia Garvey, Juliana Hung, Catherine Bell, Jasmine Rou PLAYOFFS 5th and 6th AUCKLAND 3 MANAWATU WANGANUI2 Munchin Keh def Maraea Durie 1up, Rose Zheng def Leanne Brown 7/6, Brittney Dryland lost toTara Raj 3/1, Siyi Keh lost to Katherine Paskins 1up, Shantael Ligaliga def Tania Hook 3/1 7th and 8th NORTHLAND 3 AORANGI STH CANT 2 Brooke Kingi lost to Catherine Knight 5/3, Alayna Cox halved with Ginny Bolderston, Soktaera Sean def Sharon Bradford 2/1, Kylie Jacoby def Jessica Shearer 5/3, Jo Taylor halved with Hilary Lovett 9th and 10th HAWKES BAY PB 3 ½ WELLINGTON 1 ½ Kate Chadwick def Te Rongopai Clay

2/1, Janie Field def Sam-Maree Brown 2up, Jaimie McIvor def Emma Hayward 2/1, Sara Deam lost to Chelsea Sharp 5/4, Tessa McDonald halved with Glenn Hayward 12th and 13th TARANAKI 4 SOUTHLAND 1 Holly Winter def Robyn Pullar 3/2, Tyla Winter def Angela Gerken 2/1, Rochelle Keegan lost to Olivia Frost 3/1, Melanie Wilson def Helen Baird 2/1, Joanne McDonald def Kate McGregor 4/3 13th and 14th OTAGO 3 TASMAN 2 Jo Hicks-Beach def Eve Clarke 4/3, Abigael Crawford lost to Emily Stenhouse 3/1, Tracey Storer halved with Tracy Bary, Annabel Evans halved with Michele Reardon, Susan Greig def Jody Murray 3/2

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

COLISEUM HAS ITS DISADVANTAGES FOR GOLF COVERAGE Sir, I am writing to support the sentiments that you expressed in November’s issue of Golfer Pacific regarding golf coverage via Coliseum Sports.

Like you, I took out a subscription for the golf coverage and to quote you, I also hate the inconvenience and hassle of “having to turn on the computer, log into my computer, click on Coliseum Sports, click on the appropriate tour (while putting up with a droning promo on how to watch the golf) and click on the appropriate coverage’’, which as you say is just to

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watch it on a small computer screen.

Quoting you again, “To watch it on the television screen I also have to plug in a cord from my computer to the television, remember which holes the plugs plug into, switch the television to HDMi and press the appropriate buttons on the computer” while trying to stop the cat from jumping on my laptop. Also I then have to find a smooth area to set my mouse on in case I want to pause the golf for a minute.

Can I also add that the coverage of the LPGA, which I enjoy because it appears to

be more closely competitive and which is good golf to watch, is very poor as it is continually interrupted by advertisement breaks. Also the highlight packages are virtually non-existent which if you have been watching the Australian golf on Sky television over the last couple of weeks, you will have had access to excellent highlight packages.

You also can’t fast forward or wind back in the manner that you can on Sky but have to jump chunks at a time. At least if you have recorded the golf on Sky, are watching it and have to stop for any

January 2016

reason, you can pick up where you left off which you can’t do on Coliseum.

Like you, I have watched less golf this year and as a result am losing interest, so I will not renew my subscription in the new year and I know of three of my friends at our golf club who intend to cancel their subscriptions also.

Thanks for voicing your opinion Paul. I believe there are many golf fans who will say amen to what you have written.

Bruce Geraldine Golf Club

5

Lydia Ko to play her seventh NZ Open GOLF NEWS 6

I

t was the news all New Zealand golf fans were hoping for.

Lydia Ko has confirmed she will again play the New Zealand’s Women’s Open which will be held in Christchurch next month.

Despite her busy —and much lore lucrative — schedule on the LPGA Tour she has again made time to return home.

The NZ Open, sponsored by ISPS Handa, will be staged over three rounds at Clearwater Golf Club from February 12-14.

It’s a tournament Ko is very familiar with. She was aged 12 when she first played it in 2010, finishing an amazing seventh.

Since then she has included wins in 2013 and last year at ages of 15 and 17. She was second in 2014 when not at her best health-wise. In total Ko has played the tournament six times.

New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy said Ko’s loyalty to New Zealand had to be admired.

“Lydia continues to be a great ambassador for the game of golf and we are so pleased she will return home to New Zealand in the New Year,’’ Murphy said.

“The reality is, this is a very difficult tournament for Lydia to fit into her

schedule and the fact she will compete is a measure of how much she values playing at home.

“Lydia continues to keep a very close relationship with New Zealand Golf and I’m sure the golfing fans of New Zealand will look forward to seeing her play as world number one in our own backyard.”

The New Zealand Open is co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour (LET) and Australian Ladies Professional Golf tour (ALPG). It carries minimum prizemoney of euro 200,000 ($NZ323,000).

Last year was another golden one for Ko. She won five times on the LPGA Tour, becoming the youngest to reach 10 wins on the tour, rising to number one in the world and becoming the youngest woman to win a major championship. To finish the year in style, Ko was crowned the LPGA 2015 player of the year and the Race to the CME Globe champion, both for the second year running.

Ko said she was very much looking forward to getting home.

“I’m excited to go back to Clearwater where I have made so many great memories,’’ Ko said in a press release.

“The New Zealand golfing public have

always been such great supporters of me and it will be exciting to play in front of my home fans.

“I’m also really looking forward to seeing my family and friends back home.”

Midori Miyazaki, of title sponsor ISPS Handa, is pleased to have Ko confirmed to defend her title. “‘ISPS Handa is looking forward to another year of partnership with the New Zealand Golf, ALPG Tour and the Ladies European Tour,’’ Miyazaki said.

“My chairman, Dr Handa, is delighted that Lydia is playing in this tournament, which promises to bring real excite-

January 2016

ment to this year’s event and to reach out to many who will see the `power of sport’ at its best through Lydia.”

Christchurch mayor Lianne Dalziel was delighted the tournament was remaining in her city and Ko’s presence was the icing on the cake.

“We’re a city that loves sport and to have a drawcard of the calibre of Lydia Ko playing in the championship is an added bonus,” Dalziel said.

“Christchurch is well known as a great host city and I’m sure people will get along to Clearwater to see a world class field of international female golfers in action.”

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Wellington pair wins NZ senior N E W S handicap foursomes at first attempt

F

irst-time entrants Margaret Greco and Gail Toomer won the New Zealand Golf women’s senior handicap foursomes at the Whakatane Golf Club.

Greco and Toomer, both from the Miramar Golf Club in Wellington, won the final decisively by 7 and 5 to take out the NZLU Salver. In the process they denied the tournament’s oldest player Nancy Ross, who was 84 at the time, from victory.

Ross, from the Waihi club, was paired with Kay Marshall. They had a dream run until coming up against the Wellingtonians in the final.

Meanwhile local members Cris Barker and Claire Balderstone won the NZLGU Plate.

Flight winners were Jenny Braithwaite (Taumarunui) and Suzie Lang (Turangi) along with Kath Carrington and Jan Robinson (Waihi).

Whakatane members did

Whakatane Golf Club members Lorraine Steel (left) and Jenny Shaw (right) pose with New Zealand Golf board member Eileen Bateup following the pair’s win in division two of the New Zealand women’s senior handicap foursomes.

get their hands on one trophy.

Jenny Shaw and Lorraine Steel won the Mrs S S Wilson Plates in division two. Their final went to the 17th hole, with a 2 and 1 result, against Lesleyann Jensen (Tauranga) and Raewyn Wright (Waihi).

Plate winners in division two were Michelle Munro and

Paula Houghton (Weedons).

Bo Holmes and Kay Swanson (Whakatane) were the flight winners. The other flight in division two was won by sisters Wendy Storey (North Shore) and Donna Sullivan (Weedons) who needed 39 holes on the final day’s play to win their prize. Their semi-final went to the 19th hole and

the final to the 20th.

Peg Purdie and Wendy Thompson, from Waitomo, won the ADLGA Trophy in division three.

They dedicated their win to the late Patsy Hankins, a past president of New Zealand Golf, who died suddenly at her home three weeks before the tournament.

Runners-up were Gay Bull and Marion Elliott from Miramar.

The plate was won by Di Kay and Gail Parkinson from Weedons.

Kay is a former Canterbury representative, currently trialling for the Canterbury Masters team to compete in the 2015 New Zealand Women’s Masters to be held at Methven in April.

Flight winners included another Miramar pair, Jo Baker and Lyn Broad, and Waitangi members Shari Smith and Phyllis Crawley.

The Rosetown Trophy, for division four, was won by Wai Morrison and Donna White (Rotorua)

and the runners-up were Anne Bayliss and Robyn Evans (Mercury Bay).

The Weedons pair of Pam Hughes and Vicki Ward won the division four plate while the flight winners being Janice Bell (Poverty Bay) paired with Diane Eccles (Mercury Bay), and a further Weedons combination, Daph Bennett and Margaret Langan.

Division five, competed in a round robin format, was won

by Avon Gordon and Jane Crawford (Waihi). Second were Kerry McConchie and Chris Pitcaithly (Nelson) and third, and were Marian Irvine (Rotorua) and Judy McKenzie (Nelson).

Tournament organisers, PaR nz Golfing Holidays on behalf of New Zealand Golf, announced the 2016 venue will be Matamata in central Waikato. The tournament will be held from November 21–24.

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January 2016

7

GOLF NEWS

Alker confirmed for NZPGA Championship in Auckland O ne of New Zealand’s golfing stalwarts Steven Alker is returning home to play in the at Remuera Golf Club in Auckland in March.

Hamilton-born Alker has recorded 12 professional victories, including the 2009 NZPGA Championship at Clearwater, Christchurch, against a star studded Nationwide Tour field.

“We’re delighted to be able to include a player with Steven’s track record in the field,” said PGA of New Zealand chief executive, Duncan Simpson.

“He is a class act, and has competed at a high level for many years on both main PGA Tours, as well as the European Tour. He is more than capable of taking away the McDougall Cup for the second time in the 2016 Holden NZPGA Championship.”

AT A GLANCE

Holden NZPGA Championship 2016 When: 3-6 March 2016 Where: Remuera Golf Club, Auckland Ticket entry: Tickets from $20 and free entry for kids What: 72-hole strokeplay, PGA Tour of Australasia event Prize purse: (NZD) $125,000 Defending champion: Matthew Millar (AUS)

Alker’s form includes a top 20 finish in the 2012 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes, and victories on the Web.Com Tour in 2013 and 2014, including the Cleveland Open inn 2014 which he won after a world record 11-hole play-off against South African, Dawie van der Walt.

The hard-fought victory earned Alker a $108,000 pay day and qualification for the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst.

“Steven is one of a number of Kiwi golfers, including the likes of Danny Lee, Ryan Fox, Tim Wilkinson and Josh Geary, who are performing exceedingly well internationally,’’ Simpson said.

“His career earnings to date sit at more than $2 million and his form is such that he is well-placed to achieve his goal of a spot at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games – so we are delighted to have him at the Holden NZPGA Championship.”

Tickets are now on sale for the fourround PGA Tour sanctioned event which will be held at Remuera Golf Club from March 3-6 and is one of just two premier professional golf tournaments to make up the New Zealand leg of the PGA Tour of Australasia.

With a total prize purse of $125,000 and valuable PGA ranking points on the line, the tournament is set to be an

outstanding showcase of professional golf in the southern hemisphere, Simpson said.

“Kiwi golfers are punching well above their weight on the international circuit. The Holden NZPGA Championship provides a stage for us to witness this talent first hand and celebrate the

growth of the game in our own backyard,” he said.

The popular Pro-Am tournament is also returning, featuring well-known New Zealand sporting stars, celebrities and business leaders, and will take place on March 2 as a curtain-raiser to the main event.

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NEWS

N

New Industry Council launched in Auckland

ew Zealand Golf recently hosted a new industry body at Royal Auckland.

New Zealand Golf Industry Council (NZGIC)was launched with the purpose to unite the industry on agreed industry-wide initiatives.

A cross section of New Zealand’s Golf industry was invited to attend including manufacturers, distributors, publishers, and association and club managers.

The body is based on the highly successful Australian industry model. New Zealand Golf has taken the lead for this initiative with objectives to bring together all key sectors of the New Zealand Golf Industry to work in a coordinated way to grow, support and promote the game of golf. Dean Murphy New Zealand Golf CEO commented, “we are pleased the NZGIC initiative has launched and hope that it

will bring the industry closer. For some time we have believed that a more united and aligned sector can only be beneficial for us all and I do hope we will make some good progress in 2016’.

Several guest speakers addressed the group. Paul Marriott-Lloyd from Auckland City Council spoke that golf was important to their social and recreational outcomes. A significant investor in Auckland based golf courses; the council was engaged with research and outcomes. Mr Marriot- Lloyd gave

some insights into golf modelling of the future, engaging the wider community with walking tracks, cafes, driving ranges.

Sarah Dunning from Sport NZ presented a paper on the “Future of Sport in NZ.” Sarah highlighted trends in Aging population, Ethnicity, rapid uptake of technology and projected growth of Auckland in proportion to the rest of the country.

The group was invited to participate in group workshops in discussing and presenting ideas on themes such as; What could we be doing to better understand the preferences of different types of golfers?

What skills are needed in the golf workforce to embrace a stronger consumer-led golf offering?

Ryan Brandenburg from NZ Golf Tourism spoke about Aus-

tralia, China and North America being emerging markets for NZ International Golf Tourism. According to 2012 data the International golf Industry and associated providers was worth $210m.

New Zealand has positioned itself has a unique Golfing destination, which has seen the introduction of Golf trails to cater for all short term and long term stays. Mr Brandenburg said, “where else could you play golf in a volcanic environment and the splendour of the Southern Alps!”

The inaugural meeting concluded with all stakeholders agreeing the industry themes and workshop sessions were beneficial for the Golf industry.

Further communication and next steps will be advised in the new year.

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January 2016

9

NZGOLFUPDATE

golf.co.nz

Scheduling a NZ Open is easier said than done

By Dean Murphy New Zealand Golf Chief Executive

O

ver the past few weeks I have been delighted with the reaction from golf fans regarding the news that Lydia Ko will return to New Zealand to play in February.

After another fantastic year of success for golf’s golden girl, Lydia will be the headline act at the stunning Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch where she will defend her ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open title.

The fact that Lydia has committed to return home says a great deal about the character of this inspirational young women and it is great to see this has not gone unnoticed by the national media and golf fans.

The reality is, the New Zealand event is a very difficult tournament for Lydia to fit into her schedule. The LPGA has a flying start to the year with a run of six tournaments in quick succession. From a player welfare and burnout perspective it’s

not possible for players at the elite end of the game to play all these events in a row. Evaluating which events to play, and which ones to miss and sit out, therefore becomes a crucial decision. The fact Lydia has chosen to compete in New Zealand in what would be a valuable rest week for her from the LPGA schedule is a measure of how much she values playing at home.

People often ask me why we simply can’t schedule the New Zealand event at a time that doesn’t clash with LPGA events and when players can come to this part of the world without having to worry about missing other events.

The reality is the world of professional golf events is very complex and also very cluttered. In order to attract a world class field, we need to sanction our event as part of an international professional tour and for obvious reasons, these tour bodies schedule their events in logical sequences in various parts of the world.

With that in mind, our event needs to be scheduled at a time that suits our sanction partners (the Australasian La-

dies Professional Tour and the Ladies European Tour). These schedules are then put together considering all the other tours in the world, including the LPGA. The upshot of all of this is we get very few date options (often just one or two) and we need to be as smart as we can with the very limited options available to us.

The other question I am often asked is whether it is hard to get Lydia home to play in New Zealand. My answer to this question is always the same. It is never hard to convince Lydia to come home.

She loves returning to New Zealand and has said on numerous occasions how much she loves playing in front of her home fans.

The only difficult bit is making it work for her schedule and this is not easy. To make it work we need to be very patient and ensure we do everything we can at our end to make it easy for her.

Lydia continues to keep a very close relationship with New Zealand Golf and this allows us to work with her in a very

respectful and elegant manner and I’m sure this is a major contributing factor to securing her attendance at this event.

With Lydia winning five times on the LPGA Tour, becoming the youngest to reach 10 wins, rising to number one in the world and becoming the youngest woman to win a major championship, I hope all golf fans will come out to watch her play at Clearwater.

It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to see her in our own backyard and we are so pleased she is making the effort to come home to New Zealand.

Thank you Lydia.

The ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open Championship will be played at the Clearwater Golf Club, Christchurch from February 12-14. The Ladies European Tour (LET) and Australian Ladies Professional Golf (ALPG) co-sanctioned event will be played as a 54 hole championship with a pro-am tournament scheduled for Thursday, February 11. Full details are at www.nzwomensopen.co.nz

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January 2016

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GOLFCOMMENT

Future NZ golf professionals are world class

By Andrew Whiley A voice from the south

L

ast month I enjoyed attending the New Zealand Professional Golfers’ Association (NZPGA) trainee graduation day at Gulf Harbour in north Auckland.

The purpose of this day is to celebrate the trainees completing their three years of education and graduating as full members of the NZPGA. Having been a NZPGA board member since 2008, I have seen over 60 trainees graduate as full members of the PGA. Each year the quality of the trainee golf professionals graduating is even more impressive. Having a day to recognise and celebrate with their families, all of the hard work that these trainees have put in, is important. Gulf Harbour was a majestic setting for this day and the evening meal and presentations highlighted why this is a great location for golf and events.

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This year nine new members were recognised at the PGA trainee awards and graduation.

They were AA class members Sam Abela (Pakuranga GC) and Jess Guenzerodt (Russley GC); A class members Sam Hill, Benson Chen, Kris J Gundersen, Matt McDowell and Mauri-oho Stokes. It was also great to see former top tour players Richard Lee and Brad Shilton complete their bridging programme in adding in their tour experience with the education requirements to transition themselves to full Class A members of the NZPGA. The PGA values awards were on this occasion presented by our best known caddy Steve Williams. Sam Abela received his for outstanding academic achievements and his research paper on effective course length that was recently turned into a case study for the golf industry by New Zealand Golf. Larissa Eruera (Mount Maunganui) received hers for outstanding academic achievements for develop-

ing and growing golf for women and junior girls.

PGA professionals complete a threeyear modern apprenticeship to be qualified in coaching, management, small business, club technology, repairs and events. These are the first trainees to graduate through the New Zealand apprenticeship scheme of the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and were presented with NZQA qualifications.

The workload to pass the studies, whilst maintaining their golfing ability by playing in trainee matches and tournaments, on top of working 40-hour plus weeks, really makes for a very busy three years.

After personally having interviewed these future golf professionals at the aptitude assessment day three years ago, it is always a privilege to see how these individuals grow and become more professional over time.

As New Zealand is part of the PGA world alliance, this allows NZPGA gradu-

January 2016

ates to be internationally recognised. The education programme is taught to the standards that are globally recognised.

What is pleasing to the NZPGA is that we have instructors and educators in this country that are truly world class and experts in the industry who are available to impart their knowledge to these future golf professionals.

Today, graduates of the NZPGA programme are known to be well educated and have the skills to make them assets in golf roles around the world. Currently, there are New Zealand golf professionals working throughout Australia, Asia, the South Pacific, North America, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia and Europe.

So when you are next in a golf shop talking to the trainee or young NZPGA professional behind the counter, or getting a few tips from them, you will quickly realise that these individuals aren’t just knowledgeable and good at what they do, they are truly world class.

11

PGAPARS

pga.org.nz

By Duncan Simpson New Zealand PGA Chief Executive

A

s we all know, the time it takes to play a round of golf is cited as one of the main reasons the game is suffering from declining membership and participation.

The most common solution is to suggest a move to nine (or even six) hole golf.

That does have its place -– for example twilight tournaments –- but most golf club members would state a preference for the traditional 18 holes, whilst at the same time complaining about how long it takes to play at their own club.

Many surveys have been conducted on the reasons for this, the most recent being the Royal & Ancient report “Pace of Play: Global Survey” released in April 2015.

This received some publicity while I was in the United Kingdom last year, and much shock/horror was expressed about the 3 hours 40 minutes it takes on average for four players to complete a round there.

We should be so lucky. In Australia and New Zealand, the average is closer to 4 hours 20 minutes. Why the difference?

There is no single answer, but it appears to be a combination of course set up, whether a competition is being played or not, different player behaviour, the ability of golfers and so on.

Since many attempts have been made

Let’s speed it up in 2016 to solve the problem, including golf clubs specifying a time in which nine holes should be completed -– even printing expected times per hole on the card — and numerous other recommendations in club newsletters and so on. But is the problem actually insolvable, or can something be done to make a genuine difference?

I believe it can. A recent paper by one of our PGA graduates highlighted the problem the average club golfer faces with course length.

A PGA Tour player will typically be competing on a course around 6600m in length and since they can carry the ball around 260m, that means the normal second shot they play on a par four will be an eight or nine iron.

By contrast, a New Zealand club golfer with a handicap of 30 might carry the ball around 120m, so to be playing the equivalent second shot as a PGA player, the 18 hole course he plays should be around the 2800m mark.

Or put another way, for the Tour Player to face the same degree of difficulty as our club golfer, his course would have to

stretch to over 10,000m. That is clearly impractical.

So course set up has a huge influence, and if your committee is full of testosterone-fuelled low handicappers, don’t be surprised if you lose members at the other end because you have made the game too tough.

Secondly, mimicking PGA Tour players is another major contributor. Do we need to know the exact distance to the pin, given the variation in the distance we hit each club? So put away the range finders and play the shot as you see it, using the 135metre fairway markers if you must.

Thirdly -– unless in a match or official tournament –- play ready golf, whoever is ready plays. Line up putts before it’s your turn – you’ll normally sink more if you go with your first instinct. Your livelihood is not on the line.

Fourthly, clubs should think about the competitions they play, especially in winter when abnormal ground conditions cause delays in searching for balls, even in the middle of the fairway.

Why not play foursomes or an ambrose competition, instead of the incessant sta-

blefords and, even, winter medal series?

Better yet, restrict the number of clubs to, say, seven or eight. You won’t want carts or even motorised trundlers under these conditions. Surprisingly, you might find people play better and be less subject to “handicap drift” in winter, thus avoiding a few resignations when renewal of club subscriptions rolls around.

There are so many upsides to faster play: better course utilisation (more tee times on busy days), more time in the 19th (more revenue to the club), happier members, the agony of a bad round doesn’t take as long and more time for stuff before or after golf.

The benefits are clear, so why don’t we all make a genuine attempt in 2016 to speed up play? Set realistic goals and get somebody to measure improvement.

If the current Saturday afternoon round is 4-1/2 hours, try for 4-1/4 hours. A free drink (not necessarily alcoholic) in the 19th for those completing in four hours or less might produce a dramatic change in behaviour. We all know what we have to do, so let’s get on and do it!

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GOLFCOACHING

By Anthony Barkley NZPGA Professional

T

hese days most of you are aware of FlightScope and Trackman ball tracking machines used by professionals to give a more accurate fitting experience as well as giving an absolute understanding of what’s happening at impact for coaching.

Sound complicated? It is but it shouldn’t be for the client and that’s where the professional converts the data into simple understandable information. The FlightScope measures 24 variables so the professional will take time to convert this data so expect it to take at least an hour if trying several clubs. Longer if it’s a whole set.

Before we go too much further into this article, I know many of you will be saying “but my golf is not good enough to get fitted clubs”. If so I want you to think if you ride a bike and it’s too big or small. Is it easy to ride or hard? You can still ride it but you have to make compensations and this is what happens with golf clubs.

You can get any set and compensate to hit a ball each time but do remember that any compensation equals inconsistency.

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Modern club fitting

So whatever level golfer you are, a fitted set of clubs can help you hit a ball more consistently.

So if we get back to the fitting, if we are looking at drivers for example we want to find the best driver that produces the most consistent, powerful and accurate shots. We work this on an average of shots through a Flightscope and can compare directly with other models including a clients current club.

Through the process I will talk a lot

about distance and consistency without getting too much into the other data variables as we don’t need to confuse clients.

We do need to look at length of club, grip size and shaft characteristics as these all alter club performance.

So we get all this data, we determine the clubs that suit and we quantify it with proof from the FlightScope then the client will see the actual results for themselves. Here is where the professional should put the research we have done

by asking probing questions through the fitting session into play. Do they play on a really tight golf course so straightness is essential or is it a wide open course? Do they like a lower ball flight, more power, less slice, more draw, workability, etc. A good fitter paints a picture of the ideal club through the process, then adds the FlightScope data to produce the perfect fit. Once there the client can make the final decision and often if it’s between several brands it can come down to if they like how it looks or often its brand loyalty that plays a part. They have used PING all their life so often a person will stick with that brand.

If you are tempted to look at a new driver for example book in and get it done. The results between a club that is 10 years old and a current model can be extremely different in terms of carry distance and consistency. Take the plunge in 2016 and trade in your old favourite, it could make a lot of difference to your game.

At 100% Golf Ltd in Rotorua we do own a FlightScope and carry the main golf brands if anyone does want to upgrade their current set we can help.

Anthony Barkley is Golfer Pacific’s Golf professional contributor. He is head professional at Rotorua Golf Club. “Ant” is responsible for many aspects of play at the club. One of the main things that he sees his role is to help people enjoy their golf more. Over the coming month’s he will write these articles with this intention of writing about club fitting, coaching, the mental game and will include the occasional review of new products.

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January 2016

13

Asia’s best tournaments for club golfers G O L F T R AV E L 14

A

fter 20 years of hosting Australia’s biggest tournaments for club golfers, Gold Coast based Go Golfing Travel are now attracting big numbers to tournaments in Asia. In June, 750 golfers played in the week-long Centara World Masters in Hua Hin, Thailand. In 2016, more than 2,000 golfers will participate in 4 tournaments spanning Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Go Golfing is well known for its Masters tournaments for club golfers aged 35 plus, where you play with golfers your own age and similar handicap.

These four round tournaments are played at premier golf resorts and there are nightly cocktail parties and glamorous welcome and presentation dinners with world class entertainment and massive prize pools. The

Gold Coast World Masters, sponsored for a long time by Mitsubishi and now Ladbrokes, has just celebrated its 20th year. At its peak the event attracted more than 1,000 golfers from all over Australia and around the world.

According to tournament manager, Mark Hawley, the amazing service and hospitality we experience in Asia has taken these events to a new level. “The courses all have full time, well trained caddies who know their stuff and are keen to please. All caddies wear a caddy bib bearing the player’s name and country flag. It’s a nice touch.

We have hospitality staff handing out complimentary water on the buses to and from golf. At the hotels, courses, restaurants and bars, all of the staff are ready to help and do it with a big smile.”

2016 ASIAN TOURNAMENTS 12-18 June Centara World Masters www.thailandworldmasters.com 19-25 June Mercure Pattaya 4 Ball www.pattayagolftournament.com 4-10 September Accor Vietnam World Masters www.vietnamworldmasters.com

In just two years, the Centara World Masters in Hua Hin, Thailand has quickly become the biggest and richest amateur tournament in Asia. The four course rotation is Black Mountain, voted the best course in Asia and host to many world class PGA tournaments, the multi award winning Banyan, Jack Nicklaus designed Springfield and Imperial Lakeview. Add to this the charm and attractions of the beachfront resort town of Hua Hin and you can quickly see why this event is a natural winner for golfers and partners alike.

Many choose to extend their stay in Thailand to play in the Mercure 4 Ball Challenge which is hosted from 19-25 June in Pattaya. Playing as a team of 2, the competition format includes 2 rounds of best ball, ambrose and aggregate events with 3 rounds at Siam

January 2016

Country Club’s course combinations as well as a round at Laem Chabang.

By popular demand the Accor Vietnam World Masters returns to Danang in Central Vietnam from 4-10 September 2016. Playing 2 rounds at the Greg Norman designed Danang Golf Club and Montgomerie Links, golfers relish the second chance to play both courses. The stunning Pullman Danang beachfront resort, located on a beach rated in the world’s top 10, hosts nightly socials and the welcome and presentation dinners. With three World Heritage attractions less than an hour away, including the ancient trading port of Hoi An, Danang is a compelling golf and holiday destination.

Go Golfing’s expansion into Asia will continue when they host the inaugural Philippines World Masters in November next year. »» For more information visit www.gogolfing.net.au

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TSB Bank Nelson Festival Of Golf 2016

By Derek Drysdale, Tournament Director

GOLF EVENT

W

e are delighted to announce that TSB Bank has joined us as a Major Sponsor for our next tournament in May, 2016.

TSB Bank Nelson Festival Of Golf has received sponsorship funding for this year’s event from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, which is funded by Nelson City Council.

The Programme’s objective is to stimulate Nelson City’s economy in the shoulder and off seasons by bringing new spending through visitors coming to Nelson for district events.” For further information contact NEMDP Chair, Bill Findlater on 03 545 6858.

One of the ‘must play’ events in the New Zealand golfing calendar, the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf has it all - one round of teamplay in teams of four, followed by three rounds of individual stableford competition in separate divisions. There will be one women’s division and two men’s divisions.

On offer will be daily stableford prizes per division, as well as an overall daily gross prize per division.

With a varied array of prizes on offer, we’re delighted to again be offering all competitors the chance to win a car for getting a hole in one, on the allotted holes during the tournament.

Our long putt competition will again bring lots of fun to the week, and with a major prize at the end of it, it’s worth getting on that practice green early.

Winners will be decided on each player’s accumulated total from the three individual rounds played. As in

previous years we are again putting up some great novelty prizes and lucky draws to keep everyone in the hunt for a reward.

After suffering a couple of windy days during our previous events in late October, we have moved the tournament to a new date on the calendar in the hope of providing entrants the beautiful weather that our region is famed for. Hopefully the new dates in early May will offer playing conditions that will provide competitors with chances to shoot great scores in calmer conditions – Making entry to the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf a great competition for players of all abilities to enter.

The format has also changed slightly for this next tournament with the weeks itinerary as follows:

SUNDAY 1ST MAY:

Registration at Nelson Golf Club between 1pm and 3pm.

Tournament Director, Derek Drysdale, confirmed that from 3pm onwards on Sunday 1st May, Nelson Golf Club will offer all competitors courtesy of the course to go out and play some golf to get a feel for the conditions.

The tournament committee would like to thank the Nelson Golf Club for this generous gesture, as I am sure all the visitors to the area would like to take up that offer.

MONDAY 2ND MAY:

Shotgun start – to be played over the wonderful Nelson Golf Links. This is our only Team Day for the tournament, with everyone playing in teams of four, with plenty of team prizes up for grabs. No individual scores will count

towards the individual weekly total and the team section will only apply on the Monday. For anyone entering individually or in couples, you will be matched up into teams for the day. Just let us know when you complete your entry form and we’ll arrange it for you.

After play on Monday there will be the Long Putt Qualifying Round, so make sure you have a shot at this fun event as it proved very popular last time round. Qualifiers will go into a shoot-out on Friday with the chance of winning a major prize.

The Team Day prize giving will take place in the clubhouse at close of play.

TUESDAY 3RD MAY:

Shotgun start at Motueka Golf Club.

This is the first of three daily rounds, in handicap divisions, which count toward the accumulative individual score for the week. Daily prize giving will take place in the clubhouse after play to reward the best players of the day. New Zealand golf legend, Sir Bob Charles recently played at Motueka and described it as one of New Zealand’s hidden gems. He was not wrong and you will love this beautiful tree lined parkland course.

WEDNESDAY 4TH MAY:

A rest day! If, in fact, you need a rest…. we are aware that some of you just can’t get enough golf, so we’re looking at a new extra option for you for the Wednesday, so keep an eye on our website for further news! Alternatively you can enjoy some of the many other fabulous things to do in the Nelson / Tasman Region, there’s plenty to choose from.

>> Entering the TSB BANK NELSON FESTIVAL OF GOLF is very easy, just visit our website at, www.nelsongolf.co.nz/festivalofgolf Entry forms are available online, as well as other useful information regarding accommodation etc.

If you would rather speak to someone in person, please call Allison O’Donnell on 03-548-5029 then option 3, and Allison will be happy to deal with your enquiry.

We look forward to seeing you in May 2016 for a wonderful week of golf and friendship.

THURSDAY 5TH MAY:

Shotgun start. Played at Greenacres Golf Club, the second round in the individual competition, in handicap divisions could be called “moving day”, so keep those scores low! The daily prize giving will again take place in the clubhouse after the day’s play. Greenacres golf course has outstanding views no matter where you look. The course is a great test of golf which will make you think about that next shot on every hole. As their website says, “it is the Best Island Golf Course”.

FRIDAY 6TH MAY:

Shotgun start for this final round is again at the Nelson Golf Links. Played on wonderfully true greens it will offer everyone the chance to putt their way to glory. Today will determine the winners of each division.

The qualifiers for the putting shootout will take part in the final Putt-Off in front of the assembled competitors.... no pressure, eh?

The Major Prize Giving will take place in the Nelson Clubhouse in the evening hosted by The 19th Cafe & Bar. Nelson Golf Links: A wonderful golf course which has recently hosted both the NZ Amateur Championships and the NZ Senior Championships. Being chosen to host these great tournaments is indeed a great accolade from New Zealand Golf. I am sure that Superintendent Brendan O’Hara and his team will have the course at its best for all the competitors involved.

I would like to thank our sponsors at this time, as without them we couldn’t put things together at this level of competition.

A word from our sponsors: TSB BANK:

“We’ve been New Zealand owned and independent for over 160 years. During that time we’ve grown and evolved, as we have, so has our ability to give back. Sponsoring this event is just one more way we can say ‘thanks’ for your role in our journey, and for making Nelson an even better place to live.”

BRENT WILLIAMS, MANAGER

COBRA PUMA

“Cobra Puma are delighted to become involved with the ever popular TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf for 2016. Our range is exciting for all golfers, just like this tournament is, so we saw it as a perfect match.”

TOTAL GOLF:

Glyn Delany and his team at Total Golf are proud to be involved with the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf. “We thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the competitors at the previous events and we will be more than happy to provide them with our professional services during the next tournament.”

GLYN DELANY, TOTAL GOLF

MIKE PERRO REAL ESTATE:

“I wish every success to everyone involved in this tournament, and if you’re visiting the area and decide you want to move here, I’ll be happy to be of service. Of course, for all the local golfers, I would be delighted to assist them in selling their property.”

SHELLEY CARPPE, MIKE PERRO REAL ESTATE

16

January 2016

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

MONDAY 2ND MAY - FRIDAY 6TH MAY 2016

PLAY THE NELSON REGION’S BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSES Nelson Golf Club Greenacres Golf Club, Best Island, Richmond Motueka Golf Club, Motueka OV E R

0 $15,Z0E0 S TO IN PRI B E WO N

ENTRY DETAILS $225 to include 4 rounds of golf and 2 course dinner at Final Day Prizegiving. Individual and Team Stableford prizes.

Entry is restricted to members of golf clubs and maximum handicaps are 30 for men and 36 for ladies.

Entry forms from Nelson Golf Club

03-548-5029  nelson@golf.co.nz 

For more information visit www.nelsongolf.co.nz/festivalofgolf YOU COULD WIN A AR FOR A HOLECIN ONE

SUPPORTED BY:

Challenge yourself on the West Coast GOLF EVENT 18

T

he West Coast has a long golfing history and is proud to offer The West Coast Golf Challenge, a great experience for both local golfers and friends from ‘away’ – which is ev-

ery part of the world that is not on ‘The Coast’.

March 1-March 4 2016, will be the 4th edition of the West Coast Golf Challenge. It is a great opportunity to com-

bine four rounds of golf on four quite different courses with the chance to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The four hosting clubs are Westport on their Kawatiri links at Carters’ Beach, Reefton on their Glenburnie course, Hokitika on their links course at Mahinapua, and Greymouth on their course at Kaiata.

All of the courses will offer different challenges, from the links courses of Hokitika and Westport to the parklands layouts of Reefton and Greymouth, and all will be well prepared and presented. Good hospitality is guaranteed. This is the West Coast after all!

Visitors are encouraged to take time either before, during or after the tournament to visit picturesque landmarks such as Denniston, Cape Foulwind, Charleston, Punakaiki, Oceana Gold mine, Lake Brunner, Brunner Mine, Shantytown, Lake Kaniere, Hokitika Gorge or The Glaciers and all of the beauty that lies between and beyond.

The chance should also be taken to be impressed by and get your own examples of the wonderful art and crafts that the West Coast prides itself on.

A good variety of accommodation and restaurants are available in all of

January 2016

the towns and visitors can choose to relocate for the next day’s play, which the schedule readily allows for, or make any of the towns their base for the duration of the tournament.

The courses will be played in the following order, Westport, Reefton, Hokitika and finally Greymouth. Tournament organisers are confident that visitors and locals alike will be impressed with the $14000-plus value prize list. The tournament will be a stableford in three divisions, one for women and two for the men. With fields over 100 in the last two years we expect the limit of 120 players to be reached fairly quickly so enter early to avoid disappointment.

Interested readers should email westcoastgolfchallenge@yahoo. co.nz to express interest and receive an information pack, or visit the tournament website at http:// westcoastgolfchallenge.com for more information and an entry form.

Send your entries to Brian Hampton at brian.hampy@vodafone. co.nz or post entry and cheque payment to West Coast Golf Challenge C/o Brian Hampton, 15 MainStreet, Reefron 7830. Entry is confirmed on payment.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

through, enjoy our legendary hospitality and join us during our weekend club days, or if you prefer, simply play at a time to suit

T

he Greymouth Golf Club is located on Golf Links Road approximately 6km east of Greymouth town centre.

The course is acknowledged as having the best manicured fairways of the 18 hole courses on the West Coast, and while not long at about 5600 metres it provides an interesting test of golf.

Most of the Club’s major tournaments are played in the period from January to March, starting with the New Year’s Day tournament, followed by the Westland Classic in mid February, and as one leg of the West Coast four course challenge in early March.

Hole No 8 is the club’s signature hole. While not long, the 329 metre par 4 dog-leg left has an out-of -bounds on the left. There are also two strategically positioned mature kahikatea to manoeuvre past in the fairway. Sir Bob Charles has described this hole as one of his top 18 holes of golf in New Zealand.

Greymouth’s Kaiata links course really is a gem in the crown of local sporting facilities in Greymouth.

Green fees are a competitive $25 per round.

HOKITIKA GOLF CLUB

P

lay on one of New Zealand’s few true links courses at Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island. Just 3 minutes south of Hokitika, (first turn right over the Hokitika River bridge), Mahinapua Links is the only golf course in New Zealand with outstanding views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mt Tasman and the majestic Southern Alps.

If you are staying in Hokitika, or just passing

yourself.

The links are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year and bookings are not required. Greens fees on this unique links are a modest $25 for all players except students under 18 for which the green fee is $5. If you have not come prepared, hire clubs are available from Heritage Highway Motels (ph 03755 8098) right next to the northern approach to the Hokitika River bridge.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea on a delightful links course set in the heart of scenic Westland. Contact the Hokitika Golf Club on 03 755 8549.

REEFTON GOLF CLUB

T

he club began playing on this course, the Glenburnie course, in 1960, having been previously sited at Waitahu and prior to that, in the centre of the Reefton Race Course. The course has twelve holes, with holes 1-6 also being holes 13-18, although with different tees. Course is a par 72 and 5511 meters.

Green fee players and

visitors most welcome to play and enjoy the views.

Green fees are set at $20/day. Club days are Sundays.

The course is open all day, every day, with the greens mown twice weekly. Although there is a small club membership of 40 the high standard of the course is completely achieved through voluntary contributions of time. We have two main tournaments each year, the first at Queen’s Birthday weekend and the second being the Inangahua open which is held in November each year and over 2 days, each of 18 holes. Club members are proud to be part of the West Coast Golf challenge. Golf Course is set on the banks of the Inangahua River and is the centre for farming, gold, coal and forestry. The town of Reefton has a population of about 1000 people, with some very good accommodation in hotels and motels. Any more info on Reefton golf please contact the secretary (Heather Baker, Phone(s): +64 (03) 732 8067, email s.h.baker@clear. net.nz) as clubhouse is only manned on Sundays.

WESTPORT GOLF CLUB

T

he Westport Golf Club – is a beautiful seaside “links with trees” course of some 5600 metres.

Near the village of Carters Beach some 4km only from Westport, this 18 hole gem is a pitching wedge, maybe 9 iron from the Tasman Sea.All the while surrounded by the Paparoa Mountain Range and National Park.

Slick and firm greens await visitors who can join club day matches – Tuesday vets (no restriction on age), Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. Green fees are only $25 and group discount by arrangement. All club day matches tee off at 11.30am, followed by hospitality hour.

For further information please email our Secretary at joyboy6@ hotmail.com.

GOLF EVENT

GREYMOUTH GOLF CLUB

WESTPORT

Play the picturesque, well-presented 18 hole course situated just 5 kms out of Greymouth.

VISITORS VERY WELCOME!

golf club Situated at Carters beach 7km’s south of Westport Playable all year round due to its sand base and provides a stern yet enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities

Green fees: $25 for 18 holes (or $15 for 9 holes) Hire clubs available: $10 (with trundler) Golf cart available for hire: $20 (subject to availability)

www.greymouthgolf.com

A links course of 5617m for the Men and 5039m for the Ladies

Golf Link Road, GREYMOUTH, Buller/Westland Phone(s): +64 (03) 768 5332 • Fax: +64 (03) 768 7504

A warm welcome awaits you. Green Fees from $25

Marine Parade WESTPORT, Buller/Westland +64 (03) 789 8132

Reefton Golf Course

• Play on one of New Zealand’s few true links courses • Just 3 minutes south of Hokitika • Green Fees from $25 WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Hokitika GolF Club

Golf link Road RD 3 Hokitika, buller/Westland

Ph +64 (03) 755 8549 www.hokitika.org January 2016

A twelve hole par 72 course (yardage 5,511m). Easy walking with tree lined fairways and creeks featuring on 6 holes.

Fairways and greens well grassed. The course is beautifully set amoung the hills and is sheltered from strong winds. The club house is open Sunday during club days with snacks and bar service. Changing and shower facilities. Green fees from $20

For more information contact the Secretary, Heather Baker Phone: (03) 7328 067 • Email s.h.baker@clear.net.nz Reefton Golf Course • 74 Anderson Road, Reefton

19

F E AT U R E

SUMMER & HOLIDAY GOLF New Zealand is blessed with many Coastal and Country Golf gems from Cape Reinga to Bluff. Our many cities have classic signature courses, complimented by superb Links courses within respective districts. Below are our favourite holes for you to tackle this Summer.

CLARKS BEACH 3rd Par-3 118m

CLARKS BEACH Golf Club is situated on the shore of the Manukau Harbour, just 40 minutes from Auckland International Airport.

Widely regarded as one of the best country courses in New Zealand, its Pohutakawa- lined fairways make a brilliant display in the summer months.

The club’s third hole is worth a visit alone.

The 118 par three poses an interest-

The Rotorua Golf Club

ROTORUA GOlf ClUb

(Arikikapakapa: the gentle sound of plopping mud) is a unique thermal golf course in the heart of New Zealands premier visitor destination. The course consists of a 18 hole, par 70 course, of 5,800 metres providing variety and challenge with many holes played over or around both dormant and active thermal areas.

A fully equipped pro shop with club, trundler, and cart hire and is close to all major hotels and motels. A fully licensed bar, cafe, and changing rooms are available to all visitors.

Arikikapakapa, 399 Fenton Street, Rotorua, New Zealand Phone: +64-7-348 4051 Email: rotorua@golf.co.nz

20

ing tee shot over an attractively designed large pond. A straight shot will miss the large trees to the right and a bunker to the left, not too many problems on a calm day. With spectacular water views in the background, and the green positioned on a small knoll, the wind factor greatly determines the club selection and can have a dramatic effect on any given day.

14th Par-3 | 186m

THE signature hole on Rotorua’s Arikikapakapa course is undoubtedly the parthree 14th.

This hole is extremely picturesque and can play as difficult as it is beautiful.

From the elevated tee you need to hit across a thermal lake to a generous green, however it is virtually all carry and

January 2016

plays its full distance, particularly if you’re playing into any sort of breeze.

Any errant shot right of the green will bring big trouble, so it’s best to favour the left side of the green.

It is certainly a memorable hole and to make par or better is very satisfying.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

MaraMarua

Golf Club

8th Par-4 | 371m

maramarua.co.nz | 64 09 232 5702 | 1514 State Highway 2 Maramarua

Located just half an hour from Manukau, you can enjoy the peace of the country while still being close to Auckland at Maramarua Golf Club. You will also experience one of the best golf courses in the region.

The eighth hole at Maramarua requires a long tee shot to the right of a wide fairway.

The fairway has trees on both sides, which protect out of bounds on the far right and a hazard on the left. Shots to the left hand side don’t get a shot at the green as this is blocked by mature pine trees.

Having placed your 220m-plus drive on the right-hand side of the fairway you have a daunting approach shot over a rock-surrounded pond to a two-tiered green.

If the pin is on the top level the landing area is small. Here you will be faced with the decision whether to aim for the top and risk an overshot of play to the lower area and guarantee a difficult two putt.

Either way, it’s one heck of a hole!

MIRAMA R LINK S GOLF CLUB 15th Par-5 422m

Miramar Links Golf Club • Play a prestigious Wellington course within minutes of Wellington’s CBD • Join competitive or social competitions including twilight. Miramar has very strong Interclub teams in all grades • Enjoy our clubhouse cafe and bar facilities • Free airport car parking while visiting the club 1 Stewart Duff Drive Miramar PO Box 15 182 Wellington, New Zealand

THIS feature hole is a relatively easy par five when playing with a southerly breeze but can be a monster during a strong north westerly. Out of bounds down the right side and evenly spread pot bunkers running down the left side of the fairway stiffen the test. The well bunkered green has a double bunker on the right in front

Tel: +64 4 801 7649 Fax: +64 4 388 5550 Email: miramar@golf.co.nz

Pukekohe Golf Club

is located at the edge of Auckland City only 5 minutes away from the Drury offramp of the Southern Motorway. It is on the way to the rest of NZ south of Auckland.

Your golf experience will include one of the best courses in Auckland with a parklands style golf course with tree lined fairways, ponds and a stream to provide a quality golf challenge.

A cool drink or nice food afterwards will finish off the experience. If the golf wasn’t so good then the PGA pro will fix it for you.

Accommodation details Touchwood Motorlodge has had a long term play & stay relationship with Pukekohe Golf Club. They are only 5 minutes away from the course and to the centre of Pukekohe’s main street. See the website www.motorlodge.co.nz or 09 238 7205 to make bookings or for more information.

Check www.pukekohegolf.co.nz for more details or phone 09 294 8810 for a tee booking

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

of the green with the second bunker hidden from view from the fairway.

The green can be a difficult to hold approach shots down wind and with a narrow entrance into a long two tiered green there is little room for error.

Watch putting down wind and down hill.

Pukekohe Golf Club

6th Par-3 | 182m

The hole with a piece of everything!

Into the prevailing westerly wind, from either of the elevated teeing grounds, and over the large lake that ends near a bunker tucked into the left front of the crescent-shaped green. The narrow “bail-out” fairway is protected by long-cut rough and the out of bounds fence-line running along the right side

January 2016

and behind the green.

The direct line to the ‘classic’ pin placement, at back-left, requires total distance ‘carry’.

Marker Men Women: Blue Par 3 182m Stroke: 9 Red Par 3 152m Stroke: 13 White Par 3 164m Stroke: 9 Yellow Par 3 134m Stroke: 13

21

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND NORTHLAND WOMENS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Northland golfer Sam Dangen once again proved to be hard to beat when she produced two fine rounds of golf at the Northland Champion of Champions held at Waitangi. After her morning round of one under par, Dangen found herself only in second place after Waipu’s Kylie Jacobson shot two under. However Dangen was able to take out the overall 36 hole gross with a fine 74 in the afternoon to take out the 36 hole gross event.

Dangen was ably assisted by her club bronze champions Val Moffat and Trudy Nikora from the Whangaroa Golf Club to win the overall women’s champion teams title- the Iris Farrell Rosebowl with a total of 118 points. Runner up and only two

points behind was Waipu Golf Club with Margaret Pennington and Julie Gordon linking with Kylie Jacobson. Kaitaia Golf Club finished in third place.

At the prize giving at the conclusion of the days play, Sam Dangen was also

CHAMP OF CHAMPS

presented with her prize for winning the New Zealand Golf Home Links Competition held throughout the country. Another achievement to top off a great year.

Results: Silver Division Winner 36 Hole Gross Sam Dangen Whangaroa Runner Up Kylie Jacoby Waipu Winner 36 Hole Net...Glenis Webb Sherwood Pk Runner Up Merle Mounsey Waitangi Winner 18 Hole Net am.Roz Fitzpatrick Northland Runner Up Flo Smith Kaitaia Winner 18 Hole Net pm Maryann Vogt Hikurangi Runner Up Rachael Williams Hikurangi Bronze Division Winner 36 Hole Gross Julie Carnachan Kaitaia Runner Up Viv Webb Nth Wairoa Winner 36 Hole Net Maggie Akland Ngunguru Runner Up Carol Jessop Pines Winner 18 Hole Net am Heather Thomas Wellsford Runner Up Ann Walker Houhora Winner 18 Hole Net pm Cheryl Douglas Waitangi Runner Up Suzannah Starkie Pines Seniors Division Winner 18 Hole Gross Maritha O’Leary BOI Runner Up Marj Duncan Kaitaia Winner 18 Hole Net Lesley Ferguson Ngunguru Runner Up Eva Williamson Waipu

Following are the 2015 Results from Mangawhai Golf Club: Senior Champ – Brad Bonnington – Wellsford R/U Clint Brlievich (Waitangi) Brad(149) by 2 shots over Clint (151) Intermediate – Brian Lumsden -Nicholls (Wellsford) R/U Peter Mc Taggart – Whangarei Brian (168) by 1 shot over Peter (169) Junior – Stephen Jones – Whangarei R/U – Doc Johnson – Nth. Wairoa Stephen (174) by 3 shots over Doc (177) D Grade (27 holes) Rick Parker – Sherwood Park R/U Luciano Canestri – Mangawhai Rick and Luciano both had 140. Rick won with a par 5 to Luciano’s 6 on the first play off hole.

Well run day. The wind made it not too easy for the players.

The Seniors and Intermediates played off the Blue tees while the Junior and D Grade played off the white.

Many thanks to Managwhai GC for their great support of this event.

NORTH HARBOUR A NEW LOOK FOR WAITAKERE

Waitakere Golf has a new direction for 2016. A new committee, new management structure and new features.

Newly appointed General Manager Ron Smythe’s new initiatives include extended club opening hours, Footgolf, members evenings, and a totally new approach to

TWILIGHT GOLF Titirangi Golf Club – Over 9 holes Sponsored By Image Centre Group Tuesday evenings, 6pm shotgun start Single Stableford, Men’s and Women’s Divisions

All entries go into end of season draw for “TEE FOR TWO” Golf Package Kauri Cliffs Golf Course & Stone Store Lodge

ARE Y OU P L BAY O ANNING T O F ISLA NDS N VISIT Z?

PLAY

arded

May –

to:

• TWO go David

Don’t miss out on the individual prizes each night

GOLF AT KAUR OUR SCE NIC I CLIF FS

“TEE FOR TW O” G Kauri olf Pa Cliffs ck Stone Golf Cours age Kerikeri , Bay of e Store Island Lodge & Vouch s Valid er Aw 01 lfers en joy On Harm e Ro

30 Sep

tembe

r 2016

Inclus

an **o ne of the und of Golf ive of: • TWO each (Gr night’s top 100 een

accom course mo s in the Fees) at Kauri • TWO at Stone dation in a De world** Cli for TEA luxe Store Lod – www.k ffs Designe (or cof d by fee) eac ge Kerik Suite Dble/ auricliff • TWO Twin sui h morni eri *20 s.com guests te 1 Kerik ng with enjoy eri Road with Inlet vie contin a delici ental or ws, * ous gla overlo full bre ss of win oking akfast the e at wit inlet at Stone for TWO Based on Store Lod Stone h light snacks two *Mu Store Lod • NON Golf st be NZ Golfpersons - Sha on ge e evenin • No refu er Sub affiliate re Twin or ge stitute: nd for Double g, d Mem unused A sele bers • Occ

open to all golfers $25 members $35 visitors includes Dinner phone: (09) 827 3967 or email golfdirector@titirangigolf.co.nz to book your spot

Based

upancy ction from * – Inte services • Rain chec Health-H rnational ble/twin Visi erba occu

on dou

k avai tors ADD l-bo pancy For res • Air and lable due wea dy treatments ervatio ther land tran Richar ns con sportat within valid d@sto tact: ity ion not nestor websi include elo te d Phone: www.stonest dge.co.nz (09) 407 ore -6693 lodge.co.nz

AUCKLAND’S #1 RATED COURSE

An event not to be missed!

AU

22

January 2016

CKL AND

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD 4-Jan

Waipu

64 274 409 165

Course Development Tournament

30-Jan

BOI

(09) 407 8837

Woodlands Open Lion Tour

30-31

Kaitaia

9-409 4833

Tai Tokerau Maori Golf Tournament

30-31

Okaihau

9-401 9223

9 Hole Mixed Classic

31-Jan

Kaitaia

9-409 4833

31 Sunday Masters Memorial Tournament

31-Jan

Kaikohe

64 9-401 0814

Sunday Opening Day

31-Jan

Mangawahai

09 902 9088

Timberworld Warkworth Mixed Open

5-Feb

Mangawahai

09 902 9088

Howdos Charity Fundraiser

6-Feb

Mangawahai

09 902 9088

Voluntary Fire Brigade Fundraiser Waitangi Day

6-Feb

Wellsford

09-423 8385

Mixed Open

6-Feb

Waipu

64 274 409 165

Mixed Opening Day

6-7 Feb

Whangaroa

94051808

Far North 4BBB Classic

7-Feb

Waiotira

64 274 409 165

Annual Pairs Tournament

7-Feb

Northern Wairoa

9-439 6599

Frank Fitchett Junior Tournament

11-Feb

Whangarei

9-437 0775

Mixed Association Day

13-Feb

Houhora

09 4098821

Women's Open

14-Feb

BOI

(09) 407 8837

Northland U21 Stroke Play

Ritchie is the new Golf Manager has accepted the challenge.

Josh commented, “now that Ron is focusing on the big picture and promotion of the club I can focus clearly on membership and day to day functions of the golfing agenda. 2016 certainly looks exciting for the current members”.

NORTH HARBOUR POST SOLID PERFORMANCES AT INTERPROVINCIALS

Both sides performed very well in the national championships but ultimately it was a case of what might have been for the two extremely talented men’s and women’s teams. In Invercargill the men finished the round robin matches with 4 wins, one loss and one half but unfortunately missed out on a semi-final spot by just half a point. It was a disappointing finish to be so close but ultimately their 5th place finish (out of 15 teams) was the best result since 2010 and caps off a superb representative year for the men

in which they took home a tremendous amount of silverware by claiming trophies from Auckland, Northland, B. There is a lot of positive to build on for 2016 and Changi-gi Lee was named our player of the tournament. The women had a fantastic week in Ashburton and went through the round robin play with 5 wins and 1 loss to make team to qualify for the Semi-Finals. They competed against unbeaten local favourites Canterbury and despite being down early on stormed home to tie the match 2.5 all. Therefore a playoff was needed to separate the two teams but unfortunately for our team we would lose in the first playoff hole. North Harbour therefore finished 3rd for the week out of the 14 teams which was a great result, if not perhaps a little bittersweet given the team was definitely good enough to win the tournament. Canterbury would beat Bay of Plenty 5-0 in the final which illustrated just how strong our team performed in Semi-Final. Well done to the team and management on a great result and with such a young team there is like the men a huge amount to build upon for 2016.

NORTH HARBOUR JUNIOR BOYS SHINE OVERSEAS

in Surfers Paradise. Both players had fantastic results. James Hydes shot rounds of 74, 72 and 72 to finish tied for 4th in the 17 and under category. Kevin Koong was simply superb and won the 15 and under category with rounds of 71, 73 and 71. A great result for both, especially given it was their first opportunity to compete in a major event overseas. Harbour Golf and the Hills Academy (which Jason Day attended in his development years) continue to form a strong working relationship in our promotion and development of our top juniors. Discussions are now taking place to ensure some of their top junior players will make the flight over next June to compete in North Harbour’s inaugural Lydia Ko Age Group Championship. Exciting times for top level junior golf in our district!

NORTH HARBOUR WOMENS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The 2015 tournament was held at Redwood Park Golf Club on November 22nd. In the Championship division (Silver) it was Vaha Fapiano from North Shore (pictured)

Through Harbour golf’s relationship with the Hills Golf Academy in Australia two of Harbour’s top juniors Kevin Koong (Huapai) and James Hydes (Peninsula) were given the opportunity to compete at the Hills Australian Junior Championship at Parkwood International Golf Club

welcoming visitors and new members.

Ron has appointed a new Golfing Manager to concentrate purely on golfing competitions and associated areas. Josh

“TEE FOR TWO”

CHALLENGE YOURSELF AND

HAVE FUN! Play Titirangi off the Championship Black Tees

Ba Ke y o rik f I eri sla nd s

Play Kerikeri Golf Club – accommodation at Stone Store Lodge.

Kauri Cliffs

“TEE FOR TWO” GOLF PACKAGE

Inclusive of: Two golfers enjoy one round of golf each (green fees) at Kauri Cliffs designed by David Harman **one of the top 100 courses in the world** www.kauricliffs.com Two nightʼs accommodation in a deluxe suite double/twin suite with inlet views, at Stone Store Lodge Kerikeri

Bay of Islands

2 NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE Two golfers enjoy Two nights accommodation Stone Store Lodge Kerikeri Deluxe suite twin/double occupancy with Inlet views Two full or continental breakfasts daily

Two for tea (or coffee) each morning with continental or full breakfast at Stone Store Lodge

Two persons for one round of golf at Kerikeri Golf Course

MEN’S BACK TEE OPEN DAY

Two guests enjoy a delicious glass of wine with light snacks one evening, overlooking the inlet at Stone Store Lodge

Two guests enjoy a delicious glass of wine with light snacks one evening, overlooking the inlet at Stone Store Lodge

Scheduled for the last Friday in every month of 2016 (January – November)

BASED ON TWO PERSONS - SHARE TWIN OR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

BASED ON TWO PERSONS - TWIN SHARE

NZ$875 for TWO

NZ$432 for TWO

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Above pricing valid from 12th December to 3rd April 2016 $489 for TWO (Affiliated NZ Players)

TITIRANGI GOLF CLUB

BOOK YOUR DIARY

*

Gross Competition Stableford Competition (maximum handicap 24) Nearest the Pins Over $1,000 of prizes each day

Each monthly gross & stableford winner will go into an end of year draw for 1 years full playing membership*

*Must be NZ residents. International Visitors ADD $475

Above pricing Valid from December 12th 2015

Prices outside these dates contact Stone Store Lodge •NON Golfer Substitute: A selection from Health-Herbal-body treatments •No refund for unused services •Rain check available due weather within validity *Based on double/twin occupancy •Air and land transportation not included •Cart not included

*

*Must be Affiliated NZ Players TERMS & CONDITIONS

Prices outside these dates contact Stone Store Lodge • Based on two persons twin share – golf cart not included.

• No refund for unused services. • Rain check available within validity dates due weather. • Air and land transport not included.

• Each round of golf based on green fees only.

Outside these dates please look at our website Members $25

Visitors $50

For reservations contact richard@stonestorelodge.co.nz www.stonestorelodge.co.nz | Ph (09) 407-6693

For entry & bookings please contact the Golf Office: ph 827-3967 email golfdirector@titirangigolf.co.nz *conditions apply

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

January 2016

23

taking out the major prize with a 36 hole total of 155 to won by 3 shots from runner up Shani White (Gulf Harbour). Other divisional winners were as below: Bronze – Rhiannon Mcleod (Redwood Park) Veteran – Joanne Stallard (North Shore) 9 Hole – Diane Knott (Pupuke) Rosebowl – Pupuke Golf Club

NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD 1 Jan -31 Jan

Whangaparoa

09) 424 5441

Sunday- Friday 3pm onwards up to 9 holes Junior player adult combo $10

2-Jan

Warkworth

09 425 8248

Warkworth 2016 New Year Mixed Tournament 7am – 12noon

5-Jan

Warkworth

09 902 9088

Warkworth Monthly Midweek Mixed Open (+ Pro Shop Scramle & Twos available)

NORTH HARBOUR MENS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The tournament was held at Warkworth Golf Club on the 13th of December. In the Championship (Senior Division) it was the talented Gulf Harbour junior Nathan Mayes pictured) who took out the silver ware with a fantastic last round of 70 to go with his first round 74. His two round total of 144 was good enough for a 5 shot victory over Jake Lee (Huapai), also one of the districts most talented young juniors. 3rd on the count back was James Hydes from Peninsula who had a great last round of 71 after struggling in the morning with an 80. Junior boys golf certainly is in a very strong place in the district! Other winners from the day are shown below: Intermediate Winner—Steven Gay (Waitakere) on 77 points

Junior Winner—Rod Nicolson (Redwood Park) on 73 points Teams Trophy Winner—Redwood Park

SNAG GOLF AND HARBOUR GOLF TEAM UP

SNAG Golf in conjunction NZ Golf, North Harbour Golf and Harbour Sport are running a “SNAG ON THE BEACH INITIATIVE”” to promote the game. It is being held on the 9th, 10th and 13th of January 2016 at Orewa Beach near the Surf Club from 11am to 4pm on the three days and all ages are welcome. Do pop down if you get the opportunity as the session will be a lot of fun!

JASON GULASEKHARAM GETS NATIONAL CALL UP

North Harbour men’s number one Jason Gulasekharam has been selected by NZ Golf to compete in the 2016 Australian Master of the amateurs at Royal Melbourne early in the new year. This will be a great opportunity for Jason to test his

skills against some of the top amateurs on one of the best courses in the world.

He will then play in some other major amateur events in Australia. Well done Jason on your national selection!

AUCKLAND JORDAN LOOF MEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The Men’s Champion of Champions was played at the Akarana Golf Club on Sunday 6th December and home course advantage was paramount in Jordan Loof’s win. Loof carded rounds of 70 and 71 to beat the field by six shots in the Senior Division. Runner up was Howick’s Thomas Gillan who played consistently well shooting rounds of 73 and 74.

The Intermediate Division was won by Kam Nadan of Pakuranga with 70 Stableford points from Grant Wilcock of Waiuku on 65 points.

In the Junior Division, Ron Campbell from the Howick Golf Club staged a great comeback to defeat Henry Hohenberger (Manukau) and Sam Chung (Akarana) by two points. Chung had recorded the best stableford round of the morning, 41 points, and looked to have the competition at his mercy. Campbell came storming home with 37 points to give him a total of 71, a two point advantage over both Hohenberger and Chung.

PAKURANGA CLUB NEWS

The Men’s Auckland Golf Inc. Champi-

on of Champions event was played at the Akarana Golf recently with Lance Shaw, Kam Nadan and John Frederickson representing the club.

Against some strong competition the Pakuranga team came out on top winning the Ron Lay Rosebowl team’s event based on the combined Stableford score for each player over the 36 holes each played. Adding to this Kam Nadan won his Intermediate section with Lance Shaw finishing 3rd in the senior section and John Frederickson finishing in the top 5 in the junior section. A great result to finish the Men’s Competitions for the year.

WAIKATO BREAST CANCER TOURNAMENT

The Breast Cancer Support (Tauranga) Golf Tournament was held on Monday 7th December at Fairview Golf Course, Katikati.

120 golfers raising funds for a fantastic support group. A big Thank you to everyone who played, all our sponsors, supporters and the many volunteers who baked and helped in many ways to make this another fantastic day.

It was great to see so many golfers from around the Bay of Plenty.

The total raised will be approx $3,000.

PAEROA’S TOURNAMENT SUCCESS

A capacity field of 120 golfers took part in the Visique O’Hagen Vission Care sponsored tournament at Paeroa’s pic-

PLAY NOOSA.

Pay for one, get 50% off the second player during February.

Tirau welcomes you all to come and play, and possibly become members of our beautiful 18 hole course.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP 18 hole green fees $20 every day 9 hole green fees $15 every day Full membership $490 New member $300 Junior full playing $100 Junior $50 Summer membership $200

Noosa’s only 18-hole championship course set in a nature reserve.

So come and relax and enjoy our beautiful course All enquiries to John Kelsen (07) 883 1423

Call us on +617 5447 1407 or go to noosagolf.com.au 46 Cooroy Noosa Rd Tewantin Queensland Australia

Tirau Golf Club | State Highway 27, Tirau, 3410 24

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AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD 4-5 Jan

The Grange

(09)2789777

Seniors Summer Tournament

6-7 Jan

Remuera

9-524 4288

Seniors Summer Tournament

10-Jan

Clarks Beach

09 232 1788

Noel Hayden Memorial Mixed Open

13-Jan

Whitford Park

09 530 8823

Monthly Pro Open

19-Jan

Titirangi

9-827 5749

Twilight

20-Jan

Whitford Park

09 530 8823

Vets Monthly Scramble

20-Jan

Pukekohe

(09)2948822

Big Craig Smith’s Pro Shop Monthly

21-Jan

Aviation

09 275 4601

Pak ‘n Save Open

26-Jan

Titirangi

9-827 5749

Twilight

28-Jan

Maramarua

09 232 5702

Monthly Midweek Mixed Open

28-Jan

Clarks Beach

09 232 1788

Monthly Midweek Mixed Open

29-Jan

Titirangi

9-827 5749

Back tee & open day

30 Jan-1 Feb

Akarana

(09)6210024 x1

Auckland Anniversary Tournament

31-Jan

Clarks Beach

09 232 1788

Anniversary Weekend Mixed Open

31-Jan

Awhitu

9-235 1031

Awhitu Open

4-Feb

Onewhero

(09)2334038

Monthly Mixed Midweek Open

10-Feb

Whitford Park

09 530 8823

Monthly Pro Open

14-Feb

Whitford Park

09 530 8823

Auckland Golf Assn First Round of 2016 Pennants

15-Feb

Manukau

9-266 8297

COVIC Inter Club

17-Feb

Pukekohe

09 294 8810

Big Craig Smith’s Pro Shop Open

17-Feb

Whitford park

09 530 8823

Vets Monthly Scramble

18-Feb

Aviation

09 275 4601

Pak ‘n Save Open

turesque Rotokohu Valley course on December 12. Fifty Christmas Hams and thirty other meat packs were handed out as prizes on a day which was notable for the number of splendid stableford totals over all divisions.

Such was the demand for places in the field that a waiting list was commenced weeks prior to the event. The ‘hard luck’ story on the day involved a group of enthusiastic golfers who arranged a bus and a sober driver plus adequate refreshment for the return journey but somehow overlooked the rather important task of booking places in the field for twenty players. Apparently they were still able to enjoy themselves at another course and have already booked in for Paeroa’s Hams Tournament in 2016.

Feature performances included the par round of 72 recorded by Rhys O’Çonnor (Ngaruawahia) closely followed by Debbie Foster (Riverside) who came in with round of 73, the lowest score turned in by a woman at Paeroa’s for many years.

Overall, the outstandingscoring reflected the ideal weather and course conditions on the day.

This annual tournament was again sponsored by Visique O’Hagen Vision Care- Paeroa.

Details of Scores; Senior Men Gross: Rhys O’Connor (Ngaruawahia) 72, Scott Klaver (Ngaruawahia) 75, Dennis Williams (Te Aroha) 76, Jordan Rangihika (Ngaruawahia) 76.

Senior Men’s Stableford: Dave Body

(Paeroa) 46 pts, John Bennett (Tahuna) 44, Philip Sheehan (Te Aroha) 41, Dick Berendt (Paeroa) 41, Stephan Clive (Paeroa) 40, Keegan Walsh (Hauraki ) 40.

Junior Men Gross: Pat Slaven (Waihi) 83, Richard Baker (Paeroa ) 85, Steven Foster (Riverside) 85, Brad Mitchell (Tahuna)86.

Stableford John Roberts (Paeroa) 44, Ed Wagstaff (Te Aroha) 44, Jim Pouesi (Paeroa) 43. James Thorp (Paeroa) 43, Dean Penticost (Paeroa) 42.

Women Gross: Debbie Foster (Riverside) 73, Lauren Flattery (Mount Maunganui ) 85.

Stableford: Judy Watene (Thames) 44, Lyn Pullan (Paeroa) 43, Raewyn Wood (Paeroa) 39, Margaret Gray (Paeroa) 39.

WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 1-31 Jan

Whangamata

(07) 8698479

Friday Freebies 2 for 1 Golf

1-31 Jan

Lake View

(07) 3572343

Veterans Day every Tuesday 9.30am, Friday Haggle 12.00pm and Meat Tournament

25-Jan

Walton

(07) 8883731

Anniversary Day Mixed Open

23-Jan

Walton

(07) 8883731

PGG Wrightsons 36 hole Foursomes.

Tee off 8.30am

1-Feb

Walton

(07) 8883731

Anniversary weekend 18hole open Tee off 9.30-11.30

4-Feb

Thames

(07) 868 9062

Monthly Midweek Mixed 18 hole Open

8-Feb

Waikare

(07) 826 3574

Waikare Te Kauwhata Emergency Services Event Ambrose Teams of Six Fun Day

OUT AND ABOUT

Waikato Golf recently attended the Cambridge Expressway Opening in Cambridge. Thousands turned out and got involved in a variety of activities on offer.

The SNAG Golf Driving Range was out in full force, with a large number of kids and parents having a go.

10-Feb

Walton

(07) 8883731

McFarlane contracting Midweek

11-Feb

Te Aroha

(07)884 9656

Monthly Men’s Midweek Open

11-Feb

Waikare

(07) 826 3574

Midweek Mixed Open

11-Feb

Waiuku

(09)235 9489

Midweek Men’s Open

BAY OF PLENTY

11-Feb

Paeroa

07-862 7993

Brian Tunnicliffe Meat pack Open

BAY TEAMS PUNCH WELL ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT

10-Mar

Paeroa

07-862 7993

Brian Tunnicliffe Meat pack Open

Bay officials are thrilled with the results of their Interprovincial teams given the youth and rebuilding process that both teams were subject to.

The men’s squad with three newbies in Jordan Golding, Henry Spring and reserve

Shaun Campbell fought back from the early loss to North Harbour to get into semi-finals contention.

As usual Sam Davis and Landyn Edwards both playing their 5th Toro events improved as the week progressed ben-

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• Email your entries to info@omokoroagolf.co.nz • Please include Name, Club ID, Handicap and Contact details to info@omokoroagolf.co.nz • Pay by cheque to Omokoroa Golf Club or direct internet banking to 03-1355-0508772-03 with reference “OPENJAN”

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efitting from more golf and a tough debut at Number 1 for William Howard was handled with aplomb with 3 wins and going down the last in all but one match.

Debut players Golding and Spring both won 5 matches and lost two and will be so much better for the experience.

17 year old Alanna Campbell led the Women’s team magnificently with 5 wins.

Rookie Emmalee Morrell had a great debut 5 wins and Rotana Howard after missing selection in 2015 proved her ability in matchplay with her only loss being in the final.

Another newbie, 15year old Jodae Ngaheu also had a great tournament with 5 wins to add to the prospect of exciting times ahead for this team.

As disappointing as the whitewash in the final against Canterbury looked on paper there is real belief that these girls will be the nucleus of a very potent force in 2016 at Westown.

COMMUNITY CONCERN OVER PROPOSED GOLF CLUB SALE

By Bay of Plenty Times

Shareholders at the Renner Park Golf Club at Oropi have voted in favour of selling the course to a building company but the decision has caused outrage from some past and present members.

The vote was pushed through under its constitution despite some opposition.

However, Renner Park Property secretary and treasurer Ian Heyes said nothing had been signed yet.

Current shareholders had voted to ac-

cept an offer, however, it was at the “bare bones” stage, he said.

“It was a very conditional offer and in any case it will remain a golf course for a while.”

Renner Park Property held 100 per cent of the shares of the golf club which opened in 2003.

Rex Hadfield was instrumental in establishing the course and said he was “in shock”.

The former shareholder said the original intention of the golf course was to provide a place for young people to start playing golf.

“We got the course very, very cheap but it does not mean it shouldn’t be there,” he said.

Stan Taylor, who voted against the sale, said it was a “travesty”.

He had owned one of about 230 share parcels in the club for about 13 years and said the course was community-friendly, relaxed and allowed people from all walks of life to to enjoy golf.

“It’s open to the public and you can wear your jandals and gumboots if you want to.”

Mr Taylor said he could not believe it may end up being developed and looking like “Coronation Street”.

Stan Taylor who voted against the sale of Renner Park Golf course says the decision is a travesty and he can’t believe it.

Brian Brown could still remember digging up ditches and clearing swamps to help get the course up and running.

The former shareholder said “it’s a

damn shame”, because the course had atmosphere.

“You can just roll up with a T-shirt on and a baseball cap with a beer in your hand and have a game. There are no queues and I think that is great and really good.”

Oropi resident Fiona Kehley said a lot of people from Tauranga used the golf course and it would be a loss for players.

“I see a lot of people driving into Oropi that turn off into the golf course and for some of them that is the only little bit of the country that they get to see.”

2015 SEEKA KIWIFRUIT WHANGAMATA MENS MASTERS

This year’s tournament held recently at the Titoki course drew a full field of 128 players from 36 clubs playing 54 holes over 3 days. A golfing weekend away with the boys at a very popular beach location makes this event extremely popular, with entries sold out in less than 24 hours from opening time. The weather over the weekend was fine with blustery winds.

The field was divided into 2 sections based on age which this year saw the age split at 57, and the oldest entrant was local Whangamata veteran Merv Michael at 82 years of age.

Jason Madden (Mt Maunganui) led the field at the end of day one with a one under par round of 69, and continued his form in day two to lead the field by one shot going into the third day. However to hold the lead from start to finish proved too difficult and day three was a day to

MOUNT MAUNGANUI GOLF CLUB

forget, with Madden shooting 80. Garth Chitty (Titirangi) came in with a one over par 71 to win the day and take out overall Gross. This made it two years in a row for Gareth as he had also won last year’s Gross title. Shooting a three round total of 218, Gareth was three shots clear of Andrew MacInnes (Muriwai), with Mark Anderson (Akarana) and Jason Madden (Mt Maunganui) both one shot further back on 222. Overall Nett winner was Dave Davenport (Whangamata) on 199, and Greg Overend (Thames) took out best Stableford with 117 points.

Whangamata members to win prizes included Bill Marshall (Best Stableford-Div. 2), Kevin Flower (Best Nett-Div. 2) Steve Goddard, Charles Foreman, Guy McDonald, Dave Barrance, Shaun Fay, Geoff Mellsop, Amo Jones, Peter Williams, Gary Cunningham and Brian Pittams.

Highlight of the tournament was a hole in one on the 154m No. 17 hole by Brett Clarke of Pukekohe.

A well-attended prize giving ceremony followed on Sunday afternoon. Sponsors and local businesses combined with the Whangamata Golf Club to build a prize list worth in excess of $14,000. Speaking on behalf of the players, Dave Cooke (Tauranga) thanked the organisers and the many volunteer helpers and spotters for their part in making the tournament such a popular one and very enjoyable for the players.

HASTINGS OPEN 2016

WEEKEND OF AMATEUR GOLF 2016 NEW ZEALAND MEN’S FOURSOMES

Proudly sponsored by Hastings RSA

FRIDAY 19TH FEBRUARY 2016 36 HOLE STROKEPLAY

Individual entries accepted • Random draw for playing Partner Entry Fee: $15 per player

30 and 31 January 2016

(plus a free practice round on Friday 29 January)

2016 GRANT CLEMENTS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Mount Maunganui - 07 575 6722

54 Hole Stroke Play Amateur Championship Men’s & Women’s Divisions NZ Golf Order of Merit

SATURDAY 20TH & SUNDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2016 72 HOLE STROKEPLAY Grant Clements Memorial Trophy - Men’s 72 Hole Gross Grant Clements Trophy - Women’s 72 Hole Gross

Entries close 22 January 2016.

Only $70 which includes lunch on both days.

36 Holes Saturday 20th February & 36 Holes Sunday 21st February 2016 Field limited to 96 lowest handicap players entered Field Limits: Women: Up to12 players. Men: Up to 84 players.

Entry Fee: $85 per player

Tel 06 879 7206 or info@hastingsgolfclub.co.nz for more info or to register.

Conditions and Entry Forms for both tournaments are available on

www.mountgolf.co.nz

Entries Close - 28th January 2016 Enquiries to Ray Horsfall (Convenor) Phone 07 575 0590 Email baytrain@kinect.co.nz

26

www.hastingsgolfclub.co.nz

January 2016

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

shall (Whangamata) Division 2 Stableford – second George Chaffey (Te Puia Hot Springs) Division 2 Stableford – third Amo Jones (Whangamata)

HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY FROM FARM TO FAIRWAY Pictured are Greg Overend (Thames), Gareth Chitty (Titirangi) and Dave Davenport (Whangamata).

Results: Open Gross winner Gareth Chitty (Titirangi) Open Nett winner Dave Davenport (Whangamata) Open Stableford winner Greg Overend (Thames) Division 1 Gross – winner Andrew MacInnes (Muriwai) Division 1 Gross – second Mark Anderson (Akarana) Division 1 Gross – third Jason Madden (Mt Maunganui) Division 1 Nett – winner Glenn Dobbs (Pukekohe) Division 1 Nett – second Steve Goddard (Whangamata) Division 1 Nett – third Richard Craven (Tauranga) Division 1 Stableford – winner Paolo Godinich (Whitford Park) Division 1 Stableford – second Charles Foreman (Whangamata) Division 1 Stableford – third Keith McKeown (Whitford Park) Division 2 Gross – winner Phil Haydon (Whitford Park) Division 2 Gross – second Sonny Te Kanawa (Waitomo) Division 2 Gross – third Guy McDonald (Whangamata) Division 2 Nett – winner Kevin Flower (Whangamata) Division 2 Nett – second Shaun Fay (Whangamata) Division 2 Nett – third Michael McCarten (Hamilton) Division 2 Stableford – winner Bill Mar-

By Hawkes Bay Today

Culling, docking and drenching take up most of Doug Holloway’s time on the family farm in Te Pohue these days.

But that doesn’t mean bulldozer-savvy Holloway has lost touch with the art of BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD 1 -31 Jan

Lake view

(07) 3572343

Veterans Day every Tuesday 9.30am, Friday Haggle 12.00pm and Meat Tournament 1st each month

1 -31 Jan

Rotorua GC

(07)3484051

Summer Membership Special $350.00 November 2015 – March 2016

1 -31 Jan

Rotorua GC

(07) 3484051

Men’s Wednesday Haggle every Wednesday from 10.00am

9-10 Jan

Springfield

(07) 348 2748

Danny Lee Open M&W

13-15 Janaury

Hamilton

(07) 849 2069

North Island Under 19’s M&W

23-24 Jan

Rotorua GC

(07) 3484051

Nz Speed Golf Championships

30 Jan

Taupo GC

(07) 378 6933

Harcourts 36-Hole Taupo Classic

25-29 Jan

Te Puke, Omanu, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga and Omokoroa

(07) 541 1566

21st EVES 5 Course 90hole Classic

19-21 Feb

MT Maunganui

(07) 572 7044

Grant Clements Memorial M&W

26-28 Feb

Rotorua GC

(07) 3484051

Rotorua Men’s Open 72 Hole Stroke Play

10 Mar

Rotorua GC

(07) 3484051

Rotorua Ladies 100% Golf Pro Shop Open

26-28 Mar

BOP GA

(07) 541 1566

BOP Masters & Seniors M Mount, Omanu, Tauranga

PLAY GOLF AT ARIKIKAPAKAPA

ploughing his way around the fairways of the professional golf circuit in the country with his driving, chipping and putting.

The 32-year-old Hawke’s Bay professional golfer has won the Mondiale New Zealand Order of Merit after 20,665 points following 22 events and 45 rounds this year.

“I spend more time on the farm and less on golf so, yeah, I’m a farmer more than a golfer,” he says with laugh before he and wife Rebecca drove to Wellington on Wednesday for some downtime before Christmas.

A golfer needs to play a minimum of eight pro-am events, including those on the Charles Tour.

Remarkably Holloway only won one event, the Craig Investments Partners Pin High Wanganui Pro-Am at the Belmont Links, in early September.

His secret? Simply mapping a path of consistency.

“I finished in the top 10 in all bar a couple of events so I was always there or thereabouts,” says the affable bloke who won the order of merit in 2007.

Jim Cusdin, playing a minimum eight events and 20 rounds this year, was runner-up on 17,717 points while Josh Geary came in third on 17,566 points on the platform of one more event and round.

Kieran Muir, Troy Ropiha, Mark Brown, Peter Lee, Jared Pender, Daniel Pearce and Shaun Jones round off the top 10 in the field of 46.

Bay professional Pieter Zwart, of Waipukurau, finished in 25th place on 7038 points.

The victory, apart from the cash bonus from the sponsors, offers Holloway a passport to playing rights on about 70 per cent of the Australian Tour card events.

“If I play well there I’ll earn the right to go to other events,” he says, bracing himself for six events in the first half of next year with the mind set of finishing in the top 20 to give himself a chance at the other 30 per cent of pro-ams.

Holloway has established himself

across the ditch where he was the Queensland Rookie of the Year in 2006.

“I’ve always played reasonably well and have a good record in Australia.”

He considers himself “an old fellow” in the code since making his debut in 2005.

A decade later, Holloway has racked up eight New Zealand Open appearances and will have a “walk-up” start at the NZPGA in Auckland in March before teeing up on the fourth week of the same month in the NZ Open.

However, tampering that schedule is the unrivalled excitement of the Holloways becoming first-time parents with Rebecca expecting a baby boy in the middle of February.

“It’ll change things a little bit, but it’ll be exciting times, so when I do play it’ll be in bigger events,” he says, bracketing 8-10 in Australia and “as many as I can in New Zealand”.

Parents Sonya and Lloyd Holloway are fulltime farmers at Waitara Station with Doug’s sister, Angela, also living and working with them.

Hastings PGA professional Brian Doyle, who coaches Holloway, says his talent was always a given.

“He’s been quite successful without taking that last little step to the absolute elite level,” says Doyle of the former top Bay amateur.

“It’s hard to know why some guys do [go to the absolute elite level] and others don’t so it probably comes down to a little bit of luck.”

Doyle says there’s no doubt Holloway is one of the best golfers to come out of New Zealand and also someone who stamped his class during his amateur days, too.

SHY BOY COMES OF AGE

By Hawkes Bay Today

His English wasn’t too sharp but it didn’t matter because the then shy schoolboy, Supravee Phatam, didn’t say much, according to Hastings PGA professional Brian Doyle.

But the former Napier Boys’ High

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January 2016

27

HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY NOTICEBOARD 23-24 Jan

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Women’s 54 Hole Match Play & 36 Hole Stableford Open

30-31 Jan

Hastings

6-879 7206

54 Hole stroke Play Tournament

27-Feb

Patutahi

06) 862 7789

Ladies Open

28-Feb

Napier

6-844 7913

Age Group Championship

7-Mar

Hastings

6-879 7206

Open Ladies Day

10-Mar

Gisborne Park

6-867 9849

Gisborne Park (Meat Treat) 9.30am

11-Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Secondary Shool Championships

13-Mar

H.B. Golf Club

6-879 8890

Bramwell Grossman 9 & 18 Hole Tournament

14-Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Silky Oak Chocolates 9 Hole Tournament

21-Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Sommerset-Smith 18 Hole Open

22-23 Mar

Poverty Bay

6-867 4402

Poverty Bay Ladies Open 54 Holes

School pupil from Thailand blossomed into a “a little character”, recalls Doyle who last Saturday night received a phone call from Phatam in Taupo “asking in a small voice” if he could book a lesson.

The 27-year-old, a former Bay amateur representative while still at NBHS, ended

up at the Hill Country Estate course with Doyle last Sunday to hone his professional skills.

“We made a few minor adjustments to set up a position to enhance his swing so he has remembered well from all those years of coaching,” says Doyle who used to take him to the same course in his school days.

The coach says ability aside, the then youngster became “very likeable” and picked up the nickname of “Super” from older fellow Bay senior men’s reps.

“If you put a high school uniform on now and send him back to school again no one will know the difference,” says Doyle with a laugh.

Phatam, he says, will take 5 to 7 years to feel like he’s part of the pro circuit, if Doyle’s experience with former Bay amateur rep-cum-professional Michael Long is anything to go by.

“There are exceptions, of course, but that’s how long it takes for players to find their feet.”

MASTERS FINISH SECOND

HB Masters recently finished a very creditable second in The NZ Masters played at Ngamotu in New Plymouth. The following is a report from Dave Wilkinson,

2016 HOLIDAY INN MEN’S OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 72 HOLE STROKE PLAY ALL GAMES PLAYED AT THE ROTORUA GOLF CUB ROUND 1 FRIDAY 26TH FEBRUARY 11.30AM ROUND 2 SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY AM ROUND 3 SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY PM ROUND 4 SUNDAY 28TH FEBRUARY AM (followed by prize giving)

I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

96 LOWEST HANDICAP PAID ENTRIES Sanctioned by the B.O.P. Golf Association $10,000 PRIZE TABLEYOU CHOOSE YOUR PRIZE Tournament $95.00 per entry

ENTRY FORMS & ENQUIRES TO: The General Manager, Rotorua Golf Club PO Box 6026 Rotorua Phone: 07 348 4051 Email: rotorua@golf.co.nz or visit our website Billets are available (See entry form)

www.rotoruagolfclub.co.nz

one of the convenors of Masters Golf in Hawkes Bay and as you will see below, he played very well.

“The Masters is a round robin tournament with no semi-finals or finals. It was played at Ngamotu Golf Club in New Plymouth. Going into the final round there were 7 teams who mathematically could win. We had to win our last match against the local Taranaki team to have any chance. Nick Radonich and David Wilkinson both won (were 4 and 3 under par respectively) and Tony Sutherland and Paul Beachen both lost and it came down to Gary Campbell, who was three up with three holes to play. Simple. Then his opponent woke up and birdied the 7th hole to win it, and Gary birdied the 8th hole to win it so now it came down to the last hole. If Gary lost this hole and we halved the match against Taranaki, we would finish 6th but if we halved the hole and won the match we would finish 1st, 2nd or 3rd and win a medal. Thrilling stuff. Gary held his nerve to halve the hole and win his match 1 up and we beat Taranaki 3-2 and we finished 2nd to win the Silver Salver.

We played 8 matches so the number of games is out of 8 and the player from Canterbury who won the player of the tournament won 7.5 games to Dave Wilkinson’s 7.0 games.

Our team wins were: Tony Sutherland 1.0, Gary Campbell 6.5, Nick Radonich 6.0, David Wilkinson 7.0 and Paul Beachen 4.0.

The turning point was really Wednesday where we came up against Canterbury (who finished 3rd overall) and with heavy rain in the morning play was delayed for 90 minutes and the team performed the best all week with no player losing. Tony and Gary had halves and the other three players all won to give us a 4-1 score line and set us up for a chance later in the week. Manager Glenn Sloan did a great job and helped keep everyone focussed but relaxed.

First two days were showery and blustery, next two days were strong winds

and Friday was a postcard day. Monday we beat Otago (4-1) and Aorangi (3-2).

Tuesday we lost to Northland (4-1) and North Harbour (4-1). Wednesday we beat Canterbury (4-1). Thursday we beat Poverty Bay/East Coast (4.5-0.5) and Man/ Wang (4-1). Friday we beat Taranaki (32).”

Golf Hawkes Bay congratulates the Masters for doing so well and thanks them for their time and effort in fundraising and getting the team together to compete so well.

MANAWATU WANGANUI SENIORS TOURNAMENT

Castlecliff Golf Club hosted the 61st NZ Seniors Golf tournament for 5 days in late November.

The course was in absolutely pristine condition and full credit from the Club to their greenkeepers and their volunteers to be able to get the course to this high standard. A field of 96 Men and 42 Women played the week and the weather was an absolute dream with many local members glad they entered the tournament so they could play the course with very little wind for the five days. It was a success for four of their members that played in the tournament as they ended up national champions. A special mention to Rodney Henricksen (Dannevirke) who aced the 9th hole in the qualifying round; he also enjoyed getting 5 two’s for the week so really enjoyed their par 3’s.

Results Men Senior: Dennis Sharrock (Castlecliff) Senior Reserve: David Berry (Castlecliff) Intermediate: John Hansen (Cambridge) Intermediate Reserve: Alan Wix (Rangitikei) Junior: Brian Venables (Westown) Junior Reserve: Noel Julian (Castlecliff) Women Gross 329 Ann Braithwaite (Stratford) 355 Julia Jones (Castlecliff) Nett

This offer expires 29 February 2016

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January 2016

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285 Pam Charlesworth (Hawkestone) 287 Gillian Pickett (Castlecliff) Stableford 116 Sharon Murdoch (Castlecliff) c/b 116 Marie Roberts (Lake View)

NEWS FROM LEVIN GOLF CLUB

Levin Golf club played their annual TM Crighton’s Levin two round Men’s Classic. In early December. Rather than an Indian gamble members came up with a tri-fecta system which proved very popular. Although numbers where down and a couple of hiccups now ironed out the tournament was very well run with the format to be a regular event. Shay Melis had the low round of the event with 71 on Sunday. Bob Eadie with a net 64 Saturday.

MANAWATU WANGANUI NOTICEBOARD 16-17 Jan

Pahiatua GC

6 3768005

Bush Classic

30-Jan

Waiouru GC

21 243 3724

Mountain Classic 36 hole

30-Jan

Hastings GC

6-879 7206

Hastings 54 Hole Strokeplay

31-Jan

Hastings GC

6-879 7206

Women's Masters Trial

31-Jan

Waiouru GC

21 243 3724

Connie Rainbird 18 hole Ambrose

11-Feb

Eketahuna GC

6-375 8143

Ekektahuna Open Day

13-14 Feb

Levin Golf Club

06 3686189

Horowhenua Left Handers Tournament

14-Feb

Feilding GC

(06) 323-5976

Palmanui Shield Round 1

20-Feb

Pahiatua GC

6-376 8005

Hoffman Ford Challenge

Division 1 Stableford 1st Rick Gerrand, 2nd Klaas DeGraaff, 3rd Nigel Francis. Div. 2 Stableford 1st Ross Campbell, 2nd Warwick Meyer, 3rd Peter Johnson.

Both the Men’s and Ladies Captain’s retired this month after giving three years of service to the club. We thank them for the Stirling jobs they have both done and hope they will get to play more golf. The new Women’s Captain is Diane Dunlop, the Club Captain Roger Perring.

The Tuesday mid week men had a Xmas wind. Up.They have a Sharks Trophy which is a team of four combined stableford points. This year with 160 the winning team was Norm Behrent, Les Arthurs, Alan Kearns and Declan Stephenson.

97 played the Club’s Xmas Cheer last Sunday. 14 came from TeMarua golf Club, one couple from Motueka and many other visitors from all around. They had a lovely day although the wind was extremely strong the course was in great order.

6TH PLACE FINISH AT ASHBURTON

The Manawatu Wanganui womens team finished a very creditable 6th place (from 14 teams) at the National Interprovincial Champs played in Ashburton last month.

With Brydie Hodge and Amber-Rose Thompson-Newth heading overseas this year and Emma Clayton not currently available, the team was very much in rebuild phase this year. However as the year progressed, positive signs emerged with Maraea Durie returning from the US. The team culture and confidence grew

VISITING WELLINGTON? PLAY THE AREA’S INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED GOLF SANCTUARY 20 Minutes from CBD Wellington, commuter railway station 50 metres from the Club gates.

Green Fees $45 (all comers any day except Mad Monday $20)

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nament unbeaten. They have some talented youngsters amongst their ranks, that all perform well in National events, therefore it was no real surprise to see them claiming this years championship.

WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD 9-10 Jan

Judgeford

(04) 235-7633

Heineken Wellington Summer Cups 36 Hole Men's & Women's Strokeplay

27-Jan

Featherston

06 308 9266

W.B.S. Featherston Junior Open

29 Feb

Shandon

4-939 6305

Shandon Midweek Women's Open

WELLINGTON SCOTT DUNKERLEY WINS TOP GREENKEEPER AWARD

throughout the year.

Maraea was able to fill the difficult number 1 position in the team, while the young up and coming players Tara Raj and Katherine Paskins were able to step up to this level of competition. Leanne Brown and Tania Hook showed the strong matchplay fighting qualities, required at these events.

In round robin they defeated Otago, Wellington, Taranaki and Northland to finish 3rd in their division, and qualify through to the playoff match for 5th placing against Auckland. The losses were to the 2 stronger teams in that division Bay of Plenty and North Harbour.

Despite a very narrow 3/2 loss to Auckland, which came right down to the wire with Maraea’s match against NZ Rep Munchin Keh, the entire team should be very proud of their week. The signs for next year are looking promising, if each player can raise their games to another level with an extra year of experience.

Canterbury won the event with a dominant 5 – 0 win against Bay of Plenty in the final. The Canterbury team deserved their win, as they went through the tour-

Congratulations to Scott Dunkerley of Karori who has won last month the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents Association (NZGCSA) Graduate of the Year competition.

This was held in Auckland at the Titirangi golf club. His prize for winning is a trip to San Diego for the US Golf Industry Show this February.

Scott in his first year as a head greenkeeper.

GODLEMAN BACK FROM EUROPE

By Hutt News

Ian Godleman has returned from a six month stint in Europe convinced he has the next big thing in golf coaching – TrackMan 4.

Godleman is based at Manor Park and last year married successful Kiwi pro Lynnette Brooky.

While coaching in Europe he attended the British and US opens and found that virtually all the top pros were using TackMan 3.

The radar system records the ball strike and trajectory to produce information on

GOLFCROSSWORD ACROSS

1 Plan of action that might be needed to win a tournament (8) 5 Third place getter at the 2013 Deutsche Bank Championship, ______ DeLaet (6) 9 Definitely not the type of grass used on greens (7) 10 A game, like tennis, with one player on each side (7) 11 As it turns out; playing a tournament (2,3,5) 12 Winner of the 2011 FedEx Cup, ____ Haas (4) 14 A feeling of hostility (6) 16 Mondiale Order of Merit winner for 2015, Doug ________ (8) 18 Winner of the 2015 Mount Maunganui Proam (5,3) 19 They may be available at the nineteenth (6) 22 Birthplace of Vijay Singh (4) 23 Winner of the 2014 Australian Masters (4,6) 26 Brushed aside (7) 27 Decorates gaudily (7) 28 Blew hard in spurts (6) 29 Wide open stretches of a golf course (8)

DOWN

1 Fall away (7) 2 Prepare or equip again (5) 3 Flight (of a golf ball) (10) 4 Etched line on the face of a golf club (6)

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6 Relative position or standing among professional golfers (4) 7 American winner of 1978 Australian PGA Championship (4,5) 8 Aussie Jarrod who won the Heineken Classic in 1999 (7) 10 Australian, Peter, who won the Australian Masters in 2015 (6) 13 Versatile sportsperson (3-7) 15 Winner of the 2015 Australian Open (4,5)

17 Not in the lead (6) 18 Blowing hard like Miguel ¡ngel JimÈnez, perhaps (7) 20 Steve Elkington’s grass allergy may cause infection in these cavities (7) 21 Aussie hat worn by Greg Norman at one time (6) 24 British lady golfer who was elected to the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2014, _____ Davies (5) 25 Large wooden plant that could cause an obstruction on the golf course (4) >> SOLUTION NEXT EDITION

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everything from the angle and speed of the club to the spin rate and distance.

Unlike other radar systems, it precisely measures the actual distance the ball travelled.

CANTERBURY TRAILS TAI TAPU ON TOP

Tai Tapu Golf Club was voted the country’s favourite 9 hole golf course in a recent NZ Golf course ranking survey nation wide.

What does Tai Tapu have which makes it so appealing?

Firstly, it’s location must be one of the key attraction. Just a short 15 minute drive south-east of Christchurch City on State Highway 75 on the way to the beautiful Akaroa and Banks Peninsula. Surrounded by fertile farmland and with a backdrop of the Port Hills and the Southern Alps in the distance, arriving at the course seems a quite world away.

The course is located in an extensive reserve shared by many other sporting codes. Recently upgraded because of earthquake damage, the Rhodes Park Domain boasts many fine sporting facilities.

Tai Tapu Golf has 2 paid employees.

The club’s administrator, Steve, is most likely the first person you will encounter.

A friendly welcome is assured and Steve will attend to your requirements before your golf.

This will be your first look at the course from an elevated clubhouse site. Well appointed for members and visitors alike, the large deck at the front allows good inside outside viewing across several holes. The clubhouse is a popular venue for weddings and other social functions.

You now see the labours of the club’s second employee, James the greenkeeper. The conditions of the course is outstandingly high containing some of the best greens in Canterbury. New additions gives visiting golfers new challengers.

Recently the construction of a pond in a winter wet area adds not only beauty but a well positioned hazard for golfers.

Being 9 holes, no 2 employees could maintain this course and surrounding to such a high and enjoyable level by themselves.

Tai Tapu’s secret weapon is its volunteer helpers. Their contribution each and

CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD 6-Jan

Akaroa

3-304 5704

Akaroa Wine & Roses Tournament

6-Jan

Greendale

3-318 8046

Greendale Mid-Week Open Tournament

9-Jan

Amberley

03 3148666

Amberley Open Teams Stableford

8-Jan

Karamea

(03) 782 6833

Karamea Veterans Tournament

9-Jan

Karamea

(03) 782 6833

Karamea 18 Hole Tournament

10-Jan

Hororata

3-318 2887

Hororata Sponsored Tournament

10-Jan

Ellesmere

3-324 2886

EGC Champagne Breakfast Tournament

10-Jan

Weedons

03 347 8519

Weedons Men's Open

13-Jan

Kaiapoi

3-327 7320

Eagles Junior Boys & Girls Stableford Golf Trial

16-Jan

Amberley

03 3148666

Amberley Summer Tournament

17-Jan

Clearwater

3-360 2146

Faldo Series Asia New Zealand Championship

17-Jan

Waitikiri

3-383 0729

Waitikiri Open - Paul Minifie Memorial

17-Jan

Weedons

3-347 8519

Over 50's & 60's Round 4

21-Jan

Russley

3-358 4748

Russley Women's Teams Stableford

23-Jan

Russley

3-358 4748

Lamb & Hayward Canterbury Strokeplay

24-Jan

Greymouth

3-768 5332

Greymouth Stableford Tournament

25-Jan

Rangiora

3-313 6666

Open 36 Hole Round 1

28-Jan

Burnham

3-347 6818

Arthur Chambers Memorial Tournament

29-Jan

Clearwater

3-360 2146

Clearwater Women's Open

30-Jan

Amberley

03 3148666

Amberley Sponsored Watering Tournament

30-Jan

Greymouth

3-768 5332

West Coast Left Handers Tournament

31-Jan

Russley

3-358 4748

Russley Men's Open

every week of the year can not be fully quantified, but think thousand of dollars.

So attached to their voluntary contribution, many would fined it insulting if asked to do less.

While golf in general, is on the decline around New Zealand, Tai Tapu boasts a healthy membership and financial stability.

This award, ranking Tai Tapu as being the best 9 holer in NZ, is shared by all

members and staff. It certainly feels good to be part of such a ongoing success story.

WOMEN’S & MEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Russley’s Juliana Hung made no race of the Champions event with scores of 74 and 75, to win by 11 shots from last year’s champion May Chang (Waitikiri).

The Hagley Trophy for the best 36 hole net was won by Frances Richards (Everglades). The Nine hole championship was won by Rayleen Williams (Avondale) from the runner up Margaret Start (Everglades). The Gross Stableford Rosebowl was won by Waitikiri, May Chang, Elizabeth Min and Jenny Clarke.

The Men’s Champion of Champions was also won by Waitikiri with the team of Stuart Turner, Aaron Forsyth and Paul Holden on 142 points, one point ahead of the Clearwater team. Tai Tapu’s Dave Cochrane, Ben Harding and James Lee were Team Net Stableford Champions with 212 points. Individual Gross Stableford honours were taken out by Dominic Brettkelly (Hororata) on 72 points in the Senior division, Tony Falloon (Clearwater) 52 points in the Intermediate division and Paul Holden (Waitikiri) 41 points in the Junior division.

PRESIDENTS & SECRETARIES DAY

The annual President’s & Secretaries Day was held at the Russley Golf Club with Lyall Grant (Bottle Lake) winning the President’s Cup with 39 stableford points from Brent Nahkies (Greendale) and Russell Chapman (Ellesmere) both on 36 points. The Secretaries Salver was won by Fran Anderson from Akaroa with 37 points from Kevin Gwatkin (Ellesmere) 35 points and Jan Ruston (Weedons) on 34 points. Annette Laugesen, Ray Porter, Jan Rushton and Warren Houghton took out the teams title on 118 points.

SPECTACULAR SCORING AT RINGERS TOURNAMENT

Ellesmere Golf Club hosted a very successful day for the CRYSTALP Jewellery Sponsored Women’s Ringers Tournament on Monday. Excellent scores were the order of the day with (from left) Sarah Lurajud and Paullette Jager from Weedons both with 41 one points winning the 18 hole pairs stableford competition and Ringers Trophy on 82 points from Ellesmere’s Heather McKimmie (44 points)

LEFTIES NOTICEBOARD 23-24 Jan

Hawkes Bay Napier GC

Wayne 06 8765356

Lefties

24 Jan

Central Otago Alexandra GC

Wayne 03 4486558

Lefties

30-31 Jan

Greymouth GC

Kerry 03 5447050

Lefties

30-31 Jan

Waikato Tirau G.C

Jan 07 8837013

Lefties

13-14 Feb

Levin G.C.

0800113 112

Lefties

21 Feb

Waimakiriri Gorge (North Canterbury)

Rodger 03 3133703

Lefties

5-6 Mar

Motueka G.C

Andrew 03 5287496

Lefties

12-13 Mar

North Taranaki

Roger 06 7523622

Lefties

13-13 Mar

Mangawhai G.C

John 09 431 5982

Lefties

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OTAGO SOUTHLAND NOTICEBOARD 17-Jan

Pleasant Point

3-614 7304

Aorangi Motors Teams

24-Jan

St Andrews

(03) 684 9010

Zonta Fundraiser

30-1 Jan

Gleniti

3-686 0305

2 day sponsored tournament

7-Feb

Geraldine

3-693 9154

Waitangi Day Tournament

18-Feb

Ashburton

3-308 6371

9 hole tournament

20-21 Feb

Ohau

3-435 0302

2 day sponsored tournament

and Rosie Allan (36 points) on 80 points.

Tai Tapu’s Adrienne Shadbolt (41) and Pam Brewer (38) finished 3rd on 79 points. The 9 hole Individual Stableford Competition was won

by Marie Carrodus (Ellesmere) on her home course with 21 points from Joan Pascoe (Greendale) on 19 points and Faye Sedgley (Harewood) finishing 3rd with 18 points.

OTAGO SOUTHLAND VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR BMW ISPS HANDA NEW ZEALAND GOLF TOURNAMENT

Organisers of the New Zealand Open are once again on the hunt for keen golf enthusiasts to volunteer.

The BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open tournament, a tier one event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, will be held from March 10 to 13 2016 at The Hills and Millbrook golf courses in Queenstown.

The growth in tournament size – with both The Hills and Millbrook hosting the event for the third year running – means up to 450 volunteers are needed over the first two days of the four-day tournament.

All volunteers will once again go into a draw to win a space as an amateur player in the 2017 tournament, and there are complimentary rounds of golf on offer too. Prospective volunteers can register by contacting Sue McFarlane at volunteer@bmwnzopen.com and all details are at http://www.nzopen.co.nz/volunteers. html TASMAN NOTICEBOARD 6 Feb

Kaikoura

3 319 5628

Harris Meats Waitangi Day Tournament

March 1-4

Hokitia, Westport, Greymouth, Reefton

2102672224

West Coast Challenge

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January 2016

December 2015 J A T O R E S E I H M A G G E V I A L E R R O Y A Y M E D I U A C O N C H N H Y B

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R

ICHARD ELLIS was once a leading tournament professional. These days Richard is the owner of the very successful New Zealand based golf management company “Pacific Golf Management “ the company specialises in international golf tours, organising professional and amateur golf tournaments and golf resort management. Pacific Golf has over 25 years’ experience running golf tours, international amateur and professional tournaments around the world.

Richard has an impressive 2016 golf holiday and tournament program to Hawaii, Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Whether you enjoy the world class resort courses and magnificent beach front hotels in Hawaii or traveling to Thailand to challenge yourself playing some of the best championship courses in Asia. Maybe closer to home would suit, with a fun proam tournament in Fiji or the excitement of playing in the South Pacific’s biggest 4 round pro-am event with over $130,000 to be won in amateur prizes and professional prize money.

2015 has been a very successfully year for Pacific Golf , the annual Hawaii tour has become extremely popular with over 60 people traveling to the Big Island to play in the International golf week tournament and then after 5 rounds of golf on those fantastic courses it was off to Maui for 4 days R&R. The Starwood Classic has become an amazing event and is the South Pacific’s biggest pro-am tour-

nament with 60 pro’s and 180 amateurs taking part, if you add in the non- playing partners around 300 people travelled to Fiji for the annual 5 day event. The Air New Zealand Fiji pro-am is a real fun pro-am event for golfers of all calibre and always attracts around 100 players, the event has now been running for 19 years, so expect something extra special for 20th anniversary tournament to be held at the end of May 2016.

Richard said 2016 is shaping up to be a cracker year with many bookings already in place for our annual events. The Golf- a -hollics tour to Thailand in March to play 8 rounds in 10 days on some of the best and most demanding courses in Asia. Air New Zealand 20th anniversary pro-am in Fiji in May, the four round Starwood Golf Classic in June , Shangri-La pro-am in June , Best of Golf Hawaii and Hawaii International golf week in August.

Vietnam is also on our calendar for 2016, Air New Zealand has just announced direct flights from Auckland to Saigon starting in June, making it far more accessible from NZ. So we will be putting together a Best of Vietnam golf tour which will include a 4 round tournament to be played in Danang.

Danang has a number of great resorts set on China Beach , one of the best beaches in Asia and is also home to 3 world class golf courses- designed by Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Greg Norman , with a fourth course designed by Luke Donald due to open shortly.

You don’t have to be a great golfer to join in the fun of these tours and tournaments and there is always plenty of activates for the non-golfing partners , if you enjoy playing fantastic golf courses staying at top notch resorts and hotels and having a great time, maybe one of following tours will suit you. »» Go to www.pacificgolf.co.nz for full tour and event information Best of Hawaii Golf & Hawaii International Golf Week (20 August to 1st September) the big Island of Hawaii is a 30 minute flight from Honolulu. There are 7 world class golf course within 15 minutes’ drive of the magnificent Hapuna Beach Hotel at Mauna Kea Resort where you will spend 7 nights in an ocean view room.

You get to play five rounds on the best of these great course and there’s a day where you can sharpen your skills at the golf school run by PGA professionals (all included in the cost) The 4 round tournament is played in different divisions for women and men, great prizes, nightly drinks, cocktail party and fun tournament dinner to finish.

For those who wish to spend more time in golfing paradise, we take a short flight to the island of Maui, spend 4 nights at the beautiful Westin Resort & Spa on Kaanapali Beach and a round of golf at the Plantation course at Kapalua. Home of the PGA tours tournament of Champions. To finish the trip it’s a short flight back to Honolulu

The Special Tour Package

and the final night of the tour is at the famous Waikiki.

Starwood Golf Classic Fiji (June 7th to 11th) The South Pacific’s biggest proam tournament with over $130,000 in pro prize money and amateur prizes. There are amazing individual and teams prizes for the amateurs. You will have a professional in your group for all four rounds of the tournament, play two rounds at Natadola Bay and two rounds at Denarau.

Five star accommodation at Sheraton Fiji, opening cocktail party, nightly drinks at the tournament bar, final night banquet and entertainment fantastic value all-inclusive package. Get in quick this event sells out every year.

Air New Zealand Fiji Pro-Am (May 25th – 29th) Come and play the 20th anniversary of this fun pro-am tournament.

You don’t have to be a great player, just have an official handicap. Enjoy 3 rounds of golf, one day at the fantastic Natadola Bay course and two rounds in the fun proam tournament at Denarau Golf Course.

Excellent amateur prizes, Sheraton Fiji Resort accommodation, 2 cocktail parties and the famous final night theme dinner.

Thailand Championship Tour (March 30 –April 9) This is the real golf enthusiast tour 7 rounds in 10 days on courses voted best in Asia. Five star accommodation Bangkok, Hua HIn & Pattaya, great competition plenty of side bets, see our web site for full information.

The Special Event Package

• 7 nights at five star Hapuna Beach Hotel & Spa, ocean view rooms • 4 nights at five star Westin Maui Resort & Spa • 1 night at Hawaiian Prince Hotel Waikiki • Full buffet breakfast included daily • 6 Rounds of golf including cart on world class course , Mauna Kea, Hapuna, Mauna Lani North Mauna Lani South and Kapalua Plantation course • Ranges balls before play each day • Entry into the Hawaii International Golf Week tournament • 1 day golf school before the tournament including PGA professional clinics and individual lessons • Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel • Nightly drinks, one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament.

• Player gift pack including tournament logo polo & cap valued at over $130 • Tournament prize presentation dinner and drinks • Great prizes • Full tournament & event organisation by Pacific Golf Management • All transport to and from the golf courses plus Airport to Hotel return transfers • All tax’s on accommodation, golf, meals and drinks included in the package

In ternational Golf Week

• 7 nights at five star Hapuna Beach Hotel & Spa, ocean view rooms • Daily full buffet breakfast • 1 practice round at Hapuna Beach course plus free PGA professional coaching & clinics available all day • 4 tournament rounds of golf including cart, Mauna Kea, Hapuna Beach, Mauna Lani North & South courses • Range balls before play each day • Entry into the Hawaii Resort Course Championship tournament • Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel • Nightly drinks for one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament • Player gift pack including tournament logo polo & cap ,valued at over $130 • Final night gala prize presentation dinner and drinks • Great prizes • Full tournament & event organisation by Pacific Golf Management • All transport to and from golf courses during the tournament plus return Airport transfers • Daily hotel resort fee, includes- free Wi Fi & in room internet, parking, gym access, range balls.

• All tax’s on accommodation, golf , meals and drinks included in the package

COST PP US$2596.00 (NON PLAYERS US$1739.00) TWIN SHARE

COST PP US$3951.00 (NON-PLAYERS US$2854.00) TWIN SHARE

(INCLUDES ALL EVENT SOCIAL FUNCTIONS AND FINAL NIGHT DINNER)

G O L F T R AV E L

Pro-Am’s & Golf adventures to Hawaii- Fiji- Asia

2016

Golf

Tours

The Tournament Package

The Tournament Package

• 2 nights accommodation at the Westin Grande Hotel in Bangkok • 4 nights accommodation at the Marriott Resort & Spa Pattaya • 4 nights accommodation at the Hilton Resort & Spa in Hua Hin • Daily full buffet breakfast • 7 Rounds of golf at championship courses in Thailand, including your own caddy & cart • Entry into the Thailand Golf Classic • Tournament cocktail party at the Marriott in Pattaya • Nightly drinks at the tournament bar during the tournament • Tournament prize presentation dinner & drinks at the Marriott Resort • Tournament players gift pack including, shirt & cap • All ground transfers, from airport to hotels and golf courses.

• 6 night’s accommodation at the Marriott Resort & Spa Pattaya • 4 Rounds of golf at championship courses in , including your own caddy & cart • Entry into the Thailand Golf Classic Tournament cocktail party at the Marriott Resort & Spa • On course lunch & drink at every course • Nightly drinks at the tournament bar during the tournament • Gala Tournament prize presentation dinner & drinks at the Marriott Resort & Spa • Tournament players gift pack including, polo shirt, cap • All ground transfers, from airport to hotels and golf

COST PP TWIN SHARE - $AUD2058.00 $NZ2287.00

COST PP TWIN SHARE - $AUD3147.00 $NZ3496.00

The Tournament Package

The Tournament Package

PLAYERS PP TWIN SHARE $AUD1698.00 - $NZ1889.00

COST PP $NZ1654.00 (NON-PLAYERS $NZ1117.00) TWIN SHARE

• 5 Nights twin share accommodation at Sheraton Fiji Resort , Denarau Island • Return airport / hotel transfers from Nadi International Airport • Daily full breakfast • 4 rounds of golf in the Pro-Am including carts and range balls daily • Daily lunch and on course drinks during tournament play • Gala Welcome Cocktail Party • Nightly drinks in the tournament bar (during the tournament) • All transport from Hotel to golf courses during the tournament • Player gift pack valued at $150.00 • Over $130,000 in Prize money and Prizes • Final night Gala Banquet dinner, drinks and entertainment

• Four nights deluxe twin share accommodation at the 5 star Sheraton Fiji Resort.

• Daily full buffet breakfast, Return transfers from Nadi Airport to the Sheraton Fiji Resort.

• One round of golf at Natadola Bay course including, carts, range balls, coach transfers, lunch and drinks • Pro-Am tournament entry package, including two rounds with a professional at Denarau golf course, carts & range balls before play • On course food and beverage and post round drinks during the tournament.

• Player’s gift pack, including tournament logo shirt, cap & Sulu Shoot Out golf wear.

• Fantastic prizes, Two cocktail parties and Sweepstakes evening.

• Invitation to the Grand Finale tournament theme banquet dinner & live entertainment.

• Theme costumes for the final night dinner.

WWW.PACIFICGOLF.CO.NZ WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

January 2016

31

SAVE $325

ELECTRIC PURCHASE A 18 LITHIUM BATTERY & TRUNDLER W/ CHARGER* AND RECEIVE A

FREE

UPGRADE TO A PREMIUM 18 HOLE LITHIUM BATTERY** & CHARGER

Offer valid until 31 January 2016 * 2 year warranty ** 5 year limited warranty.

AVAILABLE AT LEADING RETAILERS NATIONWIDE

For nearest stockist go to www.golfwholesalers.co.nz or phone 0800 468 888 32

Exclusively distributed in New Zealand J a n u a r y 2by 016

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ