Golfer Pacific NZ - Feb 2017

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EDITORIAL

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

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Emerging talent in golf never ceases to amaze

J

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

ustin Thomas.

Had you heard of him prior to last month?

Be honest.

No, I hadn’t either.

But there is good reason why.

He’s only 23 years of age and while he had won on the PGA Tour prior to last month it had not come in the sensational circumstances of January.

Thomas won twice in January, both times in Hawaii. The first win came in the Tournament of Champions in which he held off the highly-regarded Hideki Mat-

suyama of Japan.

A week later it was victory in the Sony Open. This was some victory.

Thomas opened the tournament with a brilliant 11-under par 59. He became the seventh player in PGA Tour history to break 60 and the youngest to do so at the age of 23 years, eight months and 14 days.

Thomas did not let up on the opposition over the following three rounds. He went on to score 64, 65 and 65 for a fourround total of 253.

That became a PGA Tour record with the previous best of

254 scored by Tommy Armour in the 2003 Texas Open.

These are amazing statistics and I haven’t even mentioned Thomas’ two previous wins on the PGA Tour.

They were both in the CIMB Classic in Malaysia. He won the tournament in 2015 at age of 22 and last October he defended the title, when the runner-up was again Matsuyama.

What I am leading up to is the talent that keeps emerging. I’m not just talking about the PGA Tour but golf in general around the world.

It never ceases to amaze me

the number of good golfers that keep putting up their hands.

The moment a golfer feels comfortable about their place in the world of golf it is quickly followed by a glance over their shoulder at those following closely behind.

Each of Thomas’ wins on the PGA Tour have been worth more than $US1 million to him. I don’t begrudge any golfer a cent of that money because it’s tough — very tough — out there. They have earned it and there is always someone else waiting in the wings to knock them off their pedestal.

SALES & CLUB PACKAGE GOLF TRAILS & NOTICEBOARDS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 7 5504 6334 Fax: 0061 7 5609 6061 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 LAYOUT & DESIGN Sarah Head layout.golferpacificnz@outlook.com PUBLISHER Golfer Pacific NZ LTD PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand ACCOUNTS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com SUBSCRIPTION $60.00 per annum including GST smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 5575 7444 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 NEW ZEALAND MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand AUSTRALIAN MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 264 Chevron Island QLD 4217, Australia COVER PHOTO: Daniel Hillier and Ryan Chisnall. Digitally enhanced by Golfer Pacific NZ COPYRIGHT All material published in Golfer Pacific NZ is subject to all forms of copyright. Contents of this newspaper cannot be reproduced in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the editor. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of this newspaper, its management. New Zealand Golfer Pacific is published Golfer Pacific NZ Limited. The company’s registered office is unit 10/7 Aruma St Chevron Island QLD 4217.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS 1.1 All advertisements accepted for publication are subject in every respect to the approval of Golfer Pacific NZ Limited. The conditions set out in any Rate Card and Golfer Pacifi c NZ Limited Advertising Order Form are the rules applicable to advertising as laid down from time to time by the Australian Newspaper Council and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). 1.2 While every care is taken in the publication of advertisements, errors may sometimes occur. In such cases, no claim shall be made by or on behalf of the advertiser in respect of any error or its subsequent effects. If brought to our attention within 24 hours of publication, adjustments may be made, but only for the space actually occupied by an error. No responsibility is taken for any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to any instructions. No guarantee is given regarding the positioning of any advertisements. 1.3 Golfer Pacific NZ Limited reserves the right to change position, cancel, refuse, omit or postpone publication of any advertisement in any issue. 1.4 The word “advertisement” will be included in an advertisement if, in the opinion of Golfer Pacific NZ Limited, it resembles editorial matter. 1.5 If a proof is required prior to the publication, the advertisement must be a minimum size of 5cm x 1 column. One proof is provided for text corrections only; any additional layout revisions requested at the publication’s discretion and will incur a (non-commissionable) production fee. Advertisers will be charged for author’s text alterations required on third and subsequent proofs. 1.6 No responsibility is accepted for any error or omission of key numbers or telephoned alterations to copy. 1.7 No arrangements concerning an order can be recognised unless authorised or approved by Golfer Pacific NZ Limited in writing. 1.8 Requests for advertisements to be printed upside down or side-on or any particular arrangements of type or display are subject to rejections without notice. 1.9 All publishers’ conditions apply equally to all Golfer Pacific NZ Limited products, electronic or printed format. 1.10 Tear-sheets for advertisement publication verifi cation are available. Golfer Pacific NZ retains the right to publish advertiser and editorial content online using social media, the company and third party wesbites and our fortnightly email newsletter. Deadlines – The responsibility for supplying booked material by the required deadline lies with the advertiser/agency. Golfer Pacific NZ Limited accepts no responsibility for material not received by deadline and charges will apply.

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February 2017

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2017 AUSTRALIAN MASTER THE AMATEURS 2017 Australian Master of the Amateurs WorldOF Cup Results Country AUSTRALIA Player 1 Player 2 CHINA Player 1 Player 2 ENGLAND Player 1 Player 2 ITALY Player 1 Player 2 JAPAN Player 1 Player 2 NEW ZEALAND Player 1 Player 2 SINGAPORE Player 1 Player 2 USA Player 1 Player 2 WALES Player 1 Player 2

First Name

Surname

WORLD CUP RESULTS

R1 Score R2 Score 36H Score R3 Score 54H Score R4 Score 72H Score Combined Scores

HARRISON TRAVIS

ENDYCOTT SMYTH

80 80

75 72

155 152

73 69

228 221

82 73

310 294

604

YILONG JUNBIN

CHEN ZHANG

83 77

76 74

159 151

75 70

234 221

77 79

311 300

611

SCOTT ALFIE

GREGORY PLANT

81 75

75 70

156 145

76 75

232 220

75 71

307 291

598

LUCA FEDERICO

CIANCHETTI ZUCCHETTI

80 76

71 73

151 149

69 71

220 220

73 72

293 292

585

KAZUKI TAKUMI

HIGA KANAYA

74 77

73 72

147 149

73 70

220 219

72 74

292 293

585

RYAN DANIEL

CHISNALL HILLIER

74 75

74 69

148 144

68 74

216 218

69 70

285 288

573

GREGORY JOSHUA

FOO HO

75 77

70 75

145 152

75 72

220 224

86 78

306 302

608

DYLAN COREY

MEYER PEREIRA

78 78

72 71

150 149

73 67

223 216

66 79

289 295

584

DAVID OWEN

BOOTE EDWARDS

78 83

75 77

153 160

69 77

222 237

76 81

298 318

616

GOLF NEWS

Hillier and Chisnall fly NZ flag at Australian Masters of the Amateurs Winning result = 573 Country = New Zealand Player 1 = Ryan Chisnall Player 2 = Daniel Hillier

Country NEW ZEALAND USA ITALY JAPAN ENGLAND AUSTRALIA SINGAPORE CHINA WALES

2017

Result 573 584 585 585 598 604 608 611 616

PLAY THE NELSON REGION’S BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSES Nelson Golf Club Greenacres Golf Club, Best Island, Richmond Motueka Golf Club, Motueka ENTRY DETAILS Entry Fee: $245 Monday Team Ambrose Competition – Tues, Thurs & Friday Individual Stableford Competition in grade divisions.

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February 2017

3

NEWS

Queenslander puts year of disappointment behind him

Golf Australia

W

hen Charlie Dann sunk a tap-in par putt on the first playoff hole at Royal Melbourne, more than just the ball disappeared from view.

The par putt gave Dann victory in the Australian Masters of the Amateurs Championship and buried a year of what-ifs including a heart-breaking third in the same tournament last year.

Dann, 24, is one of the most respected players on the Australian amateur scene, and following his victory at Royal Melbourne he was hugged and backslapped by many.

But his defeat of last year was being recalled as a five-shot buffer with six holes to play was whittled away to the extent that Dann went into a play-off with the tournament’s 2015 winner Zach Murray.

Par was enough to win the play-off and Dann said relief was the best description of the win.

“That’s the perfect word for it,” Dann said after a six-hour finale in searing heat on desperately quick greens.

“That was the hardest round of golf I’ve played. And probably on some of the hardest greens anywhere in the world.

“For me to get through it with my rough patch in the middle was just a massive relief.”

Dann made a four-putt double-bogey on the fifth hole in the final round that eroded his lead.

But rare birdies on the seventh and eighth, followed by another on the par-five 12th, reinstated the lead with which he’d

begun the final round.

But, as ever at Royal Melbourne, the kick is in the final few holes and another double bogey on the short 13th was followed by a three-putt bogey on the 14th. Then on the 15th hole he took four to get down from the fringe of the green for another bogey.

Murray, who had started the final round seven shots behind, made birdie on the 15th to briefly lead, but then had a bogey on the tough 16th. He then heard the roar as fellow Victorian Cameron John made a huge eagle putt on the 15th and suddenly there was a three-way tie for the lead.

John’s bogey on the 16th was hurtful, but his wayward drive right on 17th was his death knell en route to a double-bogey before an anguishing nine on the last hole unjustly took his name off the leaderboard.

But Dann and Murray each parred the last two treacherous holes to set up a playoff on the 18th.

From 193m, with a six-iron, Dann’s approach rolled back from brink on the back fringe and finished 5m from the cup.

On the same line but closer, Murray hit almost the same shot, but watched in disbelief as his ball trickled over the precipice and into the back sand from which a bogey was the best he could muster.

Dann duly lagged his birdie putt and then made good with his par putt for victory. The win earns Dann entries to a fistful of international events this year,

including the British Amateur, Porter Cup, Dogwood Invitational and Canadian Amateur.

“I wasn’t liking where it was going on 15, ‘ Dann recalled. ``But all week I knew the last three holes were what it would come down to and I’m glad I knuckled down and got it going again.”

Dann said his mental game was the difference from a year previous.

“All the guys here can hit that (pressure) shot probably, but in the last year, the belief I have to hit it (when it counts now) is something I’m very happy with.

“To be fair, I wasn’t super disappointed last year because I’m a guy who doesn’t get too down on himself and I had an absolute ball.

“This year is another good feeling, but it’s just 10 times better now.

“I have a lot of goals for a lot of American tournaments this year and hopefully this will open a couple of doors ... I’ve just got to find a money tree to get there now and who knows?”

Dann was typically humble in assessing how far he’d progressed in a year.

“This means what I’ve done in a year, and back past that, my progression is backing up my age to getting better and better each year. I think I’ve done that over the last few years.

“To me, the green jacket will be recognition of my last year of golf.

“And a love affair with Royal Melbourne.”

Murray, 19, was effusive in his

Charlie Dann winner of the Australian Master of the Amateurs Championship played at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club

praise of good mate Dann.

“That’s a fantastic result, for both of us, really,” Murray said.

“I started so far back and with seven shots to make up, all I wanted was to give myself a chance and that’s the best I’ve played all week and in a long while.

“I just had too much to make up on Charlie who was superb all week, kept it together really well and he’s a great bloke, so I’m happy for him.”

Murray suffered a nasty hand injury in mid-2015 and has battled for full fitness and belief until recently.

But with AFL legend Jason Akermanis on his bag, Murray looked much like the dominant force he was shaping to be 18 months ago.

“It’s a weird feeling because I hit two really good shots there (in the playoff) and I was four feet from being exactly where Charlie was.

“But golf is a game of inches, not feet, so you’ve got to be spot on and unfortunately my bounce was marginally bigger than I thought, but that’s okay.

“I’m disappointed, but not angry at myself at all because I played really well.

“It’s been a long way back. A little injury like I had, it makes you wonder how far back it can set you. But physically and mentally, it got me.

“But it was a different feeling out here again today and I felt like I could hit any shot in the book, that my game was finally in really good shape again.”

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Legends tournament at Cromwell

The winning team from Wyndham, pictured from left Blair Sinclair (Legend – represented Southland in Golf), Randall Garthwaite, David King, Don Clark (Legends Ambassador) and Bryan Dynes.

The annual Legends Golf Tournament was held at Cromwell Golf Club on January 21 and 22, attracting 60 teams of four players from around the country.

To meet the entry criteria, each team had to include a “legend’', who has provincial or national representation in their chosen sport.

The format was ambrose on the Saturday and team medal on the Sunday, making it a relaxed and social occasion for the teams.

Each year there is a legends

KO SHARES HER TIME WITH CAMPBELL AND KOBORI

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

the teams for supporting the event, all of the volunteers from the club, the ground staff, and all of the tournament sponsors.’'

MONDAY 1ST – FRIDAY 5TH MAY 2017

T

his year’s Lydia Ko scholarship has been completed with Alanna Campbell (Bay of Plenty) and Momoka Kobori (Canterbury) enjoying a great week under the guidance of world number one Lydia Ko in the United States.

Campbell and Kobori travelled to Ko’s home in Orlando, Florida, where they were involved in training, preparation and playing like a professional golfer.

The week started with 18 holes alongside Ko and a special guest from the LPGA Tour, Christina Kim. Campbell and Kobori also experienced a day in the life of the world’s best. They shadowed Ko in the gym followed by intense practice sessions alongside the full support network including family and coaches, witnessing first-hand what it takes to get to the top.

Campbell only had nice things to say about Ko after three very special days in Florida.

“I learned so much during the week from her amazing work ethic, the precision she has with every aspect of her game and how much of a nice person she is,” Campbell said.

“Being in her presence was simply amazing and at one stage I just watched her practice for about four hours which was pretty cool to be honest.”

Kobori has stayed in the United States when she has gained a golf scholarship with Pepperdine University in California.

New Zealand Golf high performance manager Gregg Thorpe spent the week with the players and he continues to be impressed by what Ko is giving back to the game and believes this is the start of a special scholarship.

“Partnering with Lydia to bring this scholarship to life has been superb and to see these players working with the world number one in her own surroundings will hopefully inspire them to believe they can also make it to the top,” Thorpe said.

ambassador and this year it was Don Clark, who is an exAll Black from Cromwell.

Tournament director Willie Moore: “I’d like to thank all

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ENTRY DETAILS Entry Fee: $245 Monday Team Ambrose Competition – Tues, Thurs & Friday Individual Stableford Competition in grade divisions.

To continue the friendly nature of the week we are having a quiz night on the Tuesday night, to include a bar meal. See entry form for all details.

Entry forms from

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For more information or help with entries, contact Nelson Golf Club

03-548-5029  nelson@golf.co.nz  YOU COULD WIN A AR FOR A HOLECIN ONE SUPPORTED BY:

February 2017

5

NEWS

S

From a fountain pen to a BMW car for hole-in-one

outh African golfer Jaco van Zyl had scored a hole-in-one 15 times previously. He once got a fountain pen for one of them.

Then he got his 16th hole-in-one of his career at the South Africa Open last month. It more than made up for the virtually no reward he had received for the previous 15.

Van Zyl, 37, hit a four iron on the par three 17th hole in the second round of the South Africa Open which pitched a few metres short of the hole, rolled up to the hole and went in. The prize was a BMW car worth about $170,000.

“It was just one of those perfect shots‚” Van Zyl said with a beaming smile after he completed his round.

“It was 204m into a little breeze off the left‚ with the flag cut back right. As a righthander it is not ideal to have the breeze off the left.

“I just hit an absolutely pure four-iron, nice and high. The wind drifted a little bit and it looked pretty good coming down.

6

I’m getting on in age and I didn’t see it going in.

“I just saw the crowd go wild and I had mixed emotions because usually the cars are only up for grabs over the weekend.

I only got confirmation when I got to the green.’’

And some car it was. The BMW i8 is the company’s flagship sports car and is a technological masterpiece that has a petrol and an electric engine.

Van Zyl recalled some of his previous holes-in-one.

“There was a Dunhill fountain pen for a hole-in-one at the Dunhill a few years ago.

“I also had one at the Olympics a few months ago and at the Nashua at the Wild Coast.”

But he would have happily traded the car for victory in the tournament “I will trade in 100 BMWs if I can get this trophy‚” Van Zyl said.

That didn’t occur. He ended up finishing 18th but these days is more than happy to drive to golf course.

February 2017

South African golfer Jaco van Zyl. Photo: Photogolfer | Dreamstime.com

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLF NEWS

FOX WILL BE A LATE ARRIVAL FOR THE NEW ZEALAND OPEN

R

yan Fox will be a late arrival for the $1 million New Zealand Open next month but that does not worry him.

The New Zealand Open, sponsored by ISPS Handa, will be held at the Millbrook and The Hills’ courses in Queenstown from March 9-12. Fox does not expect to arrive until late on Tuesday, March 7.

He is scheduled to play one tournament in Perth and two in South Africa in the three weeks beforehand but Fox said at least he will be match-hardened. ``It will be tough coming back from two weeks in South Africa and I won’t get down to Queenstown until late on Tuesday,’’ Fox said. ``But I am happy I can make it back in time. I have played Millbrook and The Hills many times and therefore I don’t need to play a practice round.”

Fox believes his game is more suited to Millbrook which will help his chances.

“You get to hit driver a little more at

Millbrook. As long as I hit driver straight, that is an advantage for me.

“Both are great golf courses. I have been hit and miss around the greens at The Hills – I find them hard to read. So going to Millbrook for the final two rounds might help me.’’

This year is Fox’s first on the European Tour as a fully qualified member. The Aucklander is in his sixth year as a professional which included playing in the World Cup of Golf and Rio Olympics last year.

Fox said he would like nothing more than to add his name to the Brodie Breeze Trophy as the winner of the New Zealand Open.

“I would love to have my name on that trophy. That could be tough with my travel schedule but sometimes it is good to go in with no expectations – I can go out and if it works it works and if it doesn’t then Queenstown is an awesome place to spend a week regardless,” Fox said.

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McElroy outclasses at Mid Amateur G O L F T R AV E L

2017

2017 NEW ZEALAND MEN’S & WOMEN’S MID AMATEUR OMANU GOLF CLUB JANUARY 13-15

B

ay of Plenty representative Shelley McElroy topped both the women’s and men’s fields at the recent 2017 New Zealand Mid Amateur championships at Omanu Golf Course, near Tauranga.

The Springfield player finished four over par on the modified par-71 course, and one stroke ahead of the top men’s competitor, fellow Bay of Plenty player Brent Curnow.

It was McElroy’s first win in the prestigious national Mid Amateur tournament, which this year attracted players from throughout New Zealand and Australia as well as from France and Tahiti.

McElroy saved her best to last with a one-under-par result on the final 18 holes to score 217 for the 54-hole, threeday event. Strong afternoon sea breezes across the link-style course during the opening round proved a challenge for all, including the many experienced district representatives in the women’s field.

McElroy opened her charge with a twoover 73 that give her a one-shot lead heading into day two. Strong North Harbour player Vaha Fapiano chased hard

to finish on 74 in her opening round, and Taranaki representative Ann Braithwaite had a dream run to finish on 75 and three shots under her handicap.

McElroy, however, cemented her lead in Saturday’s play with a 74 and a four-shot lead over Fapiano in improved weather conditions, and a one-under-par total for the final 18 holes secured the Women’s Trust Shield.

Fapiano finished in second place on 224 with a final round of 73. Defending champion Jill Morgan, a Waikato representative, finished third on 226, nudging Braithwaite, on 228, into fourth place.

Braithwaite achieved the best stableford score over the three days, of 111 points – three better than her six handicap. Liz Bartlett, of Ngaruawahia, earned the best net with net rounds of 70, 68 and 70. Like Braithwaite, Bartlett played well under handicap and thoroughly enjoyed her three days on the Omanu course.

Men’s winner Brent Curnow was all smiles too after winning the Neil Woodbury Cup and the top men’s award. He shot a 73 in the first round, backed up by a par round of 71 the next day, and a fi-

nal four-over 75 for a tournament total of 218.

Curnow, who plays most of his golf at the neighbouring Mt Maunganui Golf Club, has won his club championship for two successive years but has not yet represented his district.

Marcus Raman, of Redwood Park, finished two shots behind Curnow after rounds of 75, 74 and 71. James Malone, Te Ngutu, had the best round of the tournament with 67 on the final day, rocketing him up the board to share third place with Ken Meaden, Muriwai, on 221.

Tom Ratima, of Foxton, easily won the men’s leading net prize with rounds of 70, 63 and 64, and Greg Quinn returned to Mangawhai with the prize for the leading stableford score.

Australian player Damon Flood was expected to present strong competition in the men’s event, but a wrist injury ended his participation after the first round.

The tournament, managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays on behalf of New Zealand Golf, will return to Omanu Golf Club next year.

PaR nz Golfing Holidays Tournament Update Details and entry online: parnz.co.nz

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Women winners: Ann Braithwaite, Shelley McElroy and Liz Bartlett

Men’s winners from left Tom Ratima, Brent Curnow and Greg Quinn

Sep 03 – 09 Sheraton Fiji Villa Teams Challenge, Fiji Oct 21 & 22 New Zealand Mixed Foursomes Championships @ Wanaka

Julie Gee in action

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Brent Curnow with Neil Woodbury

8

Fleur Reynolds, Jill Morgan and Heather Keefe

February 2017

Shelley McElroy

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Alterations at Millbrook could make for dramatic finish

O

rganisers believe a reconfigured Millbrook Resort will provide an exciting finish to the upcoming $1 million New Zealand Open in Queenstown.

Millbrook Resort, which comprises three nine-hole configurations, is the tournament co-host for the 93rd ISPS Handa New Zealand Open from March 9-12.

Two signature holes from the Coronet Nine and the Arrow Nine have been combined as the finishing holes, to maximise the atmosphere created by the amphitheatre surrounding the Millhouse Restaurant.

“The new layout will create a superb finish and ensure a spectacular spectator experience,” said Millbrook Resort’s Brian Spicer.

The tournament organisers have turned the current final hole of the Coronet Nine to the 17th hole, to be followed by the finishing 18th hole which is the current 9th hole on the Arrow Course.

“We will finish with a reachable par five over water as the 17th and a par three which is virtually surrounded by water as the 18th, which should add drama to the conclusion,” Spicer added.

“The 18th hole is a relatively straight forward par three but in a tournament like this, you never can tell. It all came down to the last few holes at The Hills last year, proving anything can happen at the

The 18th green at Millbrook Resort.

close of a tournament.

“It has the potential to be an eagle three and birdie two finish or dependant on conditions and the situation, it can just as easily be a bogey six and double bogey five. The nerves could tell.”

The first two days of the tournament will be played on both Millbrook Resort and The Hills, with the final two rounds at Millbrook Resort.

Tournament director Michael Glading is delighted with the course layout plans.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have two great courses to showcase our national open, and look forward to an exciting event,” Glading said.

“The configuration of the final two holes at Millbrook Resort will bring new drama to the event.

“The 18th hole at The Hills has been pivotal to the final showdown in previous years, and we’re confident that by creating two climatic holes we’ll add a real sense of theatre this year.”

Two New Zealand Open champions, who won the Brodie Breeze Trophy six times between them, were master-minds of Millbrook Resort’s layout. The original 18-hole course was designed in 1993 by golfing legend Sir Bob Charles, a fourtime New Zealand Open winner.

Local Queenstown former professional Greg Turner, the 1989 and 1997 NZ Open champion, designed the Coronet Nine in 2009 and remodelled the existing 18-hole course.

John Lister returning to Russley

WHEELHOUSE JUNIOR GOLF AT AKARANA Akarana Golf Club are delighted to announce the arrival of Marcus Wheelhouse NZPGA Professional.

Wheelhouse Golf will nurture our juniors through the Wheelhouse Academy, and provide and individual and clinic coaching to club members.

Held in conjunction with Akarana Golf Club, The Wheelhouse Golf Academy is about getting the best out of the athletes ability, to create the best golfer they can be.

Enrol your son or daughter today to learn how to train like a pro with top New Zealand golf coach Marcus Wheelhouse.

OUR FOCUS

TECHNICAL - Improve you as an athlete, show them technique in coaching sessions, plus play and practice alongside the pro players I teach.

ABILITY TO PLAY A COURSE Course management, how to create yardage books and strategy for your games, all hosted at Akarana Golf Club.

ENJOYMENT - This great opportunity to have a team environment and have enjoyment along the way. It’s serious but this togetherness leads to success.

AKARANA GOLF CLUB 1388 Dominion Road, Mt Roskill, Auckland

www.marcuswheelhouse.com ( 021 680 667 marcus@marcuswheelhouse.com

10

February 2017

JOHN LISTER is returning to the Russley Golf Club as part of the club’s NZ PGA Garden City Legends’ tournament to be held on Tuesday, February 14.

Lister won the Garden City Classic professional tournament at Russley four times in a row from 1972 to 1975.

Bob Smith, the Russley men’s club captain, said in the history of tournament golf around the world such a feat has only been matched by one other golfer — Tiger Woods who won the Bay Hill Invitation tournament from 2000-2003.

Lister, between 1972 and 1977, won 10 of the 25 four-round tournaments played in New Zealand during this time including three NZ PGA Championships.

Overseas he won two events on the European Tour and played on the PGA Tour in the 1970s and early 1980s. During his 12 years on the tour he had 15 top 10 finishes and won the Quad Cities Open (now known as the John Deere Classic) in 1976. He played in seven majors and made the cut in each of them.

Lister, now based in Auckland, was a mentor for Lydia Ko from the age of eight, playing up to 20 rounds a year with her. He didn’t meddle with her technique which was New Zealand coach, Guy Wilson’s responsibility.

Lister, instead assisted Ko with course management and how to

feel comfortable on the golf course.

He enjoyed her sense of humour and imagination and her mother often made sushi rolls for them to share on their way round the course.

During his visit to Russley, Lister will be the guest of honour at the legends’ tee up launch evening on Monday, February 13 and will speak during the evening. Tickets for this event are now available from the Russley Golf Club’s office for $10.

The following day up to 35-40 professionals on the senior tour from throughout Australasia, including Sir Bob Charles, will play for $11,000 in prize money on the recently Greg Turner re-designed course. They will each have a team of three amateurs who will be playing for team prizes. Members of the public are welcome to watch these players in action. There is no entry fee.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

M

ajor advancements in the new PING i200 iron make the face and cavity structure more dynamic to achieve faster ball speeds, a soft, powerful feel and unprecedented forgiveness for an iron of its size, the company announced today.

“The i200 iron is engineered for golfers who want an iron with a clean look that delivers exceptional feel, distance and forgiveness while providing the trajectory control they need to play with precision,” said John A. Solheim, PING Chairman & CEO. “Bringing all these benefits into one iron required our teams to re-think how the face and cavity structure can work together to improve overall performance. The feel is amazing and the gains in forgiveness are significant for an iron this size. It’s a shot-maker’s iron by design, but it will fit a lot of golfers because it’s so easy to play. This iron will exceed their expectations in every way, especially the feel.”

The i200 iron is avail-

able for pre-order today at authorized PING golf shops around the world.

PING engineers created a head design that provides precision distances with horizontal and vertical trajectory control while substantially increasing forgiveness. A muscle-stabilizing bar and deeper, longer tuning port harmonize with a thinner, faster face to create a powerful feel and sound. This results from the soft elastomer insert activating at impact to enhance face flexing for faster ball speeds while damping vibrations. The insert nearly doubled in volume, allowing for more than three times the amount of face contact. It is neatly concealed to create a clean cavity design, which is precision milled.

The soft, 431 stainless steel head has a hydropearl chrome finish that repels moisture for more control and helps minimize fliers from wet conditions and lies in the rough. The thin face (30% thinner than the i iron) and tuning port structure produce weight savings that are redistributed to the toe and hosel regions to greatly increase the moment-of-inertia in both the heel-toe and high-low orientations. Long irons

launch high with increased distance and forgiveness.

Precise short irons give golfers full command of their shot making.

Tour-inspired aesthetics, including a smooth hosel-to-face transition, minimal offset and a sharper face radius, result in a slim appealing shape and clean look. The i200 iron soles are designed with added bounce and a more contoured lead edge to create a profile that glides smoothly through the turf without digging or bouncing.

A variety of high-performance custom-shaft options are available in the i200 iron to fit a player’s ball flight and feel preferences. The stock shaft is the proprietary PING AWT 2.0, which employs a steeper weight progression paired with a variable step pattern to provide a unique balance of high trajectory, increased ball speed, and stable feel in the long irons, yet controlled trajectory and smooth feel in the short

irons.

The KBS Tour, Dynamic Gold, N. S. Pro Modus3 105, XP 95, and Project X are also available at no upcharge.

W H AT ’ S N E W

PING introduces i200 irons I200 IRON SPECIFICATIONS AND SHAFT OPTIONS - Available 3-9, PW, UW - Stock steel shaft: PING AWT 2.0 (R, S, X) - After-market shaft options (no upcharge): Project X 5.0, 6.0; XP 95 (R300, S300), N.S. Pro Modus3 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X), Dynamic Gold (S300, X100) - Stock graphite shaft: PING CFS 65/70/80 (Soft R, R, S) Get Custom fit today. For your nearest PING stockist contact Sports Network Ltd. Ph: 0508 776 786

ECCO® GOLF SIGNS WORLD-NUMBER-ONE LYDIA KO LEADING golf footwear innovator ECCO Golf is proud to announce the signing of New Zealand LPGA Tour player and current women’s world-number-one Lydia Ko as a brand ambassador.

19-year-old Ko will compete in the new women’s ECCO Biom G2 model and showcase the company’s logo on her collar.

She has amassed an incredible 18 victories across both the LPGA and Ladies European Tours, including two Major Championships with her most recent coming at the 2016 ANA Inspiration.

The Korean-born New Zealand native became the youngest winner in LPGA Tour history when she won the CN Canadian Women’s Open as an amateur in 2012, as well as the youngest ever female major champion with her 2015 Evian Championship victory.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the ECCO Golf family and can’t wait to start competing in the ECCO shoe from January 2017.

“ECCO Golf has such an outstanding reputation in the women’s game. As soon as I began testing their new products, I knew there was only one shoe brand I could compete in moving forward,” said Ko. Jesper Thuen, responsible for global sponsorship at ECCO Golf, added: “What Lydia has achieved since turning professional just a few years ago is nothing short of astonishing. We couldn’t be more excited to have her representing the ECCO Golf brand.”

“We have no doubt that she’ll continue achieving great things in the women’s game, and we look forward to being a part of her journey.”

ECCO Golf shoes are worn in competition around the world by Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Peter Hanson, Thomas Bjørn, Minjee Lee, Caroline Masson, Gerina Piller, among others. For further information about ECCO Golf, please visit golf.ecco.com. For Ecco stockist scontact Sports Network Ltd. Ph: 0508 776 786

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2017

11

NZGOLFUPDATE

golf.co.nz

A busy golfing schedule for 2017

By Dean Murphy New Zealand Golf Chief Executive

T

he start of a new year always provides the opportunity to look ahead with refreshed enthusiasm after the holiday break.

While the New Zealand summer hasn’t been incredibly friendly for golf, hopefully we have good weather through the early months of 2017 and a kind winter this time around.

It is always surprising to me how quickly this time comes around every year.

The dynamic nature of our golfing sector keeps us all on our toes and it’s hard to believe we are into 2017 already.

While much has changed over the past year; much remains the same. Our sector remains challenged by a range of matters and none of the big issues are going away.

While we all know there are many challenges facing us, it is important to re-

member there are lots of success stories in our game and lots to be positive about.

I am particularly enthused about what’s ahead in 2017. This is going to be one of the biggest years on the New Zealand golfing calendar and I for one can’t wait for it all to unfold.

On the global stage, we have a growing number of New Zealanders playing on the biggest professional tours and, thankfully, through the extensive coverage on Sky Television, we are able to follow the fortunes of Lydia Ko, Danny Lee, Ryan Fox and others each week.

How great is it that we have so many Kiwis competing on the world stage and that we are able to follow them so closely each week.

Outside of our Kiwi stars, the return of Tiger Woods is also sure to create lots of interest on the PGA Tour. I think it’s great for the game he is set to play a full schedule and I’m looking forward to seeing him play on a regular basis.

I’m also quietly excited about watching Lydia play this year. A whole host of changes in the off season, in my view, has her well set for a big year ahead. While it will be hard to top her successes of 2016, I believe her laser focus on continuous improvement will see her raise her game to a new level in 2017. What a great New Zealander she is and all the best to her for hopefully a fantastic year.

From a tournament perspective, the big show comes to town a number of times this year and we are so fortunate to have such strong events here in our own backyard.

Outside of the domestic calendar, we have the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open being held in March in Queenstown, the World Masters Games in Auckland in April, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Wellington in October and (perhaps most importantly) the LPGA McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open in Auckland in September.

Each of these events in their own right are big occasions and each will provide an opportunity like never before to promote the game of golf and our wonderful country.

Looking closer to home and the grass roots of the game, there is much happening throughout the country as clubs work harder than ever to remain relevant and sustainable in these very challenging and competitive times.

For me, the single biggest issue facing our game in New Zealand is new participant generation. Encouraging more players to participate across all demographic groups is the key challenge in front of us so our organisation is going to have a fresh look at this in the year ahead.

I’m excited about the opportunities ahead for golf and I look forward to a positive and productive year ahead. All the best to you all for your golf in 2017.

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GOLFCOMMENT The perennial question: How do we grow the game of golf?

By Andrew Whiley A voice from the south

I

enjoy reading articles about golf trends around the world.

What is hot and working and what has struggled. Why golf is booming in one market and what is attracting new people to the game whilst in other areas golfers are walking away from the game.

In December I came across a couple of great items.

One was posted on Facebook by a golf professional (Jon) I used to know 15 years ago, who was living on Vancouver Island, Canada. The other was from Jason Scott Deegan who writes for The Golf Channel and who travels the world writing some great commentary on the game.

Jon’s comments were... “Last night I had a great conversation with my girlfriend (very smart lady) about the state of golf. She is an avid golfer so has a lot of perspective on where our game is now versus 10 years ago. During this discussion, without any thought lubrication

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(wine), it became clear to me that most of the stakeholders in golf, course owners, professionals, golf governing bodies, etc. have lost touch with what most golfers are looking for from their golf experience.

I think it’s because most of us have come from a background of being a member at a club, playing 18 holes, always keeping score, having an established handicap, playing tournaments, etc. As a result, we tend to think that this is how golf is and needs to be.

Jon continued: “A growing majority of golfers are not interested in that model or simply don’t have the time.

“The biggest challenges we face in golf include how much time it takes to play a game, golf courses that are too long and too challenging, too many rules and too many golfers thinking that everyone should play by the rules at all times and feeling the need to enforce the rules with anyone who they play with. Basically, too many people stuck in what golf used to be. These people die a little inside every time they hear “soccer golf” “8 inch cups”

“6 hole golf courses” “TopGolf” “Loudmouth”, “belly putters”, “COR of.86”, “Par 63 golf course”, etc.”

I then came across Jason’s post on The Golf Channel... “Golf spent most of the year doing its share of soul searching.

Should golf’s future bend to the whims of millennials, who crave instant gratification and anything with a screen, or stay steadfast to the time-honored traditions of the game?

Jason continued: “Despite all the new gimmicks — big holes, FootGolf, Topgolf, Speedgolf, FlingGolf, you-name-it golf — participation in the game is mostly static.

According to recent numbers from Golf Datatech, rounds nationally were up.5 percent in 2016 compared to 2015. These numbers are part of the reason why gloom-and-doom attitudes still plague the industry. In some ways, golf remains archaic, stuck in the dark ages with rules that most players don’t follow or understand. Rules debacles at the US Open and US Women’s Open certainly didn’t help.

“A little known fact about the upcoming

February 2017

2018 Ryder Cup I learned while travelling abroad in France this fall: The French bid is delivering on its promise to building dozens of “urban compact” golf courses throughout the country to help grow the game. Nearly 90 facilities of various sizes – mostly nine-hole executive courses, some with driving ranges, some with synthetic greens – have been built since 2009 or are currently under construction”.

So my question to you and your golf club is: What you can do to make the game and your club more marketable?

How do you plan to encourage the next generation of golfers to sign up and become regular players at your golf club?

Do you look at what the French are doing? Does “Footgolf” become part of your golf club one or two nights a week?

Or what about starting a “Speed Golf” group? Unfortunately, whether you like it or not, something has to change. I just do not believe that 90 percent of golf clubs in New Zealand can sit still and do nothing this year.

13

PGAPARS

pga.org.nz

By Duncan Simpson New Zealand PGA Secretary

T

he administration of world golf will shortly complete an unprecedented period of change, with a complete clean out of virtually every top position and the installation of a new brigade headed by PGA of America chief executive Pete Bevacqua, who took up his role in 2014.

Since then PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem has stepped down after 22 years, to be replaced by Jay Monahan; Royal & Ancient secretary Peter Dawson handed over last year to Martin Slumbers after a 16-year stint at the helm, and George O’Grady — who had worked for the European Tour for 35 years — took early retirement with the new commissioner now Canadian Keith Pelley.

Next month Sandy Jones, chief executive of the PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, will retire after 25 years at the top of the world’s oldest PGA, and closer to home Brian Thorburn, chief executive of the PGA of Australia and commissioner of the PGA Tour of Australasia, has resigned after five years in these roles with a replacement yet to be announced.

Golf industry administrators are not generally household names, although most of us will have heard of Tim Finchem and Peter Dawson.

They generally work quietly in the back-

A year of change ahead ground, but their impact over literally decades of service has been considerable.

Finchem steered the PGA Tour through an extremely difficult period before and after the 2008 global financial crisis, which saw most of the traditional automobile and banking sponsors withdrawing from the tour.

Finchem not only found replacements, but significantly increased prize money, extended and strengthened the schedule, and more recently started a process of globalising the tour. The new PGA Tour of China is an example of this, with Josh Geary and other New Zealand players using this as a pathway to the Web.Com Tour.

Peter Dawson has seen golf and the R & A through controversial times centred around the “men only” policies of several traditional Open Championship venues, not least at the R & A itself. He — along with the PGAs and the World Golf Federation — also played a major part in getting golf into the Olympics, and will be recognised as among the very best R & A chief executives.

Sandy Jones has had a huge influence on the growth of the Ryder Cup, its extension into continental Europe, and indeed the

success of recent European teams. He, too, can go into retirement having been a major contributor to the growth of golf globally, particularly in eastern Europe.

It would be fair to say, though, that all three of these gentlemen have been traditionalists, in the sense that the basic structure of tournament golf and the rules have hardly changed during their tenure. Golf still remains one of only two sports (the other being boxing) to retain amateurs and professionals administered by different bodies.

However, the winds of change are starting to blow. The new rules around accidentally moving the ball or ball marker on the green introduced for 2017 foreshadow a number of major rule changes currently under discussion, the aim being to remove many of the more pedantic and penal rules which generally slow the game down, as well as doing nothing to attract newcomers to golf.

The scheduling of major championships — notably the US PGA Championship — seems certain to change, now that golf is likely to have a long term future at the Olympic Games, thanks to its successful in-

troduction at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Hopefully this will flow on to a more certain and stable programme for all major golf tours. The European Tour has been under stress for a number of years, and now there are more European-sanctioned events outside Europe than within it. This has had an impact on the scheduling of events in Australia and New Zealand, and the profile and followers of golf in both countries.

An external influencer of change may be the effect of the Donald Trump presidency. This may be good or bad for golf — let’s just say for the moment that he will be the lowest handicap golfer so far to sit in the Oval Office.

Our own Lydia Ko will also enter 2017 having changed equipment, caddy, coach and sponsors. Here’s hoping that this is not too much change for one person to cope with in one year.

On the other hand, Ryan Fox’s European Tour status is an enticing prospect for all of us to follow. That certainly looks like a beneficial change which potentially can set the tone for the year ahead, and we wish him well.

SENIORS GOLF IN KERIKERI IN NZ’S BEAUTIFUL BAY OF ISLANDS Bay of Islands Golf Club is holding its annual Mixed Seniors Open Golf Tournament on 20-24 February 2017.

The format is 4BBB Pairs Match Play over 4 days, Monday to Friday, with a rest day on Wednesday to explore some of our local highlights, see www.kerikeriguide.co.nz/kkvg for an online Kerikeri Visitor’s Guide.

Proudly Sponsored by:

For more details & an entry form please contact Bay of Islands Golf Club: Phone: (0064 9) 407 8837 | Email: kerikeri@golf.co.nz Postal enquiries should be sent to P O Box 233, Kerikeri 0230.

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February 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLFCOACHING

By Anthony Barkley NZPGA Professional

A

s I write this article we get ready for the release of some new gear from Taylormade and Callaway at the end of January and as you read some may actually have some in their hands already.

In my last article I said I would do some testing with different handicapped players but due to the release date I will resist until we have the new products to test.

Instead, I will outline some information on an element none of us like but is actually something that may help you play well. That is the health of your golf grips.

Golf grips start to perish over time if they are not taken care of. Signs of this include a shininess, wear marks, splitting ends and slipperiness when using the clubs.

Severe cases that I have seen is cracking grips, wear marks that reach the shaft under the grip and moving grips. These are almost impossible to play with and should be changed immediately.

Can grips help your game?

I jumped online a while back and was reading some studies and one looked at the benefits of new grips on clubs for players. It was interesting that what they found was it improved some player’s scores up to three shots per round. This is a lot of shots but no information was provided on ages or handicaps of the players so I won’t say it will do this for everyone but

100percentgolf.com

The value of grips Cracked old grips

I would suggest that new grips can help improve your scores especially if fitted for you properly.

Now, before I go further don’t go running to your pro to get new grips put on until you have assessed your grips. Basically, if you have had your grips on your clubs for around 2 years it’s time to look at new grips. Grips should last longer than this and depends how much golf you play and how much exposure to sun and sweat they get.

I suggest you give them a very thorough scrub to see if you can get the tack back.

Do this by getting a bucket of warm water with dishwashing liquid, a strong scrubbing brush and an old towel. I remember wrecking many of my parents towels do-

ing this so be careful as they can go a little black.

Rinse, scrub hard and then do a deep dry with the towel meaning rub the heck out of it. This should bring the rubber out again. If this does not work you need new grips.

I remember doing this at almost every tournament so my grips always felt new and I believe it helped me play better and was an element I could control. It was hard work doing my whole set though.

So if cleaning doesn’t work look to see what you can replace them with. There is a huge range of grips available and textures and materials vary. The softer Winn grips are very nice and offer great tackiness but generally don’t last long. You can’t wash

these ones as well. The golf pride multi compound grip was a very popular model but it has become harder to get in store and the price of $25 each was high (deals for whole sets apply). Lamkin are a great brand with some great new models that vary in price ($10-$25 each). Pure grips are the only grip made of 100% rubber and last well.

My suggestion is that you get your whole set done at the same time as you need consistency through your set. No point having new grips on your 7 and 9 iron and no others.

Grip fitting is available now with many brands offering different thicknesses.

Standard, Midsize, oversize/jumbo and undersize are available and can be used to fit a person’s hand size. It’s recommended that you don’t go for grips bigger or smaller than what suits you unless you understand what it can do to your clubface in your swing. Wrong sized grips will affect the consistency of impact. Grip size is a standard part of any club fit these days.

If you find it hard to get to a pro-shop to get your grips done, please contact us 07 349 0446. If you send us your set we can install and send back with shipping free of charge.

Don’t be afraid of getting new grips, splash out as it may help improve your game.

TA R A N A K I D E L U X E B & B A N D M A N U K O R I H I G O L F C L U B This is a great opportunity to sharpen up your golf game and experience a lesson with former Ryder Cup Player John Garner at his undercover academy. Whilst here experience all the other exiting things that our region has to offer, along with around 15 other golf courses within an hour’s drive from here. The Lonely Planet 2017 has chosen Taranaki as the second best region in the World to visit.

Package includes:  1 night’s deluxe accommodation at Garner Bed & Breakfast  Meet and Greet  Full continental breakfast  1 round of 18 holes golf at Manukorihi GC. Voted best value in NZ 2016  Use of a golf cart  1 ½ hour golf lesson by JG – Includes video and JG’s Short Game Book

NZ $345 for TWO (affiliated players) Extra nights $90ea

Valid from 1st February 2017 to 31st May 2017

To book, visit www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/14451467 For more information on John, visit http://www.manukorihigc.com/golf-pro

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DON’T FORGET TO GET YOUR ENTRY IN FOR THE TSB BANK NELSON FESTIVAL OF GOLF – 1ST TO 5TH MAY February 2017

15

Playing World Masters: Lessons WARNING: HIGHLY ADDICTIVE

G O L F T R AV E L 16

LADBROKES GC WORLD MASTERS GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP - EVENT INFO

E

ach year for the past 21 years, golfers from all over Australia and international visitors have converged on the Gold Coast for a weeklong celebration of golf and entertainment. These golfers wait in anticipation each year for the release of the tournament so they can secure their spot in the hotly contested World Masters Golf Championship during October.

Last week one of the die-hard tournament goers popped into our office just to say hello. As a Go Golfing fan, he rocked up proudly sporting a Go Golfing polo shirt. He has a great collection of those and conducts all his business meetings in one. He says, it’s good business Karma.

Daryn started with Go Golfing tournaments in 2010. He would have made it earlier but there was a hitch. When he first read about the World Masters he was still a youngster by World Masters standards - for you have to be 35 years of age to play. He remembers reading an article about this amateur golf tournament on the Gold Coast that had all the bells and whistles usually reserved for professional golfers.

08 - 13 October 2017 www.gogolfing.net.au Email: info@gogolfing.net.au Call: 07 5508 2250

Daryn Kitchener (2nd from left) in good company

He had to curb his enthusiasm until 2010 to register for his first Gold Coast World Masters and thought, “At last!

This is going to be brilliant.”

Daryn was driven by his expectations of winning the tournament. At that stage he had a high handicap and started playing in the C grade. Winning was his focus. He’d practice at the driving range before and after each round.

That’s all he did all week – practice and play. So, he was gutted when he finished pretty much towards the bottom of the field.

He spent his first 3 World Masters trying to compete hard and score well but failed to play anywhere near his handicap. So, he started to think: Is this event for me? He thought: I love my golf and competing, I get to play 4 or 5 of the awesome GC resort courses, meet people from all over, so yes, it is for me.

2014 was the turning point for Daryn. He realised he was doing it for the wrong reasons. His focus had been on winning, spending his time and energy trying to kill it and have great

February 2017

scores instead of just going out there and simply enjoying his game of golf. “I made friends over the previous years but this was the year that I said yes just relax, have a few drinks, play and who cares whether you come first or last.” Of course, that was the year he finished runner-up of his B grade division.

“To be honest, being on stage as a runner-up was great, but it was just a bonus. I went home with my trophy and my new GPS watch. It was nice and this event does have fantastic prizes, but my focus now is so different. It’s about friends, playing great courses, the social events and activities and the food is pretty good too.”

“I’ve met some awesome people over the years and really look forward to catching up with them. When you go to the 19th hole, organised at the end

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

learnt from a die hard fan of each competition day, you get to meet lots of people. I don’t mean just golfers your own age.

I’ve chatted and laughed with people who are way older than me and that don’t even play in my age division. The 19th hole is great for this!”

After going through some personal challenges, the friends he’s made at the events are getting him to travel the world playing in the other Go Golfing tournaments. A new friendship forged at the Wrest Point Masters in Hobart took him to the Centara World Masters in Thailand last year.

Daryn was paired with Gwen and Jen for the ambrose round at last year’s Gold Coast Masters and that chance meeting is now taking him on another golfing adventure. “These two were so much fun. There were jokes flying and I learnt a whole sub culture of golfing vernacular. They had an expression to describe every bad shot! The girls convinced me the Barnbougle tournament and courses are magic and so I am now looking forward to playing that event and seeing the girls in Barnbougle.”

The 2017 Ladbrokes World Masters on the Gold Coast will run from 8-13 October and is open to male and female golfers aged 35 and over. Golfers enjoy a professional tournament experience as well as nightly social and entertainment events headlined by a welcome dinner featuring comedy and a gala presentation dinner. There’s over $100,000 in prizes which must be won. Entries are now open.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2017

17

Gulf Harbour taking a new direction - with Yamaha Golf Cars GOLF NEWS 18

T

he Gulf Harbour Country Club, north of Auckland, has 50 new golf carts, which is the first obvious change under the club’s new management.

Gulf Harbour was previously operated by an executive board selected from the club’s members. Previously the club’s members leased their membership from the club’s owner but that leased has since expired.

Operation of the club has returned to the owner, a Chinese businessman, who has installed a new management team.

Purchase of the new golf carts from Yamaha Golf was the first of several changes in the pipepline, said Gulf Harbour director of golf Frazer Bond.

“Changing the carts is step one,’’ Bond told Golfer Pacific.

Bond said the club would also have access to a further 30 carts for major corporate golf days when there would be up to 160 players. All the carts have GPS (global position system) units.

Yamaha’s Auckland Dealer Principal , Steve Dally of Eagle Distributors said that “ Eagle Distributors and Yamaha Golf Cars are extremely excited and proud to be a new partner with Gulf Harbour Country Club.

This club has been in

the top echelon of New Zealand clubs for many years and has proudly hosted the 1998 World Cup of Golf and two NZ Open tournaments.

The opportunity to provide the latest golf car on the market, the Yamaha Drive 2 with all its new innovations and improvements and to have the first ones released in New Zealand at Gulf Harbour is exciting.

We look forward to partnering with Gulf Harbour over the next few years in providing an improved experience for the members and guests. Member feedback has already been very positive as they have noticed and enjoyed the new and improved smooth drive of the Yamaha cart”.

Step two was the purchase of new John Deere equipment for course maintenance.

The course had previously been maintained by contractors but Gulf Harbour now hired it’s own green keeping staff and had purchased new equipment.

There had been rumours the course was to close down but Bond said these latest moves had clearly debunked them.

“There is no sign of the club shutting down or anything like that,’’ he said.

Bond said drainage

work on the course was about to be undertaken with emphasis on little disruption to golfers.

Bond said Gulf Harbour, the venue of two New Zealand Opens, was in an ideal position on the Whangaparoa Peninsula, about one hour’s drive north from Auckland.

“It’s amazing up here.

Some days I don’t want to go home.’'

For more information contact: Stephen Dally Eagle Distributors Ltd 3 Honan Place, Avondale Auckland, New Zealand Phone +64 9 837 7749 Mobile +64 21 816 780

February 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

NEWS

Asia-Pacific tournament continues to grow

F

irst it was the US Masters. Now it’s The Open Championship.

The status of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship continues to grow.

One of the main prizes for the winner of the Asia-Pacific was direct entry to the US Masters.

A secondary prize had been exemption to the final qualifying stage of The Open Championship.

But the Asia-Pacific was elevated another notch last month when it was announced that the winner would gain automatic entry to The Open — no need to go through any qualifying play.

This year’s Asia-Pacific is being held in New Zealand for the first time. It will be staged by the Royal Wellington Golf Club from October 26-29.

That means the winner at Royal Wellington will get to play in the US Masters and The Open of 2018. Because New Zealand is the tournament host it will be allowed up to 10 representative as opposed to the maximum of six for other counties.

New Zealand Golf chief executive Dean Murphy was delighted to hear the news that will give the Asia-Pacific tournament a tremendous boost.

“This is wonderful news and I’m sure all young New Zealand amateur players are today feeling inspired and motivated,” said Murphy.

“The Open is a truly iconic sporting event contested through history by the game’s greatest players so it is a great honour that the Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion will now take their place in this field in addition to the field at the Masters.

“This demonstrates the real significance of the Asia-Pacific Amateur

Championship and the opportunities on offer for the players who will compete at Royal Wellington later this year.”

Murphy’s comments were echoed by Royal Wellington club captain Andrew Harcourt.

“Royal Wellington Golf Club warmly welcomes the announcement that the winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, scheduled to be held at Heretaunga this year, will now gain direct entry into 2018 The Open Championship,” Harcourt said.

“This is very exciting news, and reflects the status of this new golf tournament as one of the premier men’s amateur events in the world.”

Harcourt also mentioned that preparations for this year’s event are proceeding well, and a further planning visit by a team from The Masters was to take place this month.

“The members and staff of Royal Wellington, and New Zealand Golf, very much look forward to welcoming the participants, organisers, and sponsors of this event to Wellington later this year, and are certain this news will lift interest in the event. It is great news for supporters of amateur golf everywhere”.

The Asia-Pacific was first held in 2009. It was initially set to grow and develop golf in the Asia-Pacific region but the championship has now evolved to feature 120 of the region’s leading amateur golfers from 40 Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation affiliated organisations each year.

Notable winners of the Asia-Pacific include 2010 and 2011 champion Hideki Matsuyama, who has since won several times on the PGA Tour including the 2016 WGC-HSBC Champions tournament.

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Last year’s Asia-Pacific winner Curtis Luck, from Western Australia, had earlier won the US Amateur.

Dominic Wall, director of Asia-Pacific at The R&A, added: “The R&A is

committed to developing and enhancing the status of amateur golf throughout Asia-Pacific.

“The exemption for the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship will provide

a fantastic opportunity for talented amateur golfers from this part of the world to qualify for The Open.”

This year’s Asia-Pacific will be televised to more than 150 countries.

Y FF > PLAIRANGI OH IP S N TIT IO P CHAM S E TE

A CHANCE TO QUALIFY FOR

$500,000

HOLE-IN-ONE 'SHOOT OUT'

BOOK ONLINE OR CONTACT THE GOLF OFFICE: PH: 09-827-3967

ENTRY FEES Members: $25 Visitors: $65

SHOT GUN START LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH PRESENTED BY:

OVER $3,000

OF PRIZES

www.titirangigolf.co.nz February 2017

EACH MONTH

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-

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February 2017

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.

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The Rotorua Golf Club

ROTORUA GOlf ClUb

(Arikikapakapa: the gentle sound of plopping mud)

14th Par-3 | 186m

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

MaraMarua

Golf Club

8th Par-4 | 371m

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

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

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.

February 2017

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!

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F E AT U R E

GOLFING IN CENTRAL OTAGO

THE Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic is set to be held from 3rd -7th of April 2017. Entries have now closed.

Affectionately referred by Local Golfer’s as “Central” the founding philosophy from the five courses is to provide golfer’s from around the country and overseas five very different and exceptionally interesting eighteen hole golf courses at Alexandra, Arrowtown, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka Golf Clubs.

Played over five stunning, picturesque and unique golf courses. These golf courses are all unique and have evolved over many years being created out of the natural Central Otago landscape.

The combined years of existence of the Golf clubs total in excess of 500 years. It is no wonder with the Quality Golf course

investment like Millbrook, The Hills, Jack’s Point and soon Parkin’s Bay decided that Central Otago is the best place in New Zealand to develop their magnificent golfing establishments.

They are all within one hour of each other and provide a varied and interesting trip before and after your round of golf.

The event now in its sixth year has been a phenomenal success. “Our first classic in April 2012 attracted a field of 242 and from then on we have been thrilled with our ability to attract good fields, obviously from comments and reports made these golfers thoroughly enjoyed their week. Entries are now topping 500,” said Tournament Director John Roche.

“We closed off on 22nd December with our target of 400 having been reached. This gives us a field of 100 on four cours-

es each day with each of the five participating golf clubs having a “lay-day” for use by its own members” he said.

Tournament Director John Roche explained the principles behind the event. “The Autumn Classic is not just another golf tournament but rather a true golfing classic for genuine club golfers. The organisers run the event and do all the work and planning.

Players relax, enjoy the golf and the companionship of other like minded competitive golfers in an environment that has to be seen to believe; that is “central” in the Autumn!

Guidelines as to eligibility of players has been strictly enforced and for the 2016 Classic the maximum handicap that can enter is 36 for women and 32 for men. A true handicap must be based on 20 cards currently recorded on NZ Golf records.

QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB (KELVIN HEIGHTS) • Blue 6102m • White 5839m • Ladies 5141m • Red 4100m EVER seen a post-card of Queenstown? If so then it has probably been taken from the top of Skyline Gondola and has the Queenstown Golf Club in it!

This picturesque golf club offers not only Stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu but is an exciting and challenging golf experience. Located just 20 minutes from Queenstown, or 5 minutes by water taxi, this is one of New Zealand’s iconic golf clubs which is a ‘must play’ for all golfers visiting the region. The Course is surrounded

by lake Wakatipu and cradled by stunning mountain ranges so every tee and green has a view which makes it hard to keep your head down! Signature hole’s take on a whole new level at the Queenstown golf club especially the 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 14th and 17th which could be signature holes on any course.

“New Zealand’s most scenic golf course”

Prizes in excess of $40,000 will be played for during the week, with daily and five round stableford competitions, plus gross section for senior golfers.

Daily divisions have maximum of 50 players with women in separate divisions to men and prizes are awarded one to every four players. The prizes awarded over total of five rounds are in handicap sections with again 50 players in each section. There are also Gross prizes over the five rounds with men and women in separate divisions.

Of great interest and possible the most popular section is the teams of four. Each day the best three stableford points of the four are taken as the teams total and at the conclusion of the fifth round the most stableford points are the winners. In three divisions, Women only, Mixed (two women and two men) and

With a proud and loyal membership, Queenstown golf club has a long history and welcomes visitors year-round. Equipped with 36 modern motorised carts, a PGA Professional, Pro shop, 7 day a week Café specialising in home-made faire and fully licenced Bar ensures all your golfing needs are met and exceeded.

The signature hole and probably one of the more scenic photographs on a New Zealand golf course would be the par 4 5th that curves left around the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu to an elevated green. Driving line is key as an over aggressive line combined with a miss-timed drive will see you ending up in the drink, however, the hole sets up for a right to left shaped drive which will carve yardage off your approach shot.

The facilities are excellent, carts and club hire available from the pro shop. Green fees range from $60-95 depending on seasons. »» www.queenstowngolf.co.nz »» Email: proshop@queenstowngolf.co.nz »» Phone: 03-442 9169

WANAKA GOLF CLUB • Blue 5770m • White 5496m • Ladies 5058m A SHORT 50-minute scenic drive from Queen-

www.queenstowngolf.co.nz

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+64 3 442 9169

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proshop@queenstowngolf.co.nz

February 2017

Men only.

However many golfers enter as a single and will be placed into a team by the organisers.

Karts and Push Trundlers are available at all five courses, selected accommodation specials at Queenstown is also available, buses will travel to golf courses and return to Queenstown every day if you so desire and tournament shirts can be ordered when entering.

Here’s a sample of over 200 messages received from previous happy attendees: “Fabulous locations, courses well presented, friendly like minded people looking to have a great time together, very good value for the money!”

“Meeting new people in post card perfect settings.”

“The format and organisation was spectacular from beginning to end.”

stown, the township of Wanaka is a stunning and tranquil holiday destination in the heart of the Queenstown Lakes region.

Perched above the picturesque township is the lovely Wanaka golf club; the biggest club in Otago and Southland with over1000 members.

Host to the NZ Mixed foursomes in 2016, the NZ Women’s Seniors in 2012 and Men’s in 2009, Wanaka Golf Club boasts a well maintained, charming and challenging layout, with great value for money.

Measuring 5770m (blues) and 5496m (whites) the course isn’t long by modern standards, but careful course management and the ability to shape your shots is important if you want to score well. The small greens and natural contours of the land also present their own challenge, so playing safe to the middle of the greens is recommended.

It’s also important to try and keep your eye on the ball, as the spectacular views across the town and lake to Mount Aspiring National Park are some of the best in New Zealand, and can certainly add an extra distraction to your game.

The two nines are very different. The front-nine, which was established in the 1930s, features an undulating layout with small greens nestled amongst the rolling terrain. The back nine, which was added across the road in 1967, is much longer and slightly flatter—but no less spectacular.

The club has progressed significantly in the past decade with capital improvements and course upgrades, making it one of the most scenic and playable courses around.

The club features all the usual facilities you’d expect from a quality golf club, including club and cart hire, fully-stocked pro shop, driving range and a café and bar. »» www.wanakagolf.co.nz »» Email: wanaka@golf.co.nz »» Phone: +64 3 443 7888

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ALEXANDRA GOLF CLUB • Blue 6000m • White 5718m • Ladies 5179m ALEXANDRA lies in the beautiful Manuherikia valley at the confluence of the Manuherikia and Clutha rivers. Surrounded by the high mountain ranges of the Old Man, Dunstan and Hawkduns, and with the barren Knobby Range as its background, this is a special part of Central Otago featuring stunning scenery, great history as well as plenty of things to do for golfers and non golfers alike.

The pines bordering the golf course along State Highway 8 were originally planted to contain the desert sands that prevailed in the area. Most find it hard to imagine that today’s stunning golf course could be created from such beginnings.

The course features a flat but undulating desert type terrain with fully irrigated fairways from tee to green. Narrow fairways mean accuracy is of prime importance if you are to avoid the desert remnants in the rough and the many trees lining the fairways.

Of interest, and one reason why golfers find their round at Alexandra appears to go so quickly, is the lack of continuous holes of same par value!

Only twice in the 18 holes do you play consecutive holes of equal par!

With the high ranges viewable from most parts of the course golfers find this is a most scenic as

well as challenging course.

At just over an hour drive from Queenstown and Wanaka the golf course and this unique area are well worth a visit. Come and see what we mean, phone SubPar golf shop at 03 448 8374 or email SubPar@xtra.co.nz to book a tee time now.

Green fees are $35 for NZ affiliated players with group discounts available. »» www.alexandragolf.co.nz »» State Highway 8, Alexandra 9340 »» Tel/Fax: 03 448 8204

CROMWELL GOLF CLUB • Black 6462m • Blue 6234m • White 5844m • Ladies 5204m THE Cromwell Golf Course is located in the centre of Cromwell township. At 200km from the coast the 18-hole championship course is further from the coast than any other New Zealand course. It is widely considered to be one of the best inland links courses in New Zealand ranking #9 South Island Course in the New Zealand Golf Course Rankings 2014 and currently plays host to the New Zealand Open Final Qualifier.

Situated near Lake Dunstan in the heart of the fastest growing wine region in the country, the course is one that will challenge the championship player, while providing plenty of enjoyment for the longer handicapper. The upgrade completed in 2009 has created a fantastic golf experience from tee to green. Cromwell’s low rainfall, 2200 hours of sunshine per year and sand based fairways combine to guarantee year-round dry underfoot conditions. From the tee the open driving holes can be problematic where the prevailing Nor-wester can take hold of any erratic shots. The rough is a challenge, mainly because of the sandy lies or the Marram grass while the large greens have challenging contours and one of the best putting surfaces you could hope to find.

The par 4, 18th is a great finishing hole playing 415m off the black tees. Into the wind your drive is challenging and requires a well struck ball to get you into the valley which is guarded by bunkers either side of the fairway. The approach shot to the green funnels into the basin green but care is required to avoid the front-right green-side bunker. There are a number of other unique holes on the course including exciting doglegs, reachable par 5’s which the longer hitter loves, and tricky par 3’s that punish wayward tee shots.

Green fees are $50-$75 with club, trundler and electric carts available for hire. »» www.cromwellgolf.co.nz »» Cromwell 9310, New Zealand »» Phone: 03 445 0165

ARROWTOWN GOLF CLUB • White 5495m • Ladies 5035m ARROWTOWN GOLF CLUB is the jewel in the crown literally as it sits below the Crown Range and runs alongside the famous Arrow river which over 100 years ago was once a hive of activity during the gold rush era. The course borders the outskirts of Arrowtown which is about 20km from the centre of Queenstown and offers stunning views of some well known ski fields, the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. If you are lucky enough to play on this hidden gem then you’ll will no doubt be blown away by the unique layout of the course as the narrow rolling fairways weave

their way through valleys and rocky pillars very much like Roxburgh golf club. In the summertime the Browntop grass in the long rough is left to seed, leaving a colour scheme that represents a truly natural setting and makes the course look like a postcard. In 2012 the course won the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendants Association (NZGCSA) Environment award which recognises New Zealand’s leading golf course in relation to their environmental management practices. The club under took the removal of wilding trees and broom, while re-establishing Matagouri amongst the schist rock outcrops.

From a playability perspective, the course is the shortest out of the top 5 but probably requires the most accuracy from tee to greens.

Again like Wanaka, Roxburgh and North Otago, the greens are very small. However for any big hitters, there are a lot of risk and reward holes that can provide a lot of birdies but also double bogeys and beyond. One of the best holes is the 18th which requires a blind shot over a hill to a fairway that slopes to the left towards a pond. A good drive leaves only a wedge shot to the green and a good birdie opportunity however getting a good drive away is the key.

Club hire is available and green fees are $50.00 for NZ Affiliated and $85.00 for Non Affiliated. »» www.arrowtowngolf.co.nz/ »» 166 Centennial Ave, Arrow Junction 9371 »» Phone: 03-442 1719

GOLF – CROMWELL Playing golf in Queenstown? Just 20 minutes drive from Queenstown and rated 20th best course in New Zealand the Arrowtown Golf Course is a must play.

The picturesque Arrowtown Golf Club is set in Central Otago, one of New Zealand’s most historic and scenic regions. This Golf Course is a must when playing Queenstown Golf, surrounded by mountains the 18 hole course has superb views from every fairway. The Arrowtown Golf Club is open all year round and welcomes green fee players. Golf clubs, trundlers and electric carts are available for hire.

Concessions for groups. Please enquire at the clubhouse.

Home of the NZ Open Final Qualifier Proudly supported by

166 Centennial Avenue, Arrowtown • Tel: 03 442 1719 www.arrowtowngolf.co.nz

 03 445 0165  cromwell@golf.co.nz

www.cromwellgolf.co.nz

Alexandra Golf Club is in the heart of Central Otago a unique area and a unique golf experience.

Come and see for yourself a great course, great facilities and a warm Central Otago welcome.

For tee bookings or membership enquiries call us today or view our club website for details.

State Highway 8, PO Box 30, Alexandra 9340, New Zealand Tel/Fax: +64 3 448 8204 • Email: alexandragolf@xtra.co.nz www.alexandragolf.co.nz

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2017

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F E AT U R E

Wanganui - Manawatu NZ Golf’s progressive destination In 2009 under the direction of government sports funding agency Sparc and NZ Golf, the Manawatu Wanganui Golf Association and the Manawatu Wanganui Women’s Golf Association merged to become one entity, Manawatu Wanganui Golf Incorporated.

The association serves the interests of 21 clubs, organising and running a large number of interclub and district events.

LEVIN GOLF CLUB

MARTON GOLF CLUB

Just 10 minutes from Marton and 5 minutes from Bulls, set among the sandhills and forests of the Rangitikei, is our interesting, thought provoking Par 72 course that provides excellent challenges for all levels of golfers. You can play relaxed golf without the pressure of a crowd around, as you try out your golf skills on the superbly presented greens

and excellent fairways that are irrigated all summer. Many recent visitors have been so impressed with not only our course, but also our hospitality, that they are coming back for more. We offer low green fees, good membership deals, free junior subs and concession tickets.

For further information, ring Chris Ellery 063278293, visit our website or find us on Facebook.

What better way to enjoy your days to the fullest than on Levin golf course, with full Playing Membership for only $15 per week!

Levin Golf Course is located just 10 minutes’ drive from the Levin township, between Lake Horowhenua and Hokio Beach. The Club takes pride in providing a quality course set amongst rolling sand hills with easy walking, tree-lined fairways, and pencross greens giving great speed and consistancey. They

MARTON GOLF CLUB 18 HOLE COURSE THE NUMBER ONE PLACE TO PLAY GOLF IN THE DISTRICT Green fees for visitors: $20 Great membership deals for all categories

6 ROUNDS OF GOLF FOR THE PRICE OF 5 18 HOLES $150 9 HOLES $75

www.levingolfclub.co.nz levin@golf.co.nz Moutere Road, Levin ( 06 368 6189

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February 2017

have a very strong junior boys and girls membership and children’s subs start at $25 per year. You will admire panoramic views of the Tararua mountain ranges and the Horowhenua countryside. The 18 hole, 6121 metre course provides an interesting and challenging test for golfers of all ages and abilities. There are plenty of membership options available including, 9 Holes, Full Playing, Summer, Country and Restricted. Payment options are also available. Contact the Club 06 368 6189 for details.

Missing out in Otago next April? Why not try the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf tournament in May next year instead?

You’ll have a great time!

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Green Fee Specials Play on one of New Zealand’s best layouts -

18 Holes only $59.00 this Summer

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Restaurant & Bar

Black Tee Challenge

• Weddings & Functions

1st Friday every month • Play the championship tees • 18 hole competition • Great prizes

• Corporate Events

Cost $69.00 pp

• Indoor/Outdoor dining • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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READER’SVIEWS

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

WHY DO WE REALLY PLAY GOLF?

Y

ou will probably already know the great critique of golf by Mark Twain, who claimed that, “golf was a good walk ruined.” In my younger days, I recall a common answer by many who I would encourage to join me for a round of golf, as being: “Sorry, I’ve no interest in chasing a small round white thing into a hole.”

Funny isn’t it that so many of them are now doing so in later life. If statistics are to be believed, golf is the highest club participation sport in New Zealand, with an estimated half a million plus golfers playing the game. They do so either, as a competitive or social sport through club memberships (est.105,000), or, as a casual recreation via the payment of green fees. A recent drive by NZ Golf to capture the playing practices of casual golfers has seen nearly 80,000 registered. They are part of a staggering half a million Kiwi golfers who are not members of our 400 golf clubs. It is, therefore, not surprising to learn that on a per capita basis, New Zealand has the second most golf courses in the world (10,374 people per course), behind Scotland (9379) and ahead of Australia (11,063).

In his recent editorial, Pacific Golfer editor Paul Gueorgieff asked the question, somewhat rhetorically, “Why do we play golf?” He touched on five reasons: 1. An outdoor activity, wet or fine; 2. A means of physical fitness; 3. A way of socialising and making relationship; 4. A potential life-long activity (a unique claim for any sport); 5. The clubhouse, as a place of fun, food and refreshment.

So recently while partaking of such said fare and beverage at the 19th hole, I was inspired to ask my fellow players, “Why do you play golf?” Somewhat suspicious at what my question might be inferring - for instance “your game was so rubbish why do you bother?” - they were initially tentative in contributing an answer, until I referred them to Gueorgieff’s editorial.

The first then answered, “For the outdoor exercise and socialising, I suppose.”

The next claimed, “Well, I enjoy the challenge.”

The third said, “I played golf today to be with my friends, and because I think I am reasonably good at it.”

While their combined answers confirmed points 1, 2 and 3, the mention of ‘challenge’ and ‘competence’ raises the issue of golf being ‘competitive’, something not mentioned in the editor’s reflection.

In the same issue, however, New Zealand Golf chief xxecutive, Mr Dean Murphy, used his regular editorial column to provide readers with ‘A reflection of 2016 from NZ Golf’s perspective.’ This was broken into six topics and given a prioritised order that we might assume signifies the level of importance placed on them, by Mr Murphy as part of NZ Golf’s strategic modus operandi. They are: 1. Performance on the world stage (achievements of Ko, Lee, Fox and others);

26

2. NZ Women’s and Men’s Opens (new LPGA status achievement); 3. NZ Golf Industry Council (new initiative and another layer of bureaucracy); 4. Love Golf (promotional branding); 5. Golf tourism (now worth $329M pa, although little seems to benefit our clubs); 6. Club Support Programme (not detailed but considered to be “of growing importance as we look to improve the health of the grass roots of the game”).

My observation is this... that while NZ Golf’s priority mindset is predominantly on the international and national sporting competitiveness of our ‘high performance’ representative players and the staging of their events; the vast majority of the game’s players, whether club, recreational or social, have a different reason for playing the game.

This places competitiveness where it belongs, as a secondary end outcome. In other words, the average golfer’s focus is, “If I play well I might win, but if I don’t (in the words of the Doris Day) “Que sera, sera!” What will be will be.

While there are always a few overly competitive players on our club circuits, the vast majority are playing primarily for fun in competitiveness, not the outright competitiveness as is readily seen in the final rounds or club champs, during interclub pennants play, at a program event or in a big value prize table sponsored tournament.

The elephant in the room question, that desperately needs to be answered

by Mr Murphy and the NZ Golf board, is that “Given the 80,000 drop in golf club memberships over the past decade (44% reduction), do they really believe they have their priorities right, in their oversight management of our game?”

For example, I understand that the first priority of the Scottish Golf Association is “The financial health and well-being of their golf clubs”. Their belief is that if the grass roots are financially sound, then ensuing development of the game from junior and new player introductions through club pros and coaching, club competitions and association representative play to international representative level - will be fully empowered. This is clearly not NZ Golf’s modus operandi.

Russ Ford Convenor Counties-Manukau Veterans Inter-Club Community

•••

I

THE NECESSITY OF GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIPS

n his recent Pacific Golfer editorial, NZ Golf chief executive Mr Dean Murphy gracefully and appropriately gave thanks to the estimated ‘8,000 dedicated people working and volunteering within the NZ golfing sector’.

Clearly the vast majority of these volunteers are to be found at the grass roots level of our 400 plus golf clubs, while the percentage involved in NZ Golf and our fifteen district golf associations is rather small. The point is that without a finan-

cially healthy club structure and a growing club membership structure to feed the volunteer course and committee management structures, our sport will continue to progressively die.

There is no hiding from the known statistics. It has been dying for over a decade, through unaddressed retrenchment in club membership numbers and the related stresses of the accompanying reduction in club revenues.

Recognising the approximate 5:1 ratio of recreational to club playing numbers, golf clubs have scrambled to competitively entice a larger share of green fee players, mostly through online discount offers that give away 50 percent of any already deep discounted revenues. Cash flow tightness during winter months has seen some liquidity stressed clubs repeatedly using this costly revenue gathering, as a means of temporary survival by not breaching bank overdraft limits and giving rise to embarrassing questions about their capacity to trade as a going concern.

The only ones getting rich from this fundraising scheme are the online broking facilitators. The fees paid to them in he name of golf are in fact lost to golf permanently while the expectation is created in the minds of recreational golfers that it is cheaper to await the inevitable online discount offers, than to commit to joining their local golf club.

Unless this practice is reigned in and the value of club memberships restored to their rightful place, as the cheapest and best way to play affordable golf, I would venture to suggest that the majority of our many financially stressed clubs are numbered. They will fold at the very next financial downturn or economic correction. The reason being, is that most all these clubs have over the past decade, sold all the available club silver in the form of fringe land not needed for play, some practice fairways and even some fairways, as a means of reducing growing debt levels. Some have repeated the cycle and well know that their next cash flow crisis could be their last!

I am not blaming NZ Golf for the mismanagement failings of club committees, but for failing to appropriately respond to their known and repeated crises.

On behalf of NZ’s 400 plus golf club stakeholders in NZ Golf, and their 105,000 represented levy paying members, I would ask Mr Murphy to, “Please get your head out of the proverbial sand

February 2017

bunker and start investing in the financial health and well being of your clubs.”

You can start with changing your promotional advertising campaign from the minority women’s game, toward growth of club memberships. An ‘I love my Golf Club’ campaign designed to promote and highlight the social construct and benefits of golf clubs, as the attractive reason why people should want to play golf, is desperately desired.

Such a campaign should be part of targeting an initial conversion of 40,000, or 10% of New Zealand’s estimated non‐ club member recreational golfers, into permanent golf club memberships.

That would provide an extra $2.4 million in new annual levy funding collected on your behalf, surely motivation enough to establish a $20 million club promoting advertising budget in 2017. But to make it work, you must recognise the need to first re‐establish the true cost of green fee golf to where it belongs, by requesting all clubs to stop their present practice of deep discounting green fee packages, unless, they are specifically associated with a drive for new club membership commitment by the would be purchaser.

If you have read this article and agree with its observations and proposals, then I ask you to write to Mr Murphy and let him know that you believe NZ Golf must reprioritise its club oversight goals for 2017 and beyond. While Lydia, Danny, Ryan, Tim, Mike, David, Josh and co, will survive on their pro tours across the coming decade, I cannot say the same for many of our beloved NZ golf clubs.

It is no longer good enough for NZ Golf to say “Que Sera” to that thought either, for their own revenue need cannot realistically sustain further levy reductions, as has occurred over the past decade.

A further loss of 75,000 club golfers per decade, will see club levy paying memberships drop to around 30,000 and NZ Golf levy revenues reduce by as much as $4.5 million per annum, unless of course member requested annual levies increase to $200 pa. Replacing such losses with increased government support and commercial sponsorship is not the permanent or sustainable answer. These sources of revenue can prove to be fickle, something that permanent club member based funding has never been.

Russ Ford Convenor Counties-Manukau Veterans Inter-Club Community

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLF TRAILS

NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND WINNING TASTE OF MANGAWHAI GOLF AT NEW WORLD FOOD & WINE DAY

Back again for 2017 and top of the menu for Mangawhai golfers, the New World Food & Wine Mixed Open was predictable popular and attracted a very full field of some 170 participants. Saturday 7 January dawned suitably bright (and just a little breezy) and the first shotgun start was underway at 8am, with an afternoon start scheduled for 1pm.

This was the third year the event has been held thanks to the generous sponsorship of New World Warkworth (represented by Jeremy Ross). Food and refreshment stations are placed on tees around the course, offering an impres-

sive array of bites ranging from strawberries and cream, ham, mussell fritters and BBQ’d fish along with the ubiquitous sausages, salads and other snacks. An outstanding team of volunteers manned (and “womanned”) the stalls throughout both morning and afternoon rounds and a constant stream of stock-ups was ferried out from the clubhouse throughout the day. All players were superbly fed

and hydrated and the consensus was, as in previous years, this is an outstanding event and a brilliant way to start the New Year of Golf.

A total of 24 New Zealand clubs were represented in the field, spanning from Northland to Otago, along with two international visitors (one from Australia, one from USA).

The course, like many around New Zealand, has been punished and parched by relentless winds over recent weeks but is still playing remarkably well. A good sole of grass covers fairways and rough, and the Mangawhai greens, as always,

Ba Ke y o rik f I eri sla nd s

“TEE FOR TWO”

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5-Feb

Northern Wairoa

9-439 6599

Frank Fitchett Junior Tournament

9-Feb

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Houhora

9-409 8266

Women's Houhora Open

11-12 Feb

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274 409 165

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The Pines

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Ladies Two Day Classic Tournament

19-Feb

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19-Feb

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18 Hole Open (Lion Tour)

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Two golfers enjoy

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

Prices outside these dates visit our website •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

Mixed Opening Day

Two nights accommodation Stone Store Lodge Kerikeri

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

Mixed Open

9-432 0259

Bay of Islands

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

*Must be NZ residents. International Visitors ADD $498

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Above pricing valid 16th Dec 2016 to 31st March 2017 for TWO (Affiliated NZ Players) 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.

Join us at Noosa’s only Championship Golf Course set in a nature reserve.

Outside these dates please look at our website

Noosa Golf Club is located at 46 Cooroy Noosa Rd, Tewantin. Call on (+617) 5447 1407 For more details email admin@noosagolf.com.au or go to noosagolf.com.au

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

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February 2017

27

NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD 1 Feb -28 Feb

Whangaparaoa

09 424 5441

Memberships 18 Hole $750 and 9 Hole $525

1 Feb -28 Feb

Redwood Park

(09)8338253

memberships $920 Annually

1 Feb -28 Feb

Muriwai

9 411 8454

The Links course out west. All welcome

1 Feb -28 Feb

Helensville

(09)4205454

Midweek Open Great Prize table

1 Feb -28 Feb

Omaha Beach

(09)4227551

Hidden Treasure by the Sea, less than 1 hour Nth of AKLD

1 Feb -28 Feb

Waitakere

(09)810 9399

$15.00 a week for a full 7 days a week membership

1 Feb -28 Feb

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

Northern Passport 6 courses great value

1 Feb -28 Feb

Omaha GC

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Winter Memberships from $295

2 Feb

Helensville

0800 420 545

Thu 2nd Helensville Monthly Midweek Mixed Open Day $32pp Booking

3 Feb

Warkworth

09 425 8248

Fri 3rd Warkworth First Friday Mixed Open 11.30am SGS $30 Booki: thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz or

5 Feb

Waitemata

9-445 8716

Sun 5th Waitemata NHGA Nobilo/ Rangitoto Men fs Championship Inter Club Pennants Play Commences

5 Feb

South Head

9-420 2838

Sun 5th South Head NHGA West Coast Trophy Commences

3-Mar

Whangaparaoa

09 424 5441

W Open Pairs Day Whangaparaoa

March 4-5

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

Warkworth Open 54 Hole Championship

25-Mar

Omaha GC

9-422 7551

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WOMEN’S PRO-AM

are fast and true. With a little extra run, higher handicappers were relishing the opportunity to reach greens in regulation and stableford scores were impressive as the first batch of cards were collated.

The weather stayed constant through the day and rounds were generally completed in around 4.5 hours – excellent times that showed that no-one lingered to long at any one food and drink stop, although the temptations were considerable. Scorecards were quickly collated and a full clubhouse was present for the

EAT. PLAY. MEET

Wainui is a breathtaking new choice for Auckland golfers offering challenging rounds for players of all levels. Visit us again for the first time and try our Championship 18, Orchard 9 or FootGolf layout with a light snack or full meal in The View clubhouse dining option.

Experience Wainui... It’s not just for members - public welcome and causal attire encouraged.

28

Prizegiving presided over by new Mangawhai Golf Club President Tony Vale, Men’s Captain Wayne Watts and sponsor Jeremy Ross. The prize table was impressive and winners were selected from two Men’s Divisions and a separate Women’s Division.

RESULTS (players from Mangawhai unless noted): Women Best Gross – Sharon Haslam (Whangamata) 85.

Runner Up – Diane Taylor 89 Stableford Winner – Marceline Borren (Maungakiekie) 45 points 2nd Stableford – Barbara Chitty 44 3rd Stableford – Sarah Beale 43 4th Stableford – Jo Akroyd 42 5th Stableford – Yvonne Horsfall 41 6th Stableford – Lesley Tolhopf 40 7th Stableford – Megan Graham 40 8th Stableford – Liz Mulcahy 39 Men (Division 1) Best Gross – Aaron Garnett (Queenstown) 70 Runner Up – Arthur Parkin (Maungakiekie) 72 Stableford Winner – Iain Butler 44 2nd Stableford – Tarrin Rous 44 3rd Stableford – Alan Madigan 44 4th Stableford – Peter O’Hara 43 5th Stableford – Gary Colhoun (Wainui) 43 6th Stableford – Terry Joines (Wainui) 43 7th Stableford – Julian Rous 42 8th Stableford – Russell Maloney (Wainui) 42 (Division 2) Stableford Winner – Martin Arrowsmith 48 2nd Stableford – Peter Aitken 46 3rd Stableford – Malcolm Davey 44 4th Stableford – Murray Wright 43 5th Stableford – Paul Murphy 43 6th Stableford – Puke Taylor 43 7th Stableford – Paul Alexander 43 8th Stableford – Bruce Waldock 42 9th Stableford – Ole Iversen (Northern Wairoa) 42 10th Stableford – Rodger Flavell (Whangamata) 41 Nearest The Pin: All Players (4th hole) – Megan Graham; Men Div.2 (6th hole) – Puke Taylor; Women (13th hole) – Heather Tobin; Men Div.1 (17th hole) – Tarrin Rous Longest Drive: Women (8th hole) – Sarah Beale Men Div. 1 (9th hole) – Aaron Garnett Men Div. 2 (12th hole) – Puke Taylor Twos: Tarrin Rous (2); Shel Lloyd (2); Megan Graham; Karen Cater (Pupuke); Naomi Ballantyne; Ali Howard; Ross Hattaway; Aaron Garnett (Queenstown); Martin Davis; Jodi Leese; Peter Cornes; Ole Iversen.

Special thanks Jeremy Ross (New World Warkworth) and Steve Hinton’s amazing team of willing volunteers who ensured the success of the day.

NORTH HARBOUR

KIT BITTLE CLAIMS NATIONAL TITLE IN HAMILTON

North Harbour junior and senior representative Kit Bittle (Wainui) claimed one of the most prestigious titles of his amateur career when he captured the NZ Under 19 Stroke Play in Hamilton in a five way play off with a 15 foot putt for birdie on the first playoff hole. Kit, also the inaugural winner of the 2016 Lydia Ko Age Group Championship, finished the 3 rounds at level par as did four other players including another North Harbour representative Kevin Koong (Muriwai/ Huapai). However it was Kit who struck the decisive birdie on the first play-off hole. Well done Kit!

NORTH HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT TEAM VS JACK NEWTON SQUAD

On Monday 9th of January at Gulf Harbour Country Club the North Harbour junior development team competed in their annual match against the Australian Jack Newton junior team. A great day was had by all with lovely weather and the

AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD 1 Feb -28 Feb

Onewhero

(09)2334038

Love Golf $50 introductory 3 rounds of golf

1 Feb -28 Feb

Pukekohe

(09)2948822

memberships 2 for 1 $650 to August 2015

1 Feb -28 Feb

Pukekohe

(09)2948822

Intermediate memberships 22-25 year olds $500

1 Feb -28 Feb

Pukekohe

(09)2948822

Intermediate memberships 26-35 year olds $800

1 Feb -28 Feb

The Grange

(09)2789777

memberships 23-35 yr olds $850

1 Feb -28 Feb

Pakuranga GC

(09) 534 3818

Memberships 26-35 yr olds $860

1 Feb -28 Feb

Akarana

(09)6210024 x1

Pro shop. Love Golf $99. PGA Golf clinic 3 Rounds - Mt Roskill

2 Feb

Titirangi

(09) 8273967

Twilight 9 holes 6pm shotgun 827 3967

2-Feb

Onewhero

09 233 4038

Thu 2nd Onewhero Monthly Midweek Mixed Open Shop

8-Feb

Whitford Park

09 530 8823

Wed 8th Whitford Park Monthly Pro Open Day Pro Shop

9-Feb

Waiuku

09 235 9489

Thu 9th Waiuku Monthly Midweek Mixed Open Shop

9-Feb

Titirangi

(09) 8273967

Twilight 9 holes 6pm shotgun 827 3967

10-Feb

Clarks Beach

09 948 5505

Fri 10th Clarks Beach COVIC Veni Vedi Vici Classic Season Opener Pairs Team 2 ]Ball Comb Stbfd Russ

12-Feb

Pukekohe

09 294 8810

Sun 12th Pukekohe AGA Bisset Shield & Captains, Inter Club Div 2 Pennants Play Commences

12-Feb

Howick

9-535 1004

Sun 12th Howick AGA Inter Club Div 1 & 3 Pennants Play Commences

15-Feb

Whitford Park

09 530 8823

Wed 15th Whitford Park Whitford Vets Monthly Scramble Pro Shop

15-Feb

Pukekohe

09 294 8810

Wed 15th Pukekohe Big Craig Smith fs Pro Shop Monthly Open Pro Shop

16-Feb

Titirangi

(09) 8273967

Twilight 9 holes 6pm shotgun 827 3967

23-Feb

Titirangi

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Twilight 9 holes 6pm shotgun 827 3967

24-Feb

Titirangi

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Fri Feb 24th Back Tee Challenge 827 3967

30th March

Akarana

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Barfoot & Thompson Open Tournament Program 2017:

GRAND OPENING ORCHARD 9 Thursday, January 26 35 Windmill Dr Wainui, Auckland 0992 Tel (09) 444 3437

wainui.online February 2017

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matches all played in great spirits. The Jack Newton team would win by the closest of margins (183-177). Well done to all on what is the first representative event on the 2017 calendar.

1 Feb -28 Feb

Lake View

(07)3572343

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

AUCKLAND

1 Feb -28 Feb

Walton

(07)8883731

Hidden Gem 20 mins from Hamilton 40 mins Tauranga 90 mins Auckland

1 Feb -28 Feb

Ngaruawahia

7-824 8006

Twilight Tuesdays 3.45pm - 5pm

3-Feb

Mercury Bay

07 828 6608

Fri 3rd Mercury Bay WDVGA (m)

4-5 Feb 2017

St Alexander

07 871 7907

Waipa Classic M/W St Alexander

23-Feb17

Waihi

7-863 8678

NZ Senior Match Play Championship W Waihi

14-Feb17

Hamilton

7-849 2069

24th Brian Perry Classic Pro Am Hamilton GC

26-28 March

Mt Maunganui

7-866 5479

BOP Masters & Seniors M Mt Maunganui

28-29 March

Te Awamutu

07 871 5661

Waikato Secondary Schools

WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD

AUCKLAND NEWS

Congratulations to Carmen Lim for winning the Danny Lee Springfield Open.

Carmen carded scores of 68, 67 & 77 beating NZ representative Chantelle Cassidy by one shot. Brittney Dryland with scores of 71, 77 & 70 came third.

Grass growth has appeared right on target with the new 3rd hole, which the club hopes will be open for play on 1st April 2017.

Light rain has assisted the initial start and now irrigation is being used on the fairway, green and surrounds.

Shaping of the new practice facilities is well under way and once completed will offer members a fantastic, 5 star facility to rival the best in the country.

MORE SUCCESS FOR ANA AN – NSGC JUNIOR MEMBER

BRAND NEW 3RD HOLE AND PRACTICE FACILITY AT NORTH SHORE GC

Grant Puddicombe and his team from Puddicombe Golf, are close to completing the new 3rd hole at North Shore GC and a major upgrade of the club’s practice facilities.

North Shore Junior member Anna An has capped off a tremendous golfing year by winning the Dormer Trophy for her performance as the leading girl from Auckland/North Harbour in the Eagles Golfing Society’s sponsored Under

17 National Tournament, which was held this year at Aviation GC. Here you see Anna being presented with the trophy by Don Walker from the Eagles, along with a momento of a carry bag, towel and ball to mark her performance. Well done Anna!

WAIKATO WAIKATO REPRESENTATIVES WIN EAST WAIKATO

Waikato Senior representatives Jill Morgan and Matt Morris have won the 2017 East Waikato Tournament.

The 2017 event presented two days of polar opposites with a perfectly still day on Saturday and a windy and raining day on Sunday.

Full Playing Memberships This picturesque, well groomed 18 hole course is on flat easy walking land and is adjacent to the Tarawera River. Mountain views and the bird life add to the enjoyment for all players. The 6th, 15th and 18th holes, make the course a true test of a golfer’s skills. We are open all year round with no tee off times needed. Visitors are always welcome to join the club haggles. The course is only 40km east of Rotorua and situated at the south end of the Kawerau township.

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February 2017

29

In the Men’s section, Jason Boobyer was the best on day one posting a 1under par round of 70, local player Lyall Wilson was next with an even par 71 and Matt Morris posting a 1over par 72.

On Day two however, all players battled their way around the course and Waikato Junior Representative Tyler Wood battled the best posting a 1over par 72. Matt Morris posted a 3 over par 74; Wilson was +4 and Boobyer +5. This would send these three players back down to the 18th hole for a play-off. First to hit was Morris, finding the bunker just short of the green. Wilson hit a good shot and was 40 yards short of the green, and Boobyer hit his through the green. After flicking out of the bunker short of the green Morris went on to hole a putt from the fringe to make birdie, with Boobyer chipping close it was up to him to hole a putt to force another hole as Wilson had already had three and was not in the hole. Boobyer holed his 4 footer to force another hole. Back to the 18th tee, Morris again found himself handy near the green, whilst Boobyer flared one right and found the garden, having to take an unplayable lie. After dropping the ball near the first tee, his flop shot down to the front flag got the crowds going after it rolled out to about 3feet. Morris chipped on and holed his 5footer for birdie subsequently winning the event. An exciting end to what was a great weekend.

On the women’s side, Jill Morgan was the best on day one posting a 4 over par 76, mixing 5 bogeys with a single bird-

ie; she would be two shots clear of local player and fellow Waikato Master’s rep Pam Wright on 78. Judy Cameron (Mt Maunganui) would fear best in the wind and rain on Day 2 posting a 5 over par 77.

Overnight leader Jill Morgan would post a 7over par 79, along with Waikato Junior representative Zoann Huang.

Morgan’s two day total of 155 would be 5 shots clear of Pam Wright and 6 shots clear of Alayna Cox (Wellsford).

This was the first year that the event has been open to the women, and by the entries that were received it can only get bigger and better. Despite some atrocious conditions at times, it was a great weekend by all. Congratulations to Matamata Golf Club for hosting a very successful 2017 event.

NZ WOMEN’S NORTH ISLAND U19 CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Riverside Golf Club (Lochiel Course) hosted the Women’s U19 Championships on the 11th – 13th January. With a strong field of 61 girls competing in their respec-

tive age groups there was some impressive golf to be watched.

Leading the field with some outstanding scores was Ayean Cho (Sherwood Park) with a nineteen under par total and rounds of 66, 67, 64. The 16 year old took out the overal title as well as the U17 division gold medal. A further 12 shots behind with a seven under par total was Jungsoo Lee (Helensville). Lee also played some excellent golf with a suberb final round score of 67 to give her the silver medal. In third place with consistent rounds was Miree Jung (Titirangi) finishing of 2 under par.

Waikato Junior and Senior representative Zeta Syme (Cambridge) was the top local girl with a credible final round score of 73. Zeta had rounds of 74, 81, 73 to finish in the top 10 in her age group.

BITTLE TAKES HONOURS AT 2017 NORTH ISLAND UNDER 19S

Wainui golfer Kit Bittle has won the 2017 North Island Under 19 Championships for 2017.

In dramatic fashion five players were tied at the top of the event all sitting on even par through their 3 rounds of golf at the St Andrews Golf Course in Hamilton played last month.

Markopolo Fullepp, Jang Hyun Lee, Shaun Campbell, Kevin Koong and Kit Bittle all made their way to the 18thtee for a sudden death play-off. With all but one player hitting the green it was anyone’s tournament. Bittle however sitting pin high 15feet left of the flag was able to

roll his putt into the cup for a birdie 2 and seal the victory for 2017.

After day 1 it was Tom Parker (Christchurch) who led the way with a -3 par round 69 in superb Waikato weather, he was joined by local player Luke Kidd (Riverside) on the same score. These two players were 2 shots clear of a contingent of 5 others who would be looking to chase them down over the following two days.

Tom Parker (Christchurch) backed up his first round 69 with a 1 over par 73 to lead the event by 1 after 36 holes. Sung Jin Yeo (North Shore) would sit 1 shot back after rounds of 72 & 71. The cut for the event would include the top 60 players and ties after 2 rounds; this would sit at +13 (the lowest cut in a few years). 66 players would make it through to Friday’s final day and all would be looking to improve their position on the overall leader-board.

Day 3 bought some miserable weather to begin with. All players teeing off in the rain with wet weather gear on and umbrellas up. The weather moved on within an hour or two and provided some hot muggy conditions for players to endure.

Some hot scoring was recorded on the final day, the best of the lot was Markopolo Fullepp with a -4 68 (this would take Markopolo from a +4 total to even par finding himself in a play-off for the title).

Jang Hyun Lee (Maungakiekie) will be doing his best to forget his last hole of the tournament after finding himself plugged in the face of the large bunker that pro-

Invites golfers to beautiful Ohope for a full weekend of golf, music and laughter

THE TWIN WATERS OF OHOPE TOURNAMENT MIXED 36 HOLE TEAMS WEEKEND Sat/Sun 18th & 19th March, 2017 - Competition -

Ngaruawahia GOLF CLUB TWILIGHTS

Stableford - Teams of Four (mixed, any combination) Saturday - 8 holes of Ambrose and 10 holes of Foursomes Sunday - 4BBB Stableford $200 per team or $320 per team includes evening function Extensive Prize Pool

TUESDAYS 3PM • 5.45PM TEE OFF

Saturday Evening 5pm to 9pm Irish Theme

Sponsored by Foundation Bar – Te Awa The Base

Live entertainment by Fiona Cosgrove Sumptuous meal Relax and party as you watch the sun go down over White Island

EVERYONE WELCOME (INCLUDING NON-GOLFERS)!

BRING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY COME AND ENJOY THE SUMMER EVENINGS ON A TOP COURSE CATERING & BAR AVAILABLE

This premier event made possible through the support of the following Major Sponsors

CONTACT DUNCAN 824 8006 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

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Entry forms available from - Ohope International Golf Club, Ph 07 312 4486 or email ohope@golf.co.nz • www.ohopegolf.co.nz

30

$8 Entry Cheap M eals Available

February 2017

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BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD 1 Feb 28 Feb

Lake view

(07)3572343

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

1 Feb 28 Feb

Rotorua GC

(07)3484051

Summer Membership Special $350.00 November 2015 – March 2016.

1 Feb 28 Feb

Rotorua GC

(07)3484051

Men’s Wednesday Haggle every Wednesday from 10.00am.

20162017

Rotorua GC

(07)3484051

Twighlight 2016/2017

11th Feb

Ohope

7-312 4486

– 11th NZ Seniors Championships M/W Ohope International

17th Feb

MT Maunganui

7-572 7044

NZ Foursomes Championships M Mt Maunganui

18-19 Feb

MT Maunganui

7-572 7044

Grant Clements Memorial M/W Mt Maunganui

22-23 Feb

Waihi

7-863 8678

NZ Senior Women's Matachplay W Waihi

24-Feb

Taupo

7-378 6933

Twin Classic W Taupo

24-26 Feb 2017

Rotorua GC

(07)3484051

Rotorua Men's Open 72 Hole Stroke Open

27 Feb 3 March

Eves 5 Course Classic

(07) 544 1166

27th-3 Eves 5 Course Classic M & W Tauranga,Mount, Te Puke, Omanu, Omokoroa

27-Feb

Whakatane

7-308 8117

Whakatane Teams Tournament W Whakatane

9-Mar

Thames

7-868 9062

Pak'n' Save Tournament W Thames

9-Mar

Rotorua

(07)3484051

100% Golf Pro Shop Tournament W Rotorua

16th March

Mercury Bay

7-866 5479

16th Mercury Bay Tournament W Mercury Bay

17-Mar

Otumoetai

7-576 9739

17th Open Pairs W

19-20 March

Ohope

7-312 4486

THE TWIN WATERS Mixed 36 Hole Teams Weekend

tects the 18th green he would walk off with a double bogey 5 signing for a 2under par 70 which would see him in the 5 way play-off. Solid rounds of -1 71 would

see Shaun Campbell and Kevin Koong in the 5 way play-off also.

The 2017 event won by Kit Bittle showcased a number of top amateur golfers and also a large contingent of players who will be progressing through the ranks in years to come. Watch this space.

Waikato notables: Sam McGovern 73, 72, 73 (+2) Luke Kidd 69, 77, 75 (+5) Jordan Woodall 72, 77, 73 (+6) Tyler Wood 78, 70, 74 (+6) Charlie Smail 72, 73, 77 (+6) James Fellows Ford 73, 73, 78 (+8)

NEW YEAR SUCCESS FOR WALTON

Walton Golf Club, playing the ‘hidden gem of Waikato golf’ is off to a great start to 2017. The New Year’s Day Mixed Open was greeted by more than 100 players from 23 different clubs. Lance Douglas from Omokoroa just beat local Bill Raynell (well he is 85 but playing like half his age) for the men’s honours. June Williams (Walton) and Debbie Crocker (Ngahinepouri) tied to squeeze out the ladies’ leadership. Visitors continue to enjoy the course with numbers up nearly 50% so far, adding to our gain in members, coming from immigration, relocation and other clubs. Hopefully visotors and members will meet the challenges of the new season starting on 11th February, and our course development projects.

BAY OF PLENTY MIXED SUMMER CUP

Weatherwise, you name it the players got it !.

Changeable strong gusting wind, rain and warm & fine conditions put the 23 pairs to the test in trying to record a top round and possibly a trophy winning score.

Some very good individual scores were achieved (Helena Cho and Declan Byrne – 40) but only one pair (Vicky & Paul Fahy) managed to record a combined score of 73 combined stableford points.

Impressive combined pair scores of 77

by Yoshie & Masahide Kaano and 73’s by Vicky & Paul Fahy and Helena & David

Cho and Pam & Allen McCormick were putting the pressure on.

Round One: Leading pairs were Gayleen & Chris Manyweathers and Jane & Geoff Banfield with 76’s, followed by Vicky & Paul Fahy and Suzanne & Paul Shaw with 74’s.

Round Two The leading combined pair stableford points saw a hot 78 by Debbie and Steve Read closely followed by Paul & Vicky Fahy with 77, 3 points ahead of Andrea & Duncan Ritchie with 75.

After 2 Rounds the Leading Combined Pair stableford: Leading were Vicky & Paul Fahy with a total of 151, 4 points ahead of Gayleen & Chris Manyweathers – 147 and Dixie Horne & Dennis Edwards -145.

With 5 pairs chasing and within sight plus another 3 pairs who had a good “one round” score.

Round 3 Final round of 3. (A last chance to post a score to replace an earlier score).

Some individual scores racing to improve the placing of their pair to move up the ladder were; Women -Helena Cho 40 and Yoshie Kanno 39 Men – Declan Byrne 40, Brian Lomax, Q Nam 39 & Masahide Kanno 38.

Pairs to make a late claim, Helena & David Cho 70/73 and Gae Sook Sim & Sung Kuer Lee 74/69 saw them improve to finish on 143 total – 4th =.

Pairing of Yoshie & Masahide Kaano returned the score of the day a 77, which added to Round 2 of 63 saw them finish on 140 points just out of the prizes as were Mary & Peter Bang and Sue Dark & Brian Lomax.

The race for the 2017 Mixed Summer Cup Trophy had 4 pairs hold their first 2 round totals and positions through to the end.

Vicky & Paul Fahy Round 3 scores of 36 & 37 – 73 maintained their consistency over each of the 3 rounds and were the ones to beat. The 73 was a non-counting score.

Declan & Kiem Bryne followed with 32 & 40 – 72 for Round 3 with 3 other pairs on 71 totals was good scoring on a quite testing day for golf.

From 4th position there were 11 pairs within the range of 140 to 143 points, a close encounter.

WINNERS of the MIXED SUMMER CUP – Vicky & Paul Fahy were front runners from the start with a 2 round total 151 points, to then follow with a non-counting score of 73 round 3.

Runners-up Gayleen & Chris Manyweathers on 147 after 2 rounds finished 4 points adrift with Dixie Horne & Dennis Edwards 3rd on 145 points, also after the 1st 2 rounds.

Neither pair scoring well in round 3.

Showing that the final round can count, big movers from Round 3 were the pairings of Yoshie & Masahide Kaano 63/77 = 140, Helena & David Cho 70/73= 143, Kiem & Declan Byrne 70/72=142 and Gae Sook Sim & Sung Kuer Lee 74/69=143.

A pleasing and enjoyable start to the 2017 golfing season for Mixed Sunday Golf Results:Round 3. 22nd January 2017.

Yoshie & Masahide Kaano39/38 77 Vicky & Paul Fahy 35/42 73 Helena & David Cho 40/33 73 Pam & Allen McCormick37/36 73 Kiem & Declan Byrne 32/40 72 In Sook Nam & Chang Q Nam 32/39 71 Connie & Ben Park 36/35 71 Sue Dark & Brian Lomax 31/39 70 Best 2 of 3 Rounds: 1.Vicky & Paul Fahy74/77/ 73151 Mixed Summer Cup Winners 2.Gayleen & Chris Manyweathers76/71/59 147 3.Dixie Horne & Denis Edwards72/72/66 145 4.Suzanne & Paul Shaw74/69/67 143 4 Helena & David Cho 0/70/73 143 4 Debbie & Steve Read62/78/65 143 4 Gae Sook Sim & Sung Kuen Lee 0 /74/69 143 5 Maxine & Martyn Woodhall70/72/59 142 5.Kiem & Declan Byrne64/70/72 142 6 Andrea & Duncan Ritchie66/75/62 141 6 Jane & Geoff Banfield76/50/65 141 7 Mary & Peter Bang71/69/68 140 7 Sue Dark & Brian Lomax70/64/70 140 7 Yoshie & Masahide Kaano 0/63/77 140 - Lynn Irving & John Lile73/66/0 139 - Pam & Allen McCormick57/66/73 139

WARKWORTH GOLF CLUB

Barfoot & Thompson

PRESENTS THE 2017 MEN’S AMATEUR STROKEPLAY 54 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP

WOMEN’S PRO-AM

A COUNTING EVENT FOR WORLD AMATEUR GOLF RANKING

Played at Warkworth Golf Club, 27th March 2017

Saturday 4th (36 Holes) Sunday 5th March (18 holes)

2 Divisions according to entries.

Maximum handicap 24 Division 1: Gross & Nett.

Divisions 2/3 Nett & Stableford Field limited to first 112 prepaid entries Entrants must be Full playing financial members of an affiliated club

• $75.00 per player • Make up your own team of 3 women • Each team will be allocated a professional • Handicap 0-28.7 Entries forms can be downloaded from our website: www.warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

ENTRY FEE $70.00

Optional 2’s $10 (Titleist Pro V1 Balls)

HIGH QUALITY PRIZE TABLE

You can email us at: thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

To Register: Please include your Club & Membership No, Email & Phone contact Phone: (09) 425 8248 Email: thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

Or phone: 09 425 8248 Warkworth Golf Club, 4 Golf Road, PO Box 103, Warkworth 0941

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2017

31

BAY OF PLENTY NEWS

Omokoroa turned on a great day last month for the annual Men’s Champion of Champions event with 12 clubs managing to send teams with players in all 3 divisions and another 16 individuals.

For the teams award all 3 gross scores over 36 holes are added together and Brian McMurray (Junior) with 178, Ryan Groenewald (Intermediate) 164 and Murray Fraser (Senior) 150 had a combined total of 492 to pip the locals by 3 shots.

Round of the day came from local champ Tyler King with a 4 under 68 in the TARANAKI NOTICEBOARD Mon 06-Feb

Hawera GC Club

6-278 5828

Waitangi Day - Waitangi Day Tournament

Mon 06-Feb

Pungarehu GC Club

6-763 8831

Waitangi Day Coastal Championship (27 holes)

Sat 18Feb

Westown GC Club

6-758 6933

Westown Golf Club 36-hole Tournament- (Crowded House Tour Event)

Sun 19-Feb

Westown GC Club

6-758 6933

Westown Golf Club 36-hole Tournament- (Crowded House Tour Event)

Sat 25Feb

St Clair GC NZ Golf

3-487 7076

South Island Strokeplay Championship

Sun 26-Feb

St Clair GC NZ Golf

3-487 7076

South Island Strokeplay Championship

Sun 26-Feb

New Plymouth GC Club

6-755 1349

NPGC Open Stableford Tournament

Sat 04Mar

Urenui GC Club

6-755 1349

Ern & Nancy Sutton Memorial Tournament

Fri 10Mar

Waverley GC Club

6-344 3005

Lamb Tournament

Sun 12Mar

Eltham GC Club

6-764 8484

Central Taranaki Foursomes

Sat 11Mar

Manukorihi GC Club

6-754 7497

Left Handers

Sun 12Mar

Urenui GC Club

6-755 1349

Left Handers

Sat 11Mar

Te Ngutu GC Club

6-272 8039

Normanby Lions

Sun 12Mar

Tumahu GC Club

6-752 4139

Butlers Reef Bar & Café Tournament

Sun 12Mar

New Plymouth GC Club

6-755 1349

Craig Owen Open Tournament

Wed 15-Mar

Pungarehu GC Club

6-763 8831

Coastal Classic (18 Holes)

Fri 17Mar

Te Ngutu GC Club

6-272 8039

Bruce McCallum Memorial

Fri 17Mar

Stratford GC Club

6-752 4139

TET Taranaki Masters Games

Sat 18Mar

Stratford GC Club

6-752 4139

TET Taranaki Masters Games

Sun 26Mar

Waitara GC Club

6-755 1349

Crowded House Open Tournament

MOUNT MAUNGANUI GOLF CLUB 2017 GRANT CLEMENTS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT & 2017 NEW ZEALAND MEN’S FOURSOMES CHAMPIONSHIP

Two Annual New Zealand Amateur Golf events will be held at the Mount Maunganui Golf Course for a 3 day Weekend HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY NOTICEBOARD 11-Feb

Waikohu

6-862 5510

Waikohu Open 11.00am Waikohu

16-Feb

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Golf HB Annual General Meeting Maraenui

19-Feb

Hastings

6-879 7206

Golf Age Group Championship Hastings

20 - 23 Feb

Waihi

7-863 8678

NZ Senior Women's Matchplay Waihi GC

25-Feb

Pautuahi

06-8627789

Patutahi Ladies Open (Pennant 1) 9.30am Patutahi

28 - 29 Feb

Hastings

6-879 7206

Hastings Open 54 Hole Hastings

11-Mar

Tahunga

06 867 0849.

Tahunga Open Tahunga

6-Mar

Hastings

6-879 7206

Open Ladies Day Hastings

11-Mar

Waipukurau

6-858 9598

HB Mixed Foursomes Waipukurau

12-Mar

Hawkes Bay

6-879 8890

Bramwell Grossman 9 & 18 Hole Tournament H.B. Golf Club

13-Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Silky Oak Chocolates 9 Hole Tournament Maraenui

18-Mar

Tolgaga Bay

6-862 6780

Tolaga Bay Ladies Open & Queen of the Coast (Pennant 2)

20-Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Sommerset-Smith 18 Hole Open Maraenui

21/22 Mar

Poverty Bay

6-867 4402

Poverty Bay Match Play - 54 Holes 8.30am Poverty Bay

23 - 26 Mar

Hastings

6-879 7206

NZ Stroke Play Hastings GC

GOLF

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32

morning backed up with a 75 in the afternoon to win the senior trophy by 2 shots from Jordan Wells (Lakeview) with last year’s winner Brent Curnow 3rd on 146.

Fenton Tawa from Otumoetai took out the Intermediate title with 2 solid rounds of 79 & 80 with Daniel Towgood from Springfield second on 163 and Flash Rowlands (Kawerau) one shot back.

The youngest player in the field, Whakatane’s Corbin Aldridge with two rounds of 87 won the Junior title from Brian McMurray (Fairview) on 178 and Murray Browne (Omokoroa)on 181.

of Amateur Golf, on Friday 17th February 2017 through Sunday 19th February 2017.

Although early in the year, many of the amateurs have been competing in Australia and other countries with some impressive results.

These include Ryan Chisnall (Greenacres), Luke Brown (The Pines), Daniel Hillier (Manor Park) and Alaana Campbell (Omanu) who have competed and gained successful results in Australia and/or South America.

Placed prior to the Manawatu Lawnmaster PGA and the qualifying events for the NZ Men’s Open the Grant Clements Tournament provides an excellent opportunity for top amateurs (and any professional who play) to compete to sharpen their skills over 72 holes of stroke play.

Beginning in 2000, the Grant Clements Memorial Golf Tournament is now one of the most prestigious amateur strokeplay tournaments in NZ. A handicap cut-off has required for the past 7 years to limit the field to 96 players, which has been at 1.0 or better.

The 2017 Tournament has so far attracted a field with 72 – (58 men and 14 women players).

Impressive handicaps of players entered, promises some competitive golf, there are; Women – 9 players on a handicap of 1.0 or better.

Men – 28 players on 0.0 or better and another 5 players on 1.0.

Previous top performers are here again and include Ryan Chisnall, Daniel Hillier, Nick Coxan, Luke Brown and Henry Spring to name a few.

Luke Toomey the 2016 winner has joined the professional Golfer ranks while others have focused on representing New Zealand.

Previous winners of the Grant Clements include Brad Shilton – 2001, Mount Maunganui golfer Josh Geary – 2003, then Danny Lee in 2006 & 2008 and Ryan Fox in 2010 & 2011.

Locals, Bailey Smith (Mt Maunganui) and Charlie Hillier (Te Puke) winning in 2014 and 2015 respectively.

2016 was a great tournament for Luke Toomey (now a Pro) who not only won the Grant Clements Trophy but also won the District Teams Rosebowl and the 2016 NZ Men’s Foursomes with Henry Spring (Whakatane).

SAVE $300 $815

NORMALLY

on your first year membership Mention this ad and you will receive a $300 discount off full membership!

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Women were introduced into the tournament in 2008 with an equally impressive history: Larissa Eruera (Aviation) winning in 2008 and followed up by Cecelia Cho in 2009 & 2010, Caroline Bon in 2010, Jessie Hamilton in 2011, Caryn Khoo in 2012 and Brittany Dryland in 2013. A very young Lydia Ko played in the 2012 event and finished 5th.

2015 Alaana Campbell (Omanu) win and in 2016 some very impressive performances by Korean players and the winner Yeo Kyung HWANG. NZ District Teams competition compete for the Grant Clements Rose bowl, a popular competition between the two man teams.

Bay of Plenty is one of the top teams as is Waikato.

New Zealand Men’s Foursomes Championships while not a large field has 9 or more pairings who will ensure that the trophy winners will have to work hard.

The pairing of Luke Brown (The Pines) & Daniel Hillier (Manor Park) look like the ones to beat, although the Wellington pair of Jonathan Cane & Ben Slaven and Ryan Maxwell (Whakatane) & Henry Spring (Whakatane) will make sure that it is not a one horse race.

The Mount Maunganui Golf Club, rated as one of the top Club Courses in New Zealand has one of the highest course utilisation statistics, (if not the highest) and will be in excellent condition for the “Weekend of Amateur Golf”.

HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY NALG NZ

We were delighted to have in attendance on Sunday giving out the prizes, our Patron Sir Bob Charles. Results for the weekend follow:

Gross winner Steve Leatherland Net winner Division 1 Rob Deam Net Division Runner up Dave Downing Keith Dallas Cup Overall bet Net Stan Mathews 140 Lionel Kelly Trophy Overall best Gross 152 Stableford 1st Phil Tennent 76 2nd Wayne Hughes (76) 3rd Dan Scotson (72) 4th Nigel Messenger (71) 5th Geoff Ingram (70) 6th Mark Casey (70) 7th Willie Burton (70) 8th Teni Goldsmith (68) Ladies Net winner Annette Purvis 151 Stableford Audrey Messenger, Runner up Pauline Cooper Right handers

Play at New Zealand’s

Walton golf club

in heartland Waikato

30 minutes from Hamilton 40 minutes from tauranga 90 minutes from auckland

Kiwitahi Road Walton To book phone (07) 8883731 Email Walton.golf@paradise.net.nz

Phone 810 9399 for enquiries 35 Falls Rd, Te Henga, West Auckland

www.waitakeregolf.kiwi February 2017

caRTs availablE by aRRanGEmEnT ph oR Email GRoups and individuals WElcomE

www.waltongolf.co.nz

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Winner Shirley Mclutchie 73, Runner up Andrea Gardner 71

MANAWATU WANGANUI

MANAWATU WANGANUI NOTICEBOARD

FROM RUGBY TO GOLF!

By Dale Cobb (pictured) Director of Golf & Facilities, Wanganui Golf Club

Sport Administration is challenging in any environment, and there is little difference between codes, however, in the heartland region based communities, we don’t often have the luxury of hiring specialists people to cover specialist roles.

What that means for us here in Wanganui, is that we could be wearing any number of hats at any one time, when our own capabilities include more diverse functions. That is a real positive, because that experience could take you from the office, where key decisions are made on a daily basis, to cleaning dishes in the function centre, all integral parts of the golfing club experience.

Why did I choose golf? I played the game overseas on a casual basis and loved it. But most importantly, a position became available at the Wanganui Golf Club as Director of Golf & Facilities.

I could not believe how much the job description suited my relevant background and local community interest.

After working as Chief Executive Officer with the Wanganui Rugby Football Union, I was able to apply similar process to develop and secure a role that should take

Pictured is Nigel Messenger picking the ball out of the hole on the 11th at Napier Golf Club, hole in one his 4th. Nigel is World Secretary of Left handers Association (walg) and a Life Member of the NZ Association.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

9-Feb

Eketahuna

6-375 8143

Thu 9 Eketahuna Open Day Eketahuna GC Women - TBC

19-Feb

Feilding

6-323 4553

Sun 19 Age Group Championships Feilding GC Junior

20, 21, 23, 24 Feb

Levin Golf Club

06 3686189

Golden Coast 4 day mixed Pairs Open

25 - 26 Feb

Levin Golf Club

06 3686189

Horowhenua Open Left Handers Tournament

2-Mar

Pongaroa

6-376 2831

Thu 2 Pongaroa Open Day Pongaroa GC Women

10-Mar

Marton

6-327 6719

Fri 10 District Day Marton GC Women

12-Mar

Hawkes Bay

6-879 8890

Bramwell Grossman 9 & 18 Hole Tournament H.B. Golf Club

13-Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Silky Oak Chocolates 9 Hole Tournament

15-19 March

Manawatu

6-357 8793

Wed - Sun 15 - 19 Lawnmaster Classic - Charles Tour Manawatu GC

18-Mar

Tolgaga Bay

6-862 6780

Tolaga Bay Ladies Open & Queen of the Coast

20-Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Sommerset-Smith 18 Hole Open

21/22 Mar

Poverty Bay

6-867 4402

Poverty Bay Match Play - 54 Holes 8.30am Poverty Bay

23 - 26 Mar

Hastings

6-879 7206

NZ Stroke Play Hastings GC

23-Mar

Castlecliff

6-344 4554

Open Day

me through to retirement, if there is such a thing. The transition has been made more worthwhile by the welcome and warm greeting of our members.

The strength of this club, as I am sure most golf clubs, lie in the volunteer support network. A core group of unique individuals who give their time freely to service the overwhelming demands of maintaining golf courses and golfing clubs.

I have served four months, which is ample time to discover what makes this recreational sport tick. A lot of the issues confronting this activity are national, in fact almost global, which is a comfort, as we are simply facing these challenges

February 2017

alone.

We are a small community sharing three golf courses, so competition for membership and green fees is fierce.

Places a greater emphasis on service and providing that positive golfing experience.

We are very fortunate to have a first class function centre that caters for everything from weddings, birthdays, conferences and gatherings of any occasion.

It is the start of a new year that will bring more competitions to the calendar, adding variety and mystery that will capture the social and serious excitement that our members will enjoy and celebrate. Call in and see our friendly team anytime. Give Golf A Go!

WANGANUI WALLIS MAKING STRIDES IN US

Whanganui golfer Bradley Wallis continues to makes steps towards a career in golf.

The 19-year-old has been back in Whanganui recently but returns to the United States today where studies and plays for Patrick Henry College in Virginia.

The former Wanganui Collegiate student said his first four months had gone well and he had now settled into life overseas.

Wallis lives about five minutes from his campus with about 30 other international student who are all on athletic scholarships.

“It’s quite good,” he said. “There’s a lot of different cultures and everything that you get to learn.”

Wallis is studying business administra-

33

tion with classes each morning followed by about four hours of golf training.

“They say the first semester’s not too bad and then it gets harder.”

He said his game had improved under the coaching of Robert Weinerth.

“When I first got over there he changed quite a few things in my swing. So for the first three months and three tournaments I was struggling. But it finally came right in the last tournament which I was pleased with.

“He had a few ideas that could help me and it really has helped me.”

While the short game is his strength, Wallis has managed to add 30m to his drive.

“I’ve had a month and a half of weight training and some additions set up wise.”

And the technical improvements are starting to reflect on the scorecard.

His Patrick Henry College team is currently competing in the NJCAA division 2 golf league made up of 50 teams.

The competition is currently in the regional stages but Wallis said the goal was to make it to nationals.

Wallis wants to play professionally when he finishes with study and will be looking to get some decent exposure after his two years at Patrick Henry College.

- Wanganui Chronicle

WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD

KAPITI GOLF 21ST PAR 3 DAY

The 2017 Kapiti Golf 21st Par 3 Day was won by Kasey Cross and Brian Stewart.

Over 90 golfers teed off in the traditional start to the year and it was the most competitive finish ever with count back deciding the winners of both divisions.

The 9 holes are converted into an 18 hole course with greens tucked away under trees, beside OOB pegs and new tee off points just under overhanging branches to bring the best, or in some cases, worst out of all participants.

In the Women’s Kasey Cross edged out Mary Howard, both on 73, and Sharon Menzies was third with 78. In the Men’s Brian Stewart beat John Bayliss and John

$20 green fees on Saturday & Sunday

5-6 Feb

Manor Park

4-563 8558

2017 Oliver Cup

12-Feb

Riversdale

6-372 3416

Riversdale 54 Hole Matchplay

16-Feb

Eketahuna

6-375 8143

2017 Eketahuna Women's Open Day

23-Feb

Kapiti

4-298 6151

Ladies Vets

3-Mar

BFHC

4-567 4722

BFHGC Women's Challenge

5-Mar

Wainuiomata

4-564 7746

2017 Wainui 36 Hole Open

13-Mar

Waikane

4-293 6399

Women's 9 Hole Open Day

15-Mar

Carterton

6-379 8457

Women's 9 Hole Open Day

18-Mar

Martinborough

6-306 9076

2017 WGI Women's 36 Hole Open

19-Mar

Martinborough

6-306 9076

2017 Julie Murphy Jug

20-Mar

BFHC

4-567 4722

Ladies Vets

23-Mar

Waikane

4-293 6399

Women's 18 Hole Open Day

Cosgrove who all scored 65. Just behind on 66 were Paul Cooksley, Rian Kriel and Oki Latief. The teams event was won by the Dawnbreakers team of John Souness, John Bayliss, Tony Duffy and Pete McLaughlin with a combined score of 292.

Kapiti Golf Club would like to thank all

the entrants, and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make the day such a success.

TASMAN WEST COAST CHALLENGE MARCH 2017

The West Coast has a long golfing history and is proud to offer The West Coast Golf hallenge, a great experience for both local golfers and friends from ‘away’ – which is every part of the world that is not on ‘The Coast’. March 7-March 10 2017, will be the 5th edition of the West Coast Golf Challenge. A new eature of this year’s event is a new Pro Grade.

It is a great opportunity to combine 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 guaran-

Book an 18 hole round at Lochiel or Narrows after 2pm on Saturday or Sunday and only pay $20 per player.* Our courses are renowned for their impressive layouts and beautiful natural settings beside the Waikato River, catering to first time golfers through to seasoned pros.

$ 20

Weekend Special

Mention this ad in Golfer Pacific NZ when making a booking to receive this special promotion.

* Conditions apply Ends 31 March 2017

Visit www.riversidegolf.co.nz or call 07 843 6287 today.

www.rotoruagolfclub.co.nz Come and play our great course.

Tour Groups Functions 3 Putt Groups Club Groups Corporate

100% Golf Ladies Open Tournament.

9th March 2017

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­

­Arikikapakapa­ 34

February 2017

Phone the Friendly team:

Office 07 348 4051 Pro-shop 07 349 0446

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TASMAN NOTICEBOARD 9th-10th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

South Island Fireman's Tournament COURSE CLOSED

11th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Men - Rowling Trophy 1, Modified Stableford --Women LGU1, Ross Trophy, Eclectic, Putts, Mug Medal

12th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Tom Goodman Memorial - Greensome - Mixed Event

13th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

District Mixed Vets at Nelson GC

14th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Ladies - LGU 1, Ross Trophy, Eclectrics, Putts (9) Bisque Par

15th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Men, Sel England Trophy, Nett -- New World Twilight

18th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Men - 4BBB Trophy, Stableford, Drawn Partners --- Ladies, Hudson Cup 1

20th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Open Mixed Vets at Nelson GC

21st Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Ladies - Match PLay (9) Merle Hyland 1 Nett LGU

22nd Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Open Mixed Vets -New World Twilight FINAL Night

23rd Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Ladies - Stableford Individual & Team

25th Feb

Motueka

3-528 8998

Men - Mug Medal, Shootout, Summer Cup 3 --- Ladies Saturday Stableford 1

March 7-10

West Coast Challenge

2102672224

4 West Coast courses

March 27-29

Marlborough

3-578 7646

18th Allan Scott Wines Marborugh Women's

May 1-5 2017

Nelson

3-548 5029

Nelson Festival of Golf- 3 courses

teed. 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 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. 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 Main Street, Reefton 7830. Entry is confirmed on payment.

TSB NELSON FESTIVAL OF GOLF MAY 2017

By Derek Drysdale, Tournament Director

We are delighted to announce that TSB Bank have agreed to continue their valued support as our Major Sponsor for our next tournament in May, 2017.

TSB Bank Nelson Festival Of Golf has also received sponsorship funding for next 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 them on 03 5456858.

As 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 Ambrose in teams of four, followed by three rounds of individual stableford competition in separate divisions for daily stableford prizes per division With a fantastic 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 hole 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. The overall division 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 our decision to move this year’s tournament to early May, our participants enjoyed the beautiful weather that our region is famed for. Hopefully next year will be exactly the same, beautiful sunny weather and fabulous golf courses to enjoy. – Making entry to the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf a great competition for players of all abilities to enter. For more information or help with entries, contact Nelson Golf Club on 03548-5029 or email nelson@golf.co.nz.

CANTERBURY

HELLIER HOLDS ON TO WIN CANTERBURY STROKEPLAY

Scott Hellier needed to sink an eight foot putt on the 18th green to secure the Lamb & Hayward Canterbury Stroke-

GOLFCROSSWORD ACROSS

1 Winner of a golf tournament (8) 5 Difficult but gettable putt (6) 9 Continued after a delay in play (7) 10 Now and then (2,5) 11 Available at a discounted price (2,4) 13 2012 winner of The Barclays, Nick ______ (6) 16 Winner of the 2017 Duke of Gloucester Napier Pro-Am (5,5) 17 Bone in the forearm (4) 20 Kiwi who won the 2007 Taranaki Open, Bradley ____ (4) 21 Winner of the 2016 Mondiale NZPGA Order of Merit (6,4) 23 Size of victory, perhaps (6) 24 US Winner of the 2017 Careerbuilder Challenge, ______ Swafford (6) 27 Perform at a higher level than other competitors (7) 28 Ball-striking sport but not golf (7) 30 Winner of the 2017 Cardinal Logistics Whitford Park Pro-Am (3,3) 31 High-finishing Aussie at the Open Championship in 2014, Marc ________ (8)

DOWN

1 Scottish links course, the Open Championship host in 2018 (10) 2 Commercials (3) 3 Shooter of an incredible 10-under round at the 2015 Australian Open (8) 4 The chances or probability (4)

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

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Oosthuizen (5) 19 Physical problems that may affect a golfer’s performance (8) 22 Winner of 2015 Web.com Tour Championship, Emiliana ______ (6) 23 Approximately 39 inches (5) 25 Australian winner of the 2015 True Thailand Classic, Andrew ____ (4) 26 Continuous dull pain (4) 29 Winner of the 2010 Shell Houston Open, Anthony ___ (3) 25 Large wooden plant that could cause an obstruction on the golf course (4) >> SOLUTION NEXT EDITION

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play title after starting the round with a six shot lead. He had been chased down

by Jake Hallinan who was standing over a four foot putt on the 18th to shoot 67.

Hellier got his putt to win, and perhaps seeing his title hopes dashed, Hallinan missed his putt for a two shot victory margin. Played last month.

In his victory speech, the Southland Toro Rep thanked his mates for talking him into coming up, and said he would be back to defend the title next year. Dominic Brettkelly capped off a good weekend finishing third four shots back from Hallinan. The trying conditions got to many players with patience and perserverance winning the day.

The Women’s Championship was equally close with 10 year old Jeong Hyun Lee taking the 36 hole lead, then holding on by a shot from Roun Lee. The youngster has been on the Christchurch golf scene for the last nine months and has been touted as the next Lydia Ko. Her progress so far bodes well for this accolade. Juliana Hung was the best of the local hopes finishing fourth.

In the Men’s Masters Robbie Bell was just too steady and completed his eight shot triumph with a final round 75 for a two over par final tally. He relished the conditions while others could not cope.

Jason Sincock showed a good return to form to finish second. The Shirley Greenkeeper will be pleased with his efforts after coming back from injury and not playing much golf in recent times. A third round 80 sunk the hopes of defending champ Blair Dibley and he finished thrid.

Ginny Bolderston won the Master’s Womens title and won by a shot from Di Kay. Both Kay and Lynn Brand were threatening going into the back nine but could not sustain their runs to take the title from Bolderston. Brand finished third.

The players did well to survive the rainy conditions, and the course was a credit to the Templeton greens staff to remain in excellent playing order despite all the rain. Thanks must go to the club, its staff and members for hosting.

TOP 3 FINISH FOR MIYA AT

CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD 6-Feb

Waimakariri

3-312 4339

Waimakariri Gorge Waitangi Day Tournament

6-Feb

Weedons

3-347 8519

Weedons Waitangi Day Junior Fundraising Tournament

9-Feb

Ohope

7-312 4486

NZ Seniors Championship

10-Feb

Clearwater

3-360 2146

Clearwater Women's Open

11-Feb

Tai Tapu

3-329 6710

Tai Tapu Men's & Mixed Pairs Summertime Classic

12-Feb

Waimairi Beach

3-383 0307

Waimairi Beach Seaside Open

14-Feb

Russley

3-358 4748

Russley Senior Pro-Am

17-Feb

Amberley

03) 314 8735

Canterbury Golf Captains Day

20-Feb

Christchurch

3-385 9506

Open 36 Hole Round 2

20-Feb

Waihi

7-863 8678

NZ Senior Women's Matchplay Championships

23-Feb

Waimakariri

3-312 4339

Waimakariri Gorge Women's Teams Stableford

25-Feb

St Clair

3-487 7076

South Island Strokeplay Championship

36

VICTORIAN JUNIOR MASTERS

Four Canterbury juniors made a trip to Melbourne to compete at the Victorian Junior Masters played at the Churchill Park and Waverley Golf Clubs last month. The event is a world ranking event and one of the top events to play in Australia. With an extensive honour roll of USPGA Tour winners and players it is obvious as to why The Victorian Junior Masters is Australia’s leading junior golf tournament.

Past champions include Aaron Baddeley in 1998, prior to winning 2 Australian Open titles, and Jason Day in 2005 who at the time was the World Junior Amateur Champion. Other past competitors also include Adam Scott who finished in the top 5 in each of the four years he competed from the age of 15.

It’s a great opportunity for these players, which included Dominic Brettkelly (Hororata), Hiroki Miya (Russley) Kazauma Kobori (Rangiora) and Tom Parker (Christchurch) to test themselves against the top Australian juniors at a 72 stroke play event like this. All four performed well having to play two different courses that hosted the event. Hiroki Miya had a great result finishing tied for third place with rounds of 73, 70, 76 and 71 while Dominic Brettkelly also finished in the top ten with a steady tournament with rounds of 72, 72, 76 and 72 to take out seventh place, while Tom Parker finished tied for 15th and Kazuma Kobori who was tied for 24th.

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND OTAGO’S MICHAEL ORMANDY APPOINTED NZ SELECTOR

Michael Ormandy (pictured top right) has been appointed as a member of the men’s national selection panel by New Zealand Golf.

Ormandy will join the experienced John Spraggs from Wellington to form the duo which will select all of the senior and junior men’s national teams.

He will replace Rod Patterson, who died last year, and will bring some experience as one of the Otago women’s selectors as well as assisting with the naming of Otago junior teams.

Ormandy (30) is the first national selector to come from Otago since Jim Scouler was a national selector more than 60 years ago.

His experience as golf development manager for Otago based at Sport Otago secured him the position ahead of many high-calibre applicants.

Ormandy has represented Otago at senior and junior levels and his passion for golf in the region is obvious.

Otago men’s golf has fared well in recent years with an SBSBank win in 2015, second in the past three national interprovincial tournaments and winning the junior interprovincial at Cambridge in 2015.

New Zealand Golf has recognised the need for southern representation, although Ormandy said it was a privilege to be in this position. ”I am looking forward to being on the panel and look forward to contributing and learning a lot from current selector John Spraggs,” he said.

Ormandy was educated at Waitaki Boys High School and worked in his parents’ bar and restaurant before taking up the position with Sport Otago.

He will have the role of identifying and focusing on young talent in the South as well as working with Spraggs as a national selector.

Fittingly, his first official duties will be at the South Island Amateur on his home course of St Clair, at the end of next month.

LOGAN TOPS OTAGO ORDER OF MERIT 2016

Inia Logan (Cromwell) is Otago’s top

VISITING WELLINGTON?

amateur golfer, convincingly winning this year’s Bridgestone Otago order of merit with an average of 285 points from his eight rounds in the 16 designated tournaments.

Logan (18) was reserve for the Otago men’s team last year but made his full debut at No3 in the Toro interprovincial at New Plymouth played in December.

His best performances were in the Otago strokeplay, the Southland strokeplay and the North Otago 72-hole tournament. He accumulated 360 points in each event.

With the retirement of Brent McEwan, this year’s event was one for the younger players, with Ryan Bellamy (St Clair) coming in second with 193.6 points.

A player’s total points are divided by eight and they can play in more events and discard their worst scores.

Brandon Hodgson (Otago) was third, Sungwoo Han (Queenstown) fourth while the Bellamy family featured again with Ryan’s younger brother Jacob coming in fifth with an average of 161.3 points.

Otago’s No1 golfer and South Island champion Fraser Mac Lachlan only competed in four events during the year but his tally was still divided by eight.

This placed him in sixth position narrowly ahead of Nick Borren (Otago), who also competed in four events.

Otago captain Chris Snow (St Clair) was eighth while Joseph Hancock (14) came in

CROSSWORDSOLUTION

January

SHORT TERM MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE BY THE WEEK AT THE GOLF & BIRDLIFE SANCTUARY 20 Minutes from CBD Wellington, commuter railway station 50 metres from Club gates.

1 WEEK $75 2 WEEKS $100 3 WEEKS + $165 (TO MAXIMUM 6 WEEKS) APPLICANTS MUST RESIDE OUTSIDE 50KM RADIUS OF CLUB. APPLY BY EMAIL TO: OFFICE@MANORPARKGOLF.CO.NZ

February 2017

B E R M U D A E E N L A I M E D I C U E G O N E I R O N N R C S P A U L S U F C A M P B E L O I A T A C K S O N L H M A A T A N A N G N E S A D O L P H I N

M A N N A W A S T U L C A D L E T S

A S T E R S E X T O V A T O R E R E I N N E R S M S A M P E D E A D R E P S K R V M B R O S E R V R O M I T S W S U E N I O R S

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

ninth with an average of 120 points.

and coaching. IMAGE: GOLF OTAGO

The retired McEwan shared tenth place with Michael Ormandy (St Clair) on a 114.4 point average.

4BBB Sponsored Holiday Tournament Results

3rd = Lindsay Halder & Veda Troup (Rox) 52 5th = Dick & Elizabeth Marriot (Temuka) 51 5th = Conrad Fraser & Gordon Rhodes (Gladfield) 51 7th = Gillian & John Barnes (Ch Ch) 50 7th = Shaun Cowley & Derek Blomfield (Green Acres) 50 Hole in One No 13 – Karl McKeay (Gladfield)

ROXBURGH GOLF CLUB

1st Lee Fraser and Wayne Howell (Gladfield) 57 pts 2nd Dave Johnson & Karl KcKeay (Gladfield) 55 3rd = Bill & Pauline Bain (Rox) 52

The top performers win financial prizes which are held by Golf Otago and can be used for golf equipment, tournaments

NZ Seniors Golf Association - 2017 NOTICEBOARD #

Type

Dates 2017

District

Location

Contact Name

Contact

Email

2

M&W

1-3 Feb

Bay of Plenty

3

Men

1-Feb

Wellington

Whakatane 3 day Stroke Play

Secretary WGC

07 308 8117

davidandersen@xtra.co.nz

Day One of Wellington Two Day

Bruce Anderson

bruce.ndrsn@xtra.co.nz

3a

Men

3-Feb

Wellington

Day Two of Wellington Two Day

Bruce Anderson

bruce.ndrsn@xtra.co.nz

4

M&W

8 - 10 Feb

Central Plateau

Taumarunui

Terry Kay

5

M&W

15-17 Feb

Bay of Plenty

Omokoroa 3 day

Terry Golder

07 548 0391

terry.golder@live.co.uk

6

Mxd

20 - 24 Feb

Northland

Bay of Islands Kerikeri

Club Manager

09 407 8837 Ex 2

kerikerigolf@clear.net.nz

7

Mxd

20 - 24 Feb

Golden Coast

Levin

Club Manager

06 368 6189

levin@golf.co.nz

8

M&W

22 - 24 Feb

Bay of Plenty

Mount Maunganui

Tom Uden

07 575 4214

nztru@kinect.co.nz

9

Mxd

27 Feb - 3 March

Golden Coast

Foxton

Rae Jack

06 363 7838

jackrae@clear.net.nz

10a

M&W

1 - 2 Mar

Northland

Mt Denby 9 Hole Tournament

Bob Langford

09 4363678

bobnjanelangford@xtra.co.nz

11

Mxd

6 - 10 Mar

Wanganui

Castlecliffe 4 day

Pat Pene

06 344 5478

hhppene@gmail.com

12

M&W

13 - 16 Mar

Northland

Whangarei 4 day

Hugh Tennent

09 433 8055

hughandjean@farmside.co.nz

13

M&W

13 - 17 Mar

Central & Southern HBay

5 Course Best 4 out of 5 Stableford

Gwen Murphy

06 374 3670

gcmurphy44@gmail.com

07 8968710

eileen.terry@xtra.co.nz

15

Mxd

27-29 Mar

Waikato

Ngaruawahia

Club Manager

07 824 8006

nga@wave.co.nz

14

Mxd

3 - 7 Apr

Taranaki

Stratford

Heather Vivian

06 765 5219

h.rvivian@xtra.co.nz

16

M&W

10 - 11 Apr

Waikato

Waihi Stroke Play

Gary Dunning

07 863 8678

waihi@golf.co.nz

17

M&W

10 - 14 Apr

Taranaki

Waitara

Bill Bird

06 754 8953

wg.cf.bird@xtra.co.nz

18

Mxd

18 - 21 Apr

Taranaki

Inglewood, Kaitake, Westown, Fiztroy

19

Mxd

17- 21 Apr

Central Plateau

Taumarunui 4 day

Lois Stephens

07 896 8023

lstephens@vodafone.co.nz

20

Mxd

24 - 28 Apr

Taranaki

Manukorihi

Melva Meuli

06 755 0471

marie.h@clear.net.nz

Kaye Cavey

06 7585754

Longest Putt No 8 – Men – Alan Kitchingman (Balclutha) Women – Veda Troup NTP No 10 – Men – Daniel Arnesen Women – Alison Perkins NTP No 18 – Men – Daniel Arnesen Women – Paula Kitchingman (Balclutha)

LEFTIES NOTICEBOARD Further info go to www.nalg.co.nz

Feb 12th Waimakariri Gorge Lefthanders Waimak Gorge Golf Club invites All Lefties and right handed partners friends 18 holes, 11am tee off. Gross for the Donaldson Trophy, and stableford for the Angus trophy plus plenty of prizes, including closest to the pin and twos.

Morning Tea/coffee, biscuits/scones provided $20 entry Sponsored by Weldon Studios Ltd entries to Rodger. welsh@xtra.co.nz, or ph 03 31337033 or text 021676128 Play the Gorge and see our wonderful new layout

Feb 25/26 Horowhenua Left handers Levin Golf Club 27thTournament. 36 holes. Tee off noon Saturday. Tee off 8.30 am Sunday. Mens and Ladies Competition Entry fee $35, Entries to Levin Golf Club P.O. Box 215, Levin or Phone 0800 113 112.

kaye20@clear.net.nz

21

Mxd

4 May

Northland

Sherwood Park 1 Day. Team of 4

Jane Hiebendaal

09 434 6900

sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz

22

M&W

1 - 4 May

North Harbour

3 Day 3 Cse , Nth Shore,Gulf Harbour + TBA

Owen Young

021 666 686

owen.judy@kinect.co.nz

23

All

24 - 25 May

Waikato

Riverside (Narrows/Lochiel) 2 day Pairs

Colin Vincent

021 971 871

cjv@xtra.co.nz

24

Mxd

20 - 22 Aug

Waikato

Coromandel Coast Vets Pairs Classic

Phil Smith

07 8649846

philsmith@xtra.co.nz

25

Mxd

28Aug - 1 Sept

Otaki

Otaki

Lorraine McLeavey

0274 494522

mcleavel@xtra.co.nz

26

M&W

4 - 8 Sept

Golden Coast

Foxton

Rae Jack

06 3637838

jackrae@clear.net.nz

27

M&W

11 - 15 Sep

Wanganui

Wanganui 4 Course Classic

Pat Pene

06 3445478

hhppene@gmail.com

28

M&W

18 - 20 Sept

Rotorua

Rotorua (Arikikapakapa)

Don Blackledge

07 348 4051

rotorua@golf.co.nz

29

M&W

10 - 11 Oct

Auckland

Clarks Beach

Doug Pascoe

09 232 1361

josieshouse@gmail.com

09 235 9489

waiukugolf@xtra.co.nz

09 425 8248

thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

30

M&W

12 - 13 Oct

Auckland

Waiuku

31

Mxd

16 - 17 Oct

North Harbour

Warkworth

The Secretary

32

M&W

19-20 Oct

Northland

Sherwood Park 2 day

Jane Hiebendaal

09 434 6900

sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz

33

M&W

24 - 26 Oct

Bay of Plenty

Whakatane 3 day

Secretary WGC

07 308 8117

davidandersen@xtra.co.nz

34

M&W

31 Oct -1 Nov

Waikato

Ngaruawahia

Club Manager

07 824 8006

nga@wave.co.nz

35

M&W

2 -3 Nov

Waihi

Waihi

Gary Dunning

07 863 8678

waihi@golf.co.nz

36

M&W

6 - 10 Nov

Taupo 5 Day Tournament

Taupo

Tournament Secretary

07 376 8551

stuart.mckinlay@xtra.co.nz

37

M&W

5 - 8 Nov

Gisborne East Coast

Poverty Bay

Nigel McGregor

06 863 0243

suenige@gmail.com

38

Mxd

13 - 16 Nov

Bay of Plenty

Omokoroa

Terry Golder

07 548 0391

terry.golder@live.co.uk

39

Men

15 - 17 Nov

Waikato

St Andrews (Hamilton)

John Wentworth

07 855 2575

golf@standrews.co.nz

40

Mxd

20-23 Nov

Bay of Plenty

Te Puke

Scott Evans

07 533 1832

golf@golftepuke.co.nz

41

M&W

27-28 Nov

BOI

The Pines 2 day (special event)

Susannah Starkie

09 4363556

susannah.starkie@xtra.co.nz

42

M&W

30 Nov-1 Dec

BOI

Sherwood Park 2 day (special event)

Jane Hiebendaal

09 434 6900

sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz

43

Men

4 - 8th Dec

NZVGA Men's Nationals

Kerikeri

Maurice Penney

09 407 8033

mcpenney@xtra.co.nz

44

Women

4 - 8th Dec

NZVGA Women's Champs

Kerikeri

Maurice Penney

09 407 8033

mcpenney@xtra.co.nz

Mar 4/5 Houston Motors Lefthanders Tournament Motueka Golf Club 36 holes. Tee off 1.00 pm Saturday, Tee off 8.30 am Sunday. Entry fee $25. (Includes BBQ dinner Saturday night).

Entries to Andrew Fenemor 03 5444251, email andrew. maureen@xtra.co.nz, Craig Hamilton 03 5287496

Mar 5 Whitford Auckland from 11am contact Murray at backspin88@hortmail.com or phone 09 2960235

Mar 11/12 North Taranaki Lefties 2 day Tournament Leftie/Rightie tournament and Leftie tournament within for Leftie Trophies. Manukorihi Golf Club /Urenui Golf Club Saturday tee off 11am at Manukorihi, Sunday tee off Urenui 8.30 to 9.30, with prize giving to follow. Entry fee $35, food at both venues, River target operating!!

Contact Roger Maxwell 06 7523622, email maxwell.rfh@ xtra.co.nz

Mar 19 Winton Left handers In conjunction with the Central Southland Championships, the first 18 holes count if playing in the Champs. As in past years. For full info email Graeme Carroll Xmas.winton@xtra.co.nz

Your hub for

NZGOLFNEWSONLINE WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

www.golferpacific.co.nz

February 2017

37

Our Favourite Courses, Country and Coastal Gems NORTH ISLAND NORTHLAND

F E AT U R E

WAIPU GOLF CLUB

Set on the water’s edge of Bream Bay with spectacular ocean views, links style Waipu Golf Course is conveniently situated on State Highway 1 half way between the Auckland Airport and Kauri Cliffs making it the perfect stopover for traveller’s heading North or South.

A New course layout and new hole, a challenging par 3, 17th hole in the new layout, features a water hazard on the left and a large undulating green surrounded by dune grasses.

The course is naturally sand based hence it is generally unaffected by wet weather but presents the golfer with some great challenges and outstanding panoramas from tees and greens. www.waipugolfclub.org.nz

NORTH HARBOUR WARKWORTH GOLF CLUB

The Club is within easy reach of Auckland on the northern motorway.

The 5578m course is laid out on a gently rolling landscape with superb fairways and ample tree cover.

Water features add to the natural beauty – so come play the grand old game and enjoy your day at Warkworth.

Established in 1908 the Warkworth Golf Club is one of the oldest Golf Clubs in the country.

The new course opened in 1935 with nine holes and a bach as a club house.

Nine holes quickly developed to twelve with the last six holes slowed by the advent of World War Two. The course was designed and crafted by members and volunteers, a testament to the ‘Kiwi No.8 Wire’ culture and attitude.

Only 40 Minutes North of the Harbour Bridge” www.warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

WHANGAPAROA

Set in picturesque surroundings with parkland and ocean views, this 18 hole course is enjoyed by members and guests all year round.

With testing fairways and challenging greens, Whangaparaoa Golf Club is ideal for both experienced golfers and casual social golfers.

Enjoy playing at one of Auckland’s top golf courses with our affordable and competitive membership prices. www.wgcgolf.net

WAINUI

The 18-hole championship course is set in an iconic New Zealand rural back drop.

The course is cut through rolling hills, natural water ways and is framed by 80-year-old statement pines and precise bunkering.

This Puddicombe designed course offers golfers of all levels pristine golf surfaces, five tee deck options, varied shot options from the tee with mul-

38

tiple layup areas all on sand capped fairways.

Wainui is a world class facility a world away and only 20 minutes from downtown Auckland. Phone 09 444 3437 to arrange a tee time. wainui.online

AUCKLAND ROYAL AUCKLAND AND GRANGE GOLF CLUB – GRANGE COURSE

Founded on the current site in 1924, The Grange Golf Club remains one of New Zealand’s premier parkland golf courses. The testing Par 70 layout has seen 8 New Zealand Opens held at the Club, and a variety of other top National events. A combination of tight dogleg fairways, fairway and greenside bunkering, lateral and water hazards and perimeter out of bounds creates a a tight layout where careful placement of drives is critical. The greens are large and well contoured, again requiring well thought out approaches to leave the ball under the hole. Come visit The Grange..it’s only 25 minutes from downtown Auckland and 15 minutes from Auckland Airport. Better still, come and talk to us about joining this great golf club phone the office on 09 2789777, or email Grangeproshop@ royalaucklandgolfclub.co.nz royalaucklandgolfclub.co.nz

AKARANA

Akarana has two distinct nines. The shorter inner loop with a par of 34 has one of the great holes in Auckland golf, the par three 8th which measures 176 metres from the blue tee to a narrow green with bunkers on the left and water on the right.

The longer outer nine, which has out of bounds on the left of six holes, has the two longer par fives, two demanding par fours in the 13th and 15th, the testing par three 16th and an exciting short par 4 to finish which produces many birdies.

The full layout measures around 5800 metres from the back tees but the course rating is over par at 70.6 and the slope is 124. Golf Bookings golf@akaranagolf.co.nz www.akaranagolf.co.nz

PUKEKOHE GOLF CLUB

The course is a championship quality 18 hole parklands style golf course with tree lined fairways, lakes and a river as part of the challenges you face when you take part in the Pukekohe golf experience.

There is on-line tee booking from the website www.pukekohegolf.co.nz and follow the instructions or phone.

The course is easy to find being only 5 minutes from the southern motorway exit 461 and follow the signs towards Pukekohe or place the address in your GPS location finder and it will lead you straight here.

Once here, the PGA qualified professional will assist you with all of your needs including clubs and other playing gear.

A cold drink and food available on

most days from the cafe awaits you when you have finished your round. www.pukekohegolf.co.nz

OHOPE CLUB

INTERNATIONAL

GOLF

Greg Turner in 2012 commented on Ohope International Golf Club “The seaside terrain is as dramatic as anything in the British Isles and the views are exceptional. This is links golf to match the very best anywhere!”

Play links golf at the best Links course in the Bay of Plenty From the clubhouse and on the course, the superb views of both the Harbour and the Pacific ocean, and seeing New Zealand’s active volcanic Island White Island smoking away all day, this club is a must to play whilst on holidays or travelling by. Ohope International Golf Club caters for individual, groups and charity golfing as well as weddings and formal functions. Ohope voted best Beach in New Zealand 2013, together with the most sunniest days in New Zealand in 2013 only adds to the delights of playing golf at Ohope International Golf Course. www.ohopegolf.co.nz/

WAIRAKEI GOLF AND SANCTUARY

Long regarded as one of our premier venues, Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary near Taupo is everything it is built up to be.

Established in 1970 as a green fee facility rather than a club facility, the course is open to all who are passing through.

Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary is firmly established on both the domestic and international golf radar, having been rated by the prestigious US Golf Digest magazine to be in the top 100 courses in the world outside of the United States.

A par-72 it plays to 6444m off the blues tees in an amphitheatre setting surrounded by thick forest. A magnificently memorable layout with numerous dog legs, elevation changes and scenery to die for. It is part of a 180ha wildlife sanctuary, native birds abound while 200 mixed colour pheasant and a small herd of fallow deer are being reared on site, within a deer-fenced area. www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/

HAWKES BAY MARAENUI GOLF CLUB

One of Hawke’s Bay’s finest Golf Courses set in lovely tree lined surrounds just off Marine Parade in Napier. With the gentle sea breeze slipping through the summer sun, you will enjoy your round on this 6,125 metre 18 hole picturesque golf course. Although flat and easy to walk, the course offers tightly sculptured tree lined fairways with creative greens complexes and bunkering for all levels to enjoy. www.maraenuigolf.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND TASMAN

February 2017

NELSON GOLF CLUB

Situated on the beautiful shores of Tasman Bay and only minutes from the town centre, Nelson Golf Club has recently realised an ambitious five year plan to recreate a true links experience.

Hundreds of trees have been removed, exposing the undulating terrain and sweeping views.

The natural humps and hollows of the fairways and riveted bunkers create a seaside links that draws on the origins of the game. The greens on this championship course are arguably the finest in the country.

Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand, making it a desirable golfing and holiday destination.

The course offers excellent value and provides a fine challenge to anyone looking to play traditional seaside golf in stunning surroundings. www.nelsongolf.co.nz

CANTERBURY PEGASUS GOLF & SPORTS CLUB

Renowned for one of the best courses in New Zealand, the Pegasus Golf & Sports Club is set within a diverse yet tranquil landscape of water features and natural wetlands, framed by the majestic mountains at the foot of the Southern Alps and only 25km north of Christchurch.

The club has been designed to create a fantastic experience for every level of golfer, and for non-golfers too.

As well as a magnificent 18 hole championship course it features a range of excellent facilities including a driving range, practice greens, pro shop, tennis courts, and a wellequipped gymnasium.

You’ll also find good food and a warm welcome at The Bunker Café & Bar. www.pegasus-golfclub.co.nz/

TERRACE DOWNS

Very handy to Christchurch, arguably this country’s capital when it comes to the number and variety of quality golf courses of offer, Terrace Downs won the 2010 World Travel Awards as New Zealand’s leading golf resort. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Rakaia River, the resort boasts stunning high country views up to Mt Hutt and is within close proximity to various ski fields.

The par-72 6440m championship course includes 11 lakes and 70 bunkers with something to test even the most experienced golfer. Players will remember every hole, use every club in their bag and eagerly anticipate the next day’s play. Possibly the most exhilarating hole is the diminutive parthree 16th which plays to just 130m from the back tees. It’s not the length of this hole that stops you in your tracks, it’s the scenery. The tee box hangs on the edge of the gorge and towers about 200m above the Rakaia River that tumbles along below. www.terracedowns.co.nz/golf/

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Pro-Ams Say ALOHA & to Golf Hawaii International Golf Week

H Adventures to HAwAiiERE’S your chance to tee it up for Hawaii’s best week of golf, played on world class courses and accommodation at the legendry Mauna Kea Resort.

G O L F T R AV E L

From the water, he looked up at the towering summit of Mauna Kea and was inspired to create a great hotel and exceptional golf course that reflected the spirit of this special place.

When it opened in 1965, The Mauna Kea The 4th annual Hawaii International Hotel was the most expensive hotel ever Golf week will take place on the Big Island built at the time. Praised by travel writers of Hawaii from August 19h to 26 this is and critics worldwide, the luxury resort hoa tournament that everyone can enjoy retel was named one of the “Three greatest gardless of their golf handicap. All players hotels in the world” and presented with an will have the opportunity to win a prize fun tournament dinner to finish. Get in ueensland born Richard to join in the fun of these tours and final night banquet and entertainment honors award by the American Institute of with different handicap divisions and for quick for this event. ellis was once a leading tournaments and there is always plenty fantastic value for this all-inclusive Architects. the gun players there will also be a scratch Following his business strategy “ex- sells out tournament professional. These of activates for the non-golfing partners, package.

Get in quick; thisof event competition.

Hawaii is a long go for just at Mauna Kea Resort and 5 more within 15 have another round ofway golftoarranged at a perting,” hiring the best person for the job, TheRichard tournament grown in very stature minute’s days is thehas owner of the if you enjoy fantastic golf courses, every year. fantastic Ko’Olina golf course, venue for he contracted drive. playing Competitors in this event week, so for those who wish to spend world renowned golf course each year and become a must successful newhas Zealand based golf play willstaying topfive notch resorts Lotte LPGA tour event. get to at play rounds onand the hotels best the annual more time in golfing paradise, you take architect Robert Trent JonesAirpoints to build the Air New Zealand Pro-Am form many people.

There are two great packages available, best championship golf course in Hawaii. management, tour and event company of and great time, maybeaone thesehaving great acourse plus there’s dayof a short flight back to Honolulu and spend Richard Ellis from Pacific Golf Manage(31st May to 3rd June) Come and at Mauna Kea Resort includwhere they can sharpen their skills Pacifichas Golf Management, he has over following tours will suit you.

Gounder to www.the 7 4nights The magnificent Mauna Kea Golf Course ment over 25 years’ experience runnights at the fantastic Hilton Hawaiian play in the 21st anniversary of this tournament and 11 nights which debuted with a televised “Big 3” match be- fun watchful eyes of two 25 years’ running golf tours, thepacificgolf.co.nz for aPGA fullprofessionlist of tours ing the ning golf experience tours, international amateur Village set onat22the tropical on the best pro-am tournament. You don’t have to includes 4 nights Hiltonacres Hawaiian als (all included in the cost). tween Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and and professional tournaments around the international amateur and professional and event information. at Waikiki afterbeach the tournament. part of Waikiki and a round of golf The 4-round tournament is played on a Village be a great player, just haveunderan official Gary Player, the course has since world. tournaments around the world. full event information packages course each day, carts, prizKo’Olina, voted bestand course in Hawaii in a few Hawaii International Golfgreat Week & Best Forat gone makeovers today it’s still and handicap. enjoyand 3 rounds of golf Ellis says this is his favourite event des- different go to www.pacificgolf.co.nz or more infor- regarded by many as Hawaii’s best. es, of nightly drinks, cocktail party 19th and fun Richard“golfing has an paradise” impressiveat2017 golf 2015. Waikiki is also a shopping paradise Hawaii Golf Tour (august to 30th tination, a legendry the fun pro-am tournament at denarau mation email or call Richard Ellis- email gala tournament dinner to finish.

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was closed holiday and tournament program to location. with the famous alaph.

Moana shopping september) the big Island of Hawaii is a richard@pacificgolf.co.nz Golf Course. excellent amateur prizes, 021989996 We always have a number of non-golffor a $150 million renovation in 1994, and HawaiiVietnam, is without doubtand thethe golf reHawaii, Thailand Pacific centre only a few minutes’ walk from the 30-minute flight from Honolulu.

There sheraton Fiji Resort accommodation, a second hotel and golf course was built sort capital of the world. “Hawaii Island”, ing partners on this trip and as you would THIS IS THE STORY OF THE Islands. hotel. are 7 world-class golf courses within 15 2 cocktailThe parties andBeach the famous on the property.

Hapuna Hotel final known as the big island, is a 30-minute imagine Hawaii has numerous activates LEGENDARY MAUNA KEA RESORT drive ofgolf. the magnificent Hapuna In 1960 offer apart from Perhaps enjoyand the has world-class with all ocean-facing rooms and fantastic Hawaii’s Governor William night theme dinner. flight from you Honolulu many of resort the on minutes’ The Sheraton Golf Classic Fiji (May For those whoat wish to spend more time invited American venture capitalist multi-tiered atrium lobby that captures Beach Hotel Mauna Kea Resort where Quinn22nd best courses Hawaii, designed some courses and in magnificent beach by front to 27th) The South Pacific’s golfing paradise and some well-deDa Nangpool-to-ocean International Golf Week, view.

The S. Rockefeller to visit the Big Is- the breath-taking of the greatest in golf.to Accommowill spend 7 nights in an ocean viewLaurance hotels in Hawaiinames or traveling Vietnam or in you biggest tournament with over R& R after the tournament we will land of Hawaiipro-am Hapuna Beach Hotel and the Arnold Palmand scout beachfront sites dation during this event is at the Mauna served Vietnam (March 19 –25) Five-star room.

Thailand and challenge yourself playing $130,000 in professional prize money er designed Hapuna golf course was the resorts.

Rockefeller believed Kea Resorts five star Hapuna Beach Ho- take a short flight back to Honolulu on the for potential beachfront accommodation for six nights, some of the best championship courses of Oahu andplaying spent 4 five nights in Waikishould conform to are andamazing not perfect completion to the Mauna Kea Retel. This beautiful hotel is set on one of island and amateur prizes.

There You will love rounds on that buildings 4 world-class golf courses designed in asia. closer toworld homeand would suit, ki at the fabulous Hilton Hawaiian, set plus on intrude on the beautiful and natural the bestMaybe beaches in the everyindividual and teams prizes for surthe sort experience. The two fantastic beach the best of these amazing courses by the best theexceptional business, great acres on the best part of Waikiki beach. roundings. As they flew over the white front hotels and theintwo golf one enjoy the ocean view from their withwill a fun pro-am tournament in Fiji or 23 there’s amateurs. You will have a professional two PGa golf pros on tour to help tournament, golf pro on tour for daily The hotel is walking distance from the facourses offer a world-class resort experisand crescent of Kauna‘oa Beach, Rockerooms. the excitement of playing in the south yourifgroup for all rounds of theence second to none. sharpen your skills (all included in the There are two world class golf courses mous Ala Moana Shopping centre and we feller in asked he could gofour in for a swim. tips.

vietnAm & fiji

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Pacific’s biggest 4 round pro-am event with over $130,000 professional prize money and amateur prizes.

You don’t have to be a great golfer

cost) The 4-round tournament is played in different divisions for women and men, even a scratch event for the guns, great prizes, nightly drinks, cocktail party and

2017

tournament played at denarau Golf & Racquet Club. Five-star accommodation at sheraton Fiji, opening cocktail party, nightly drinks at the tournament bar,

Golf Tours

Special Tour Package

INTERNATIONAL GOLF WEEK VIETNAM March 19th - March 25th 2017

Special Tour Package

• Four nights deluxe twinbeachfront share accommodation at the 5 star Sheraton 6 night’s luxury 5-star accommodation at the Pullman ResortFiji Resort.

•• Daily buffet breakfast.

Dailyfull buffet breakfas •• Return transfers from Nadi Airport to the Sheraton Fiji Resort.

4 rounds of golf including cart & caddy •• 3You Rounds golf including cart will beofplaying at the Montgomerie Links, Greg Norman’s Da Nang Golf Club, • Pro-Am tournament entry package, including two rounds with a professional.

Nick Faldo’s Laguna Lang & Luke Ba Na Hillsfor 3 rounds .

• On course food and beverage andDonald’s post round drinks •• Player’s WelcomegiftCocktail function, drinks & canapes pack, including tournament logo shirt, cap and Sulu Shoot Out golf wear.

Final nightprizes. dinner & drinks •• Fantastic Professional with daily tips • 2PGA Cocktail parties on andtour Sweepstakes evening.

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

Excellent to prizes •• Theme costumes for the final night dinner.

Player tournament gift pack •• Free round of golf at Denarau Golf Course for everyto extra night’s accommodation booked Airport, arrival & departure transfers and transfers golf courses

• All taxes on accommodation and tour inclusions PLAYERS NZ$1690.00 (NON PLAYER US$1143.00) TWIN SHARE

PLAYERS PP US$1689.00

TWIN SHARE

EXTRA NIGHTS $NZ175.00 PER PERSON (NON-PLAYERS SHARE TWIN INCLUDING US$938.00) FULL BREAKFAST

• • • •

6 WORLD CLASS GOLF COURSES ON THE BIG ISLAND & OAHU August 19th - 30th 2017

INTERNATIONAL PRO-AM & TEAMS TOURNAMENT May 23rd - 27th 2017

• • • • • • • • • •

7 nights’ accommodation at the five star Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel & Spa, ocean view rooms 4 nights’ accommodation at the five star Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Daily full breakfast, 11 days 6 Rounds of golf including cart on world class course, Mauna Kea, Hapuna, Mauna Lani North Mauna Lani South and Ko’olina • Ranges balls before play each day Entry into the Hawaii International Golf Week tournament Practice round at Hapuna Beach & free golf tuition with PGA professionals before the tournament.

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 return Airport to Hotel transfers Daily Hotel resort fees at both hotels is included All tax’s on accommodation, golf, meals and drinks included in the package

PLAYERS PP US$3744.00 (NON-PLAYERS US$2648.00) TWIN SHARE Special Tour Package

Special Tour Package • • • • • • • • • •

Go To www.pacificgolf.co.nz for full information or email richard@ pacificgolf.co.nz phone +64 21989996.

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 at the tournament bar (during the tournament) Player gift pack valued at $120.00 Over $130,000 in Prize money and Prizes Final night Gala Banquet dinner, drinks and entertainment

PLAYERS PP $1737.00 $1288.00) COST PLAYERS $NZ1862(NON-PLAYERS (NON-PLAYERS NZTWIN $1,384)SHARE TWIN SHARE

ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP TOUR Vietnam & Thailand March 19th - April 1st 2017

•• 76 nights share accommodation at the five &star Beach Prince Hotel , ocean view rooms night’stwin accommodation at the Pullman Resort SpaHapuna Da Nang •• Daily full buffet breakfast at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hua Hin 5 night’s accommodation •• 12 practice round at Hapuna Beach course plusHotel free PGA professional coaching & clinics. night’s accommodation at the Westin Grande Bangkok •• 4Buffet tournament rounds golf including cart, Mauna Kea, Hapuna Beach, Mauna Lani North & South breakfast everyofday courses • 9 Rounds of golf at championship courses, including your own caddy & cart Entry into thebefore Da Nang •• Range balls playInternational each day Golf Week tournament Entry into the Thailand Golf Classic •• Entry Hawaii Resort Coursetournament.

Championship tournament Welcome function cocktail party at the Beach PullmanHotel Resort & Spa in Da Nang •• Welcome at Hapuna Welcome cocktail partyhour at the Hilton Resort & Spa Hua Hinduring the tournament •• Nightly drinks for one each night at the ReefinLounge On course lunchincluding & drink attournament all courses in Thailand •• Player gift pack logo polo & cap, valued at over $130 Nightly drinks the tournament bardinner duringand thedrinks Thailand tournament.

•• Final night galaatprize presentation Tournament •• Great prizes prize presentation dinner & drinks at the Pullman Resort Da Nang Tournament prize&presentation dinner &bydrinks at Golf the Hilton Resort & Spa, Hua Hin •• Full tournament event organisation Pacific Management Tournament gift pack polo shirts, caps •• All transport players to and from golf including, courses during the tournament plus return Airport transfers All ground airportsfree to hotels golf courses •• Daily hotel transfers, resort fee,from includesWi Fi &and in room internet, parking, gym access, range balls.

Richard tournament and tour •• All taxesEllis on accommodation, golf director , meals and drinks included in the package

PLAYERS US$2694.00 PP $4725.00 TWIN SHARE PLAYERS (NON PLAYER US$1798.00)

www.pacificgolf.co.nz WWW.PACIFICGOLF.CO.NZ WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2017

December 2016 | INSIDE GOLF TRAVEL

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February 2017

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