Golfer Pacific NZ - March 2017 by Golfer Pacific NZ

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EDITORIAL

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

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By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

y golf club held its main open tournament last month. It’s a Wellington order-of-merit event and consequently a number of the best players in the region teed it up. But this column is not about the winner. Instead it’s about a player who was disqualified. And sorry to disappoint you but the disqualification was not as a result of blatant cheating or misconduct. This was a simple case of signing for an incorrect score. The player is one of the best in Wellington and knew that disqualification was his fate when the error was brought to his attention after the first of the tworound tournament. The player’s scorecard marker

Keeping up with the score had recorded a three on a hole when the player had scored four. For some reason the mistake was not picked up by the player, he signed the card and handed it in. At that point the tournament was over for the player — and he was about to learn a very hard lesson. My question is how do we avoid such situations from happening? The obvious answer is be far more meticulous about checking your score. But I believe there is another step that can be taken to avoid wrong scores. In this case of disqualification the two players swapped cards and kept each others scores. This is normal. Even the pro-

fessionals do it. But why? I believe it is easier to record your correct score on your card when you are recording the score. If someone else has your card, they are more interested in their own score than yours — and that can lead to mistakes. Don’t get me wrong. You can still keep the score of another player and each card will still need the player’s signature and a marker’s signature. As far as I am aware there is no compulsion in the rules to swap cards. The only requirement is the signature of the player and a marker. I ran this idea past former New Zealand Open winner Matthew Lane. He said the most terrifying part of a round of golf

was heading to the scorer’s hut. He said the thought of a brilliant round of golf being undone by a clerical error was a nightmare. Lane also recalled an incident early in his professional career when he played with Greg Norman. Norman asked Lane why he was writing the scores in pen. Lane’s answer was don’t know. Norman then told Lane in a stern voice that from this point on you will always use a pencil. This was not a recommendation. This was an instruction. Obviously scores recorded in pen can be corrected but Norman’s instruction underlined the fact that mistakes are made — including by the best players in the world. On page 11 of this edition I have recalled two of the more dramatic incidents of signing for a wrong score.

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By Paul Gueorgieff Editor Golfer Pacific NZ

rent Paterson twice represented New Zealand at the world’s top amateur teams’ event, the Eisenhower Trophy. More than 30 years later he is still playing some of his best golf. Paterson played in his first Eisenhower in 1986 when it was held in the South American country of Venezuela. Four years later he was again part of the New Zealand team when the tournament was held in Christchurch. That was particularly notable in that New Zealand finished second to Sweden. Paterson’s teammates for that event in 1990 were the well-known golf names of Michael Long, Steven Alker and Grant Moorhead. A lot of golf balls have been hit in the interim but Paterson continues to perform at the top level, which was highlighted with his win in the New Zealand Seniors Championship, held at the Ohope International Golf Club in Bay of Plenty last month. But the last 12 months has also provided three other highlights. Paterson’s best score for a round of golf had been 65 which he achieved at the Christchurch Golf Club more than three decades ago. But in March of last year he racked up successive rounds of 65 at the Hamilton and Walton golf clubs and four months later he scored an amazing 63 at the Royal Auckland Golf Club, of which Paterson is a member. His round of 63 included eight birdies, one eagle and one bogey. “Last year was my best year in golf, which is just crazy,’’ Paterson recalled to Golfer Pacific. “I equalled my personal best twice and then blow me down, a few months later, I shot a 63.’’ Paterson won the New Zealand Seniors by six shots but he said that margin is misleading. “That was the result but it was much tighter than it appears,’’ he said. Paterson went into the final of the three rounds with a lead of one shot over Bay of Plenty golfer Andries Cloete. “But after seven holes I was three shots behind. He (Cloete) was playing out of his skin. The first four or five holes are quite tricky and he played unbelievably well.’’

But a good finish by Paterson with birdies in the last five holes saw him coast to victory and add to a great record in the tournament. The New Zealand Seniors is for players aged 50 and older. Paterson, 56, said he had played in the tournament five times for a record of two wins, a second and two thirds. His previous win was in 2013 when it was held at Taupo. Consequently it is no surprise that Paterson said he has an affection for the tournament. “I really like the tournament. It’s a pretty special tournament to go to. There is anything from 140 to 180 players that go to it. “It’s quite special in that the camaraderie is outstanding. It doesn’t quite have that cut-throat nature that some of the tournaments for younger players I

play in has. “But it remains very, very competitive.’’ Paterson also paid tribute to the members of the Ohope club which hosted the event. “The effort the members put into the course, the catering and everything was unbelievable. It is probably one of the better tournaments I’ve been to and the course is real gem.’’ Paterson is a Cantabrian and was adept at many sports. As a child he played tennis in Christchurch to national age-group level and was a Canterbury rugby representative at age level. It was until as an early teenager that golf took Paterson’s attention but he learned very quickly. “I joined a club when I was 14 and the first handicap I got was 12. I remember being on a two handicap when I was 15.’’ He went on to represent and win for Canterbury at golf in the Interprovincials Championship, the country’s top teams event. Paterson first played at the Harewood Golf Club in Christchurch and recalls two names that helped in his tuition of the game. “The people that would have left an influence on me were, firstly, Bob McDonald. He used to be the professional at Harewood.’’ The second name was that of New Zealand-based Australian Alex Mercer. Paterson said Mercer also helped with the technicalities of the golf swing but more importantly taught him about management around the golf course. “You get a lot of coaches who teach how to swing a golf club but few about how to learn how to get round the golf course. “Alex Mercer was outstanding in that department. That was my big learning curve, learning how to score, how to get around the golf course.’’ Paterson worked for Brierley Properties in Christchurch and transferred with the job to Auckland in 1990. He is now working as a personal investments manager. But one of his main tasks presently is being at the forefront in the merger of neighbouring golf clubs Royal Auckland and The Grange. The two courses are being changed into a 27-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed course along with a new clubhouse and new maintenance facilities.

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March 2017

Golfsixes tournament for European Tour in May GOLF NEWS 4

ugby sevens, rugby 10s, rugby league nines, 50-over cricket, twenty20 cricket — and now it’s golfsixes. The European Tour last month announced a golfsixes tournament to be held in England in May. It will carry prizemoney of one million euros, which is about $NZ1.48 million. It will be a teams’ event over six holes and played in matchplay style. Each team of two players will be from 16 different nations. Each nation will be represented by the country’s leading ranked and available player from the European Tour. The leading player can choose any European Tour player as a partner. The format of play will be greensomes where each player hits a tee shot. The team then chooses the best tee shot and subsequent play alternates between the team members until the hole is completed. The first day’s play on Saturday, May 6 will see the teams split into four groups of four with the top two teams from each group progressing to the knockout stage on the following day. The innovation does not end there. In addition to amphitheatre-style stands around the tees and greens, there will be music and pyrotechnics

on the first tee and at various points around the course, while all players will wear microphones to help bring fans closer to the action. Players will be encouraged to interact with the fans during play and in the intervals between their matches, including taking part in question and answer sessions in the fan zone.

The interactive digital fan experience will feature polls, user generated content and unique social media content while the innovative broadcast items will include POV cameras, caddie cams, unique camera angles and on-course player interviews. European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said: “We have said for some

FORMAT SUMMARY

Greensomes: • Both players in each team hit tee shots on each hole. The best tee shot is selected and then the team alternate play of all subsequent shots required to complete the hole. Group Stages: • Matches will be played over all 6 holes with 1 point awarded for each hole won. The winner of each match will be the player with most points at the end of 6 holes. • For the group table: Win = 3 points, Draw = 1 point, Loss = 0 points • In the case of a tie or ties in the group table after all matches have been played, each team’s total points differential from the 3 matches (similar to goal difference) will be used to determine the qualifiers to the knockout stages. • If this does not resolve the tie, then this will be decided by a hole-by-hole playoff on a shortened play-off hole on hole 18. Knockout Stages: • Matches will be played over as many holes as is required to determine a winner. • Any match that is still tied after 6 holes will be continued by repeated play of a “shortened play-off hole” on hole 18 until a result is determined.

March 2017

time that golf needs to modernise and introducing innovative new formats is a major part of achieving that aim, which is why I am delighted to announce the launch of golfsixes. “We want to broaden the appeal of our sport to the millennial demographic and I think this format will do that, not only through the quick and exciting style of play, but also with the interactive digital experience fans will enjoy on site and the innovative television coverage people will enjoy at home. “We are also delighted to have brought a country versus country element to the fore. There is no question that the greatest atmosphere in golf comes every two years at The Ryder Cup and we are keen to try and emulate that national fervour in this format. We are in the entertainment content business with golf as our platform and golfsixes is the perfect illustration of that. “I encourage everyone, whether they are a golf fan or not, to come along to the Centurion Club in May and immerse yourself in an occasion which will be unlike anything else you have experienced on a golf course before.”

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NEWS

Asian Tour to play a bigger part in New Zealand Open

he New Zealand Open is set to take a major step forward with the announcement of an agreement with the lucrative Asian Tour, commencing with this month’s event at Millbrook Resort and The Hills in Queenstown. Up to 10 Asian Tour members were eligible for this month’s tournament and that could be increased for the following two years, said the tournament’s chairman John Hart. “We are delighted to enter into a partnership with the Asian Tour,” Hart said. “From the outset we have set about to create a unique golf event that will ultimately be recognised as the pre-eminent pro-am tournament in the Asia-Pacific region, and this connection to the Asian Tour is another important step in us achieving that aim. “We look forward to working with our current partners, the PGA Tour of Australasia, the Japan Golf Tour and now the Asian Tour, as we continue to extend our boundaries.” Asian Tour chief executive Josh Burack hailed the new partnership with the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open, saying it was a significant development for the growth of professional golf in the Asia-Pacific region. Burack said: “On behalf of our talented and diverse membership, I would like to express our fullest appreciation to tournament chairman John Hart, tournament director Michael Glading and their team for inviting Asian Tour members to participate in the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open.” Burack added: “This will be the first time in our history that the Asian Tour will visit New Zealand. It is an honour for the Asian Tour to take part in this outstanding golf tournament that features a unique pro-am format. Our members are very excited at the opportunity to showcase their talents at the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open. From an initial 10 members competing, our involvement will hopefully grow to a full sanctioning position in 2018 and 2019 which is fantastic news as we continue to expand playing opportunities for our members. “I would also like to extend our gratitude to the PGA Tour of Australasia which is the home tour of this great tournament. We look forward to working closely with the tournament’s key stakeholders to ensure the event’s continued success and stature in the world of golf.”

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March 2017

Nail-Biting Final At Women’s Seniors 2017

G O L F T R AV E L

2017 NEW ZEALAND WOMEN’S SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS WAIHI GOLF CLUB FEBRUARY 20-23 Final Report Friday 24 February 2017

t took 21 holes on the final round to determine the winner of this year’s New Zealand Women’s Senior Championships at Waihi Golf Club. A birdie on the final hole was the deciding shot for Australian Kim Burke, of Shelly Beach on the NSW Central Coast. She took out the championship title after a tense play-off against fellow Australian, Helen Pascoe, of Buninyong in Victoria. Burke was one of 16 Australians who added competitive heat to the record field of 128 players at the 69th annual women’s senior’s tournament. Players from the length and width of New Zealand as well as from across the ‘ditch’ battled it out over four days of challenging golf. After Monday’s stroke play round, with a score of 76, Burke was seeded second in the 16-player draw. There she came up against Robyn Pellow (Ngaruawahia), a two-time NZ Seniors Champion. Burke won that match with relative ease, five and four to then play against another Australian, the defending champion Sharon Dawson (Lake Karrinyup). After trailing in the initial stages of this match, Burke began to display the ‘terrier’ qualities that proved crucial in the matches that followed. She won on the 18th, then had to go onto the 19th to take out the current Australian champion senior, Jacqui Morgan. Coming from behind, Burke’s birdies on the 10th, 12th and 13th and 18th squared the

match and forced it to be decided at the extra hole. In the final, long-hitting Pascoe led Burke by two strokes at the turn, but Burke sank a steading putt on the 18th for par against Pascoe’s bogey to make them even. The pair both carded bogeys on the first playoff hole, then pars on the second before Burke secured the championship title with a finely executed birdie putt on the third playoff hole. The 69th championship also marked a significant development of senior women’s golf between Australia and New Zealand. Tournament directors, PaR nz Golfing Holidays (under the auspices of New Zealand Golf) confirmed a place for the leading Kiwi to represent New Zealand in the 2017 Australian Senior Women’s Amateur, to be played on October 23-27 at Maroochy River, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Robyn Pullar (Invercargill) was announced as the inaugural recipient of the sponsorship, being the best placed Kiwi in the NZ Senior Championships, and the only New Zealander to make the semi-finals. Pullar faced the inform Pascoe in the first semi-final of the day, and narrowly missed advancing to the final. Golf Australia provides the top four seeds from its equivalent championship, and PaR nz Golfing Holidays’ intends to build on its initial investment to enable more New Zealand representation. Similar initiatives will apply to the Men’s and Women’s Mid-Amateur Championships,

PaR nz Golfing Holidays Tournament Update Details and entry online: parnz.co.nz Susan Paterson (NZ Golf board member) with Kim Burke – Senior Challenge Cup Winner

from 2018 onwards. It is exciting times for senior women players on both sides of the Tasman. The Seniors Trans-Tasman Test Match, scheduled for early 2018, will be the first time eight senior men and four senior women will compete in a Ryder Cup / Presidents Cup format and frequency. This is a development of the popular Sanctuary Cove Trophy, which to date has been an exclusively men’s event. New Zealand Golf’s selection criteria for the new test match is yet to be made public. The list of prize winners at Waihi is extensive with multiple flights and plates. Helen Pascoe won the Senior Veterans Cup for the best gross, with Sue Cox (Mangawhai) winning the Eileen Nutt Best Net, with a net 65 on Monday. Lesley Otway (Hamilton) won the prestigious Vesta Cup for the best gross by a plater aged 70 and over. She carded an 89 in her Stroke Play round. In the Senior Challenge Cup (Division 1), Jill Morgan (Te Awamutu) won the plate, and Shelley McElroy (Springfield) and

Robyn Boniface (Queens Park) won the flights. Dianne Gilmour (Rotorua) was awarded the Waipukurau Jubilee Salver, and Judy Fullerton (Hauraki) earned the Hawkes Bay Salver. Waihi player Avon Gordon received the Manawatu – Wanganui Salver with another local player, Robin Zinzan, who was called in as a reserve, winning the Canterbury Rosebowl. Mary Symons (Otautau) now has her name engraved on the Maunu Trophy and, similarly, Walton member Heather Sharp will feature on the Wanaka Cup. In recognition of the record number of entries, the host club donated a new tournament trophy, which was awarded to Elspeth Wing from Mt Maunganui. A record field coupled with exciting announcements on trans-Tasman competition and funding made for a great week of senior women’s golf. For more information please contact Denise Langdon, NZ Golf Tournament Director - Phone 0275 662 385.

Mar 21-23 New Zealand Women’s Autumn Foursomes @ Harewood Apr 19 & 20 Inaugural 4BBB Queenstown @ Millbrook & Jacks Point Aug 27 – 02 Sep Sheraton Fiji Denarau Women’s Golf Classic, Fiji Sep 03 – 09 Sheraton Fiji Villa Teams Challenge, Fiji Oct 21 & 22 New Zealand Mixed Foursomes Championships @ Wanaka Oct 30 – 03 Nov Hawkes Bay Wine & Golf Classic @ Hastings, Maraenui, Napier & Hawkes Bay

Helen Pascoe, Sue Cox, Susan Paterson and Lesley Otway

Susan Paterson and Elspeth Wing

March 2017

Nov 20 – 23 New Zealand Women’s Senior Foursomes @ New Plymouth

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NZ Women’s Open ticket prices announced GOLF NEWS 8

ickets for this year’s New Zealand Women’s Open go on sale on March 15. The tournament, for the first time, will be part of the world’s richest golf circuit for women, the Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association (LPGA) Tour. It will carry prizemoney of $US1.3million. A season ticket will cost $99 but numbers available will be limited. Tickets for the first two days on the Thursday and Friday will be $39 and tickets for the last two days on the Saturday and the Sunday will be $49. The tournament is to be held from September 28-October 1 and will be held at the new south Auckland course of Windross Farm Golf Club. The course was only opened last October. Michael Goldstein, of the tournament’s promoter The Clubhouse, said: “We are excited to launch our ticket prices for the McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open, and we are sure that sports fans from across New Zealand will be excited to come to Auckland to watch the world’s greatest compete in our own backyard.” New Zealand’s star golfer Lydia Ko was on hand in Auckland for the ticket price announcement. “It gets more exciting each time I am home and come to this course that I realise that we have an LPGA event coming here,” Ko said. “I think the girls will just love this course and I am looking forward to hosting them at home in Auckland and show off everything this city has to offer.” Ko has also linked with the tournament’s sponsor McKayson, which is an apparel brand. She said it was more special as she launches her 2017 season wearing her new McKayson golf range. “I am really honoured to be working with the McKayson brand and it is fantastic to be my own sponsor as well as backing the New Zealand Open.” Another on hand for the ticket announcement was McKayson chairman Min Cheol Kim who said he was im-

Lydia Ko was on hand in Auckland for the announcement of ticket prices for the New Zealand Women’s Open. On her left is the tournament promoter Michael Goldstein while to her right are Min Cheol Kim, the chairman of naming sponsor McKayson, and LPGA managing director of International Business Affairs, Sean Pyun. PHOTO: PHOTOSPORT

pressed with his first visit to New Zealand. Kim said he was thrilled to support both the historic first LPGA Tour event in this country and the launch of his new apparel partnership with Ko. “It is also an honour for McKayson to be able to partner with the New Zealand Open and with Lydia,’’ Kim said. “I have enjoyed my time in New Zea-

land and we are looking forward to helping make this a great event.” The LPGA Tour is also excited to head to New Zealand with their head of International Business Affairs, Sean Pyun, giving a thumbs-up for the new Windross Farm course. “Firstly I am impressed with this course. For a new course it looks excellent and will be a good test for the

March 2017

LPGA players,” Pyun said. “The LPGA has embarked on a strategy to grow the game at all levels. Auckland will be our 17th tournament outside of USA and we continue to have record numbers of girls taking up the game around the globe.” Fans who pre-register for the limited run of $99 season tickets go into a draw for a VIP experience at the event.

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It is amazing how often signing an incorrect scorecard is found in tournament golf. We are told to check our cards but mistakes continue to occur — even at the very top level. Golfer Pacific this month recalls two of the more infamous incidents. The first involves Roberto De Vicenzo in the 1968 US Masters. De Vicenzo, from Argentina, had won the British Open the previous year and the final day’s play of the Masters was his 48th birthday. But there would be no partying as sports broadcaster ESPN recalled in a recount of the event a few years ago. Following is that story.

Our second story is about Mark Roe, who should have gone into the final round of the 2003 British Open at Royal St George’s two shots behind the leader and been paired with Tiger Woods. Roe, however, was disqualified after the third round of the tournament when he and playing partner Jesper Parnevik failed to swap cards and ended up recording the wrong scores. When the British Open returned to Royal St George’s eight years later the incident was recalled by Alasdair Reid of The Telegraph newspaper. Roe told Reid that he had recently been asked what does it take to win The Open. Roe’s reply began the story which follows.

The US Masters that should have been a Monday play-off What does it take to win The Open?

On April 14, 1968 — his 45th birthday — Robert De Vicenzo entered the final round of the US Masters two strokes off the lead. But the reigning British Open champion played some of the best golf of his life that Sunday, firing a seven-under par 65 to finish at 277 through four rounds, extending the tournament to an 18-hole playoff between him and Bob Goalby, to be played the next day. Or so he thought. On the 17th hole, De Vicenzo made a birdie three, but playing partner Tommy Aaron, who was keeping his opponent’s scorecard, put down a four. That alone shouldn't have destroyed his chances at the green jacket... as long as he had found and corrected the mistake prior to signing the scorecard. Instead, De Vicenzo got caught up in the hubbub and hullaballoo of the moment. He signed the incorrect scorecard, meaning he had to take the higher score at that hole, giving him a 66 rather than the 65 he actually shot. And giving the Masters title to Goalby. Obviously grief-stricken following the final decision, De Vicenzo was left uttering one of the most conspicuous comments in golf's storied history: "What a stupid I am to be wrong here." The playoff never happened. Goalby received the green jacket and got his name in the record books, all the while remaining mum on the misfortune that befell De Vicenzo – a fact that annoys the runner-up to this day. "For me, the Masters hasn't ended," De Vicenzo told Golf Digest in a 2006 interview. "Technically, the ending was legal. But there is something missing.

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The winner hasn't yet emerged. It lacks an ending. Someday, maybe in another place, it will be decided." De Vicenzo isn't the only one who feels this way. Goalby has received hate mail from fans who believe he didn't deserve the victory and those who feel he sabotaged De Vicenzo's scorecard. Years later Goalby said: “I can see how Roberto might feel. I could have changed things by asking for a playoff. “But even if I had wanted to play off doesn’t mean there would have been one. I couldn't change the rules of golf or what they had decided." Before crying for the man from Argentina, know that he often is considered a co-champion in some Augusta National circles. Jaime Diaz of Golf Digest wrote: “After the tournament chairman Clifford Roberts made a point of sending De Vicenzo a prize — a sterling silver cigarette box engraved with the signatures of the previous winners — the first and only time from 1954 to 1992 that it was given to anyone except the victor. Diaz continued: “More poignantly, a group of players surreptitiously sent him a custom tailored Augusta National green jacket with his name sewn into the lining. De Vicenzo has never worn the jacket." A member of the World Golf Hall of Fame, De Vicenzo had more than 230 career professional victories, He is often remembered as the ultimate April Fool. Really, though, he was a victim of circumstance, the author of a poor decision at the worst possible time on golf's grandest stage.

“A sharp pencil and the right scorecard,’’ Roe said. History does not tell us whether Roe was in possession of the former at Royal St George’s in 2003, but the want of the latter led to one of the most notorious episodes of procedural pettifoggery that golf has ever seen. Roe and Jesper Parnevik forgot to exchange cards at the start of their third rounds, an oversight that led each to sign for the other’s score. The entire world knew what had happened, but the R&A yielded no ground in applying their rules and both players were disqualified. Parnevik had shot 81, so it was no skin off his nose, but Roe’s brilliant 67 had put him firmly in contention. He was two off the lead and set to play the final round in the company of Tiger Woods. Astonishingly, when the error came to light he kept his composure, did a dignified round of interviews, then drove back to his Surrey home. The following day he watched on television as Ben Curtis received the claret jug. Then he went upstairs and cried like a baby. The tears dried long ago, washing away the regrets. But some questions will stay with him forever. “In some ways, I look at it now as I did then,” Roe begins. “I’m a great traditionalist, somebody who believes in the rules and the

March 2017

GOLF NEWS

Signing an incorrect scorecard— two of the more infamous incidents

integrity of the game. For me, it’s a simple acceptance. I messed up, my fault, get on with it. That’s how I do things. “But I was just two behind. I would have won with a 69. But who knows what would have happened? I could have had a bad day and shot 78. I’m not foolhardy enough to say I would or should have won The Open. We all know what the game of golf can be like. “What I do feel sad about is that I didn’t get to play with Tiger on the Sunday of a major. It would have been great to have the opportunity to test myself in the ultimate arena. There couldn’t be any greater pressure than to play in the last round of The Open, with the world’s best player, and have a chance to win. “So when I reflect on it I just think, what a shame. What a shame I didn’t have that opportunity.” Roe was 40 at the time. The 2003 Open was his 12th appearance in the championship. Three years later, still competitive but tired of the life of a touring pro, he decided to retire from the tournament scene. His final round, poignantly, was a 67 on the Old Course at St Andrews, good enough for 15th place in the Dunhill Links Championship and a cheque for 50,000 euros. He signed his card carefully and walked away from the game.

NZGOLFUPDATE

golf.co.nz

Strong golf clubs, healthy golf communities By Dean Murphy New Zealand Golf Chief Executive

t is always great to receive feedback from our many members and players on the activities of our organisation. While we receive plenty of great feedback from our stakeholders, as you would expect we get the odd brick bat. This is healthy and we totally encourage our members to be forthcoming when they see areas where we can improve. I read with great interest the letters of Russ Ford in the previous edition of the Golfer Pacific. Mr Ford has made some good observations on the state of the game and in particular the decreasing value placed on club membership by the many players who simply prefer to play the game wherever they want and as cheaply as they want. I’m hoping to sit down with Mr Ford in the near future to discuss more about the game and our role in leading the administration of it. It’s always great to receive feedback and I’m sure I’ll learn a

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great deal from the conversation. Mr Ford is right — club membership decline is a worrying trend being seen in all developed golfing nations. Mr Ford’s suggestion that club membership in New Zealand has dropped by 80,000 members in the last decade is, however, not quite correct. Club membership in 2006 totalled just over 125,000 and currently sits as approximately 105,000 — that’s a 20,000 reduction over 10 years rather than the suggested 80,000. While this reduction is offset by a growing number of casual golfers (over 80,000 now registered), the fact remains that club membership is not as attractive for players as it used to be. In his letters, Mr Ford has suggested that New Zealand Golf does not have its priorities right, has not invested in the grass roots of the game and also has a mind-set that is predominately on the international and national performance of representative players and the staging of events. I’m pleased to inform all readers that

this couldn’t be further from the truth. The number one outcome we desire under our long term strategic plan is strong golf clubs and healthy golf communities. Our number one priority under our supporting the game work stream is improved club capability and financial health. While these are just words in a plan, I’m pleased to say we are bringing this to life in many different ways. At an investment level, more than 35 percent of our spend goes in this area which is our biggest area of investment. At the grass roots of the game, this is reflected by key initiatives such as: Club support staff who work in the regions of New Zealand to assist golf clubs on a daily basis. A regional conference series that helps boost golf club administration capability. The creation of over 100 golf club resources and templates (providing advice on all operation matters such as the setting of appropriate green fee structure). A national group buying scheme that is savings clubs over $200,000 a year.

Partnering with organisations such as NZ Sports Turf Institute, SNAG Golf NZ, LiteClub, GMANZ and the PGA to deliver services throughout the country that support the growth and support of golf clubs. Prior to the implementation of our current strategic plan back in 2013, New Zealand Golf did indeed focus too much of its attention to national and international matters. I’m pleased confirm this is no longer the case and we are making great progress under our new direction. For readers who may wish to read more on this topic, I encourage you to visit the following link where you can read a full overview of our current strategy and also a breakdown of how we invest our affiliated member funds: http://www. golf.co.nz/About/RoleOfNZGolf.aspx While I’m sure that we won’t always get everything right, I’m totally confident we are operating in a grass roots focused manner that appropriately recognises the challenges in front of us all.

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GOLFCOMMENT

Format of Perth 6s should catch on By Andrew Whiley A voice from the south

his time last year I was writing about the PGA Tour golf not being on Sky Television. As I write this column, I am enjoying the PGA Tour screening live from California. Now I might be a little old school but I am not a Netflix or streaming person, so I never got into the internet-based PGATOUR Pass, even though I had access. I like my SKY Television where I can use my My Sky to record, replay, pause, and fast forward. As I wrote last year, and the year before, the loss of the PGA Tour on television had a major impact on the golf industry. Golf companies lost their ability to communicate with avid golfers and tell them how great the latest golf products will help them improve their game.

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Golf professionals didn’t have their clients and members talking to them about what happened on this shot or that shot; what about that pause that Matsuyama has at the top of his backswing, what is it with Rahm’s leg action with all the power or Mickelson’s new putter grip and its effect in rolling his putts? Yes, he definitely looks like he is making more putts. But what I have been more excited about is the Perth 6s. What a great format for golf. I am not sure what the players actually think of it. Ryan Fox didn’t seem that excited about being in the playoff to qualify to be one of the 24 to play on Sunday. But wow, it did make the third round even more exciting than normal to watch. The commentators were even more candid than usual. They talked about the format injecting some energy into what is normally a tough round to talk about as

players moved into position. In Perth, the third round coverage focused more on who would be in the top 24, rather than the leader who finished five shots in front. Having eight players competing for the last five spots was fun to watch on television; it looked like the crowd around the 18th green had a great time as well. Brett Rumford was the leader after 54 holes and ended up winning over the player that knocked Ryan Fox out in the playoff. What was also highly entertaining was the 24 times the short 66 metre playoff hole was used to settle some of the matches. For me, this is the golf version of cricket’s Big Bash. Sorry Black Caps, but I don’t get that excited with cricket anymore (meanwhile, this is coming from someone who really only played cricket at

March 2017

school so I could enjoy test match days off at the Basin Reserve). But the Big Bash has really changed the game; it’s something that is fun to watch and thoroughly enjoyable. Interviews and chats with players on the field add some real character to the event. So, I guess that is one of the reasons why my favourite PGA Tour event on television is the AT&T at Pebble Beach, where there is some entertainment. Plus, the scenery is pretty amazing. I do think you will see more golf events go the way of the Perth 6s as players have to be more aggressive. The events provide more drama and greater entertainment for those at the event and on television. Bring it on, I will be watching. Now what about a similar event at your golf club?

PGAPARS

pga.org.nz

By Duncan Simpson New Zealand PGA Secretary

ou see it every weekend. Your opponent’s ball is heading for the out of bounds fence, only to miraculously strike a tree and bounce back into the middle of the fairway. Your shot on the other hand is only 30cm away from being perfect, but somehow bounces the wrong way and finishes in a bunker. You play a great recovery, but your putt decides to ignore the law of gravity, and slips over the “cellophane bridge” to finish up on the other side of the hole. How come the luck never seems to be on your side? If it’s any consolation, the history of golf is littered with bad luck stories — see for example Sam Snead’s classic book “The education of a golfer” in which he describes in heart rending detail how close he came to winning the US Open Championship on several occasions, but never succeeded. The luck of the Irish was certainly not on Harry Bradshaw’s side in the 1949 Open Championship at Royal St George’s. He finished tied with the great Bobby Locke after four rounds, and was then beaten in the ensuing 36 hole playoff. He would no doubt have reflected on an incident on the fifth hole of his second

The good and bad luck of golf round, when he pushed his drive into the right rough and found his ball lying in the bottom of a broken beer bottle. There was no rules’ official in sight, and Bradshaw was unsure of the rule — the wording around relief was somewhat ambiguous — so he decided to play the ball as it lay. He closed his eyes tight and swung at the ball. Glass went everywhere, and the ball was advanced a mere 25 yards. Glass was not the only thing shattered. Bradshaw made a double bogey six on the hole, and eventually completed the round in 77. The consensus was that he would have won the Open Championship that year if he had taken the free drop he was entitled to. Was it bad luck or a bad decision based on an incomplete knowledge of the rules? Before you leap to judgement, ask yourself when you last saw a professional in a PGA Tour event — let alone a major championship — make their own ruling without waiting for an official? Career decisions in golf or otherwise can often seem to be based on luck or gut instinct. Jordan Spieth was working his way

through a degree course at the University of Texas, when he decided to chuck it in and turn pro. Since he hadn’t gone through Q-school, he had to rely on tournament invitations, and the first of these came on the Web.Com Tour in early 2013. He had two top 10 finishes in Panama and Colombia, and another good result or two would have virtually guaranteed his card on that tour for the year. Then an invitation arrived from the PGA Tour for the Puerto Rico Open. Spieth decided to bypass the next Web.Com tournament, despite the stronger field in the PGA event, and finished second, banking $US308,000 for the week. Another top-10 finish followed the next week, giving him status for the rest of the season, which Jordan turned into a permanent Tour Card by winning the John Deere Championship in July, all before his 20th birthday. A lucky choice or not? John Daly had a lucky break when he won his first PGA Championship at Crooked Stick in 1991, driving through the night to claim an alternate spot in the field. But he could equally claim he has had plenty of bad luck. At the Australian Open at The Lakes a

few years ago, Daly drove the short par four 10th hole, only to notice after putting for eagle, that the Srixon 2 he thought was his was in fact a ball from the adjacent practice range. A birdie turned into a bogey, followed by a series of balls going into the lake on the par five 11th, until Daly stormed off, having exhausted his supply of ammo. A breach notice and fine ensued, plus another couple of entries in his 5000 page PGA file. Yet was it his fault, or the officials who should have thought about the downside of a practice area alongside one of the holes, or at least ensured that any stray balls were picked up promptly? As they say, if good luck is opportunity meeting preparation, then bad luck is simply inevitable in golf at some point — after all the expression “rub o’ the green” goes right back to the origins of golf. Perhaps the last word on luck should go to Gary Player, who after a string of sand saves in a round was accused by a fellow competitor of being a lucky player. “You’re right” said Gary, “and you know the funny thing is, the more I practice, the luckier I get.”

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

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Pukekohe Golf Club ARE YOU ORGANIZING YOUR GOLF TRIPS? Play Pukekohe on Friday, we’ll organize golf for Saturday, your stay in Pukekohe, and your golf home on Sunday.

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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GOLFCOACHING

100percentgolf.com

The right fit

By Anthony Barkley NZPGA Professional

ver the last few years I have been watching the direction of the golf market in New Zealand. Flightscope and Trackman monitors have become almost the norm at good golf shops. I got mine with huge hopes of people flocking to me for swing assessments and club fits but although fantastic as a tool, people have not quite understood its value. Nevertheless, if you get fitted these days without getting in front of an accurate radar system like a Flightscope, you are risking not getting fitted properly. Getting fitted indoors has become acceptable and as I write this article I am creating my own studio next to the shop to give my staff and I the opportunity to fit people anytime. It will also be great for lessons and even practice. So I am going with the times as you have to do in whatever industry you are in. But as I looked into our studio concept I started looking at what’s out there in regards to a more comprehensive club fitting option. A company that had been calling me for a while from the States fi-

nally got my attention. The company is called KZG and see themselves as ” unquestionably the leader in custom golf equipment” and produce their own range of products. I like what they do and a fitting kit will be in store by time you read this article. Although unknown here in New Zealand this company has been around since 1994 and in 1997 introduced the world to Orlimar and went on to sell 1.75million

woods. So there is some credibility there. They are also on every professional tour in all categories apart from putters but pay no players. Why am I telling you this? The reason is that it gives you the golfer another option. I love Taylormade, PING etc and the products they produce as they lead the way in technology and I will always have them in the shop as well but what KZG do is build clubs to a very accurate spec

that if the main brands did you would see prices soar. Example of what’s called a tour build and is described by KZG below: Every head, shaft and grip is weight sorted. Every head adjustment is precise, every shaft is spine aligned and frequency matched to +/-1 cpm. You get perfection with KZG … the finest “Tour Build” for every golfer…unheard of in the industry. Although some of the terminology above may mean nothing to most readers, basically every club is made to feel the same through a set. Makes sense right, but within the industry there are some variances from time to time although a lot better than it used to be. On the odd occasion this can be seen when someone tries a demo, loves it and then gets the new model and finds it different. I don’t mean to scare any of you out there who have just bought a new club as I have extremely happy customers here after purchasing new mainstream product. But if you have any doubts or want more precision in the build of their clubs maybe look to try KZG. Can’t do any harm to compare.

Anthony Barkley is Golfer Pacific’s Golf professional contributor. He is head professional at Rotorua Golf Club. “Ant” is responsible for many aspects of play at the club. One of the main things that he sees his role is to help people enjoy their golf more. Over the coming month’s he will write these articles with this intention of writing about club fitting, coaching, the mental game and will include the occasional review of new products. re a k en t b ipm pricing h s gh w u Ne thro

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The perfect Winter golf getaway By: Andrew Whiley

G O L F T R AV E L

ne of the best winter golf getaways for New Zealand golfers is definitely Cairns and Port Douglas. As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree and with the climate in June through to October, it makes this a great place to tee it up. Cairns and Port Douglas can be accessed via a direct flight from Auckland with either Philippine Airlines or Air New Zealand. Philippine Airlines fly this route four times a week as it connects on to Manila. Golf Tourism in Northern Queensland was put “on the map” in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, when Japanese companies and Christopher Skase developed the courses that are now known as Paradise Palms, Palmer Sea Reef and the Mirage. These courses hosted the big name players of the day, such as Greg Norman, Jumbo Ozaki, Nick Faldo and Curtis Strange. Unfortunately, since the opening of these courses and over the last 10 to 15 years, these courses had been inconsistent in conditioning and management.

The view from Paradise Links Resort - 3rd green Palmer Sea Reef

Today, however, Cairns and Port Douglas are ‘must play’ golf destinations! Not only do you have the three key name courses, but there are some great supporting courses to play as well. So be sure to plan on at least a week plus some additional time to visit the other local tourism experiences. Last July, I visited the region with a group of twelve golfers for the first time. We have often enjoyed our trips to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast but we were so impressed with Cairns/

Port Douglas, that we are already planning our return visit. There was lots to see and do, a great climate to enjoy and the golf courses are worth playingbut do watch out for the crocodiles! Cairns was our first stop, and there was more happening there than I had anticipated. There are some great bars and restaurants in the area and obviously, we enjoyed them even more after watching the Highlanders win! Some of the group also enjoyed a couple of nights at the casino which

is handy to everything else going on. Cairns Golf Club was our opening stop. Located only 10-minutes from the Cairns beachfront, this golf course doesn’t come with a lot of rave reviews but it is a course you should play. The whole group enjoyed the course, with the back nine proving to be a bigger challenge than the front nine. The course is flat but has some undulating elevated greens and some water hazards that can ruin a good score. It allowed our higher handicappers

Calypso Reef Cruises: a day out on the water visiting three reef sites on the outer Great Barrier Reef (tropicaljourneys.com)

March 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

G O L F T R AV E L to have a great day out and still challenged our better players. The driving range is only metres from the golf shop, so it was a good course for us to warm-up our golf swings prior to teeing off. The conditioning was great and the team at the golf shop were extremely welcoming. It’s one of those courses where after the round, the locals come up and have a chat to see how you enjoyed the course and a yarn about where you are from. Our next stop was Port Douglas

which was also more “alive” and interesting than we expected. From the Sunday Farmers Market to the many restaurants and bars, there was something for everyone in our group. As I stayed on for an extra few days after the golf group headed home, I also discovered there was certainly a lot to do and enjoy for a non-golfing trip to the far north! Port Douglas is a short 70-minute drive from Cairns, with some stunning coastal scenery. We arrived at

the Palmer Sea Reef course, which was designed by the top design team of Thomson, Wolveridge & Perrett and which opened to rave reviews in 2000. The course is a challenging test (it is in Australia’s Top 100 courses) with one of the more interesting first holes in golf that I have ever played. The course is well groomed and will test all your shots. If you have a gentle fade off the tee, then you will miss most of the trouble off the tee. You will quickly notice the “Beware of Crocodiles” signs, so go-

ing after your ball in the hazards is not an option. We played this course twice and what I really liked about the golf course is that it is enjoyable whether you are a high or a low handicapper. Everyone will have fun. This is all about the quality of the design; there are some bailout areas and the bunkers come into play when you start to attack the holes. The front nine is pretty closely connected whereas the back nine flow around native bush and housing sections wait-

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G O L F T R AV E L

Aquarius Sail & Snorkel: a luxurious day out on the water sailing on a 62ft catamaran to Low Isles (tropicaljourneys.com)

ing for development. The 18th Hole is a strong Par 4 and you will definitely enjoy a drink in the deluxe clubhouse after your golf. Staying at the Paradise Links Resort was the perfect location for golf and handy for everything else. Big spacious units which are extremely comfortable, include everything you need for a great stay. We especially enjoyed the pool and BBQ area. Our units had great views of the golf course overlooking the 3rd Green and 4th Tee of the Palmer Sea Reef. Round three was played at The Mi-

rage Golf Course. This was part of the Sheraton Resort that Mr Skase built in the late ‘80’s. The course is unique in that it has six par three holes, six par four holes and six par five holes. The first nine play around the beach side of the road, with the first three holes going through some ancient rain forest, then around the hotel suites and villas. The back nine play around a series of lakes on the clubhouse side of the road. However, with the lakes, came the crocodile warning signs. One time, as we were playing the par three, 13th Hole, we actually heard the heavy

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splash of water as a ‘Croc’ dashed away from us! This was rather exciting for us New Zealanders, I must say. This course has struggled with conditioning in the past, but the recent purchase of the course and resort complex has seen a large investment quickly bring the course back up to championship quality. Only 20-minutes North of Cairns is Paradise Palms. Designed by Graham Marsh and Ross Watson, who have designed many of Australia’s leading golf courses, this is the most challenging golf course in the region. Opened in 1990 to great fanfare, the course has struggled financially over many years. However, when we played it, it was apparent that the new owners have already made a major impact on the conditioning of the course and the golf carts have full GPS screens. Playing off the white tees, the course measures a challenging 5800m. The course was previously played the opposite way around, where the 10th Hole once was, it is now the 1st Hole. Many of the holes have water coming into play; from the first, where water is all down the right-hand side of the fairway. The first six holes are extremely challenging and the ninth hole really makes you think. It’s not a long par five, but one that requires good game management playing over water to a difficult green. The back nine plays a little shorter than the front nine but the last four holes can wreck any good card, with the 16th being the most difficult hole on the golf course. It has a creek running across the fairway at 210 meters off the tee, so needing a carry in excessive of 230 meters, with a long challenging second shot into the green. The clubhouse is huge and you will enjoy your cold beverage sitting on the deck watching the other golfers finish. Cairns and Port Douglas are both great areas to enjoy on non-golfing days. My two “must do” activities are an excursion out to Great Barrier Reef and a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. The Great Barrier Reef is the number one tourist attraction in the region and you can either experience the calm of the inner reef or venture to the outer reef from where you usually see those amazing photos. My wife and I chose the inner reef. We enjoyed

March 2017

a smaller group of 24 on a luxury catamaran, where we were able to experience some great snorkelling and even visit a small island while learning about life on the reef. It was a magical day where we got to snorkel with beautiful fish, a small 2-metre shark and sea turtles. Plus the lunch and crew were fabulous. The other activity that I really enjoyed was visiting Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures. This is a real crocodile farm and yes, they have some amazing big ones that you do get up close with, either behind a fence or out on the lagoon as you cruise around with a very informative guide. This is also a great opportunity to get up close and personal with a koala (and get that special photo moment), and with kangaroos and some of Australia’s other fine native animals. Hartley’s is located on the highway, a 50-minutes drive north of Cairns or 20-minutes south of Port Douglas. Some of the other attractions to consider are the Kuranda Railway, just outside of Cairns or while in Port Douglas, the Lady Douglas cruise. On my next visit, I am really looking forward to doing the Mossman Gorge and the Cape Tribulation tour. I am keen to explore the magnificent and untouched World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, since it is the oldest living rainforest in the world at 160 million years. I would also suggest you take the time to visit Trinity Beach or Palm Cove, as these resort areas have some great accommodation and restaurants to enjoy. So the next time you are thinking where you should head for a winter getaway, Cairns and Port Douglas should be high on your list. There is something for everyone, with warm winter weather, great golf, awesome activities to enjoy, a variety of shopping, and wonderful options for eating. There are a multitude of options that would please anyone including some great R&R activities including some of the best spas in Australia. For golfers and non-golfers alike, it really is paradise!

GOLF COURSES

»» http://www.palmergolf.com.au/cms/ palmer-sea-reef/ »» http://www.paradisepalms.com.au/ »» http://www.miragecountryclub.com.au/

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Nelson Festival of Golf goes from strength By Derek Drysdale, Tournament Director

GOLF EVENT

Good news! ...Following the outstanding success of last year’s TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf, we are delighted to announce that our entry list for this year’s tournament is already almost full. The bad news for you is that this means we only have 3 spaces left to fill at the time of writing, and by the time you read this we will probably be totally sold out. However, there is hope, as we will have a waiting list in case of any call offs in the run up to the tournament. I suggest you call or email our golf office to confirm your place on the waiting list, and you will not have to pay anything at that time. We will then notify you if a space becomes available, and you pay at that time. The telephone number is 03-5485029 and email addresses are either nelson@golf.co.nz or look at our website at www.nelsongolf.co.nz In the three previous tournaments we have attracted players from over 100 golf clubs around New Zealand from Opotiki in the north to Port Chalmers in the south. More than two thirds of players have come from outside the Nelson region...new faces, new friends..

The tournament is staged at Nelson Golf Links, Greenacres and Motueka Golf Courses with two days to be played on the Nelson Golf Links which was chosen to host the 2014 New Zealand Amateur Championships and the 2015 Seniors Championships. The courses are all very different. Nelson is a true links course, Motueka is a mature parkland course, with Greenacres offering a mix of waterfront and parkland holes. Tournament dates for 2017 Nelson Festival of Golf are Monday 1st–Friday 5th May with a rest day on the Wednesday to allow competitors to relax or get out and about and visit the many attractions this region has to offer. The organising committee has decided to keep the number of entries to 128, the same as last year, because this created both a competitive yet friendly environment for all the participants. By the end of the week players had golfed with and made friends with other golfers from all over New Zealand. Derek Drysdale the Tournament Director said of last year, “during the week it was really pleasing to hear many of the competitors refer to this event as the friendly tournament. That was a real compliment.”

“We are delighted that many players who played in the tournament last year have already registered to enter the tournament again this year,” Derek said. “It’s great that some players are returning for their 4th visit to our tournament, they have seriously become a part of the event that makes us proud to be able to put on such a good tournament.” Our generous sponsors are TSB Bank, Nelson City Council, ItsOn Nelson, Taylor Made Golf, Seifried Family Winegrowers, Total Golf, Blueberry IT Ltd, Shelley Carppe of Mike Pero, Stoke and MS Ford Nelson. As always the event organisers would urge all participants to steer their business in the way of these terrific companies who are so supportive to us. Without the huge support of such sponsors, we would not be able to offer the wonderful array of prizes. This year we will again be offering a car for the hole-in-one prize on the last day, courtesy of MS Ford, Nelson. We will also be running our lucky draw prizes, where each day, some lucky competitors will win a voucher from our chosen restaurant partners, to go and enjoy some delicious meals during their stay in the region. The event itself will consist of an Ambrose Team competition on the Mon-

day at Nelson, followed by three days of individual stableford competition with one round at each of the participating courses. There will be daily prizes followed by the weekly accumulated scores for the overall prizes. Entry fees include four rounds of golf, individual and team competitions, a golf gift at registration and a two-course dinner which will be held during the final prize giving at the Nelson Golf Club on the Friday evening. Adding to the fun this year, the committee will also be running a light-hearted quiz night on Tuesday evening 2nd May at Nelson GC, open to all competitors and non playing partners. We are again planning to run our novelty putting competition which all players will be eligible to enter, on the Monday with a putt-off on the Friday for the qualifiers. This will be a lot of fun but also have a great prize are up for grabs. Organisers want to build on the great success of previous year’s tournaments. The golf days will be run on a 9.15am shotgun start basis, so that all players will be back in the clubhouse around the same time providing a fantastic atmosphere for each day’s prize giving.

A word from our sponsors: TSB BANK:

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

TOTAL GOLF:

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

MIKE PERRO REAL ESTATE:

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

SIEFIRED’S WINES:

From the beautiful Waimea Plains come the inspired and innovative wines of the South Island’s oldest family winery, Seifried Estate. Harvested from Estate grown, ‘Sustainably Accredited’ vineyards scattered throughout the Nelson region, this is a winery with a focus and passion for beautifully crafted wines.

HELLO WORLD NELSON:

“We at Hello World Nelson are very excited to be involved with this fabulous tournament. Golf and Travel are two of the many areas we know about, so the mix suits us to a tee!”

STOP PRESS – FESTIVAL OF GOLF SELLS OUT TWO MONTHS EARLY! TOURNAMENT SOLD OUT – BUT WAITING LIST IS OPEN. CONTACT US TO PUT YOUR NAME ON THAT LIST! Monday 1st – Friday 5th May 2017

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

For more information contact Nelson Golf Club 03-548-5029  nelson@golf.co.nz www.nelsongolf.co.nz

OV E R

0 $15,0E0 S TO IN PRIZ B E WO N

SUPPORTED BY:

N E L S O N

March 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Nelson Golf CLub

Greenacres Golf Club

NELSON GOLF CLUB NELSON GOLF CLUB’S 18 hole championship links course is adjacent to the district’s airport and the picturesque waters of Tasman Bay. This beautiful seaside links course has reputedly the ‘best’ greens in the country. Nelson golf links is only ten minutes from the centre of downtown Nelson and virtually next door to beautiful Tahunanui Beach and associated accommodation. Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand with high sunshine hours which helps to explain why Nelson is a popular golfing destination. Come and play this challenging links course year round.

GREENACRES GOLF CLUB WELCOME to Greenacres Golf Club, where playing golf is a “fun” experience to be enjoyed. While this course is considered one of the most challenging in the top of the South Island where you can learn new skills or test your ability, it is a popular course for all

A true links experience situated in the delightful region of sunny Nelson. A wonderful golf course, good enough to be chosen for the 2014 NZ Amateur Championships... high praise indeed. Golfers of all abilities will find a round at Nelson very rewarding enjoying simply stunning views. There is a vibrant social side to the club making new members and casual players feel welcome to enjoy camaraderie both on and off the course. There is a full bar and catering facilities, also open to non members. There

Motueka Golf Club

playing levels. We have an active membership and welcome new members both short and long term in either 9 hole or 18 hole grades. Being free draining the course is seldom closed due to bad weather so come and visit us. Located on Best Island it can claim to be New Zealand’s Best island golf course. It is situated 8 kilometres from Richmond and has a long, interesting and successful history. The scenic yet challenging links style layout of the course in a tree lined parkland setting, is a pleasure to enjoy. No steep hills to climb but numerous obstacles to navigate around, well placed bunkers plus plenty of challenging lies will test and titillate the average golfer. Remember – “It is only a game”

MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB

MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB prides itself on running a friendly and welcoming club. The course is relatively flat and has a park like atmosphere with the fairways lined by mature trees. In addition to our beautifully maintained course we are fortunate that it is

are great deals available on green fees and a wide range of memberships – contact the staff at the Nelson Golf club, who will be only too delighted to explain all the options available. Call 03-548-5029 or email nelson@golf.co.nz Check out our website www.nelsongolf.co.nz and see what you’re missing. The site offers photos of the course plus other club information highlighting the Nelson Festival of Golf. Check it out on www.nelsongolf. co.nz/festivalofgolf

alive with abundant and varied birdlife. The course has been modified and improved over recent years. The trees have been trimmed and our fairways have been widened which has made the course more “Golfer Friendly”. The fairways are well watered and beautifully grassed and our greens are consistent and true. For those players who played last year you will find our greens are in even better condition this year! At 5800m off the White Tees the course rewards accuracy and correct club selection. Golfers of all abilities will welcome the challenge and if you play to your handicap on your first visit you should be well satisfied. You will be in the minority! The course sits on the east side of Motueka and provides some stunning views of Tasman Bay. With an increasing membership and glowing reports from both local and overseas visiting players, Motueka’s reputation continues to grow as one of the best country courses in New Zealand. We look forward to again hosting new and returning players to the Nelson Festival of Golf.

GOLF EVENT

to strength - 2017 edition sold out!

Harbour Road Motueka | Tel: (03) 528 8998 Harbour Road Motueka Tel: (03) 528 8998 Fax: (03) 528 8998 � Click to email us � www.motuekagolf.co.nz

The best island golf course in New Zealand

www.nelsongolf.co.nz

One of New Zealand’s GREAT GOLFING experiences Phone 03-544-6441 • www.greenacresgolfclub.co.nz

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March 2017

EZGO launch Elite Golf Car W H AT ’ S N E W

EZGO International has just announced the launch of the lithium battery powered EZGO Elite Golf Car. EZGO New Zealand’s has told Golfer Pacific that Windross Farm Golf club will be the first Golf Club in New Zealand to receive the new Lithium powered Elite Golf Car scheduled for delivery March 2017. Managing Director Peter Talyancich said that while Lithium technology was not a new concept lithium batteries fitted to the new Elite Golf Car was a game changer. Its simply a question of why wouldn’t you have this technology that is so advanced and lasts up to 5 times longer than conventional batteries with ZERO maintenance. The EZGO lithium pack enables the cart to operate using on average 40% less energy than any other golf cart. Out of the wall charging costs is less, because ELiTE vehicles consume less power and charge in half the time lowering energy bills”

he said. “Unlike lead acid batteries, lithium batteries require no watering, no terminal cleaning, post checks, tightening or associated maintenance. This saves our customers money, time and staff which can be applied to other areas of their business . Mr Talyancich said there were further benefits of the technology.” ELiTE Series vehicles are backed by an industry-leading 6 year, unlimited amp hour warranty. This allows our customers to avoid costly battery replacements, amp hour limits and warranty disputes, with light weight and Eco Friendly features” »» Is your Golf club or Pro shop interested in more profit, and less hassles with Golf Cars? Call us today and we will demonstrate the lithium battery powered Elite Golf Car. »» Contact us at 18 Vernon St, Papakura, 2110, New Zealand, Phone: +64 9-298 2345 or by email: prue@ezgo.co.nz

THE BEST ELECTRIC CART IN THE WORLD

The besT elecTric carT in The world jusT goT beTTer ezgo LitHiUm is Here!!! ezgo’s are now zero maintenance with a 5 year warranty. we offer twice the warranty as the other brands and it includes the batteries.

visit www.ezgo.co.nz for information or a free demo 22

March 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Win a $40,000 golf sponsorship package from EZGO WIN

EZGO NZ is pleased to announce a partnership with New Zealand Golf and in doing so we want to give you a chance to win a comprehensive golf sponsorship package for 12 months. This is not for professionals, it's for the typical kiwi golfer, male or female and regardless of your golf handicap. Now's the time to get treated like a pro whether you're on single figures or knocking on 36 this could be yours. Simply visit http://www.ezgo. co.nz/win to fill in the online form. Entries close 01/05/17 at 11:59 pm

NZT. The winner will be announced on the New Zealand Golf Facebook Page, all results are final.

EZGO; SUPPORTING NEW ZEALAND GOLF AND THE MEMBERS THAT MAKE UP NEW ZEALAND GOLF Prize Includes:

• Set of Cobra golf clubs (mens or ladies) • Cobra golf bag

• 10 x Puma EZGO branded golf shirts • One year’s supply of SRIXON golf balls • $1000 of EZGO branded merchandise • EZGO tee sponsorship for your local golf club of choice: Conditions apply #1 • $2000 discount off any new EZGO cart purchase of your choice: Conditions apply #2 • 2 x rounds of golf with PGA Tour winner Phil Tataurangi at Wairakei

Golf Course: Conditions apply #3 • 1 x year’s supply of TOHU wine • 2 x Tickets to the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open in Queenstown 2018 • 2 x Tickets to MCKAYSON New Zealand Women's Open at Windross Farm in 2017 with chance to have a meet and greet with World #1 Lydia Ko: Conditions apply #4 • 2 x entries into Charles Tour ProAm events hosted in Auckland 2017 played at either Akarana or Muriwai

Terms and conditions By entering this competition you agree to receive further offers, discounts and updates from EZGO NZ You must be an affiliated member of a golf club in New Zealand #1: Tee sponsorship to a maximum of $500 for 12 months. Carts used by club must be EZGO #2: Applies to any brand new EZGO golf cart or utility vehicle including the lithium EZGO RXV #3: Dates to be mutually confirmed and agreed upon by both winner and Phil Tataurangi #4: At time of publication NZ Ladies Open had not been finalised or confirmed regarding players and sponsors therefore meet and greet to be confirmed once these details finalised

EZGO IS OFFERING A 12 MONTH GOLF SPONSORSHIP PACKAGE, NOT FOR A PRO BUT A TYPICAL KIWI GOLFER! Male, female, junior, regardless of your golf handicap - it is now your turn to get treated like a pro! Whether you're on single figures or knocking on 36 this exclusive package could be yours to win! The winner will receive an amazing package put together by EZGO which includes:  everything you need to play golf in 2017 including apparel and hardware,  an opportunity to play and view some of the biggest golfing events in New Zealand,  a once in a lifetime experience to play with one of New Zealand's greatest golfers who himself is a winner of a US PGA Tour event.

TO ENTER, VISIT EZGO.CO.NZ/WIN WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

March 2017

F E AT U R E

CAPITAL CITY GOLFING And after golf... Learn more about New Zealand history and culture at Te Papa, New Zealand’s National Museum and view The Beehive, New Zealand’s iconic parliament building, before taking a stroll and a coffee in Cuba St. Lambton Quay shops are full of designer clothes and from Wellington’s CBD jump on board the cable car to Kelburn for a view of Wellington city. Alternatively climb Mount Victoria and watch the boats come into Wellington Harbour. New Zealand’s capital is a very compact city, bound on one side by water and the other by hills, it’s possible to walk the entire central city area and still be fit for a round of golf at a high quality Wellington area golf course. If you have access to a car Wellington has some nice small towns along the Kapiti Coast including quaint examples Paekakariki and Otaki.

MANOR PARK GOLF SANCTUARY

Manor Park Golf Sanctuary, “a sanctuary for all golfers” as it is now promoted, is somewhat unique as it is a golf and birdlife park and the Club holds an internationally recognised sanctuary environmental certification from Audubon International, New York. It has an 18-hole championship par 71 golf course set in beautiful native bush and wetlands with gently rolling fairways bordered by the Hutt River on the eastern side and the Haywards Stream to the west and is home to 20 different species of bird. The Club’s Play & Stay package is with partner CQ Hotels (www.hotelwellington.co.nz) in Wellington City, 25 minutes by car or via commuter train to Manor Park station at the gates to the course. The Club has a new 12-hole Par-3 course which is available on Friday and Sunday afternoons. $20 per round for the Punch Bowl. »» www.manorparkgolf.co.nz

SHANDON GOLF CLUB

One of the finest golf courses in the region, Shandon is located on the banks of the Hutt River, 15 minutes north of Wellington city. Founded in 1927, Shandon is noted for superb greens, treelined fairways and immaculate presentation.The course provides an excellent test for all golfers and has played host to several national tournaments. The on site professional shop offers club and cart hire, lessons and a full range of clothing and equipment.

»» www.judgefordgolf.co.nz

MIRAMAR GOLF CLUB

»» www.shandongolf.co.nz

BOULCOTT FARM GOLF CLUB

SILVERSTREAM GOLF PARK

Silverstream Golf Park features a long established driving range and 9-hole golf course, and is located off Fergusson Drive from State Highway 2. The driving range is amongst the biggest in the lower North Island with 20 covered bays and a hitting area of up to nearly 300m. The 9-hole course is flat and easy-walking. It is ideal for those learning the game or those who do not have the time for 18 holes. The course is affiliated to New Zealand Golf which means you can become a member and gain a handicap and therefore also receive reduced greens fees at other courses around the country. If you do not wish to become a member you can purchase concession cards which will give you a reduced rate. »» www.silverstreamgolfpark.co.nz

The course is set amongst rolling picturesque countryside with easy walking, tree-lined fairways. The design of the course follows natural contours and includes a meandering stream and a feature lake. The 18 hole, 5572 metre course combines a number of features that provide an interesting and challenging test for golfers of all ages and abilities. Twelve holes are located on one side of State Highway 58, the first seven presenting more of a challenge with undulating slopes and elevated tees. A further six holes, located across the road (accessed by underground walkway) feature a flatter layout with some elevated tees. Off course practice facilities include a four bay driving net area, practice green with bunker facility and a putting green.

Set in park-like surrounds, this long Par 70 layout is a challenge for all golfers. The course is fully irrigated and intensively groomed with reasonably narrow, tree-lined fairways. The greens are large, sand based and subtletly contoured. They run true and are generally fast. Most of the greens are guarded by sand bunkers, grass knolls and hollows which add to the challenge when your approach shots miss the target. Both professional and leading amateur tournaments are held at the club frequently, and it is a measure of the course design that sub-par rounds are rare. Access to both courses is from the Military Road Proshop. »» www.boulcottsfarmhgc.co.nz

JUDGEFORD GOLF CLUB

Judgeford is located just 25 minutes drive from the CBD, between Paremata and the Hutt Valley, on State Highway 58. We are fortunate to enjoy a unique micro-climate in terms of weather patterns where often the weather variables are subtly different from the prevailing conditions in surrounding areas.

March 2017

Miramar Golf Club is located at Wellington Airport surrounds. In 1993 Graham Marsh Golf Design were asked to prepare a Master plan of designing a new 18-hole course

Full Playing Memberships

Join Today!

$34/week Between Now – August 2017 Membership lasts till end Feb 2018

Judgeford Golf Club SH58 PORIRUA (04) 235 7633 judgeford@golf.co.nz www.judgefordgolfclub.co.nz

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

presents the amateur and professional the best of Wairarapa golf in tranquil and picturesque surroundings, set against the foothills of the stunning Tararua Ranges Established in 1911, the Carterton Golf Club, Wairarapa, New Zealand – offers 18 challenging holes. A little over an hour drive north of Wellington or an hour and a half drive south from Palmerston North, Carterton Golf Club and New Zealand’s Wairarapa region within the confines of the club’s new boundary. In 1994 work commenced on the new course with members continuing to play 18-holes. This was made possible by juggling the old course and the new holes as they came on stream. Twelve months later in August 1995 Miramar was set to start another chapter in its history. As Graham Marsh (course architect) said, “Miramar will always be remembered by me as a golf course that was redesigned for all the right reasons-a membership that bonded together to protect their love of the game”.

with its world acclaimed vineyards, Lord of The Rings scenery, boutique villages and stylish accommodation, offer the best excuse to stay a while and play some golf. The Club is situated just North of Carterton Town Centre on Highway two to Masterton. Green fee players and corporate guests are always welcome. »» www.cartertongolfclub.co.nz

VISITING WELLINGTON? PLAY THE AREA’S INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED GOLF SANCTUARY 20 Minutes from CBD Wellington, commuter railway station; 50 metres from the Club gates. Green Fees $45 (all comers any day except Mad Monday $20)

»» www.miramargolfclub.co.nz

PARAPARAUMU BEACH GOLF CLUB

The host of 12 New Zealand Opens, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course has long been regarded by many as the spiritual home of New Zealand Golf. A regular inside the World Top 100 Golf Course lists and considered one of the best links courses in the Southern Hemisphere a pilgrimage to play is a must for all that love the game. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand just why golf played at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course is golf at its purest. »» www.paraparaumubeachgolfclub.co.nz

BOOK ONLINE at manorparkgolf.co.nz or email office@manorparkgolf.co.nz for $40 Golfer Pacific Special referencing this advertisement.

CARTERTON GOLF CLUB

THE flat, easy to walk, 5612 metre Par 71 golf course

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March 2017

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND MENS GOLF

It’s been a busy summer for Northland’s top three golfers, Luke Brown, Taylor Gill and Christian Nitsche. Luke has been flying the New Zealand flag among other kiwis in events across the ditch and further afar with his best placing coming at the South American Amateur championship in Argentina where he battled the heat and a tough golf course to finish in 4th place after recording rounds of 72, 70, 71 and a sizzling 67 to end the week at 8 under par, six shots off the pace. Luke also proved to be a serious contender in the NSW Amateur championship opening the week with a 5 under 67, unfortunately he had a tough first up match in the matchplay rounds and didn’t advance any further – a great effort in a tough competition. Taylor

Gill and Christian Nitsche have played a series of Australian Amateur tournaments over January, while the results weren’t what they wanted, each of them gained a huge amount of experience playing on some of Australia’s toughest courses. Taylor recorded a 22nd place finish in the Avondale Amateur after a disappointing four over par last round saw him drop 11 places down the leader board.

JUNIOR GOLF

Three Northland Junior golfers took on the challenge of competing in the 2017 North Island Under 19 Championships held at the Riverside-Lochiel Golf Course between the 11th and 13th of January. Scoring was hot with Sherwood Park Member Ayean Cho running away with an easy victory recording rounds of 66, 67 and 64 to finish the tournament at -19, 12 shots clear of second place Jungsoo Lee. Cho is

NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD 9-Mar

Northland

9-435 0042

Women's Orr's Tournament

11-Mar

Waipu

9-432 0259

Building Fund Tournament

13 -14 March

Whangarei

9-437 0775

9 Hole Vets Two Day Tournament

13-16 March

Whangarei

9-437 0775

4 Day Northland Seniors Tournament

14-Mar

Mangawhai

9-431 4807

St Patricks Day

16-Mar

Northern Wairoa

9-439 6599

Women's Teams Tournament

18-Mar

Northland

9-435 0042

Mitre 10 Mixed Open

18-Mar

Sherwood Park

9-434 6900

The Shamrock 18 Hole Mixed Open

18-Mar

Rawene

9-405 7793

Eddie Neho Mem/ Penekahi Mxd Open

20-Mar

Whangarei

9-437 0775

9 Hole Tournament

23-Mar

Whangarei

9-437 0775

Women's Teams Tournament

23-Mar

Kaikohe

9-401 0814

Northland Seniors Tournament

25-Mar

Waitangi

09 402 8207

18 Hole Open (Lion Tour)

26-Mar

Whangaroa

9-405 1808

Ramada Resort Taipa Mens' Open

28-Mar

Mangawhai

9-431 4807

Pro-Am Tournament

30-Mar

The Pines

9-436 2246

Women's Teams Tournament

12-13 April

Waitangi

09 402 8207

2017 Harcourts Waitangi Pro Am Golf Tournament

part of a group of young aspiring golfers who spend the summer in New Zealand, utilising the fantastic facilities and courses to hone their game. While slightly more modest scoring was recorded by the other Northland players involved, there was

“TEE FOR TWO”

Kauri Cliffs

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

Bay of Islands

Two nights accommodation Stone Store Lodge Kerikeri Deluxe suite twin/double occupancy with Inlet views

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

BASED ON TWO PERSONS - SHARE TWIN OR DOUBLE OCCUPANCY

BASED ON TWO PERSONS - TWIN SHARE

NZ$918 for TWO

NZ$490 for TWO

Above pricing valid 16th Dec 2016 to 31st March 2017

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

Sat/Sun 18th & 19th March, 2017 - Competition -

*Must be Affiliated NZ Players TERMS & CONDITIONS

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.

Outside these dates please look at our website

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

Saturday Evening 5pm to 9pm Irish Theme Live entertainment by Fiona Cosgrove Sumptuous meal Relax and party as you watch the sun go down over White Island This premier event made possible through the support of the following Major Sponsors Ohope Beach

Ocean Ford

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

Golf Northland’s board decided in 2016 that there needed to be more promotion of the game within our district and that we would begin marketing campaigns to give clubs more exposure, to date there have been radio advertisements, newspaper articles, facebook and website promotions completed. The latest addition to this marketing campaign is a tri fold flyer that has been completed promoting golf in Northland, these flyers will soon be located at every I-site information centre

MIXED 36 HOLE TEAMS WEEKEND

Two full or continental breakfasts daily

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

TERMS & CONDITIONS

PROMOTING GOLF IN NORTHLAND

THE TWIN WATERS OF OHOPE TOURNAMENT

Two golfers enjoy

Two persons for one round of golf at Kerikeri Golf Course

*Must be NZ residents. International Visitors ADD $498

The 2017 Golf Northland Annual General Meeting is being held at ASB Northland Sports House at Kensington Park, 7pm on Thursday the 30th of March. All club delegates are invited and encouraged to attend the meeting, it is a fantastic opportunity for you to see what has happened within Northland Golf over the past 12 months and see what is in store for the upcoming year. Notices of motion and officer nominations are asked to be sent to the Executive Officer by the 1st of March (admin@golfnorthland.co.nz)

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

2 NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE

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

GOLF NORTHLAND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Ba Ke y o rik f I eri sla nd s

Play Kerikeri Golf Club – accommodation at Stone Store Lodge. “TEE FOR TWO” GOLF PACKAGE

some fantastic golf with Soktaera Sean (Northland) finishing in 8th place carding rounds of 78, 73 and 71 with Belinda May (Mangawhai) close on her heels finishing in a tie for 10th place after recording rounds of 80, 73 and 71. Soktearodh Sean (Northland) finished in 34th place after a slightly disappointing week with scores of 77, 83 and 79.

Realty

Ohope Beach Realty

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

March 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

across Northland and we will endeavour to send each club a number of these flyers for their own display while also promoting this on our website and facebook page.

PGA JUNIOR LEAGUE

The PGA Junior League is underway for 2017 and is being run out of the Whangarei Golf Course with Quenton Diment taking over the responsibilities of League Captain and Coach. The PGA Junior League is a great way for young kids to get involved in the game, practises are being held on Wednesdays at Whangarei Golf Club from 4pm and matches are held every Sunday from 11am. For only $10 per week, these youngsters will receive professional coaching and a competitive but fun match every week. For more info on the PGA Junior League, get in touch with Sean on 0210747151. Peewee Golf (Under 8y/o) will also be run side by side with the junior league by Wiremu Neho at the Whangarei Golf Club.

GOLF NORTHLAND CLUB VISITS

2016 saw Golf Northland’s executive officer and a member of the board attend board meetings across the district with any club who extended an invitation. To date, we have visited Waipu, Wellsford, Waiotira, Sherwood Park, Northland, Houhora, Tapora, The Pines, Whangaroa, Hikurangi, Mangawhai and Ngunguru. It is our intention to continue these meetings throughout 2017 – If your club hasn’t been visited and you would like us to come to a meeting, please get in touch with Sean (sean@golfnorthland.co.nz or

0210747151). We see this as a great opportunity to strengthen relationships with all of our clubs and also give your club an opportunity to provide feedback or ask any questions

REPRESENTATIVE GOLF 2017

Registrations are now open for the 2017 Northland representative sides, you can find information on the Golf Northland website under ‘Rep Golf’. The first representative mens trial will be held at Mangawhai Golf Course (Tom Bonnington Cup) on the 27th and 28th May. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sean on 0210747151 or contact the convenor of selectors for your respective sides (also found on the Golf Northland website under ‘Rep Golf’).

NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD 1-31 Mar

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

Northern Passport 6 courses great value

1-31 Mar

Omaha GC

9-422 7551

Winter Memberships from $295

2nd Mar

Helensville

0800 420 545

Helensville Monthly Midweek Mixed Open Day $32pp Booking

3rd Mar

Warkworth

09 425 8248

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

3-Mar

Whangaparaoa

09 424 5441

W Open Pairs Day

March 4-5

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

Warkworth Open 54 Hole Championship

5th Mar

Waitemata

9-445 8716

NHGA Nobilo/ Rangitoto Men fs Championship Inter Club Pennants Play Commences

5th Mar

South Head

9-420 2838

NHGA West Coast Trophy Commences

25-Mar

Omaha GC

9-422 7551

Mix Omaha Beach Pro Am Omaha

25-Mar

Omaha GC

9-422 7551

Mix Omaha Beach Pro Am Omaha

26-Mar

Omaha GC

9-422 7551

Mix Omaha Beach Pro Am Omaha

27-Mar

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

WOMEN’S PRO-AM

US KIDS GOLF TOUR

Mangawhai Golf Club’s Tarrin Rous has recently been competing in the US Kids Golf Tour which is a world wide event, there are age groups from 6yrs to 18yrs. Tarrin competed in the Boys 13-14yr division where there were 8 events, players are required to play atleast four of these events and post a score of 84 or less on atleast one occasion. Players accumulate points for performances in each event played with the winner of each division receiving a qualification invitation to enter the US Kids Golf World Championship event at Pinehurst in USA. Tarrin played all 8 events, 3 prior to Christmas and the last 5 events over 12 days in January at various courses in Auckland. He finished on top of the points table for his age division

whai Golf Club in their pennants side. We wish Tarrin all the best for his upcoming tournaments and a huge congratulation from Golf Northland on his achievements to date.

NORTH HARBOUR CHANGGI LEE WINS PRESTIGOUS TITLE

Congratulations to Changgi Lee (Pupuke) for winning the Auckland Anniversary Tournament at Akarana over the weekend. He topped the very strong field with a three round total of 209 (-1). Other North Harbour players in the top 20 included the following: 4th – Jack Lee (Pupuke) – 212 T5 – Kevin Koong (Muriwai) – 214 T10 – Willy Eady (Muriwai) – 216 T10 – Jake Lee (Muriwai) – 216 T10 – Reg Fleet (Gulf Harbour) – 216 T15 – Jesper Bengtsson (North Shore) – 218 T18 – Sung Jin Yeo (North Shore) – 219 T18 – Kit Bittle (Wainui) – 219

Congratulations to all but especially to Changgi Lee for a great win and start to the year!

AUCKLAND PRESIDENTS

and posted scores of 84 or less four times, this has qualified Tarrin for the Teen World Championship in USA this July 27th – 29th at Pinehurst – a major championship event for youth golfers aged 13 – 18. Tarrin is currently a Northland junior representative player and represents Manga-

Played at Titirangi versus Windross Farm - Results for all Jerry Song won 1 up Tom Gillan lost 5 & 4 Craig Wheat lost 4 & 2 Dalton Tusi Valasi lost 4 & 3 Robbie Michael won 3 & 1 Steve Hackett won 1 up

Amazing Prices AT REDWOOD PARK GOLF CLUB , SWANSON, AUCKLAND

 Enjoy the scenery and nature of the foothills of the Waitakere Ranges  The par 69 course provides variety for all abilities, with enough challenge for the experienced player  Our Club is known for its friendliness and social atmosphere  Our course is a 25min. drive from Central Auckland via the North Western Motorway

FULL MEMBERSHIP

MID WEEK MEMBERSHIP

SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP

 play any time  no card fee  no limits on rounds  no joining fee  monthly payment option  NZ Golf handicap  member rates on golf carts  reciprocal rights at Swanson RSA  great prices at the bar  green fee discount for your visitor

 play Monday- Friday

• 20-24yrs

 no card fee

$550 (incl gst) or $49 per mth + dep.

 other benefits same as the full membership • 25-29yrs

$733 (incl gst)

 monthly payment option ($76)

or $64 per mth + dep.

$880 (incl gst)

• 30-34yrs

$825 (incl gst) or $72 per mth + dep.

• Youth (16-19yrs)

$280 (incl gst)

• Juniors (13-15yrs) $200

$1100 (incl gst)

• Child (U12)

$120

(incl gst) (incl gst)

BUSINESS PACKAGES FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM

GOLD  Full membership + 24 green vouchers for your team /guests  Carpark  Profile branding on course and in other mediums

$2899 (incl gst)

SILVER

BRONZE

 Full membership  Carpark  Profile branding on course and in other mediums

 24 rounds per year  Sunday - Friday  Profile branding on course and in other mediums

$2150 (incl gst)

$1650 (incl gst)

Call us now to arrange an on course experience and to discuss your membership, ph 09 8338253 Bring this advert to receive a green fee discount for one on-course experience (code= pacific golfer)

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

March 2017

Greg Limond won 3 & 2 Greg Darracott lost 3 & 2 Player of the Day – Jerry Song

INTERCLUB DIVISION 1

Played at Howick V Titirangi

Gary Singer – W 2 up Michael Dengelo – W 2/1 Brian Macken – L 5/3 Malcolm Jones – W 4/3 Wally Stamp – W 3/1 Ross Hewett – W 5/4 Gordon Lewis – Halved match Charles Monthe – L 4/3 Overall team Result 5.5 / 2.5 Player of the Day – Ross Hewett

INTERCLUB DIVISION 3

Played at Howick against Titirangi #2.

Josh Bartley-Smith -Loss 8&6 Brenton Wheat -Loss 1 down Brad Heath – Won 8&6 Norm Coffer – Won 2&1 Mike Syddall – Halved Match Steve Falgate – Loss 4&3 Jeremy Cole – Won 5&4 James Ellis – Halved Match Overall team Result – 4.0/4.0 Player of the day was Brad Heath

WAIKATO TAMAHERE SHOOT-OUT

Riverside Golf club held its annual Tamahere Shoot-out over Auckland anniversary weekend. The winners of the trip to Mooloolaba in Australia sponsored by the Peninsular apartments and House of travel Morrinsville, were Terry Scott from Riverside golf club and Peter Luke from Waitangi golf club with an impressive 121 net.

AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD 2 Mar

Titirangi 09 827 3967

8-Mar

Titirangi

8-Mar

17-Mar

Titirangi

09 827 3967

Twilight 9 holes 5.30pm shotgun Wed 8th Maramarua Mid‐weekly Mixed ‘Noon’ Haggle (Visitors Welcome) Clare Wed 8th Whitford Park Monthly Pro Open Day Pro Shop NORTH SHORE GC JUNIOR FUNDRAISER

23 Mar

Titirangi 09 827 3967

Twilight 9 holes 5.30pm shotgun

30 Mar

Titirangi 09 827 3967

Twilight 9 holes 5.30pm shotgun

30th March

Akarana

31 Mar

Titirangi

(09)6210024 x1

09 827 3967

Barfoot & Thompson Open Tournament Program 2017: Black Tee Challenge

The gross winners were Duncan Brewster from Riverside golf club and Ryan Smith from Horsham downs golf club with a gross of 131. They each received a stay and play package at Kerikeri.

OPENING DAY

Riverside held their opening day on the 11th of February at Lochiel course. The format of the day was a variation of Ambrose and Riverside had pride to see the team consisting of some of their longest serving member win. The team consisted of Albie Albrey, Glen Albrey, Ian Cambell and Sally Rosenberg. They won with an impressive score of 70 by count back. The second team comprised of San-

dra Baxendine, Laurie Fogg, Sharon Tofts and Anna Lawrence.

HEAPS GOLF CLASSIC

The Heaps Golf Classic played on January 29th at Taumarunui’s ever popular Tarrangower course lived up to its name as usual with heaps of fun, food and quality prizes, $6000 worth in fact. Always played on the Sunday of every Auckland Anniversary weekend, the tournament attracts returning groups of players annually. This year was no exception when several players from Scotland once again made the tournament a must-do while in New Zealand, along with two from England, another from Perth, others from Waiuku, Auckland, Piopio Aria, Taranui, Kinloch and Waiotapu Valley to name some, and of course the locals. The reputation of all Taumarunui’s main tournaments attract a loyal following with some patrons at this particular tournament travelling there annually for two and a half decades. The dry spell evident elsewhere around the country is not affecting Tarrangower where summer moisture has been ample to the benefit of the course and greens which are in fantastic condition contributing to some great golf. If you’re looking for a superb one day tournament in 2018, this is the one to do. Main trophy winners for 2017: Best Gross – Jason Simpson (Taumarunui) 69 Best Nett – Jeff Hampson-Tindale (Waiotapu Valley) 62 Ladies Stableford – Linda Smith (Taumarunui) 43 Mens Stableford – Wayne La Roche (Piopio Aria) 42 Non-golfer – Heni Peni (Taumarunui) 39

Ngaruawahia GOLF CLUB MEAT PACK OPEN SUNDAY 12 MARCH

VETERANS 3 DAY TOURNAMENT 20 - 22 MARCH

$20 entry

$45 entry Mixed Pairs & Mens Pairs Best Ball - Stableford - Canadian Foursomes - Combined stableford

2 tee start

WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 1 March -31 March

Lake View

(07)3572343

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

1 March -31 March

Walton

(07)8883731

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

1 March -31 March

Ngaruawahia

7-824 8006

Twilight Tuesdays 3.45pm - 5pm $8 entry fee

12-Mar

Ngaruawahia

7-824 8006

Meat Pack Open on Sunday 12 March. $20 entry – 2 tee start

17-Mar

Cambridge

7-827 6381

Teams

20-Mar

Tahuna

7-887 5861

Autumn Tournament

22-Mar

Ngaruawahia

7-824 8006

Veterans 3 Day tournament

26-28 March

Mt Maunganui

7-866 5479

BOP Masters & Seniors

28-29 March

Te Awamutu

07 871 5661

Waikato Secondary Schools

31st March

Horsham Downs

7-829 4709

Horsham Downs Pairs

10th April

Matamata

7-888 610

Matamata Life Pharmacy

10th April

Morrinsville

7-889 6696

Autumn Open Morrinsville

13th April

Pirongia

7-871 9640

Pirongia Sharon de Thierry

21-Apr

Waitomo

7-873 7978

Ladies Open Waitomo

27th April

7-871 7907

Stewart Alexander 2BBB

28th April

Tokoroa

7-886 5689

Autumn Tournament – Tokoroa

28 -29 April

Walton

7-888 3731

Robert Harris 4BBB 72 Walton

PLAY NOOSA FOR $50 THEN GET 20% OFF THE SECOND ROUND.

5925 Great South Rd, Ngaruawahia | Email: nga@wave.co.nz Book online at www.golf.co.nz or phone 07 824 8006

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

March 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GIRLS GOLF A FOCUS IN 2017

Waikato Golf will have a major focus on Girls in Golf in 2017. Waikato Golf’s Jason Boobyer and Melissa Shea will be running two after school girls only golf programmes in Hamilton and Cambridge. With a very small number of girls coming through the golfing system NZ wide. Waikato Golf are starting to make inroads to get more girls out there striding the fairways. With the help of Marnie McGuire who ran a very successful after school programme at the Cambridge Golf Club in 2016, the number of girls participating in golf in the district is increasing. Whilst the Wednesday after school programme was taking place in Cambridge, over in Hamilton Jason and Melissa from Waikato Golf were introducing 14 new girls to the game using the amazing facilities available at the St Andrews Golf Course, along with ProDrive Golf Driving Range and the Callum Brae Family Golf Centre. Within the two programmes there were over 25 new girls introduced to the game of golf. With Marnie now moving to Auckland, she will be travelling back to the Waikato to run Sunday Golf sessions which will be a lead on from the after school programmes where the girls can partake in a 3hour on course session where they are introduced to the course and the playing side of the game, whilst increasing their skills The programmes will be continued to

run in 2017 out of the Cambridge Golf Club on a Wednesday and again using a number of faciltiies on a Thursday in Hamilton. If you are keen to get involved in either of these programmes or know a young girl (aged 8-14 years) who could be keen to give it a go. Get in touch with Jason or Melissa at the Waikato Golf Office today. – 07 849 1328 They are always on the look out for new coaches, so if you are a parent or friend or someone who would be keen to lend a hand we would love to hear from you too. #girlsingolf

BAY OF PLENTY GRANT CLEMENTS MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

There were a three main battles in play when play was due to start; The weather, the course and play in the tournament itself. A full field of 93 players (14 women and 79 men) arrived for Mount Maunganui’s weekend of golf – a good mix of new and established amateur golfers, all set to contest 72 holes of strokeplay over 2 days. But first there was the weather, probably worse that 2016, and then the state of the course, which following torrential rain on Friday night saw flooding and large pools of water formed on fairways a number of fairways and bunkers brimming with water. Round one was duly cancelled – the course unplayable.

Round two, with an improvement in the weather – the rain eased- and the remarkable quick recovery of the course provided a suitable opportunity to proceed with the afternoon play. A number of young hopefuls were lined up and champing at the bit to attack the course. Ryan Chisnall, Daniel Hillier, Luke Brown, Henry Spring, Harry Hillier, Nick Coxan and others were seeking to build on their past impressive performances on the Mount Maunganui Golf Course. There were a number of the first round qualifiers for the NZ Open in the Field, including Kevin Koong, Joshua Rookes, James Hydes and Shaun Campbell who were sharpening up their game for the final qualifying at Paraparaumu. ROUND ONE Men played off the Black Tees the Women off the white tees. It was all on from the start, with the challenge set by the 15 sub-par rounds in the afternoon round, 65 by Kevin Koong (Muriwai), 67 Harry Hillier (Te Puke) and 68’s by Taylor Gill (Bay of Islands) & Etham Jones (Manaia). 7 on 70 and 4 on 71. In the women’s division the Alanna Campbell Omanu), Subin Wui (Pupuke) and Grace Senior (Wairakei) set the pace. ROUND TWO Morning weather was very similar to the Saturday morning but the water levels on the course had lowered and the rain looked to ease, so play started on time and fingers crossed.

BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD 1 March -31

Rotorua GC

(07)3484051

Men’s Wednesday Haggle every Wednesday from 10.00am

9-Mar

Thames

7-868 9062

9th Thames Pak'n' Save Tournament W

9-Mar

Rotorua

7-348 4051

100% Golf Pro Shop Tournament W

16-Mar

Mercury Bay

7-866 5479

Tournament W

17 Mar

Otumoetai

7-576 9739

Open Pairs W

19-20 March

Ohope

7-312 4486

THE TWIN WATERS Mixed 36 Hole Teams Weekend

20-23 March

Harewood

3-359 8843

NZ Women's Foursomes W

23-Mar

Pauanui

7-864 9999

Pauanui Tournament W

23-26 March

Hastings

6-879 7206

New Zealand Strokeplay M & W

27-Mar

Omokoroa

7-548 0384

Omokoroa Open W

30-Mar

Hauraki

7-867 3197

Hauraki Open Tournament W

31st March

Kawerau

7-323 7095

Pixie Wilding 27 Hole W

7th April

Thames

7-868 9062

Pak'n' Save Tournament W

9th April

Omanu

7-575 5957

Silver Ladies & Men's Pennant Semi Final M & W

14th April

Lakeview

7-357 4675

Maori Golf Easter Tournament M & W Lake View & Country Club

23rd April

Mt Maunganui

7-572 7044

Open Teams W Mt Maunganui

24-Apr

Tauranga

7-578 8465

BOP Vets M & W

28-Apr

Waihi

7-863 8678

Waihi Open W

30-Apr

Omokoroa

7-548 0384

Business Ladies Open W

VISITORS WELCOME

GOLF OMANU

EVERGLADES TR

Christchurch

637 Marshland Road

GOLF

MOUNT MAUNGANUI

PLAYERS OF ALL AGES AND STAGES CATERED FOR

GREEN FEE PLAYERS WELCOME // 9 HOLES $10 - 18 HOLES $20

Play five games and get the sixth game free. Enquire about our new purple shortened course, suitable for beginners, those wanting to practise their short game, and social groups. Summer, Winter or Full Year Subscriptions available. MEMBERS DAYS: MEN - 18 holes, Saturday and Wednesday WOMEN - 18 holes, Saturday and Tuesday 9 holes - Tuesday For further details contact Miles Ruddenklau phone (03) 323 7678 email evergladescgc@xtra.co.nz

18 Hole Parkland Course 9 or 18 Hole Green Fees Cart & Club Hire Available Modern Clubhouse Friendly Atmosphere

MOUNT MAUNGANUI

98 Matapihi Rd Mount Maunganui

07 575 5957

www.omanugolf.co.nz

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 caRTs availablE by aRRanGEmEnT ph oR Email GRoups and individuals WElcomE

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WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

March 2017

Men: Another round where the scoring impressed and the real challenges set by the 13 players scoring under par. 66 by Daniel Hillier (Manor Park), 67s’ by Luke Brown (The Pines) & Nick Coxan (Riverside) and 69 by Jordan Woodall (Cambridge) saw the leadership group starting to establish itself. After 2 complete rounds the lead was shared by Daniel Hillier (fresh from his Australian success) and Kevin Koong (Muriwai), winner of the qualifying round for the NZ Open at Titirangi. Both on 136 with James Fellows-Ford (Tairua) and James Hydes (Wainui) on 140. Lurking behind and not out of sight were Luke Brown (The Pines), always a contender, and Jonathan Cane (Royal Wellington) both on 141. The 3 on 142, 4 on 143 and 4 on 144 were not to be ignored. Women: Alaana Campbell continued the same as round 1 with another 72 to total 144, with Subin Wui backing up with another 75 for 150, 4 ahead of Grace Senior total of 154. ROUND THREE: “THE FINAL ROUND” Sunday Afternoon and the sun decided to shine and course water all but completely gone. No wind and very warm humid conditions. The action certainly started with a number of players,14 with sub-par rounds saw changes to the first 2 round order. Men: An excellent 65 by Luke Brown (The Pines) saw him move up into contention and a likely winner 206. But along came Daniel Hillier with 68 to spoil Luke’s party, finishing with 204, 3 round total. A big mover was Harry Hillier who, with a 68, moved up from 10th to finish 3rd. Shaun Campbell finshed 4th on 212 (up from 13th), Jonathan Cane 5th, Kevin Koong 5th (down from 2nd) Henry Spring 7th (up from move to at 9th). Women: Scores were fell a bit. Alaana Campbell (Omanu) and bound for USA, finished with a 75 and total of 219, followed by Grace Senior also with a 75 and a total of 229. Subin Wui slipped a bit with an 82 a total 232. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2017 WEEKEND OF GOLF The NZ Men’s Foursomes and the Grant Clements Memorial Golf Tournament:

-The win by Henry Spring – Whakatane (with partner Ryan Maxwell) to win the trophy in a sudden-death play off against Luke Brown and Daniel Hillier. Henry also won the trophy in 2016 while Luke Brown won in 2015. -The close competition from the start with 8 pairs in real contention. The Grant Clements Memorial Golf Tournament. -Great golf and consistency displayed by the top amateurs in the field, especially considering the amount of travel and competition involved for some Australia and South America in January. A pleasure to again have the top NZ amateurs, Alanna Campbell, Ryan Chisnall, Daniel Hillier, Luke Brown, Jonathan Cane, Nick Coxan, Mark Hutson, Grace senior and of course Henry Spring from Whakatane. Henry managed to get his named engraved on yet another trophy -The patience, tolerance displayed by all players and above all the positive attitude and friendly manner despite the many changes and the disruption caused by the weather etc. – The competitive golf played by Luke Brown and Daniel Hillier for the 3 rounds of golf in very trying conditions and circumstances. - The valiant efforts by the volunteers involved with the tee starting, starting office, Score CARD CHECKING, SCORE BOARD AND SCORE ENTRY. Special acknowledgement is made of the support from Sam Kendall (Pro Shop) who was there for everyone each morning. -Receipt of the many compliments and acknowledgements from players for the quality if the tournament organisation and conduct and living up to its prestigious status. -Special mention of the fine work by the Mount Maunganui Golf Club green-keepers who managed to present a course in as good condition possible despite the inclement weather. DISTRICT TEAMS COMPETITION 9 teams competed for the District Teams Trophy in what looked to be close from the start. ROUND 1 Northland pair of Taylor Gill & Nathan Nitsche were out of the block is a hurry with total of 68/72 -140, with Bay of Plenty

$20 green fees on Saturday & Sunday

close behind on 142 and Auckland on 144. ROUND 2 Northland maintained their lead position with Gill/Nitsche 76&72 -148 a total of 288. Close behind were North Harbour (Chang gi Lee & Mark Hutson) on 147/144 – 291, Bay of Plenty (Howard/ Spring) 142/149 -291, Waikato (Coxan/Charlton) 147/144 – 291 and Wellingtom (Cane/Slaven) 148/144 -292 ROUND 3 Final Round. The pressure was on. Bay of Plenty finished with 138 (Howard 67 & Spring 71) for a 3 round total of 429 to win the District Teams “Challenge” Trophy for 2017. Northland with 143 –Gill 72 & Nitsche 71 a final total of 431 2 adrift of Bay of Plenty. Wellington managed a 143 also (Cane 72 & Slaven 71) and a total of 435. Waikato – (Coxan 71 & Charlton 78) for 149 ended up with 440 for 3rd. North Harbour (Lee 75 & Hutson 75) a 150 and a total of 442 for 5th.

SENIOR’S CHAMPIONSHIP

Andries Cloete pulls off major surprise at New Zealand Seniors Championship at Ohope. It was no surprise that former New Zealand representative Brent Paterson comfortably won the New Zealand Seniors title at the beautiful Ohope links but the runner-up certainly raised a few eyebrows. 51-year-old Andries Cloete who holds joint membership at Omanu and Tauranga Golf Clubs had rounds of 72 68 72 to claim second place as well as winning his age division. Cloete immigrated with his wife and family 10 years ago, from Namibia and is employed by Western Bay District Council as a town planner. The District Council is directly across the racecourse from Tauranga Golf Club and during the week Andries makes the journey across the racecourse to work on his short game at Tauranga Golf Club. Come the weekend Andries plays or represents Omanu Golf Club. Last year he had his heart set on making the Bay of Plenty Masters team but an ongoing arm injury limited his preparation meaning he just failed to make the Freyberg Masters Squad. However, after his performance at Ohope against a field of outstanding Trans-Tasman senior golfers, with an abundance of Freyberg Masters players

from around the country Andries has given notice that he will be a force to be reckoned with in 2017.

Leading scores: 1st Brent Paterson Royal Auckland: 72 67 67 206 2nd Andries Cloete Omanu: 72 68 72 212 3rd John Batley Titirangi: 72 69 73 214 4th Kym Olsen Australia: 72 72 71 215 5th Michael Barltrop Royal Auckland: 71 71 73 215 Other leading Bay of Plenty scores: 14th Dave Cooke Tauranga: 73 74 73 220 18th Adrian Campbell Te Puke: 77 71 74 222 21st Darryn Lowans Omokoroa: 75 n71 77 223

REIJO RAUTJOKI MEMORIAL TROPHY

Kawerau Golf and Squash Club held Reijo Rautjoki Memorial Trophy on a 29 degree sweltering hot Waitangi Day. Monday 6th February brought 61 golfers together to contest for this prestigious Cup. Golfers from Murupara,Te Teko,Ohope International,Mt Maunganui,Opotoki,Tauranga,Australia,Omanu,Rotorua and local Kawerau fought the heat to claim their rights as holder for Reijo Rautjoki for 2017. The winner Hamish Maxwell coming in with 64 nett. Results. Top Mens Hamish Maxwell Opotoki 64 nett Ray Samuels Kawerau 65 nett Hika Kingi Kawerau 65 nett Nick Grimmer Te Teko 65 nett Dave Fisher Kawerau 66 nett Colin McClean Kawerau 66 nett Hemana Waaka Kawerau 67 nett Llyod Marcus Sydney 67 nett Alex Heeney Kawerau 67nett Top Ladies Jose Howe Ohope International 67 nett Jan Thatcher Ohope International 68 nett Helen Bentley Kawerau 68 nett Jackie Tawhara Murupara 69 nett. A great day enjoyed by everyone.

HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY MARAENUI GOLF CLUB

Sacred Hill Maraenui Weekend Ladies Tournament held 21 & 22 January:

54-hole Match Play Open Champion: Julie Gee (Riverside); Runner-up: Sara Deam (Napier) Aubrey Dyke Cup Winner: Maree Whiteman (Ngahinepouri); Runner up: Lisa Cotton (Pahiatua) Maraenui Cup Winner: Kathleen O’Mahony (Maraenui); Runner-up: Di Dixon (Maraenui) Awatoto Cup Winnner: Lesley Leary (Rangatira); Runner-up: Debbie Crocker (Ngahinepouri) Pania Cup Winner: Jeni Guiniven (Rangatira); Run-

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

* Conditions apply Ends 31 March 2017

March 2017

Mention this ad in Golfer Pacific NZ when making a booking to receive this special promotion. Visit www.riversidegolf.co.nz or call 07 843 6287 today.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

HAWKES BAY POVERTY BAY NOTICEBOARD 6-Mar

Hastings

6-879 7206

Open Ladies Day

11 Nar

Tahunga

06 867 0849.

Tahunga Open

11-Mar

Waipukurau

6-858 9598

HB Mixed Foursomes

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

20-Mar

Tolgaga Bay

6-862 6780

Tolaga Bay Ladies Open & Queen of the Coast

21/22 Mar

Maraenui

6-835 8273

Sommerset-Smith 18 Hole Open

23-26 Mar

Poverty Bay

6-867 4402

Poverty Bay Match Play - 54 Holes 8.30am

1-Apr

Hastings

6-879 7206

NZ Stroke Play

3-Apr

Waipukurau

6-858 9598

Prussing Shield

8th Apr

Puketitiri

6-839 8892

Puketitiri 18 Holes Women’s Open

10-Apr

Gisborne

6-867 9849

Gisborne Park Open 18 Holes (Pennant 4)

13-Apr

Porangahau

(06)8555281

Porangahau Open Tournament

19-Apr

Dannevirke

6-374 8248

Dannevirke 18 Hole

22-Apr

Poverty Bay

6-867 4402

Association Day & Judy O'Rourke Challenge

23-Apr

Tahunga

(06) 867 0849

Ladies Open

28-Apr

Napier

6-844 7913

Pike Cup

28-Apr

Napier

6-844 7913

New World Ladies Veterans 50 Years Plus Tournament

29-Apr

Mahia

6-837 5700

Mahia Ladies Open

ner-up: Karen Clifford (Maraenui) Te Awa Cup Winner: Jo McAlley (Rangatira); Runner-up: Cheryl Ranford (Maraenui) Scinde Cup Winner: Nicola Macpherson (Maraenui); Runner-up: Joan Griffiths (Rangatira) Stableford Overall Winner: Alison Curtis (Maraenui) 85; Saturday 18 hole Winner: Leyth Martin (Hastings) 39; Sunday 18 hole Winner: Vivien Hall (Cambridge) 48. Saturday PaR nz Approaches: Hole No 2 – Kath McCabe (Maraenui); Hole No 16 – Brenda Graham (Maraenui); Hole No11 – Colleen Morton (Maraenui). Saturday Glenns Pharmacy Accuracy Drive Hole 9: 0-16.5 Fiona Churstain (Riverside); 16.6-22.5 Paula Pattison (Maraenui); 22.6-40.4 Nicole Patterson (Palmerston North). Sunday PaR nz No 5 Hole Approach: 0-16.5 Ave Ferguson (Maraenui); 16.6-22.5 Lynne McDon-

ald (Rangitikei); 22.6 – 40.4 Cheryl Ranford (Maraenui). Sunday Dulux Approaches: Hole No 2 – Maureen Morris (Hawke’s Bay); Hole No 16 – Paula Pattison (Maraenui); Hole No11 – Kathy Miller (Cambridge). Golf Matters Shootout Winner: Debs Foster (Riverside).

MANAWATU WANGANUI AGE GROUP CHAMPS

The Manawatu Wanganui Junior Age Group Champs were played on Sunday at Feilding Golf Club. The weather started off very fine and hot, however a heavy rain storm hit midway through the second round which did cause minor issues on the greens, however we got through without any major delay. Wanganui’s Tara Raj was in great form shooting a 4 under par 70 in round one, and back that up with an even par 74 in the afternoon, to take out both the Under 19 and Under 15 girls titles for the second straight year. The Boys under 19 winner was Liam Finlayson on his home course with rounds of 72 and 77. The Boys under 16 winner was Palmerston North’s Bradley McSherry with 77 and 78. The Boys under 13 winner was Feilding Ryan Rooney with 86 & 83. All the winners from this year were the same winners from the event played a year ago also at Feilding.

NEWS FROM LEVIN

In February Levin Golf club held a novel Golf event. President Alan Kearns told Golfer Pacific that the idea was to “choose which hole to put out in, Two holes and sticks per green. With one a bit harder than the other. To hole out in the black one you received two extra stableford points on that hole. It was really risk and reward as some pin placements were very difficult. However the 86 that played had a very enjoyable day and want to do it again.” “We also held our 36 Stroke play Championships during February. “ Brydie Hodge has now returned from America and won the Women’s Silver. Steve Leppard Junior. Reuben Tomane Senior and 14 year old Cameron Giddens the Men’s Intermediate.

MANAWATU WANGANUI NOTICEBOARD

WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD

10-Mar

Marton

6-327 6719

District Day Marton GC Women

13-Mar

Waikane

4-293 6399

Women's 9 Hole Open Day

15-19 March

Manawatu

6-357 8793

Lawnmaster Classic - Charles Tour

15-Mar

Carterton

6-379 8457

Women's 9 Hole Open Day

19-Mar

Feilding

6-323 4553

REPRESENTATIVE FUND RAISER

18-Mar

Martinborough

6-306 9076

2017 WGI Women's 36 Hole Open

23-Mar

Castlecliff

6-344 4554

Open Day Castlecliff GC Women

19-Mar

Martinborough

6-306 9076

2017 Julie Murphy Jug

23-26 Mar

Hastings

6-879 7206

NZ Stroke Play

20-Mar

BFHC

4-567 4722

Ladies Vets

25 Mar

Levin

06 3686189

Superloft Cup Mixed

23-Mar

Waikane

4-293 6399

Women's 18 Hole Open Day

30-31 Mar

Feilding

6-323 4553

Premier Challenge Feilding GC Women

2-Apr

Carterton

6-379 8457

2017 WBS Wairarapa Women's 36 Hole Open Foursomes

31 Mar -2 Apr

Ngaruawahia

7-824 8006

Women's Masters

8 Apr

Masterton

6-377 4984

2017 Wairarapa 72 Hole Open

6-Apr

Pahiatua

6-376 8005

Open Day Pahiatua GC Women

9-Apr

Shandon

4-939 6305

Shandon Womens Weekend Open

16 Apr

Levin

06 3686189

Easter Sunday Open Stableford

15-Apr

Titahi

4-236 7334

2017 Titahi 18 Hole Open

18-19 Apr

Marton

6-327 6719

Development Quadrangular Junior Rep

21-Apr

BFHC

4-567 4722

Hutt New World Women's Open

18-19 Apr

Marton

6-327 6719

Lower North Island Girls Matchplay Marton GC Junior Rep

27-Apr

Trentham

4-527 7039

Ladies Vets

28-Apr

6-306 9076

28-Apr

Palmerston North

Martinborough

Wairarapa Women's 4BBB

6-351 0700

Palmerston North Harrison's Open

WELLINGTON PAHIATUA GOLF NEWS

Following are the results from the Hoffman Ford Opening Day American Foursomes tournament.

Mixed section: 1st Sean and Denise Galvin 62.5 nett on countback 2nd Marion Hunt and Paddy Galvin 62.5 3rd Peter Johns and Paula McCool 65 nett 4th Liz and Lance Paterson (Turangi) 66.5 nett 5th Kay Ball and Mike Galvin 70 nett 6th Ivan Fraser and Seona Ashton 71.5 nett on countback 7th Di and Paul Roddick 71.5 8th Colleen Daysh and Kevin Carter 72 nett Men’s section: 1st Carl Sutton and Andrew Richardson 64.5 nett 2nd John Delehanty and Andrew McKnight 65.5 nett 3rd David Ives and Craig Walton 66 nett Closest to Pin: Men: Carl Sutton Women: Margaret Mudgway 2nd Shot to the Green: Men: Craig Walton and David Ives Mixed: Peter Johns and Paula McCool

TASMAN COASTWIDE HONDA WESTLAND CLASSIC 2017 ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS

Blue skies and a warm Saturday greeting a full field of 140 on the weekend for the Greymouth Club’s biggest tournament of the year. This was in sharp contrast to the inclement weather experienced over recent months, and a welcome respite for the club. The trophy for best gross score was won by local Club Captain Peter Bourke, who put two very steady rounds of 72, 71 together for a gross 143 and a win by 3 shots from Jarrod Satherley on 146. Bourke picked up the Westland Classic Trophy plus $500 for his win. Lyn Bruning showed her 2016 form was no fluke, repeating last year’s win to capture the Penny Robertson Jug and $500 for her net score of 146. Best net across the men’s divisions was won by long shot local winner Gavin Grant, who put together two excellent net rounds of 68 and 62 for 130 net to win on a countback from Kevin Peters, also 130 net.

www.rotoruagolfclub.co.nz Come and play our great course. Tour Groups Functions 3 Putt Groups Club Groups Corporate

Easter Weekend Golf Book your play today --------------------------------------------------

Monday Play Special $30.00 Day Membership (GF) Phone the Friendly team:

-ArikikapakapaWWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

March 2017

Office 07 348 4051 Pro-shop 07 349 0446

TASMAN NOTICEBOARD Taman Buller Westland 10-Mar

Greymouth GC

3-768 5332

West Coast Challenge

19-Mar

Greymouth GC

3-768 5332

Eagles Halberg Tournament

25-Mar

Westport GC

3-789 8132

Womens Tournament

9-Apr

Hokitika GC

3-755 8549

Interdistrict Rnd.2 Grey v Westland

15-Apr

Hokitika GC

3-755 8549

Easter Tournament

Tasman Nelson Region 11-Mar

Murchison GC

03) 5826 2473

Murchison Open

19-Mar

Golden Downs GC

3 522 4134

Jellyman Trophy

25-Mar

Nelson GC

3-548 5029

NBS Open Tournament

1-Apr

Hanmer Springs GC

3-315 7110

Nelson v North Canterbury

6-Apr

Waahi Taakaro GC

3-548 7301

Old Hickory

9-Apr

Waahi Taakaro GC

3-548 7301

Sloan Rnd 3

5-Mar

Blenheim GC

3-578 4320

1000 Open Tournament

5-Mar

Awatere GC

3-575 7072

Clubs of Marlborough

6-Mar

Marlborough GC

3-578 7646

Vets

8-Mar

Awatere/ Kaikoura GC

3-575 7072

Opening Day

11-Mar

Picton GC

3-573 7750

Dewar Cup 36 Holes

14-Mar

Blenheim GC

3-578 4320

RSA

14-Mar

Wairau Valley GC

03 5783352

Margaret Anderson -Trophy

20-Mar

Picton GC

3-573 7750

Vets

26-Mar

Picton GC

3-573 7750

Clubs of Marlborough

27-Mar

Marlborough GC

3-578 7646

Alan Scott

31-Mar

Ngaruawahia GC

7-824 8006

Womens Masters

1-Apr

Blenheim GC

3-578 4320

Eagles

3-Apr

Rarangi GC

3-570 5709

Vets

3-Apr

Picton GC

3-573 7750

Pennants 1

5-Apr

Blenheim GC

3-578 4320

Glad Perry

8-Apr

Marlborough GC

3-578 7646

St Clair Greensome

9-Apr

Marlborough GC

3-578 7646

Interclub

10-Apr

Picton GC

3-573 7750

RSA

TASMAN MARLBOROUGH

A feature of the tournament also included a hole in one scored by David Browne of Waitikiri, who won $300 for his efforts. The tournament continues to attract players from afar, with some 10 players from Australia, and similar numbers from Auckland joining 30 locals and approximately 90 from Canterbury, Nelson and Marlborough areas. Full list of prize winners below:

Best Gross 36 holes – Peter Bourke 72,71 – 143 Men’s Best Net over the field – Gavin Grant 130 Senior Men Best Net 36 holes – Peter Theron 133 Senior Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Craig Castle 137 Senior Men’s 2nd Runner Up Net 36 holes-Russell Nelson 139 Senior Men Best Gross – Jarrod Satherley -146 Senior Men Runner Up Gross – Geoff Saunders – 147 Senior Men Best Net Saturday – Dean Ross 66 Senior Men Best Net Sunday – Mike Beaudoin 66 Intermediate Men Best Net 36 holes – Brent Foster 132 Intermediate Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Wayne Thomas 133 Intermedate Men 2nd Runner Up 36 holes- Neil Hesson 139 Intermediate Men Best Gross 36 holes – Wayne Russell 171 Intermediate Men Runner Up Gross 36 holes – Kevin Thomas 172 Intermediate Men Best Net Saturday – Ken Williams 68 Intermediate Men Best Net Sunday – David Browne 73 Junior Men Best Net 36 holes- Kevin Peters 130 Junior Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Mark Connors 138 Junior Men 2nd Runner Up Net 36 holes – Kevin Cordiner 139 Junior Men Best Gross 36 holes – Paul Kaye – 171 Junior Men Runner Up Gross 36 holes – Tony Jordan 179 Junior Men Best Net Saturday – Tonie de Vries 72 Junior Men Best Net Sunday – Gareth Grant 68 Womens Best Net 36 holes – Lyn Bruning 146 Women’s Runner Up Net 36 holes – Maryanne Glasson 149 on countback from Gaye Munnerley Women’s Best Gross 36 holes, Ingrid Cadenhead 174 Women’s Runner Up Gross 36 holes – Lynda Vieceli 178 Women’s Best Net Saturday – Pauline Adams 73 Women’s Best Net Sunday –Kath Kirk 75 Womens Closest Pin Saturday – Lyn Bruning Women’s Straightest drive Saturday – Maryanne

Glasson Women’s Straightest drive Sunday – Jeannine Paul Men’s Closest Pin Saturday – Mike Toal Men’s Closest Pin Sunday – Louis Vieceli Men’s Straightest drive Saturday – Maurice Ford Men’s Straightest drive Sunday – Jarrod Satherley Mooney Cup – Best Australian Net score – Tony O’Rouke – 150 Haggle Hole Saturday – Mike Beaudoin Haggle Hole Sunday – Gary Batey Junior Men Closest Pin on 9th for 3 – David Skinner Women Closest Pin on 9th for 4 – Ingrid Cadenhead Two’s were scored on Saturday by: Steve Elwood, Kath Clark, Ian Donaldson, Bill Anderson, Dean Ross, Tonie de Vries and Peter Bourke and on Sunday by: Peter Bourke, Geoff Saunders, Louis Vieceli, Mike Beaudoin, Liam Beirne, Craig Castle, Scott Calvert, Kevin Cordiner, Neil Hesson, Ian Stewart, Charles O’malley(2) Greg Hateley, Wayne Merriman.

MOTUEKA OPEN RESULT AND TASMAN OOM POINTS

Congratulations to Eve Clarke and Haydn Morgan, who have taken out the 2017 Motueka Open played recently. In another stellar day, Haydn narrowly held off young Matt Grimes with a +4 round of 76 to win by one stroke. Haydn has won this tournament multiple times over a long time span, so it’s great to see him back in the winners circle again. It happened to be a bit more of a one-sided affair in the women’s division as Eve Clarke had a +4 round of 76 to be the eventual winner by 17 strokes. Erin is off to the Lee Westwood Academy in Scotland in April. leaderboards: Top 10 men: (receiving OOM points) 1. Haydn Morgan- 147 2. Matthew Grimes- 148 3. Stephen Vercoe- 150 4. Nicolas Thomsen- 151 4. Craig Newman- 151 4. Connor Winter- 151 7. Kevin Armstrong- 152 7. Hayden Heal- 152 9. Kameran Clarke- 153 10. Andrew Drummond- 155 10. Blair Bavin- 155 Top 10 women: 1. Eve Clarke- 150 2. Natalee Reed- 167

3. Lynn Brand- 168 4. Shirley Wisnewski- 170 5. Lesley Baxter- 172 6. Astrid Tudberry- 176 7. Debbie Scott- 178 8. Penny Vincent- 180 9. Joanne Rainbird- 181 10. Tania Appelman- 187

CANTERBURY RANGIORA MAKE IT A DOUBLE AT CAPTAINS DAY TOURNAMENT

Canterbury Golf’s Annual Captains Day Tournament was played at Amberley Golf Club last month. Light drizzle greeted players initially but the weather improved as the day went on and the course was in excellent condition with some great scoring as a result. Everyone enjoyed a great afternoon catching up with representatives from other Canterbury Clubs and the excellent hospitality provided by the Amberley Golf Club.

OVER 50’S & 60’S INTERCLUB

The final round of Canterbury Over 50’s & 60’s Interclub was played at Bottle Lake CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD 8-Mar

Hamner Springs

3-315 7110

Women's 3 Day Tournament

9-Mar

Everglades

3-323 8641

Women's Open

17-Mar

Greendale

3-318 8046

Women's Canadian Foursomes

18-Mar

Hanmer Springs

3-315 7110

Simes Cup 27 Hole Mixed American Foursomes

19-Mar

Rawhiti

03) 388 6626

Men's Open

20-Mar

Harewood

3-359 8843

NZ Golf Women's Autumn Foursomes

22-Mar

Amberley

03 3148666

Women's Teams Stableford Tournament

24-Mar

Kaiapoi

3-327 7320

Canterbury Golf Life Members Tournament

26-Mar

Chateris Bay

3-329 4799