Golfer Pacific NZ - Decemeber 2017 by Golfer Pacific NZ

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Hillier sets a new record in NZ Amateur PAGE 4

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EDITORIAL

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Asia-Pacific Amateur was my major championship of the year

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

his is the time of year when I would usually reflect on the past year. It would normally recall golf’s four major tournaments — the Masters Tournament in April, the US Open in June, The Open Championship in July and the US PGA Championship in August. I would remind you that Sergio Garcia won the Masters, beating Justin Rose on the first sudden-death playoff hole. The Spaniard’s victory was his first in a major championship at his 74th appearance and came on April 9, which would have been the 60th birthday of Spain’s golfing hero Seve Ballesteros. I would then pose the following question. Can you remember who won the US Open, because I couldn’t? The answer, after I looked it up, is Brooks Koepka. He won by four shots with a score of 16 under par which equalled Rory McIlroy’s record as the lowest score in the tournament’s 117year history. Koepka’s winning purse was $US2.16 million which was the first time $US2 million had been exceeded for the winner of a major. It would then be on to The Open Championship, more commonly known as the British Open. I would pose yet another

question. Where was the British Open held? The answer is Royal Birkdale. The winner was Jordan Spieth who was recording his third win in a major. Spieth beat fellow American Matt Kuchar, the sentimental favourite, in a dramatic final round which included one shot that took Spieth 20 minutes to play. On the par four 13th hole, Spieth hit his drive nearly 100 metres to the right of the fairway, leaving him an unplayable lie. He incurred a one-shot penalty before hitting his next shot from the practice range where he made a remarkable recovery to escape with a bogey. More startling golf was to follow. On the 14th hole Spieth nearly holed his tee shot to make an easy birdie and he then drained a 35-foot putt for an eagle at 15 before posting birdies at 16 and 17. Spieth went on to beat Kuchar by three. The year’s final major, the US PGA Championship was won by Justin Thomas which was to become his third of four wins on the PGA Tour for the 2017 season, as well as taking out the season-ending FedEx Cup playoffs. But while those events are easily the biggest tournaments of the year, none represented my highlight for 2017. That distinction, for me, went

easily to the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Wellington in October. The Asia-Pacific might only be an amateur event and only for players from the Asia-Pacific region but it was the nearest thing to a world-class professional golf tournament apart from the fact that no professionals were playing. What made the Asia-Pacific great was the input from the organisers of the Masters Tournament. They poured in millions of dollars and it made me think that things like the entrance road to Royal Wellington Golf Club being re-sealed the week before the tournament was more than co-incidental. There were large digital screens posted around the course over the concluding holes where up-to-the-minute scores could be viewed. Such screens would not come cheaply. The Masters’ people must also have paid for the weather. Wellington was deluged by wet weather for months beforehand and at my own golf club, just a few kilometres down the road, long-time members were saying that they had never seen the course so wet for so long. But just two weeks before the Asia-Pacific the weather came right and to use racing parlance, golf courses in the Wellington area went from a heavy 11 to a good 3.

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

And just as amazingly, Wellington was blessed with fine weather for the week of the tournament. Then there was the live television coverage of the Asia-Pacific. Once again top marks. It was like watching a PGA Tour or European Tour event. The pictures were highly complimentary, including making the neighbouring Hutt River look like a pristine waterway. There were also pictures of the dramatic Huka Falls in Taupo which I am told may have appeared at being at the head of the Hutt River — don’t tell anyone that is not quite the case. But what also impressed me was that the hundred or so volunteers such as course marshals, scorers, scoreboard walkers and caddies were well looked after. All volunteers were supplied with a jacket, two shirts, a cap and were provided with breakfast and lunch each day. The icing on the cake was that the public turned up in droves. There would have been perhaps a thousand people watching the final hole as 17-year-old Yuxin Lin of China hit a five iron from 197m to within several feet of the hole for his second shot of the par five hole of 497m. Lin duly holed the putt for eagle to provide a fitting end to a fantastic week.

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Daniel Hillier sets a new record in NZ Amateur after having lost another GOLF NEWS

aniel Hillier was the youngest male to win the New Zealand Amateur when he achieved that feat as a 17-year-old in 2015. But that record only lasted 12 months. Louis Dobbelaar from Australia was aged just 15 when he triumphed in the same event last year. With that record gone Hillier created a new one when he again won New Zealand’s premier tournament for amateurs, this time at the Russley Golf Club in Christchurch last month. That victory saw him become the first male to win the tournament twice as a teenager. The Wellington 19-year-old made a one-horse race of the 36-hole final, beating Tom Parker from Canterbury 10 and 9. But while the final was a one-sided affair, Hillier had a couple of narrow escapes in earlier rounds. None more so was in the first round of matchplay when Hillier was up against Dominic Brettkelly from Canterbury. Hillier went into the final of

Daniel Hillier holds the New Zealand Amateur Championship trophy aloft for the second time. He won the same tournament in 2015. PHOTO BW Media

the regulation 18 holes one down and when his drive off the tee ended up under a tree it appeared one of the tournament’s favourites was about to make an early departure. But what followed was a touch of brilliance and a fair dollop of luck. Hillier was able to sting the ball out and finish just off the green. From there

he amazingly chipped in for an eagle three and take the match to a sudden-death playoff. On the first playoff hole Hillier came close to hitting his tee shot out of bounds. But he rectified the situation with a good approach shot and sank his putt for birdie and victory over Brettkelly.

Hillier admitted good fortune went his way. “I don’t really know what just happened,’’ Hillier said after the match. `Ìt was a bit of a grind and Dom played so, so well and was holing a lot of putts. `Ì was just very fortunate to hole that chip. I was even more lucky to stay in bounds in the playoff and it was just one of those situations where you don’t want it to end that way, but it just happened.” Hillier also had a close game in the quarter-finals against Mark Hutson. He went to the final hole one up but was able to win that as well and score a two-up victory. It was ironic that Hillier played Parker in the final. He had stayed at the Parker family home during the tournament. “It feels amazing, it’s been one heck of a week,’’ Hillier said after the tournament win. `Ì managed to get some putts to drop in the final and that was the difference today. Tom was brilliant all week and it was awesome to go head to

head with him at one of the biggest events. “This certainly is one of the more special victories. To win it for the second time feels just as good if not better.’’ Hillier said he was in no hurry to become a professional golfer. “It is a big step for me and I feel like my career is progressing nicely. If I can keep improving my game I may look to turn pro in a year or two and challenge myself at the next level.” Hillier’s win came a week after finishing a meritorious sixth in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Wellington, in which he was the highest placed New Zealander. The win adds to Hillier’s already impressive golfing curriculum vitae. He has also won the New Zealand Under 19 Strokeplay Championship, two New Zealand Age Group Championships, an Australian Juniors’ Championship and the Harewood Open, a professional tournament on New Zealand’s Charles Tour.

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Silvia Brunotti adds to record of 14-year-olds in NZ Amateur NEWS

f you needed proof that the age of top performers in golf are getting younger you only needed to look at the women’s final of the New Zealand Amateur Championship. The final at the Russley Golf Club in Christchurch last month saw Silvia Brunotti beat defending champion Rose Zheng. Brunotti was aged 14 while Zheng was the same age when she won the same tournament the previous year. It was also the same age when Lydia Ko won the tournament in 2011. Brunotti gained the lead over Zheng after the fourth of 36 holes and it was a lead she never relinquished, going on to score by 7 and 6. The comparision to Ko was unavoidable. “I want to be like Lydia,” Brunotti said afterwards. “I’m over the moon, I know it

doesn’t look like it, but I am. “I don’t know how to explain the feeling, it’s so unreal and I didn’t think I would get this far.” Brunotti, from Auckland, had a close call in round two of the matchplay. She won the last four holes to win one up against Fuukha Higashi. Brunotti had scored easy wins in her quarter- and semi-final matches which boosted her confidence for the final. “I’m not even nervous,” Brunotti said after her semi-final win. “It’s just so exciting, I never get nervous until maybe the very last putt. “It’s going to be a good game, but this is definitely my biggest game ever. I have been working hard every day after school because I just want to be a better player. I didn’t expect to go this far.”

Silvia Brunotti of Auckland, winner of the New Zealand Amateur at age 14 PHOTO BW Media.

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December 2017

Some lighter moments at the Asia-Pacifc Amateur By Paul Gueorgieff Golfer Pacific editor

GOLF NEWS 6

he Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship is a serious tournament but it did not go without some lighter moments. One occasion involved a ball spotter who was positioned about 300m down the fairway. He privately admitted he was not the ideal man for the job considering he could hardly see his own ball if it went further than 150m off the tee. The same spotter provided some spectators with something to laugh about when a player smashed a drive in his direction. The ball rattled amongst the trees above him before dropping amongst the spectators. The spotter asked: ``Did anyone see where that went?’’ The spectators duly responded with a ``it’s here’’ but you could tell by the tone of their voices they were disbelieving the spotter was not aware where the ball was, especially as it was very close. But he had them laughing a moment later when he responded with

the truth: ``Just joking. I knew where it was.’’

IT’S OKAY, BRO

Another light-hearted incident involved local hero Daniel Hillier, or more precisely his sister Natalie. She grabbed a moment, just before Daniel was about to hit off, to fill up her water bottle from a drinking tap positioned near the tee box. What she did not realise was the tap was one of those that did not immediately turn off. By this stage Daniel was getting ready to hit but he had to pull away when the sound of running water continued and banging noises followed as Natalie tried desperately to stop the tap from running. Daniel turned to Natalie and said: ``It’s okay bro (yes, he refers to his sister as bro).’’ That was followed with the offer of a fist bump and a wide smile.

I DON’T KNOW WHERE SHE IS

After-the-round press conferences can often be tame affairs but some of the participants were happy to liven things up with a laugh. One such player was Min Woo Lee from Australia. He, at the age of 19, is a younger brother of LPGA Tour player Min Jee Lee and was asked the obvious

question of their golfing relationship, ``We always try to lift each other, wherever we are,’’ said Lee before adding he had only spoken to her the night before. Then came the confusion. ``I know she’s in Taiwan at the moment, no actually I don’t know where she is — she’s in Asia somewhere.’’ When the laughter from the press benches subsided Lee revealed his sister is an amazing analyst of the game. ``She just said hit every fairway, hit every green and sink the putts. I suppose that’s pretty good advice.’’

KIWIFRUIT

Before the tournament started, one Chinese player was asked if he had been to New Zealand before. When the reply was no he was asked what were his initial thoughts. ``I’ve learned that a kiwi is not a fruit. It’s a bird,’’ he said with a smile.

THE HILLIERS

On the third day of the tournament Daniel Hillier and fellow New Zealander Charlie Hillier (no relation) were paired together. The walker’s scoreboard only carries the surname of each player so an adjustment had to be made to show the

December 2017

difference. The letter D was handwritten in front of Daniel’s surname and the letter C in front of Charlie Hillier’s name. In the case of Charlie it made his surname read Chillier. It didn’t seem appropriate on what was a very warm day.

THE ABLUTIONS BLOCK

A new name for the practice area at a big golf tournament was created following a conversation with Wellington golf coach Kevin Smith. Kevin was talking about what makes a good player great and that it was not just being a good ball striker. He said almost equally as important was how a player handled the mental games on the golf course along with off-thecourse distractions such as dealing with officials, sponsors, news media and the public. He said you only had to stand at the driving range and watch one player after another hitting great golf shots and wonder what makes one of them better than all the others. ``You can walk along a driving range and you’ll see flushing it, flushing it, flushing it, flushing it,’’ Kevin said. With all that flushing my response was it was much like an ablutions block.

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New Zealand Women’s Open wins global LPGA award T

he Ladies Professional Golfers’ Association (LPGA) has awarded The Clubhouse, organisers of the McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open, the gold driver award for best advertising campaign and promotional plan. The advertising campaign, featuring Kiwi golf sensation, Lydia Ko, set out to promote the first ever LPGA Tour event in New Zealand. The award recognises the campaign and marketing plan as the best in its class and further supports the success of the New Zealand Women’s Open held at Windross Farm, south Auckland, where more than 30,000 fans were in attendance. The Clubhouse managing director Michael Goldstein said: “We talked at length with Augusto about our desire to connect some of the world’s best golfers

Lydia Ko in the New Zealand Women’s Open ``in our own backyard” advertising campaign

to everyday golf fans in New Zealand. Having Lydia come home to play with her friends on tour really resonated with all of us around the table and the ‘world’s greatest in our backyard’ creative stemmed from this message. “So to see the concept come

to life and be received so well by the public, our sponsors and the LPGA Tour is really cool.” Augusto creative directors Matt Sellars and Rich Robson were excited by the prospect to work on one of New Zealand’s biggest events. Sellars said: “We opted for an

unorthodox approach with a fun and entertaining campaign that saw ‘Lyds’ playing right here in our backyard. It saw her hitting over fences, down footpaths, through kids’ sandpits and taking a local neighbourhood by surprise.’’ The campaign included social

NEWS

video content, print and event collateral which helped spark interest in the event and promote the tournament, which attracted numbers that LPGA senior officials said were equal to some of the biggest crowds seen on tour in the United States. The marketing plan was supported by fantastic media partners for the event including New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME), Sky television, Chinese Herald, Korea Post and New Zealand Golf Magazine. Goldstein added: “It’s rewarding to have won this award and it is a testament to Augusto for their creative abilities and our team for an awesome job. But most of all it is an award that we must share with Lydia who was an outstanding tournament host.’’

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December 2017

Re-launch of PGA Tour in China T

GOLF NEWS

he PGA Tour is once again partnering with the China Golf Association with the launch of the PGA Tour-China in 2018. The PGA Tour-China will consist of a full schedule of tournaments, with each event offering a prize purse of at least RMB1.5 million (about US$200,000), up from RMB1.2 million in 2016. As is the case with all three PGA Tour international developmental tours, PGA Tour-China will provide players a path to the PGA Tour through the Web.com Tour, with the top-five money-winners at season’s end earning 2019 Web.com Tour membership. In addition, there will be at least 15 additional players who will have access to the latter stages of the Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament. This past season, China’s Dou Zecheng and Zhang Xinjun became the first players from China to earn PGA Tour cards after their strong 2017 Web.com Tour seasons, where Dou finished 17th on the money list and Zhang placed 21st.

Auckland’s 12th Freyberg title

uckland won the Freyberg Masters for the second year in a row with a convincing win over Wellington in the 2017 edition at Whitford Park Golf Club in Auckland. Auckland defeated Wellington 4-1 to add to its success of last year and provide Auckland with it’s 12th title in the event's 32-year history which dates back to 1986. Wellington’s point came with Elton Nicholson and Malcolm Gullery halving their matches with Brent Paterson and James Gardiner. But in the other three matches it was all Auckland with Gareth Chitty, Scott Robertson and Brett Steven winning against Mike Trass, Darin Hiroki and Mark Whalen. Paterson was the player of the tournament. He lost his first game but was unbeaten thereafter to collect 6.5 points from his eight matches and continue his outstanding year as the country’s leading senior player. Steven also had a clinical week only losing one match which ended an incredible 14-game winning streak at the Freyberg Masters in two years.

Ty Votaw, executive vice president of PGA Tour global business affairs, said: “The essence of PGA Tour-China is what the PGA Tour offers, namely a world-class brand, global credibility and Web.com Tour access that gives players a path to the PGA Tour. “In addition, we’ve seen several players who have played in China move to the Web.com Tour and then advance to the PGA Tour. It was thrilling to watch Dou Zecheng and Zhang Xinjun both realise their dreams by following this path all the way to the highest level of golf, the PGA Tour. “We are playing a strong tournament schedule, with significant purse sizes. This will allow us to maintain in China what we’re already doing in Latin America and Canada, running PGA Tour-quality Tours that allow players to continue improving their games.” Prior to the start of the 2018 regular season, PGA Tour-China will hold qualifying tournaments, for players from mainland China and players from the rest of the world, respectively. As golf continues to

grow, PGA Tour-China expects to attract a truly international membership, with the majority of the players coming from Asia. “We believe PGA Tour-China will weekly present outstanding competition played at strong golf courses throughout the country. Our 2018 season ensures that we’ll continue providing exceptional playing opportunities for our players,” said Greg Gilligan, managing director of PGA Tour Greater China. “Sport is undergoing reform in China, and we think it is an important and positive reform. We are very pleased to be working in concert with the China Golf Association and are happy we are in a position to offer playing opportunities on a high-level Tour played to PGA Tour standards, the same quality players and fans have come to expect. “We strongly feel PGA Tour-China is good for golf in China and for Chinese and international players. We are very happy to again operate in 2018 and beyond.”

Golf tour operator sales continue to grow T

he growth of golf tour operator sales continued steadily in the third quarter of 2017, according to the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO). In its latest quarterly golf tourism survey, IAGTO reported an increase of four percent year-on-year worldwide. Forward bookings were also looking healthy as of October 1, up six percent year-on-year, the association said. IAGTO has conducted a quarterly golf tourism survey since 2015 with data collected from more than 900 golf tour operators, golf resorts, golf courses and hotels around the world. Year-on-year changes in sales or visitor arrivals is collected together with the status of forward bookings at the end of each quarter of a year. In outbound sales, the United States led the way in the third quarter of 2017, enjoying 8.4 percent growth followed by Asia which was up 6.9 percent. Golf tour operators in Europe saw growth average out at 4.4 percent with Italy shining brightly, up 12.4 percent, Scandinavia, up eight percent and France, up 7.4 percent. Eastern European operators saw sales increase by 6.6 percent, Ireland by 6.1 percent and the United Kingdom closer to the norm at 4.8 percent. Germany, Austria and Switzerland all reported a drop in sales year-on-year, while Australia saw outbound sales grow by 2.2 percent. Suppliers (golf resorts, golf cours-

es and hotels) also reported that sales were up in the third quarter of 2017 by a global average of 4.5 percent with forward bookings also being a healthy 3.7 percent ahead of the same time last year. European and Asian golf destinations

reported sales rising by 5.6% in the third quarter with similar projections for forward bookings, but golf visitors to the United States were up by only 0.2 percent with fewer forward bookings than last year as of October.

Three news sponsors for New Zealand Open

he New Zealand Open has three new sponsors. The tournament’s main sponsor is ISPS Handa but three new sponsors, announced last month, are Hyundai New Zealand, Rodd & Gunn and SBS Bank. Hyundai will be a major sponsor for the tournament which will be held at Millbrook Resort and The Hills near Queenstown in March. New Zealand Open chairman John Hart, in welcoming Hyundai, commented that this once again illustrates how the tournament continues to go from strength-tostrength. ``We are delighted that this hugely successful New Zealand company has joined our family of sponsors and we are looking forward to a great partnership,’’ Hart said. ``It’s wonderful to have a brand join us who is as committed to New Zealand as we are.” While Hyundai is a globally recognised automotive powerhouse, Hyundai New Zealand is 100 percent Kiwi owned and all Hyundai dealerships are operated by New Zealanders. The company has long been involved in New Zealand’s sporting and community fabric. Hyundai New Zealand is a long term partner of the National Agricultural Fieldays, Hyundai Country Calendar and the Spirit of Adventure Trust as well as backing Kiwi rally driver Hayden Paddon, whilst its pinnacle programme mentors talented young Kiwis to help develop their dream projects and build their careers. Hyundai New Zealand general manager Andy Sinclair said Hyundai was proud to step up to sup-

port the New Zealand Open for the first time, knowing the role that golf plays in the leisure interests of so many New Zealanders. “This country has a proud history of representation at the highest level of golf and our dealers know very well how passionate kiwis are about the game,’’ Sinclair said. ``One of the first things many customers will do is open the boot to see how a set of clubs will fit in. Fortunately our designers seem to have taken this into account. We’re looking forward to helping this unique event continue to grow over the coming years.” Rodd & Gunn and SBS Bank are supporting sponsors. Rodd & Gunn will be the tournament’s new clothing sponsor. The company, registered 70 years ago, takes its inspiration from New Zealand picturesque landscape, and has a philosophy to create classic authentic garments of quality and style. The company is now taking its successful formula to the global market, and believes its sponsorship of the open will act as an arrowhead for that development. SBS Bank will become the official sponsor of the tournament’s volunteer programme. Volunteers are a vital cog in the successful running of the event, with a significant number of the more than 300 volunteers coming from Canterbury, Otago and Southland regions. SBS Bank was established almost 150 years ago and has become a trusted financial institution that has grown to operate throughout New Zealand. During this time it has been a strong supporter of commu-

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as proud New Zealanders.’’ Tickets for the ISPS Handa New Zealand Open, to be co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia and for the first time the Asian Tour, with a partnership with the Japan Golf Tour, are on sale through www. ticketek.co.nz.

nity projects and events. John Hart added: “For sponsorship to succeed both for the company and for the event, there needs to be a real synergy. These three companies share much of the same ethos and approach in terms of a drive for excellence, whilst retaining a culture

Crowds in attendance for the last New Zealand Open PHOTO: Photosport

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Escorted by Dave Whitaker

Day 10. Sa Dec, Cai Be The sleepy locale of Sa Dec is where French writer Marguerite Duras met her VietnameseChinese lover, Huynh Thuy Le. On arrival, tour Huynh Thuy Le’s old house and learn the story behind Marguerite Duras’ bestselling novel, ‘The Lover’. Later, pay a visit to a traditional Cao Dai temple. Watch visitors and pilgrims come and go, and appreciate the beauty of the building. This afternoon a local boat will take you to the river-land town of Cai Be. Visit the French Gothic cathedral as well as the colourful port area. The morning then takes you onwards to a rice paper manufacturer where you’ll see how Vietnamese rice paper is made. BLD

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE GOLF EXPERIENCE

FREEDOM OF CHOICETM – Sightseeing

FULLY ESCORTED SMALL-GROUP TOUR FREEDOM OF CHOICETM – Dining

(B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Tee off at some of Asia’s premier golf courses, including Cambodia’s ITINERARY OVERVIEW Angkor Golf Resort - designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo - as well as Vietnam’s Twin Doves Golf Course and renowned Long Thanh Golf Course. You’ll also enjoy an exclusive degustation dinner with celebrity chef Luke Nguyen and an array of day tours and experiences, all from only $8995* per person, share twn/dbl. “I’m excited about leading this tour of Vietnam and Cambodia for golf lovers, river boat cruising on the Mekong Delta, and enjoying the historic sights and culture of these amazing countries.” - Dave *

DAY

DESTINATION

Siem Reap

Siem Reap, Prek K’dam

Kampong Chhnang, Koh Chen

Oudong, Kampong Tralach, Phnom Penh

Phnom Penh

Tan Chau, Evergreen Island

Sa Dec, Cai Be

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Long Tan OR Cu Chi Tunnels

Ho Chi Minh City, Twin Doves Golf Course

Day 1. Arrive Siem Reap Upon arrival in Siem Reap, you’ll be met by an APT representative and transferred to your luxurious hotel. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure to explore. Three Night Stay: Siem Reap, Hotel Sofitel Angkor.

Day 2. Siem Reap Today, tee off at your first Cambodian course. Designed by legendary golfer Nick Faldo, Angkor Golf Resort is the premier golf course in Cambodia. Meet your fellow travellers and Tour Director during dinner and a traditional Apsara dance performance. BD

Day 3. Siem Reap Rise early this morning and travel to Angkor Archaeological Park for a special sunrise experience with a drink in hand. After sunrise, enjoy a guided tour of this impressive temple, which is said to be the world’s largest single religious monument. Return to your hotel for breakfast before a round of golf takes you to the Sofitel’s own golf course; Phokeethra Country Club. The course hosted the 2009 Johnnie Walker

Classic as well as the 2010 Cambodian Open. Tonight, choose where to enjoy dinner. BD Day 4. Siem Reap, Prek K’dam, Embark Ship Transfer to Prek K’dam to embark your river ship. Tonight, celebrate the beginning of your cruise with a Luke Nguyen Welcome Dinner. Seven Night Stay: Cruise the Mekong River BLD aboard APT’s RV AmALotus.

Day 5. Kampong Chhnang, Koh Chen Hop aboard a small boat to explore the lush wetlands near Kampong Chhnang, watching for water birds and traditional fishing traps near the riverbank. Back on your ship, continue sailing to the village of Koh Chen for a walk to visit the fine silverware and copperware workshops. BLD Day 6. Oudong, Kampong Tralach, Phnom Penh Travel by coach to Oudong where you’ll call into a monastery for a Buddhist blessing experience with monks. In Kampong Tralach, ride an ox cart through the countryside, passing rice fields and smiling locals on the way back to your ship. Later today you will arrive in Phnom Penh. BL

The serenity of rural life awaits alo

Day 12. Ho Chi Minh City, Twin D Golf Course Today travel to Twin Dove Course, set on 165 hectares and of 27 holes. This course has been be a golfer’s paradise you will be by the surrounding nature, as the creeks and newly created lakes. head to Vietnam House where a degustation dinner complete wi wines awaits. A menu created by Ambassador Luke Nguyen.

14 DAYS | 3 AUG 2018

Day 13. Ho Chi Minh City, Long T Golf Course Your final round of golf of yo takes you to Long Thanh Golf Co situated on over 350 hectares of golfing land. Featuring rolling fai subtly undulating greens, windin palm plantation and artificial lake few comparable golf courses in a

Includes FREE* return airfare from New Zealand, 3 nights in Siem Reap, 7-night river cruise with all sightseeing and onboard meals, 3 nights in Ho Chi Minh City, green fees & transfers. Day 11. Disembark Ship, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Long Tan OR Cu Chi Tunnels Disembark at My Tho Port and be transferred to Ho Chi Minh City. Your first day here offers you the chance to choose from two Signature Experiences during which you’ll learn about Vietnam’s recent past. On the first Signature Experience, journey to Ba Ria and learn about the Battle of Long Tan. Afterwards, attend a memorial service at Long Tan Cross which is set in a rubber plantation and marks the site of the Battle of Long Tan. On the second alternative, visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible tunnel network constructed by Vietnamese resistance fighters during the war. With a history so diverse, the tunnels make for a fascinating afternoon visit. Three Night Stay: Ho Chi Minh City, Park Hyatt Saigon BLD

2018 DAT 14 DAYS SIEM REAP River Ship

LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE

3 August 2018.

PLEASE NOTE: Solo Traveller and No Luke Nguyen and duration are subjec

Ho Chi Minh City, Long Thanh T&CS APPLY. 13 NON-GOLFER PRICING AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. CONTACT US FOR FURThER INFORMATION & A COPY OF ThE DETAILED ITINERARY. Golf Course 14

Ho Chi Minh City

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Vets’ golf association holds more than 40 tournaments a year GOLF NEWS

he New Zealand Veteran Golfers' Association (NZVGA) is an umbrella organisation which co-ordinates more than 40 tournaments over nine months of the year. These events are held at more than 30 different clubs from Northland to Wellington. NZVGA secretary Launa Seddon said the association was keen to expand it’s tournament schedule. ``We are always looking into having new events added, along with the chance of an event in the South Island in early 2019,’’ Seddon said. The tournaments are for men aged 55 and older and for women aged 50 and older. The calendar starts with a men’s tournament in Auckland and ends with a national tournament in the first week of December. “The event formats are as diverse as the clubs we play,’’ Seddon said. “Some are men only, women only as well as mixed events. There are 18-hole and nine-hole events too.’'

Seddon said the duration of events vary from one to five days and can be hosted from one to four clubs. “The emphasis is on participation,’’ Seddon said. “There is no joining fee to play in our events, just be a member of New Zealand Golf and of your local vets or seniors golf association.’' In addition to the national calendar; each district which are members of the NZVGA hold regular playing days for veteran golfers. These are daily tournaments. Visitors are always welcome to join in on these days. Seddon added: “Veteran golf is a great way of meeting a wide variety of people, playing with and against golfers of similar age and handicap to you, providing an opportunity to travel around the country having a holiday while playing golf.’' The calendar of tournaments, news, entry forms and results are available on the NZVGA website at www.nzvga.co.nz. The 2018 schedule is below.

NZVGA 2018 Tournaments

M&W

30 Apr - 4 May

Golden Coast

Kapiti Coast Four Course Classic

Brian Chapman

04 298 4321

chapmanb@xtra. co.nz

All

21 - 22 May

Waikato

Riverside (Narrows/ Lochiel) 2 day Pairs

Colin Vincent

021 971 871

cjv@xtra.co.nz

M&W

24 - 25 May

Waikato

Waipa Veterans Classic - Te Awamutu

Kerry Jensen

07 871 4838

k-a.jensen@xtra. co.nz

Type

Dates 2018

District

Location

Contact Name

Phone

Type

Dates 2018

District

Location

Contact Name

Phone

Men

8 - 11 Jan 2018

Auckland

Pakuranga/Remuera 4 day Regional

Graham Arnold

09 528 8717

admin@akseniorgolf.org.nz

M&W

31 Jan-2 Feb

Bay of Plenty

Whakatane 3 day Stroke Play

Secretary WGC

07 308 8117

davidandersen@ xtra.co.nz

M&W

7 - 9 Feb

Central Plateau

Taumarunui

Terry Kay

07 8968710

eileen.terry@xtra. co.nz

Men

12 + 14 Feb

Wellington

Day One of Wellington Two Day

Bruce Anderson

027 6250720.

bruce.ndrsn@xtra. co.nz

Mxd

19 - 20 Aug

Waikato

Coromandel Coast Vets Pairs Classic

Phil Smith

07 8649846

philsmith@xtra. co.nz

M&W

14 - 16 Feb

Bay of Plenty

Omokoroa 3 day

Terry Golder

07 548 0391

terry.golder2@gmail. com

M&W

22-Aug

Waikato

Paeroa

Mike Cotter

07 862 8270

demicotter@ outlook.com

Mxd

19 - 23 Feb

Golden Coast

Levin

Club Manager

06 368 6189

levin@golf.co.nz

Mxd

27 - 31 Aug

Otaki

Lorraine McLeavey

0274 494522

mcleavey@xtra. co.nz

M&W

21 - 23 Feb

Bay of Plenty

Mount Maunganui

Tom Uden

07 575 4214

nztru@kinect.co.nz

M&W

3 - 7 Sept

Foxton vets

Foxton

Rae Jack

06 3637838

jackrae40@gmail. com

Mxd

26 Feb - 2 March

Golden Coast

Foxton

Rae Jack

06 363 7838

jackrae40@gmail. com

M&W

10 - 14 Sep

Wanganui

Wanganui 4 Course Classic

Pat Pene

06 3445478

hhppene@gmail. com

M&W

28 Feb- 2 Mar

Northland

Mt Denby 9 Hole Tournament

Margaret Suckling

09 435 4004

margaret-e@xtra. co.nz

M&W

17 - 19 Sept

Rotorua

Rotorua (Arikikapakapa)

Don Blackledge

07 348 4051

rotorua@golf.co.nz

M&W

28 Feb- 2 Mar

Northland

3course,Nthn Wairoa,Sherwood,Mt Denby

Hugh Tennent

09 433 8055

hughandjean@ farmside.co.nz

M&W

8 - 9 Oct

Auckland

Clarks Beach

Club Manager

09 232 1788

manager@clarksbeachgolfclub.co.nz

M&W

11 - 12 Oct

Auckland

Waiuku

Club Manager

09 235 9489

Mxd

5 - 9 Mar

Wanganui

2 course -Rangitikei & Castlecliff

Pat Pene

06 344 5478

hhppene@gmail. com

waiukugolf@xtra. co.nz

Mxd

15 - 16 Oct

North Harbour

Warkworth

The Secretary

09 425 8248

M&W

12 - 14 Mar

Golden Coast

Carterton

Lindsay Sutton

06 3775763

linrae.ls@gmail.com

thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

M&W

18 - 19 Oct

Northland

09 434 6900

19 - 23 Mar

C & Sthn Hawkes Bay

5 Course Best 4 out of 5 Stableford

Gwen Murphy

06 374 3670

gcmurphy44@gmail. com

Sherwood Park 2 day

Jane Hiebendaal

M&W

admin@sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz

M&W

23 - 25 Oct

Bay of Plenty

Whakatane 3 day

Secretary WGC

07 308 8117

Mxd

19 - 21 Mar

Waikato

Ngaruawahia

Peter Ballinger

07 8464040

pibnz@hotmail.com

davidandersen@ xtra.co.nz

M&W

29 - 31 Oct

Waikato

Ngaruawahia

Peter Ballinger

07 8464040

pibnz@hotmail.com

Mxd

2 - 6 Apr

Taranaki

Stratford

Heather Vivian

06 765 5219

h.rvivian@xtra.co.nz M&W

5 - 9 Nov

David Mansell

07 3788904

fourems@xtra.co.nz

9 - 10 Apr

Waikato

Waihi Stroke Play

Gary Dunning

07 863 8678

waihi@golf.co.nz

Taupo 5 Day Tournament

Taupo

M&W

5 - 8 Nov

Nigel McGregor

06 863 0243

suenige@gmail.com

9 - 13 Apr

Taranaki

Waitara

Bill Bird

06 754 8953

wg.cf.bird@xtra. co.nz

Gisborne East Coast

Poverty Bay

M&W

Mxd

12 - 15 Nov

Bay of Plenty

Omokoroa

Terry Golder

07 548 0391

Mxd

16 - 20 Apr

Taranaki

Inglewood, Kaitake, Westown, Fiztroy

Kaye Cavey

06 7585754

greveykp@gmail. com

terry.golder2@gmail. com

Men

13 - 15 Nov

Waikato

07 855 2575

17- 20 Apr

Central Plateau

Taumarunui 4 day

Lois Stephens

07 896 8023

reustreet@gmail. com

St Andrews (Hamilton)

John Wentworth

Mxd

golf@standrews. co.nz

Mxd

19 - 21 Nov

Bay of Plenty

Te Puke

Scott Evans

07 533 1832

Mxd

23 - 27 Apr

Taranaki

Manukorihi

Marie Rayner

06 7552875

rere8533@gmail. com

golf@golftepuke. co.nz

Mxd

3 May

Northland

Sherwood Park 1 Day. Team of 4

Jane Hiebendaal

09 434 6900

admin@sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz

Men

3 - 7th Dec

Cambridge

M&W

30 Apr - 3 May

North Harbour

3 Day 3 Cse , Nth Shore,Gulf Harbour, Wainui

Owen Young

021 666 686

owen.judy@kinect. co.nz

NZVGA Men's Nationals

Women

3 - 7th Dec

NZVGA Women's Champs

Cambridge

Watch this for special events prior to the Nationals

December 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Pebble Beach named as host for women’s and men’s US Opens

NEWS

ebble Beach Golf Links has been named as the site for the 2023 US Women’s Open and 2027 US Open Championships. It will be the 14th and 15th United States Golf Association (USGA) championships in the course’s storied history. Pebble Beach, which is already scheduled to host the 2018 US Amateur and 2019 US Open Championships, will stage the 78th US Women’s Open – and its first – from June 1-4, 2023. The 127th US Open – the seventh at Pebble Beach – will be contested from June 17-20, 2027. The legendary course on the Monterey Peninsula, designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant and opened in 1919, has produced several of the game’s most memorable moments in its previous five US Opens. Jack Nicklaus’s one-iron tee shot that struck the flagstick in 1972, Tom Watson’s chip-in to thwart Nicklaus in 1982, Tom Kite’s pitch-in en route to

victory in 1992 and Tiger Woods’ record 15-stroke victory in 2000 are all stamped in the game’s lore. “We are incredibly proud to bring the US Women’s Open to Pebble Beach for the first time,” said Diana Murphy, president of the USGA. “The USGA is committed to bringing our championships to golf’s greatest venues and the opportunity to have the best players in the world, female and male, compete at this iconic course will provide a fantastic showcase of the game. During the course’s 98-year history, it has hosted five US Opens, four US Amateurs, two US Women’s Amateurs and one PGA Championship. These will be the 14th and 15th USGA championships contested on the course, moving it to fourth all-time among host sites. The 1972 US Open Championship at Pebble Beach was the first to be played on a course that is open to the public. It is one of six public-access courses to host a US Open.

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NZGOLFUPDATE

golf.co.nz

Local councils should not be too hasty to close down golf courses By Dean Murphy New Zealand Golf Chief Executive

s part of our leadership role for golf in New Zealand, we are increasingly being asked to lead discussions around the future provision of golf facilities across the country. Often the discussion is raised when golf clubs are looking to amalgamate or re-develop. However, more recently we have seen a number of local council authorities start to look at what the longterm picture for golf looks like in their region. For our part, we are enthusiastically embracing the discussions in this area and putting extra resource into this space. Our driver is to ensure there is an evidence-based approach to any discussions and that the very best outcomes for golf can be achieved. As you would expect, this is a reason-

ably emotive topic on many fronts and an area where many people have strong opinions. In my experience a great deal of the discussion in this area, particularly from people outside the golf sector, is based on a complete lack of knowledge and devoid of any factual information. Local politicians have, historically, been particularly guilty of this with it not being uncommon to see reckless inaccurate assumptions and statements made about the game of golf and its future. In many cases, golf seems to have a target on its back and I have seen many discussions start with the assumption that golf is a dying game and that its land must be re-purposed for other uses. This is not a great preconception for decision makers to have and something we are working very hard on changing. While there is no doubt that on many fronts the game of golf is evolving and

the future network of golf facilities in New Zealand will be different than what it is today, jumping to conclusions that golf courses need to be turned into sports fields or housing is an ill-informed step too far for me. The evidence from most developed golf markets in the world is that we are likely to see a slight consolidation of traditional membership clubs (particularly in rural areas) and an increase in the provision of shorter courses, practice facilities and technology based venues. To bring this topic to life, take the city of Auckland as an example. There has been a great deal of public comment from local politicians and others about the need to alter and reduce the number of golf courses in the city. Despite the counter intuitive nature of this argument, (if 1215 percent of the population are golfers and the city of Auckland is to double over the next 20 years, surely more, not less

golfing facilities will be needed), the discussion has been developing in the public domain largely without any reference to facts or evidence. To address this specific issue, New Zealand Golf together with the local golf associations, the local regional sports trusts and Auckland council have collaborated to develop an Auckland plan for golf. This plan will be published prior to Christmas and will provide a clear evidence based plan for the future of golf in the Auckland region. In our view, this is a critical piece of work which in time will need to be replicated in all regions throughout the country. Golf has a strong future in this country. However, robust strategy and leadership is needed to ensure that any decisions made are based on facts and evidence and have the best long term interests of the game in mind.

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GOLFCOMMENT

Time to talk about technology By Andrew Whiley A voice from the south

was fortunate to be the caddymaster for the Asia-Pacific Amateur at Royal Wellington Golf Club at the end of October; it was an amazing event. The talent on display was incredible and the distance that some of these players fly the ball is freakish. I was also impressed with the talent of the New Zealand players and I know you will see some great results from these players in the coming years. In particular, I enjoyed catching up with some of the coaches and one chat that stood out for me was with David Milne from Western Australia, who coaches the Indonesian team. We got to talking about player development and today’s technology. We had a couple of mutual friends that he played with on the tour in the late 1970s and early 1980s and he felt the change in the golf ball had negatively affected their

playing careers. This wasn’t the first time I had heard such comments but who would have thought that moving from the English 1.62 inch diameter ball to the American size 1.68 inch diameter ball would have made such a difference? Many players at the time felt they couldn’t move the ball as much and it was quite different to play with around the green. I saw the difference through the late 80s. Golfers that drove the ball brilliantly with persimmon wood drivers were soon out-played off the tee with the emergence of the metal driver. Golfers who were talented but erratic off the tee, were soon driving long and straight and shooting low scores. Then the drivers got even better, moving from metal to titanium and sizes went from 230 cubic centimetres to 460cc, which allowed golfers to hit the ball much further and straighter. This made many golf courses non-competitive as greens once designed to accept five or

six irons were now being attacked with nine irons and pitching wedges. It was interesting to hear Gary Player, on the television commentary from Sun City, South Africa, talk about “winding back the golf ball”. This has been talked about for more than 10 years now, with Jack Nicklaus being a major promoter of this happening. The change from the rubber-wound balata golf ball to the solid-core balls has dramatically improved the performance of today’s modern golf professional. Imagine if the performance of the competition golf ball was able to be wound back 10 percent, this would bring the 300-metre drive back to 270m; then a lot of those fairway bunkers would be back in play. We could have a golf ball for club and social golfers using the latest technology and a different competitive ball for the professional tours and top amateur events. When the winner, Lin Yuxin, played the

last two holes of the Asia-Pacific Amateur, he played the last two holes three under, finishing birdie and eagle. Lin hit his driver onto the green at the 330m, 17th hole setting up a tap-in birdie. On the 500m par five, 18th hole, he then smashed a five iron into the wind from 195m to about 1.5 metres, to close with an eagle and a three-shot victory on the Sunday. Now would that have been possible 20 years ago? It is true that the golfers are stronger, more competitive and have great technique from all the work using digital aids that measure spin rates and launch angles to get the optimum set-up for them to maximise their driving ability. However, when we also give them laser range finders and green reading books, then a lot of the challenges and subtleties of the game are lost. But enough about technology, now if we could only find a way to speed up play, then we might see some big advantage to the game.

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December 2017

PGAPARS

pga.org.nz

Cracking start to the 2018 season on offer By Duncan Simpson New Zealand PGA Secretary

ocal professionals will be playing for nearly $220,000 in January, as the 2018 New Zealand Professional Golfers’ Association (NZPGA) season gets underway with a packed programme. There will be little time to recover from Christmas and New Year indulgences, with the first event being the $25,000 Cardinal Logistics Whitford Park Pro-Am over 36 holes on January 6 and 7. This traditionally draws a strong field, and next month should be no exception as many will be looking to use it as a tune up before the Rebel Sport New Zealand Masters at Wainui the following week. Tae Koh won at Whitford last January, and may well be on the Japan Tour in 2018, having got through to final stage qualifying at the time of writing. Our newest European Tour player Josh Geary, and Michael Hendry, are also previous winners at this tournament. After that, a bunch of aspiring professionals – and those who have lost their NZ PGA playing card – will tee it up at Pukekohe for the 2018 NZ PGA Q School.

This is the pathway through which Kieran Muir and Daniel Pearce started their lives as tour professionals. The Masters event on January 11–14 is a new addition to the PGA Tour of Australasia, with $110,000 up for grabs. It is sure to attract huge interest for several reasons: the pro-am format, with 50 amateurs joining the 50 professionals who make the cut, for the final two rounds; how the pros will tackle the somewhat controversial Wainui course, which stretches to 6500m from the back tees, and how the facility – only 18 months old – will handle the staging of a 72-hole tour event. The public too will be keen to see the likes of Ryan Fox and Michael Hendry in action on home soil, opportunities which may become increasingly rare as our top players continue to build their careers offshore. It should be a great week. The circuit stays in Auckland for the Bayleys Waitemata Pro-Am on January 18 (won by Grant Moorhead last summer), followed by a new tournament in Clarks Beach on January 20, before heading south to Taupo for another new event, the Harcourts Taupo Pro-Am at Centennial.

NEW DIREC

holes with an increased $22,000 prize fund. Daniel Pearce won in 2017, and used that as a springboard to take out the Queensland PGA Championship shortly afterwards, which improved his world ranking by more than 100 places. All in all, January offers our players a great chance to cash in on home town advantage, and to get some serious competition under their belts before the NZ PGA Championship and New Zealand Open, as well as a string of lucrative Australian events, the biggest of which is the Perth International Super Sixes for $A 1.75 million. But the NZ PGA circuit is not just about the professionals – it’s also an opportunity for amateurs to play in a team with our most highly skilled golfers, learn about what it’s like to play the game for a living, and hopefully pick up a tip or two along the way. Most of the events will still have some vacancies for club players, so contact the clubs concerned or the PGA of New Zealand if you want to find out more. You are guaranteed to have a memorable day.

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Then it’s across central North Island to Napier for the Duke of Gloucester Napier Pro-Am, won last year by Shaun Jones. Shaun tried his luck in Europe this year on the Alps Tour, and is sure to be better for the experience in 2018. January concludes with the three-tournament Wellington swing, starting with the Tommy’s Paraparaumu Beach Pro-Am on January 24. This is definitely one of the pros favourite New Zealand events, as they get a rare opportunity to play one of our iconic courses under tournament conditions. Gareth Paddison won last year, and is another who may be plying his trade in Japan next year. The players then head over the hill to the Wairarapa for the Spark Business Martinborough Pro-Am, which usually produces a surprise winner in the $15,000 one day shootout on this picturesque country course. Last year it was rookie pro Justin Morris, who had earlier won the 2017 Q School tournament at Taupo Centennial. The final event is the ever popular Masterton Eketahuna Pro-Am, sponsored by Recreational Services, played over 36

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GOLFCOACHING By Anthony Barkley NZPGA Professional

thought with some new models on the market it was time for some testing. I also wanted to see how new models compared to my own clubs. So I have tried to make this testing as simple as possible and as consistent as possible. Bear in mind we generally see ½ a club more distance through an indoor studio but if you compare to your own clubs you can compare apples to apples. So the clubs I chose were three Taylormade models, the new AP3 iron from Titleist and two KZG models. Due to limited room on this article I have had to leave out other brands. Why I chose the 3 Taylormade models was through client testing they have generally been coming out in front in regards to distance and consistency. They are certainly our largest selling club currently without any bias at all as when we fit we keep an open mind. So what did the data tell me? Firstly the results of testing my own Mizuno MP25 iron produced an average carry of 142 meters, club head speed averaged 77.8mph and 106.6mph ball speed. Not the best numbers to be honest but I am not a long iron hitter. I love the mizuno irons but have always felt they were not strong of the clubface and my playing days are less now so a little more forgiveness is likely necessary. With a standard loft of 34 degrees and std S300 stiff shafts it was interesting to see results. So my favourite iron on the market currently is the P790 from Taylormade. Its classy, clean look invites a better player to hit this model. With the forged head and speedfoam technology I see why PXG tried to sue them as it’s a beast of

100percentgolf.com

Club testing time an iron. With the loft set to a stronger 30.5 degrees you should expect one club longer length automatically. So the average carry was 156m with the best reaching 172m. So it was easily a club and a half longer than my current model but did have more deviation in distance consistency which is likely due to a players model being in the hands of someone that has not played much of late. Club head speed averaged 86.5 and ball speed 112.8mph which were considerable gains. I rate this 9/10 for look, 7/10 for overall performance. Next was the Taylormade M1 model. This is a chunkier model created for those looking for distance plus consistency. Its not too big which is good. Firstly what was outstanding in this model was the consistency of distance. No flyers but a consistent pattern. This model averaged 156 meters carry with a club head speed of 84.6mph and ball speed of 113.6. Less clubs head speed and more ball speed means the technology in the head was working well. It has the same loft as the P790 iron or 30.5 degrees. I would rate this 8/10 for look and 8/10 for overall per-

formance. I wanted to put in a game improvement iron. What we normally see with a club such as the MCGB iron from Taylormade is a very high flight but I just didn’t see this with this iron. I remember trying the 4 iron at the fitting day and it was just so easy to hit. So numbers averaged 160m carry, 83.8mph club head speed and an outstanding 115mph ball speed which was great but wasn’t the best believe it or not. This club has been selling so well. Its forgiving, looks nice and its performance against other brands has been impressive. Hard to beat this model so an 8/10 for look (just a bit big for me) and 9/10 for overall performance related to hit ability. The next club is the AP3 iron from Titleist. They needed a more distance iron to compete with others on the market. The AP3 looks great but how did it perform. The AP3 has 31 degrees loft so not quite as strong as others but 3 degrees stronger than my own 7 iron. It averaged 150m carry with club head speed of 81.7mph. Ball speed was 110.3mph and it was very consistent in the length it produced on each shot. It’s a nice iron to hit. I ranked it

8.5/10 for look and 7/10 for performance only because it didn’t quite reach the performance levels of other models. I thought this was also a chance to try the NEW distance model from KZG called the LDI. It features a forged face insert that increases ball speeds and has a 30 deg loft or a 27 degree 6 iron used for testing in this instance. Firstly, the ball is hot of the face reaching 167 average carry and ball speed of 118.7mph. It certainly held up well against other long distance irons such as the MCGB. Its look is not fancy but its performance is impressive so I rate this model 7/10 for look but 8.5/10 for overall performance. To finish off I tried the KZG forged MA-1 model just to see how it ranked. This is a players model with traditional lofts. 158m carry average and 85.2mph average club speed. Ball speed was a solid 113mph. This model did surprise me and the more I try and fit these clubs the more I like them. They are simple but very playable. For looks I rate the MA-1 a 7.5/10 and for performance 8.5/10 for a better players iron. So from all this data we see the modern iron really improving in its distance and playability. They are stronger lofted but I think we need to move past this as its part of golf now. Do you really need an iron to go so far? That’s the question and is always discussed when fitting someone. My thinking is use the technology available as much as possible. A shorter club with less loft must be easier to hit than a longer club with more loft although this could be debated. I hope my testing helps anyone looking at irons currently. All testing was done in my studio at Rotorua with the same ball and more information on these clubs and others can be found at www.100percentgolf.com.

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

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December 2017

Taumarunui takes line honours GOLF EVENT 16

2017 NEW ZEALAND WOMENS SENIOR FOURSOMES FINAL REPORT THURSDAY 23 NOVEMBER

fter ‘too many years to count’, Imelda Woolston, from the Taumarunui Golf Club has her hands on a New Zealand Golf Trophy! Woolston partnered with fellow club member Margaret Nelson, has taken out the NZLGU Salver after four-days foursomes golf at the New Plymouth Golf Club. The Taumarunui pair joined 63 other pairs, from 30 different clubs across the country, to compete in the tournaments 45th challenge. The tournament started with a net qualifying round on Monday 20 November before players were seeded into four divisions of sixteen pairs. Woolston and Nelson qualified, 7th in the top sixteen, to be drawn against the 10th seeds, Liz Banton and Debbie Erceg (Pupuke), a match they won on the 18th, one up. Match number two saw them play the formidable pair of Wendy Thompson and Peg Purdie (Waitomo), with a subsequent win 3 and 2. Shirley Cross and Hilary McMillan (Tauranga) also fell victim to the Taumarunui pair in the semi-finals, losing 4 and 3. The final was all set to be a tough battle as Woolston and Nelson had to take on the top seeds, Shirley McClutchie and Kay Wey from neighbouring Urenui Golf Club. McClutchie and Wey had had, arguably, an easier run to the final with a big win, 6 and 4 against Mary Jane Barry and Sue Rowell (Mt Maunganui) in their morning’s semi-final match. McClutchie and Wey had earlier wins against Marietta Durdle and Alison Waugh (Pupuke) 2 and 1, and 6 and 5, against Colleen Hope (Northern Wairoa) paired with Janice Jeffs (Tauranga). In near perfect conditions on the Ngamotu course this afternoon, it was however to be Woolston’s and Nelson’s day, as they lasted the distance to win on the 17th, 2 and 1. The Plate winners were Jo Stallard and Fran Weinstein (North Shore) with flights awarded to the pairs of Mary Catherwood (Pupuke) and Sue Cockcroft (Royal Auckland), and Marietta Durdle with Alison Waugh, also from North Shore’s Pupuke course. North Shore partners, Laonie Bodger and Anthea Moriarty won the Mrs SS Wilson Plates in the 2nd division, after a tussle against North Harbour rival’s, Pupuke members, Janice Grant and Jenny Smith. Bodger and Moriarty won 4 and 2. Jane Shaw and Clazina Hagenson (Urenui) won the plate in the 2nd di-

Sandra Cleary and Shirley Otton

vision, with Marian Irvin (Rotorua) and Judith McKenzie (Nelson), along with Elaine Kingsford and Jan Payne (Mt Maunganui) the first and second flights, respectively. Seeded into the third sixteen pairs, players competed for the ADLGA Trophy, which was won by Rosalie Brown and Dixie Horne (Mt Maunganui) while line honours in the 4th division, was won by Sandra Cleary and Shirley Otton (Nelson), who claimed the Rosetown Trophies. Diane Cluitt and Dianne O’Reilly (Matamata), along with Jan Gibson (Tarras) and Rosa Westgarth (Pleasant Point) were the respective runners up in division three and four. Other plate winners included Georgina McKnight and Maureen Wood (Omanu), and Lesley Jensen (Tauranga) and Raewyn Wright (Waihi). Flights were awarded to Sally Beets and Raewyn Stanaway (Pupuke), Karen Luxton and Kay Wyatt (Urenui), Ruth McKernan and Gaylene Phillips (New Plymouth), and, Karen Cater and Linda Millsteed (Pupuke). PaR nz Golfing Holidays, who managed the tournament under the auspices of New Zealand Golf Inc, announced at tonight’s lavish “Golf Fashion Through The Ages” Awards dinner, that the 2018 New Zealand Womens Senior Foursomes will be held at the Nelson Golf Club. Entries and all details will be announced in due course. »» »» »» »»

For more information contact Denise Langdon NZ Golf Tournament Director Phone 0275 662 385

FINAL RESULTS DIV 1: NZLGU CHAMPIONSHIP M Nelson (Taumarunui) & I Woolston (Taumarunui) def. S McClutchie (Urenui) & K Wey

(Urenui) 2/1 DIV 2: MRS SS WILSON PLATES L Bodger (North Shore) & A Moriarty (North Shore) def. J Grant (Pupuke) & J Smith (Pupuke) 4/2 DIV 3: AGLGA TROPHY R Brown (Mt Maunganui) & D Horne (Mt Maunganui) def. 4/3 D Cluitt (Matamata) & D O’Reilly (Matamata) DIV 4: ROSETOWN TROPHY S Cleary (Nelson) & S Otton (Nelson) def. J Gibson (Tarras) & R Westgarth (Pleasant Point) 4/3 Semi Final Results Thursday 23 November 2017 DIV 1: NZLGU CHAMPIONSHIP S McClutchie (Urenui) & K Wey (Urenui) def. MJ Barry (Mt Maunganui) & S Rowell (Mt Maunganui) 6/4; M Nelson (Taumarunui) & I Woolston (Taumarunui) def. S Cross (Tauranga) & H McMillan (Tauranga) 4/3 DIV 2: MRS SS WILSON PLATES J Grant (Pupuke) & J Smith (Pupuke) def. R Knight (Mt Maunganui) & J Sheridan (Mt Maunganui 4/2; L Bodger (North Shore) & A Moriarty (North Shore) def. S Jeeves (Sherwood Park) & C Mackenzie (Matamata) 4/3 DIV 3: AGLGA TROPHY D Cluitt (Matamata) & D O’Reilly (Matamata) def. D Bennett (Weedons) & S Wray (New Plymouth) 2up; R Brown (Mt Maunganui) & D Horne (Mt Maunganui) def. M Corbett (Sherwood Park) & S Young (Windross Farm) 3/2 DIV 4: ROSETOWN TROPHY S Cleary (Nelson) & S Otton (Nelson) def. N Davis (Nelson) & E Rowe (Nelson) 3/2; J Gibson (Tarras) & R Westgarth (Pleasant Point) def. A Carmichael (Taumarunui) & B Taylor (Taumarunui) 1up

REPORT 2017 NEW ZEALAND WOMENS SENIOR FOURSOMES Wednesday 22 November

Taranaki’s hopes rest on the Urenui pairing of Shirley McClutchie and Kay

December 2017

Wey for a ‘Naki’ pair to take out the 44th New Zealand Womens Senior Foursomes NZLGA Cup. McClutchie and Wey, have made a great start to the tournament, hosted by New Plymouth Golf Club, having qualified in top place in Monday’s net round, followed up by wins yesterday and today. The Urenui pair will now meet Mt Maunganui golfers Mary-Jane Barry and Sue Rowell in the first semi-final tomorrow morning, set to tee off at 9.24am. At the other end of the draw, also hoping to secure a place in the final will be Margaret Nelson and Imelda Woolston (Taumarunui) who will match against Shirley Cross and Hilary McMillan, who herald from the Tauranga Golf Club. This second semi-final tees off at 9.30am with the pending final due to tee off at 1.30pm (approx.). The tournament, first played at the Manuka Golf Club in 1973 has followed the same format for its 40 plus years. Women from around the country are invited to enter but must be aged 50 years plus, as at the first day of the tournament. While earlier tournaments had an age restriction of 55 plus, this was changed when the then Womens Golf New Zealand merged with the NZ Golf Association to become New Zealand Golf. Pairs qualify in a net stroke play round, and then, seeded into four divisions for foursomes match play. Such has been the popularity of the tournament, over recent years, tournament directors, PaR nz Golfing Holidays on behalf of NZ Golf, have included sixteen more pairs, when club house facilities allow. In other semi-finals, Janice Grant and Jenny Smith (Pupuke) will match against Robyn Knight and Julie Sheridan from Mt Maunganui in the first match in the 2nd division. Sherrill Jeeves from Sherwood Park paired with Chris Mackenzie, from Cambridge will take on Laonie Bodger and Anthea Moriarty (North Shore) in the second semi-final fighting for the Mrs SS Wilson Plates. The ADLGA Trophies, division 3 semi-finalists, include New Plymouth’s Sharon Wray paired with Daph Bennett (Weedons), who will play Diane Cluitt and Dianne O’Reilly from Matamata. At the bottom of the draw, Marian Corbett (Sherwood Park) and Sharon Young (Windross Farm) will match against Rosalie Brown and Dixie Horne from the Mt Maunganui club. Sandra Cleary and Shirley Otton from Nelson Golf Club, will be wanting to take at least one trophy back to the cabinet, as Nelson is set to host the 2018 tournament. In their way will be their semi-final opposition, Nancy Davis and Erena Rowe who are also Nelson members. So one thing is for sure, one Nelson pair will at least get to tomorrow’s final.

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Margaret Nelson & Imelda Woolston

Also from the South Island are Jan Gibson (Tarras) paired with Rosa Westgarth (Pleasant Point) who will fight it out against Annie Carmichael and Barbara Taylor from Taumarunui in the other semi-final in the 4th division. With multiple flights and plates, all 128 women, from 30 different clubs, will get a semi-final match tomorrow morning with the winners going onto their respective finals in the afternoon. The winners will all be recognised in an Awards Dinner at the New Plymouth Golf Club commencing at 7.00pm tomorrow evening in a themed affair ‘Golf Fashion Through The Ages”.

Results Quarter Finals Wednesday 22 November DIV 1: NZLGU CHAMPIONSHIP S McClutchie (Urenui) & K Wey (Urenui) def. C Hope (Northern Wairoa) & J Jeffs (Tauranga) 6/5; MJ Barry (Mt Maunganui) & S Rowell (Mt Maunganui) def. M Catherwood (Pupuke) & S Cockcroft (Royal Auckland) 3/2; M Nelson (Taumarunui) & I Woolston (Taumarunui) def. P Purdie

Dixie Horne & Rosalie Brown (Waitomo) & W Thompson (Waitomo) 3/2; S Cross (Tauranga) & H McMillan (Tauranga) def P Mills (Taumarunui) & A Virtue (Taumarunui) 3/2 DIV 2: MRS SS WILSON PLATES J Grant (Pupuke) & J Smith (Pupuke) def. L Edmonds (Matamata) & B Hull (Matamata) 3/2; R Knight (Mt Maunganui) & J Sheridan (Mt Maunganui) def. J Free (Napier) & L Stringer (Napier) 2/1; S Jeeves (Sherwood Park) & C Mackenzie (Matamata) def. R Packer (Nelson) & A Tiller (Nelson) 2/1; L Bodger (North Shore) & A Moriarty (North Shore) def. M Irvine (Rotorua) & J McKenzie (Nelson) 4/3 DIV 3: AGLGA TROPHY D Bennett (Weedons) & S Wray (New Plymouth) def. S Cook (Warkworth) & V Scott (Warkworth) 4/2; D Cluitt (Matamata) & D O’Reilly (Matamata) def. S Lamb (Matamata) & J Reakes (Cambridge) 2/1; M Corbett (Sherwood Park) & S Young (Windross Farm) def. G Mackenzie (Nelson) & J Robertson (Nelson) 2/1; R Brown (Mt Maunganui) & D Horne (Mt Maunganui) def. S Beets (Pupuke) & R Stanaway (Pupuke) 3/2 DIV 4: ROSETOWN TROPHY S Cleary (Nelson) & S Otton (Nelson) def. J Colman (Huapai) & V Turvey (Pauanui) 3/1; N Davis (Nelson) & E Rowe

(Nelson) def. L Boswell (Westown) & K Taylor (Horsham Downs) 19th; J Gibson (Tarras) & R Westgarth (Pleasant Point) def. L Langan (Weedons) & S Lurajud (Weedons) 3/2; A Carmichael (Taumarunui) & B Taylor (Taumarunui) def. R McKernan (New Plymouth) & G Phillips (New Plymouth) 1up Results Round 1 Tuesday 21 November 2017 DIV 1: NZLGU CHAMPIONSHIP S McClutchie (Urenui) & K Wey (Urenui) def. M Durdle (Pupuke) & A Waugh (Pupuke) 2/1; C Hope (Northern Wairoa) & J Jeffs (Tauranga) def. J Stallard (North Shore) & F Weinstein (North Shore) 3/2; M Catherwood (Pupuke) & S Cockcroft (Royal Auckland) def. W Storey (North Shore) & D Sullivan (Weedons) 3/2; MJ Barry (Mt Maunganui) & S Rowell (Mt Maunganui) def. C Hyndman (Wanaka) & R Taylor (Matamata) 3/2; P Purdie (Waitomo) & W Thompson (Waitomo) def. V Fountaine (Weedons) & K Howat (Weedons) 3/2; M Nelson (Taumarunui) & I Woolston (Taumarunui) def. L Banton (Pupuke) & D Erceg (Pupuke) 1up; S Cross (Tauranga) & H McMillan (Tauranga) def. J Gill (Weedons) & P Jager (Weedons) 19th; P Mills (Taumarunui) & A Virtue (Taumarunui) def. K Harrison (Weedons) & G Parkinson (Weedons) 3/1

Anthea Moriarty & Leonie Bodger DIV 2: MRS SS WILSON PLATES J Grant (Pupuke) & J Smith (Pupuke) def C Hagenson (Urenui) & J Shaw (Urenui) 1up; L Edmonds (Matamata) & B Hull (Matamata) def. N English (North Shore) & R Pardy (North Shore) 2up; R Knight (Mt Maunganui) & J Sheridan (Mt Maunganui) def. W Challies (Weedons) & P Houghton (Weedons) 4/3; J Free (Napier) & L Stringer (Napier) def. A Braithwaite (Te Ngutu) & E Hodson (New Plymouth) 2/1; S Jeeves (Sherwood Park) & C Mackenzie (Matamata) def. M Langan (Weedons) & P Maxwell (Weedons) 6/5; R Packer (Nelson) & A Tiller (Nelson) def. H Blackwell (Weedons) & J Evans (Weedons) 19th; L Bodger (North Shore) & A Moriarty (North Shore) def. E Kingsford (Mt Maunganui) & J Payne (Mt Maunganui) 2/1; M Irvine (Rotorua) & J McKenzie (Nelson) def. C Chard (New Plymouth) & V McEldowney (New Plymouth) 2/1 DIV 3: AGLGA TROPHY D Bennett (Weedons) & S Wray (New Plymouth) def. J Allan (Pleasant Point) & A Barrett 7/5; S Cook (Warkworth) & V Scott (Warkworth) def. B Corney (Taumarunui) & V Kimberley (Taumarunui) 3/2; S Lamb (Matamata) & J Reakes (Cambridge) def. J Braithwaite (Taumarunui) & S Lang (Turangi) 1up; D Cluitt (Matamata) & D O’Reilly (Matamata) def. J Beehre (Mt Maunganui) & L O’Donnell (Mt Maunganui) 3/2; M

Corbett (Sherwood Park ) & S Young (Windross Farm) def. J Simpson (Pupuke) & D Taylor (Mangawhai) 2up; G Mackenzie (Nelson) & J Robertson (Nelson) def. G McKnight (Omanu) & M Wood (Omanu) 3/1; R Brown (Mt Maunganui) & D Horne (Mt Maunganui) def. T Stewart (New Plymouth) & P Trousselot (New Plymouth) 8/6; S Beets (Pupuke) & R Stanaway (Pupuke) def. K Luxton (Urenui) & K Wyatt (Urenui) DIV 4: ROSETOWN TROPHY J Colman (Huapai) & V Turvey (Pauanui) def. L Jensen (Tauranga) & R Wright (Waihi) 2/1; S Cleary (Nelson) & S Otton (Nelson) def. C Brown (Matamata) & P Gillies (Matamata) 2/1; L Boswell (Westown) & K Taylor (Horsham Downs) def. K Cater (Pupuke) & L Millsteed (Pupuke) 5/4; N Davis (Nelson) & E Rowe (Nelson) def. P Hughes (Weedons) & V Ward (Weedons) 1up; L Langan (Weedons) & S Lurajud (Weedons) def. W Blythe (Napier) & E Gatfield (Napier) 2up; J Gibson (Tarras) & R Westgarth (Pleasant Point) def. N Marriott (Weedons) & J Plenicka (Weedons) 6/5; R McKernan (New Plymouth) & G Phillips (New Plymouth) def. C Hargadon (Nelson) & K McConchie (Nelson) 3/2; A Carmichael (Taumarunui) & B Taylor (Taumarunui) def. S Hetzel (Nelson) & M West (Nelson) 4/3

This oﬀer expires 31 December 2017

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December 2017

Introducing the next generation PGF W H AT ’ S N E W

he launch of PGF Status Precision SP1 represents a coming together of decades of innovative design and development experience with the latest in golf technology, and demonstrates PGF’s commitment to helping golfers of all levels improve their game. For 85 years, PGF has led the way with world leading golf club design. The name PGF stands for Precision Golf Forging, reflecting a tradition of professional craftsmanship that created many world’s first technologies. Founded in Sydney in 1932, PGF is synonymous with the Australasian golf industry. Golf icons and major championship winners Greg Norman, Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle, Ian BakerFinch, Wayne Grady, David Graham and the founder of Cobra Golf, Tom Crow either got their start or were closely associated with PGF along with other luminaries like John Davis, Eric

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Status SP1 Adjustable Driver RRP: $319 Status/Southpaw SP1 Driver RRP: $239 www.wsports.co.nz/pgf Facebook: WalkinshawSports From all good golf shops For your nearest stockist contact Walkinshaw Sports: +64 3 354 9177

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ENTER ONLINE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN! go to www.facebook.com/golferpacificnz

Alternatively you can VISIT WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ to register your name, address, phone number, home club & 20 word answer to ‘Win PGF STATUS SP1 ADJUSTABLE DRIVER’ Golfer Pacific NZ, PO Box 51338, TAWA, WELLINGTON 5249; or FAX to 00617 5609 6061 TERMS AND CONDITIONS: ENTRIES CLOSE 31ST DECEMBER 2017. 1 PGF STATUS SP1 ADJUSTABLE DRIVER (RIGHT HAND ONLY) AVAILABLE, 1 ENTRY PER PERSON. WINNER ANNOUNCED AND CONTACTED JANUARY 2018.

December 2017

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NEXT GENERATION Made for the player wanting more choice, complete customisation, premium components and uncompromised quality. Available in right-hand Status and left-hand Southpaw models. SP1 combines complete game-improvement performance with outstanding value. W S P O RT S . CO. N Z / P G F

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REDWOOD PARK GOLF CLUB NEWS AND EVENT

Arthritis NZ to benefit from Men’s Masters

edwood Park Golf Club is pleased to announce the inaugural Mens Masters , 54 hole tournament, 26-28 January 2018, with Arthritis NZ to be the benefactor of the event. The event is open to amateur male golfers over 40 years with entries closing on 31 December . “ Our club love hosting events and the prizes will be exceptional “ says Grant Morris , organiser of the event. “The course is full of variety and challenge and we expect to

reach the maximum field size of 128 players”. Redwood Park Golf Club is located in the beautiful foothills of the Waitakere Ranges, just 25 minutes from Central Auckland and right next to the Swanson train station on the western line. Event details can be found at www.redwoodparkgolf. co.nz/tournaments

Redwood Park Golf Club in association with Arthritis NZ present the

s r e t s a M s ’ n e M k r a P d o o Redw t n e m a n r u o T f 54 hole Gol (over 40) Auckland Anniversary weekend

Choctober winners overwhelmed T he Chamberlain Park team consisting of Joy Cantell, Glenda Taylor, Alice Hutton and Kris Gascoigne were in heaven with all the chocolate prizes and other goodies when they won the annual Redwood Park Golf Club Ladies Choctober event . “ This is the first time we have played this event “ ,said Glenda , “ and with these yummy prizes we will be back next year”. Led by Kris Gascoigne with a best net score of 70, the Chamberlain Park team scored 93 points , edging out a Redwood Park team .

Event Results Teams : 1st : Chamberlain Park (93pts); 2nd :Redwood Park GC (88pts) ; 3rd: North Shore GC (80pts) Best gross: Dale Harrison ( Redwood Park ) 87 Best Net : Kris Gascoigne (Chamberlain) 70 Closest to the pin on 5th : Kris Gascoigne ( Chamberlain ) Closest to the pin on 13th : Glenda Giddy ( North Shore) Straightest drive on 6th : Cathy Berglund ( Wainui)

Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th January Maximum course handicap 24

$15,000 in prizes

2 Divisions - Gross - Stableford Trophy for best overall Gross and Stableford

Two tee start

Friday from 11am, Saturday from 10am, Sunday from 9am Twos, longest drive and nearest pin all three rounds

Entry Fee $140 includes meal on Saturday evening

Entries close 5pm December 31st

Use of carts permitted (limited supply) Campervan sites (no power) available for out-of town players in the field. Showers and 24 hour toilet available. Caterers open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

REDWOOD PARK

GOLF CLUB Inc.

SWANSON AUCKLAND

For full details refer to our website www.redwoodparkgolf.co.nz/tournaments or contact the club 09 833 8253

December 2017

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onsidering playing in a multiround golf tournament next year? ...Then this is the one for you to enter. At last year’s event, everyone involved including players, non playing partners, sponsors and organisers, had a wonderful time! The tournament is played over three wonderful golf courses, namely, Nelson, Greenacres and Motueka, with two days to be played on the highly-rated Nelson Golf Course which has hosted three of the top NZ amateur tournaments. They are the New Zealand Amateur Championships, the New Zealand Seniors Championships, and the New Zealand under 19’s championships. Every event resulted in glowing reviews for the course from all the players. The courses are all very different, giving the competitors a real challenge for the week. Nelson being a true links course, whereas Motueka is a mature parkland course, and Greenacres offering a mix of challenging waterfront and parkland holes. Tournament dates for 2018 TSB Nelson Festival of Golf are Monday 30th April - Friday 4th May, with a rest day on the Wednesday to allow competitors to put their feet up, or get out and about to visit the many attractions the region has to offer or get some practice in for the next two days of golf. Non-playing

Monday 30th April – Friday 4th May 2018 partners are also very welcome to join us for the major prize giving dinner on the Friday evening. The organising committee has decided to keep the number of entries to 128, the same as last year. This created both a competitive yet friendly environment for all the participants. By the end of the week players had golfed with and made new friends with golfers from all over New Zealand and Australia. Tournament Director, Derek Drysdale, said, "At the final prize giving it was really pleasing to hear many of the competitors saying how much they’d enjoyed their week, as we tried to create a tournament that mixed both great golf and great fun, and it seems we did just that! "We are delighted that we have had many of last year’s entrants already registered to enter the tournament again," Derek said. "So, if you are keen to enjoy a week of golf in early May in the stunning Nelson region, now is the time to register to confirm your place." Entry forms and full details are available on our website www.nelsongolf. co.nz then click on the TSB Festival of Golf box on the home page, or call us on 03-548-5029 and ask for Allison for more information. Major naming sponsorship has again

been secured from TSB. The TSB Nelson Festival of Golf tournament has received sponsorship funding for next year’s event from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, which is funded by the Nelson City Council. The Programme’s objective is to stimulate Nelson City’s economy in the shoulder and off seasons by bringing new spending through visitors coming to Nelson for distinct events. For further information contact NEMDP Chair, Mark Rawson on 03 545 6858. Another not to be missed opportunity is our Long Putt competition. Qualify on Monday for the Friday Final and you could win a major prize. We will also be running our lucky draw prizes, where each day, some lucky competitors will win vouchers from our chosen restaurant partners, The event itself will consist of a Team Ambrose on the Monday at Nelson, followed by three days of individual stableford competition on Tuesday at Greenacres, Thursday at Motueka and back to Nelson on Friday. There will be team prizes on the Monday, and daily prizes and weekly overall prizes for individuals. The Entry fee of $245 includes four rounds of golf, individual and team competitions, golf gift and

a two-course dinner to be held during the final prize giving at the Nelson Golf Club on the Friday evening, where we are planning a party atmosphere to finish the week off in style! New club caterers, Nikki & Luke will be putting on a spit roast for us all to enjoy. The organisers want to continue to build on the great success of all their previous tournaments. They invite you to register now and enjoy the challenging competition offered on the variety of different courses along with the opportunity to widen your golfing experiences, meet new friends and most of all enjoy the week. The golf days will start with a 9.45am shotgun start on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with an earlier start of 9.15am on Friday, ensuring that all players are back in the clubhouse around the same time providing a great fun atmosphere for the daily prize giving. Our preferred accommodation provider, The Greens Motel, have great rates on offer for all competitors and everyone booking accommodation with them before 31st Dec will go into a lucky draw for a bottle of bubbles on arrival. Book with them directly by calling NZ: 0508 246 6835 (freephone) or email reception@greensmotel.co.nz We look forward to receiving your application forms soon!

GOLF EVENT

TSB Nelson Festival of Golf

MONDAY 30TH APRIL - FRIDAY 4TH MAY 2018

PLAY THE NELSON REGION’S BEAUTIFUL GOLF COURSES Nelson Golf Club Greenacres Golf Club, Best Island, Richmond Motueka Golf Club, Motueka RIZES DAILY P RIZE P R & MA JO INNER D GIVING AY ON FRID T NIGH

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

For more information about the tournament and how to enter check out www.nelsongolf.co.nz then click on the 2018 Festival of Golf box For more information or help with entries, contact Nelson Golf Club

03-548-5029  nelson@golf.co.nz 

OUR FAMOUS LONG PUTT COMPETITION IS BACK!

YOU COULD WIN A AR FOR A HOLECIN ONE

SUPPORTED BY:

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Our Favourite Courses, Country and Coastal Gems FOR A COUNTRY OF SUCH MODEST SIZE NEW ZEALAND BOASTS AN ENVIABLE NUMBER OF GOLF COURSES THAT WOULD HOLD THEIR OWN – AND MORE – ANYWHERE ON THE GLOBE. THE COUNTRY’S MUCH ADMIRED LANDSCAPES OFFERS A MAGNIFICENT ARRAY OF BACKDROPS. FROM THE COASTAL SPLENDOUR OF WAIPU IN THE NORTH, STUNNING FRUIT BOWL OF THE MATAKANA, AND SEA VIEWS OF NORTH HARBOUR. THE VOLCANIC PLATEAU HOME TO WAIRAKEI, TO THE GOLDEN SANDS OF NELSON, AND STUNNING SOUTHERN ALPS OF THE CANTERBURY REGION. AND IN BETWEEN THESE SPLENDID LAYOUTS ARE ANY NUMBER OF GOLFING VENUES TO CHALLENGE, INSPIRE AND WOO THE MOST DISCERNING OF PLAYERS. NORTH ISLAND NORTHLAND WAIPU GOLF CLUB

Set on the water’s edge of Bream Bay with spectacular ocean views, links style Waipu Golf Course is conveniently situated on State Highway 1 half way between the Auckland Airport and Kauri Cliffs making it the perfect stopover for traveller’s heading North or South. The recent removal of many old pines from the course has opened up the view to full panorama of the stunning coastline. The course is naturally sand based hence it is generally unaffected by wet weather but presents the golfer with some great challenges and outstanding panoramas from tees and greens. www.waipugolfclub.org.nz

NORTH HARBOUR WAINUI

The 18-hole championship course is set in an iconic New Zealand rural back drop. The course is cut through rolling hills, natural water ways and is framed by 80-year-old statement pines and precise bunkering. This Puddicombe designed course appeals to golfers of all levels by offering five varied tee deck options. Whether a single digit or higher handicap player the year round pristine golf surfaces provide multiple strategies and shot options all on sand capped fairways. Wainui is a world class facility a world away and only 20 minutes from downtown Auckland. Phone 09 444 3437 to arrange a tee time. wainui.online

AUCKLAND

OHOPE INTERNATIONAL GOLF CLUB

AKARANA Akarana has two distinct nines. The shorter inner loop with a par of 34 has one of the great holes in Auckland golf, the par three 8th which measures 176 metres from the blue tee to a narrow green with bunkers on the left and water on the right. The longer outer nine, which has out of bounds on the left of six holes, has the two longer par fives, two demanding par fours in the 13th and 15th, the testing par three 16th and an exciting short par 4 to finish which produces many birdies. The full layout measures around 5800 metres from the back tees but the course rating is over par at 70.6 and the slope is 124. Golf Bookings golf@akaranagolf. co.nz www.akaranagolf.co.nz

PUKEKOHE GOLF CLUB The course is a championship quality 18 hole parklands style golf course with tree lined fairways, lakes and a river as part of the challenges you face when you take part in the Pukekohe golf experience. There is on-line tee booking from the website www. pukekohegolf.co.nz and follow the instructions or phone. The course is easy to find being only 5 minutes from the southern motorway exit 461 and follow the signs towards Pukekohe or place the address in your GPS location finder and it will lead you straight here. Once here, the PGA qualified professional will assist you with all of your needs including clubs and other playing gear. A cold drink and food available on most days from the cafe awaits you when you have finished your round. www.pukekohegolf.co.nz

December 2017

Greg Turner in 2012 commented on Ohope International Golf Club “The seaside terrain is as dramatic as anything in the British Isles and the views are exceptional. This is links golf to match the very best anywhere!” Play links golf at the best Links course in the Bay of Plenty From the clubhouse and on the course, the superb views of both the Harbour and the Pacific ocean, and seeing New Zealand’s active volcanic Island White Island smoking away all day, this club is a must to play whilst on holidays or travelling by. Ohope International Golf Club caters for individual, groups and charity golfing as well as weddings and formal functions. Ohope voted best Beach in New Zealand 2013, together with the most sunniest days in New Zealand in 2013 only adds to the delights of playing golf at Ohope International Golf Course. www.ohopegolf.co.nz/

WAIRAKEI GOLF AND SANCTUARY Long regarded as one of our premier venues, Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary near Taupo is everything it is built up to be. Established in 1970 as a green fee facility rather than a club facility, the course is open to all who are passing through. Wairakei Golf and Sanctuary is firmly established on both the domestic and international golf radar, having been rated by the prestigious US Golf Digest magazine to be in the top 100 courses in the world outside of the United States. A par-72 it plays to 6444m off the blues tees in an amphitheatre setting surrounded by thick forest. A magnificently memorable layout with numerous dog legs, elevation changes and scenery to die for. It is part of a

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180ha wildlife sanctuary, native birds abound while 200 mixed colour pheasant and a small herd of fallow deer are being reared on site, within a deer-fenced area. www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz/

BAY OF PLENTY FAIRVIEW GOLF CLUB

Fairview Golf Course is a 5820metre, par 72, 18 hole, course set over 60 hectares with three sets of tees to challenge all skill levels. Located on Sharp Road, off State Highway 2, in Katikati, Fairview Golf Course is just a short drive south by car from the centre of Katikati, 25 minutes south from Waihi and just 30 minutes north west of Tauranga. It is also only 2 hours from Auckland and 1 hour 40 minutes from Hamilton. Established in 1998 and designed to a championship standard and redesigned in 2017. Set amongst lush pastures and surrounded by the breathtaking Kaimai Ranges, Fairview offers some of the best golfing facilities in the area including putting green, golf shop and changing facilities www.fairviewestate.co.nz

HAWKES BAY MARAENUI GOLF CLUB

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

SOUTH ISLAND TASMAN NELSON GOLF CLUB

Situated on the beautiful shores of Tasman Bay and only minutes from the town centre, Nelson Golf Club has recently realised an ambitious five year plan to recreate a true links experience. Hundreds of trees have been removed, exposing the undulating terrain and sweeping views. The natural humps and hollows of the fairways and riveted bunkers create a seaside links that draws on the origins of the game. The greens on this championship course are arguably the finest in the country. Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand, making it a desirable golfing and holiday destination. The course offers excellent value and provides a fine challenge to anyone looking to play traditional seaside golf in stunning surroundings. www.nelsongolf.co.nz

CANTERBURY PEGASUS GOLF & SPORTS CLUB

Renowned for one of the best courses in New Zealand, the Pegasus Golf & Sports Club is set within a diverse yet tranquil landscape of water features and natural wetlands, framed by the majestic mountains at the foot of the Southern Alps and only 25km north of Christchurch. The club has been designed to create a fantastic experience for every level of golfer, and for non-golfers too. As well as a magnificent 18 hole championship course it features a range of excellent facilities including a driving range, practice greens, pro shop, tennis courts, and a well-equipped gymnasium. You’ll also find good food and a warm welcome at The Bunker Café & Bar. www.pegasus-golfclub.co.nz/

TERRACE DOWNS

Very handy to Christchurch, arguably this country’s capital when it comes to the number and variety of

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December 2017

quality golf courses of offer, Terrace Downs won the 2010 World Travel Awards as New Zealand’s leading golf resort. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Rakaia River, the resort boasts stunning high country views up to Mt Hutt and is within close proximity to various ski fields. The par-72 6440m championship course includes 11 lakes and 70 bunkers with something to test even the most experienced golfer. Players will remember every hole, use every club in their bag and eagerly anticipate the next day’s play. Possibly the most exhilarating hole is the diminutive par-three 16th which plays to just 130m from the back tees. It’s not the length of this hole that stops you in your tracks, it’s the scenery. The tee box hangs on the edge of the gorge and towers about 200m above the Rakaia River that tumbles along below. www.terracedowns.co.nz/golf/

MILLBROOK

Set in a natural alpine amphitheatre against the backdrop of the Remarkables Mountain Range, this 27 hole golf course exploits the dramatic terrain fully, delivering world-class golf. Millbrook is simply an unforgettable Queenstown golfing experience. This award winning golf course was also voted recently been voted Best Golf Hotel at the 2017 and 2016 World Golf Awards and named Oceania’s Best Golf Hotel in New Zealand at the World Golf Awards 2014 and 2016. Designed by renowned professional and master golfer Sir Bob Charles, and renovated by Greg Turner in October 2010 with the addition of the Coronet Nine. Surely one of the most magical golfing venues in the world, Millbrook offers a 27-hole course brilliantly conceived and shaped from the rugged mountain landscape. A breath taking environment to tee off at and with extraordinary photo opportunities at every turn, our championship course offers three fabulous nine hole courses, each named after local prominent Queenstown landmarks - The Remarkables, The Arrow and The Coronet Nine. Call or email us to book your tee time: +64 3 441 7010 or golf.shop@millbrook.co.nz www.millbrook.co.nz/golf

Our Favourite Courses, Country and Coastal Gems

Advertising Feature

• OUR FAVOURITE COURSES •

• NEW ZEALAND • NORTH ISLAND

AKARANA GOLF CLUB

Electric Cart Hire: $40 Trundler Hire: $5. Set of clubs & trundler $30 Accommodation: Copthorne Auckland, Anzac Avenue, Grand MT ROSKILL, AUCKLAND Millennium Greys Ave, M Social on Quay St near the Viaduct Phone: 09 621 0024 precinct. Special Features: Green fee visitors welcome – located 15 Email: gm@akaranagolf.co.nz minutes from Auckland Airport & Auckland CBD, on corner of Website: www.akaranagolf.co.nz Dominion Road and SH20. Two friendly bars – indoor/outdoor. Café open daily for coffee, breakfast and lunch. COURSE LENGTHS How to get here: Flying into Auckland Airport – we are a 15 White: 5437 mtrs Par 70 minute cab ride from there. Staying in Auckland CBD – a short cab ride, or take the bus (255,258,267) from Queen St opposite the Blue: 5697 mtrs Par 70 Civic Centre to ‘Dominion Road’ – stop number 8436 is just past Yellow: 5101 mtrs Par 72 the golf club entrance at 1388 Dominion Road. Driving from south of Auckland – turn of SH1 onto SH20 near Rainbows End – just 15 COURSE INFORMATION mins to the first tee! Driving from north of Auckland – get on to Year opened: 1927 Green Fees: $50 (Affiliate 18H), $70 (Non-Affiliate 18H) Queen St/Upper Queen St to find Dominion Road.

FAIRVIEW GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB

KATIKATI, BAY OF PLENTY Phone: +64 7 549 3412 for starting times Email: info@fairviewgolf.co.nz Website: info@fairviewgolf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Black: 5820 metres Blue: 5590 metres White: 5303 metres Yellow: 4872 metres

MARAENUI GOLF CLUB NAPIER, HAWKES BAY

Phone: +64 6 835 8273 Website: www.maraenuigolf.co.nz Email: maraenui@golf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS White: 5705 Mtrs Par 72 Blue : 6125 Mtrs Par 72 Yellow: 5289 Mtrs Par 74

COURSE INFORMATION

Year Established: 1998 Course Architect: John Bourke / Grant Puddicombe (2017) Green Fees: $35 18 hole affiliated Electric Cart: $35 non-member Accommodation: Fairview offers stay and play packages with guests staying in one of the brand new show homes, which are part of the Fairview Estate subdivision. Special Features: In 2017 Fairview underwent some major golf course improvements including a complete redevelopment of Holes 1- 5. During this time they also added an Outdoor Sprig Bar allowing golfers to walk straight off the course and enjoy fantastic views whilst enjoying a drink and bite to eat. How to get there: Fairview is located just south of Katikati, 20 minutes drive north of Tauranga.

COURSE INFORMATION

Year Opened: 1932 Green Fees: $40 (Affilliate 18H), $50 (Non-Affilliate 18H) Electric Cart Hire: 18 Holes $40 Visitors. Trundler Hire: $5 Set of Clubs and Trundler: $25 Accommodation: The club motel sponsor is Edgewater Motor Lodge Special Features: Green fee players always welcome – only 5 minutes’ drive from Napier City and 15 minutes from Hastings. We have a full bar with friendly staff. HMG Catering have a fine selection of food to have with your drinks after your round. How to get there: Driving from Auckland to Napier 5 hours 30 mins; Driving from Wellington to Napier 3 hours 45 mins; Fly from Auckland to Hawkes Bay 1 Hour; Fly from Wellington to Hawkes Bay 1 Hour.

December 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

MILLBROOK RESORT • NEW ZEALAND • SOUTH ISLAND

QUEENSTOWN

Phone: +64 3 441 7010 Email: golf.shop@millbrook.co.nz Website: www.millbrook.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Arrow

Remarkables

Coronet

Tees

Mtrs / Par Mtrs / Par Mtrs/Par

Black Blue White Red Yellow

3034/35 3232/36 3328/36 2810/35 3081/36 3063/36 2585/35 2854/36 2813/36 2454/35 2583/36 2625/37 2153/35 2416/36 2370/36

NELSON GOLF CLUB NELSON, TASMAN

Phone: +64 3 5485029 Website: www.nelsongolf.co.nz Email: nelson@golf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Blue: 6199m Par 71 White: 5921m Par 71 Yellow: 5303m Par 72

COURSE INFORMATION

Year Established: 1992 Course Architect: Sir Bob Charles Course Upgrade: Greg Turner & Scott McPherson Green Fees: From $65 (low) to $170 (high) Electric Cart: $40-$55 Club Hire: $40-$60 Footwear: Soft spikes only Accommodation: On-site including luxurious, fully appointed one bedroom and two bedroom suites, deluxe studios, cottages and fairway homes. Special Features: Health and fitness centre, tennis, indoor pool, outdoor hot pools, day spa. Pro Shop for gifts and apparel. 27 hole golf course with three interchangable nines. Home of the ISPS Handa NZ Open How to get there: 20 min from Queenstown

COURSE INFORMATION

Year Established: 1897 Golf Professional: Sean Riordan Green Fees: $40 for NZ affiliated golfers $50 for non-affiliated golfers Electric Cart Hire: $40 Footwear: Soft spikes only Special Features: A true links experience. Host to the 2015 NZ Seniors Championship. Host of the New Zealand Under 19 Championsips in 2016. How to get there: Next door to Nelson airport. 10 minutes from town. Facilities: Bar & Cafe Open 7 days. Fully stocked pro shop.

INFORMATION OHOPE INTERNATIONAL COURSE Green Fees: 18 Holes: $40 NZ Golf Affiliated,

GOLF CLUB BAY OF PLENTY

Phone: +64 7-312 4486 Email: ohope@golf.co.nz Website: www.ohopegolf.co.nz

$45 Non-Affiliated per round. Discounts for larger groups by arrangements with the Club Secretary/Manager. 10 Holes: $20 NZ Golf Affiliated, Non-Affiliated $25. Electric Cart: $25 (10 Holes); $35 (18 Holes) Trundler: $5 per Round Club Hire: Quality Full Sets $25; Social Sets $10 (Including Trundler)

COURSE LENGTHS Blue: 5686m Par 71 White: 5408m Par 71 Yellow: 4961m Par 71

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Clubhouse: Available for Weddings, Birthdays & Corporate Functions. Special Features: Cafe open daily for lunches. How to get there: from Whakatane Airport: 40 minutes by car. From Tauranga 1 Hour 15 mins by car, From Rotorua 1 hour 15 mins by car. December 2017

Our Favourite Courses, Country and Coastal Gems

• NEW ZEALAND • SOUTH ISLAND

PEGASUS GOLF & SPORTS CLUB

PEGASUS, NORTH CANTERBURY Phone: + 64 3 920 3300 Email: golf@pegasus-golfclub.co.nz Website: www.pegasus-golfclub.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Black: 6324m Par 72 Blue: 5992m Par 72 White: 5631m Par 72 Yellow: 5067m Par 72

Advertising Feature

COURSE INFORMATION

Year Established: 2009 Course Designer: Kristine Kerr of Kura Golf Course Design General Manager: Aiden Berry Green Fees: 18 holes (par 72) Mid-week walking (Mon- Thurs) $60 Weekend walking (Fri -Sun) $80 Electric Cart: $20pp (shared) Club Hire: Standard $35.00 Executive Hire $55.00 Footwear: Soft spikes only Facilities: Driving range, tennis centre, pro-shop, Bunker Café & Bar, practice greens, gymnasium How to get there: Less than half an hour north of Christchurch.

• OUR FAVOURITE COURSES •

PUKEKOHE GOLF CLUB • NEW ZEALAND • NORTH ISLAND

PUKEKOHE, AUCKLAND

Phone: 09 294 8810 for tee bookings Email: fun@pukekohegolf.co.nz Website: www.pukekohegolf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Blue: 5996m Par 71 White: 5735m Par 71 Yellow: 5223 Par 73

COURSE INFORMATION

Year established: 1912 Head Professional: Craig Smith Green Fees: $60 Electric Cart Hire: $40 Trundler: $5 per round Club Hire: $20 per round Footwear: Soft spikes only Facilities: Bar and café available all days except Monday. Fully stocked proshop. Special Features: Mature tree lined fairways with ponds and a river will give you a great golfing experience. How to get there: 5 minutes towards Pukekohe from the South Motorway’s Drury off ramp (461) and 20 minutes from Auckland Airport. Photo: Kenichiro Tenjinki

TERRACE DOWNS RESORT • NEW ZEALAND • SOUTH ISLAND

RAKAIA GORGE, CANTERBURY

Phone: +64 3 318 6943 or 0800 465 373 Website: www.terracedowns.co.nz or www.facebook.com/TerraceDownsResort Email: golf@terracedowns.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Black: 6406 Mtrs Par 72 Blue: 6035 Mtrs Par 72 White: 5606 Mtrs Par 72 Ladies : 5278 Mtrs Par 72

COURSE INFORMATION

Officially Opened: 1st December 2001 Course Architect: Sid Puddicombe Associates Green Fees: Summer 18 holes - $130 casual, $70 affiliated. Winter 18 holes - $110 casual, $60 affiliated. Equipment Hire: Carts from $25 (9 holes), clubs from $40 (9 holes), shoes and trundlers also available. Footwear: Soft spikes only. Accommodation: Lavish on site 1-3 bedroom villa suites and 4-7 bedroom chalets. Special Features: Unique year-round golfing and leisure destination boasting stunning alpine vistas, a wide selection of resort activities. Day spa, formal and casual dining options, function venues and close proximity to several ski fields. How to get there: 60 mins scenic drive from Christchurch International Airport. Transport is available. December 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

• OUR FAVOURITE COURSES •

WAINUI GOLF CLUB • NEW ZEALAND • NORTH ISLAND

AUCKLAND

Phone: +64 09 444 3437 Email: admin@wainui.online Website: www.wainui.online COURSE LENGTHS 65’s 6485 Par 72 59’s 5921 Par 72 55’s 5519 Par 72 50’s 5009 Par 72 45’s 4532 Par 72

COURSE INFORMATION Year opened: PGC established 1956 * Wainui 2016 Green Fees: $69.00 - $175.00 gst included Electric Cart Hire: Included with Green Fee Club Hire: $60 (Premium 18H); $40 (Premium 9H) Accommodation: O’Grady Lodge. Visit www.ogradylodge.co.nz, email ogrady@xtra.co.nz or phone 021 620 276 to book. Special Features: Green Fee Player’s always welcome. 30 minutes from the CBD Auckland. Full restaurant and bar facilities, club rooms available for hire. How to get here: Head north on the State Highway #1 to exit # 396 Millwater. Take the first turn on Wainui Road. 4 kilometers to Windmill Drive turn left .5 kilometers. Paul Gordon APSNZ

WAIPU GOLF CLUB BREAM BAY

Phone: +64 9 4320259 Website: www.waipugolf club.org.nz Email: Waipu@golf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Black: 6,120 metres Blue: 5,890 metres White: 5,463 metres Yellow: 5,186 metres

COURSE INFORMATION

Year Club Established: 1934 Present Course Opened: 6th June 1966 Course Architect: H G Babbage, Modified 2014 A Glasgow Professional: Available on request Green Fees: $40 - $55 (concessions available for groups etc) Electric Cart Hire: $35 Push Trundler Hire: $5 Club Hire:$15 Accommodation: Local accommodation available for all budgets (see website for details) Special Features: Clubhouse, Golf Shop, Bar & Café open 7 days a week. Covered practice area, amazing panoramic views, walking access to long white sandy beach, visitors always welcome. How to get there: Adjacent to state highway 1 just 125km from Auckland CBD

• OURFAVOURITECOURSES•

• NEW ZEALAND • NORTH ISLAND

WAIRAKEI GOLF + SANCTUARY TAUPO

Phone: +64 7 374 8152 Fax: +64 7 374 8289 Email: info@wairakeigolf.co.nz Website: www.wairakeigolfcourse.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Blue: 6460 Mtrs Par 72 White: 5853 Mtrs Par 72 Red: 5084 Mtrs Par 72

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

COURSE INFORMATION

Year Established: 1968 Course Architects: Thompson & Wolveridge Operations Manager: David Park Green Fees: New Zealand Registered $155 International Registered $210 Electric Cart: $50 Executive Club Hire: $55 Footwear: Soft spikes only Accommodation: Huka Lodge Ph +64 7 378 5791 & Wairakei Resort Ph +64 7 3748021 Special Features: Voted #1 golf course in New Zealand 2010. Unique with the pest proof sanctuary, protecting kiwi, pheasants & fallow deer. How to get there: 10-min drive north from Central Taupo. December 2017

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND

NORTHLAND MAKE HISTORY

After a very long wait, Northland have finally put their names onto the Garrard Shield, a competition that has been running since 1955, the below team are the first Northland side to have their names on the trophy. All four teams had an interesting weekend around the Matarangi Golf Course in the Coromandal as foul weather battered the peninsula in one of

the tightest Garrard Shield competitions ever held. Northland’s weekend results were Northland v BOP – 4 all half Northland v Waikato – 4.5 to 3.5 WIN Northland v Auckland – 4.5 to 3.5 WIN 1. Scott Wightman – captain (Mangawhai) 2. Christian Nitsche (Whangarei) 3. Dale Clarke (Sherwood Park) 4. Alex Neely (Northland) 5. Kadin Neho (Whangarei) 6. Taylor Gill (BOI Kerikeri) 7. Brad Bonnington (Wellsford) 8. Ben Kennedy (Houhora) Manager: Shaun O’Shea The Ralph Cup junior side played alongside the Garrard Shield Team and had a tough weekend of it against some very sharp young players, the Ralph Cup team results were

Northland v BOP – 4 – 0 LOSS Northland v Waikato – 1.5 to 2.5 LOSS Northland v Auckland – 0.5 to 3.5 LOSS The team was: 1. Ben Bowmar – captain (Whangarei) 2. Jorrit Stamm (Northland) 3. Chris Shepherd (Whangarei) 4. Tarrin Rous (Mangawhai) Manager: Sean Doel

TORO INTERPROVINCIAL TOURNAMENTS

Mens TORO Interprovincial – Mangawhai GC Dec 5 – 9 The Northland side for the TORO Interprovincial is named as follows: 1. Luke Brown (The Pines) 2. Scott Wightman – captain (Mangawhai) 3. Christian Nitsche (Whangarei) 4. Alex Neely (Northland) 5. Kadin Neho (Whangarei) 6. Ben Kennedy (Houhora) Manager: Shaun O’Shea Womens TORO interprovincial – Sherwood Park Dec 4 – 8 The Northland women’s side for the TORO interprovincial tournament has been announced, the team will play at Sherwood Park 4th – 8th December. The women’s side would love to see some support out at Sherwood Park during their week. 1. Kylie Jacoby (Waipu) 2. Belinda May (Mangawhai) 3. Shardae Bulkeley (Sherwood Park) 4. Alayna Cox (Wellsford) 5. Jo Taylor (Northern Wairoa)

Ba Ke y o rik f I eri sla nd s

“TEE FOR TWO”

Play Kerikeri Golf Club – accommodation at Stone Store Lodge.

Kauri Cliffs

“TEE FOR TWO” GOLF PACKAGE

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

Bay of Islands

2 NIGHT GOLF PACKAGE 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$880 for TWO

NZ$460 for TWO

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Above pricing valid to 7th Dec 2017 for TWO (Affiliated NZ Players)

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

The Northland Masters side have recently competed in the Freyberg Masters interprovincial at Whitford Park in Auckland, Northland finished the tournament in a commendable fifth place with hosts Auckland taking home the silverware – Congratulations to the players selected, the team was: 1.Saali Herewini (Whangarei) 2.Brett Dormer (Kaitaia) 3.Peter Bone (Whangarei) 4.Scott Wilson (Waitangi) 5.Bob Shirley (Carrington) 6.Gavin Ashwell (Wellsford)

JUNIOR BOYS INTERPROVINCIAL

The juniors boys team played in Cambridge during their first week of the

Barfoot & Thompson

TH SA E V D E AT E

WOMEN’S PRO-AM To be played at Warkworth Golf Club Monday March 19th 2018

• Make up your own team of 3 women • Each team will be allocated a professional • Handicap 0-28.7

Two full or continental breakfasts daily Two persons for one round of golf at Kerikeri Golf Course

*Must be NZ residents. International Visitors ADD $488

MENS MASTERS INTERPROVINCIAL

• $80.00 per player

Two golfers enjoy

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

6. Jenny Peters (Northland) Manager: Sherrill Glen

Entries forms can be downloaded from our website: www.warkworthgolfclub.co.nz You can email us at: thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz Or phone: 09 425 8248

*Must be Affiliated NZ Players TERMS & CONDITIONS

Above pricing valid to 7th December 2017 for TWO (Affiliated NZ Players)

Warkworth Golf Club, 4 Golf Road, Warkworth PO Box 103 Warkworth 0941

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

PRO-AM 2017

HOUSING CONCEPTS LTD

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

December 2017

BUILDING AND DEVELOPMENT Licensed Building Practioner

WARKWORTH MOB: PRINTING0274 PROOF 856 770

DAVE DOHRMAN • robdave@xtra.co.nz www.housingconcepts.co.nz

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

school holidays and while we lost a large number of junior boys from last years side, they fought hard all week to finish in 10th position. The team was led by Ben Bowmar and managed by Paul Allen and Todd Sylvester. The team is made up of four under 19 players and 2 under 16 players plus a rotating reserve, the team was U19 – 1. Jorrit Stamm 2. Ben Bowmar 3. Chris Shepherd 4. Tarrin Rous U16 – Cole Allen Brady Sylvester Craig Hockings

NORTH HARBOUR NORTH HARBOUR MENS AND WOMENS CHAMP OF CHAMPS

The mens and womens tournaments were held at Huapai and Whangaparaoa respectively on the 19th on November. Results were as follows:

IN SCHOOL GOLF

Golf Northland have decided to run their In School Golf programme themselves rather than contracting SNAG to run the programme this year, working with Paul Allen or ‘mr golf’ as the kids are calling him and local clubs to provide links between in school golf and getting out onto the course. Paul is delivering three sessions in the school with a club member/junior convenor taking part in the final session to farmilarise themselves with the children, a group of juniors will then head out onto the golf course for a true golf experience – Feedback to date has been great so if you want to get on board with this, please get in touch as we are looking to fill up all dates while the weather is playing ball. NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD

JUNIOR GIRLS INTERPROVINCIAL

Our junior girls team played their interprovincial in Rotorua during the second week of the school holidays, we managed to put together a reasonably strong team to try and go one better from our second place finish last year. The girls had a tough week with a number of very narrow losses but fought hard to finish in 6th place. Unfortunately a large contingent of our junior girls side will be unavailable for this event next year and we are scraping the barrel in terms of numbers, so time to get some more young girls on our the course. The top three players in each team play gross matchplay while the bottom three all play handicap matchplay, the Northland team was Belinda May Soktaera Sean Soktearodh Sean Taimana Ngakuru Setiny Pheng Danielle Ngakuru Manager: Jo Taylor

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

1-Jan

Northland

9-435 0042

New Year Tournament

7-Jan

Mangawhai

9-431 4807

New World Warkworth Wine Food Open

8-Jan

The Pines

(09) 4362246

New Year Bash

8-Jan

Whangaroa

9-405 1808

Summer Mixed Open

12-15 Jan

Waipu

09 4051808

18 Hole Open (Lion Tour)

19-Jan

Wellsford

9-423 8385

Northland Senior Tourament

22-Jan

Sherwood Park

9-434 6900

Mixed Open Tournament

28-Jan

Bay of Islands

(09) 407 8837

Woodlands Open (lions tour)

28-29 Jan

kaitaia

09-4094833

Tai Tokerau Maori Golf Tournament

28-29 Jan

okaihau

09 4019223

Okaihau 9 Hole Mixed Classic

28-20 Jan

Kaitia

09-4094833

Masters Memorial Tournament

29-Jan

Kaikohe

09) 405 3814

Opening Day

29-Jan

Mangawhai

9-431 4807

Timberworld Warkworth Mixed Open

30-Jan

Northland

9-435 0042

Markby Ambrose

Women Silver (36 Hole Gross) – Iida Rissanen (Gulf Harbour) – 149 Bronze (36 Hole Gross) – Delwyn Roff (Huapai) – 189 Veterans (18 Hole Gross) – Helen Chegwin (Whangaparaoa) – 90 (won in playoff) 9 Hole (18 Hole Gross) – Kathy Stevens (Whangaparaoa) – 84 Rosebowl – North Shore Golf Club Men Senior Champion (Gross) – James Hydes (Gulf Harbour) – 144 Intermediate Champion (Handicap Stableford) – Mike Alley (Waitakere) – 67 Junior Champion (Handicap Stableford) – Brad Judd (Waitemata) – 73 Teams Winner (Combined Stableford) – Waitemata Golf Club

Congratulations to all the winners! (full results available on website)

NORTH HARBOUR GOLF SHINES AT SPORTS AWARDS

It was a great night for Harbour Golf on the 17th of November at the Spencer of Byron events centre. Both Helen Chegwin (executive member) and Andrew Leventis (executive officer) received sports acknowledgment awards for their roles at Harbour Golf. The Lydia Ko Age Group Championship tournament was a finalist in the Harbour sports event of the year category. But of the greatest note was the win of Mark Hutson who was named as the district sportsman of the year for 2017 after his fantastic results over the past 12 months. Mark was not able to attend but a video message from him was played after receiving the award to the near 300 attendees. It was a fantastic win for Mark and worthy acknowledgement of his dedication to the game in front of many of New Zealand’s best athletes. Well done!

December 2017

NORTH HARBOUR LIFE MEMBER GEORGE NEWLOVE PASSES AWAY

It is with enormous sadness and heavy hearts that we report the passing of North Harbour life member George Newlove. George has battled cancer this year and on the 11th of November, surrounded by family and friends, he passed away peacefully. George was quite simply one of the most giving and sincere individuals you would ever meet. He was involved with Harbour Golf in one way or another for the last 13 years and fulfilled a multitude of roles successfully including president, board member and junior director and manager. He was most passionate about working with the junior boys representative teams and the highlight for him was going away to Cambridge each year for the junior interprovincial. Even this year, in illness, he tried to get to as many Harbour representative events as possible, most recently watching his beloved junior interprovincial team finish 2nd in October. Words cannot describe how much he will be missed. The sport in the district is a much better place for George’s commitment to the game and I know there will be a huge amount of people that were positively influenced by George in some way. Sincere condolences to his family and rest in peace big fella. You will never be forgotten.

REPRESENTATIVE GOLF

It has been a busy period for both teams and selectors in the representative season. Most recently the Master

men finished 6th out of the 15 teams in the Freyberg Masters at Whitford. It is an extremely long taxing week for the players, the level of golf is so high in the 40 plus bracket, and just a few points here or there could have made a big different to the standings. Well done to the team for their week and also to our neigbours Auckland who played superbly winning for the second year in a row. The selectors have also recently named both the men’s and women’s interprovincial sides to compete at Mangawhai and Sherwoor Park in Northland. They are as follows: MEN 1 – Mark Hutson (Muriwai) 2- Kit Bittle (Wainui) 3 – Kevin Koong (Muriwai) 4 – James Hydes (Wainui) 5 – Jake Lee (Muriwai) 6 – Nathan Mayes (Wainui) Manager – Peter Reid WOMEN 1 – Silvia Brunotti (North Shore) 2 – Subin Wui (Pupuke) 3 – Vaha Fapiano (North Shore) 4 – Amy Huh (Gulf Harbour) 5 – Anna An (Muriwai) 6 – Eujin Kang (North Shore) Non-Travelling Reserve – Julitta Lam (Muriwai) Manager – Annette Muir Assistant Managers – Robyn Pardy / Glenda O’Connor Good luck to both teams!

2017. Long standing Executive Officer Andrew Leventis will continue in his role until January, in order to provide a smooth transition for Kevin as he takes on board many of the responsibilities that were Andrew’s for the last 10 years. The Board, and I’m sure all of Harbour Golf, is looking forward to working with Kevin as we move into another exciting year for golf in our region. NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD

KEVIN TREGUNNO APPOINTED DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR HARBOUR GOLF

Harbour Golf is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Tregunno as the new Golf Development and Operations Manager. Kevin has had a distinguished professional career in marketing and management, and also is the current President of the Auckland and North Harbour Golf Referees Association. This is a new role for Harbour Golf, which is focussed on the playing and development of golf at all levels within our district, including new initiatives for tournaments and junior development. Harbour Golf received strong interest in this role and after a thorough interview process with several high quality applicants, Kevin was selected by the Board to commence in this role from December 4,

1-31 Dec

Whangaparaoa

09 424 5441

Membership Fees $880 Full Membership and $645 9 Hole.

1-31 Dec

Redwood Park

(09)8338253

memberships $920 Annually

1-31 Dec

Muriwai

9 411 8454

The Links course out west. All welcome

1-31 Dec

Helensville

(09)4205454

Midweek Open Great Prize table

1-31 Dec

Omaha Beach

(09)4227551

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

1-31 Dec

Waitakere

(09)810 9399

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

1-31 Dec

Omaha GC

9-422 7551

Winter Memberships from $295

4 - 8th Dec

NZVGA Men's Nationals

Kerikeri

NZ Seniors Men

4 - 8th Dec

NZVGA Women's Champs

Kerikeri

NZ Seniors Women

2 Jan

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

The 2018 New Year Tournament

19-Mar

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

Barefoot & Thompson Women's Pro AM

9 HOLE PROVINCIAL

The 9 hole womens North Harbour Provincial was in early November at Wanui Golf Club. With a capacity field capped at 60 it was a very competitive tournament played on the testing layout. The winner was Kathy Stevens (Whangaparaoa) with a gross score of 44. Congratulations to all the prize winners and to Wainui for running a successful event!

AUCKLAND COVIC SEASON FINISHES ON A HIGH AT PUKEKOHE

The COVIC Open Golf Championship attracted 110 entries to the Pukekohe Golf Club on Monday 27th November 2017. Following a spell of fine weather the course played well with lots of run and this meant for some low scoring, especially by members of the home Pukekohe club whose team became the inaugural winners of the COVIC Championship Plate and Jug. Their best six player aggregate net score was 388 which is an average player score of 64.6 net or 7-under the course par of 72. Second was Waiuku (398), third Clarks Beach (412), Onewhero (415), Maramarua (416), Hauraki (421), Wattle Downs (426), Pakuranga (428), Waikare (431), Awhitu (460) and Huntly (DNF). The individual Championship competition was played in two divisions with the first three in each division recognised with an Olympic style medal celebration.

MATAMATA GOLF CLUB THE GOLF

NORTHERN

SUNDAY, 10th DECEMBER 2017 MENS & LADIES GROSS, NETT & STABLEFORD Entry Fee $25.00 per player Includes Two’s Assemble 9.00 am for 10.00 am shotgun start

Pay & Pl ay

ENTRIES TO: Graeme Reid Ph: 07 888 6109 www.matamatagolf.co.nz

Get your Northern Passport! With an annual supscription of $350, receive discounted green fees, and a one free round of golf at each of the participating clubs.

the coromandels

little nugget of gold

Take advantage of exclusive green fee rates at participating clubs, pay only $20 for 18 ($12 for 9) holes all year round. On top of all this, receive an official New Zealand Golf Handicap! Contact your local participating club for more info and to sign up.

$350

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION

FREE Rounds at

participating clubs: HELENSVILLE MANGAWHAI NORTHLAND WARKWORTH WHANGAPARAOA WHANGARAREI

OFFICIAL New Zealand Golf Handicap

Full Membership $15 a week or Summer Membership $350

www.mercurybaygolf.co.nz Join us on Facebook // Ph 07 866 5479

WHANGAPARAOA GOLF CLUB

To get your Passport Phone 0800 420 545 • Helensville@golf.co.nz• www.helensvillegolf.co.nz

December 2017

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

In the Senior Division (0-20) Waiuku’s Peter Blackler won the Gold medal with 61 net, Sandra Stevens of Pukekohe won Silver (65) and Peter McGregor of Pakuranga won Bronze (66). The Junior Division Gold was won by Awhitu’s Ian Jory with a remarkable net 59 score, one ahead of Waiuku’s Merv Price (60) who won Silver, with Onewhero’s Ron Gibson (62) winning Bronze. The Claret Jacket for the Craig Smith Pro Shop’s ‘Most deserving Player of the Day’ was awarded to Pakuranga’s Gain Zohrab who still scored a remarkable 65 net although he lost four balls during his round. The first event of the 2018 season will be played at Waikare Golf Club on Wednesday 21st February.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The Howick team of Sylviane Jones, Diane Andrew and Sally Millar competed in the 36 hole Champion of Champions/ Rose Bowl at Clarks Beach on Monday 6 November. Meri Mackay competed for the 9 hole competition and was placed 4th. The overall winners were 1st: Titirangi (115), 2nd: Royal Auckland (108) and 3rd: Whitford Park (104).

HOWICK LADIES

Last month Howick women played Stableford for the Village Cellars Cup. Judy Cox won with 47 pts (3.5 cr) and Joss Bremner was 2nd with 40 pts (2 cr). No Two’s. Recently that had a prize giving eve-

ning Prizegiving and Dinner for both 18 hole and 9 hole women and a very enjoyable time was had by all 43 who attended. The caterer provided a delicious meal and bar managed to keep up with us re serving drinks! Judy Cox won 6 prizes for her golfing efforts over the year.

9 HOLE LADIES SECTION

Women at Howick Golf Club with a good field last month. They were delighted for Meri Mackay’s 4th position in the recent 9 Hole Champion of Champion finals. There was a pleasing turnout of members at the recent Ladies Prizegiving but unfortunately once again due to weather they were unable to play for our Closing Day Shield. The following trophies were awarded: Sue Bunt – Geraldine Kasper Stroke Play Champion – Meri Mackay Stableford – Sherralyn Whatman Galbraith Cup – Sherralyn Whatman (most improved handicap) Ringers – Paula Davis

REDWOOD MATCH PLAY CHAMPS

Congratulations to the Redwood Park Golf Club Match play champs Senior : Ben Jujnovich. Runner up, Marcus Raman Intermediate : Gavin Read. Runner up, Mike Nelson Junior: Ace Fiamalua. Runner up, Peter Munro C grade: Eliza Chinappa. Runner up, Tony Tvrdeich D grade: Graeme Duffin. Runner up, Bill Beare

COMING TO WELLINGTON OVER SUMMER?

AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD 4-8 Dec

Kerikeri

09 407 8033

NZVGA Nationals

7 Dec

Titirangi

827 3967

Twilight Golf

15 Dec

Titirangi

827 3967

Twilight Golf

28 Dec

Titirangi

827 3967

Golf Warehouse Summer series

WAIKATO NGARUAWAHIA’S FOUNDATION BAR 36 HOLE AMBROSE

Ngaruawahia’s Foundation Bar 36 Hole Ambrose was another huge success with 176 plyers (44 teams) played last month. The course was in excellent condition with the greens especially impressing the players. The weather Gods were even kind to the Club for the first time in several years!

Nicola Walsh Luigi Johnston Rhys O’Connor Their prize: Webber BBQ 4th Prize Paul Northover Jay Tamati Retti Kennech Fai Tongdethsri Prize: Go Pro each 5th Prize Ngawai Amoamo Taira Te Rito Tuakana August Zane Rangihika Prize: GPS each 6th Ma Petero

The winners were Greg Bell Scott Neilson Taylor Scott Scott Robertson Their prize was: Entry to the St Michael Central Otago Classic 5 Day Tournament – 6 nights accomm in the Copthorne Hotel – Bus Transfers and Flight Centre voucher. 2nd Prize: Doug Millington Simon Bell Anton Currie David Carpenter Their prize was: Entry to the Nelson Festival of Golf, 6 Nights accommodation at the Greens Motel, Bus transfers & Flight Centre voucher. 3rd Prize: Jared Webby 30 MINUTES FROM HAMILTON • 40 MINUTES FROM TAURANGA • 90 MINUTES FROM AUCKLAND

The Karori Golf Club offers country golf at its best, despite being only 25 minutes from downtown Wellington

Located in the South Makara Valley, the course is renowned for the diversity of its fairways and the serenity of their setting. Affiliated Green Fees are only $30 midweek, $35 weekends. The Club also has a 10 hole Pitch and Putt course (“Goldfields”) $8 for adults $5 for children $2 for clubs and balls

karorigolfclub@gmail.com • www.karorigolf.co.nz • 04 476 7337

Play at New Zealand’s Walton Golf Club

in heartland Waikato

www.waltongolf.co.nz

CARTS AVAILABLE BY ARRANGEMENT PH OR EMAIL • GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS WELCOME

1928 MORRINSVILLE-WALTON ROAD • PHONE (07) 8883731 • EMAIL waltongolf@outlook.com

Ngaruawahia GOLF CLUB BOXING DAY MEATPACK OPEN TUESDAY 26TH DECEMBER 2017 Shotgun Start at 11am • Entry $20 Gross, Nett, Stableford • Nearest the Pin Pro Shop Scramble & 2s

Book online at www.golf.co.nz or phone 07 824 8006 to reserve your tee spot. Roll up on the day! 5925 Great South Rd, Ngaruawahia | Email: nga@wave.co.nz

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

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.

JUBILEE

kaweraugolf@xtra.co.nz Cobham Dr, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand  07 323 7095 December 2017

Simon Rush Wayne Gonano Nathaniel Cassidy Prize: Accommodation, golf and Bar Tab at The Dunes Golf Resort, Matarangi 7th Aaron Kelly Jason Kraayvanger Adam Dyett Morgan Rees Prize: Weed eater each 8th Christian Morris Mark Wotherspoon Matt Carson Aaron Brown Prize: Water Blaster each 9th Malcolm Verner Daryl Walker Mitch Kirkbride Leonard Morgan Prize: Trundler each 10th Mark Flood Will Rutherford Jeremy Brabant Craig Priscott Prize: Golf Shoes 11th Martin Te Moni Raewyn Te Moni Alex Te Moni Mike Heyes Prize: Free entry 2018 Target Hole winner: Simon Macaskill – 55” TV

NGARUAWAHIA 54 HOLE MIXED FOURSOMES RESULTS

Division One Flight 2 Max Allen, Julie Gee Flight 1Martin & Raewyn Te Moni Consolation Runner Up Mike & Laurel Flattery

Consolation Winner John Morris, Rose Lund Division Runner Up Bryan Tohill, Julie Gillespie Division Winner Bob and Hinemoa Pohatu Division Two Flight 2 Jarrod & Leeanne Gyde Flight 1Dave Watson and Leigh Needham Consolation Runner Up John Berry and Barbara Bridge Consolation Winner Doug Broughton and Fay Currie Division Runner Up Chris Parker and Sue Pollock Division Winner Dennis Kurth and Debbie Crocker Division Three Flight 2 Craig Steere and Marie Nichols Flight 1 John Mohn & Raewyn MacMahon Consolation Runner Up John and Helen Loveridge Consolation Winner Lloyd Lemon and Judy Bray Division Runner Up Brent Frew and Carol Taikato Division Winner Bill Sigley and Wendy Roach Division Four Flight 2 Kelvin and Helen Johansson Flight 1 Ken and Colleen Allen Consolation Runner Up John and Heather Houston Consolation Winner Francis and Kristine Gascoigne Division Runner Up Lance and Kathryn Douglas Division Winner Lloyd Bilclough and Pam Cassidy Division Five Flight 2Ron Grocock, Merle Jonson Flight 1 Murray Pink, Denise Davies Consolation Runner Up Roger and Sally Feasey Consolation Winner Rex and Cherie Bezer Division Runner Up Graeme and Marilyn Harrison Division Winner Ray and Elsa Bygrave

RIVERSIDE GOLF CLUB CHRISTMAS OPEN AT LOCHIEL

Sat, 11 November 2017: The first of their Christmas tournaments was a great

success with the rain holding off and over 170 players in the field. The course was in great condition. Riverside are looking forward to their next Christmas open at the Narrows course on the 9th of December. The players who managed to take home the Ham were as follows. Division 1 Type: Gross Mark Boe 69 Type: Stableford Peter Skilton 41 Type: Net Medal Ray Sutton 66 Division 2 Type: Gross Mer Peden 84 Type: Stableford David McKnight 41 Type: Net Medal Stuart Seath 66 Division 3 Type: Gross Place Tim Moughan 88 Type: Stableford Place Mike Burningham 42 Type: Net Medal Place Alan Peary 66 Ladies Type: Gross Julie Gee 85 Type: Stableford Lesley Peake 38 Type: Net Medal Debbie Crocker 70 WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 3-Dec

Whangamata

7-865 8479

Seeka Men’s Masters

3-Dec

Morrinsville

7-889 6696

Meatpack Tournament

4-8 Dec

Kerikeri

09 407 8033

NZVGA Champs

8-Dec

Waihi

07 8638678

Ladies Christmas Open

9-Dec

Lochiel

7-843 6287

Christmas Tournament

9-Dec

Whakatane

07 3088117

Xmas Tournament

9-Dec

Morrinsville

7-889 6696

Christmas Tournament

24-Dec

Morrinsville

7-889 6696

Christmas Eve Tournament

27-28 Jan

Waipu

www.waipagolfclassic.co.nz

Waipa Golf Cassic

BAY OF PLENTY 72 HOLE OPEN MIXED FOURSOMES

Steady continuous wet weather greeted the field of 40 pairs for the 2017 Mixed Foursomes Tournament on Saturday 28th October at Mount Maunganui Golf Club. Influenza made its presence felt resulting a slightly reduced field from 2016, 2 full divisions (16 pairs) and 1 smaller division (8 pairs) ventured out to play in the wet with the excellently prepared course matched by the commitment of the payers who all completed the 72 holes despite the weather. An exciting mix of pairs who have played the tournament previously were joined by an equally good number of new pairs to the tournament. 5 time winners Mike & Laurel Flattery out due to influenza. Mount Maunganui Club player pairs featured prominently having made the most of their local knowledge proving to be tough opponents for visiting pairings. Peter Kirk & Jo Trusler (Mount Maunganui/Morrinsville) won Group 1 and the 2017 “Stanley Cup” with Plate winners Darrl Beard & Fay Rowe (Manukorihi) 2016 winners. Round 1 & 2

Group 1. Mount Maunganui players (local knowledge) filled all positions in the semi finals for the Group. Peter Kirk & Jo Trusler, John & Julie Sheridan, Phil Maddren & J Reek-

4BBB STABLEFORD SATURDAY 30 DECEMBER Great prizes including

TWO $2 5 0 Tr a v e l v o u c h e r s “Everyone gets a prize” from the generous sponsors prize table

ROXBURGH GOLF CLUB

An y c o m bin a t io n :