Golfer Pacific NZ - February 2015

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NEW ZEALAND EDITORIAL Paul Gueorgieff pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz Ph: 64 4 565 0385 Mob: 64 27 227 1038 SALES & CLUB PACKAGE Golf trails & Noticeboard editorials Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 7 5504 6334 Fax: 0061 7 5609 6061 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 LAYOUT & DESIGN Sarah Head layout.golferpacificnz@outlook.com PUBLISHER Golfer Pacific NZ LTD PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand ACCOUNTS Lesley–Ann Marsh beaudesertaccounts@bigpond.com SUBSCRIPTION $49.00 a year smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 5575 7444 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 NEW ZEALAND MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand AUSTRALIAN MAIL ADDRESS Po Box 264 Chevron Island QLD 4217, Australia COVER PHOTO: Supplied COPYRIGHT All material published in Golfer Pacific NZ is subject to all forms of copyright. Contents of this newspaper cannot be reproduced in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the editor. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of this newspaper, its management. New Zealand Golfer Pacific is published Golfer Pacific NZ Limited. The company’s registered office is unit 10/7 Aruma St Chevron Island QLD 4217.

D

EDITOR’S INBOX

golferpacific.co.nz

Paul Gueorgieff

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

ID you know that I am only one shot behind Rory McIlory?

Rory is the world’s No 1 ranked golfer, he has won four majors and has won tens of millions of dollars in prizemoney. Yet I am still only one behind him.

Last month at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Rory scored his first hole in one as a professional golfer. On one hand I was delighted for Rors but on the other hand I was disappointed.

Previously Wee-Mac and I were equal for the number of holes-in-one. Now I am one behind.

That’s a lengthy way of saying I have never scored a hole in one. But I have given the subject plenty of thought and know exactly what I will say should that event ever occur.

“I was aiming for that,’’ I will say in a matter-of-fact way, which is hard to argue with.

I’ve heard numerous hole-in-one stories such as the one where the ball bounced twice on the cart path, ricocheted off a rubbish bin, ran through a bunker and hit the pin at 100mph but somehow dropped. I may have exaggerated a point or two in the previous sentence, but you know what I mean.

But one story I will recount happened some years ago at Wainuiomata in Wellington. I

I am now one down to Rors nearly got a hole in one with the ball an inch from the cup.

My playing partner asked if I had ever had a hole in one. The reply was a despondent no.

I politely returned the same question. The reply was “about six’’.

I said what do you mean about six, don’t you know?

He went on to say one of them was a St Andrews. You know, the golf course considered the home of golf. But there was great disappointment in his voice when he added it was at the New course not the Old course.

I felt like saying: “Oh well, it hardly counts then does it? It’s really only about five.’’

I know there are countless hole-in-one stories but I will recall one other.

This is not about the ridiculousness of the how the ball got in the hole. This is about the amount on the one day at the one course in official competition.

It happened at my home course of Manor Park Golf Sanctuary two years ago. Three players – two men and a woman – all scored holes-in-one and none were out for a social

game of golf.

All three were playing in Wellington interclub competition with Judy Morten and Brent Maguire playing in Manor Park teams and John Hopkirk representing Masterton.

The triple of aces made the front page of The Dominion-Post newspaper the next day and all three, like so many, did not see the ball go in the hole.

Judy Morten said it was only the group ahead on the green that provided the alert: “The four ladies ahead yelled before I yelled.

I just raised my arms in delight.’’

Brent Maguire also relied on the group ahead but wasn’t sure of the outcome: “They didn’t make a lot of noise. They clapped and waved and we assumed it had gone close or hit the flag or something.”

John Hopkirk wasn’t convinced either despite encouragement from his opponent: “My opposition said it’s going towards the hole, it’s disappeared. I checked behind the green first. The last place I looked was in the hole and there it was.”

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T

HE 30th National left handed event returns to Masterton this year , with the event being held at Mahunga Golf club from Monday 13th of April to 16th April.

The event returns to the region that the National Association of Left Handed Golfers in New Zealand. (NALG) was founded. Formed in Masterton in1979 from the annual Bob Charles tournament - with the objective being to form an association to encourage golf in general and in particular amongst left-handed golfers.

Left-handed tournaments had been held in various places for a number of years, most notably in Taumarunui, which has been running in excess of 60 years, but it was decided to hold a National Stroke Play Championship annually in different locations around the country. The Masterton event this year is the 30th such tournament. The New Zealand association is aligned with the World body which holds National Championships in numerous countries around the world, culminating

in a World Tournament every two years or so.

Over the years a good contingent of N.Z. players has participated in these World events including recent World Title champion Tyler Hodge of Levin. In previous years the Women’s Title had been held by Lisa Herbert (nee Aldridge) who had represented the N.Z. Women’s team on many occasions.

The N.Z. event always gains good support each year from our Australian friends.

The N.Z. Association is run by a National Chairman, a National Secretary plus delegates who represent the main areas of both the North and South Islands and whose task is to promote the localised leftie tournaments in their areas.

These National Tournaments are good for local economies as they bring large numbers of players and partners into the areas who support the local hospitality section in particular.

golferpacific.co.nz

You can’t beat that winning feeling

By Paul Gueorgieff

I

T’S amazing what a win can do.

Just ask Sam Vincent who gained the biggest win of his career to date when taking out the North Island Under-19 Championships in Hamilton last month.

The 17-year-old had not figured highly in the tournament in four previous attempts and although obviously a little older and more experienced he believes a key to the win came the month beforehand.

That was in the Interprovincials, the country’s premier teams’ event, in which he had the exhilaration of being part of the winning Waikato team.

The Interprovincials and the North Island Under-19s were both hosted by the Hamilton Golf Club at St Andrews and Vincent reckons the connection was not a coincidence.

“Winning something on the course always provides positive memories,’’ Vincent told Golfer Pacific.

“I had played well there and it was just a great confidence boost.’’

are small.’’

He was also pleased his putting had become more consistent.

“My putting has got a lot better lately. I’ve being doing a lot more putting drills and I’ve changed my technique a bit which has made for more consistency.

“I used to grip the putter quite high and I would struggle for alignment. Now I have moved the bottom hand lower and it has helped square everything up.’’

Vincent, who is coached by Simon Thomas at the St Peters’ golf academy in Hamilton, has been playing golf since he was seven.

“It’s the usual story. I just went for a round at a nine-hole course with my dad and then went a couple more times. It just started growing from there.’’

Vincent is now on a plus two handicap and has the usual aspirations to make a living out of golf.

“I just want to keep getting better and in the end I would like to be a successful professional golfer.’’

Vincent had scores of 70, 68 and 75 in the under-19 tournament to finish at three under par.

The highlight was his four-under par 68 on the middle day when he had six birdies and two bogeys but he wasn’t about to boast about it.

“The course wasn’t too challenging. The conditions were pretty good the whole week, there wasn’t much wind and the greens were quite soft. It gave me a nice lead going into the last day.’’

Vincent said there were some nerves on the third day.

“I was and I wasn’t. I had had it pretty much in control most of the day, I was just playing solid.’’

But there was hiccup late in the round when his playing partner Tadhg Campbell, who ended up sharing second place, levelled the scores on the 16th hole.

“All of a sudden we were tied.

I made two good up and downs on the 17th and 18th for pars and Tadhg unfortunately made bogeys.’’

Vincent said one of the strengths of his game in general was not to stray too far from the fairways.

“I don’t miss it wide. My misses

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NEWS

Nelson golfer to join pros at NZ Open A

NELSON golfer who planned to be a spectator at the New Zealand Open has been drawn to play alongside the professionals.

Andrew Simpson (pictured), from the Nelson Golf Club, will be part of a proam competition run in conjunction with the New Zealand Open after being drawn from a member-get-member campaign run

by New Zealand Golf.

“This is an absolute dream come true for me,” Simpson said.

“I was hoping to get down there to be a spectator at the BMW New Zealand Open, but to be inside the ropes and play alongside professionals in the pro-am championship will be something else. I cannot wait to get down there to soak it all up.”

Playing in the pro-am on March 12 and 13 is only part of the prize won by Simpson valued at $10,000.

Simpson has also won five nights accommodation for two at the Hilton Hotel in Queenstown, including daily breakfast, a Champions Lounge pass for two, access to tournament shuttles, a practice round at The Hills and Millbrook courses on Wednesday before playing the pro-am the following two days.

“This hasn’t just made my day, it’s made my year,’’ said Simpson, when he heard the

About the BMW New Zealand Open • The tournament from March 12-15 is a sanctioned tier one event on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

• A professional field of 140 players maximum will play the first two rounds alternately at The Hills and Millbrook Resort before the second round cut of 60 plus ties.

• The final two rounds of the championship will be played at The Hills.

• The BMW New Zealand Open Champion will be the leading player after 72 holes of strokeplay.

details of the prize.

“It’ll be a heck of an experience. I have always wanted to get to The Hills to have a look. My mates have told me that it is an unbelievable environment.

“To be down there amongst it all will be unbelievable. I am definitely the envy of my mates.”

Simpson, 44, works in inventory control for a Nelson plumbing company and plays off a 10 handicap. He was drawn out of 372 member-get-member entries.

He introduced friend Bryan Hemi to the Nelson Golf Club in July and said: “He loves the game, it is awesome to watch. He is improving all the time.”

The member-get-member promotion is part of the Love Golf campaign, which is aimed at driving membership and partici-

pation as well as changing perceptions of the game.

The initiative is based on club membership research which indicates that approximately eight out of 10 golfers join a club through a family member or friend.

Jan Rowsell, the New Zealand Golf marketing manager, said she was delighted with the response to the promotion.

“The research shows the large majority of new members come from existing relationships or friendships and the memberget-member programme is designed to utilise this process,” she said.

“One of our biggest marketing assets in attracting new people to the game is the large membership base we already have.

“We have so many people out there playing golf that absolutely love the game and

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“What better way to reward our `sales people’, those that love the game and get others to join clubs, than by offering them the once-in-a-lifetime chance of playing in the BMW New Zealand Open in Queenstown.”

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6 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

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OPPORTUNITY

Tyler Hodge beaten in playoff hole I James said it was a testament to the drive and determination of Davis that he returned a different man.

“Last year was a great learning experience for Cam – his trip to the US helped him rededicate himself and approach his game with a different dedication level,” James told the Golf Australia website.

“He has come back with a whole different perspective on what work is. He hits the gym and has worked with 100 percent effort on the process of making himself a better player for the long term.’’

The vastly improved Davis had recently won the Victorian Amateur Championship and set a course record-equalling 63 on Royal Melbourne’s West Course during the Australian Master of the Amateurs in January.

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T was everything but victory for Manawatu golfer Tyler Hodge in the Australian Amateur Championship in Sydney.

Hodge and his New South Wales opponent Cameron Davis were all square after the regulation 36 holes of the final and then headed off to the first hole for a playoff.

Both players found the fairway bunker with their tee shots on the par-5 first but Hodge miscued a hybrid into the trees on the left.

A couple of feisty cockatoos did their best to distract the Kiwi as he played his recovery shot through the trees to again find trouble.

When Davis all but holed his approach shot, a miraculous hole-out was required by Hodge to extend the match.

As he had done so superbly all day, the lefthanded Hodge made a remarkable attempt only to see the ball run past and leave Davis victorious.

Hodge, who was featured in the October issue of Golfer Pacific after his win in the Wellington Strokeplay Championship, was seeking to become the second consecutive New Zealand winner of the tournament.

The previous year Tae Koh of Auckland had won the same event when it was held in Adelaide.

Davis, 19, reached the quarter-finals of the Adelaide event before heading off to the United States where he did not achieve the results he had hoped for.

Golf Australia high performance director Brad

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NEWS

Top cricketers are over The Hills

S

OME of the greatest cricketers in the history of the game will swap their bats for golf clubs at the New Zealand Open from March 12-15 when they line up in the inaugural ANZ Celebrity Challenge.

West Indians Sir Viv Richards and Brian Lara, Englishmen Sir Ian Botham and Graeme Swann, Australians Ricky Ponting and Shane Warne and New Zealand’s Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Mark Richardson will all be contesting the event, as amateur golfers in a pro-am teams’ format, to be branded the ANZ Celebrity Challenge.

Botham returns after first playing as a celebrity at The Hills in 2013, jumping at the chance to take up the challenge again this year.

“I find it difficult to turn down the chance to come and play golf in New Zealand, especially in Queenstown with its stunning scenery and fantastic food and wine,” Botham said.

“I have played in the Dunhill event for many years, and it’s just great to see a tournament played across similar lines being held in New Zealand.”

An added incentive for Botham this year is the chance to play alongside legend Sir Viv Richards. The two enjoyed a great rivalry on the cricket field during the 1980s and were equally good friends off the field.

These days, they are more concerned with their short game than tearing opposition teams apart.

Meanwhile, former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming and long time Australian rival Ricky Ponting are back for the second year running to try to beat each other on the manicured fairways of The Hills and Millbrook.

Ponting showed his golfing class with six birdies in the opening round in 2013, so Fleming will have his work cut out to beat his Aussie rival.

Ponting is thrilled to be coming back for another crack.

“I can’t wait for the chance to pit my golfing skills again with some of the best cricketing names in the game,’’ Ponting said.

“The New Zealand Open is a fantastic event and I love coming to Queenstown to be part of the action,’’ Fleming was equally enthused.

“This tournament is always a key date in my diary. It is heaps of fun, especially as I get to battle it out with my cricketing peers on the golf course in such a beautiful setting,” Fleming said.

Like Ponting and Fleming, former Black Caps opener Mark Richardson is taking up the challenge once again, while Brian Lara, Nathan Astle, Shane Warne and Graeme

ANZ Celebrity Challenge format: • Each cricket legend will be partnered by a professional in a two-ball best-ball team format.

• Each professional competes for the BMW New Zealand Open as an individual, but for this competition 10 professionals will partner 10 celebrity cricketers, and compete for the ANZ Celebrity challenge teams’ event.

• Celebrities all play off their official handicaps.

• Lowest ANZ Celebrity Challenge team score over the four days wins the ANZ Celebrity Challenge Cup. Players handicaps: Ricky Ponting (+1), Brian Lara (3), Nathan Astle (5), Graeme Swann (6), Stephen Fleming (9), Sir Ian Botham (9), Mark Richardson (9), Sir Viv Richards (10), Shane Warne (12).

Swann are making their debuts.

Warne said he was “really excited to be a part of the pro-am” and that “hopefully I

can find some form before the tournament starts. I absolutely loved my last round at The Hills late last year, and am looking forward to getting back out there again”.

John Hart, chairman of the BMW New Zealand Open organising committee welcomed the opportunity to have New Zealand’s most prestigious golf event align with the Cricket World Cup. “It is quite unique to have this incredible line-up of cricket legends come to New Zealand as a group for the first time,’’ Hart said.

“Our tournament creates the opportunity to celebrate New Zealand’s co-hosting of the Cricket World Cup, and to enjoy the banter and rivalry that exists amongst this group of legendary sportsmen.”

Susan McGregor, ANZ’s head of corporate marketing and sponsorship, said the ANZ Celebrity Challenge would inject some highly competitive celebrity fun into the professional tournament, which is a tier one event on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

“The ANZ Celebrity Challenge will be fun but, make no mistake, the competition will be fierce. As supporters of cricket in New Zealand for more than 15 years and golf for a number of years we’ve learnt that the one thing the two sports have in common is intensely competitive players.’’

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8 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

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NZ GOLF UPDATE

golf.co.nz

Dean Murphy

New Zealand Golf Chief Executive

Lydia Ko’s loyalty is well appreciated L

OYALTY can sometimes be a lost value in the world of professional golf.

Money talks the world over and big name players often require hundreds of thousands of dollars in appearance fees and the red-carpet treatment usually reserved for royalty.

Place in that context the decision of our own Lydia Ko to come home and compete in the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open this month in Christchurch.

At the beginning of the month she became the world’s No 1 ranked women and the youngest - either male or female - to do so at the age of 17 years, nine months and eight days. Lydia is the first New Zealander to achieve a world No 1 golf ranking and she will be keen to maintain it.

With that in mind Lydia could easily have played the Thailand Classic in preference to the New Zealand Open but she didn’t.

The Thailand Classic on the LPGA Tour has obvious benefits with higher world ranking points, a larger purse and also the chance to back up her dream rookie season on the LPGA Tour early in the year. But Lydia put supporting her home event first and will be the player that most will come to see at the Clearwater Golf Club.

It is hard to overstate Lydia’s importance to this event.

For the past three or four years you can find Lydia’s group just by a glance across the course – there are always thousands of people following her.

Golf fans from all over New Zealand will make their way to the Garden City to see our young superstar in action as she looks to win the title for the second time. This is not the first time Lydia has made a big sacrifice to play in this event and put her own ambitions or health second.

At the 2014 event, Lydia was in contention at the halfway stage to win the title and was struck by a violent stomach bug. She was admitted to hospital, put on a drip to get her fluids back up and was completely wiped out in terms of energy.

Her mother Tina asked her repeatedly to pull out of the event but she said: “I can’t. There are too many people counting on me.”

You would never have guessed that Lydia was so unwell. She came within one shot of defending her title – only undone by a course record 63 from South Korean player Mi Hyang Lee. It is stories like this that only add to the legend of Lydia – the 17-year-old is a champion in every sense of the word.

Her decision to come home also speaks volumes of the relationships she has back here with her friends and New Zealand Golf. Our organisation has invested in Lydia since she was a child prodigy and it is nice to see her recognise that and show some real loyalty even she stands atop the women’s golfing world.

She was home at the end of 2014 and came into the New Zealand Golf office to see all the team. Lydia was only home for a few days, but she gave our team plenty of time and was in no rush to leave. Perhaps the most significant gesture was the time she spent with Sir David Levene. Sir David was invited along to spend time with Lydia whom she supported during her amateur career.

Lydia has not forgotten what he has done for her. She spent more than 30 minutes with Sir David talking about every part of life on tour and asking Sir David plenty of questions about his own golf and life. She presented NZ Golf and Sir David with signed LPGA Tour bags and left the New Zealand Golf office after signing everything in sight and about 100 photos – and all done with a smile on her face.

We live in an era where genuine sincerity from our top sportspeople is sometimes hard to find. Even after all her success, Lydia is the same down-to-earth, bubbly girl who grew up learning the game and skipping down the fairways of the Pupuke Golf Club.

Lydia will come home under pressure of trying to win the New Zealand Open again, but in reality just by being there she is already a champion.

We are lucky to have Lydia call New Zealand home and fortunate to call one of the best ambassadors for the game our own.

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10 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

COMMENT

golferpacific.co.nz

Andrew Whiley

Resident Pro at Chisholm Park, Dunedin

The influence one person can have on you S

ADLY, an old golf coach of mine recently passed away. His passing made me think of all the golfers that I met through him and how he led me on a path to become the golf professional I am today.

Ben Doyle was one of the top golf professionals in the United States. I remember sitting with him in 1986 as we went through the top 125 players on the money list. He had worked with or given a lesson to 60 of the top 125 players.

I travelled three times from New Zealand to spend time working with Ben at his base at Carmel in California, on the Monterey Peninsula. In 1987, I made the move to Carmel to be closer to Ben and spent two years learning from him and studying the “Golfing Machine’’.

Learning from one of the best teachers in the world was always interesting. The people that came to take golf lessons and learn from him, made each week unique. One week there would be two top teaching professionals from Germany, then from Florida, next from Canada and occasionally a couple of Aussies would turn up - all to learn from Ben. Many top players would stop by to work on their games including Bobby Clampett who was Ben’s marquee player and number one fan. Upon Ben’s death, it was amazing to read on Facebook all the golf professionals from around the world that commented on his passing and influence he had on their games and careers.

For every successful golfer out there, there is a men-

and chip. From then on I wanted to go and play golf as much as I could.

Bob taught me many of the basics but also trained me to be a caddy. I spent many hours walking around golf courses in Wellington caddying in Duncan Cup interclub matches and watching some talented individuals playing the game. Some of the swing thoughts and keys in my coaching come from those days where keeping it simple was important, especially in the Wellington wind.

PGA golf professionals make a big impact in many lives as they help develop golfers’ games or nurture young players to become elite players. Many of the top players from the past assist in mentoring the next generation of players coming through.

Like Ben Doyle, very few do it for the money but for the passion and love of it. They don’t do it for the headlines or media but the recognition that they have made a difference. For the energies, passion, knowledge and continuing education they put in, these PGA golf professionals could have excelled in many other industries making double or triple the remuneration they receive but they chose to do what they loved and to see the emotion on the golfers’ faces as they succeeded.

Much like Ben, many of these PGA professionals or mentors will not know how much they were loved or the impact they made until after they are gone. So, this year please take the time to thank those in your life that have made a difference. Thanks Mr B.

tor, coach or support person. For me, I doubt if I would have gotten into golf if it wasn’t for a neighbour. I was fortunate to grow up near Miramar Golf Club in Wellington but more fortunate to live two doors along from Bob and Dorothy Bradley. Bob was the then green keeper at Miramar and I was good mates with his son Rob (now a successful green keeper in Victoria).

Bob Bradley took Rob and me along to a junior golf clinic one Sunday at Miramar and from then on, I was hooked. Bob MacDonald was the pro at Miramar in those days and in that first session he taught us to putt

...many of these PGA professionals or mentors will not know how much they were loved or the impact they made until after they are gone.

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GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 11

PGA PARS

pga.org.nz

Duncan Simpson

New Zealand PGA Chief Executive

Do you know how to use that fancy, new driver?

If all the claims made by club and ball manufacturers over the last 20 years were true for the average golfer, we’d all be flushing it 280 metres off the tee, and hitting laser straight irons that stopped on the proverbial table top. The reality is of course somewhat different for most of us.

To be fair to the manufacturers, the technology they now produce does make the game easier and helps to slow the march of time and diminishing distance as the years roll on.

Just look at the size of the heads on the woods we used to play with – how on Earth did we manage to hit the ball with them?

I vividly remember getting my hands on a Callaway Big Bertha in the early 1990s. The head seemed massive, almost obscene. In fact it was 250 cubic centimetres, about half the size of the current 460cc clubs, the maximum allowed under current rules.

The rules around equipment are a subject in themselves, although only the most enthusiastic golf tragics, rules experts and manufacturers’ legal counsel are able to unravel them. The lawyers have certainly been involved in more than one occasion (Ping Eye 2 clubs and grooves being the best known example) and the battle between manufacturers and rules officials has been going on for well over 100 years.

In 1904 an American amateur player Walter Travis won the British Amateur Championship with phenomenal putting, using a centre shafted putter. The rules guys thought about it for six years and then banned such put-

12 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

ters in 1910. The ban was not removed until 1952, luckily well before Sir Bob Charles won the Open Championship at Royal Lytham St Annes in 1963 with a similar weapon.

The manufacturers will argue, with some justification, that the rules are framed for the 0.1 percent of professionals and elite golfers who are able to make a mockery of even the longest courses, rather than the other 99.9 percent who could benefit from more clubs, larger heads and other tricks in the makers’ arsenal.

There is however an important missing link in this whole discussion and that is “what are we trying to achieve with this new technology?”

The obvious answer “to play better golf” needs unbundling. If it means a lower handicap/scores, then chances are the fastest route to that will be a few lessons on putting and chipping rather than buying a new driver.

If the real answer is “I want to hit it longer from the tee”, then a new driver might help but so might some work on the swing and a proper fitting by an expert.

Modern clubs can be set up in dozens, if not hundreds of different ways, so buying a club sight unseen or purely on price is basically golfing Lotto.

Luckily, technology such as ball monitor Trackman will soon demonstrate the differences and quickly find the best setup. Any qualified PGA professional will be able to guide you through a process that will ensure you are not throwing good money after bad to enable you to enjoy the game more, and have every chance of win-

ning back the bragging rights in your regular foursome.

Now is a good time to set some goals for 2015, and if you want to reduce your handicap, write down your target number and then go and see your local PGA Professional (if you don’t have one, go to www.pga.org. nz, then “Find a Professional”) and have a chat. Importantly, tell him or her honestly how much time you are prepared to put into the improvement process. Quick fixes might be okay to sort out some issues, but real improvement demands real commitment over time. Be realistic, and you will actually get there faster.

There is however an important missing link in this whole discussion and that is “what are we trying to achieve with this new technology?”

golferpacific.co.nz

WHAT’S NEW

TaylorMade Golf introduces AeroBurner T

AYLORMADE GOLF COMPANY, makers of the No. 1 Driver and No. 1 Fairway in golf, today announced its AeroBurner franchise – a matte white coloured driver, fairway and Rescue club trio that feature an improved Speed Pocket and advanced aerodynamics to promote effortless distance for all player types.

“For the golfers who missed the phenomenon that was RocketBallz, or for those who are ready to upgrade to more speed and distance in their metalwoods, AeroBurner is what you are looking for,” said Brian Bazzel, Senior Director of Product Creation for Metalwoods. “We’ve drastically improved the performance of the sole’s Speed Pocket and significantly improved the aerodynamics to deliver maximum speed to the golfer.”

The name “AeroBurner” derives from the product’s advanced aerodynamics, a performance variable that TaylorMade R&D members have long obsessed over in their quest to engineer fast driver heads. To accomplish this, AeroBurner metalwoods feature an “Aero hosel,” (small fin located at the heel of the club to reduce drag) a raised center crown and rounded toe section. All three of these variables work as a system to improve aerodynamics and lower drag force.

Next, the AeroBurner family has the

largest Speed Pocket ever, which enhances the sweet spot and protects ball speed on mishits.

F

IRST, the driver which is presented in a new matte white pearlised paint and uses a black PVD face to provide contrast and help in alignment.

The driver’s biggest advancement is its new Speed Pocket which is twice as big as the JetSpeed (first driver to feature the technology). Unlike JetSpeed, AeroBurner drivers do not have loft sleeve technology which offers loft and lie adjustability. This allowed company engineers to extend the length of the Speed Pocket across the entire sole for maximum performance.

The AeroBurner driver also features Inverted Cone, a technology used in every TaylorMade driver since the R500 Series in 2002. The Inverted Cone milled into the inner side of the clubface promotes higher ball speed on off-centre hits.

Finally, the AeroBurner driver features an ultra-light 50-gram Matrix Speed RulZ shaft. The longer, lighter shaft and light grip adds up to less than 300 grams of total club weight, promoting faster swing speed.

R

OUNDING out the AeroBurner metalwood franchise is the fairway wood and Rescue club, both featuring the

largest Speed Pocket in combination with an extremely low and forward centre of gravity (CG).

The AeroBurner fairway is a culmination of years of technology development in the fairway wood category. This technology first came into market in 2008 when TaylorMade determined that there was still significant opportunity to achieve more distance in fairways if both the ball speed could be increased and the spin could be reduced. As TaylorMade engineers developed the Speed Pocket prototypes, they discovered that sole slots could also dramatically reduce spin, especially if combined with a low balance point CG projection which can be accomplished with low forward CG. “The original RocketBallz represented a breakthrough in performance which started a whole new replacement cycle for fairway woods, said Bazzel. “We have continued to pour R&D resources into better understanding the potential of flexible sole boundary conditions which has led us to AeroBurner, a fairway with our largest Speed Pocket ever. We are now achieving driver like launch conditions with a fairway wood.”

The Aero Burner fairway combines the size of the RocketBallz fairway channel with the technology of the through slot of

the JetSpeed fairway to produce an ultimate Speed Pocket. Compared to the original RocketBallz, the AeroBurner has a face size that is 2.5mm shallower for better playability from the turf. The AeroBurner also has a 2X larger sweet spot (COR) compared to JetSpeed.

The AeroBurner 3-wood is equipped with a Matrix Speed RUL-Z 60 (X, S, R flexes) measuring at 43.25” (USGA length measurement method). The overall length has been shortened from previous fairway offerings to increase its playability while maintaining the speed from new head advancements. >> For more information ask your local pro shop, or visit taylormadegolf.com.au

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READERS’ VIEWS Why are we the guinea pigs?

DEAR sir, Your recent editorial (about golf only being available via the internet) in Golfer Pacific magazine gives no detail as to how and how much this is all going to cost to view golf tournaments in the future. We are not going to subscribe until it is confirmed how good the broadband is in our area to support streaming via the internet. It is not a good idea to subscribe then find out that your systems are not acceptable to receive coverage.

All these organisations seem to forget that in New Zealand, broadband is very limited. We do not reside in the middle of Auckland or one of the larger cities, hence broadband coverage at times can be not at all.

I have contacted Noel Leeming and the local Noel Leeming branch and have not had any response from them. In short, no one seems to know what to do. The roll-out of the new system is fraught with many unknowns, and spending money on hardware (who knows what that is and what cost), annual fees and not knowing what the result is going to be gives us no confidence.

Why are we in NZ the guinea pigs? Because we just roll over, bleat and hope for the best.

Not good enough.

The sum of $149 per annum may not mean much to you, but to those of us on the lower scale of income it is a substantial cost to see something we love but now cannot view. Having a smart phone or a smart TV is not an option to many people due to costs. Some of us are pensioners – another factor forgotten.

Sky was purchased by us many years ago to record and view at our leisure the game we enjoy and play. Is this possible with Coliseum Sport – no details are available.

I look forward to seeing something more positive in the near future from Coliseum Sport as to what is actually required.

John Cornelius Geraldine

Noel Leeming “not very helpful’’ DEAR sir, I read your editorial with interest and agree we are being used as a guinea pig. I also be-

NEWS lieve Sky TV is glad to be rid of golf as it is dominated by the rugby union and league parties. However, how long we will actually have access to golf is unknown. New Zealand Golf is playing a dangerous game and it may backfire. As far as Noel Leeming is concerned, they were not very helpful, useless actually.

NZ Golf is making it rather hard to get established. Your last paragraph says it all and we will pay – this would never happen to our national religion – rugby union.

Wayne Laurence Whangarei

Big mistake PERSONALLY, I think watching internet golf is the biggest mistake to promote golf in New Zealand.

Firstly I refuse to pay not only the extra $149 to watch golf on top of my Sky subscription, but to watch it via the internet which will use up my data allowance in no time quickly means I am being hit with a double whammy.

Not only will it cost me more data time but I will need to buy a long cord to connect my desktop computer to the TV which is at least 10 metres away. Then I have to plug it in every time I want to watch golf. That’s not going to happen.

I like to watch each tournament for the four days which equates to 16 hours per week or 64 hours per month. This will soon evaporate my data allowance, therefore I will need to pay more on top of the golf channel fees.

Parents who subscribe to Sky sports but don’t like golf will not pay the extra subscription involved just because their children have a mild interest in the sport. So how does this encourage juniors?

I subscribed to Sky sports for the English Premier league which was lost to the same consortium. After a year without watching the English soccer I am no longer that interested in it and will probably end up the same with the golf. I will see the results in the news.

For youngsters taking up the game I cannot tell you how much I learnt in golf swings and course management by just watching golf on Sky sports.

Who in their right mind, thinking about taking up golf, is going to pay $199 to see it?

Gary Heathcote Napier

Hendry aiming for more success in 2015

By Daniel Richardson/NZME/APNZ

M

ICHAEL HENDRY has the bank account sorted, now it’s time to win more golf tournaments.

Playing well on the Japan Golf Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia for the past two years has brought Hendry financial rewards but the back end of last year was spent yearning for more time at home rather than walking the fairways.

His wife Tara gave birth to their first daughter in September and despite wanting to look after his young family, Hendry had to leave shortly after Madison was born to go and play another tournament.

On the Japan Tour, players need to start a minimum of 16 events to help retain their tour card. So despite having made enough money by August to hold on to his playing rights for this year, Hendry had to keep attending tournaments to make up the numbers.

The ensuing results mirrored his enthusiasm as he missed a handful of cuts and only once finished inside the top 40 during his final six events of the year as he took his earnings to around $230,000.

“There wasn’t any motivation to perform particularly well,” Hendry said. “So when you don’t have that it’s very hard to go out

there and perform well. Even though your professionalism and your competitive nature is there, and you always want to do well, I was sort of flying by the seat of my pants.”

He rounded out 2014 with a fourthplace finish at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast in December as he went past the $80,000 mark on the Australasian circuit. Hendry attributed this result to seeing more of his family before the tournament.

He is also taking a ‘smarter not harder’ approach to his practice regime as he continues his drive towards a top-50 world ranking spot, which would open doors to allow him to play in most tournaments across the globe.

“It’s not really a money thing anymore,” the world No 360 said. “It’s more about trying to achieve what I want to achieve in terms of the world stuff, which is always what I wanted to do.

“For me, I know I’m a good enough player to potentially achieve that, it’s just getting it done. It’s hard to force it.”

After the New Zealand Open, Hendry will return to Japan as their season gets underway in April. The North Shore professional finished 51st on the money list last year.

PHOTO: WWW.MICHAELHENDRY.COM

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GOLF TRAVEL

Cathedrals, Churches and Golf Tours Architectural Grandeur or just “ABC”?

WORDS Peter McCarthy/Samantha Clifton

P

UTTING aside religious beliefs and principles, there is no denying that the world’s religions are responsible for some of the most magnificent and inspiring architectural feats in history. As centrepieces for their respected faiths, The Pantheon and St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Temple of Confucius in China, Lotus Temple, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Mahabodhi Temple and Sri Harmandir Sahib in India, the Masjid al-Haram mosque in Saudia Arabia and the Great Synagogue in Budapest are undeniably magnificent constructions.

But what place do these monuments have on a golf tour? Go Golfing aspires to taking golfers to the world’s most alluring golf, cultural and sightseeing destinations and indeed some of the most iconic tourist attractions are places of religious significance. Diplomatically our tour brochures steer clear of religious or political spin, so I was taken a little off guard by a recent inquirer whose first question was how many cathedrals are visited on the 2015 tour to Spain and Portugal. Why? He hated churches. Before our conversation I thought ABC were just the first three letters of the alphabet but I was quickly educated that they stand for Another Bloody Cathedral. It seems a previous ‘non golf’

16 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

European tour had more than it’s share of cathedral visits and he was hell bent on making sure he didn’t sign up for more of the same.

That said, the cathedrals in Spain are distinctly different and the Sagradia Familia (translated The Holy Family) in Barcelona is well worth a visit. This enormous Catholic Church in Barcelona, designed by renowned Antoni Gaudi is a tribute to the weird and wonderful imagination of this architectural genius.

By the time he was killed by a Barcelona tram in 1926, he’d been working on the Sa-

gradia Familia for 43 years. By all accounts he was a nightmare for the builders as he preferred dimensional scale models to architectural plans, and just added details as they were conceived in his brain.

It was interesting that Gaudi was only known to have been attracted to one woman, a teacher, but his affections were not reciprocated, leaving him plenty of time to concentrate on his buildings. Not sure if married life would have allowed him the same dedication to his craft.

Gaudi as a young man took pride in his appearance but this changed radically as

he aged. At the time of the accident that caused his death, he was taken for a beggar and only given rudimentary care which didn’t auger well for his longevity. Eventually he was recognized, but it was too late and he was buried in the same church where he had spent the majority of his life.

The work was slow on the church as money was always very tight and it was still a long way from completion at the time of his death in 1926. In fact the Sagradia Familia is due for completion in 2026.

The Go Golfing Spain and Portugal Mediterranean Golf Tour has a small taste of cathedrals and a huge dollop of golf.

The best courses of continental Europe are featured - Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa and Finca Cortesin among the highlights.

Cooking classes were a highlight of previous tours and you will experience the flavours of the region, both wine and food.

Spain remains the world’s #1 golf tourism destination in terms of visitors and indeed Portugal was just voted best golf destination at the World Golf Awards.

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FEATURE

Golfing in T

HE field for the 2015 Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic is rapidly filling with over 395 entries received at the time this edition goes to print.

This Golf Classic is open to all registered golfers with a maximum current handicap of 32 for women and 24 for men. Played over five stunning, picturesque and unique golf courses; Alexandra, Arrowtown, Cromwell, Queenstown and Wanaka.

These golf courses are all completely different, and have evolved over many years being created out of the natural Central Otago landscape.

Central Otago has become the number one golfing destination in New Zealand.

The region has seen significant Investment in Golf infrastructure, and course development by owners and investors. Notable Golf properties Millbrook, The Hills, Jack’s Point and Parkin’s Bay decided that Central Otago is the best place in New Zealand to develop their magnificent golfing establishments. NZ Golf, professional players, and the Golfing public know the value of this premier location by again holding the NZ Open and pro –am next Month.

The five participating Golf course have

pedigree and history. The five golf clubs total 505 years in existence! That is an average age of 101 years! The Oldest being Alexandra at 114! Golf just like gold before is

in the blood of the residents of ‘Central’. It is a testament to the Golf experience and the management of the event that in four years the field for the Classic has risen in

2014 to 472 golfers!

Central Otago IS New Zealand’s Golden Golfing Heartland, experience the true solitude and get close to nature in an inspiring and timeless land. You will be energised by the tumble of mountain, river, rock and tussock; see the grandeur of breathtaking vistas with Central’s clear light bringing mountains within an arm’s reach and the star studded night sky. Play golf on five excellently groomed eighteen hole club golf courses.

Playing in The Mount Michael Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic is an ideal way to experience the uniqueness of “Central”, and we are delighted to offer you the opportunity to play, just get an entry form, fill it in and post with your cheque, BUT BE QUICK, as 500 players is the absolute maximum, this enables our daily fields around the five course to be uncluttered with too many players!

All the information you require is on our web site www.CENTRALOTAGOGOLF. co.nz, by writing to Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic at P O Box 68 CROMWELL 9342 or by emailing classic@centralotagogolf.co.nz Central Otago ‘A World of Difference’

email classic@centralotagogolf.co.nz or post to Autumn Golf Classic, PO Box 443, Alexandra 9340 18 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

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Queenstown Golf Club (Kelvin Heights) • Blue 6072m • White 5839m • Ladies 5173m EVER seen a post-card of Queenstown? If so then it has probably been taken from the gondola and features the Kelvin Heights peninsula. This is home to the Queenstown golf club which is a picturesque golf club that offers not only views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu but an exciting challenge of golf.

The “Jewel” in the crown of New Zealand golf courses is the Queenstown Golf Club located 20 minutes from Queenstown. It is one of New Zealand’s iconic golf clubs and a ‘must play’ for all golfers visiting the region.

The Course is surrounded by lake Wakatipu and cradled by stunning mountains ranges so every tee and green has a view which makes it hard to keep your head down! Signature holes take on a whole new level at the Queenstown golf club especially the 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 14th and 17th which could be signature holes on any course. With a proud and loyal membership base, Queenstown golf club has a long history and welcomes visitors year round. Equipped with 24 modern motorised carts, 2 Professionals, Pro shop, 7 day a week Café specialising in home-made faire and fully licenced Bar ensures all your golfing needs are met and exceeded.

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

The facilities are excellent, carts and club hire available from the pro shop. Green fees range from $75-95 depending on seasons. www.queenstowngolf.co.nz Kelvin Heights Queenstown 9300 Phone: 03-442 9169

Wanaka Golf Club • Blue 5743m • White 5474m • Ladies 5038m A SHORT 50-minute scenic drive from Queenstown, the township of Wanaka is a stunning and tranquil holiday destination in the heart of the Queenstown Lakes region.

Perched above the picturesque township is the lovely Wanaka golf club; the biggest club in Otago and Southland with nearly 1000 members. Host to the NZ Women’s Seniors in 2012 and Men’s in 2009, Wanaka Golf Club boasts a well maintained, charming and challenging layout, with great value for money.

Measuring 5743m (blues) and 5474m (whites) the course isn’t long by modern standards, but careful course management and the ability to shape your shots is important if you want to score well. The small greens and natural contours of the land also present their own challenge, so playing safe to the middle of the greens is recommended.

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

The front-nine, which was established in the 1930s, features an undulating layout with small greens nestled amongst the rolling terrain. The back nine, which was added across the road in 1967, is much longer and slightly flatter—but no less spectacular. The club has progressed significantly in the past decade with capital improvements and course upgrades, making it one of the most scenic and playable courses around.

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

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

The pines bordering the golf course along State Highway 8 were originally planted to contain the desert sands that prevailed in the area. Most find it hard to imagine that today’s stunning golf course could be created from such beginnings. The course features a flat but undulating desert type terrain with fully irrigated fairways from tee to green.

Narrow fairways mean accuracy is of prime importance if you are to avoid the desert remnants in the rough and the many trees lining the fairways.

Of interest, and one reason why golfers find their round at Alexandra appears to go so quickly, is the lack of continuous holes of same par value! Only twice in the 18 holes do you play consecutive holes of equal par!

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

Come and see what we mean, phone SubPar golf shop at 03 448 8374 or emailSubPar@ xtra.co.nz to book a tee time now. www.alexandragolf.co.nz State Highway 8, Alexandra 9340 Tel/Fax: 0 3 448 8204

Arrowtown Golf Club • White 5495m • Ladies 5035m ARROWTOWN GOLF CLUB is the jewel in the crown literally as it sits below the Crown Range and runs alongside the famous Arrow river which over 100 years ago was once a hive of activity during the gold rush era.

The course borders the outskirts of Arrowtown which is about 20km from the centre of Queenstown and offers stunning views of some well known ski fields, the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. If you are lucky enough to play on this hidden gem then you’ll will no doubt be blown away by the unique layout of the course as the narrow rolling fairways weave their way through valleys and rocky pillars very much like Roxburgh golf club. In the summertime the Browntop grass in the long rough is left to seed, leaving a colour scheme that represents a truly natural setting and makes the course look like a postcard. In 2012 the course won the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendants Association (NZGCSA) Environment award which recognises New Zealand’s leading golf course in relation to their environmental management practices. The club under took the removal of wilding trees and broom, while re-establishing Matagouri amongst the schist rock outcrops.

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

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

Club hire is available and green fees are $75. www.arrowtowngolf.co.nz/ 166 Centennial Avenue, Arrow Junction 9371 Phone: 03-442 1719

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

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

Concessions for groups. Please enquire at the clubhouse.

166 Centennial Avenue, Arrowtown • Tel: +64 3 442-1719 www.arrowtowngolf.co.nz GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 19

FEATURE

golferpacific.co.nz LOCATED in the Cromwell township in Central Otago. This lovely course has had a major transformation in the last 5 years with former NZ open winner and now course designer Greg Turner redeveloping a large part of the sand based links course. Intersting that it is 200km away from the sea.

Cromwell offers so much for the all golfers.

Unlike many of the smaller clubs, Cromwell’s greens are large and interesting while the fairways are undulating and firm.

With the redevelopment, the course changed dramatically from a typical parklands course with huge old pines lining the fairways, to the now open driving holes

Cromwell Golf Club • Blue 6234m • White 5844m • Ladies 5204m

where the prevailing Nor-wester can take hold of any erratic shot.

The rough can be a challenge, mainly because of the sandy lies or the Marram grass.

The redeveloped 18th is one of the holes to mention which was once a par 3 but now a long 415m par 4 of the black tees. Into the wind your drive is challenging and requires a well struck drive to get you into the valley which is guarded by bunkers eitherside of the fairway.

The approach shot to the green funnels into the basin green but care is required to avoid the front-right green-side bunker.

There are a number of other unique holes on the course including exciting doglegs, reachable par 5’s which the longer hitter loves, and tricky par 3’s that punish wayward tee shots.

Green fees are $75 with discounts and club hire is available. Make sure you take the time to visit the bar afterwards and watch golfers finish their round from the verandah as the 18th makes great viewing from above at Cromwell Golf Club. www.cromwellgolf.co.nz Cromwell 9310, New Zealand Phone: 0 3-445 0165

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

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

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

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

Ba Ke y o rik f I eri sla

nd s

“Tee for Two”

Golf PackaGe

kauri cliffs Golf course & Stone Store lodge

Kauri Cliffs Inclusive of: Two golfers enjoy one round of golf each (green fees) at Kauri Cliffs designed by David Harman **one of the top 100 courses in the world** www.Kauricliffs.com Two night’s accommodation in a deluxe suite dble/twin suite with inlet views, at stone store Lodge Kerikeri *201 Kerikeri road*

Bay of Islands

2 nIGht Golf PackaGe two golfers enjoy Two nights’ accommodation stone store Lodge Kerikeri Deluxe suite twin/double occupancy with Inlet views Two full or continental breakfasts daily

Two for tea (or coffee) each morning with continental or full breakfast at stone store Lodge

Two persons for one round of golf at Kerikeri Golf Course

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

Glass of wine with cheese and crackers evening of arrival at stone store Lodge

BAseD oN Two PersoNs - sHAre TwIN or DouBLe oCCuPANCy

BAseD oN Two PersoNs - TwIN sHAre

NZ$875 for two

NZ$475 for two

*Must be NZ Golf affiliated Members International Visitors ADD $475

*Must be Affiliated NZ Players

TerMs & CoNDITIoNs

TerMs & CoNDITIoNs

*

Above pricing valid to 31st March 2015

Prices outside these dates contact stone store Lodge *NoN Golfer substitute: A selection from Health-Herbal-body treatments * No refund for unused services * rain check available due weather within validity *Based on double/twin occupancy *Air and land transportation not included *Prices are GsT inclusive

THE PLACEMAKERS SENIORS MIxED 4 BBB STABLEFORD MATCH PLAy

*

Valid to 31st March 2015

Prices outside these dates contact stone store Lodge •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

Monday 23rd February to Friday 27th February 2015

PROGRAMME

Sun 22nd Courtesy of the Course (from 1 pm) is extended to all entrants Tee bookings essential. Wine & Cheese ‘Happy Hour’ from 5pm to 7pm Mon 23rd Match Play in groups for: The Golf Magazine Cup; The Kerikeri Chamber of Commerce Cup; The Kerikeri Veterans Golfers Salver; The Cliff Colson Salver Tuesday 24th Match Play Continues Second Round Match Play. First Round Plate ( Losers to Consolation Plate) Dinner at the Clubhouse at 6pm. $25.00 per person.

Cost is not included in your entry fee Wed 25th Rest Day – Available for relaxing or sightseeing Thurs 26th Semi Finals 2nd Round Plate; 1st Round Consolation Flights. (Losers to further Flights) Fri. 27th Finals All Matches PRIZEGIVING 2.00 pm CONDITIONS of ENTRY 1. Open to a “Team Entry” consisting of one lady and one gentleman over the age of 50 and 55 respectively, with a current 18 hole handicap. 2. Entry Fee $120.00 per team must accompany the Entry Form. 3. Cancellations will be accepted and entry fees refunded until 13th February 2015 4. The teams are seeded to one of four groups on combined handicaps 5. The draw will be posted on the club web site on Thursday 19th February 2015. www.bayofislandsgolf.co.nz 6. The Tournament Committee reserve the right to alter the programme format, dates and starting times. The decision of the Committee will be final on all points. 7. Men White Tees. Ladies Yellow Tees. 8. The Club will verify all Handicap Indexes from the NZGA Slope Handicap System and will issue Course Handicaps accordingly.

9. The field is limited to 64 teams. Entries above this number will be placed on a waiting list in order of receipt. 10. Rules of Golf as approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland, will apply. 11. Score cards must be completed and submitted for each round where more than 12 holes are played.

WAIKATO EASTER TRIANGULAR TOURNAMENT Get a four together and come enjoy 18, 36 or 54 holes at three of the best courses in the Waikato.

Prizes each day at each club, Mens and Ladies divisions, gross, nett and stableford.

Saturday 4th April Matamata Golf Course Sunday 5th April Morrinsville Golf Course Monday 6th April Walton Golf Course Tees are open from 9.00am-11.00am. Entry fee $25 each day There is also three $200 random drawn cash prizes for those players that play all three days!

Email the clubs on this email to enter any of the tournament days and book a tee time waikato.easter.mwm.tournament@gmail.com or phone Graeme 07 888 6109

for reservations contact richard@stonestorelodge.co.nz www.stonestorelodge.co.nz | Ph (09) 407-6693 20 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

Morrinsville

golferpacific.co.nz

FEATURE

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

PEGASUS GOLF CLUB 15th Par 4

Great play starts here Pegasus Golf & Sports Club, Mapleham Drive Pegasus, North Canterbury, New Zealand p +64 3 920 3300 e golf@pegasus-golfclub.co.nz

pegasus-golfclub.co.nz

Pegasus Golf Course is a beautiful parklands-style par 72 – 18 hole championship golf course close to the centre of Pegasus Town. Its careful design, impeccable fairways, manicured greens, stunning water features, natural wetlands, and surrounding mountain ranges afford superb play and exquisite views from every shot.

The 15th hole, with its split fairway, offers a delightfully menacing challenge. A solid drive down the left hand side should carry the deep vegetated gully, leaving a mere pitch onto the green. But with the

fairway sloping to the gully it’s not for the faint hearted. Don’t let your eye be caught by the water feature – with water running the entire length of the right hand side you’re left with a narrow landing strip for your Option B. However, even with a gully yet to cross this is by far an easier approach shot to this undulating green.

Pegasus offers a true golfing experience.

With four options of tees at each hole, golfers of every level will enjoy an excellent challenge and a game to remember.

CLARKS BEACH GoLf CLuB 3rd Par-3 | 118m

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

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

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

The 118m par-three poses an interesting

tee shot over a newly constructed large pond. A straight shot will miss the large trees to the right and a bunker to the left, not too many problems on a calm day.

With spectacular water views in the background, and the green positioned on a small knoll, the wind factor greatly determines the club selection and can have a dramatic effect on any given day.

GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 21

FEATURE

Discover the

Manawatu Wanganui Region

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

You will always be welcome to join members in the clubrooms after your game to participate in our renown country hospitality.

MARTON GOLF CLUB FROM the number one tee, the summer watered fairways on the Marton Golf Club course look like an easy challenge. But don’t be fooled because hidden among the sandhill and forest area of the Rangitkei is an interesting , thought- provoking Par 72 course with a widening reputation for being one of the best in the area. The quiet, relaxing surroundings will entice you to try out your golf skills on the easy walking but undulating fairways and the superbly prepared greens.

RANGITIKEI GOLF CLUB LOCATED about 5kms from the town centre of Bulls is the stunning Rangitikei Golf Club. The Par 72 course offers a challenging 18 holes, with undulating fairways, elevated tees and greens to test the unwary. Rangitikei Golf Club is known as the “Hidden jewel

of the Rangitikei”.

Visitors are guaranteed a friendly welcome. Golf carts, clubs, are available for hire. Rangitikei is becoming a preferred choice for groups where barbecue food, platters, and bar facilities are available.

Craig Perks 2002 Players Champion, says “Throughout my professional career, I had the wonderful privilege to play some of the best conditioned and exclusive courses in the world including Augusta, Pebble Beach, and the like. My sentiment has always been and remains to this day, that Rangitikei is my favourite, and if I was choose to play one course for the rest of my life it would be Rangitikei”.

Come and play golf anytime, all weather course, anybody of an ability can play. Its Putt-a-bull and Play-abull.

New Season starting soon, why pay city subs, when you play all year for under $200.

For more information visit facebook “Rangitikei golf club”, or phone 063221475.

Manawatu Wanganui Golf Incorporated.

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

FIELDING GOLF CLUB FEILDING Golf Club provides a wellmanaged golf course for residents of Feilding, our local Manawatu region and all visitors. The course is maintained to a high standard and promoted as a parklike 18 hole course, easy walking and well draining alongside the picturesque Oroua River. We invite all players to call in and give our course your time and we will give you a challenge. Check out our

The “hidden jewel of the Rangitikei” Raumai Road Bulls 4863 Ph. (06) 322-1475 www.rangitikeigolfclub.co.nz Come and play 18 holes at our fantastic course. See why we are the number one course in the district.

GROUPS - reduced green fees, catering, cart & clubhouse hire.

REMOTE MEMBERS - 100km from the course. COUNTRY MEMBERS - 35km, full playing rights & lower subs for both.

VISITORS - always welcome, reasonable green fees, tee time bookings not essential, cheap campervan rates.

Excellent accommodatio at Adobe Motel, Marton, phone 06 327 6111. Only a 12 minute drive from the course.

22 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

GOLF TRAILS NORTHLAND website www.feildinggoflclub.co.nz for our Sunday Green Fee Special (subject to course availability).

up with 30 very young children and a few Nana’s and Granddad’s.

BRIGHT START TO NEW YEAR FOR NORTHLAND GOLFERS LEVIN GOLF CLUB (ALSO KNOWN AS MOUTERE LINKS) WHAT better way to enjoy your days to the fullest than on Levin golf course, with full Playing Membership for only $15 per week!

Levin Golf Course is located just 10 minutes’ drive from the Levin township, between Lake Horowhenua and Hokio Beach.

The Club takes pride in providing a quality course set amongst rolling sand hills with easy walking, tree-lined fairways, and pencross greens giving great speed and consistancey. They have a very strong junior boys and girls membership and children’s subs start at $25 per year. You will admire panoramic views of the Tararua mountain ranges and the Horowhenua countryside.

The 18 hole, 6121 metre course provides an interesting and challenging test for golfers of all ages and abilities.

There are plenty of membership options available including, 9 Holes, Full Playing, Summer, Country and Restricted. Payment options are also available.

Contact the Club 06 368 6189 for details.

They set up half a dozen holes for them to play as well as a big target in a goal mouth for them to hit at. The clubs are plastic,the holes are Velcro and the balls stick to everything.

This proved to be so much fun and a great introduction to the game that the club followed up with another event last month at the course Fairway.

These activities have and will be Free for the duration of this Discover Golf and Levin Golf Club Campaign. Co-ordinators are in place to continue the required follow up. 

MANAWATU WANGANUI

LEVIN GOLF CLUB AND SNAG GOLF IN early January Levin Golf Club came in to town to promote Golf to juniors and their families. In conjunction with the Hockey Association The Club was allowed to use the Halliwell Hockey Turf and their wonderful facilities. Rhys Watkins of Manawatu/Wanganui Golf Association arrived with his SNAG kit. [Starting New At Golf.] With a little advertising Levin golf Club finished

6 ROUNDS OF GOLF FOR THE PRICE OF 5 18 HOLES $100 9 HOLES $50

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

MANAWATU WANGANUI NOTICEBOARD Feb-12

Eketahuna

(06)375 8143

Open Day Eketahuna GC Women

Feb 21-22

Levin

06 368 6214

Horowhenua Left Handers T’ment

Mar-03

Manawatu

(06)3578793

Manawatu Hospice Tournament Women

Mar-05

Pongaroa

06) 376 2831

Open Day Pongaroa GC Women

Mar-06

Rangitikei

(06)3221475

8 Iron Day Rangitikei GC Women

Mar-08

Palmerston Nth

(06)3510700

Junior Tiger District Event Palmerston North GC -

Mar-09

Feilding

(06) 3575763

Mixed 9 Holers Open Day

Mar-13

Pahiatua

(06)3768005

District Day Pahiatua GC Women

Mar-15

Feilding

(06) 3235976

Arohanui Hospice Tournament

Mar-19

Pahiatua

(06)3768005

Open Day Pahiatua GC Women

March 19-22

Manawatu

(06)3578793

Charles Tour - Lawnmaster Classic Manawatu GC NZ Golf

Mar-28

Rangatira

(06)3229859

Rangatira Cancer Fundraiser Rangatira GC

Apr-05

Levin

(06) 3686189

Chricks and Bucks Irish Open Tournament

April 16-17

Feilding

( 06 )323 6648

Ladies 2 Day Premier Challenge

By Michael Macdonald THE first representative golf fixture for 2015 has resulted in a positive outcome with the Northland junior team starting the year with a win on Sunday 11 January at Northern Wairoa Golf Club.

The mixed team of six boys and six girls were up against the Jack Newton Junior Golf Academy team, a touring side from New South Wales, Australia and featured a number of promising up and coming youngsters in both sides.

The format was matchplay with a point awarded for each hole won, and half a point for each hole drawn with individual tallies combined to determine the winning team overall.

With each team winning six matches each it came down to the margin of victory and it was the Northland side that came out on top with a 10 point advantage.

Leading from the front was Northland junior girls captain Taimana Ngakuru (Northland) who claimed the biggest win of the day, an emphatic 14-4 triumph. Joining Ngakuru in the winner’s circle were sister Danielle (Whangarei), Soktaerodh Sean (Northland), Jamie Thomas (Wellsford), Ben Bowmar (Whangarei) and Tarrin Rous (Mangawhai).

For the girls next representative fixture is the Junior Girls Development Quadrangular contested by Auckland, Northland, North Harbour and Waikato at Mangawhai Golf Club in April.

Match Results (Northland players listed first): Girls Jodi Macalister – Northern Wairoa (8) lost to Stefanie Hall (10) Taimana Ngakuru – Northland (14) won against Brianna Robards (4) Soktaerodh Sean – Northland (9.5) won against Kara Williams (8.5) Soktaera Sean – Northland (8) lost to Pyper Hollis (10) Setiny Pheng – Sherwood Park (7.5) lost to June Song (10.5) Danielle Ngakuru – Whangarei (10) won against Madeleine Laws-Farrell Girls Total: 57/51 Boys Taylor Gill – Kerikeri (8) lost to Nathan Barbieri (10) Jamie Thomas – Wellsford (11) won against Xavier Kempton (7) Ben Bowmar – Whangarei (9.5) won against Lachlan Bill (8.5) Steven Lang – Northland (8.5) lost to Rhys Ballinger (9.5) Tarrin Rous – Mangawhai (11) won against Lachlan Jones (7) Robby Turnbull – Mangawhai (8) lost against Dranza Hawe-De Theirry (10) Boys Total: 56/52 Grand Total: Northland 113 / Jack Newton Academy 103 

NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD Feb-04

Waipu

09 4321 259

Twighlight

Feb-07

Waipu

09 4321 259

Mixed Open Day

Feb-07

Wellsford

09 423 8385

Wellsford Mixed Open

Feb 07-08

Whangaroa

09 405 1808

Far North 4BBB Classic

Feb 07-08

Waiotira

09 4363403

Annual Pairs Tournament

Feb-09

Ngunguru

09 4344 290

9 Hole Pennants

Feb-11

Waipu

09 4321 259

Twilight

Feb-12

Waipu

09 4321 259

Mixed Quads & Vets

Feb-18

Waipu

09 4321 259

Twilight

Feb-19

The Pines

09 401 9223

Northland Seniors Tournament

Feb-21

Whangaroa

09 405 1808

Men's 18/27 Hole Open

Feb-21

The Pines

09 436 2246

Handicap Pennants South Zone

Feb 21-22

Mangawhai

09 431 4807

First Nat. Women's 2 Day Tournament

Feb 22-27

BOI

09 431 4807

The Placemakers Seniors Mixed 4BBB S’ford

Feb-22

Northland

09 435 1777

Junior Pennants Round 2

Feb-24

Sherwood Park

(09) 434 6900

Eagles Nat. Convention Ladies' Golf

Feb-25

Waipu

09 4321 259

Twilight Ambrose Teams Night

Feb-25

The Pines

09 436 2246

Eagles Nat Convention Ladies' Golf

Feb-25

Whanarei

(09)437 0775

25 Wednesday Eagles Nat Convention Men's Golf Northland/ Whg

Feb 26-27

BOI

09 431 4807

Mixed Seniors 4BBB Tournament

Feb-28

Wellsford

09 423 8385

Men's Masters 27 Hole Open

NORTH HARBOUR

HARBOUR VS JACK NEWTON TEAM THE Harbour team played the Jack Newton Team (NSW, Australia) on 12th January at the Gulf Harbour Country Club. Teams consisted of 6 girls and 6 boys – aged between 9-19 years.

The Matchplay was over18 holes, with all points counting towards team total. Congratulations to the North Harbour team who were 2015 winners (239 points to 193).

WOMEN’S PRO-AM AT WARKWORTH GOLF CLUB ON Monday, March 30th, Warkworth Golf Club will host a Pro-Am one-day tournament featuring men and women professionals and women-only amateurs. An occasion of this kind, with only women amateur golfers making up teams led by a professional, is a first for New Zealand - this year it will be the GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 23

golferpacific.co.nz

GOLF TRAILS NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD Feb 1Feb 28

Peninsula

(09)4264001

2nd week each month Mixed Monthly prize table

Feb 1Feb 28

Omaha Beach

(09)4227551

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

Feb 1Feb 28

Waitakere

(09)810 9399

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

Feb 1Feb 28

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

Northern Passport 6 courses great value

Feb-05

Helensville

09 420 5454

Explorer Motor Yachts Monthly Open (midday 4 tees) Starter 09 420 5454

Feb-06

Wellsford

09 423 8385

Waitangi Day Mixed Open

Feb-06

Warkworth

(09)425 8248

(WAITANGI DAY)Warkworth Monthly Midweek Open Shop

Feb-19

South Head

09 420 2838

AUCKLAND

Monthly Midweek Mens Open Starter

fourth venue on the annual PGA North Auckland Tour of Omaha, Denby and Waitangi and hopes are high for its permanent inclusion in the future. Women golfers in the region are showing great interest in the tournament - Warkworth Golf Club is anticipating a great day and looking forward to it becoming an annual event. The major sponsor, Diners Club, has put its weight behind the event and local sponsors – Leigh Fish, Wharehine, Red Letter Day, New World, Life Pharmacy Franklins, Bridge House Lodge, Barfoot & Thompson,

A LOW ENTRY COST SUBSCRIPTION

to name a few, have come out in force to ensure the success of the day.

Located on the beautiful Kowhai Coast, just outside Warkworth, surrounded by landmark vineyards, stunning beaches, bustling markets and superb scenic countryside, with 18 picturesque and well maintained holes, lakes and ponds, an elegant clubhouse and efficient and friendly event staff to take care of all the details, Warkworth Golf Club is ideally situated to stage an event of this nature.

For full details of the event go to the Club website at www.warkworthgolfclub.co.nz or phone the club on 09 4258248. Flyers and registration forms are available at most Auckland and Northland Golf Clubs.

6 FREE ROUNDS AT ALTERNATE COURSES

Join as a Northern Passport Golf member at any of these clubs. Your annual subscription is $300 – which immediately entitles you to 6 free rounds within the 2014 calendar year at your choice of these courses (you may play only one free round at any one course).

NEW MANUKAU GOLF COURSE ON TRACK CONSTRUCTION of Manukau Golf Club’s new course and amenities at Ardmore in

FULL NZ GOLF AFFILIATION

OFFICIAL NZ GOLF HANDICAP

PARTICIPATING CLUBS: Helensville, Kerikeri BOI, Mangawhai, Northland, Warkworth, Whangarei

Warkworth Golf Club

You will receive your NZ Golf handicap and be regarded as an affiliated golfer at any NZ Golf Club.

Mike Reid mike.reid@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz ph: 09 425 8248

Contact your local participating club to enquire about a 2014 Northern Passport.

24 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD Feb 1 -28

Pakuranga GC

(09) 534 3818

Memberships 2635 yr olds $860

Feb 1 -28

Akarana

(09)6210024 x1

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

Feb-04

Whitford Park

09 530 8823

Whitford Park Monthly Pro Open Day Pro Shop

Feb-07

Maramarua

09 232 5702

Waitangi Day Scramble

Feb-10

Akarana

(09)6210024

Men Pro scramble

Feb-10

Titrangi

(09)8273967

Twilight Golf 9 Holes

Feb-12

Akarana

(09)6210024 x1

Twilight Shotgun 5.15pm

Feb-14

Maramarua

09 232 5702

McCullough Tray & Vice Presidents/ Vice Captains Cup

Feb-17

Titrangi

(09)8273967

Twilight Golf 9H

Feb-18

Pukekohe

09 294 8810

Pro Shop Midweek Monthly Open

Feb-19

Akarana

(09)6210024 x1

Women RD Stableford

Feb-19

Aviation

09 275 4601

Thu 19th Aviation Pak ‘n Save Open

Feb-20

Maungkiekie

09 621 0093

Monthly Midweek Men’s

Feb-24

Titrangi

(09)8273967

Twilight Golf 9H

Feb-26

Maramarua

09 232 5702

Midweek Tournament

Feb-27

Titrangi

(09)8273967

Men’s Back Tee Day

Mar-02

Howick

(09) 535 1004

Auckland District Women's 9 Hole

Mar-07

Howick

(09) 535 1004

Open Men's and Women's 18 Hole

MEN'S AMATEUR STROKEPLAY

Pay only $20 per 18 holes at any of these courses at any time during your 12-month membership (or $12 for 9 holes).

You get a golf club membership that allows you access to any of the Northern Passport participating clubs at a very affordable cost – everything that you have told us you want! All immediately available to you for only $300.

South Auckland is progressing well with the 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th holes to the east of the proposed clubhouse location already completed to a playable tee to green condition after just nine months since seeding.

The heavy rains experienced in October, may have disrupting early progress on the balance of the course, but did become a gilt-edged sword in terms of proving the effectiveness and worth of the design and operation of the drainage system now in place on those four eastern holes and the expansive lake/wetland areas they feed into.

The resumption of construction activity has seen the bulk fill requirement for the designated Zone 3 (northwest) area completed and the final Zone 4 (southwest) bulk fill requirement commenced with completion of this construction phase planned for the end of May. In total, over 200,000m3 of bulk fill will have been delivered to the site which, with its GPS directed placement and subsequent shaping, continues to transform what was a 6o hectare potato patch into a well contoured landscape just waiting for the finishing touches.

The course itself will feature five sizeable lakes with surrounding wetlands planted with natural flora and strategically placed bunkers to ensure that each and every golfing journey taken by members and visitors will be a different experience more often than not.

Construction has undergone a systematic approach with work commencing in the eastern corner and then moving in a

An innovative initiative supported by

54 HOLE CHAMPIONSHIP

7th & 8th MARCH 2015 Saturday 36 Holes Played & Sunday 18 Holes Played

54 Hole Gross & Runners Up 54 Hole Nett & Runners Up Optional $10.00 for 2's Pro VI Balls will be given out for 2's

Entry Fee $50

Entries Close: 27th Feb. Field limited to first 104 prepaid entries.

Entrants must be Full Playing Financial Members of an Affiliated Club. Maximum Handicap 24.

Handicaps are subject to alteration during tournament at the discretion of the Tournament Committee

To registerPhone: (09)425-8248 ext 2.

Text : 0273036505 Email: thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

2014 Champion - Jason Gulasekharam

golferpacific.co.nz

GOLF TRAILS 180 degree anti-clockwise direction with the completion point being back at the site for the clubhouse. By the end of May the remaining holes will have been completed in terms of the top-soiling, shaping, and seeding of tee blocks and the top-soiling, shaping, sanding and seeding of greens and their surrounds. At worst case, all but two fairways will be completed. Those two fairways will require top-soiling and seeding at the very start of the next growing season but the 4-5 day strike rate after hydroseeding being experienced at the site should see the final two fairways in good playing order well before the opening of the new course in September, 2015.

The remaining fourteen holes to be completed are in various stages of reaching that status as a result of the staged construction process employed. Hence, the projected end of May,2014, completion of all tees, fairways, greens, lakes, wetlands and bunkers will see those holes receive twice the time the first four holes have had to reach the excellent state they are now in after only nine months since their completion.

Members and invited guests have had the opportunity of official tours of the new course and the unanimous summing up of the progress to-date has been a simple, but resounding...WOW!

HEINEKEN OPEN DAY AT PAKURANGA THE final of the 2014 Heineken Open Day series was played out in brilliantly fine weather, with 85 golfers lining up for a

Christmas themed prize table at Pakuranga Golf Club on Friday, December 20. Like the weather the scoring was hot with TC Khoo taking out the men’s Competition with an excellent round while Val Simmonds took out the Women’s competition.

The lucky draw prize for the player who played in eight or more rounds of the 12 round series for a 2015/16 membership went to Lance Beste.

Results: Men’s division 1st TC Khoo – 46 points 2nd Terry Mitchell 44 points 3rd Troy Sullivan 42 points 4th Russell Clarke 41 points 5th John Richards 40 points Women’s division 1st Val Simmonds – 39 points 2nd Vivian Chen 38 points 3rd Joy McLeod 37 points 4th Ruth Champion 36 points 5th Colleen Harvey 34 points 

WAIKATO

EAST WAIKATO TOURNAMENT A GREAT day was had to play the annual 36 hole East Waikato Tournament at Matamata Golf Club recently.

The event was played last month in partnership with Walton Golf Club with both playing 18 holes at each club over Saturday and Sunday.

Cross Engineering Group and JK’s World of Golf (Campbell Irvine and his team). Your support is greatly appreciated! *

NEW YEARS AT MERCURY BAY

The East Waikato tournament champion with a combined total gross score of 140 was Jason Boobyer( pictured right). The winner in the Nett division with a combined total score of 134 was Alex Johnson (pictured left).

Top 5 gross winners included; Charlie Smail, Jordan Woodall, Joshua Rookes and Conrad Salisbury.

Top 5 Nett winners included; Jack Trower, Alan Wiles, Ron Eagles and Mike Garrud.

People who holed out in 2 included; 1 ball, R Bielby, A Joe, C Salisbury, G Ellia, M Garrud, T Gillies, A Reed, J Ryder, R Sisson, J Trower, A Wiles, L Wilson, S Woods.

2 balls; C Smail and B Stewart and 4 balls J Boobyer Longest Drives were won

by Jason Boobyer and Glen Ellia. Nearest to the pins were won by Mark Higginson and Rex Mason.

Thanks to our sponsors for their tremendous support of our tournament; Daltons, Keystone Advice Group, Mimico, Colchester Engineering, The Boltholder, Southern

FOLLOWING are the results of the New Years Tournament at Mercury Bay Golf Club. Held on 2nd January 2015, the tournament saw 19 ladies and 92 men in the field.

Ladies: Nett: 1st – Sue Rowell; 2nd – Julia Unsworth Stableford: 1st – Lynne Butler; 2nd – Rosemary Burns; 3rd – Joanne Nolan; 4th – Pat Lilley; 5th – Jillian Smith Twos: Joanna Nolan, Jillian Smith and Julia Unsworth(3) Mens Division 1 Gross: Mark Boe Nett: 1st – John Stirling; 2nd – Doug McEwan Stableford: 1st – Aaron Ho; 2nd – Kelly Barson; 3rd – Mike Borren; 4th – Jon Heaphy; 5th – Steve Hosken; 6th – Garry Pollard; 7th – Ron Haycock; 8th – Andrew Boylan; 9th – Aaron Steel; 10th – Chian Ho Mens Division 2 Nett: 1st – Charles Fussell; 2nd – Gordon Davidson; 3rd – Craig Meacham Stableford: 1st – Jim Kirkham; 2nd – John McDermott; 3rd – Patrick Smith; 4th – Robert Jones; 5th – Stuart King; 6th – Graeme Heaphy; 7th – Ryan Davidson; 8th – Graham Bellingham; 9th – Frank Morunga; 10th – Peter Bredenbeck Twos: Kelly Barson, Murray Bennett, Mark

PLAY REDWOOD PARK

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Green Fees from $20 - Full Membership only $940 Midweek Membership $750 (includes GST & affiliation fees) - Flexiplay Memberships available - 25 minutes from Auckland CBD - Great value for your $$$$

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Whangaparoa To play Muriwai is to play golf as nature intended. a True Links Course situated approximately 40 minutes from auckland City on the ruggedly beautiful West Coast. Full facilities available including: - electric carts - hire clubs - pull trundlers - catering and bar service 7 days

MeMber proMoTion Full Playing and Weekday 2 for 1 and a half subscription fee. new age group: Full playing membership 22 -24 years $462 Full playing membership 25 - 35 years $675

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GOLF TRAILS Burcombe, David Paul (2), Ron Haycock, Chian Ho (2), Stuart King, Paul Lupton, Kerry Manderson, Garry Pollard, Kevin Smith, Aaron Steel, Rod Stewart, John Stirling and Gary Wheeler.

MITSUBISHI OPEN AT THAMES THE Thames Golf Club Saunders Mitsubishi Open attracted a full field on 2 January. The feature of the day was a hole in one for a car sponsored by Saunders Mitsubishi on the 178m 10th hole. There must be a psychological effect from standing on the tee when there is the promise of a substantial reward, because this year this hole was rarely threatened. Michael Butcher, playing off a 20 handicap, did manage his first hole in one on the 170m 8th hole.

Some sponsors prizes are coming Michael’s way, but maybe he’ll always think of this as the one that got away. Top results on the day – Hayden Thomas 68 gross from David Clarke with 72 (both Thames), Bob Broughton (Thames) with 47 stableford points from Toby Muir( Ngaruawahia) 45.

WAIKATO VETS OPEN DAY THE Waikato Vets Open day on 12 January attracted a field of 84 (74 men, 10 women), with 17 Waikato Golf Clubs represented. The course played fast and easy, resulting in some very good cards, especially that of Graeme Tangney (Thames) who led the field with 46 stableford points, a 2 and won a raffle. Some days it just works out!

Others to feature included Alan Ogden and Terry Hollard (Thames) 44 points, Chalky White (Te Aroha) 42 and Brian Morgan (Horsham Downs) 41. Perennial Golfer

WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 1 Feb -28

Whangamata

07 8698479

Friday Freebies 2 for 1 Golf

1 Feb -28

Lake View

(07)3572343

Veterans Day every Tuesday

1 Feb -28

Walton

(07)8883731

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

Feb 6-7

Thames

07 868 9062

Waitagi weekend pairs Tournament

Feb 8-11

Ngaruawahia

07 824 8226

Pellows Veterans Pairs 3day Tournament

Feb-12

Waikare

07 826 3574

Midweek Mixed Open Jenny

Feb-12

Huntly

027 291 1125

Waiterimu Placemakers Huntly Mixed Teams 3 Ambrose

Feb-21

Stewart Alex

07 870 2574

Tainui Maori Regional Finals

Feb-22

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07 889 6696

Last Sunday Monthly Mixed Open Tournament

Feb-22

Waikato Golf ASSN

Feb-24

Mercury Bay

07 8665479

Seafood Tournament

Feb-26

Waihi

07 863 8678

Waihi Meatpack Mixed Midweek Open

Mar-05

Thames

07 868 9062

Thames Monthly Midweek Mixed 18hole Open

Mar-05

Hukanui

07 824 3784

Hukanui Monthly Midweek Open

Waikato Ga Davy Engravers Prebble Cup

Merv Cunningham (Thames) with a gross 77, again shot under his age. 

BAY OF PLENTY

GEARY SETS NEW RECORD ON a weekend of low scoring at the Mount Maunganui Golf Course, Friday Twilight -25 stableford points – Rodney Jackson and Colleen Noble both 7 under their handicap for 9 holes, the Sunday Mixed Summer Cup – R Horsfall with 46 stableford points – 10 under. Then a remarkable 11 under – 61 Gross by Josh Geary playing the Mount Maunganui Golf Course on Saturday 3rd January lowered his previous 2006 course record 62.

The previous course record of 72 had been shared by Josh Geary September 2006 (6021m), I Stanley (Aus) 1975 (6056m) and T Kendall 1969 (6683m).

Playing in a four on Saturday morning while enjoying the excellent course and weather conditions with Jason Madden, Bailey Smith and Ryan Steward, Josh Geary scored a 30 on the 1st 9 holes and a 31 on the final 9 Holes - Jason Madden scored an excellent 69 gross.

Following on from his strong showing in the Australian PGA at The Pines on the Gold Coast in December 2014 and followed up by winning the Mount Maunganui Golf Club Pro/Am. Josh Geary is preparing well for the New Zealand Open that will be held at “The Hills Golf Course” in Queenstown 12th – 15th March 2015.

MIXED SUMMER CUP THE first of the Mixed Sunday Golf compe-

titions was held on the 18th January 2015 at Mount Maunganui Golf Club. The Mixed Summer Cup is held over three rounds with the best two round of combined stableford scores to count.

The final round of the Mixed Summer Cup saw a number of potential winners venture out to try to nail the last hot (in more ways than one) round of combined stableford points.

The leading pair after 2 round were Pam Adlam & Ray Horsfall on 151 with both Melanie Cho & David Cho June & John Winstanley on 146 points and close behind were Sharon & Neville Cockayne on 142.

BUT – Sitting on an excellent 79 points from their first round, Helen & Roman Tomson (35/44) were there ready to pounce having enjoyed recent good rounds of golf, including the twilight golf on 16th Jan 2015.

Round 3, their 2nd Round did the trick and although Helen managed a 34 (only 12 better than her 9 hole twilight score the previous Friday), Roman continued his recent low scoring record with another 41 to back up his 44 points, giving a total of 154 points to head off Pam Adlam & Ray Horsfall on 151.

All rounds were played in perfect weather, very warm/hot – and on a course in perfect order despite the hot and dry conditions.

The format of the Mixed Summer Cup introduced a new organisation arrangement for Sunday Mixed Golf with Larissa Eruera (new addition to the Mount Pro Shop) managing the competition proper and the

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GOLF TRAILS results. A successful change.

RESULTS: Helen Tomson 35/34 & Roman Tomson 44/4179/75154 1st.

Pam Adlam 30/36 & Ray Horsfall 46/3976/75151 2nd Sharon Ferris 37/39 & Rex Ferris 34/3671/75146 3rd.

June Winstanley 37/34 & John Winstanley 40/3577/69146 4th Melanie Cho 35/33 & David Cho 44/3479/67146 5th

TWILIGHT GOLF AT MOUNT MAUNGANUI 81 PLAYERS (27 visitors) took part in Mount Maunganui Golf Club’s final Friday twilight Golf for 2014 on December 26th, some trying out the Christmas golf goodies to see if they could have golf scoring as good as the previous week players.

The field included a good number of non affiliates with 5 winning prizes.

It obviously worked as the leading scores indicate, 9 men scoring better than 22 points over 9 holes and 7 women over 19 points.

Near perfect Friday course conditions and presentation continued leading to some awesome scoring by both women and men.

Compared to the 3 players scoring 25 points the previous week, only John Sheridan scored 25 points in the men’s division, but there were 3 on 24 and 3 on 23 points over the 9 hole competition.

Merle Halligan matched the previous

week’s twilight of 24 points and a good lead over the runner-up Colleen Noble on 20 points (on a count-back).

Sponsors for this Twilight were Smith Sports Shoes and Latitude 37..

7 “Spot prizes” – Gillian Tustin winner, and other key prizes to Richard Glubb, Stuart Reid and Cole Jarman.

Jim Southall took home the impressive Hamper while the sought after Meat Packs went to Lynn Irving, Josh Joseph and John Sheridan.

Results: WOMEN/MEN. 1ST Merle Halligan24/John Sheridan 25 2nd Colleen Noble 20/Andrew Champness 24 3rd Lynn Irving 20/James Watkins 24 4th Kath Gorringe 19/Rex Ferris 24 5th Barbara Jackson 19/Peter Marks 23 6th Maxine Woodhall 19/Thomas Watkins 23 7th Jenny Beard 19/Richard Glubb 23 8th Bruce Flemming 22 9th Craig Edlin 22 Non- Affiliates: Andy Joseph – Matt Cole – Carl Hudson- Jamie Verran -Hayden Watson SCORING for the 2015 Mount Maunganui Golf Club’s Friday evening twilight golf continued on from where 2014 twilights finished.

87 players (including 22 visitors), braved the warm conditions to launch their New Year golf campaign with the high average scoring continuing to spot some 9 hole golf wonders.

25 stableford points was again the winning score for the Men and the Women divisions, scored by Rodney Jackson and Col-

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leen Noble, respectively.

Colleen Noble following up her 2nd place with 20 points on 26th December 2014 Looking at the other scores registered – another 15 players scoring between 22 & 24 points, the win was by no means easy. It would appear that the shorter game in the evening suits better for some.

Quite amazing with the regularity of the high stableford points being registered each week of the Friday twilights A supporting feature of the Twilights is the generous raffle and Spot Prizes (sponsord by the Mount Pro Shop and Smiths Sports Shoes) Raffle: 11 prizes -Merle Halligan, winner of the last Twilight, won the main prize, A Mount Pro Shop Voucher.

Spot Prizes:7 draws. – The main Smiths Sports Shoe voucher prize won by David Goodyear.

RESULTS: LADIES/MEN Colleen Noble 25/Rodney Jackson 25 Judy Richards 24/Dave Verran 24 Judy Cameron 23/Steve Richards 23 Sandy Long 22/Andrew Jackson 23 Rae Holmes 22/Donal Boyle 23 Rita Sorenson 22/Rex Ferris 23 Gillian Lees 22/Gary Hosking 23 Sharon Woodmere 22/Ian Pollard 23 Murray Watkin 23 NON AFFILIATES: Toni Lui – Tyrone Human – Josh Joseph – Andy Joseph 2’s: Lorraine Mooney – Phil Maddren – David Jackson.

75 PLAYERS (including 17 visitors) provided a good turnout at Mount Maunganui

Golf Club for the 2nd of the 2015 twilights.

Scoring was slightly less than the previous first 2015 twilight but still very good average scoring for the 9 holes of golf.

21 stableford points the winning score for the 4 Men – Louie Allen, Mort Nelson, Doug Ridsdale and Peter Watson.

An excellent 24 point by Sue Jones won the women’s division and 2 on 23 points – Nan Enright & Philippa McKnight.

The other scores registered were very impressive with – another 4 men on 24 points and 7 women with 19 to 23 points.

Proof that the evening play and the shorter 9 holes of golf is the thing to do during the summer.

The regularity of the very good stableford points registered each week of the Friday twilights is impressive.

Smiths Sports Shoes again provided great support for the Twilights with their sponsored prize vouchers.

Raffle: 6 prizes -Mort Nelson won the Hamper.

Spot Prizes:6 draws. – 1st.Smiths Sports Shoe voucher prize won by Sharon Ferris 2ndGillian Lees 3rdBruce Fleming.

RESULTS: LADIES/MEN Sue Jones 24/Louie Allen 21 Nan Enright 23/Mort Nelson 21 Philippa McKnight 23/Doug Ridsdale 21 Gillian Tustin 21/Peter Watson 21 Colleen Nummy 21/Eric McPherson 20 Maxine Woodhall 20/Phil Maddren 20 Sharon Ferris 19/Graeme Jenkins 20 Gillian Lees19/Terry Andrew 20

MOUNT MAUNGANUI MEN VETERAN GOLF SOCIETY

54 HOLE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S ANNUAL STROKEPLAY TOURNAMENT 25th(PM) 26th(AM) 27th(AM) FEBRUARY 2015 OPEN TO MEN 55 YEARS AND OVER & WOMEN 50 YEARS AND OVER AS OF THE FIRST DAY OF THE TOURNAMENT WHO ARE MEMBERS OF AN AFFILIATED CLUB FIELD LIMITED TO FIRST 120 PAID ENTRIES

54 HOLE PRIZES

3 DIVISIONS MEN 2 DIVISIONS WOMEN (Dependent on numbers) GROSS AND NET PRIZES

18 HOLE DAILY PRIZES GROSS AND NET NEAREST THE PIN and Twos

ENTRY FEE $60 ($40 for Mount GC members) ENTRIES CLOSE Mon 16th FEBRUARY 2015

(late entries may be considered subject to availability of places) FOR ENTRY FORMS CONTACT TOURNAMENT SECRETARY Tom Uden; 07 575 4214 Email nztru@kinect.co.nz

Contact the office for further details

MOUNT MAUNGANUI GOLF CLUB (Inc)

www.pakurangagolfclub.co.nz

Or online at; www.mountgolf.co.nz

Ph:+64 9 534 3818 or admin@pakurangagolf.co.nz

O7 572 7044

GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 27

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GOLF TRAILS NON AFFILIATES: Duncan Ibottson-Nick Rendall-Andy Joseph Longest Putt: 6th Tina Ogilvy; 18th Paul McCarroll ANOTHER good turn-out on January 16th to the Friday evening golf with 65 players (including 30 visitors) providing a really good contest over what is proving to be a very popular 9 holes of twilight golf.

Scoring was again of the highest order with all the winning scores very close 1st to 6th place.

Women again led the scoring with 25 points by Pam Ryan closely followed by 2 players on 23 points.

While not at such a high point, the 25 points by Barry Brookes tied with Dennis Noble, a close friend of the organiser with both being closely chased by 2 players on 23 and 3 players on 22 points – the game must be easy or the evening play and the shorter 9 holes of golf after work is the way

BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD Feb 1-28

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Feb 1-28

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to great golf at the Mount Maunganui Golf Club.

Smiths Sports Shoes and the Mount Pro Shop provided the sponsored “Spot” prize vouchers.

Raffle: 6 prizes -Larissa Eruera (our new member if the Pro Shop) won the Hamper.

- 3 Meat Packs, the other 5 prizes being a chicken and a pair of socks.

Spot Prizes:6 Chances – 1st. Golf Shoes sponsored by Mount Golf Shop won by John Uden in a fun playoff using oversized clubs and target (childs play).

2nd Golf Glove won by Pam Ryan.

3rd Smiths Sports Shoe voucher prize won by Maxine Woodhall 4th Smiths Sports Shoe voucher prize won by Sharon Ferris 5th Smiths Sports Shoe voucher prize won by Kath Gorringe Sports Sox Dennis Todd & Scott Ramsey.

RESULTS: LADIES/MEN Pam Ryan 25/Barry Brookes 24 Suellen Baty23/Dennis Noble 24 Chris Buckley23/Tom Uden 23 Karen Mills 22/Craig Edlin 23 Helen Tomson 22/PeterWatson 22 Colleen Noble 22/John Uden 22 Rex Ferris 22 Longest Putt: 6th Scott Ramsey; 18th Gillian Tustin STARTING the run down to the last half of the twilight season but the numbers are still very good with a turn-out of 71 players on January 23rd, boosted by the annual visiting Canadian members and a number of the usual Friday afternoon players who moved up to the Twilight 9 Hole competi-

tion due to the Junior Kaimai Tournament.

Some good scoring in the 28th Junior Kaimai set the scene for another Twilight that saw those very good stableford scores returned.

Scoring stayed at the same high order with the winning scores very close 1st to 6th place for the women and a bit more spread for the men.

Women again led the scoring blitz of 25 points by Jan Gyenge (continuing a really good scoring run, closely followed by Philippa McKnight and Sandy Long on 24.

The men – slightly behind, Derek Larsen found some form to return a score of 24 points with Peter Watson on 23 points and 6 others ranging from 22 to 20 points.

Women scores ranged from 23 to 35 points whereas the men spread was 20 to 34. Looks like the Women handle the shorter game in the evening better than the men.

What a way to finish off the working/ holiday week – go to the Mount Maunganui Golf Club and play the evening shorter 9 holes of golf and join in with the scoring bonanza.

Sponsors continue to ensure a great spread of prizes, the great support from no less than 9 including – Smiths Sports Shoes – Mount Pro Shop – Roberstons Menswear – Latitude 37 – Rightway Accountants – CaddySank Café – Nosh – Mills Reef and Stah It Storage Papamoa.

Raffle: Hamper -Winner Sharon Widmer.

Spot Prizes: Smiths Shoes Voucher Winner Sue Jones.

Roberston’s Menswear Shirt Winner Bar-

ry Brookes.

RESULTS: LADIES/MEN Jan Gyenge 25/Derek Larsen 24 Philippa McKnight 24/Peter Watson 23 Sandy Long 24/Brent Duncan 22 Judy Richards 23/George Gyenge 21 Maxine Woodhall 23/David Goodyear 21 Kath Gorringe 23/Mort Nelson 21 Bev Dowling23/Wayne Ashworth 21 Barry Brookes 20 Longest Putt: 6th Sandy Long1;8th Suellen Baty 

TARANAKI

TWO ACES, SAME HOLE, AN HOUR APART

By Murray Hills/Taranaki Daily News THE two holes-in-one were scored at the New Plymouth Golf Club’s Ngamotu links last Saturday by club members Terri Heyes and Paul Farrell.

They were the first aces at the club since last August when Heyes’ husband Colin holed out on the par three 14th.

“Fantastic, my first ace,” said Terri Heyes yesterday. “It was so exciting. I saw it go in, the whole group saw it.”

The seven handicapper used a nine iron to hole out from 95 metres.

And how did the rest of her round go?

“Not so good. I went out of bounds twice after that.”

Heyes said she had just got into the clubhouse when she saw Colin coming up the par five eighth.

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GOLF TRAILS “I went out on the deck and called out to him that I’d had a hole-in-one. Paul was playing with him and said ‘so have I.’ It was amazing.”

Farrell, who plays off an 18 handicap, used a five iron to hole out from 146 metres.

“The best part of this one is I actually saw it go in the hole. The first one I didn’t.

I said to the guys, where did that go and they said in the hole. So this one is definitely better. I saw it pitch and roll into the hole.”

Farrell’s first ace was on the club’s 14th hole six years ago.

HAYWARD PACKS HIS BAG FOR PRO CIRCUIT

By Nick Northam/Taranaki Daily News NEW PLYMOUTH’S Brad Hayward is the latest Taranaki golfer to join the professional ranks after an excellent performance at the New Zealand PGA qualifying school at Taupo’s Centennial course in early January.

Hayward shot rounds of 70, 70, 66 for a 10-under par 54-hole total of 206 to finish tied for first with former New Plymouth golfer Steven Heyes.

TARANAKI NOTICEBOARD 3-Feb

Pungarehu

(06)7638331

Coastal Champiionship

6-Feb

Hawera

(06)2785828

Waitangi Day Tournament

6-Feb

Pungarehu

(06)7638331

Waitangi Day Coastal classic 27 Holes

13-Feb

Urenui Club

(06) 752 3702

Urenui Picnic Day

14-Feb

Patea

(06)2738335

Open Tourament

15-Feb

Manaia

(06)2748325

Junior Girls fun Day

20-Mar

Manukorihi

(06)7547497

Women Open Day (9 hole)

21-22 Feb

Westown

(06)7586933

Westown Classic

5-Mar

Westown

(06)7586933

Women Open Day(9 & 18)

Mar 7/8

North Taranaki

Lefties 2 day Tournament

Heyes claimed the Jim Clelland Trophy in a play-off. They finished 13 shots ahead of their nearest rival, Auckland’s San An. The victory means Hayward will be able to compete on the NZPGA tournament circuit through the year.

From$115 $99 per $109 From per person*.

Now person*. Now there are no handicaps to handicaps to taking taking a golfing golfing holiday. holiday.

WHITFORD PARK PRO AM

By Nick Northam/Taranaki Daily News A STRONG professional field gathered at Whitford Park Golf Club in Auckland in January to compete in the Volvik Pro-am.

The event was won by Josh Geary with a 36-hole, seven-under par 135 (66, 69) in a field that included Michael Hendry, Ryan Fox and Mark Brown. Taranaki’s best performing professional was Dominic Barson (72, 69 – 141) who finished in a tie for ninth place. Grant Moorhead (71, 75 – 145) finished in 20th spot, while Patrick Moore (87,78 – 165) had a weekend to forget.

PERFECT SHOT FOR BERNIE LILE

By Nick Northam/Taranaki Daily News LONG-SERVING Westown golfer Bernie Lile hit the perfect shot on his home course on January 10. Using a wedge, he played the 114 metre seventh hole to perfection during the Saturday club competition.

ROGER REI MEMORIAL

By Nick Northam/Taranaki Daily News THE Roger Rei Memorial tournament at-

tracted a field of 141 golfers at Patea Golf Club last Friday. The winner was Hawera’s Tim White with a one-under par 72 who headed off Patea’s Nathan Cameron by one shot. The victory gave White back-to-back victories and his fourth title overall.

Roger Edgecombe (78-15-63) had the best overall net of the day in the men’s sections, while the best net in the women’s division went to Diane Gilberd 81-19-62.

Other leading scores were: Senior men, 1st net, Steve Honeyfield 78-12-65; 1st stableford, Leo Quintus 42; intermediate men, 1st gross, Charlie Kemp 84; 1st net, Robert Henry 80-14-66; 1st stableford, Ray Finlay 41; junior men, 1st gross, Nathan Gray 89; 1st net, Jim Kempton 88-22-66; 1st stableford, Kane Hughes 45; women’s division, 1st net, Michele Furness 87-20-67; 1st stableford, Jenni Newland 41.

CROWDED HOUSE OPEN TOURNAMENT

By Nick Northam/Taranaki Daily News WAITARA GOLF CLUB hosted the Crowded House Open tournament last month which attracted a field of 112. The leading gross score of the day went to Urenui’s Tony

youthought thoughtyou you couldn’t afford a golfing holiday, think again! at Lakeview, IfIfyou couldn’t afford a golfing holiday, think again!

PlayPlay at Lakeview, Springfield,Rotorua, Rotorua,ororWairakei WairakeiInternational.

International.From *From $99 per person. $109 per person.

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Includes Superior accommodation, breakfast and green To avoid disappointment Includesroom accommodation, breakfast and green fees.fees.

To avoid disappointment call call 0800 SUDIMA (783462) or email reservations@sudimarotorua.co.nz 0800 SUDIMA (783462) or email reservations@sudimarotorua.co.nz. * This offer is based a share room is subject to availability.

Inclusive *This offer is based on on a share twintwin room basisbasis and and is subject to availability.

Inclusive of GST. Special Conditions & surcharges apply to Wairakei International Golf Course. of GST. Special Conditions & surcharges apply to Wairakei International Golf Course.

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This offer expires 31 March 2015

GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 29

golferpacific.co.nz

GOLF TRAILS Martin with an even par 67. First net in the senior men’s division went to Paul Rauputu 69-10-57, 2nd net, Gary Thompson 74-866; intermediate men, 1st net, Kurt Hikaka 72-12-60, 2nd net, Richard Gooch 77-1661; junior men, Graham Gardner 44, 2nd K Cleaver 42; women’s 1st net, Kathy Gower 90-25-60, 2nd net, Jenny Newton 95-2867. 

HAWKE’S BAY/POVERTY BAY

FRIDAY NIGHT ‘NINE AND DINE’ IN HASTINGS IF you’re a Hawke’s Bay local, then book in 27 February for a fabulous evening out at Hastings Golf Club. Nine and Dine – a great way to unwind, Friday night relaxing with friends – and everyone is welcome.

“Nine and Dine is a great way to start the weekend”, says Hastings Pro Brett Allan. “A relaxed, fun series of events – it’s all about catching up with friends, enjoying some great golf and delicious food, in a beautiful tranquil setting!”

Nine and Dine, sponsored by Trinity Hill, is happening once a month at Hastings Golf Club, on a Friday, up until March 2015.

“It is only $20 per person, which includes 9 holes on the course, a fabulous buffet meal and the chance to win some fantastic prizes. Everyone is welcome – families, non-members and even those who have never picked up a club before!”

Following the nine holes (which should take no longer than 2 hours), Hastings Golf Club are putting on a spread of delicious

food in the clubhouse, with a different selection every month; offering superb value for the hungry golfer!

“You will walk away with a full belly, lots of smiles and memories of a great evening out,” says Brett.

Hastings Golf Club is keen to appeal to the whole family. “If your husband or wife doesn’t play golf, but would like to join you for dinner – we can accommodate this as well, for just $15.”

Nine and Dine kicks off with a shotgun start at 5.30pm on Friday 27 February. No need to book in advance, but all partici-

pants must be signed up in the Pro Shop by 5.15pm.

Come and enjoy 9 holes of golf at one of the best courses in Hawke’s Bay. Please visit the website www.hastingsgolfclub.co.nz or email info@hastingsgolfclub.co.nz for more details.

Hastings Golf Club would like to thank Trinity Hill for supporting Nine and Dine. 

HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY NOTICEBOARD

A STRONG field of 120 competed in Manor Park’s New Year Open event – the competition was fierce with some top scoring.

Results: Overall Best Gross – Stephen Hunger (Boulcott’s Farm) 73; Overall Best Nett – David Whitley (Manor Park) 65; Overall Best Stbl. – Zhuoyi Hu (Manor Park) 42 Men’s Gross Divn 1. – Daniel Hillier (Manor Park) 74 Divn 2. – Bruce Irwin (Manor Park) 80 Divn 3. – Elier Tingzon (Shandon) 92 Women’s Gross – Judy Randell (Manor Park) 84 Men’s Nett Divn 1. – Michael Flattery (Pram.

Beach) 69 Divn 2. – Steve Issac (Manor Park) 68 Divn 3. – Gary Clout (Manor Park) 69 Women’s Nett – Judy Prescott (Manor Park) 73 Men’s Stbl. Divn 1. – Victor Stella (Manor Park) 38 Divn 2. – Peter Wiltshire (Manor Park) 36 Divn 3. – John Hunt (Trentham Camp) 37 Women’s Stbl. – Kani Peneueata (Pram.

Beach) 35

28-Feb

Patutahi

The School fee includes: • Breakfast and lunch daily.

Ladies Open & Pennant #1 S/ford Open Ladies Day

2-Mar

Hastings

(06) 8797206

5-Mar

Gisborne Park

(06) 8679849

Meat Treat

7-Mar

Waipukurau

(06)8589598

Junior Age Group Champs

13-Mar

Hastings

(06) 8797206

Secondary School Champs

Mar-14

Waikohu

(06)8623188

Ladies Open

Mar-16

Marenui

(06) 835 8273

Silky Oak Chocolates 9 Hole Tournament

Mar-21

Tolaga Bay

(06) 862 6780

Queen of the Coast & Pennant

Mar-23

Puketiri

06 8398611

Women’s Open

Mar25-26

Poverty Bay

(06)8674402

Ladies Open

Mar 23-26

Napier

(06)844 7913

NZ Autumn Foursomes

Mar-30

Marenui

(06) 835 8273

SommersetSmith 18H Open

NOW’S YOUR CHANCE TO BE PROFESSIONALLY COACHED ON ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR GOLF GAME AND PLAY NEW ZEALAND’S FINEST GOLF COURSE AT THE

The Wairakei International Golf Course invites you to join the Wairakei School of Golf. Resident N.Z.P.G.A. professional Steven Jessup, will guide you through a professionally designed 3 day programme which covers tee & fairway play, short game and bunker play. The school also teaches the student course management, you will also receive a personal DVD so those vital points are not forgotten.

(06)8627789

• All range and green fees, as well as electric cart hire.

• An instructional DVD of you and your coach, so that you have a visual record of swing changes and improvements that have been made to your swing over the three days of tuition.

Steve will guide you during two rounds of 9 holes and one round of 18 holes, coaching you through your game and course management. Question him on rules and using them towards your advantage.

WELLINGTON

NEW YEAR OPEN BUILDS YET AGAIN

2014 MORE FM / RISK MANAGEMENT KAPITI OPEN STEVE THOMSON and Tira Habib (pictured) are the winners of the 2014 More FM / Risk Management Services Kapiti Open. They beat out a field of 99 players to take the honours.

Steve won the men’s gross division with a 71 on count back from Kyle Sargent. Sam Brigden was 3rd with 73 and Josh Kerrigan 4th with 75. Steve also won the nett division with 63, Kyle was 2nd with 63 and Paul Williams 3rd with 64.

Tira Habib won the women’s gross with 83, five shots ahead of Adrienne Marwick and Maree Gates. Alana Webb won both the nett and stableford divisions with 67 nett and 39 stableford. Adrienne Marwick also finished second in both categories with 69 and 37.

Kapiti Golf Club would like to thank all the sponsors, entrants (99 of them) and the army of workers who made the event such a success. And a special mention to club captains Paul Cooksley and Robyn Stringer for their superb manage-ment of the event.

School fee only - $855 (for one) Single Ascot Accommodation Package - $1,135 (for one) Twin Share Ascot Accommodation Package - $1,989 (for two) Single Bayview Wairakei Resort Accommodation Package - $1,165 (for one) Twin Share Bayview Wairakei Resort Accommodation Package - $2,019 (for two)

 Full Swing  Pitching  Chipping  Bunker Shots  Putting  Odd Lies

For a list of date options please email info@wairakeigolf.co.nz Wairakei Golf Course | P.O. Box 377, Taupo Ph: 07-374-8152, Fax: 07-374-8289 Email: info@wairakeigolf.co.nz Please note: There is a minimum of 4 people required and a maximum limit of 6 people.

In the case of insufficient numbers we will attempt to relocate people. Prices include GST.

Play at New Zealand’s

Walton golf club

in heartland Waikato

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

Kiwitahi Road Walton To book phone (07) 8883731 Email Walton.golf@paradise.net.nz caRTs availablE by aRRanGEmEnT ph oR Email GRoups and individuals WElcomE

www.waltongolf.co.nz 30 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open 2015 - The Charles Tour April 23 - 26th Akarana Golf Club and Barfoot & Thompson have entered into a three year sponsorship agreement to host the Charles Tour ‘Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open’ annually in April. Following the same formula as the inaugural Charles Tour event in April 2014, this year promises to be even better.

PROGRAMME Friday April 10th - Sponsors 9 Hole Golf Day,.

Wednesday April 22nd - Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open ‘Pro Am’.

Thursday to Sunday, April 23-26 - Barfoot & Thompson Akarana Open 72 Hole Tournament

www.akaranagolf.co.nz ( 09 621 0024

facebook.com/akaranagolf

golferpacific.co.nz

GOLF TRAILS WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD Feb-04

Wainuiomata

(04)564 7746

Wednesday Club every week

Feb-06

Manor Park

(04)563 6843

Manor Park Open

Feb-06

Masterton

(06 )377 4984 ext2

New World Event every Friday -Feb

Feb-07

Eketahuna

(06)375 8285

Pro Am

Feb-10

Carterton

(06 )379 8457

Vets Stableford

STAN’S SHOOTOUT

Feb-11

Martinborough

06 306 9076

9 hole Medal, Best Net and Shoot-out

JOHN BAYLISS is the winner of the 2014 Shootout at Kapiti Golf Club.

50 golfers lined up in appalling weather, and after nine holes the group winners were John Bayliss (pictured right), Chris Mooney (pictured left), Adri-enne Marwick, Oki Latief and Jim Jones.

Adrienne was knocked out on number 8, leaving JB and Chris to play the last. Chris drove into the ditch, but recovered leaving both on the green for 3 shots. Both putts just missed and JB put his 5th in, while Chris’s 5th rimmed the hole and stayed out. The Plate was also well contested, with Eddie Allen beating Carole Clout on the final hole. Once again a big thank you to Stan Williams for organizing another great event.

Feb-15

Featherston

(06)308 9266

Men's 27 Hole Open

Feb 14-15

Riversdale

(06)372 3416

Men's Open

CLOSING WOE’S FOR TUI ANYONE who’s ever played in the Sunday closing day Ambrose at Kapiti Golf Club will know that the Sunday committee take a perverse interest in creating challenges on various holes. This year they decreed that a rugby ball had to be kicked off the first tee, and the second shot taken from were it landed.

As all his team-mates had their 4 tee shots, Tui had to take the kick, and managed to go out of bounds into the car park. The two shot penalty was costly as it took his team from 1st place to 4th place. 

TASMAN

TASMAN NOTICEBOARD Feb-03

Kaikoura

(03 )319 5628

3rd Round Mecca Trophy Stableford

Feb-06

Kaikoura

(03 )319 5628

Harris Meats Waitangi Day Tournament

Feb-06

Marlborough

(03)578 7646

Waitangi Day Stableford

Feb-06

Hokitika

(0 3)-755 8549

West Coast 18 Hole Ambrose

Feb-08

Motueka

(03) 5528 8998

Tom Goodman Memorial Mixed Greensomes

Feb-11

Marlborough

(03)578 7646

Lion Nathan Twilight Golf

MOTUEKA NBS OPEN THE Motueka NBS Open was played on 10th and 11th of January at Motueka Golf Club. Over 150 entries were received from twenty clubs for the Nett and Gross tournament. The course was in great condition and the weather was perfect. Three major prizes of $600 travel vouchers for best gross and best net ladies and men were awarded.

RESULTS: A Grade Men Gross Sam Nicholls 151 Nett Aaron Lawrence 140 Runner up Daryl Graham 142 3rd Simon Parle 144; 4th Steve Vercoe 144; 5th Brent Edwards 144; 6th Matt Watene 145; 7th Quentin Newport 146; 8th Jamie Atkinson 149; 9th Brad Heal 149 A Grade Ladies Gross Donna Mitchell 165 Gross RU Natalie Reed 170 Nett Penny Vincent 145 Nett RU Lyn Brand 147 B Grade Men Gross Tema Faifua 166 Gross RUDaniel Knapp 167

Feb-14

Marlborough

(03)578 7646

Opening Day

Feb-14

Greymouth

(03)768 5332

Westland Classic

Feb-18

Motueka

(03) 5528 8998

Men's Stableford New World Twilight

Feb-21

Motueka

(03) 5528 8998

First National Motueka Open Foursomes

Feb-21

Motueka

(03) 5528 8998

Men's Men Mug Medal shoot out.

Ladies Stableford

Feb 28 Mar 1

Nelson

03 5485029

Women's Classic Best Ball Stableford

Mar 3-6

West Coast Challenge

02102672224

2 Men's & 1 Ladies Grade Stableford

PLAY AND DINE EVERY MONDAY $30

PLAY GOLF AT ARIKIKAPAKAPA

ROTORUA GOLF CLUB

s OPEN ept e m b e r 72 STROKE PLAY HOLIDAY INN MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP

FRIDAY 27TH FEBRUARY - SUNDAY 1ST MARCH LABOUR WEEKEND MIXED FOURSOMES HANDICAP MATCH PLAY

100% GOLF PRO SHOP LADIES OPEN TOURNAMENT 18 holes Saturday, 36 holes Sunday, 18 holes Monday. Entries limited to first 64 paid entries SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY 20th - 22nd OCTOBER, 2012

THURSDAY 12TH MARCH, 2015

85th ANNUAL VETERANS MATCH PLAY TOURNAMENT

MONDAY 10th - FRIDAY 14th SEPTEMBER, 2012 $10.00 FOR 10SEPTEMBER HOLES WEEKDAYS AFTER 4.00PM Contact the Rotorua Golf Club Ph: 07 348 4051 Email: rotorua@golf.co.nz www.rotoruagolfclub.co.nz

GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 31

golferpacific.co.nz

GOLF TRAILS Nett Bernie Hedges 139 Runner up Larry Moses 143 3rd Peter Cederman 143; 4th Richard Bullock 145; 5th Andrew Tasker 145; 6th Bob Winter 145; 7th Joel Daniels 146; 8th Nick McIntyre 147; 9th Brendon Williams 147 B Grade Ladies Gross Shirley Winter 190 Gross RU Suk Kyung Lee 191 Nett Tania Appelman 149 Nett RULiz Hall 149 3rd Jane Adams 151 C Grade Men Gross Ian Buchanan 181 Gross RU James King 182 Nett Allan McKenzie 138 Runner up Mel Hansen 141 3rd Tony Fleming143; 4th Rob Guild145; 5th Colin Rush145; 6th Bryan McKay145; 7th Kevin Fell145; 8th Luke Sturgeon145; 9th Murray Jewell145 Major Winners Best Gross Nick Thomsen149 Ladies Best Net Eve Clarke144 Mens Best Net Brett Adams135 

CANTERBURY

CANTERBURY PLAYERS EXCEL AT FALDO SERIES ASIA NZ CHAMPIONSHIPS IT was a tight finish as predicted for the age group titles decided at Clearwater after the final third round of the Faldo Series Asia NZ Championship held at Clearwater Golf

Club. Canterbury players picked up three of the four titles and with that booked their tickets to China’s Mission Hills Golf Club to play alongside the winners from 30 other countries from Asia and the Pacific.

Oscar Cadenhead used his home course advantage to blitz the field with rounds of 72, 71 and 69 to win the overall Championship by six shots from Tadhg Campbell and win the section for boys born between 1993 and 1995, by a 14 shots.

Momoka Kobori (Rangiora) led the Women’s section from day one with a surberb opening round of one under par 71, she held a narrow one shot advantage into the third round after shooting 76 in round 2. Brooke Hamilton (Maungakiekie Golf Club) evened the ledger after an even par round and a 73 from Momoka to force a play off for the title. Momoka who enjoys the pressure of playoffs didn’t disappoint hitting her approach on the 18th hole to three feet to make the all important birdie and win the title.

Dominic Brettkelly (Hororata) with

CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD Feb-06

Weedons

(03) 3478519

Junior Fundraising Tournament

Feb-09

Christchurch

(03)248 8882

Open 36 Hole R2

Feb-12

Waimairi Beach

03 383 0307

Senior Pro-Am

Feb-13

Terrace Downs

(03)3186943

Senior Pro-Am

Feb-14

Templeton

(03) 3497571

New Year Classic

Feb-15

Coringa

(0 3)359 7174

Men's Open

Feb-19

Waimakairi Gorge

(03)3124339

Team's Stableford

Feb-20

Terrace Downs

(03)3186943

High Country Challenge

Feb-21

Tai Tapu

(03)329-6710

Men's Mixed Summer Time Classic

Feb-22

Templeton

(03) 3497571

Men's Tournament

Feb-22

Waimakariri Gorge

03 31337033

Waimakariri Gorge Lefthanders

Feb-26

Everglades

(03)323 8641

Women's Open

rounds of 77, 73 and 74 found himself in a playoff with Jake Meenhorst (Huapai Golf Club) for the grade for the boys born between 1998 and 2002. It was a closely fought contest with Dominic finally prevailing on the third playoff hole with a regulation par after Jake found the water on 18.

Six-time major winner and series founder Nick Faldo will host coaching clinics while his coaches will also be available for the players who travel to China courtesy of

the Clearwater event’s sponsors.

Clearwater Golf Club have options on the event if they wish to continue hosting it for 2016 & 2017. 

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND

TOURNAMENT AT ROXBURGH THE Roxburgh Golf Club’s Annual Sponsored Tournament held on Saturday 27 December was brilliant with about 140 golfers entered from not only Central Otago but Southland, Marlborough and Canterbury.

The warm, sunny but slightly breezy day initailly, was excellent for golf with some amazing results. A really good time was had by all with a couple of BBQ stops on the way around and a magnificent meal including pig on the spit after the game.

Thanks to the huge generosity of the 72 sponsors, everyone went home with a prize. It’s been a great year for cherries and lucky golfers won boxes of cherries as prizes and as raffles.

RESULTS 1st Joyce Turner and Shirley Taylor60 2nd Peter Honnan (Owaka) and Brett Newcombe (Owaka)57 3rd Alison Gilston (Tapanui) and Kay Gard (Kaitangata)55 on c/b 4th Ken Dawson (Boulcotts Farm) and Gill Barnes (Bottle Lake)55 5th J Thompson and N Thompson53 6th Keith Brownlie (Island Park) and Marilyn Brownlie (IP)52 on c/b 7th Pauline Ellis (Balclutha) and Marion Sellwood (Balclutha)52 on c/b

LAKE VIEW Golf & Country Club

a u r o t o R n i

Great course with Awesome views 07 3572341 • lakeview@golf.co.nz www.lakeviewgolf.co.nz GOLFING GATEWAY TO ROTORUA New Course Details … ü 72 par course ü 5,800 meter course ü Stroke 70.5 for men ü Slope 120 for men Facilities … ü Fully stocked Pro Shop 32 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

ü In-House Golf Professional ü Full bar facilities ü Catering facilities ü Covered Driving range ü Private function bookings taken ü Realistic green fees ü Special First Year Membership $400 ü Casual & Summer Rates available

$2,000.00

golferpacific.co.nz

GOLF TRAILS 8th Heather Stenhouse (Marlborough) and Garry Moore52 9th Kathryn McNeish and Ritchie McNeish 51 on c/b 10th Colin Lockhart (Lawrence) and Dane Christiansen (Law)51 on c/b 11th Conrad Fraser (Gladfield) and Gordon Rhodes (Gladfield)51 on c/b 12th Ann Hill and Margaret Deans51 on c/b 13th Heather Hiscock and Jo Hiscock51 14th Timothy Mackey (Queens Park) and Jason Milne (QP)50 on c/b 15th Rick Johnston (Lake Hawea) and Scott Read (LH)50 on c/b 16th Thelma Bennett (St Clair) and Don Hamilton50 on c/b 17th Pauline Bain and Bill Bain50 NTP #10 Ladies: Heather Stenhouse (Marlborough) Men: Chris Snow (St Clair) NTP #18Ladies: Pauline Bain Men: Conrad Fraser (Gladfield) Longest Putt #8 Ladies: Dane Christiansen (Lawrence) Longest Putt #8 Men: J Thompson

MILLBROOK RESORT NAMED NUMBER 1 HOTEL IN NZ MILLBROOK RESORT, Queenstown, recently announced it has been recognised as the overall winner for a third consecutive year in the Top Hotel category of the 2015 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice™ awards for Hotels, ranking first out of ten. For the 13th year, TripAdvisor has highlighted the world’s top properties based on the millions of reviews and opinions collected in a single year from travellers around the

OTAGO SOUTHLAND NOTICEBOARD Feb-05

Allan Grange

(03)4159035

South Otago CLT Tournament

Feb-05

Queens Park

(03)218 8371

ILT DB Liquorland Tournament

Feb-06

Chisholm Park

(03)4550565

Festival cup mens and womens pairs

Feb 7-8

Gore

(03)2089932

Gore Classic

Feb-09

Greenacres

(03)2159016

Greenacres 0-40.4

Feb 9-10

Queenstown

(03)4229169

Womens classic

Feb-14

Ring Ringa

(03)2191327

Heights Four person ambrose

Feb 14-15

St Clair

(03)487 7076

SI Strokeplay champs

Feb 14-15

Heriot

(03) 2042122

Annual classic

Feb 19-20

Dunstan

(03)4492799

Womens Dunstan Classic

Feb-28

Pleasant Point

April 13-17

Queenstown

Summer Classic www.centralotagogolf. co.nz

MT Michael Autumn Golf Classic

globe.

According to Brian Howie, Head of Operations at Millbrook Resort, it’s the extra mile that the Millbrook team goes to every day to ensure guests have a memorable stay that sets them apart.

“We’re often described as paradise on earth, and from the moment guests drive down the avenue of trees to relaxing at our Hole in One café, we’re on hand to ensure every one of our guests has an experience

VISITING WELLINGTON? PLAY THE NEWEST GOLF & WILdLIFE SANcTUARY & STAY AT THE BEAUTIFUL SILVERSTREAM RETREAT

to remember,” he says.

“Winning this award once again is a terrific accolade, and we look forward to welcoming guests in the future and helping them enjoy the magic of Millbrook. Building relationships with our guests during their stay is something we take great pride in, and this shows in the reviews we’ve received from them on TripAdvisor.”

Millbrook Resort is set amongst 500 acres of breathtaking scenery, including rolling hills, lush gardens and 360° mountain views. With luxurious accommodation, a 27-hole championship golf course, which is co-host to the BMW New Zealand Open, four exceptional restaurants, an award-winning spa and Health & Fitness centre and conference facilities, it offers a complete sensory experience for every type of traveller.

Millbrook’s spa offers indulgent treatments in a luxurious setting that fully takes advantage of the spectacular surrounds.

Couples can also unwind with a relaxing massage or aromatic bath, and then chill out in the outdoor relaxation area with a glass of bubbly in hand.

Families can take time out for a casual lunch at Hole in One café, discover one of Millbrook’s many walking and bike paths, take a dip in the swimming pool, or feed the resident ducks.

Millbrook’s signature restaurant, The Millhouse, showcases the best of New Zealand’s produce from freshly caught salmon to local organic lamb, and operates out of the original flour mill from the resort’s former farm days. Modern Japanese cuisine is

also available at Millbrook’s Kobe Japanese restaurant, or more casual dining at The Hole in One café.

With photo opportunities at every turn, Millbrook’s 27-hole championship golf course is perfect for a leisurely round of golf with friends.

Millbrook Resort has received multiple awards over recent years including New Zealand’s Leading Spa Resort and Golf Resort at the World Travel Awards, and was recently named Oceania’s Best Golf Hotel and Best Golf Hotel in New Zealand at the Inaugural World Gold Awards 2014.

To see TripAdvisor traveller reviews and opinions of Millbrook Resort, visit www. tripadvisor.co.nz 

 Crossword Solution Jan 2015 R E C H E C K I M P E D E

E S I G N W R H I N A N N I G H T Y W I T B A G W I N E R T I N E U T T B Y S R O P P E N E H E N D R

S R O B T E A R A C E H I O T F I V E E E B R Y A J A Y L A C L S S M O B C H A N O R D I N K A E E Y S T R

U S T O R I O V E N F O A R R L I L E I A N

T

R S E F A L E O X K E S E S E I N C G E

Crossword 1

2

3

4

9

5

6

7

8

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20 22

21 23

24

25

26

PLAY & STAY PRIcING

27

$95 pp per night

29

Golf (18 holes) & Accommodation (Based on Riverview Studio twin share)

Golf (18 holes) & Accommodation

$105 pp per night

(Based on 2-bedroom Riverview Apartment)

PHONE (04) 563 8558 FOR BOOkINGS OR MORE INFORMATION

VISIT www.manorparkgolf.co.nz EMAIL office@manorparkgolf.co.nz

28

30

Across

Down

1 Final consumer (3,4) 5 Office work - probably the opposite of being a golf pro (4,3) 9 Loosen up (5) 10 Winner of the 2010 US Masters, Phil _________ (9) 11 Whatever happens (2,3,5) 12 Wiry winner of the 1990 Australian PGA Championship, Brett ____ (4) 13 Lizards (6) 15 American, Tom, who won the British Open in 1996 (6) 17 Remuneration (3) 19 Winner of the Open Championship in 2011, Darren ______ (6) 20 Great South African golfer, Gary ______ (6) 23 Winner of the 2015 Tournament of Champions, Patrick ____ (4) 24 One of the venues in the Open Championship rotation (10) 27 In the manner of Eldrick Woods (5-4) 28 A peaceful respite (5) 29 Late (7) 30 General term for older golfers (7)

1 Money made during a career (8) 2 An alluvial deposit at the mouth of a stream or river (5) 3 Eight under par at Augusta National (5-4) 4 Take away or off (6) 5 The right way (8) 6 Highly-ranked player in some sports (4) 7 Winner of the 2015 Volvik Whitford Park Pro-Am (4,5) 8 Sand trap (6) 14 Fellow player (9) 16 Winner of the 2000 Players Championship who turned professional in 1981 (3,6) 17 Inflict a handicap on (8) 18 Describing fairways generally (8) 21 Cave (6) 22 Winner of the 2009 Joburg Open, ______ Hansen (6) 25 Town that hosted the 2015 New Zealand PGA Q-School (5) 26 One Kiwi who secured a tour card at the 2015 Tour of Australasia Q-school, ____ Shilton (4)

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GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015 33

Bay of Plenty Golf

34 GOLFER PACIFIC February 2015

golferpacific.co.nz

GOLF TRAVEL

Take a golfing holiday to the South Pacific F

OR many golfers, you can’t beat a South Pacific island golf getaway.

From spectacular scenery to amazing golf and mouth-watering food, golf tours of the South Pacific are a real tropical treat.

Two of the more popular destinations, Fiji and Hawaii, are also home to some truly exciting Amateur golf events.

FIJI THE South Pacific pro-am golf circuit started in early 1970’s with the Fiji Open as the only tournament. Now some 40 years on there are events throughout the Pacific Islands including Tahiti, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Samoa. The biggest professional event is the Fiji International, which was recently won by Australian Professional Steven Jeffress.

In June each year, Fiji has five proam events. These include the Air New Zealand pro-am and Starwood Golf Classic, both played at the Natadola Bay Course and the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club’s resort course next to the Sheraton & Westin Resorts on Denarau Island.

These two events give amateur golfers from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands the opportunity to play with up-and-coming young professionals and some seasoned campaigners at a very relaxed, fun tropical destination.

Fiji’s biggest pro-am golf tournament is now in its 5th year. The Starwood Golf Classic (June 9 -13) with over $100,000 in professional prize money and $30,000 in amateur prizes attracts amateurs and professionals from Australia, New Zealand,

Asia, USA and across the Pacific Islands.

You don’t have to be a great golfer or low handicapper to enter; you just need an official handicap. There are great amateur prizes up for grabs with the winning teams in both the teams Stableford and Gross competition— as well as the winners of the overall individual amateur stableford and gross competitions—receiving free entry and accommodation packages to come back and defend their title at the following year’s tournament, valued at over $1500 per player.

All competitors play two rounds at Natadola Bay and two rounds at the resort course at Denarau Golf and Racquet Club.

Accommodation for the tournament is at the Sheraton Fiji Resort which is set on the beach and only 200 meters from the Denarau golf course.

The Starwood Classic has gained the reputation as great mix of being both a competitive event and a fun social occasion with gala welcome cocktail party, drinks every evening at the tournament bar and the grand finale; a spectacular prize presentation dinner with entertainment on the

beach at the Sheraton Fiji Resort.

Hawaii HAWAII is the golf resort capital of the world. The big Island of Hawaii is just a short 30-minute flight from Honolulu, where you will find some of the best resort courses anywhere in the world, designed by the best in the game: Nicklaus, Trent Jones Sr & Jr, Palmer, Weiskopf and Dye. Add to this the beautiful five-star beach front hotels, perfect climate and a tournament everyone can play in, and you’ve found heaven on earth.

During the International golf Week (August 22-29) you get to play The Resort Course Championship, which is a great competition open to women and men with official handicaps and will be played on five of the best course you will find anywhere, Mauna Lani North, Hapuna Beach, Waikoloa Kings Course, Mauna Lani South and Mauna Kea. All five courses are within 15 minutes’ drive of your hotel. You don’t have to be a great golfer to join in the fun as the tournament will be played in different handicap divisions and there will be a scratch competition for the guns. Golf professionals will be on hand for free coaching on the range prior to play each day.

Pacific Golf Management’s International Golf Week package includes 7 nights twin share accommodation at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel (ocean view rooms); Daily full breakfast; 5 Rounds of golf including cart at Mauna Kea, Hapuna, Waikoloa Kings, Mauna Lani North &

South courses; Range balls before play each day, PGA golf professional tips daily; Entry into the Hawaii Resort Course Championship; Welcome function at Hapuna Beach Hotel; Nightly drinks, one hour each night at the tournament bar during the tournament (beer, wine soft drinks); Player gift pack; Final night gala prize presentation dinner and drinks; All transport to and from golf courses during the tournament plus return Airport transfers and all taxes.

This is a great all inclusive 8-day tour package is only US$2550.00 for golfers and US $1585.00 non- players. Extra nights US$157.00 per person twin share includes breakfast. Optional tour extensions available to Maui and Waikiki. All the tournaments and tours are organised and run

by Richard Ellis and his team from Pacific Golf Management, one of Australasia’s most experienced golf event and tour organisers with over 25 years in the business.

Ellis, one of the most respected names in golf, spent 10 years as president of the New Zealand PGA and 15 years as a board member of the PGA Tour of Australasia. He was also instrumental in setting up the South Pacific professional golf circuit in the 80’s.

Pacific Golf has organised numerous professional amateur and corporate golf tournaments including the 1998 World Cup of Golf, one of the biggest golf events ever held in Australasia. >> For more information, visit www.pacificgolf. co.nz or phone Richard on 021989996 or email richard@pacificgolf.co.nz

October 19 to 22

021989996

Golf Wholesalers