Golfer Pacific NZ - March 2019

March 2019 14th year as NZ ’s exclusive Golf club magazine

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Fox trots up world golf rankings’ ladder PAGE 5

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EDITORIAL

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

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Golf is truly a game for life W

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

hat’s golf biggest advantage over other sports?

I’ll put you out of suspense immediately. Golf is a game for life.

That’s a phrase that has been used before but couldn’t be more true.

Golf is a game you can play as a child at age eight. You could still be playing at age 88.

That’s not an exaggeration.

I play every Thursday at our club. It used to be known as business men’s club day but it probably should have been

known as a former business men’s club day.

Our club captain recalls the story when he was a new member and thought it would be nice to join up with the business men’s club. He envisaged rubbing shoulders with some wellto-do people who would discuss how well their businesses were going and the millions they were making.

He found that not quite to be the case. Instead he found himself playing many retirees, some of whom had handicaps in the high 30s. That was not quite what our club captain imagined.

But because we play for a few

dollars we all remain highly competitive and because golf has a handicap system we are all competitive. For example last month one of my opposition was an 85-year-old on a 43 handicap.

In complete contrast, his playing partner was on a four handicap.

And that is one of the beauty’s of golf. Good players and notso-good players can compete.

But golf’s main attraction is you can play it for decades and decades. That is not the case with many other sports which usually require physical aggression.

Golf’s physical assertion could be best described as a pleasure

and there is nothing like a few hours out on the golf course on a nice day breathing in some fresh New Zealand air.

I have come across retirees who only took up the game in their 60s. That’s good that they have taken up the game but they all say they wish they had done so at a much younger age.

And that’s my message: You can play golf in your 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s. But don’t wait until then to start the game.

Learn it as a youth and get a good grasp of how to swing a golf club. You’ll never regret it.

SALES & CLUB PACKAGE GOLF TRAILS & NOTICEBOARDS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 7 5504 6334 Fax: 0061 7 5609 6061 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 LAYOUT & DESIGN Sarah Head Creative layout.golferpacificnz@outlook.com PUBLISHER Golfer Pacific NZ LTD PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand ACCOUNTS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com SUBSCRIPTION $60.00 per annum including GST smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 5575 7444 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 NEW ZEALAND MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand AUSTRALIAN MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 264 Chevron Island QLD 4217, Australia COVER PHOTO: New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox poses with his trophy after winning the World Super6 tournament in Perth last month.

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.

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March 2019

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Fox trots up world golf rankings’ ladder

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor Golfer Pacific NZ

Our newest golf trolley has just landed!

N

ew Zealand golfer Ryan Fox was in sight of a world top 50 ranking after winning the World Super6 Championship in Perth.

Fox had a ranking of 85 prior to the tournament last month but victory saw him vault up the ladder to 66.

Reaching the top 50 opens some big doors.

“That’s where we all strive to be,’’ Ryan said after his win at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club in Perth.

“You get in the majors, the WGC (World Golf Championship). That was the goal at the start of the year and the goal should be a fair bit closer now.’’

The win was Fox’s first on the European Tour, which came at his 79th start.

It was also the first by a New Zealander on the European Tour since Danny Lee coincidentally won in the same state when he took out the Johnnie Walker Classic as an amateur in 2009.

Fox’s win helped ease the pain Fox suffered in last year’s Irish Open when beaten in a playoff by Russell Knox from Scotland.

Knox holed a putt of about 40-feet to tie Fox on the last of the regulation 72 holes and then holed another putt from virtually the same position to win the playoff.

The difference between first and second was about $500,000. Knox won 998,000 euros (about $NZ1.6 million) while Fox earned 665,00 euros (about $1.1 million).

Fox said the defeat in Ireland did not necessarily strengthen his resolve to win in Perth.

“Not really. But thankfully I didn’t have anyone hole any 40-footers on me,’’ he said.

“I always think it’s almost easier trying to win a golf tournament than it is trying to make a cut.

“If you’re near the top, you’re generally in pretty decent control of your game.

“In Ireland I did everything right – just had someone do something incredible on me. I knew if I was in that situation again, I would feel as comfortable as I could and I definitely felt comfortable out there most of the day.’’

The World Super6 tournament comprises three days of strokeplay with the top 24 going to the six-hole matchplay format on the fourth day.

Fox was amongst the top qualifiers which meant he gained a bye through to the final 16 of matchplay.

His first match was against Jazz Janewattanond from Thailand. They were all square after six holes and went to a knockout hole to find a winner.

The knockout hole used the 18th green from a specially made tee less than 90 metres out and Fox and Janewattanond played it three times before Fox prevailed.

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Kiss and tell. Ryan Fox gives his World Super 6 trophy a kiss and he’s happy to tell all about the win

Fox had his share luck. Janewattanond missed a three-footer for victory on the second knockout hole which was halved with bogeys.

“I thought I was well gone,’’ Fox said.

“I hit a terrible chip and a terrible putt.

I thought I’m done here.

“You never wish your opponent anything bad but you need some luck and I managed to be on the receiving end of some there.’’

At their third attempt on the knockout hole Fox knocked his tee shot to about three foot to gain a birdie and victory.

In the quater-finals Fox beat Kristoffer Reitan from Norway one up and it was the same score when Fox beat Paul Dunne from Ireland in the semi-finals.

Fox’s opponent in the final was Adrian Otaegui from Spain. Once again there was a bit of luck for Fox as a wayward tee shot on the first hole ended up bouncing out of the trees into the middle of the fairway.

But after that it was plain sailing for Fox. The Aucklander won the first three holes and halved the fourth hole for a 3 and 2 victory.

First prize was nearly 163,000 euros or about $NZ267,000.

Fox jokingly feared he would not see much of money as he was due to be married three weeks later.

“I think it’s probably already being spent,’’ the 32-year-old said with a smile.

Fox, son of All Black legend Grant Fox, said the matchplay format was good for the game.

“Golf’s got 600-something strokeplay events a year and this is good, having a difference.’’

The tournament was a good result for two other New Zealand players. Ben Campbell from Wairarapa and Gareth Paddison from Wellington both made the quarter finals of matchplay. They both picked up more than 32,000 euros or about $NZ52,000.

March 2019

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2019 New Zealand Women’s Senior Championships GOLF EVENT 4

Following is the report from the 2019 New Zealand Women’s Senior Championships held on 18 – 21 February at Cromwell Golf Club.

O

n the eve of the 100th New Zealand Open, the 2019 New Zealand Women’s Senior Championships, concluded with an historic win for Robyn Boniface from Queens Park.

In the 71st year of the tournament, Boniface has now clocked up five wins in this prestigious women’s tournament, that has gone from strength to strength over recent years.

One of the most successful and talented senior players in the current Women’s Senior Circuit, Boniface had yet another powerful performance ousting her Southland team mate, Robyn Pullar (Invercargill), 5 and 3 in the final.

Boniface had come up against Lesley Papworth (Arrowtown) in her first round match, winning 4 and 2, having qualified in 2nd place with a four-over par round on Monday. Ginny Bolderston (Geraldine) was the next to struggle against the Boniface steadiness, a match that concluded on the 13th with a 6 and 5 win to the long-time Southland representative.

The semi-finals saw Boniface take on a Trans-Tasman dimension, where she was matching against Josie Ryan, a past Australian Women’s Senior Champion. This match went to the 17th with a 2 and 1 Boniface win, and the securement of her place in the final.

The win was special for all Kiwis in that the New Zealand Senior Challenge Cup was back in New Zealand hands, something that they had not held since 2015, when Jill Morgan, from Waikato last won.

Three years of Australian winners came to end with Boniface, including a birdie to take out the match and a fine finish to her weeks work.

Robyn Pullar had had a great start to the tournament winning the Curtis Cup for the Stroke Play Championship, and the top qualifier place, with an opening round of 73, one over par.

Pullar’s run to the final a ‘little-tight’ at times, such was the strength of the field. The first match, a 3 and 1 win over Nikki Frank (Australia) before a quarter final win on the 18th, over Annette Muir from North Harbour. Muir was unlucky not to have won that match, one which she had held the lead over several occasions. Indeed the only time Pullar was ahead was on the 18th, when she had a miraculous 3rd shot into the par-4, 18th for a gimme putt, par, to Muir’s bogey.

aa

Pullar also had a Trans-Tasman Semi-Final to Australia’s Jacqui Morgan, which she won 2 and 1. Morgan had been in form all week with several sub-par performances but one which she could not pull off again against the inspired Pullar.

The week-long tournament ended with the Southland team mates and friends head to head, with this time the glory all Boniface’s.

The tournament had a record number of entries with over 150 senior women, aged 50 and over entering, with 141 starters on Monday. Managed by PaR nz Golfing Holidays under the auspices of New Zealand Golf, the tournament was supported by local wine makers, Mount Michael.

A twenty strong contingent of Australian players came across, joining players from around New Zealand.

After the opening Stroke Play Qualifying round, players were split into divisions for match play. Host club member Shirley Field (Cromwell) won the Senior Veterans Cup for the best gross by a player aged 70

March 2019

and over, while Judy Muir (Wanaka) and Mary Anne Kane (Tapanui) shared the Eileen Nutt for the best net.

Wanaka’s Jill King won the Waipukurua Jubilee Salver, division two and Dianne Cleland the Hawkes Bay Salver for the 3rd. The 4th division, the Manawatu Wanganui Trophy, was won by Annabel Speirs (Tarras) and the 5th, the Canterbury Rosebowl, by Peg Purdie (Waitomo). The 6th, Maunu Trophy won by Lyn Hill (Wanaka). The 7th division, the Wanaka Trophy and the 8th competing for the Waihi Trophy were won by Nikki Clark (Matarua) and Linda Wright (Te Anau), respectively. The inaugural PaR nz Golfing Holidays Cup was won by Robyn Kennard (Tuatapere) for the 9th division of qualifiers.

Plate winners included Robyn Pellow (Ngaruawahia), Tracey Storer (Belleknowes), Marg Hughes (Te Anau), Gaylene Bunn (Ngaruawahia), Elaine Whiting (Cromwell), Lois Mitchell (Lumsden), Susan Racz (Drummond) and Lynette Chambers (Tuatapere).

The list of flights winners shows the wide support from clubs all over the country. Ginny Bolderston (Geraldine), Maria Arhanic (Arrowtown), Yverely McCarthy (Wanaka), Trish Linton (Cromwell), Brenda Duncan (Gore), Fiona Gray (Tuatapere), Barbara Winstone (Greenacres) and Christine Alley from Paeora were all flight one winners in their respective divisions.

Flight two winners included Jo Neep (Arrowtown), Bright Holford (RAGGC), Judy Muir (Wanaka), Helene Green (Hamilton), Liz Bartlett (Ngaruawahia), Paula Parfitt (Hauraki) and Laurie Fogg (Riverside).

PaR nz Golfing Holidays announced the 2020 venue being Taupo Golf Club with a possible mix of their two 18 holes course – Centennial and Tauhara – from the 17 – 20 February. This will be a great warm up for the low-marker players and the New Zealand Women’s Senior Team ahead of their challenge of the 2nd Trans-Tasman Women’s Seniors, scheduled for the week later. Venue to be confirmed by New Zealand Golf.

Robyn Boniface was the captain in the inaugural Trans-Tasman Seniors staged in Australia last year, where the Kiwi team lost by one shot. 2020 may well be the year for revenge but for the moment, the 2019 tournament belongs to Robyn Boniface, again!

For more information contact: Denise Langdon NZ Golf Tournament Director PaR nz Golfing Holidays Phone +64 275 662 385

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GOLF NEWS

Wenyung Keh to play Augusta National tournament A uckland golfer Wenyung Keh has been invited to play in the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur in the United States.

The tournament will comprise three rounds, of which the last will be held at the famed Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.

The first two rounds will be held at the nearby Champions Retreat Golf Club.

Keh, who is at the University of Washington on a golf scholarship, will be one of just 72 players in the tournament.

There will be a cut after the first two rounds, leaving 30 to play at Augusta National.

The event will be held from April 3-6 which is the week before the US Masters at Augusta National.

The entire field will get the chance to live every golfer’s dream and play Augusta National for a practice round on Friday, April 5 before the final round takes place on April 6 featuring those who made the cut.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said: “Receiving an invitation to the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is representative of a remarkable amateur career, and so much more.”

Keh has risen to 76 on the world amateur golf rankings and last year finished second in the inaugural Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship for women in Singapore. She was beaten in a fourway playoff.

Keh was a member of the 2018 International Arnold Palmer Cup team along with the Washington huskies university team which won the 2016 NCAA Championship where Keh collected three vital wins during the matchplay finals.

The Augusta National Women’s Amateur was announced last year by Ridley who said the event was established to inspire greater interest and participation in the women’s game.

NBC Sports will produce and broadcast three hours of live final-round coverage of the event at Augusta National.

Tickets to the inaugural Augusta National Women’s Amateur are sold out following an online ticket application process.

AUGUSTA NATIONAL WOMEN’S AMATEUR FIELD:Alyaa Abdulghany, California Hanna Alberto, Texas Sofia Anokhina, Russia Ana Belac, Slovenia Jaravee Boonchant, Thailand Sierra Brooks, Florida Virginia Elena Carta, Italy Jennifer Chang, North Carolina Alice Chen, New Jersey Allisen Corpuz, Hawaii Amanda Doherty, Georgia Caterina Don, Italy Alessandra Fanali, Italy Maria Fassi, Mexico Isabella Fierro, Mexico Michaela Finn, Sweden Annabell Fuller, England Allyson Geer-Park, Michigan Valentina Giraldo, Colombia Linn Grant, Sweden Haylee Harford, Ohio Leonie Harm, Germany Lauren Hartlage, Kentucky Alice Hewson, England Emilee Hoffman, California Yu-Chiang Hou, Taiwan Lily May Humphreys, England Jiwon Jeon, South Korea Wenyung Keh, New Zealand Dylan Kim, Texas Gina Kim, North Carolina Jennifer Kupcho, Colorado Seo-yun Kwon, South Korea AGeorgiathe Laisne, France Tilda Larsson, Sweden Stephanie Lau, California Andrea Lee, California Lucy Li, California Amanda Linner, Sweden

Auckland golfer Wenyung Keh who finished second at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in Singapore last year. She will play at Augusta National in the United States in April

Olivia Mehaffey, Northern Ireland Emilia Migliaccio, North Carolina Haley Moore, California Alessia Nobilio, Italy Tristyn Nowlin, Kentucky Ainhoa Olarra, Spain Alexa Pano, Florida Pimnipa Panthong, Thailand Kaitlyn Papp, Texas Marta Perez, Spain Anna Redding, North Carolina Yuka Saso, Philippines Brooke Seay, California

Erica Shepherd, Indiana Ellie Slama, Orlando Mariah Smith, Tennessee Julienne Soo, Australia Emma Spitz, Austria Natalie Srinivasan, South Carolina Maja Stark, Sweden Kaleigh Telfer, South Africa Brigitte Thibault, Canada Atthaya Thitikul, Thailand Beatrice Wallin, Sweden Yuka Yasuda, Japan Loy Hee Ying, Malaysia Rose Zhang, California

Drive to increase women participation in golf

T

he R&A’s drive to increase the number of women and girls participating in golf and to encourage more opportunities for women to work within the sport has been reflected in early success for the new women in golf charter.

Launched last May in London, the charter set out to inspire an industry-wide commitment to developing a more inclusive culture within golf globally.

It is designed to encourage actions that enable more women and girls to flourish and maximise their potential within the golf industry at all levels.

To date, 107 organisations have given their commitment to the charter, pledging to build on current initiatives and develop new projects to increase the number of women, girls and families playing

6

golf and becoming members of clubs, as well as giving women wider opportunities to enjoy careers and volunteering in the sport.

These include national federations such as New Zealand Golf, Golf Australia, Golf Canada, the Italian Golf Federation, England Golf, Scottish Golf, and Wales Golf.

Other organisations who have adopted the charter include the PGA Tour, the European Tour, the Ladies’ European Tour, the Professional Golfers’ Association, the Golf Foundation, the PGAs of Europe, the European Disabled Golf Association, the Annika Foundation, IMG, VisitScotland and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Golf.

Mastercard, the official card of The

Open, is also the first R&A patron to sign up. Various other organisations offering their support include the Association of Golf Writers and Golfnow.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We are encouraged by the number of organisations who have recognised the importance of the charter for the sport and pledged their support.

“It is a positive start but we need an industry-wide commitment to the charter and support for measures that will foster a more inclusive culture within the sport and enable women and girls to reach their full potential.”

While achieving the commitment of national federations and organisations was one of the first aims of the charter, the process for clubs and regional bodies to

March 2019

sign up is also now gathering pace.

“Gaining the support of national associations and organisations was the first phase of our plan,” added Slumbers. “We have also worked closely with them to collectively agree a process to support individual clubs in adopting the Charter and gain real momentum.

“The national body is the point of contact and will directly liaise with clubs in determining commitments to the Charter should a club wish to become a signatory.

“We would like national associations, with the involvement of clubs, to set targets for participation and membership as we look to increase the number of women, girls and families playing the sport.”

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Vernier acuity — you know what I mean?

L

ast month it was coefficient of restitution.

This month it is vernier acuity.

Last month we reported that Bryson DeChambeau had many of the different flagsticks he would encounter at various PGA Tour venues tested for their firmness.

DeChambeau, affectionately known as golf’s mad scientist, referred to the firmness testing as coefficient of restitution.

We had to look up the words coefficient and restitution in the dictionary and it seemed they formed an appropriate phrase. We encouraged you to drop in the phrase during a round of golf to impress your friends.

This month’s phrase is vernier acuity.

It was back to the dictionary once again.

The first dictionary did not list the word.

The second dictionary said the word vernier was something about a small, movable, graduated scale running parallel to the fixed graduated scale of a sextant, theodolite, barometer, etc.

Obvious.

Acuity was much easier to understand.

It meant: sharpness; acuteness; keenness.

There were even two examples which, no pun intended, made everything clear.

The first example was acuity of vision.

The second example was acuity of mind.

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Okay, so what does vernier acuity refer to?

Ask Phil Mickelson. He’s using it on his golf balls.

Phil will tell you it’s three parallel lines on his ball instead of one to help in the lining up of putts.

Phil will also refer you to Carl Bassi, a professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry.

In the simplest terms, vernier acuity refers to the ability of the brain to process subtle differences in alignment detected in the eyes.

Obvious.

By having the right kind of multiple reference points (like a centre line flanked by two parallel lines), the brain perceives the straightness of aim better. It’s a technology used in gun sights and the landing strips on aircraft carriers.

Obvious.

Bassi, the professor guy, researched the design with Ray Barrett, an 80-something inventor and retired founder of a St Louis biomedical research firm. Barrett came to Bassi after he started drawing the lines on his golf ball in hope he might see his tee shots better.

“With my group, when we hit a tee shot, the first thing we ask is ‘Where’d it go?’ and the only thing we ever hear is, ‘Well, it sounded good,’ ” Barrett said.

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“But we all started putting better, and I wanted to know why this might be working, if it is working.

“When I brought it to [Bassi], he looked at it and said, ‘Well, you’re trending toward vernier acuity.’ I said, ‘Oh, hell, that sounds like a disease.’ ” On the contrary, Barrett’s lines on the golf ball served to activate in the brain what’s called “hyperacuity,” Bassi said.

“If you just go by the optics of the eye itself, there are just certain limits the eye imposes,” Bassi said.

“We know that with these vernier acuity effects, the hyperacuity exceeds the limit that you would have predicted based on the anatomy of the eye by itself. What we’re doing is we’re taking advantage of this hyperacuity by optimising these parameters.”

You should have been nodding your head in agreement as you read those last few sentences. Maybe you were shaking your head in confusion.

The parameters of the lines include

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having three lines so that the two outside lines flank the centre line. The distance the lines are apart is crucial In the case of Callaway, the colours are a wide red centre line flanked by thinner blue lines.

Bassi’s lab at the UMSL College of Optometry tested Barrett’s idea by embedding a laser in a golf ball and compared the aiming accuracy of three lines versus the typical single alignment line found on most golf balls. The testing showed a 12 percent improvement in accuracy for the three-lined ball on a 10-foot putt.

Bassi said the lines’ effects work independent of how good your vision is.

“Even for people that don’t have optimum refraction and may not have perfect visual acuity, they still have very, very good hyperacuity,” he said.

“I could imagine someone being tired might be able to function better.”

Phew. I think it’s time to open a bottle of beer.

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World’s largest first prize in golf — $US3 million GOLF NEWS

T

he World Tour Championship will have the largest first prize in golf, the Euorpean Tour has announced.

The season-ending tournament in Dubai will see the winner pocket a cheque for $US3 million, more than double the $US1.33m won by Danny Willett last November.

Last year, the winner of the US Open – Brooks Koepka – pocketed $US2.16 million which was the first time a player earned a winner’s cheque of more than $US2 million.

In addition to the World Tour Championship prize fund boost, the winner of the Turkish Airlines Open will now go home with $US2 million (up from the $US1.16 million won by Justin Rose in 2018) while the winner of the Nedbank Golf Challenge will receive $US2.5 million (up from the $1.25 million won by Lee Westwood at the end of last year.

The field sizes for those three events have shrunk.

With positions on the season’s league table, known as the Race to Dubai, now determined on points, rather than

earnings, the field sizes for the final three events of the season have been reduced, This is to show a clear progression from event to event with the leading 70 players from the Race to Dubai playing in Turkey, the leading 60 competing in South Africa, and the leading 50 lining up in Dubai.

The final change is in relation to the bonus pool, which is distributed at the end of the season. It will now be divided among the top five players in the Race to Dubai instead of the top 10.

The 2019 winner will claim $US2 million, which is up from the $1.25 million claimed by Francesco Molinari last year.

Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “The changes we have announced today in terms of enhanced winner’s cheques, Race to Dubai points and bonus pool dividend are designed to increase the excitement around the end of the season for our fans, as well as encourage greater top player participation in our final three events.”

Clarifications issued in regards to rule of caddies behind players

G

olf’s new rules were less than two months old before ``clarifications’’ were issued.

The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) last month provided two clarifications to the rule regarding restrictions on caddies standing behind players.

The purpose of rule 10.2 is to reinforce the fundamental challenge of making a stroke and to limit the advice and other help a player may receive during a round.

Rule 10.2b(4) ensures that aiming at the intended target is a challenge that the player must overcome alone. It states: “When a player begins taking a stance for the stroke and until the stroke is made, the player’s caddy must not deliberately stand in a location on or close to the player’s line of play behind the ball for any reason. If the player takes a stance in breach of this rule, he or she cannot avoid penalty by backing away.

“Exception – Ball on Putting Green: When the player’s ball is on the putting green, there is no penalty under this rule if the player backs away from the stance and does not begin to take the stance again until after the caddy has moved out of that location.”

The two clarifications provided can be summarised as follows: • Meaning of ‘begins taking a stance for the stroke’:

If a player backs away from a stance, the player is not considered to have begun a ‘stance for the stroke’.

Therefore, a player can now back away from his or her stance anywhere on the course and avoid a breach of rule 10.2b(4) if the caddie had been standing in a location behind the ball.

• Examples of when a caddy is not deliberately standing behind the ball when a player begins taking stance for stroke: As written, the rule does not apply if a caddy is not deliberately standing behind a player. It is clarified that the term deliberately requires a caddy to be aware that: • 1) the player is beginning to take a stance for the stroke to be played and • 2) he or she (the caddy) is standing on or close to an extension of the line of play behind the ball. Several examples are given in the clarification to provide additional guidance.

These clarifications confirm the recent rulings given in relation to rule 10.2b(4).

Clarifications provide additional guidance on a rule based on the circumstances that may arise in applying it. They are part of an on-going list provided to players and referees.

David Rickman, executive director–governance at The R&A, said: “These clarifications are designed to improve the operation of the rule and give the players

more opportunity to avoid a breach while remaining true to the purpose of the rule. We appreciate that this requires some players and caddies to make an adjustment but we believe there is widespread acceptance that it is for the player alone to line up a shot.”

Thomas Pagel, USGA senior managing director of governance, said: “Experience has taught us that introducing a new rule requires us to balance patience with a willingness to act quickly when necessary.

With so many pivotal changes to the rules this year, we’ve committed to offering any assistance needed in making the rules easier to understand and apply, without taking away the inherent challenge of playing the game. We appreciate that everyone involved in drafting these clarifications worked together with this same goal in mind.”

A spirit of collaboration has been central to the initiative to modernise golf’s rules since it began in 2012 and The R&A and the USGA consulted with various entities in the game, including the LPGA Tour, the European Tour and the PGA Tour, to ensure an appropriate level of guidance has been given through these clarifications.

A full list of clarifications to golf’s new rules can be found on www.randa.org and will be incorporated into The R&A’s and USGA’s respective rules of golf applications later this year.

Mickelson racks up 44th PGA Tour win at Pebble Beach

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ou have to salute Phil Mickelson.

When he won the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in southern California last month it was his 44th win on the PGA Tour.

At age 48 (born June 16, 1970) that made him the eighth-oldest winner in PGA Tour history.

Following are some other amazing statistics regarding Philip Alfred Mickelson's career.

• Fifth win at Pebble Beach, tying Mark O'Meara for most ever.

• First Monday winner at Pebble since Tiger Woods won a Monday finish in 2000.

• At 48, oldest winner on PGA Tour since Davis Love

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won at 53 years old in 2015.

• Sixth win since turning 40. Only eight players have more PGA Tour wins after turning 40.

• One of three players (Kenny Perry, Fred Funk) in past 50 years to win multiple times at 47 or older.

• Win No. 44, putting him one shy of tying Walter Hagan for eighth all time.

• Among his 44 wins are five major championships.

They are the US Masters in 2004, 2006 and 2010, the 2005 PGA Championship and the 2013 Open Championship.

• Mickelson is one of 16 players in the history of golf to win at least three of the four majors. He has won every

March 2019

major except the US Open, where he has finished runner-up a record six times.

• He has spent over 25 years consecutively in the top 50 of the world golf rankings. He has spent over 700 weeks in the top 10, has reached a career-high world ranking of No 2 several times and is a life member of the PGA Tour.

• Known for his left-handed swing, even though otherwise right-handed, he learned by mirroring his right-handed father's swing.

• Inducted into the World Golf hall of fame in 2012.

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Better grasses for golf courses NEWS

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team of some of the most respected names in the golf turf business is collaborating to develop better grasses for the industry’s future.

Turf Research of Ultrafine Zoysia (Truz) is a new partnership between turfgrass research entities, universities and golf grass experts to develop zoysia varieties aimed specifically at the golf market.

The partners in the project include turfgrass development company Sod Solutions of South Carolina, golf grass producers Modern Turf of South Carolina and JW Turf of Florida, and worldwide golf grass distributor Atlas Turf International.

Research partners include the agronomy programmes at the University of Florida, Texas A&M, along with other plant breeders.

“First and foremost, we are looking for exceptional playing surfaces,” said John Holmes, president of Atlas Turf International.

“The zoysias in the Truz programme have proven to be more drought tolerant, disease resistant, and salt tolerant, out-performing zoysias currently available. The research also shows the Truz zoysias to be faster growing and more wear tolerant.”

The main aim for the Truz programme is to develop a line of fine-bladed zoysias that can be used throughout a golf course; on putting greens, fairways, tees, and roughs. While there are some varieties on the market currently, most were developed first with a home lawn in mind. This is one of the reasons this programme sticks out.

“Most zoysias in the golf market today are slow growing and lack the traffic tolerance and injury recovery needed by golf courses,” said Hank Kerfoot, president of Modern Turf.

“As golf turf professionals that not only play golf but sell turfgrass into the golf arena, we want to identify

specific zoysia varieties that will excel most importantly on the course. The breeders we have engaged in this programme are the best individuals to find those grasses.”

Dr Kevin Kenworthy believes the benefits that zoysias can provide will transform golf as we know it.

“Things to understand about zoysia grass putting greens, in relation to bermuda greens, is that zoysias are extremely dense and provide a very stiff and firm surface. That will affect the playability and also the management from a superintendent’s perspective. We have new lines that show better disease resistance and have finer leaf texture; attributes that are critical for success moving forward.”

Dr Kenworthy estimates the first line of grasses from the Truz project will hit the commercial market in approximately three to four years.

Driving distance for pros increased 1.7 yards last year T he R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) have released the 2018 annual driving distance report, containing driving distance data from seven men’s and women’s professional golf tours around the world.

This is the fourth annual distance report issued by the game’s governing bodies, completed in an effort to monitor current trends in driving distance.

The 2018 data shows that driving distances on the seven tours increased by an average of 1.7 yards, beyond the previous year’s gain of more than three yards.

The full report summarises data provided by the PGA Tour, LPGA Tour, PGA European Tour, Ladies’ European Tour, Japan Golf Tour, Web.com Tour and PGA Tour

Champions, based on available data at the time of publication. Introduced in 2015, the report includes data starting with the 1968 PGA Tour season.

The average driving distance is typically measured on two holes at each tournament and usually results in nearly 40,000 shots being measured over the course of a season on some tours.

The R&A and the USGA continue to be diligent in studying the long-term effect of distance on the game of golf, a global focus first expressed in their joint statement of principles delivered in 2002.

In that document, the organisations reinforced their commitment to ensure that skill is the dominant element of success throughout the game, and that all fac-

tors contributing to distance would be considered on a regular basis.

The 2018 report represents one set of data among the already substantial collection of information currently being studied within the context of the on-going distance insights project, which was launched last May to provide a comprehensive and definitive study of the past, present and future impacts of distance at all levels of the game globally.

A progress update on work conducted to date on the distance insights project will be delivered by the end of the first quarter of 2019. The R&A and the USGA remain on target to distribute the comprehensive distance insights report in the latter half of 2019.

Another major start for Asia-Pacific Amateur winner T he Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship has gained further kudos with the winner gaining entry to the Evian Championship in France.

This will be the second women’s major championship that the winner of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific gains entry to. The other is the Women’s British Open.

The winner also gains a start in the August National Women’s Amateur.

The first Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific, in which New Zealander Wenyung Keh finished second, was held in Singapore last year. This year’s event is in Japan from April 25-28.

Defending champion Atthaya Thitikul, from Thailand, enjoyed a stunning year in 2018, finishing as the leading amateur in both Women’s British Open and the ANA Inspiration. She was also tied for eighth place at the Women’s World Championship.

The Evian Championship is the fourth of the five majors in women’s golf and will be played from July 25-28 at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains.

The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship has been developed by The R&A and Asia-Pacific Golf

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Confederation to unearth emerging talent and provide a pathway for Asia-Pacific’s elite women amateurs to emerge on the international stage.

Announcing the exemption, Franck Riboud, chairman of The Evian Championship, said: “We are truly honoured to partner with The R&A on this great championship.

“The Evian Championship, The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation share the same goals and values related to the emergence of young talents. It is with pleasure that we will award this new tournament exemption starting in 2019.

“We are convinced that the future of women’s golf is linked to the young talents teeing off at the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific.”

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “A big part of the success of the inaugural Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Singapore last year was the outstanding performance of our 15-year-old champion Atthaya Thitikul not only in Sentosa, but in the other prestigious championships she played, as well.

“Atthaya can now inspire so many other young play-

March 2019

ers to follow in her footsteps. There is huge potential for further growth in women’s golf in Asia-Pacific and we want to give the leading players the opportunities to showcase their talent.”

Kei Muratsu, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), said: “Over the last few years, we have seen how dominant women from our region have become. Since October 27, 2014, the world number one as per the Rolex Rankings has always been from an Asia-Pacific country.

“So far, that has been restricted to countries like Korea, Thailand, New Zealand, China and Japan. We have plenty of talent in the other 37 APGC countries and events like the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific is the perfect launching pad for them.

“We are very thankful to the Evian Championship for extending our champion an exemption. The fact that two of the five majors have shown this faith in us is a matter of great pride for the APGC and what we are trying to do with women’s golf here.”

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PGA Tour players removing long pants

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10

GA Tour players are now allowed to play in short pants – but only for practice and pro-am events.

A change in the PGA Tour’s player appearance guidelines now allow players to wear golf shorts during practice and pro-am rounds.

The change applies only to tournaments operated on the six tours under the PGA Tour umbrella.

Newly elected PGA Tour player advisory council co-chairman James Hahn informed his fellow pros in a message delivered last month.

The guideline says shorts must be knee-length, tailored and neat in appearance. Compression leggings worn underneath shorts must be solid in color.

Long pants remain required for all official competition rounds.

The PGA of America has allowed players to wear shorts during practice rounds at the PGA Championship the last two years. The European Tour ini-

tiated their shorts-wearing policy for practice rounds in 2016.

In 1999, caddies on the PGA Tour were first allowed to wear shorts during competition days.

Last month’s announcement follows many years of discussion. Players, fans, sponsors and tournaments provided positive feedback to allow the wearing of shorts during non-competition days.

Tiger Woods was asked last year for his view on the topic.

“I would love it,” Woods responded.

“We play in some of the hottest climates on the planet. We usually travel with the sun, and a lot of our events are played in the summer.”

Others have previously addressed the issue.

“It makes the guys a lot more comfortable,” Rory McIlroy has said. “... I don’t think there’s anything wrong with professional golfers showing the lower half of their leg.”

Karrie Webb gains honorary membership of Australian PGA

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he PGA of Australia has extended an honorary membership to Karrie Webb in recognition of her services to the Australian golf industry.

One of Australia’s most successful golfers of all time, Webb has proudly represented her country at the highest echelons of the game for more than 20 years, notching up 51 wins worldwide including seven major titles.

While her playing resume speaks for itself, just as impressive is her work behind the scenes to foster young talent via her Karrie Webb Series and subsequent scholarship being provided to two Australian female amateurs each year since 2008.

“I’m really chuffed,” said Webb of her honorary PGA membership.

“When Gavin Kirkman called me late last year, I wasn’t sure what he wanted to speak to me about and I definitely wasn’t expecting that.

“It’s a very, very nice honour and I’m really thankful to the PGA of Australia for thinking of me like that.”

As a vocal supporter of increasing female participation in golf, it was fitting that Webb received her honorary membership of the PGA of Australia at the Victoria Open, a golf tournament lead-

March 2019

ing equality in golf.

“The Vic Open’s had this format for I think six or seven years now and what I love about it is it’s actually gotten the world’s attention now that the LPGA have co‑sanctioned and the men’s European Tour have co‑sanctioned. World media are talking about it,” Webb said.

“I spoke to Geoff Ogilvy for the first time today. Our paths just don’t cross.

It would be nice, just as the tennis does, that we have a handful of events a year that we’re all together and you get to know everybody.”

But it is the work that the PGA is doing to produce more female PGA professionals which excites Webb.

“I know a lot of the female PGA of Australia professionals have great junior programmes, so that’s boys and girls.

I think they’re great nurturers, women.

“Women might have a different approach to coaching that identifies with certain people, whether it’s men or women.

“It’s great that the PGA of Australia is really making it a little bit more accessible for women to go into that field and knowing that that is an option if they want to stay in the golfing world and have a career in golf.”

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

US and Japan control 66 percent of world golf equipment market

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olf Datatech and Yano Research Institute, two of the golf industry’s leading independent research and data firms, have introduced World Golf Report 2019, the industry’s only global golf retail study.

The 2019 edition of the report, which marks the third overall edition, provides an in-depth global retail market summary based upon geography, size and economic significance of the now $US8.41 billion worldwide golf equipment market and the $US5.03 billion golf apparel market.

In 2015, Golf Datatech and Yano Research collaborated to introduce the golf industry’s first worldwide market report, a benchmark study designed to capture the true size and scope of the global golf retail market. Now in 2019, the companies have continued to update and expand the report, featuring a broader scope of data points while capturing more complete golf retail sales from around the globe.

“The alliance between Golf Datatech and Yano Research Institute continues to yield new data that speaks not only to the state of the worldwide equipment and apparel markets, but also provides trends and insights that can help companies better react to changes across worldwide marketplaces and adjust their business strategies,” said John Krzynowek, partner, Golf Datatech.

“As with our previous edition, the 2019 World Golf Report continues to analyse all countries that have a significant golf footprint, providing a wealth of key information, including insights into the top 10 golf markets, unit

sales estimates by country and product line, countries with the most significant business growth and decline, and bonus coverage digging deeply into some of the world’s biggest markets, the US, Japan and the United Kingdom.”

Some of the top-level findings of the 2019 World Golf Report include the following: • The top five world golf markets: #1 United States; #2 Japan; #3 South Korea; #4 United Kingdom; #5 Canada • The US and Japan continues to control over 66 percent of the world golf equipment market • Korean golfers spend more per capita on their golf equipment and apparel than any other country Key Findings... Equipment Sales • Total golf sales at retail (golf equipment plus golf apparel): Equal $US13.44 billion; even with sales in 2014, which totalled $13.44 billion • Worldwide retail equipment sales: Totalled $US8.41 billion in 2018, down 3.5 percent from $US8.72 billion in 2014, but up 4.1 percent from 2017 ($US8.08 billion) • The four largest equipment economies: The US, Japan, Korea and UK had some of the largest improvements versus last year, + 5.4 percent, +5.1 percent, + 4.3 percent and + 4.5 percent, respectively. The largest increase came in Germany (+ 5.9 percent), which still remains the eighth largest equipment market in the world Key Findings... Apparel Sales • 2018 worldwide golf apparel sales: Estimated at $US5.03 billion, an improvement of 6.4 percent versus

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2014 and 1.3 percent from 2018 • Korea, Germany and Japan all had substantial increases in golf apparel sales, + 6.4 percent, + 5 percent, and + 4.1 percent respectively • Worldwide apparel sales for 2018 were up slightly (+ 1.8 percent), even though the world’s largest individual market (the US) was down 2 percent.

Krzynowek added: “In 2015, the combined equipment and apparel industries had a sharp correction in sales when reported in US dollars, which were heavily influenced by currency considerations. However, the past three years we’ve seen some solid improvements, with sales increasing by 1.5 percent, 1.7 percent and 3.2 percent respectively, bringing total retail sales of equipment and apparel back to the same level as in 2014. In 2018 sales were led by significantly stronger sales in golf clubs, and in particular in irons.”

Takashi Mizukoshi, president of Yano Research, said: “This third edition of the World Golf Report is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the golf business around the world.

“Having accurate estimates of the various golf economies is critical to managing and developing business plans across the globe. We believe the World Golf Report provides our customers with great insights which they can use to better run their businesses, regardless of where they are or what products they sell.”

STUART DUFF AGAIN WINS SENIORS’ CHAMPIONSHIP

Peter Thomson joins New Zealand hall of fame

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n Australian has been inducted into the New Zealand Golf hall of fame.

He is Peter Thomson who won the New Zealand Open a remarkable nine times. His induction came on the eve of last month’s 100th New Zealand Open.

Thomson was an outstanding golfer. He won the British Open five times. The first three of those wins came in succession from 1954-56 and he won again in 1958 and 1965.

Thomson’s nine wins in the New Zealand Open were spread over more than two decades. His wins came in 1950, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1965 and 1971.

It was because of Thomson’s wins in the New Zealand Open that helped put the tournament on the golf’s world map.

In 1958 Thomson brought Gary Player, Harold Henning and David Thomas to New Zealand with the field regarded at the time as the best to contest the championship.

Thomson was recognised internationally for his stellar career when he was taken into the World Golf's hall of fame in 1988.

Thomson’s record was:• Open champion, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958 and 1965 • New Zealand Open champion, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1965 and 1971 • Six US PGA Tour titles • Twenty nine European Tour titles • An additional 30 professional wins worldwide • Eleven US senior tour titles

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Australian golfer Peter Thomson

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tuart Duff won the New Zealand Seniors’ Championship for the second year in a row, the latest at his home course of Hastings Golf Club last month.

Duff, with rounds of 72, 71 and 71, ended the week four shots ahead of Michael Barltrop who was neck and neck with him with just three holes remaining before the local pulled away.

Duff ended Barltrop’s hopes with a birdie on the 17th hole to give him a stress-free walk down the final hole after another great week at one of New Zealand's most popular events of the year.

Craig Newman and Anthony Chettleburgh completed the week tied for third.

Age group category winners: 50-54 – Craig Newman 55-59 – Stu Duff 60-64 – Michael Barltrop 65-69 – Gordon Claney (Aust) 70+ Rodney Barltrop

GOLFCOACHING What I have learnt from developing young golfers to elite level

By Anthony Barkley NZPGA Professional

W

e all know there are not as many junior golfers coming through the ranks these days. There are many reasons and one being called juniors may be off putting to the current generation but that’s another conversation.

When I first meet a golfer I get a very good impression of their intent with golf.

When you meet a young golfer and their desire to play golf is obvious you know you may be able develop this player. In Group classes there was often one who signalled keenness.

I learnt from a young age that to be an elite golfer you had to have the three D’s.

Desire, Dedication and Determination.

I have added two others over the years, Sacrifice and Data. DDDDS. A young golfer must want to get good

at golf from within. A parent cannot make their child have this desire. You know it when you see it and when you do embrace it and encourage it as a parent.

Don’t push too much just support.

Dedication and Determination go hand in hand. You see this in their willingness to practice, to play and to learn. You see it in how they talk to you, listen and react.

Some will be better than others at certain things and you need to guide them to be better at the parts they are not good at.

Some may be disorganised in how they plan their practice for example where a coach can teach them this or even a parent of the child if willing to listen.

Data is a new area that is needed to help progress of a golfer. Data means statistics and its very important to gauge how you are doing. If a golfer that wants to get down in handicap and does not keep even the simplest of statistics it is a red flag for me. It shows they are not ded-

icated to improvement. Sounds harsh but it’s true. Many would rather play games on their iPad or phone which is a generational thing but it should be a priority to get these done first. How else can you see patterns other than guessing?

Sacrifice is another new one and is related to dedication. A young golfer has to be willing to sacrifice their play time for golf tournaments and practice. A teenager will need to miss a few social functions and to be honest family gatherings. Some summer holidays should be spent on the range and course. A balance needs to be established but if you want to shine, you need to put in the time.

As a golf coach we want to see these attributes if you are putting your time into a young athlete. The work ethic is so important as once a golfer gets to elite level a coach puts much more unpaid time. It’s not about the money but the time for a NZPGA coach. We want to see that ath-

lete grow and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the look on a young person’s face when they succeed or their goal is achieved.

That’s my rant about growing elite junior golfers. Some may disagree but it’s a pattern I have seen time and time again.

It’s just getting them which is the issue.

Here are a couple of sayings that stuck with me (authors unknown): • There is always someone else out there practicing harder and better than you.

• Practice makes permanent, as you can never be perfect.

• Practice with a purpose otherwise it’s a waste of time.

• Filter in, filter out. Listen to only those that matter but be polite to those trying to help.

• Dress like a pro and act like a pro to play like a pro.

Anthony Barkley is Golfer Pacific’s Golf professional contributor. He was formerly head professional at Rotorua Golf Club. “Ant” is responsible for many aspects of play at the club. One of the main things that he sees his role is to help people enjoy their golf more. He contributes monthly articles about club fitting, coaching, the mental game and the occasional review of new products.

GOLFCOACHING

ianhardie.net

At the end of the day it’s just a game of golf

By Ian Hardie NZPGA Professional

I

f you have been reading my articles in Golfer Pacific over the past few months, you may have noticed I spend a lot of time writing about things that are ultimately aimed at improving your performance on the golf course.

To put it another way, they are mostly all about playing better golf.

While that’s something that is personally important to a lot of golfers around the world, many of whom spend a fair chunk of their life being focussed about their game of golf.

Their thoughts dominated by their personal performance (or lack of it on occasion) and a large amount of their waking hours dedicated to working on their game to get the very best from it.

Which by the way, you actually have to do, if you want to play golf well.

From time to time, it helps to take a step back and get some perspective about the game of golf.

Simply because while your performance on the golf course yesterday, today or tomorrow.

May be the thing that is in the forefront of your mind right now, the result of which may elicit dramatic swings in your moods and possibly even, some other behaviours before, during or after the game.

I’m going to ask you to put those

thoughts aside for a moment and consider a conversation I had with a golfer a while back that really made me think.

The golfer in question had been going through the belongings of his parents as his mother had recently passed on and as a result his father had to be moved to an assisted living facility as his health had deteriorated to a point where he needed full time care.

Even though there were a lifetime of possessions in the house, his father was beyond caring about those things.

I could sense the sadness that the golfer was feeling as he conveyed to me the realization that as he was sorting through everything his parents had collected over the years.

Everything they had, needed to be labelled one of four ways: Something to donate.

Something to give away.

Something to throw away.

Lastly, something of value or meaning to those who are still around.

I have experienced a similar situation myself quite a few years back, so I understood what the golfer was saying but the point I am hoping to convey with this article that is different.

Is the fact, that a lot of the items in the golfer’s parent’s house were golf trophies, awards and recognitions of things like course record scorecards, team and representative photos.

Not to mention, a large amount of old

golfing equipment.

Things that had massive meanings to the golfers at the time but were of little value to anyone else now, after they passed on or became unable to remember.

So, the next time you head out to play a game or practice your golf, take a moment to think about how important your result really will be in comparison to every other part of your life.

Like family, friends and the contribution you make to others.

Right now a good game may become a fond memory or perhaps an exceptionally motivating story to tell your family, friends or workmate.

But is it really worth getting so worked up before the game that you can barely think about anything else?

Is it really worth it, that you dwell on a bad game or the fact that someone beat you that day?

Because in reality, a bad game is just a blip in time.

A four hour game of golf is just 16% of a single day, 2% of a single week or 0.04% of a single year.

It’s an incredibly small and insignificant part of a lifetime (as long as no one dies due to your bad performance).

So, does it really matter how you went?

Because as much as it may hurt today, some day in the future.

No one will remember that you even played that game.

In reality, a game of golf is simply that.

A game of golf.

Play it as well as you can, go for every logical shot with as much effort as possible but remember that the result does not define you.

It is just one more event or activity in your life, a blip in time that by its very nature should be fun and inspiring.

Keep it in perspective, relative to what’s happening with your family or friends and the contribution you make to others over your lifetime.

I know that for a while you’ll have memories and stories of your good games, which can build your confidence in other areas of your life.

Eventually though, they will become remnants of days gone by and someday no one will care what you shot or what place you finished.

You probably won’t remember either.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that golf isn’t an important part of any golfer’s life.

In fact, it’s quite the opposite for me as I’m sure you can imagine.

I’m writing this hoping that somewhere around the world, a lot of golfers will read this and as a result cope better with whatever happens to them on the course next time out.

Because golf is a game, after all.

So, play well and enjoy it.

Ian Hardie is Golfer Pacific’s Golf Professional contributor. He is Club Professional at Omanu Golf Club in Mount Maunganui. Ian’s time is split between the pro shop at the club and helping people to improve, while enjoying their golf more as a result of his golf coaching. Over the past few years, in an effort to help as many golfers as he can, Ian has been sharing his common sense golf advice with golfers around the world through his website golfhabits.com. With over 500 articles to read, it’s a great resource for any golfer looking to improve their golf game.

READERS’VIEWS

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

FLAGSTICK STRATEGY This is the first of a new rules' column by New Zealand Golf rules expert Dave Mangan. Dave is the General Manager of Championships and Golf Operations for New Zealand Golf. Since 2013, Dave has been New Zealand Golf’s representative on the R&A rules of golf committee and was involved in the five years of discussions on the 2019 rule changes.

Readers are invited to submit questions to Golfer Pacific editor Paul Gueorgieff by email to pgueorgieff@yahoo. co.nz. Please ensure you explain your questions and situations clearly.

YELLOW AND RED HAZARD MARKERS Dave: Do yellow and red hazard markers still exist under the new rules and if so are there any differences?

Answer: Under the new rules yellow and red marker pegs do still exist. These pegs now identify what is called a penalty hazard, rather than a water hazard or lateral water hazard which was the old terminology. With these new penalty hazards, golf clubs are now able to mark not only water carrying areas, but jungle like areas where it is very difficult to find, or play a ball from, which will hopefully speed up play.

The default for all penalty hazards will be red which give the player four options of relief,

whereas, with yellow the player only has three options. Under a yellow and red penalty area the player may play the ball as it lies, utilise stroke and distance and play from where their last shot was taken from or take back on a line relief. Here the player drops a ball in a relief area that is based on a reference line going straight back from the hole through the estimated point where the original ball last crossed the edge of the penalty area.

Under a red penalty area only the player can also take lateral relief. In taking this relief, where the ball last crossed the edge of a red penalty area, the player may drop the original ball or another ball in this lateral relief area which is two club lengths in size.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF A BALL NEAR THE HOLE Dave: In a fourball (doubles) match last week, one of our opposition was just off the green and the ball of the other person in the opposition was near the hole.

The first person in the opposition, off the green, quickly played his shot before we could ask the ball near the hole be marked. He knew that the ball near the hole could be to his advantage.

As it turned out it was. His ball hit his partner's ball near the hole and saved his ball going well past the hole.

First question is because the first person was off the green, could we insist his partner's ball near the hole be marked?

And if so, the second question is how far out could we

14

insist that an opposition partner's ball be marked. Could it be 10 metres, 20 metres, 50 metres or maybe 100 metres?

Answer: When you are playing four-ball if a ball belonging to your opposition is in a position to assist his or her partner’s ball you may ask for that ball to be lifted.

If the opposition refuse to lift the ball in a position to assist they would both receive the general penalty. The question of how far off the green you should be to have to comply with this request goes back to common sense and whether or not it is likely to delay play. A ball 10 -20 metres off the green could be assisted by a ball near the flag, whereas a ball 50 metres from the green is unlikely to be assisting.

Dear editor, I found your article (in last month’s issue of Golfer Pacific) on flagstick strategy under the new rules interesting but not persuasive.

I too have been interested to observe the practice of players and the behaviour of the ball under the new rules.

Certainly the new rules save time, but that is not the object of the game of golf. On three occasions so far I have seen the ball, travelling quite slowly towards the centre of the hole (aimed directly at the stick), hit the stick

PGAPARS

and ricochet out.

On all these occasions everyone in the playing group was convinced that had the stick not been there, the ball would have dropped into the hole.

While this is not a statistically-sound survey, it has been enough to convince me that the jury is still out on what is the best strategy for the flagstick.

Arthur Davis Lower Hutt

pga.org.nz

An emphasis on fun and laughter that took place at the have a go at golf in the park series lead by Gulf Harbour and Whangaparaoa Golf Clubs. Golf was set up ver the past month I’ve been lucky in a park where anyone just had a go and expeenough to been involved in a number rience golf with lightweight clubs, balls and in a of innovative and fun golf events where shortened play format. relationships have been fostered and golf has Golf is a game and about 80 percent of us been the vehicle for bringing people, friends play this game for the fun aspects. So what and family’s together. can you do to enjoy your golf more and get the From the New Zealand Open and the NZ most out of your time on the course?

PGA Championship through to such events as Our recommendations are:team golf, PGA pro-ams, golf in the park, twi1. Focus on a positive outcome for all your light and business house golf, speed golf and shots and think about where you want you ball a multitude of fresh and fun club competi- to start and finish. (Life is too short to think tions are available. We are so lucky to have so about where you do not want you ball to go, so many great options for formats of play where only focus on a positive outcome). a well-organised tournament creates a real fun 2. Get golf fit. Having a simple warm up rouexperience. tine that includes some physical stretching and There seems to be two real key ingredients hitting some shots will allow you to start well. to have a great fun day on the golf course. The All too often I hear “it takes me four holes to first is a smoothly run, well organised event warm up”. Warm up before you play. and the second where you play some good golf 3. Take the right food and hydration with you and hit some shots that give you a real buzz of on the course. You walk around 10km and lose excitement. a lot of fluids in a round of golf so take the food We saw this at speed golf where instincts that will allow you to maintain consistent enertake over and a player has no time to think gy levels (but avoid high sugar items). about their technique. They just react to the 4. Develop a good short game. The old saying situation and swing freely. of drive for show and putt for dough is still true We constantly hear from the amateur play- to this day and everyone can develop a good ers in our pro-am events that they learn so short game. It just takes an understanding of much from playing with a professional player. how to play certain shots and how to practice This is normally around swing tempo, balance, correctly. skills around the greens and the fact even the 5. Make sure your golf equipment is set up best players hit bad shots. correctly for you and that you are using the I was overwhelmed by the amount of fun correct ball. The ball makes a huge difference to your game.

If you want any specific advice on these recommendations visit your local PGA professional who is trained in all the areas above and is dedicated to helping you get the most enjoyment out of your golf game. Go to https:// Players on the practice putting green www.pga.org.nz/findprior to the Bayleys Waitemata proa-pga-pro?ComeFromam. It was a great day with lots of fun Cat=875

By Dominic Sainsbury New Zealand PGA General Manager

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March 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLFCOMMENT

A manager’s thoughts on the need to diversify product

By Russ Ford Manager, Huntley Golf Club

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e have known for sometime, that outside of its over-crowded cities New Zealand has more golf clubs per head of capita than anywhere in the world. But while a surplus of Golf and Country Clubs were once a social blessing, for a society with small screen Televisions, box-like computers and definitely no new millennium smart phones; today they have the potential of becoming a millstone around the neck of a few die-hard volunteers still holding on, for the sake of past generations and some awesome memories.

Dean Murphy in the latest Golfer Pacific spoke of the need for clubs to have population catchment areas of 20,000+ in order to survive. Like any subjective measurement, this doesn’t necessarily take into account that some clubs, like Waiterimu, can easily survive on a regional catchments of under 10,000 people, simply because they already generate revenues from alternative activities like farming the nine holes never developed as a golf course.

While they probably did not originally intend farming to become such an essential part of their long term strategic plan, they are mighty grateful today that this has become the case. Perhaps some of the clubs bordering on insolvency from falling golf revenues and seasonal liquidity stress, need to try and learn from such successful template models as developed by other clubs.

While selling excess land has become the in vogue survival option over the past twenty years there is now not much silver left in the club draw to sell. Even today we see Pakuranga becoming part and parcel of a neighbouring retirement village and the golf club concept suits them nicely. Such outside the square diversification, or seizing upon an opportunity that guarantees long term golf course survival, has to be applauded.

Mind you how public accessible will the course be in future, remains to be seen.

Every club and course has its own unique characteristics but given the numbers of Clubs, similarities must exist that will allow fruitful sharing of strategic plan templates. Huntly Golf Club is in the process of developing an interesting one. If we were back in the nineties it might have simply been a case of holding on while awaiting the collision of Hamilton and Auckland city populations within a decade or so. The only problem with that model today, is that given the age of the exist-ing members, most are unlikely to be involved with the club by 2029!

So while the club has successfully recapitalised itself through an Angel Investor* model (this should not be ignored by other clubs), immediate diversification of product is still essential for the club is to reboot itself with younger generations of people. While regular golf has become a retirement and weekend pastime, there are many other sports available for golf clubs to try and associate with their operational facilities. The key re-

quirement is that they must appeal to and attract young kids, their Mums and Dads, their school boards and community sponsors seeking opportunity to reach into and be part of society.

Footgolf is one obvious alternative sport, due to its natural synergy with regular golf. Huntly Golf Club has just installed a 18-hole Footgolf course and while it will need to prove itself over time, the initial public reaction has been very positive. The flat but undulating nature of the riverbed land is ideal. As the regular golf course is already very long (5,688m), a Par 72 Footgolf course of 2,680m has been easily incorporated alongside just ten of its golf holes (as per the attached map).

Whereas most clubs who have installed Footgolf courses have focussed on the round (soccer) ball, Huntly are embracing both the round and the oval (rugby) ball versions of Footgolf. Given that rugby is the national sport it would be silly not to do so and the only difference between the codes, is that the Oval Balls can also be passed as well as kicked, and both thrown or kicked into the hole. There are ten basic rules to Footgolf and these are quite similar to golf, including the shared intent of getting the ball from tee to hole in as few kicks as possible.

Players are encouraged to bring their own balls and to wear flat soled sneakers or soft spiked golf shoes.

Studded soccer boots are not allowed as they can cause damage to the greens. The great news is that over this summer, all kids (under ten) who bring their own ball will be allowed to play for free and that Families are being encouraged with a discounted Family of five group fee.

As with golf a reasonable standard of attire is required.

Use of Kicking Tees will be allowed from the tees, and

very younger players starting out, can use a tee on the fairways. We hope that novice and expert players alike, will find playing our course to be a great fun experience.

We are not regimenting ourselves to the strict international rules of the code, as not allowing use of tees is plain daft and a basic failure to understand the very essence of golf.

The fact that players will be able to choose to play circuits of either 6 holes, 12 holes or the full 18 hole course, will allow us to cater for both the fun, recreational and serious sport players and allow players to minimise their playing time to suit their needs. We have set our fees really low and they basically amount to a gold coin donation for kids to play, or free when using their own balls. We wish to encourage families and schools to get involved during 2019 and are hopeful that some Rugby, League and Soccer Clubs will get in behind this new initiative for the town and region.

As a result of new Health and Safety regulations, management of land and time segregation for both regular and foot golf is necessary. The Footgolf course play will happen on the front side of the golf course after 3pm weekdays (except Wednesday being solely a Golf Club Day) at a time suitable for after school groups or individuals. In the late afternoon regular golfers are usually 9 holers or members practicing and they can be catered for on the back half of the course. On weekends the start time will be an hour earlier at 2pm after which time regular golf will be restricted to 9 hole golf, unless there is an Open Event on in which case Footgolf will be sidelined for the day.

Footgolf is only the first of several new multi-sport activities under consideration for what will eventually become a Sporting and Social Hub site at Te Ohaki. Tramping and walking along with Regular Golf on the Huntly Golf Course are existing activities. Weekend walkers on the Te Araroa National Trail can become associate members of the club and use the club’s car park, ablution and social facilities, before and after their walks alongside the mighty but tranquil Waikato River. We now have the potential of fourteen different membership categories covering Regular Golf, Foot Golf, Tramping & Walking, Camping & Caravanning, plus some other sports still under consideration. If you live nearby, or are passing, why not come and get involved in the new happenings at Te Ohaki? *An Angel Investor is a term used to describe a non predatory Investor, who in purchasing an asset seeks to protect the ongoing business and/or constitutional interests of the seller. Such status will be demonstrated through the purchase and sale agreement, that may provide a friendly term of asset lease-back and empower the seller with the right of repurchase by way of asset buyback. Buyback agreements are common in capital markets where specific financial instruments are provided as security for investors.

Russ Ford is a regular contributor to Pacific Golfer. He has recently accepted the challenge of Managing the Huntly Golf Club and continues in a Convenor’s oversight role for the COVIC Golfing Community.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

March 2019

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EVENT

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Don’t miss this opportunity! Enter

onsidering playing in a multi-round golf tournament this year? ...Then this is the one for you to enter. At last year’s event, everyone involved including players, non playing partners, sponsors and organisers, had a wonderful time!

The tournament is played over three wonderful golf courses, namely, Nelson, Greenacres and Motueka, with two days to be played on the highly-rated Nelson Golf Course which has hosted three of the top NZ amateur tournaments. They are the New Zealand Amateur Championships, the New Zealand Seniors Championships, and the New Zealand under 19’s championships. Every event resulted in glowing reviews for the course from all the players.

The courses are all very different, giving the competitors a real challenge for the week. Nelson being a true links course, whereas Motueka is a mature parkland course, and Greenacres offering a mix of challenging waterfront and parkland holes.

Tournament dates for 2019 TSB Nelson Festival of Golf are Monday 28th April - Friday 3rd May, with a rest day on the Wednesday to allow competitors to put their feet up, or get out and about to visit the many attractions the region has to offer or get some practice in for the next two days of golf. Non-playing partners are also very welcome to join us for the major prize giving dinner on the Friday evening.

The organising committee has decided to keep the number of entries to 128, the same as last year. This created both a competitive yet friendly environment for all the participants. By the end of the week players had golfed with and made new friends with golfers from all over New Zealand and Australia. Tournament Director, Derek Drysdale, said, "At the final prize giving it was really pleasing to hear many of the competitors saying how much they’d enjoyed their week, as we tried to create a tournament that mixed both great golf and great fun, and it seems we did just that!

"We are delighted that we have had many of last year’s entrants already registered to enter the tournament again," Derek said. "So, if you are keen to enjoy a week of golf in early May in the stunning Nelson region, now is the time to register to confirm your place."

Entry forms and full details are available on our website www.nelsongolf.co.nz then click on the TSB Festival of Golf box on the home page, or call us on 03-548-5029 and ask for Allison for more information.

Major naming sponsorship has again been secured from TSB. The TSB Nelson Festival of Golf tournament has received sponsorship funding for this year’s event from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, which is funded by the Nelson City Council. The Programme’s objective is to stimulate Nelson City’s economy in the shoulder and off seasons by bringing new spending through visitors coming to Nelson for distinct events. For further information contact NEMDP Chair, Mark Rawson on 03 545 6858.

Another not to be missed opportunity is our Long Putt competition. Qualify on Monday for the Friday Final and you could win a major prize. We will also be running our lucky draw prizes, where each day, some lucky competitors will win vouchers from our chosen restaurant partners, The event itself will consist of a Team Ambrose on the Monday at Nelson, followed by three days of individual stableford competition on Tuesday at Greenacres, Thursday at Motueka and back to Nelson on Friday. There will be team prizes

>> Entering the TSB NELSON FESTIVAL OF GOLF is very easy, just visit our website at, www.nelsongolf.co.nz then click on 2019 TSB Festival of Golf box on the home page. Entry forms are available online, as well as other useful information regarding accommodation etc. If you would rather speak to someone in person, please call Allison O’Donnell on 03-548-5029 then option 3, and Allison will be happy to deal with your enquiry.

on the Monday, and daily prizes and weekly overall prizes for individuals. The Entry fee of $245 includes four rounds of golf, individual and team competitions, golf gift and a two-course dinner to be held during the final prize giving at the Nelson Golf Club on the Friday evening, where we are planning a party atmosphere to finish the week off in style! New club caterers, Nicky & Luke will be putting on a spit roast for us all to enjoy.

The organisers want to continue to build on the great success of all their previous tournaments. They invite you to register now and enjoy the challenging competition offered on the variety of different courses along with the opportunity to widen your golfing experiences, meet new friends and most of all enjoy the week. The golf days will start with a 9.45am shotgun start on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with an earlier start of 9.15am on Friday, ensuring that all players are back in the clubhouse around the same time providing a great fun atmosphere for the daily prize giving.

Our preferred accommodation provider, The Greens Motel, have great rates on offer for all competitors. Book with them directly by calling NZ: 0508 246 6835 (freephone) or email reception@greensmotel.co.nz We look forward to receiving your application forms soon!

Play the Nelson region’s beautiful golf courses Our famous Long Putt competition is back!

PLUS Daily Prizes & Major Prize Giving Dinner on Friday night

April 28-May 3 2019

YOU COULD WIN A CAR FOR A HOLE IN ONE

Nelson Golf Club Greenacres Golf Club, Best Island, Richmond Motueka Golf Club, Motueka ENTRY FEE: $255 SUNDAY - REGISTRATION DAY

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT AND HOW TO ENTER CHECK OUT www.nelsongolf.co.nz then click on the 2019 Festival of Golf box FOR MORE INFORMATION OR HELP WITH ENTRIES contact Nelson Golf Club on 03-548-5029 or email nelsonfestivalofgolf@gmail.com

MONDAY - Team Ambrose Competition TUES, THURS & FRIDAY - Individual Stableford Competition in grade divisions

NELSON

today for the TSB Nelson Festival of Golf Nelson Golf CLub

Greenacres Golf Club

NELSON GOLF CLUB

NELSON GOLF CLUB’S 18 hole championship links course is adjacent to the district’s airport and the picturesque waters of Tasman Bay. This beautiful seaside links course has reputedly the ‘best’ greens in the country.

Nelson golf links is only ten minutes from the centre of downtown Nelson and virtually next door to beautiful Tahunanui Beach and associated accommodation.

Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand with high sunshine hours which helps to explain why Nelson is a popular golfing destination.

Come and play this challenging links course year round. www.nelsongolf.co.nz

GREENACRES GOLF CLUB

Welcome to Greenacres Golf Club, where playing golf is a “fun” experience to be enjoyed.

This beautifully-maintained 18-hole layout, rated one of the top 40 courses in New Zealand, is conveniently located on the outskirts of Richmond, just a short drive from Nelson Airport.

Set on an island, the club offers magnificent scenery

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

Motueka Golf Club

and tranquil surroundings. The course is renowned as one of the best all-weather courses in the region and tests players of all abilities, young or old, high or low handicaps.

While this course is considered one of the most challenging in the top of the South Island it is a popular course for all playing levels. The scenic yet challenging links style layout of the course in a tree lined parkland setting, is a pleasure to enjoy.

Greenacres has everything a good (and growing) golf club should have – a great course and facilities, and fabulous people that are friendly and welcoming and want you to be part of the club, even if just for one day We look forward to seeing you soon. www.greenacresgolfclub.co.nz

MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB, voted the 2018 NZ Golf Club of the Year, prides itself on running a friendly and welcoming club. The course is relatively flat and has a park like atmosphere with the fairways lined by mature trees.

In addition to our beautifully maintained course we

are great deals available on green fees and a wide range of memberships – contact the staff at the Nelson Golf club, who will be only too delighted to explain all the options available.

Call 03-548-5029 or email nelson@golf.co.nz Check out our website www.nelsongolf.co.nz and see what you’re missing. The site offers photos of the course plus other club information highlighting the Nelson Festival of Golf.

Check it out on www.nelsongolf. co.nz/festivalofgolf

are fortunate that it is alive with abundant and varied birdlife. The course has been modified and improved over recent years. The trees have been trimmed and our fairways have been widened which has made the course more “Golfer Friendly”. The fairways are well watered and beautifully grassed and our greens are consistent and true. For those players who played last year you will find our greens are in even better condition this year!

At 5800m off the White Tees the course rewards accuracy and correct club selection. Golfers of all abilities will welcome the challenge and if you play to your handicap on your first visit you should be well satisfied. You will be in the minority!

The course sits on the east side of Motueka and provides some stunning views of Tasman Bay. With an increasing membership and glowing reports from both local and overseas visiting players, Motueka’s reputation continues to grow as one of the best country courses in New Zealand. We look forward to again hosting new and returning players to the Nelson Festival of Golf. www.moteukagolf.co.nz

2018 NZ GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR

Harbour Road

Motueka

Tel: (03) 528 8998

Fax: (03) 528 8998

� Click to email us �

Harbour Road Motueka | Tel: (03) 528 8998 | www.motuekagolf.co.nz

The best island golf course in New Zealand

www.nelsongolf.co.nz

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

2018 Bay of Islands 4 Course Golf Classic

GOLF EVENT

NOW IN IT'S 2ND YEAR COME JOIN US! P arNZ’s first year of this multicourse tournament in 2018 was a huge success with a sell-out crowd of over 200 golfers. All took home special memories of playing the spectacular world-class Kauri Cliffs, along with great fun experiences at the Bay of Islands Golf Club, Waitangi Golf Club and our roast pork lunch specialists up at Whangaroa Golf Club.

We are delighted to be returning to the ‘winterless north’ for the tournament again in 2019 and with a new

naming sponsor – The Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands. The Resort will be our accommodation partner, host of happy hours and venue for our Final Dinner at the end of the tournament week. Our foundation wine partners Omata Estate, The Duke of Marlborough Hotel and Charlottes Kitchen have also renewed their sponsor association in 2019.

The tournament gives golfers the rare opportunity to play Kauri Cliffs (#37 World’s 100 Greatest Courses)

in a competition format for a special rate (attractive to both local and international golfers).

The four tournament rounds will be held over 5 days including a rest day. Men and women of all handicap levels and ages are welcome to enter.

We invite entries from New Zealand, Australia and international golfers seeking the chance to visit Northland, New Zealand.

Tournament entry is NZ$490 and includes 4 rounds of golf (including

a cart at Kauri Cliffs), a player pack, a welcome function at Charlottes Kitchen, Paihia and a 3-course prize giving dinner at The Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands.

For the tournament week, we are promoting a special 6-night accommodation package at our new naming Sponsor The Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands. We also have a special tournament deal with Budget Rental Car ‘pay for 5 and get 6 days rental’.

KAURI CLIFFS GOLF CLUB

Kauri Cliffs features 18 holes of golf designed by David Harman. 15 holes have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, 6 of which are played alongside cliffs that plunge to the sea. Both the Cavalli Islands and Cape Brett provide additional backdrop.

The course played host to the 2003 ‘Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf’ match between Fred Couples and Michael Campbell, and the PGA Tour’s Kiwi Challenge in 2008. It has received numerous accolades and awards including being ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World.

The course is attached to The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, a luxury Relais & Chateaux Lodge featuring 22 suites and a two-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. The property has three private beaches with multiple activities available. »» https://www.robertsonlodges.com/ the-lodges/kauri-cliffs

»» 18

THE BAY OF ISLANDS GOLF CLUB KERIKERI

WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB

Whangaroa Golf Club is on the main road, State Highway 10, Northland, New Zealand, a few kilometres east of Doubtless Bay in the Far North. Whangaroa is an 18-hole course with mown fairways flanked by mature trees. The greens are small but the rating is more than three shots under the par of 70. The club is healthy, with more than 200 members and a strong Junior following.

Whangaroa Golf Club offers exciting golf, an uncrowded course with beautiful Native and Exotic trees and birds. With a friendly local club atmosphere we promise you will enjoy your game. »» http://www.whangaroagolf.co.nz

WAITANGI GOLF CLUB

The Waitangi Course not only provides an exciting and ever changing challenge to the golfer but also the most tremendous panorama of sea and island views.

Whether playing or caddying, golfers can enjoy vistas of the Bay of Islands and Russell, river and estuary views over Waitangi and Opua and rolling bush and forest views inland over Mount Bledisloe and Puketona.

These views are complemented by well-groomed greens and fairways surrounded by areas of flowering native trees which provide sanctuary for many varieties of native birds. »» http://www.waitangigolf.co.nz

Located minutes from the bustling town centre of Kerikeri and 5 minutes from Kerikeri airport, The Bay of Islands Golf Club’s meticulously maintained 6,101 metre course is a true championship course.

The signature hole is a short Par 3 with a 60 foot plus drop from tee to green.

Bunkers and ponds make this hole particularly challenging.

The greens and fairways are always immaculate and best of all, the quick draining volcanic soil and sub-tropical climate, means it is playable 365 days a year!

The Bay of Islands Golf Club offers exciting golf with tees for players of all abilities set in idyllic surroundings. »» bayofislandsgolf.co.nz

ENTRIES NOW FULL. Please contact melanie@parnz.co.nz to be added to the waitlist March 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Vietnam growing as a golf destination

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even signature designed golf courses in central Vietnam are joining hands to form a new golf-specific destination marketing group, extending from the up-and-coming city of Danang to the foothills of Hue and shores of Hoi An. Vietnam Golf Coast marked its official launch in Danang with 18 holes at the BRG Danang Golf Resort and a media event and awards dinner.

Members of the international and local press, industry leaders and golf enthusiasts gathered for the event, which comes on the heels Vietnam’s appointment of hall of fame golfer and celebrated golf course architect Greg Norman as national tourism ambassador.

On its inception, the new destination marketing organisation links seven of the region’s top-rated signature courses: Laguna Golf Lang Co (designed by Sir Nick Faldo), Ba Na Hills Golf Club (designed by Luke Donald), Montgomerie Links (designed by Colin Montgomerie),

BRG Danang Golf Resort (designed by Greg Norman and Jack Nicklaus), Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An (IMG Design) – as well as the soon-to-open Hoiana Shores Golf Club (designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr) – in a league that promises to capture the attention of avid golfers worldwide.

“The goal of Vietnam Golf Coast is to shine a light on the amazing golf courses here in central Vietnam,” said Ben Styles, chairman of the Vietnam Golf Coast group.

“Together we have an opportunity to showcase some legends of golf and golf architecture in one location, alongside pristine beaches and compelling tourism activities for all.”

Vietnam’s courses have garnered a slew of accolades in recent years. The country was named as Asia’s best golf destination at the World Golf Awards in 2017 and 2018.

Golf Digest named Laguna Lang Co Golf Resort among

the best golf resorts in Asia and BRG Danang Golf Resort placed among the publication’s list of world’s 100 best golf courses in 2018. Ba Na Hills Golf Club picked up the trophy for Asia’s best golf club at the World Golf Awards 2018, while Montgomerie Links took home the title of best golf course in Vietnam at the Asian Golf Awards in 2018.

The Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An recently played host to the qualification rounds of the Vinpearl World Amateur Golfers Championship, after which the Vietnam golf team successfully defended the championship title of WAGC 2018 in Malaysia.

Nguyen Xuan Binh, deputy director of Danang Tourism Department, underscored central Vietnam’s growing attractions for golfers. “With all these internationally renowned golf courses in one place, it’s a great chance for golfers from all over the world to come and decide which is their favourite,” he said.

Walkinshaw Sports acquires Linkz Marketing in New Zealand

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solution across the industry’s leading brands.

This new, enlarged business model, along with the winning philosophy which is ingrained in the Walkinshaw Family businesses, indicates that Walkinshaw Sports are committed to supporting the New Zealand golf industry for many years to come.

“This is just one of many steps in our strategic business model aimed at forging and servicing stronger partnerships with our green grass, off course and retail business partners in New Zealand.”

alkinshaw Sports Pty Ltd announce that they have acquired the wholesale golf business of Linkz Marketing as part of their ongoing commitment to the golf industry in New Zealand.

This will see all existing international distribution agreements held by Linkz Marketing for this region now fall under the Walkinshaw Sports NZ banner.

Walkinshaw Sports have taken this strategic move to strengthen their brand position in New Zealand, and most importantly to offer the region a full turn-key

“We will continue to look for opportunities that will strengthen our offering and position in New Zealand, and with the addition of the Linkz Marketing business we are set for a bright 2019 and beyond.” said Dan Harrap, from Walkinshaw Sports.

“A key to our strategy is the appointment of Zane Miller of Linkz Marketing as the Walkinshaw Sports New Zealand General Manager, effective 1 April 2019.”

“Zane is an industry professional with many years of experience in the New Zealand region that will further strength-

en our skill set and we are extremely pleased to retain Zane as part of the acquisition.” said Dan Harrap.

“I am very pleased to partner with Walkinshaw Sports and as the new General Manager of the region I look forward to developing the business and combined brand portfolio for the long term. From April, we will implement an integrated operation out of Auckland to offer the entire NZ golf trade a turnkey service solution with a continued focus on being a market leader in this space.” said Zane Miller.

The addition of the Linkz Marketing brands to the Walkinshaw Sports stable will add a significant dimension to an already strong representation in the New Zealand market.

From 1 April 2019, Walkinshaw Sports NZ will distribute the following brands: Clicgear, Daphne Headcovers, E-wheels, Jofit, K-Bell socks, Logo accessories and ball printing, Nancy Lopez, Nickent Golf, NRL, Optima, PGF, Proquip, Ray Cook, Rovic, Sundog, Town Talk, Voice/Swing Caddie and Walkinshaw.

UP COMING EVENTS

THE ROTORUA GOLF CLUB

YOU CAN’T MISS

Arikikapakapa

Twilight Golf every Thursday.

Tee bookings at the Pro Shop Phone 07 349 0446

Ranked in the top 10 most extreme golf courses in the world due to its Geothermal nature The perfect golf group location (group rates apply) Great condition all year round WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

March 2019

Office 07 348 4051 • Pro-shop 07 349 0446

rotoruagolfclub.co.nz 19

Callaway Golf announces new 2019 products

L

ast month Callaway Golf officially announced its new 2019 product lineup. Top of mind for the Company’s innovative new equipment line include Epic Flash Woods, Apex Irons, Odyssey Stroke Lab Putters and ERC Golf Balls.

WOODS:

Epic Flash Drivers The new Epic Flash driver employs a new Callaway technology called Flash Face to help golfers get more ball speed for more distance. Flash Face’s unique, internal mapping consists of dozens of subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe that work together cohesively to elevate COR in the face’s center region. That convention-defying accomplishment results in a significant ball speed boost for a noticeable distance increase when you make solid contact, helping make your longest drives go even longer.

Flash Face’s sophisticated architecture was created by Artificial Intelligence and “Machine Learning,” a field of computer science that uses statistical techniques to give computer systems the ability to "learn" with data without being explicitly programmed.

The Epic Flash driver also incorporates our revolutionary Jailbreak technology that promotes fast, face-wide speed. The two internal, hourglass-shaped Jailbreak bars connect the crown to the sole, stabilising and stiffening those two parts at impact, allowing the face to take on greater impact load to generate faster ball speed.

Together, Flash Face and Jailbreak make the Epic Flash one of the most innovative and technologically advanced drivers in Callaway history.

Also available in Epic Flash Sub Zero.

Recommended Retail Price: $949.99 NZD. Epic Flash Fairway Woods The new Epic Flash fairway wood features our groundbreaking new Flash Face Technology to help golfers of every level and swing speed get more ball speed and

distance. And we applied what we learned to create an ultra-thin, forged Carpenter 455 steel clubface for Epic Flash fairway woods that incorporates our renowned Face Cup technology and our new Flash Face technology. Within the clubhead, Callaway’s innovative Jailbreak Technology is the engine that promotes increased ball speed.

Also available in Epic Flash Sub Zero.

Recommended Retail Price: $569.99 NZD.

IRONS:

Apex 19 Irons Apex is the ultimate forged players distance iron, and it stands alone for its premium craftsmanship and amazing sound and feel. This is an exceptional new multi-piece construction that lives up to the Apex standard for performance. And it’s precision engineered to deliver an unmatched forged design, with innovative ball speed technology and optimal ball flight and trajectory.

Recommended Retail Price: Steel: $319.99 NZD Graphite: $339.99 NZD

APEX PRO 19 IRONS

Apex Pro 19 creates a completely new category; our first ever Tour performance iron with advanced distance technologies. This is the iron for better players who want all the benefits of a Tour-level design without sacrificing ball speed or distance.

Recommended Retail Price: Steel: $319.99 NZD Graphite: $339.99 NZD

HYBRIDS:

Apex 19 Hybrid For the first time ever, we’ve engineered our revolutionary Jailbreak Technology into a players hybrid. Apex provides the benefits of a hybrid while maintaining the spin characteristics and controlled ball flight of a long iron for better players and Tour Pros. And it’s expertly crafted with

beautiful shaping, a classic PVD finish and premium components.

Recommended Retail Price: $499.99 NZD

WEDGES:

PM GRIND 19 Even by Callaway’s high standards, the PM Grind 2019 wedge is a very special golf club. Its pedigree alone is remarkable, as it was co-created by Phil Mickelson, arguably the greatest wedge player in history, and Roger Cleveland, arguably the greatest wedge designer in history.

This year Phil began working with Roger on improvements to the PM Grind that make it easier to hit three essential shots Phil thinks every golfer needs: 1. The Knockdown -- a low-flying, high-spinning shot ideal for attacking the pin.

2. The Hit & Check – a short pitch that bounces twice and stops.

3. The “Phlop” – the high-flying, steep-landing, fast-stopping greenside shot Phil made famous.

Recommended Retail Price: $299.99 NZD

GOLF BALLS:

ERC Soft ERC Soft is an extraordinary achievement: a distance ball with soft feel and an exceptionally high level of performance, and it’s made possible by our groundbreaking new Hybrid Cover.

The incredibly soft multi-material cover promotes fast ball speeds for long distance through the bag and great feel.

And around the green it’s engineered to create noticeably higher spin for excellent control, allowing you to play aggressively on approach shots and in your short game.

Recommended Retail Price: $69.99 NZD Supersoft The new Supersoft combines our lowest compression with a new softer cover and optimized HEX Aerodynamics for lower drag. Together the soft compression and new low-spin HEX Aerody-

namics pattern promote longer distance and straighter shots off every club. And around the green, the softer Trionomer cover generates greater shot-stopping spin and better feel to improve your short game performance.

Recommended Retail Price: $44.99 NZD Supersoft Magna With the new Supersoft Magna, we’ve introduced a completely new kind of golf ball design to make the game easier and more fun. It’s an oversized ball that creates all the super long, super straight, and super soft characteristics of Supersoft with a super easy-to-hit construction. That’s right, it’s a larger, more forgiving golf ball that still conforms to the USGA Rules of Golf, and it’s designed for players who struggle with consistent solid contact and those looking for more distance and easy launch.

Recommended Retail Price: $44.99 NZD

PUTTERS:

Odyssey Stroke Lab The new Stroke Lab line of putters incorporates a unique new method of weight distribution designed to improve the physical dynamics of the stroke. The Stroke Lab shaft is a full 40 grams lighter**, made possible by an innovative new multi-material shaft design that combines a graphite body with a steel tip.

Odyssey studies indicate improvements in the consistency of backswing time, face-angle at impact, ball speed and ball direction*. Feel for the putterhead becomes more acute, helping the golfer repeat the same, smooth stroke time after time. And Stroke Lab has already won around the world including Phil Mickelson (at The Match), Danny Willett, and Thomas Pieters. ** Compared to a standard Odyssey steel putter shaft.

Recommended Retail Price: $449.99 NZD For more information, please visit www.callawaygolf.com.au and www. odysseygolf.com.au

REVOLUTIONARY NEW STROKE LAB PLATFORM IS DESIGNED TO CHANGE PERFORMANCE DYNAMICS FOR A MORE CONSISTENT STROKE

NEW FROM CALLAWAY GOLF

O

dyssey, the #1 Putter in Golf, last month announced its new line of Stroke Lab putters, featuring the Company’s innovative new Stroke Lab weight distribution to improve performance dynamics for a more consistent putting stroke. These putters will be available in Australia and New Zealand on February 8, 2019.

The Stroke Lab putter line helps improve the stroke through a profound change in weight distribution made possible by an innovative new shaft*. This is a completely new approach to putter weighting and only Odyssey has it.

The Stroke Lab shaft is a full 40 grams lighter** made possible by an innovative new multi-material shaft design that combines a graphite body with a steel tip to net out at just 75g, with most of the mass concentrated in the tip. They’ve redistributed that saved weight by adding 10g to the head in the form of two sole weights, and adding 30g to the grip-end via a 10g-lighter grip and 40g end-weight.

The effect of Stroke Lab’s innovative weight distribution on the stroke is dramatic.

Odyssey studies indicate improvements in the consistency of backswing time, face-angle at impact, ball speed, and ball direction*.

Feel for the putterhead becomes more acute, helping the golfer repeat the same, smooth stroke time after time.

Stroke Lab putters are targeted at any golfer who wants to putt better (that’s everyone).

The Stroke Lab lineup consists of 10 great shapes – six mallets and four blades – all with Odyssey’s newest White Hot Microhinge insert for smooth roll and great feel, in a choice of pistol grip or oversize grip.

Stroke Lab has already won across the major worldwide Tours, including Phil Mickelson’s victory at The Match, Danny Willett’s victory at the DP World Tour Championship, and Thomas Pieter’s win at the World Cup of Golf.

• Recommended Retail Price: $449.99 NZD ** Improvement claims based on comparison testing versus an Odyssey #7 putter. ** Compared to a standard Odyssey steel putter shaft.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

L

ast month Callaway Golf, an industry leader in golf equipment and innovative performance technologies, announced the Epic Flash Drivers and Epic Flash Fairway Woods, featuring the Company’s revolutionary new Flash Face Technology. The new premium performance clubs will be available at golf retailers in Australia and New Zealand on February 1, 2019.

Flash Face’s sophisticated architecture was created by Artificial Intelligence and “Machine Learning,” a field of computer science that uses statistical techniques to give computer systems the ability to "learn" with data without being explicitly programmed. A new driver face design typically takes eight to ten iterations. Through Machine Learning our computers cycled through 15,000 face architecture iterations, learning from each one, before arriving at Flash Face.

Perhaps more importantly, this design might have never been arrived at without AI; the design defies convention. The Flash Face’s unique, internal mapping consists of dozens of subtle ripples flowing from heel to toe. These ripples work together cohesively to elevate COR in the face’s center region. That accomplishment results in a significant ball speed boost for a noticeable distance increase when you make solid contact, helping make your longest drives go even longer.

The Epic Flash driver also incorporates our revolutionary Jailbreak technology that promotes fast, face-wide speed. The two internal, hourglass-shaped Jailbreak bars connect the crown to the sole, stabilising and stiffening those two parts at impact, allowing the face to take on greater impact load to generate faster ball speed. Together, Flash Face and Jailbreak make the Epic Flash one of the most innovative and technologically advanced drivers in Callaway history.

KEY TALKING POINTS

New Flash Face Technology for Faster Ball Speed

Callaway engineers used Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to create a radically different face design to promote faster ball speed in the center region of the face.

Jailbreak Technology for Faster Ball Speed Internal Jailbreak bars stiffen and stabilise the crown and sole, placing more impact load on the face to promote faster ball speed.

New T2C Triaxial Carbon Crown Material for Higher MOI A new lighter triaxial carbon fabric called T2C has a tighter weave; the weight it saves is redistributed within the head to raise MOI for exceptional forgiveness on off-center hits.

Adjustable Perimeter Weighting for Ball Flight Control Sliding 16-gram weight gives golfers the power to easily promote draws, fades or a straighter flight.

liver fast ball speed across the face for distance on center- and off-center hits.

Jailbreak Technology for Fast Ball Speed Our innovative Jailbreak Technology incorporates two internal bars that stiffen the body, placing more impact load on the face for fast ball speed.

New OptiFit Hosel for Easy Launch and Optimal Flight Callaway designed an entirely new hosel system that’s shorter and lighter; the saved weight is used to reposition the CG for easy launch and high, long-carrying flight.

2 Fairway Wood Models: Standard/Sub Zero Pricing: $569.99 NZD For more information, please visit www. callawaygolf.com.au and www.odysseygolf. com.au

2 Driver Models: Standard/Sub Zero Pricing: $949.99 NZD

EPIC FLASH FAIRWAY WOODS

The new Epic Flash fairway wood features our new Flash Face Technology to help golfers of every level and swing speed get more ball speed and distance. Within the clubhead, Callaway’s innovative Jailbreak Technology is the engine that promotes increased ball speed. Epic Flash fairway woods also have a new, lighter OptiFit Hosel to make it simple for players to dial in easy launch and optimal flight.

New Flash Face Technology for Unprecedented Ball Speed Callaway engineers applied learnings from Artificial Intelligence to create a new fairway wood face design that promotes increased ball speed for longer distance.

Forged Carpenter Steel Face Cup for Fast Speed Forged 455 Carpenter steel construction combines with Face Cup technology to de-

March 2019

21

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND

prizes. The final between Linc Butler and Brooke King against Quin Butler and Denise Pilbrow went to a nail-biting finish, with Linc and Brooke just taking the deciding hole.

Pictured are Marama Wells, Richard Stewart, May Pope, Rick Pope, Brooke Kingi, Linc Butler, Frances Warren and Larry Berridge.

NORTH HARBOUR LYDIA KO AGE GROUP CHAMPS

THE CLASSIC AT WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB

The Far North 4BBB Classic was sponsored by ITM and held over the weekend of 2nd and 3rd February 2019, producing a set of winners well worthy of their

A perfect two days of golf at Gulf Harbour Country Club resulted in two worthy champions.

Jimmy Zheng from Howick GC is the 2019 boys’ champion, and Miree Jung from Titirangi GC took out the girls’ event in a tense play-off. Congratulations to both these players and for the support of the many volunteers and the manage-

ment team of the Gulf Harbour Country Club.

NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD

HARBOUR GOLF TOUR

A record number of entries means 125 players are taking part in this multicourse event in 2019. Players organise their own round in the calendar month assigned to each host club, and their Stableford score is recorded. Great monthly prizes, plus overall prizes for those with the best 6-card total from those submitted during the year. 9 great courses from across the region are part of this event, which is getting bigger each year as the word spreads. A joining fee then only $18 per round. It’s not too late to join in 2019 and it is open to all golfers with an NZ Golf ID number. Full details at: www.harbourgolf.co.nz/north-harbour-golf-tour. html. Thanks to Deep Creek Brewing Co. for their great support of the event.

NZ WOMEN’S MASTERS

The Harbour team to travel to Nelson in early April has been named. Congratulations to Vaha Fapiano and Julie Fenning of North Shore GC, Lynda Tate of Omaha Beach GC and Fleur Reynolds and Maxine Barrett of Muriwai GC. Play well ladies and good luck.

14-Mar

Northern Wairoa

09 4363403

Womens Teams Day

14-Mar

Mangawhai

09-4314807

Mix Partners Life Pro Am

18-Mar

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(09) 437 0775

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19-Mar

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(09) 434 6900

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13-Mar

Rawene

09 4057 450

MIX PENEKAHI Classic 18H Mixed T'ment

24-Mar

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94051808

RAMADA Resort Mens Open

28-Mar

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31-Mar

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18 Hole + 27 Hole Open

NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD 1-31 Mar

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8-Mar

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09 424 5441

W Pairs Day

12-Mar

Pupuke

(09) 410-7906

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17-Mar

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Omaha Beach Pro Am

18-Mar

Warkworth

(09) 425 8248

Warkworth Pro-am

21-Mar

North Shore

(09) 415 9924

Open Pairs Charity Day

AUCKLAND CLARKS BEACH WIN COVIC VENI VEDI VICI CLASSIC The 2019 season of the COVIC golf got underway in brilliant blue sky and sunshine. It was play for the first time at a

New Member Deal for 2019 For those golfers who have never been a member at Warkworth Golf Club, or not since 2014, have we got a deal for you!

Y FF > PLAIRANGI OH TIT MPIONS IP CHA TEES

OVER

0 0 0 , 5 $ PRIZES

$550

Yes that’s right $550 for 12 months.

OF H! T N O M EACH

(pay in one or by 8 x $70.00 d/d.)

What do you get for your money?

Unlimited golf seven days a week. No course fees (these are included). The opportunity to play in all competions, including pennants, plus monthly midweek rounds at each of Mangawhai, Waipu and Wellsford as part of Quad Vets.

Enjoy the rural surroundings, listen to the kookaburras.

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

Talk to Sue

09 425 8248|P.O. Box 103, Warkworth 4 Golf Rd, Warkworth | www.warkworthgolfclub.co.nz

ENTRY FEES Members: $30 Visitors: $80

SHOT GUN START LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH

+ GUARANTEED VISITOR PRIZES

www.titirangigolf.co.nz

22

March 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

the 11th hole.

The next COVIC event is Round 1 of the 2019 Shield competition. It will be played at the Waiterimu Golf Club on Friday 8th March 2019, an EFTPOS free-zone but with Quart Bottles still costing only one Sir Ed Hillary, for those with designated drivers.

METLIFECARE 5 COURSE CLASSIC: RESULTS

Pictured: A picturesque Whitford Park, but eventual VVV Classic winner Owen Shaw is in trouble after flying the green into a hazard. Huntly’s Murray Liddle points out Owen’s entry drop area as partner Alan Gomas searches for Owen’s missing ball.

WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 19-20 Mar

COULD OWEN BE THE LONGEST STANDING GOLF CLUB MEMBER, EVER? This month Pupuke Golf Course were able to get 7 of their Life Members together for Captain’s Opening Day. The Club was honored to present their Patron Owen Woolley with a few gifts to mark 70 (yes seventy) years as a member of the Club. Is this some sort of record?!

We were delighted to also let Owen know that the pros will be playing for The Owen Woolley Trophy at our inaugural Pro-Am competition in March.

Pupuke Golf Club thanked Owen, Arthur, Sandie, Len, Dave, Monica and Jack for coming down. brilliantly presented Whitford Park Golf Club course on Monday 11th February 2018. The VVV Classic is a combined stableford pairs event, with the aggregate scores of each COVIC club’s best three teams, counting toward the annually played for Veni Vedi Vici trophy.

Eighty six players fronted to test the efficiency of administration staff, who did well to get the field underway on time.

The course remained as it had been set up in preparation for Auckland pennants competition the day before, the only relief provided the vat golfers being Clean and Place through the green, as is standard for COVIC play.

It was the Clarks Beach Golf Club team who proved to be the eventual victors, with a combined three team aggregate score of 221 points, well ahead of Huntly-Waiterimu (208) and Pukekohe (207) in second and third. They were followed

by Waiuku (194), Wattle Downs (190); Awhitu (188), Hauraki (187), Onewhero (187), Maramarua (185), Waikare (dns).

7-Mar 14-Mar 14-Mar 15-Mar 21-Mar 29-Mar

The difficulty presented by the Whitford Park course set up was reflected in the average club team score being only 196 points (32.7 per player). This was well down on last seasons 216 points (36 per player) at the Waikare course venue and suggests a 3.3 shot degree of difficulty difference between the two courses.

Playing off a 25-handicap, it was Clarks Beach’s Owen Shaw who was on fire from the start. He opened with two net eagles and after six holes had already amassed 13-points and 21 at the turn. Although he suffered from nerves around the turn he steadied to score two more net eagles for another 21-point half and was home with 42-points. This was clearly the best score of the day. During his round Owen was overheard to say “I have never played this well even on my own course.” His partner Alan Gomas started poorly but eventually found his mojo and played well to return 37-points for 7th place. Together the pairings combined 79-points saw Shaw and Gomas as the best pairing of the day.

Second best team was Clark Beach AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD teammates Neville McSweeney and Keith Titirangi 09 827 3967 Twilight 5.30pm Sanders (74), ahead of Pukekohe’s KJ Kim and Alan Houghton (74) in third place by Maxwells 09 236 0911 9 Hole Open way of count back. Nearest the Pin comTitirangi 09 827 3967 Twilight 5.30pm petition on the Par 3 3rd and 11th holes were won by Wattle Down’s Graham Maramarua 09 232 5702 9 Hole Open Skilling and Pukekohe’s Philip Garside rePakuranga 09 534 3818 9 Hole Open spectively. Two’s were achieved by OneTitirangi 09 827 3967 Black Tee Challenge whero’s Les Johns on the 3rd hole and Huntly-Waiterimu’s Terry Broughton on

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Te Awamutu GC

07 8715661

Waikato Secondary Schools Matchplay Championships

WAIKATO PIRONGIA GOLF CLUB NEWS

Evergreen Pirongia Golfer Phillip Eyre had a great day of golf recently.

The 12 handicapper shot a one over 73 including 3 twos on holes 5, 9, 16. He also scored the closest to the pin on hole 9, won the senior scramble with 47 stableford points and picked up the senior jackpot worth $34.50.

Scramble Senior Phillip Eyre 47 Garry Bowman 40 Ken Bardsley 39 Tyne Watts 37 Kevin Appleby 36 Junior Kevin Nickson 42 Lynda Morgan 41 Dave Peryer 41 Dick Thomas 40 Grant Morgan 39 Charlie Coles 38 Pat Ryan 37 Twos Phillip Eyre (3) Jack Hjorth Closest to Pin – Phillip Eyre Longest Putt – Tyne Watts

BAY OF PLENTY REIO RAUTJOKI TOURNAMENT

Kawerau Golf Club held it’s annual Reio Rautjoki Tournament on a sweltering hot 30 degree Waitangi day.50 Golfers braved the heat to play for his Trophy.

The Winner of the Reio Rautjoki Trophy was Richie Anderson with 64 Nett.

On a sad note, Kawerau Golf Club lost an esteem member of its Club during February. Gary Gazza Mataia passed away after a hard fought battle with his health. He was a exceptional member of the Club and will be missed dearly. R.I.P Gazza.

March 2019

Three hundred players took part in the Metlifecare 5 Course Classic played at Mount Maunganui, Omanu, Omokoroa, Tauranga and Te Puke Golf Courses in January.

This was the 24th year for the longest standing multi course stableford event which for the past 20 years had been sponsored by EVES Realty.

Metlifecare have 5 retirement villages in the Western Bay so made a great fit as naming right sponsor. Players came from over 80 clubs in New Zealand as well as a big contingent from Australia and the Cook Islands along with 8 other countries.

Scoring was much closer in all divisions, but the outstanding performer was Taylor Scott from Ngaruawahia. On Day one he came in with 25 points then broke 80 for the first time in life on Tuesday was steady on Wednesday before managing 43 points on Thursday then scorched around Tauranga with a 68 off a 12 handicap. So he broke 80 and 70 for the first time in the same week and the best thing about it was Taylor was not a “burglar” as his previous record attested to.

Pictured above are Winners Bryan Tohill (North Shore) Div 2, Taylor Scott (Ngaruawahia) Div 1 with Metlifecare Representative Jo Coates-Reid, then Women’s Div 1 winner Marian Kingham (Hamilton) and Div 2 winner Masami Umezu (Titirangi).

And below, Divison 1 Winner Taylor Scott from Nagruawahia.

Top 10 Results as follows: Division 1 Men. 1.Taylor Scott Ngaruawahia 198 (22 44 36 43 49) 2. Tipene Wairepo Te Kowhai 188 3. David Taipari Hauraki 187 4. Joel Nancarrow Australia 184 5. Shane Roughsedge Australia 184 6. john Dudson Cambridge 184 7. Bob Perkins Fairview 183 8. Ross Stanway Tauranga 181 9. Daniel Webb Cook Islands 181 10. Geoff Brooks Otaki 181.

Division2 Men. 1. Bryan Tohill Northshore 202 (36 41 42 43 40) 2. David Thompson Mt. Maunganui 197 3. Dennis McKenzie Apiti 196

23

4. Larney Palmer Maraenui 194 5. Royden Trask Omanu 191 6. Ngawai Amoamo Opotiki 187 7. Hugh Kingham Hamilton 187 8. John Woodward Onewhero 185 9. Bill Marshall Whangamata 185 10. Wayne Cairns Maungakiekie 184 Division 3 Men 1. Chris McGovern Manawatu 201(43 35 41 46 36 ) 2. Stan Mathews Otumoetai 200 3. Doug Harvey Tauranga 195 4. Ming Tiang North Shore 187 5. James Hunter Porangahau 185 6. Graeme Aitken Paraparaumu 184 7. Jack Lloyd Judgeford 183 8. Robert Pringle Australia 183 9. Danny Waerea Buckley 182 10. Mark Robinson Australia 182 Division 1 Women 1. Marian Kingham Hamilton 186 ( 33 42 37 37 37) 2. Sue Faulke Boulcott’s Farm 181 3. Anne Woodward Pukekohe 175 4. Heok Tan Titirangi 172 5. Michele Furness Manaia 171 6. Carolyn Koch Manaia 171 7. Kim Teng Malaysia 170 8. Jacqui Urlich Cook Islands 170 9. Jackie Higgins Manaia 168 10. Christina Tiang North Shore 168 Division 2 Women 1. Masami Umezu Titirangi 186 (38 33 38 41 36) 2. Katrina Burrow Redwood Park 185 3. Heather Craig Rangitikei 177 4. Dinny Gibbs Manaia 175 5. Julie Cargill Buckley 172

6. Audrey Messenger Te Marua 171 7. Vivienne Blackmore Manor Park 168 8. Susie Hwang Pupuke 168 9. Helen Donald Puketitiri 168 10. Sharon Duthie Mayfield 167 BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD 22-23 June

Springfield

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Springfield Masters

6-Jul

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13-14 Jul

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15-16 Jul

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Waikato Winter Strokeplay

TARANAKI TARANAKI GOLF AND THE DREADED A-WORD THEY’RE SAYING MORE AND MORE

By SIMON O’CONNOR Taranaki Daily News

Taranaki golfers are spoiled for choice when it comes to courses. But most clubs are struggling to survive with few ideas of how to get out of the bunker.

Golfing great Lee Trevino famously pronounced “you don’t know what pressure is until you play for five bucks with only two bucks in your pocket.”

Trevino might have been referring to the cut throat world of professional golf but his words could just as easily apply to the pressure golf clubs in Taranaki are under in meeting rising costs against diminishing income, and fierce competition.

There are an astonishing 19 golf clubs

listed on the Taranaki Golf website.

It’s the very definition of an oversupply and attracting more members to balance the books, and remain viable, is likely to soon to become an an impossible task for some.

There are more adults per capita (17 per cent) playing golf in Taranaki than anywhere else in the country, according to Sport NZ. Regardless anyone wanting to play the game in Taranaki has the choice of 19 courses many within an hour’s drive or less.

In spite of its scenic vistas and premier status, like all other golf clubs New Plymouth’s Ngamotu golf course faces a difficult future.

They range from the championship rated New Plymouth Golf Club (523 members) at Ngāmotu, which has hosted four NZ Opens, and offers the ultimate in challenges, to the smaller Pungarehu Golf Club (60 members) with its more rural outlook.

Taranaki Golf executive manager Nick Northam says the game in Taranaki faces numerous issues. Some of those issues, such as steadily declining memberships, affect other sports in the region just as much.

“There is a decline in women golfers especially younger women. And the decline in membership has led to a shortfall in volunteers who are essential to most clubs in Taranaki.”

Added to these issues is the health and safety legislation which Northam

described as a “potential minefield” for clubs.

The quality of the courses is also be affected by the drop in members which make it harder to pay for the extensive maintenance every course requires, even those which use sheep to keep the fairways down.

Worst of all, for golf club members, all of these factors are influencing the rise and rise of a word previously uttered only as a profanity – amalgamation.

Three Taranaki rugby clubs set the precedent when Opunake, Rahotu, and Okato united to form the Coastal Rugby Club in 1995.

Coastal have since won the Taranaki premier club championship twice.

In 2018 a fierce debate erupted when New Plymouth mayor Neil Holdom suggested half of the ratepayer owned Fitzroy Golf Club become a housing development.

The move was soundly defeated before it began, but it didn’t silence future debate on the fate of many golf clubs in Taranaki.

Northam said joining clubs together is not the panacea to golf’s pain.

“Amalgamation is seen by some as a cure all of golf’s ills,” he says.

“While rationalisation of golf facilities would be an obvious solution for a number of clubs, it is not so straightforward.

“Golf clubs in Taranaki are autonomous and while they are affiliated to NZ Golf and Taranaki Golf Association, and are required to comply with the conditions

You’re invited to Hikurangi Golf Club’s

EASTER TOURNAMENT IN THE WINTERLESS NORTH Saturday 20th April 2019

SUPPORTING THE COURSE DEVELOPMENT FUND Tees open from 9-11am • Sponsored Event - extensive prize table.

Individual stableford: Men, Women and Non-Golfers Divisions.

Entry fee: $30 per player (includes 2’s) Email the club for cart hire - limited number available!

Entrants with motorhomes can also stay overnight at the Club for free!

Email the club at hikurangi@golf.co.nz to reserve your tee time

231 Marua Rd, Hikurangi ( 09 4338590

24

March 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Myrtle rust, not falling club membership, was the biggest threat Manukorihi Golf Club faced in 2018. Source: SIMON O’CONNOR/FAIRFAX NZ

of affiliation, they are free to determine how their clubs are run.

“This includes setting membership fees and green fees and neither NZ Golf or the TGA can dictate what clubs must do.”

Some clubs on the precipice of closing strenuously fend off ideas of amalgamation for a variety of reasons, Northam says.

“They may believe amalgamation is a good idea but not for their club, and nobody wants to be known as the person, or the committee, that closed their golf club,” he says.

It is unlikely the game would die in the region if clubs under most threat of amalgamation throw the issue into the near-

est water hazard, Northam says.

Nor would the reduction of courses mean long queues of players lining up to tee off on a Saturday morning, he says.

“The game is unlikely to die but there is no doubt that clubs would benefit from looking at their operations and asking the hard questions about their future.

“Taranaki Golf and NZ Golf are more than willing to support clubs in discussing their future with others, including amalgamation.”

Nor would the reduction of courses mean long queues of players lining up to tee off on a Saturday morning.

“It would probably mean the need to book in a round of golf rather than just

turn up to a course for a round. But this something golfers in other regions are well accustomed to.”

Northam believes 10 to 12 courses in the region would be sufficient for the current number of players, with Ngamotu remaining Taranaki’s premier course.

Westown Golf Club president Kim Lucas isn’t afraid of confronting the dreaded ‘A’ word front on.

“Amalgamation will have to happen in five to 10 years with a lot of clubs in Taranaki because many can’t keep running on empty. We can’t relay on subs to keep us going. “ she says.

A lot of their members are against amalgamation and Lucas can understand that.

“They have put a lot of effort into the club to maintain playing standards. They are loyal and not easy to change.

“We’re in the same boat as everyone else with declining memberships but we plateaued last year and gained a few more.

“There’s an ageing membership, and lot more casual players, which we can cope with, but that doesn’t help our income when we have to buy assets such as machinery.”

Lucas is hard pressed to know why fewer women were playing golf.

“If I knew I would be a millionaire,” she says.

“We are focusing on getting more women to play with programmes like “come and try” days to get mothers and women who have retired started, and introduced

foot golf – a combination of football and golf, and we have upgraded the practice area.

“But there are so many others sports for young women to play now that golf has to work harder.”

Like many golf courses Westown employed two fulltime greenkeepers, and two office staff but also had a strong group of volunteers to share the workload.

Amalgamation is not a talking point for South Taranaki’s Te Ngutu Golf Club (271 members), says the club’s first women president Julie Cleaver.

“Our focus is on retaining a steady membership numbers, and building juniors,” Cleaver says.

Summer twilight golf attracted up to 80 to 90 players and helped build club morale, she says.

Out east near Tikorangi, the 105-yearold Manukorihi Golf Course (202 members), faced an unusual foe last year when myrtle rust closed the course for five weeks.

The club is stronger than ever after a downturn 15 years ago, club president David Butler says.

It is the burden for every club in trying to attract more members, he says.

“We are all chasing the same purse, it’s a fine balance on what comes in and what goes out and you have to be very careful at what you spend.”

Butler says funding grants were becoming harder to access with many wanting ‘bricks and mortar’ development over

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25

Westown Golf Club president Kim Lucas says amalgamation of golf clubs is inevitable in 5-10 years.

Source: SIMON O’CONNOR/STUFF

money spent on replacing machinery.

“The last 10 years we have done exceptionally well and we are now freehold and have been able to buy new equipment, and we are planning on a new 10 cart storage shed to cater for older members.”

A proactive committee became more business focused and sought sponsorship to achieve the turnaround, he says.

“We have new members, many between late 20s and mid 30s, although we are still down on junior members.”

Amalgamation with the smaller Waitara Golf Club (103 members) had been discussed but no agreement had been reached.

“Waitara has its place as a golf course but it’s sad talks have stalled, and I don’t think it helps them.”

The view from the club house verandah at the New Plymouth Golf Club’s Ngāmotu course takes in a panorama of pohutukawa lined fairways disappearing into the distance towards the Tasman Sea. In spite of its elevated status Ngāmotu is in as much of an economic sand bunker as its smaller kin elsewhere in the region.

Membership has dropped to 523.

The venue of four NZ Opens, Ngāmotu now offers a 18-hole round of golf for $25, with a beer, or a coffee thrown in.

NPGC deputy board chairman Rob Maetzig says golf club membership in Ta-

ranaki faced perilous times.

As a region Taranaki had one of the biggest drops in membership in the country, and the average number of members per club in the region is only 170, he says.

After not reaching a surplus in the past three years NPGC are asking members what they want in a three year strategic plan.

“We’re losing money and we have to find a solution, otherwise it is impossible to continue the way we are going and rely on subs, green fees, bar and cafe takings,” Maetzig says.

Some of those solutions could be selling off land for sub-division development, installing a driving range and offering the clubhouse for weddings and corporate functions.

Promoting nine-hole golf for women and sharing green-keeping resources are other options.

Clubs also need to start talking about “the dreaded ‘A’ word” with more urgency, he says.

“We should all be talking to combine forces for the betterment of the sport.

“We need to more forward and not continually fight a rearguard action.”

TARANAKI NOTICEBOARD 15-Mar

Inglewood

06 756 7472

Salvation Army Charity Ambrose

17-Mar

Manukorihi

274126103

BALANCED ACCOUNTING TARANAKI 5000

31-Mar

Waitara

(06) 754 8923

Crowded House Tournament

HAWKES BAY/POVERTY BAY NOTICEBOARD 7-Apr

Pongoroa

kandmmartin@ xtra.co.nz

Pongoroa 27 hole

14-Apr

Waipukurau

06 8577905

Pike Cup

16 - 17 Apr.

Rangitikei

06 322 1475

Lower Nth Juniors

5-May

Herbertville

06 3743670

Cape Turnagain 27 Hole Stroke-Play

1 -3 Jun.

Maraenui

06 835 8273

Maraenui Open

1-Jun

Onga Onga

06 8566 879

Onga 27 Hole Classic

MANAWATU WANGANU NOTICEBOARD Mar-24

Wanganui

06 349-0559

Wanganui Open

MANAWATU WANGANUI

GRIFFIN 2ND IN NATIONAL SPEEDGOLF EVENT

Manawatu Wanganui women’s representative Lily Griffin finished second in the National Speedgolf championships last month at Whitford Park Golf Club.

Griffin was competing in the event for the first time. The winner was former

TE AROHA GOLF CLUB

70th Thames Valley Championship & Match-play Tournament

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On top of all this, receive an official New Zealand Golf Handicap!

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March 2019

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professional player and current NZ Golf employee, Liz McKinnon. McKinnon is an experienced Speedgolf participant & perhaps Griffin can challenge for this title with a bit more experience In the men’s section the NZPGA’s, Josh Longney took out the event, after narrowly missing out on the 2018 title. Last year’s winner, former Manawatu Golf Club pennant player, Jamie Reid, was not at this year’s event. Reid competed in overseas Speedgolf events last year, and finished the season as the number 1 ranked speed golfer in the world.

Speedgolf which combines time and score is growing as a sport around the world.

WELLINGTON

TASMAN WESTLAND CLASSIC GOLF CELEBRATES ITS 15TH YEAR WITH ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL TOURNAMENT

CARTERTON GOLF CLUB

By Wendy Wills

2019 JUNIOR AGE GROUP CHAMPIONS

The 2019 Manawatu Wanganui Age Group Championships was played at Rangitikei last month, in very hot conditions. Alongside this event we also had events for 18 hole players, 9 hole players, and a Futures 6 Hole Team Golf event aimed at players new to the game. In total 49 golfers participated on the day.

The winners of the 36 Hole Age Group Champs were: Under 19 Boys: Anthony Ilton-Maher (Foxton) Under 16 Boys: Remy Early (Feilding) Under 13 Boys: No participants Under 19 Girls & Under 15 Girls: Zhuoyi Hu (Palmerston North) Pictured are Remy Early, Zhuoyi Hu and Anthony Ilton-Maher.

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Another warm day on Saturday the 9th of February was welcomed for our club opening day, which saw some of the field play Canadian Mixed Foursomes a Par competition for the W.J. Feast Memorial Cup while the remainder of the field played a stableford round.

The winners of the W.J.Feast Memorial Cup were: Val Edwards and Mark Graham with +4, 2nd : Donna and Alan Burns with +2.

Results of the Men’s stableford were: Mike Newport 42, Martin Beaumont 40, Don Kinnell 39, Eric Collings 39, Robin Campbell 39, Chris Connor 39, Nigel Bailey 38, Max Baylis 38.

Nearest the pin went to Chris Connor.

Two’s for the day went to: Chris Connor, Mike Newport, Max Baylis, Nigel Bailey, Ray Clarke, Martin Beaumont, Craig Wilson, Eric Collings, James O’Connor, Val Edwards and Mark Graham.

Pictured above are Val Edwards and Mark Graham.

WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD Mar-07

Judgeford

(04) 235 7633

Women's 9 Hole Rnd 4

Mar-10

Eketahuna

06 375 8285

WBS Tournament

Mar-11

BFHGC

04 5674722 Ext 1

New World Hutt City BFHGC Women's Open Day

Mar-11

Waikanae

04 293 6399

Men's and Women's 9 Hole Open Day

Mar-13

Carterton

(06) 379 8457

Women's Open Day

March 16-17

Riversdale

06 3723416

Kere Ell Mixed Foursomes

16-Mar

Eketahuna

06 375 8285

Eketahuna Halberg Day

A great field of 145 lined up over the weekend for the fifteenth Westland Classic 2019, currently sponsored by Coastwide Honda. A short shower for a few minutes during the first day did nothing to dampen spirits, and Sunday’s play took place under almost cloudless skies and ideal underfoot conditions.

The trophy for best gross score was won by last year’s winner Nick Franzmann formerly of Coringa, and now Greymouth, who repeated his first round score of 70 on the first day in 2018, and followed it up with a 73 on Sunday to finish 1 under the card on 143. Also tied on 143 was local Michael Scholes , who put together handy rounds of 72 and 71. In a tense sudden death playoff on the 16th hole, he narrowly missed sinking a chip for a birdie 2, while Franzmann , who put his tee shot just past the hole, was able to sink an 8 foot putt from above the hole for a birdie and the title. As well as his name on the Westland Classic Trophy again, he pocketed $500 cash for his win.

Coringa greenkeeper Rohan Ware was the very proud recipient of the inaugural Win Beck Trophy for the best 18 hole gross score over the weekend. Rohan shot a fine four under par 68 on Sunday afternoon. This trophy acknowledges the excellence that was Win Beck’s golf and service to the club and region over many decades. Win passed away suddenly in September of last year.

Local Niki Marshall proved her recent good form was no fluke in taking out the top prize for women with a 36 hole nett score of 135, receiving the Penny Robertson-Crowe Trophy and $500 cash.

Best Nett score across the Men’s field was taken out by Michael Kelly, a returning member to the Greymouth Club, with an excellent net score of 130, and also earning $500 for his efforts.

Best gross score in the women’s division was taken out by Maryanne Glasson of Hokitika with a 36 hole score of 172.

The tournament continues to have an international flavour, with 19 players from Australia in the field, and a further two from Germany. Tournament convenor Rob Harrison noted that Canterbury

March 2019

clubs were also continuing their wonderful support of the tournament.

Nick Franzmann, is pictured with tournament naming sponsor Coastwide Honda principal Ken Williams (left)holding the coveted trophy with Franzmann.

Full list of prizewinners below: Best Gross 36 holes – Nick Franzmann 70,73 - 143 Best Gross 18 holes – Rohan Ware 68 on Sunday Men’s Best Net over the field – Michael Kelly 130 Senior Men Best Net 36 holes – Michael Scholes 135 Senior Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Phil McKinnel 136 Senior Men’s 2nd Runner Up Net 36 holes-Michael Gawith 137 Senior Men Best Gross – Ryan Coll -144 Senior Men Runner Up Gross – Geoff Rudduck 145 Senior Men Best Net Saturday – Murray Marsh 66 Senior Men Best Net Sunday – Nick Thom 68 Intermediate Men Best Net 36 holes – Kevin Thoma 137 Intermediate Men Runner Up Net 36 holes –Graham Sinclair140 Intermediate Men 2nd Runner Up 36 holes- Peter McGee 141 Intermediate Men Best Gross 36 holes – John Bourgeois 168 Intermediate Men Runner-Up Gross 36 holes – Paul Coates 168 Intermediate Men Best Net Saturday – Raymond Blair 69 Intermediate Men Best Net Sunday – Wayne Thomas 68 Junior Men Best Net 36 holes- Kevin Cordiner 141 Junior Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Mark Connors 142 Junior Men 2nd Runner Up 36 holes – Kevin Evans 142 Junior Men Best Gross 36 holes – Bret

27

Geerin - 179 Junior Men Runner Up gross 36 holes – Steve Elwood 184 Junior Men Best Net Saturday – Paul Watson 66 Junior Men Best Net Sunday – Ken Williams 69 Womens Best Net 36holes – Niki Marshall 135 Women’s Runner Up Net 36holes – Nancy Watson 144 Women’s 2nd Runner Up Net – Colleen Buchanan 145 Women’s 3rd Runner Up Net – Chris Thom 147 Women’s Best Gross 36 holes- Maryanne Glasson 172 Women’s Runner Up Gross 36 holes – Heather Blackwell 176 Women’s Best Net Saturday – Carolyn Williams 73 Women’s Best Net Sunday –Sharyn Peters 72 Womens Closest Pin Saturday – Lynda Vieceli Women’s closest Pin Sunday- Joy Forsyth Women’s Straightest drive Saturday – Julie McEwan Women’s Straightest drive Sunday – Maryanne Glasson Men’s Closest Pin Saturday – Mark Dixon Men’s Closest Pin Sunday – Luke McNeish Men’s Straightest drive Saturday – John Hornby Men’s Straighest drive Sunday – Neil Hesson Mooney Cup – Best International Net score – Bruce McLeod 144 Mooney Cup – Runner Up – Laurie Tormey - 149 Haggle Hole Saturday – Liam Beirne Haggle Hole Sunday – Len McKenzie Junior Men Closest Pin on 9th for 3 on Saturday– Bret Geerin Women Closest Pin on 18th for 3 on Saturday – Lynda Vieceli Two’s were scored on Saturday by: Miguel Sobrino, Bret Geerin(2), Sharyn Peters, Mark Dixon, Ryan Coll, Chris Thom, Michael Scholes, Greg Hay, Nick Franzmann, Geoff Rudduck, Warren Grey, Nick Thom, John Bourgeois.

Two’s were scored on Sunday by: Wayne Thomas, Caleb McNeish, Graham Collings, John Hornby, James Har-

die, Paul McEwan(an eagle on the 18th), Maryanne Glasson, John Bourgeois, Len McKenzie, Liam Beirne, Geoff Rudduck, Nick Thom.

Pictured is a thrilled Rohan Ware of Coringa, who received the inaugural Win Beck.

TASMAN NOTICEBOARD 11, 13 Mar

Marlborough

(3) 578 7646

Allan Scott Tournament

16-Mar

Marlborough

(3) 578 7646

Golf Marlborough Tournament

17-Mar

Awatere

(3) 578 7646

Clubs of Marlborough

21-Mar

Motueka

03 5288998

Motueka 4BBB Ladies

23-Mar

Nelson

03-5485029

NBS Ope

26-Mar

Wairau Valley

03 5722575

Margaret Anderson Tournament

tractions the region has to offer or get some practice in for the next two days of golf. Non-playing partners are also very welcome to join us for the major prize giving dinner on the Friday evening.

Entry forms and full details are available on our website www.nelsongolf. co.nz then click on the TSB Festival of Golf box on the home page, or call us on 03-548-5029 and ask for Allison for more information.

NELSON FESTIVAL OF GOLF 2019

Considering playing in a multi-round golf tournament next year?...Then this is the one for you to enter. At last year’s event, everyone involved including players, non playing partners, sponsors and organisers, had a wonderfultime!

The tournament is played over three wonderful golf courses, namely, Nelson, Greenacres and Motueka, with two days to be played on the highly-rated Nelson Golf Course which has hosted three of the top NZ amateur tournaments. They are the New Zealand Amateur Championships, the New Zealand Seniors Championships, and the New Zealand under 19’s championships. Every event resulted in glowing reviews for the course from all the players.

The courses are all very different, giving the competitors a real challenge for the week. Nelson being a true links course, whereas Motueka is a mature parkland course, and Greenacres offering a mix of challenging waterfront and parkland holes.

Tournament dates for 2019 TSB Nelson Festival of Golf are April 28-May 3 2019 with a rest day on the Wednesday to allow competitors to put their feet up, or get out and about to visit the many at-

the end. The events have been very successful and well received by both kids and parents. The common response from parents/caregivers was that it was great to get outside with the kids or family and enjoy quality time doing something different. We are looking to begin the programme for 2019 which will start in early March. These dates will be communicated to clubs and also available on the Tasman Golf website. Please encourage you family and friends to give this a go in 2019 and help us grow the game for the future.

THREE LADIES ACE AT GREENACRES

Greenacres has had three ladies play the perfect shot in January to record three “hole in ones”. Lynn Taylor started the year off with a bang, holing her tee shot on #17 par 3 on New Years Day. This was followed by Joyce Wast who aced the same hole on the 19th January. One week later Mary Eggers fired her tee shot into the hole on the 10th hole at Greenacres.

Congratulations Ladies, a great start to 2019!

FAMILY FUN AT NOPERA

TEAM GOLF SET TO START IN 2019

In November and December last year “Team Golf” provided the opportunity for kids who are new at golf to play on a real course with the assistance from parents and club volunteers. The format puts teams of two children together in a Ambrose format over a shortened six hole course. We had 115 participations over the eight week period across Marlborough clubs, Rarangi, Blenheim, and (Marlborough GC rained off) and Nelson Clubs Waahi Taakaro, Totaradale, Tasman, Motueka, and Nelson. The events held on a Sunday typically take two hours to complete with a small prize giving at

The Tasman Community Golf Manager Chris Pugh assisted with a family golf day held at the Nop-era Golf Club. These are a great chance to create a community atmosphere at your local club. Please contact Chris at teedoff@xtra.co.nz if this is something you as a member or club would like to be involved in.

CANTERBURY KOBORI DOUBLES UP AT CANTERBURY STROKEPLAY

Rangiora’s Kazuma Kobori doubled up at the 2019 Lamb & Hayward Canterbury Strokeplay last month at Pegasus Golf Club when he won the men’s title to go with his recent Southland Strokeplay victory.

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March 2019

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representing Canterbury prior to Xmas in the NZ Interprovincial, and as he adds more power to his game, will be an even greater force to be reckoned with as he moves through to more national honours. He also won the Ron Clements Memorial Cup for best U19 male.

The women’s championship turned into a two horse race between Juliana Hung and Roun Lee. They were tied after 36 holes and had a close battle throughout the final round. The pivotal hole was probably their 9th hole when Juliana made an uncharacteristic mistake off the tee on the par 5 18th and ended with a bogey while Lee made birdie. The two shot swing provided momentum for Lee and she would eventually finished two shots ahead of Hung. Rion Ishikawa finished 10 shots from the winner in third place.

In the Men’s Masters, Anton Fouchee overcame a three shot deficit after 36 holes to shot the best third round score and win by two strokes. Aaron Forsyth lead the championship going into the final round but couldn’t finish off, leaking shots over the last nine holes to eventually finish third. Veteran Marty Holman put up a fine showing finishing second to Fouchee.

Waitikiri greenkeeper Naomi Wallace was a runaway winner of the Women’s Masters Championship by 12 shots from Suzetter Eastmond and Kate Turner who tied second. Her first round of 72 was the springboard for the win.

Kazuma really won the championship on the Saturday when he had fine rounds of 67 and 68 to give himself a five shot lead. The afternoon round in a stiff nor-wester was particularly impressive as most of his rivals struggled. All he needed was a 73 on Sunday in the 54 hole event to cruise home with a three shot victory.

His closest rivals were Nic Kay and Reid Hilton. Nic will rue his second round 81 after he had shot a course record 64 (off the blue tees) in the morning. He closed with the best third round score of 66 but it was not enough to round up Kobori. Nic spoke of his recent lack of tournament play contributing to his second round score. Reid Hilton was solid with rounds of 68, 73, and 70. Tied for fourth were Hayato Miya, Josh Smith and David Kelly.

In the end it was Kazuma’s consistent ball striking and error-free golf that won the day. He has carried on the form from

Players enjoyed fine sunny conditions on a well manicured Pegasus course, with a stiff norwester and easterly breeze keeping them honest. Thanks must go to the club, its members, staff and volunteers for assisting with the tournament.

Also to our long-time sponsor – Stephen Parkyn and the team at Lamb & Hayward.

JULIANA HUNG NAMED IN NZ QUEEN SIRIKIT CUP TEAM

New Zealand Golf have named an exciting young team to contest the 41st Queen Sirikit Cup to be played from 6-8 March at Glenelg Golf Club in Adelaide, South Australia.

Canterbury’s Juliana Hung will be joined

by Auckland’s Carmen Lim and Vivian Lu who will take on some of the world’s best at the prestigious Asia-Pacific Amateur Ladies Golf Team Championship.

This trio includes the current holders of our two biggest trophies in the country’s amateur golf ranks with Hung winning the New Zealand Stroke Play Championship at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club before Lu claimed the New Zealand Amateur Championship at Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary.

Both Hung and Lim have recently returned from an amazing experience in Florida during the Lydia Ko Scholarship in early January. This scholarship provides the opportunity for young female golfers to learn from our very best to help more players grow and hopefully join Ko on the LPGA Tour.

To spend the week training, playing and getting to know the former world number one will be invaluable for the pair and the Queen Sirikit Cup will be the perfect place to put all their learnings into action as they continue to grow.

The event scoring format records the best two stroke-play scores daily for each team, while an individual prize is also up for grabs. New Zealand has won the Queen Sirikit Cup on three occasions back in 1984, 1990 and the latest victory was two decades ago in 1999.

Thirteen other national teams from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Chinese-Taipei, China, Philippines, Japan, Korea and

GOLFCROSSWORD 1

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ACROSS

“TEE FOR TWO” GOLF PACKAGE Play Kauri Cliffs + accommodation at Stone Store Lodge ü 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 ü TWO nights accommodation in a Deluxe Suite Dble/Twin suite with Inlet views, at Stone Store Lodge Kerikeri **201 Kerikeri Road** ü TWO for TEA (or coffee) each morning with continental or full breakfast at Stone Store Lodge ü TWO guests enjoy a delicious glass of wine with light snacks on night of arrival.

NZ$945 for TWO *

*Must be NZ residents. International Visitors ADD $512

Outs ide these dates please look at ou r webs ite

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Above pricing valid from 15th December 2018 - 31st March 2019 for TWO • NON Golfer Substitute: A selection from Health-Herbal-body treatments • No refund for unused services • Rain check available due weather within validity • Based on two persons - share Twin or Double Occupancy • Air and land transportation not included • Prices are GST inclusive • Golf carts not included

LODGE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE USE! Min. 2 nights. Use our fully equipped kitchen, self-catering. Lodge serviced daily.

Priced on six NZ golfers/two nights/golf included $2790.00 until 23/4/2019.

If you have more than 6 golfers or are international golfers please enquire.

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

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1 Winner of the 2019 Saudi International, Dustin _______ (7) 5 Faculty or skill for a particular thing (4-3) 9 Hang around (5) 10 Hidden, by long grass possibly (9) 11 City that hosts the Genesis Open (3,7) 12 Australian who has won multiple times on the Ladbrokes 2019 Legends Tour, ____ Harwood (4) 14 Bring out into the open (6) 16 Kiwi winner of the 2019 Super 6 Perth tournament (4,3) 18 No longer playing professionally (7) 20 American winner of the 1988 Victorian Open, Jim ______ (6) 23 Winner of the 2019 Pebble Beach Pro-am, ____ Mickelson (4) 24 Difficult golf courses, no doubt (10) 27 Something startling or revealing, like a 7-down, perhaps (3-6) 28 Partial darkness - not great for playing golf (5) 29 Body of attendants accompanying an important person (7) 30 A particular level in the hierarchy of an organisation (7)

March 2019

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1 Winner of the 2019 Genesis Open (1,1,6) 2 Those people with money and possessions (5) 3 Something one is very good at (6,4) 4 Rickie Fowler’s five cents worth (6) 5 Australian who achieved tied-second at the 2019 Victorian Open, Brad _______ (7) 6 Above par (4) 7 Shot that most players dream about (4,2,3) 8 Irons with considerable loft and broad soles (6) 13 Describing plus twos when fastened properly

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(4-6) 15 Position held by Dennis Clark in the NZ PGA (9) 16 Winner of the 2016 Shriners Hospital for Children Open, ___ Pampling (3) 17 Highest-finishing Aussie at the 2019 Genesis Open, Marc ________ (8) 19 Raise to a higher degree (7) 21 Come into view (6) 22 Winner of the Open Championship in 2011, Darren ______ (6) 25 Dog’s angry noise (5) 26 Describing a golf tournament accessible to all (4) >> SOLUTION NEXT EDITION

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CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD Rangiora

03 313-6666

Rangiora Friday Tournament

15-Mar

Greendale

03 3254 128

Greendale Women's Canadian Foursomes

16-Mar

Hanmer Spring

18-Mar

Russley

20-Mar

Amberley

03 358-4748

Aorangi

Simes Cup 27 Hole Mixed American Foursomes Russley Men's & Women's 9 Hole Tournament

03 314 8735

10-Mar

Tinwald

03 308 4577

Aorangi Strokeplay

14-Mar

Gleniti

03 686 0305

Gleniti Open

14-Mar

Lower Waitaki

03 431 3800

Lower Waitaki 9 Hole Tournament

16-Mar

Fairlie

21363956

Fairlie 500 Tournament

17-Mar

Rakaia

33027114

Amberley Women's Teams Stableford Tournament

Rakaia Mixed 27 Hole

20/3/19

North Otago

(03) 434 6169

North Otago Triples Tournament

22-Mar

Coringa

03-359 7174

Coringa Women's Teams Tournament

22-Mar

Mayfield

33036342

Mayfield Open

24-Mar

Charteris Bay

03-3294799

Charteris Bay Sponsored Tournament

22/3/19

Temuka

03 6159666

Association 9 Hole

24-Mar

Russley

03 358-4748

Russley Women's Open

23-Mar

Lower Waitaki

03 431 3800

Lower Waitaki Whitestone Classic

27-Mar

Scargill

273691941

Scargill Women's Open

28-Mar

Gleniti

03 686 0305

Stylemaster

28-Mar

Lincoln

(03)3252453

Lincoln Women's Open

30-Mar

Tinwald

03 308 4577

Tinwald '3500' Tournament

Thailand will compete for this prestigious trophy as the Kiwis look to engrave their name on it for the fourth time.

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND SPONSORED TOURNAMENT AT ROXBURGH

The Roxburgh Golf Club hosted its Annual Holiday Sponsored Tournament on Saturday 29 December. A Great day with 112 golfers from all over Otago and Southland, supported with Golf holiday makers from Canterbury and from as far north as Whangaparaoa. The Weather was excellent for golf – reasonably warm and sunshine – a real Central Day! The club attracted wonderful sponsorship so that as usual everyone went home with a prize. Plenty of local produce donated – cherries and gourmet blueberries, and very fresh eggs. Without any of this sponsorship of course this tournament wouldn’t be the success it always is.

During the year members of staff from Jack’s Point have spent a lot of time, at no cost to the Roxburgh Golf Club, helping overcome the flood damage incurred on the course in November 2017. They have created a new #14 green which could well become their new signature hole.

Local contractors also donated a lot of time to help the club recover.

Arrowtown

34421719

Lakes District Classic

15-Mar

Cromwell

(03) 445 0165

Eagles Intercollegiate Tournament

15-17 Mar

Wanaka

03 443 7888

Hirepool Charity Classic

16-Mar

Alexandra

03 4488204

Ford Fourball Tournament

17-Mar

Arrowtown

34421719

Shanahans Tournament

Maramarua Golf Club

09 433 8055

hughan

keriker

M&W

20 - 22 Feb Mount Maunganui 2019 Programme Dates 2019 4-

Mxd

6 Mar

Tom18 -Uden 07Classic 575 4214Craig Collier nztru@ 19 Aug Coromandel Coast Vets Pairs 07 86498

M&W,Mxd

Location Ngaruawahia

Contact Name

7 - 10 Jan 2019 Pakuranga/Remuera 4 day

11 - 15 Mar

30Jan-1Feb

M&W

6 - 8 18 Feb -

M&W M&W

Rangitikei & Castlecliff

Whakatane 3 day

22Taumarunui Mar Carterton

21-Aug

M&W

Paeroa

Phone - 30 Aug Otaki Mxd Reg26Calden

Email07

09 528Mxd 8717

2 - 6admin@akseniorgolf.org.nz Sept Levin

Club Manager

07 308M&W 8117

whakatanegolfclub@gmail.com 23 -25 Sept Rotorua (Arikikapakapa)

Don Blackledge

8 348 405

10 - 11 Oct

Club Manager

09 235 94

Jane Hiebendaal

09 434 69

Terry Kay

Monday Feb 25th - 9.00 am start

Whitford Golf Club

M&W

11 - 15 Mar

M&W Mxd

18 - 2215 Mar- 18 Carterton Apr

M&W

9 - 13 Sep Pat Pene

06 344 5478Pat Pene

Rangitikei,Rangatira, Wanganui,Castlecliff

M&W Lindsay 7 - 8 OctSutton Clarks Beach 06 07 8968710 eileen.terry@xtra.co.nz M&W

Waiuku

4 - 6 Mar

Omokoroa 3 day

25 -29 Mar

M&W

09 232 17 3775763 Club Manager vetsgol

6 Nov Poverty Bay 07 575M&W 4214Club3 -Manager nztru@kinect.co.nz

07 824M&W 8006

regcalden@yahoo.com 11 - 14 Nov Omokoroa

Rangitikei & Castlecliff

Pat Pene

06 344M&W 5478

Waikato Champs hhppene@gmail.com

15 - 18 Apr

Mxd

22 - 26 Apr

Sutton Kaitake, Westown, Fitzroy,Lindsay Inglewood

2 - 6th Dec

06 765 5219

Muriwai,Nth Shore,

Kaitake, Westown, Fitzroy, Inglewood

WainuiBill Bird

Kaye Cavey

2 May 1 Day. Team of 4 Jane Hiebendaal 20-21Sherwood May Park Riverside (Narrows/Lochiel) 2 day Pairs

Mxd All

18 - 20 Nov

Men

06 374 3670

29 Apr -Manukorihi 3 May Paraparaumu,Otaki,Levin,Waikanae Marie Rayner

M&W

M&W

Heather Vivian

May Park 1 Day. Team ofManager 4 Waihi StrokeSherwood Play Club

Secretary

Terry Golder

06 754 8953Secretary

Te Puke

06 7552875

Rangitikei

h.rvivian@xtra.co.nz

07 863 8678Jane Hiebendaal waihi@golf.co.nz

09 434 6900

06 754 8953Owenwg.cf.bird@xtra.co.nz Young 021

06 7585754

greveykp@gmail.com

Brian Chapman 04 298 4321 rere8533@gmail.com

09 434 6900Colin Vincent admin@sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz 021 971

07 8649846

cwcollie

Richard Baker

07 862 6767

mikehay

Lorraine McLeavey

0274 494522

mcleav

Brian Chapman

04 298 4321

chapmanb@xtra.co.nz

k-a.jensen@xtra.co.nz

Waipa Veterans Classic - Te Awamutu

21-Aug

26 - 30 Aug

Paeroa

Kerry Jensen

Otaki

chapm

07 871 4838

29 Apr - 3 May Paraparaumu,Otaki,Levin,Waikanae

19Riverside Aug (Narrows/Lochiel) Coromandel2 day Coast Classic PairsVets Pairs Colin Vincent

nhsga1@

Craig Collier 021 971 871 cjv@xtra.co.nz

M&W

23-24 May

admin@

k-a.jen

nhsga1@outlook.com

20-2118 May-

rere853

07 871 4838

021 666 686

M&W

07 533 18

greveyk

cjv@xt

Owen Young

M&W,Mxd All

07 548 03

wg.cf.b

871

29 Apr - 2 May Muriwai,Nth Shore, Wainui

Waipa Veterans Classic - Te Awamutu

666 686

06 7552875

M&W

23-24 May

Scott Evans

Rangitikei

gcmurphy44@gmail.com

2 - 6th Dec Marie Rayner

Women

06 867 44

07 863 8678David Mansell waihi@ 07 37889

Taupo

06 3775763Kaye Cavey vetsgolfcarterton@gmail.com 06to Nationals 7585754 Proposed Local Special events prior

Gwen Murphy

Manukorihi

4 - 8 Nov

Bill Bird 13-14 Nov

Stratford

8 - 12 29Apr Apr -Waitara 2 May

M&W

Waitara

M&W

Waipukurau,Takapau, Dannevirke, Waipawa

M&W Mxd

Sherwood Park 2 day terry.golder2@gmail.com

Reg Calden

1 - 5 Apr

8 - 9 Apr2

17 - 18 Oct

22 - 24 Oct Whakatane WGC 07 308 81 Vivian 06 765 5219Secretary h.rvivia 09 407M&W 8837Heather Ex 229 - 31 kerikerigolf@clear.net.nz Oct Ngaruawahia Reg Calden 07 824 80 M&W

Tom Uden

Mxd

Mxd M&W

07 548M&W 0391

Ngaruawahia

22 - 26 Apr

Mxd

Terry Golder

9 Mount Apr Maunganui Waihi Stroke Play

8 - 12 Apr

M&W

Mxd

06 368 61

06 34454 hhppen

Wairoa,Sherwood,Mt Denby Hugh Tennent 09 433Mxd 8055 hughandjean@farmside.co.nz 14 - 15 Oct Warkworth 09 425 82 25 -29Nthn Mar Waipukurau,Takapau, Dannevirke, Waipawa Gwen Murphy 06 374 3670The Secretary gcmurp

Mxd

M&W

07 862 67

Secretary WGC

Club Manager

M&W

Richard Baker

824 8006Lorraine McLeaveyregcald 0274 494

Graham Arnold

20 - 22 Feb 8-

www.akseniorgolf.org.nz

Hugh Tennent

09 407 8837 Ex 2

M&W M&W

If you would like to join us or for more info please visit:

eileen.

Club Manager

1 - 5 Bay Aprof IslandsStratford 18 -22 Feb Kerikeri

whakat

Bay of Islands Kerikeri

13 - 15 Feb

admin@

18 -22 Feb

Mxd Mxd

Monday Mar 25th – 8.30 am start (champs final)

D E E P E N S

Mxd

M&W

Pukekohe Golf Club

07 8968710

N O N S T O P

terry.go

Onewhero Golf Club

Monday Mar 18th – 8.00 am start (champs semi final)

Terry Kay

H A D W I D I P A U L I M K D I R I N U M B S U P O E A R N E I R R APhone N G M E 09 528 8717 E R A S 07N308 8117 R O T E S T

07 548 0391

13 - 15 Feb

Waiuku Golf Club

D E S I G N S

A M P L I N G E E E B H A N E T A R N T T E U S T R A L I A E E T V O L V E T H N I S E E E T O N A T E H O A X Contact Name E E D R E A M M T N Graham Arnold O E S A H E A D Secretary N T WGC R E E D A T E P R

Terry Golder

M&W

Monday Mar 11th. - 8.00 am start (2nd round champs)

P A S S A G E

Omokoroa 3 day

M&W

Pukekohe Golf Club

February

13 - 15 Feb

Monday Feb 18th 2019 – 8.30 am start

Monday Mar 4th – 8.30 am start (1st round champs.)

CROSSWORDSOLUTION

M&W

M&W

30

13-14 Mar

A first round 65 was enough to secure Canterbury’s Kazuma Kabori the South17-Mar Balclutha 03 4182171 St Patricks Day Open Tournament land Strokeplay title for the second con17-Mar St Clair 03 4877076 St Clair Weekend secutive year.

Open Played at SBS Bank Invercargill Golf Southland Club last month, the championships attracted some of the top golfers from Can11,12 2019 Greenacres 03 215 9016 Southland 54 Hole Programme terbury south – and the visitors proved Mar Strokeplay too good for the locals.

Dates 2019 14-Mar Tuatapere 03 226 6687Location Tuatapere Ladies 9 Hole Tournament Kabori followed his excellent first - 10 Jan 2019 Pakuranga/Remuera 4 day round score with rounds ofMen 73 and 707to 21-Mar Queens Park (03) 218-8371 Queens Park Ladies Country Day take the title. Otago’s Brandon M&W Hodgson 30Jan-1Feb Whakatane 3 day 24-Mar Hedgehope 03 216 8387 Hedgehope Open was runner-up and young Canterbury talStroke 27 Holes 6 - 8 Feb Taumarunui ent Hayato Miya was third. M&W M&W 13 - 15 Feb Nthn Wairoa,Sherwood,Mt Denby

Men

Otago

SOUTHLAND STROKEPLAY FOR KABORI

Auckland Senior Golfers Society

The top Southland player was Matt Tautari, who finished seventh.

Up and coming Queenstown talent Sumin Kang took out the women’s title, four shots clear of runner-up, Invercargill’s Robyn Pullar.

Paul Adams won the 36-hole seniors competition that ran alongside the championships.

The Southland championships attracted more than 50 players and is the first event of the 2019 House of Travel Tour HOT Tour). Results from the weekend’s play will be combined with results of the Otago and Canterbury Strokeplay Championships (to be played over the following two weekends).

The HOT Tour Champions are the lowest 162 hole aggregate scores (Men & Women) at the end of the 3 event tour.

Please check website NZVGA.co.nz for changes or updates

15-Mar

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND NOTICEBOARD

Kerry Jensen

Mxd

or updates 2 - 6 Sept Please Levin check website NZVGA.co.nz for changes Club Manager

06 368 6189

levin@

M&W

9 - 13 Sep

06 3445478

hhppen

M&W M&W

M a r23c h-252Sept 019 7 - 8 Oct

Rangitikei,Rangatira, Wanganui,Castlecliff

Pat Pene

Rotorua (Arikikapakapa)

Don Blackledge

Clarks Beach

Club Manager

8 348 4051 rotorua WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ 09 232 1788

manage

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March 2019