Golfer Pacific NZ - April 2019

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

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Brown prevails in dramatic finish ISSN 1178-0754 ISSN 1835-1336 XX 04

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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

Is there too much prizemoney in golf?

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

R

ory McIlroy picked up $US2.25 million for his win in The Players’ Championship in the United States last month.

That equates to $3.27 million in New Zealand dollars.

Is that too much for one player?

There is no question that it is a tremendous amount of money.

Should the winner of a golf tournament be given so much?

The Players’ Championship is the world’s richest golf tournament. It carried a purse of

$US12.5 million and the two golfers who finished equal last in the field of 73 both earned $US24,375 each.

Even that figure of $US24,375 is, in my mind, a lot of money.

But is it too much money?

My answer is if the game can afford it, that’s fine.

I would also suggest that such huge amounts of money is a reflection that the game of golf is in great heart.

Golf tournaments gain most of their income from sponsorship and television rights.

Sponsors will only give up large amounts of money if they feel they are getting good exposure of their name.

Television companies will only pay large amounts of money to cover a tournament if they feel they will get a large audience.

You can be assured television companies will have done their homework on viewing statistics.

That means lots of people are keen to watch golf and that means golf is popular on a world scale.

I am also happy with the likes of McIlroy earning $US2.2.5 million. He is one of the best players in the world and that is no mean feat.

There are literally tens of thousands golfers in the world who are great players. But there are only several dozen who make it

to McIlroy’s level.

I often refer to the practice range at a good tournament as the ablutions’ block. You look down the range and it appears all are flushing it.

But when they step out onto the golf course some seem to develop a dose of diarrhoea.

McIlory has been a worldclass player for a few years but he doesn’t need to look far over his shoulder to understand that behind him there is a mammoth pack of golfers trying to overtake him.

One of those players could be the promising, young player at your club.

SALES & CLUB PACKAGE GOLF TRAILS & NOTICEBOARDS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 7 5504 6334 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 LAYOUT & DESIGN 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: Whangarei golfer Luke Brown with his trophy after winning the New Zealand Strokeplay in Christchurch.

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April 2019

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Kazuma Kobori with his trophies after winning the New Zealand PGA Championship at Pegasus in North Canterbury last month

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NZ PGA won by 17-year-old amateur from Canterbury

H

e was just 17 years of age. But already he’s the winner of a golf tournament for professionals.

His name is Kazuma Kobori, he’s from Canterbury and his win came in the New Zealand Professional Golfers’ Association Championship at his home course of Pegasus Golf and Sports Club in North Canterbury.

In a dominant performance, Kobori maintained an overnight lead to win by four shots from New Zealand’s David Smail with rounds of 67, 65, 66 and 69 for a tournament total of 21 under par.

“It feels incredible,” an ecstatic Kobori said.

“It hasn’t actually sunk in yet but I think it will later on. I didn’t miss too many greens today.

“I missed a few but on the front nine I played really solid. I missed a green on number three but I played really solid golf until eight, then went two under through the turn and kept it going.”

Consistency was key for Kobori who, after pre-qualifying for the event on the previous Monday, recorded only two bogeys throughout the tournament.

However it wasn’t until midway through the back nine on Sunday that the amateur realised he was about to win against a field of seasoned professionals.

“I saw the leaderboard on 14. I didn’t know it was there, I just accidentally looked at it, saw that I had a four shot lead at that point and I thought that was pretty sweet.

“I just kept playing my own game and then it was all good."

Coming onto the final stretch, nerves weren’t an issue for Kobori who said he felt more pressure in round three.

“Not really today, I kept it calm,” Kobori said.

“I think my ability to keep calm and not get too angry has helped this week.

“I did get a bit angry out there but not too bad and I kept my composure, I thought that was the key, so I’ll take that on board for next time.”

Joining the strong crowd following the

leading group was Kobori’s father, a close friend and the PGA professional he first worked with when starting golf at the age of 10.

“It feels amazing, especially with all of the people out there with all of the support I got it feels incredible,” Kobori said.

“It just makes it that much better I reckon. I’ve been getting messages on Facebook and Instagram as well.

The day after the tournament it was back to school for Kobori.

In addition to winning the New Zealand PGA Championship trophy, Kobori was also honoured as the leading New Zealander with the Sir Bob Charles Trophy.

The tournament’s runner-up was New Zealand’s David Smail who had rounds of 68, 66, 70 and 67 to finish on 17 under par.

“I started off not feeling that confident,’’ Smail recalled.

“Towards the end (in the third round) yesterday I started hitting some pretty bad shots so I was just trying to keep it in play.

“I putted pretty well all week, it’s probably the first time I haven’t had a threeputt in a tournament week for a long, long time. My playing was good and I just managed to hit enough good shots to get a good score.”

Because Kobori is an amateur the first prize of $17,555 went to Smail.

Applauding Kobori for the win, Smail said he has what it takes to go far having seen him in action against his own son.

“I have seen him play,’’ Smail said of Kobori.

“My son is playing a lot with Kazuma, so I’ve seen plenty of his play over the last few years to know that he’s a real talent.

He’s done fantastic this week so it’s good for the future.”

Cameron John, from Victoria, was third on a total of 16 under par after a consistent effort across the tournament.

Three players including Blake Proverbs, Mark Purser and Anthony Quayle finished tied for fourth place on 15 under the card.

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GOLF NEWS The moment of victory for Luke Brown after sinking a 20-foot putt for eagle on the last hole to win the New Zealand Strokeplay.

Carmen Lim, from Auckland, with her trophy after running away with victory in the New Zealand Strokeplay at the Christchurch Golf Club

Luke Brown prevails … and Lim in dramatic finish wins by seven to NZ Strokeplay A

L

uke Brown created a memory of a lifetime when finishing with an eagle two on the last hole to win the New Zealand Strokeplay Championship at the Christchurch Golf Club.

After starting the final day two shots behind Kazuma Kobori, Brown found himself with a three-shot lead with three holes to play.

However, bogeys on 16 and 17 coupled with a clutch Kobori birdie added immense pressure as they entered the drivable par four 18th all square.

After the two-shot swing, Brown collected himself to then produce the perfect drive and leave himself 20 feet for eagle to take home the title in front of a packed clubhouse.

As Kobori had done so often over the previous three weeks he came up with another stunning putt for birdie to force Brown to make his putt which he did.

It was the 24-year-old’s first national title and it probably took some time to sink in after what had been a tough 18 months with injuries.

“I’m still trying to come to terms with it, it was quite an emotional finish so to get over the line was pretty amazing,” a re-

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lieved Brown said.

“Getting out to a three-shot lead, then giving it back was tough but to be able to sink that putt after he made his was special and something I will never forget.”

After nearly turning professional last year, Brown will be pleased with his decision as he now etches his name into the history books of the biggest amateur strokeplay event in the country.

Christchurch has been a happy hunting ground for the now Whangarei-based Brown having won the Interprovicial Championship with his Northland team in December, to return to the Garden City and win on the individual stage.

The scenes that were produced on the final day wouldn’t have been possible without the class of Kobori who after winning the New Zealand PGA Championship two weeks previously was in the form of his life.

Although he finished just short, this was still a great week for the 17-year-old who continues to build an impressive resume.

Fellow Cantabrian, Matt McLean took out third place showing that the strength of golf in the mainland is in a good place.

April 2019

uckland schoolgirl Carmen Lim cruised to victory in the New Zealand Strokeplay Championship.

Lim, 15, had a massive margin of seven shots over her nearest rival with a near-perfect week at the Christchurch Golf Club last month.

On the par 74 circuit she had rounds of 72, 70, 69 and 69 to enter the winners circle after many years of threatening at the top level.

Lim started the final day four-shots ahead of eventual runner-up and fellow Aucklander Vivian Lu. But Lim never gave Lu a chance as they went shot for shot in the opening nine to both make the turn at four-under par.

Lim all but confirmed the win early in the back nine when she started with a birdie while Lu was unable to keep up with a double bogey, bogey start to end her run at the title.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting for this moment for some time now, so yeah it feels amazing,” Lim said.

She joins some big names in the world of golf, including her idol Lydia Ko who won the same event in 2011.

“It’s pretty cool to have your name on the same trophy as Lydia’s,’’ Lim said.

“It’s certainly a goal to join her on the LPGA Tour at some stage. It’s probably one of the best moments of my career and it hasn’t really hit home yet.”

“I didn’t really know what the score was and just focused on my own game and then at the end I was like, ‘seven shots – okay’ that’s awesome.

“I’m going to go home and share it with my little baby sister who is just five months old.”

Although Lu fell short it was another great week for the New Zealand Amateur champion who continues to show her growth, while Wellington’s Darae Chung took out third place.

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Water buffalo part of the greenkeeping staff

O

ne of Vietnam’s leading golf courses, Laguna Golf Lang, is staying at the top of its maintenance game by utilising the talents of a very special group of greenkeepers – a family of water buffalo.

As every superintendent worth his or her salt will tell you, prime conditioning is key to the success of all leading golf courses.

Dedicated greenkeeping staff at top clubs around the world deploy sophisticated hardware and a variety of innovative techniques to keep their layouts in world-class nick.

At Laguna Golf Lang, though, the legwork involved in maintaining the elevated status of the layout – where golfers encounter tropical jungle, ocean sand dunes, and rice paddies – is shared between man, machinery and beast.

“We are pretty sure it’s a first in this part of the world to have animals performing such an important role on the golf course,” said Adam Calver, director of golf at Laguna Golf Lang, of the work carried out by buffalo father named Tu Phat, buffalo mother Chi Chi and their calf, Bao, tending to four hectares of rice fields located right in the middle of the course. Yes, the buffalo have names.

The paddies contour the third and fourth holes and reappear in the back

Water buffalo in action at the Laguna Golf Club in Vietnam

nine between the 13th green, 14th tee and run alongside the 15th fairway of the course that was sculpted by Faldo Design.

In the early days of golf, when courses were mostly laid out on public land it was not uncommon for sheep and cattle to roam freely across fairways and greens.

Even today at some courses – including country venues in New Zealand and notably the wilder links clubs in remote regions of Scotland and Ireland – livestock

play their part in trimming turf and thinning out rough.

Courses in Asia, however, have been less willing to let animals in on the greenkeeping act – until now that is.

Even on the quietest days, the water buffalo wade through the rice paddies and perform their duties. “We looked at various methods to increase the aesthetics of the rice paddies between the harvests as continually mowing the fields to

maintain vast rice terraces can consume a large amount of labour,” added Calver.

“The water buffalo act as bio-mowers while also protecting the traditional Vietnamese landscape.”

The bovine threesome help to manage the paddies by eating excess weeds and crops in the area that would otherwise require machinery and manpower to maintain.

Not only do the animals provide a vital service in tending to the paddies, they supply an additional appealing optic to one of the most eye-catching sections of a golf course that is already strong on visual manna.

The paddy, though, is not just for show.

Harvested twice a year, they yield up to 20 tons of rice that are used to support the organic farm at Laguna Lang and donated to families and seniors in the area.

“We knew that having the holes weave through the rice fields would be a unique and memorable experience for golfers,” said Paul Jansen, who assisted Faldo with the design of the course.

“And also, there would be potential to give back to the community in a sustainable and regenerative fashion. All the best golf courses have character and sense of place and we felt if we could adapt our surroundings then we would be close to achieving something really good.”

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April 2019

5

Leading the charge for more women in golf — Chyloe Kurdas GOLF NEWS

C

hyloe Kurdas spent 15 years as an elite Australian Rules footballer.

The daughter of a Turkish immigrant father, she grew up in a multi-cultural community in Australia where girls were typically not especially encouraged to play sport.

Except for Kurdas, whose parents were committed to education and sport, and whose encouragement resulted in their daughter discovering a natural talent for Aussie Rules football.

Following a successful playing career, she became AFL Victoria’s first female football development manager, as well as developing studies in health promotion, psychology and education.

Now Kurdas is the female engagement senior manager for Golf Australia – and has a clear view of where golf has come from and the direction it needs to go.

Speaking to a spokesperson for Syngenta Growing Golf, Kurdas said: “Historically, golf has been built by men, for men and to the needs of men. That’s all sport. If you look at the first Olympic Games, women weren’t even allowed to participate.

“When we have let women into sport, we’ve generally tacked them on the end. So women have had to adjust their needs to suit the culture of whichever sport they are choosing. What we need to do in golf, if we are going to move forward and have a future proof sport, is deconstruct our culture.

“The origins of golf’s culture are steeped in masculinity and the needs of men. It’s our past, a product of our time in history – but it doesn’t have to be our future. The best bit about that is that we get to choose what our future will be.

“Our culture needs to be led by the needs of people. All successful sports

are being participant-driven.”

This sentiment was encapsulated in the launch of The R&A’s women in golf charter in London last May where Kurdas was invited to speak.

The R&A – formerly an all-male body known as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews – is now taking a forward-looking lead among governing bodies to change golf’s culture and increase inclusivity.

Not just because it is the right thing to do, but because if golf is to be economically sustainable it has to answer the needs of people. All people.

A 2016 report by Syngenta revealed, the global market potential of increased female participation could be worth up to $US35 billion a year.

However, according to Kurdas, women play a far more significant role. They are more than individual customers; they are introducers and bring others with them.

In fact, they are the key to unlocking the long-term benefits of family golf.

“Women are socialised to be the connectors within our families,” Kurdas said.

“We are great connectors within our social spaces, we are often the ones who connect people together. That is part of how we have been socialised.

“So, when we choose to engage more women in the sport, we also get the strategic advantage of the skillset and experience that women bring – and that is, they bring others with them.

“When we think about the family context and the role of a woman within a family, if we don’t get her, we don’t get her family. And that’s critical.”

The research by Syngenta proved the point. It revealed that women are 38 percent more likely to introduce their children to golf than men.

Chyloe Kurdas, female engagement senior manager for Golf Australia

What Syngenta’s research also showed was that family responsibilities (30 percent), as well as cost (30 percent), were the primary reasons female golfers left the sport.

Kurdas explains that while women are more likely to bring others along to golf, including family, the converse risk is that if the experience is negative it will result in more being deterred.

The paradox golf faces is that spending time with family is one of the factors that appeals most to prospective female players. Yet if a golf course can’t provide that experience, it becomes the reason many female players leave the game.

So, can golf be relevant to modern family life?

“Absolutely,” Kurdas said.

“But it’s about cultural expansion and doing things we’ve never done before.

We have to modernise the sport to pro-

vide an offering for anyone in the community; not so that you have to fit into a little niche of delivering the sport – 18-hole golf, five hours, you must have a handicap.

“For me, I have absolutely no interest in playing competitive golf. I play golf because it enhances my mental health – it’s mindfulness and movement. I like to walk around my local nine-hole public course. It’s open, it’s inclusive, it costs me $A18.

“Eighty percent of Australian golf club members are 55 years and over, but if we want to attract a younger and family-based market, we have to give them a product that they want to buy.

“I really love the game. I’d like to play more and get a little better, but I haven’t joined a golf club because I’ve yet to find a product in a golf club that suits my needs. Who else are we missing out on?”

Annika Invitational and Missions Hills commit for a further five years

T

he Annika Invitational, of which the Australasian version was first held in Wellington last year, has committed it’s Asian tournament to China for a further five years.

The Annika Foundation – the charitable organisation of golf hall-of-famer Annika Sorenstam’s – and the Mission Hills group have announced a five-year extension to host the Annika Invitational at Mission Hills through to 2023.

The first all girls international event to come to China, the Annika Invitational at Mission Hills was first hosted in 2011 and has established itself as a pre-eminent female junior event in Asia.

Since its inception, the event has hosted over 1000 players, many of whom have gone on to play division one collegiate golf in the United States, and succeeded

6

at the professional level.

“The Annika Invitational is one of the highlights of our annual junior golf programme at Mission Hills, which features more than 50 tournaments for tens of thousands of young Chinese golfers each year,” said Tenniel Chu, group vice-chairman of Mission Hills.

“We look forward to continuing our mission together with Annika to grow girls’ golf in China and across the region for many more years to come.”

Sorenstam, who designed the host Annika Course and annually attends the tournament, said: “I’m so proud of what this event has become over the years and I’m always so inspired by the talent that we see each year.

The Annika Foundation is proud of its partnership with Mission Hills and looks forward to a bright future with this event.”

April 2019

The Mission Hills junior golf programme provides access to golf for tens of thousands of juniors each year, from beginners through to elite amateurs, through 50-plus junior tournaments plus coaching, camps and clinics, schools’ initiative, free access for juniors to three courses and free entry into China’s first golf museum.

Since 2005, Mission Hills has invested more than $US6 million into its junior programming, and more than 100,000 competitive rounds have been played by juniors at Mission Hills. It was voted best youth development programme in Asia in 2018.

Each year, the Annika Foundation conducts five other major golf events for juniors: the Annika Invitational USA, Annika Invitational Europe, Annika Cup, Annika Invitational Latin America and Annika Invitational Australasia.

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Australian’s first win as a professional comes in NZ Open NEWS

A

ustralian Zach Murray posted his first win as a professional when taking out the 100th New Zealand Open in Queenstown.

Under a blazing Central Otago sky, the 21-year-old from Victoria almost managed to maintain the relaxed facade on show through three previous rounds at The Hills and Millbrook courses.

But his composure was tested on the very last hole of the tournament after a wild tee shot, and a second shot which flew well over the green, before making a bogey to win by two strokes from compatriot Ashley Hall and New Zealand’s Josh Geary.

Murray, who previously won the Western Australia Open as an amateur, gained $A211,724 for the win, or nearly $NZ220,00.

He also won a further $A11,292 as part of the winning pro-am team.

Starting the final round with a one-stroke lead over Geary, Murray had fallen back to the pack early in the back nine before an eagle and two birdies from the 13-15th holes propelled him towards a winning score of four under for the round and 21 under for the tournament.

Murray is believed to be the first wire-to-wire winner of the New Zealand Open since Sir Bob Charles in 1954.

“Starting my career like this is so huge and to win the 100th New Zealand Open -- I don’t really think words can describe that,’’ Murray said. ``I’ve etched my name in history a little bit, which is really good and I’ll come back and sup-

Australian golfer Zach Murray is all smiles after winning the New Zealand Open, his first as a professional.

port this tournament as long as I’m a professional.

“Growing up in the country, being loyal to the people when you first started, I’m looking forward to playing this tournament for the rest of my life. ``I was speaking to (Sir Bob) just before and I’d never met

The moment of triumph for Australia’s Zach Murray in the New Zealand Open.

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him before, he’s an amazing man and I reckon if I could have a tenth of the career that he had I’ll die a happy man.”

Beginning the day with two birdies to match Murray, Geary came unstuck with back-to-back bogeys on the fifth and sixth holes, only a good putt saving him from making it three in a row.

His tee shot on the ninth found the water which led to a bogey, then he birdied the par three 10th only to drop another shot on the next hole. An eagle-birdie-birdie run starting at 13 sparked his round into life but he had too much ground to make up on Murray.

“When I hit it close on 13 and got the eagle I thought ‘maybe’, but he responded really well,’’ Geary recalled. ``We lost the tee shot left on 15 but got a drop and made birdie and started to feel it could happen. It was not really gone because 16, 17 and 18 are holes

April 2019

that can trip you up.

“It is my first event for three months and it came with a lot of changes to the swing over the last six months. Overall I am really happy with the week. ``It was a shame I lost a bit of momentum today. I hit a good shot into five which hit the flag and missed the green and that started a five-hole stretch of some weird stuff. I bounced back from that but it was too little too late.”

Meanwhile, Hall had reason to reconsider plans to retire after pushing Murray throughout the final round.

Hall’s five birdies on the front nine had him in contention and three straight birdies midway through the back nine gave him a share of the lead before he started to run out of holes and hooked his tee shot on the par four 18th wide, finishing with bogey to be 19-under for the tournament.

Brad Kennedy came back

from a bogey on the eighth to string three birdies together to be in a share of second place, but he could only watch a series of putts slide agonisingly by on the final holes.

He finished 17-under for a share of fifth with Japanese players Rikuya Hoshino and Ryuko Tokimatsu.

New Zealand’s Steven Alker, who will return to the web.com tour later this year, was seven-under for the final day, finishing tied for eighth with fellow Kiwi Harry Bateman and Japan’s Kodai Ichihara.

Korea’s Jang Hyun Lee was the leading amateur, finishing 11-under in a tie for 23rd place while New Zealand amateur Charlie Smail completed the week in 60th position.

New Zealander highest ranked male professional, Ryan Fox had a solid five-under final round, but had to settle for a share of 11th place.

7

GOLF NEWS

He has the craziest swing in world golf.

His follow through has more twists and turns than an award-winning thriller.

If you didn’t know who he was you would think he was a golf hack. He makes Jim Furyk’s swing look classic.

His name is Ho-sung Choi. He is a 45-year-old South Korean professional who won the 2013 Indonesia Championship on the OneAsia Tour and last year’s World Open on the Japan Tour.

Choi has also won twice on the Korean Tour.

The European Tour website last month published an article written by Choi which explained his unusual swing and his life in general. Here it is:

Ho-sung Choi — golf’s fisherman T

Credit Paul Lakatos Asian Tour

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April 2019

hey call me the fisherman. It was a photographer from the Japanese version of Golf Digest who came up with my nickname, as when he took photos of me, he thought my swing reminded him of a fisherman trying to hook his catch – so he called me the fisherman in his captions.

When I was a child I never played sport – but I used to love playing in the water. I used to live right by the ocean – my parents’ house was 30 minutes from the sea – and although I never had lessons, I taught myself how to swim and I used to swim for hours in the waves. I didn’t play any other sports growing up and I didn’t ever think I’d get the chance to become a professional athlete later in my life.

When I was in my last year of high school, I lost half of my thumb in an accident. I was working a part-time job cutting tuna when I caught my finger in a machine. They had to take skin from my stomach to graft a new end to my thumb. It is something that affects my daily life – I really feel it in the winter and it swells a lot in the cold. I never see it as a disadvantage to my golf game though – I always try and think positively about it and use it to my advantage.

After that injury, I did a number of different jobs during my early 20s.

I worked in a stone mine company, for Pohang Steel company, and delivering groceries – but nothing ever stuck. I was so lost for years and didn’t know what to do.

When I was 25 I got a part-time job at a golf course – but I had no intention of playing golf. While I was working at Anyang Country Club (in South Korea) a new general manager came in and encouraged everyone to try the sport. Coaches were expensive, so I taught myself how to play golf.

I learnt to play golf through seeing pictures of swings in magazines.

When I started to learn the game there was no YouTube or any videos on the internet, so I just used to look at photos of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam and try and be like them.

Of course, they were all just snapshots, but I was able to apply their technique by looking at them. My swing is very unique now though, and I don’t think I look like any of

them when I’m playing.

I turned professional aged 29 in 2001 – but I lived year after year in a struggle. I had a desperate mindset that golf was all I had and I kept at it even through the bad times – I think that is what made me.

My big break came in 2008 where I had my first win in Korea. It took me three more years until I won again on the Korean Tour and then in 2013 I won again on the Japan Tour.

Everything changed in 2013. I remember trying my current swing when I was in deep rough, and after that moment I have been using the swing ever since.

I only use my follow through when I need to hit the ball really far – but I have to do it more often as I am getting older. With my follow through now it gives me an extra 15 to 20 yards on my normal swing. At first I couldn’t control the direction of my swing at all, but now I have mastered it that extra distance has made a big difference to my game.

I find it hilarious every time I see clips of me. I really do not know what happens while I play, as I am concentrating so much on my game.

It really doesn’t matter how my swing looks as long as I am getting the right results.

I swing the way I do because it best fits my body. I started golf at an old age compared to a lot of other golfers and as I have gotten older, I have become less flexible, so I felt I needed to adapt my swing as I wasn’t hitting the ball as far as other players.

I never think about my age. I always think to myself ‘I can do it’ and I always try and aim as high as I can.

The best part of my game is definitely my mental strength. I don’t think that I have the best long game or short game, but I believe that it is my mindset which separates me from others.

I don’t know what I would be doing if I didn’t take up professional golf.

I think I would have probably gone into business, and I believe that if I had I would be a very successful man now.

All I want to do is make people happy. My goal now is to travel the world playing golf and entertain all of the crowds as best as I can.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Woods was the inspiration, says Singapore winner Park Sung-hyun

T

iger Woods was still seeking his first win of 2019 but that didn’t matter to South Korean golfer Park Sung-hyun.

Park credited Woods with playing a decisive role in her victory in the Women’s World Championship in Singapore last month.

The win was the 25-year-old’s sixth LPGA Tour triumph after shooting a final-round eight-under-par 64 on the New Tanjong Course at Sentosa Golf Club.

Her 15-under-par total of 273 was two strokes ahead of Australian Minjee Lee, the runner-up, and four shots in front of Korean Ko Jin-young and Spaniard Azahara Munoz in joint third.

Park, nicknamed Tiger in reference to her prowess on the golf course, said a surprise recent meeting with Woods during

a TaylorMade brand shoot acted as an inspiration for her.

Speaking at her victory press conference, Park had a message to share with Woods.

“If Tiger is watching this interview, then I would want to say that because we met, you gave me such a good energy … that made me win this tournament,” Park said.

Park started the final round in a share of eighth spot, four strokes behind leader Ariya Jutanugarn and made a charge for the top, shooting the week’s low round. Meanwhile, her Thai rival, the world number one, finished joint eighth after a disappointing closing 75.

“The secret, I would say, is that I just tried to focus shot-by-shot today,’’ Park added.

“And because of the hot weather, I was holding my um-

Park Sung-hyun celebrates following her win in the Women’s World Championship in Singapore.

brella really close,” Park said of the high temperatures and humidity at Sentosa.

“I was holding it really low so I could only look at the ground and the sweat dripping off my face. That narrowed by focus.”

Admitting that she did not expect to find herself holding aloft silverware quite so early in the season, Park continued: “I didn’t think I would win this fast. I am used to having a tough start to the season these past few years,

and this first win came so fast.

I think I will play really comfortably the rest of my season.”

Park birdied her first three holes and made two additional birdies on the front with a bogey at the long eighth her solitary blemish. Staying strong and focused, she added four more birdies on the back nine, as she had predicted to her mother, LeeKeu-mja, a day earlier.

After running out of steam on the back half of her second and third rounds, Park said Lee repeatedly asked her: “What’s going on with your energy levels?

Are you tired?”

Park responded confidently: “I still have one more day … and just wait. Even though I hit over par on the back nine in the second and third round, I still had the confidence that I could play better on the last day.”

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April 2019

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9

A favorite among tour players as it is a spin killer, the Tour Edge Exotics CBX 119 hybrid is an upgrade from the already-outstanding CBX hybrid. While changes include the head being shorter from heel to toe, less offset as well as the shape more symmetrical, less pearshaped, the result is still strong ball speed, low spin and plenty of distance.

The formula behind Bridgestone’s Tour B JGR hybrid include the boost wave crown, power slit technology and the new power mill pattern across the face all designed to produce a higher launching, straighter ball flight.

With advancements that include an OptiFit Hosel System that’s shorter and lighter to fully optimise the centre of gravity, and a new progressive shape making it easy to hit, the new Big Bertha hybrids offer a groundbreaking combination: greater speed and adjustability for better launch and high, long-carrying flight.

Designed for golfers who have a sweeping delivery to the ball and prefer the look of a fairway wood, with its larger profile, the 818H1 from Titleist provides a high launch, effortless distance and more forgiveness. Available in 19º, 21º, 23º, 25º and 27º lofts.

Cobra’s King F9 Speedback Hybrid improves on a popular model.

By including a 10 percent larger clubhead compared to the King F8, it creates increased forgiveness. Among other new details, its straighter leading edge allows golfers to align the club to the target similar to how they would with an iron for improved accuracy.

No longer a rescue club but a scoring club

By Randy Williams in the United States

W

ith more and more PGA and LPGA Tour players bringing hybrids into their game, including Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, the technology surrounding this club is advancing so rapidly.

What is happening (and it is a terrific boon to recreational duffers) is manufacturers are creating something that is on the verge of providing all the advantages of woods and irons while eliminating their weaknesses.

As a result of the increased high-tech engineering that club makers are pouring into the hybrid, it is instilling in golfers, at every level, more confidence to take dead aim from distances they never have done before, feeling strongly that they can

launch the ball without sacrificing much accuracy.

What the hybrid has done, especially for the casual golfer, is being able to expand their playable distance. Because increasingly, playing under control and launching shots high that land softly, the weekend players are changing their mindset, thinking of their hybrid as scoring clubs, not rescue clubs.

This is not a passing fad, in a recent survey of serious golfers, Golf Datatech found that the average player carries two hybrids, and nearly one in four players carry three or more hybrids in their bags.

In fact, the hybrid has become such a standard piece of equipment that more than half of all golfers in the Golf Datatech study indicated that the hybrids in their bag were purchased as part of their

iron sets. The market for two, three and four irons would appear to be on the wane. And one of the reasons is the hybrid’s multi-functional capabilities.

“They are extremely versatile clubs,” said Jon Claffey of Tour Edge.

“You can hit them off the tee, off the deck, out of the rough and can even bump and run with them a la Todd Hamilton in the 2004 Open Championship.

They are a fixture in golf that makes shots from 180 to 265 yards out, depending on the player, easier to hit and control than a long iron.”

It is the mad scientists at work in the labs of Titleist, Tour Edge, Bridgestone and Callaway among others, that deserve some credit with their design enhancements because improving that performance requires faster ball speeds, higher

launch and a higher peak height of shot.

“If you can increase their trajectory, many players will see better accuracy and consistency as well,’’ said Zack Kupperbusch, the club and accessories manager at Bridgestone.

“We do this in our TOUR B JGR hybrids through our boost wave crown design which allows the crown to flex at impact, resulting in higher ball flight and shots that land more softly on the green.”

Different companies use varying methods, including a wider sole, new level of face thickness, and redistributing more mass low, so essentially, what hybrids have done with increased speeds, easier loft capability and greater distance for more accuracy is simply produce consistently better hits than the irons they’re replacing.

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April 2019

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Haus of Grey’s popular Hightower Half Zip uses moisture wicking performance fabric with extra stretch for maximum comfort and breathability.

Available in a multitude of colors, this Douglas V-Neck vest from Cutter Buck provides the right balance of fine wool to make it feel like a good quality sweater and just enough acrylic to make it easy to care for.

Straight Down is well known among golfers for their quarter zip pullover sweaters. The Walsh model uses a luxurious yarn-dyed fabric.

The Terrain pullover from Chase 54, while made with reinforced seams with topstitching, still provides enough stretch for full mobility.

Keeping warm on the golf course when it gets cooler

By Randy Williams in the United States

F

rom Arnold Palmer’s iconic button-down cardigan to Ernie Els’ vest and now Tiger Woods’ latest collarless design — sweaters have long been part of every golfer’s wardrobe.

Manufacturers, including Adidas, Cutter Buck, Chase 54 and Straight Down, know the world’s greatest golfers attract and influence the sport’s largest audience, making PGA events and broadcasts a prime opportunity to show off the strongest fashion trends.

And what is trending in sweaters has a lot to do with feel, fabric and multi-functionality. Recreational players are more and more demanding that they can wear their golf clothes outside of the golf course.

“Whether it be cycling in the early morning, staying cozy midday in the office, or playing an emergency nine holes during sunset, we are still seeing a high demand for our modern classic outerwear pieces like the Hightower Half Zip,” said Travis Johnson, founder of Haus of Grey.

“It’s lightweight stretch and ultra-soft hand lends to use during many types of activities.”

In addition to being performance-friendly with generous incorporation of stretch fabrics, golfers are also looking for protection against the elements, such as wind and rain, so the challenge is how to combine elements that keep a player warm and dry yet allow for comfortable swing motion.

“Today’s golfer is looking for an added element of performance within the sweater, such as enhanced breathability and abrasion resistance,” said Bronz Grisom, apparel product manager for Adi-

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das Golf.

“We select fabrics that have optimal stretch, as well as protection against wind and rain. While many of our layering, knit, and outwear styles are windproof and water resistant, we do not compromise or sacrifice comfort and mobility. We can achieve this through premium material selection and development, as well as innovative design and execution.”

Like other components of the sport, history plays a role in the design of sweaters.

The heritage in golf usually finds its way back to Scotland which likes lots of patterns like tartans and argyles and

Made from a soft blend of breathable materials, this stylish Adipure compact wind sweater from Adidas is ribbed on the cuffs with a double-layer ribbed collar so you can stay warm while your game heats up on a cool afternoon.

window panes. Also the heathered yarns gives colours additional depth.

And as far as colours, depending on one’s own comfort zone, they can go from eye-popping hues that tour players such as John Daly, Ian Poulter and Billy Horschel adorn, but most of the golfing public prefer more conventional tones.

Grisom explained why: “If you look through most men’s closets you’re going to find your standard core colours when it comes to sweaters (black, blue, and grey). Simple reason being is because those colours never go out of style and can be paired easily with most outfits.

Even more so today, convenience is key while putting together your casually cool look.”

For golfers looking for a specific design that is timeless, on and off the course, the V-neck sweaters have long been a

The latest from the Greg Norman collection is this lined quarter-zip wind sweater. Made of a cotton-poly, wool blend, it is engineered to trap air for additional warmth.

April 2019

classic multi-activity style.

You can wear it golfing, in the boardroom and out to dinner. Whether it is comprised of alpaca and merino wool to cashmere as well as cotton, it is really one of those designs that fit any lifestyle or activity. With many colour options and availability in numerous fabrics, the V-neck sweater should be a core component of any golfer’s cool weather wardrobe.

With both established and new apparel manufacturers putting in a lot of creative effort into producing quality sweaters, no matter your individual taste, you’ll find that looking good on and off the course has never been easier.

Its name pretty much says it all. The new Gale Force Sweater from Sun Mountain is a technical sweater with a windproof, stretch liner. The fine-gauge cotton shell gives the Gale Force a luxurious feel and refined look that plays well on and off the course.

11

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GOLFCOACHING

By Ian Hardie NZPGA Professional

O

ver the years, I have always been puzzled as to why it is that when most golfers go through a bad patch with their golf game, they assume that whatever the problem is that they are having, can be solved with a single golf lesson.

‘I want a lesson to fix my driving or slice’, ‘I need a putting or chipping lesson to get rid of the yips’, ‘I want to get rid of the shanks’.

Those things are the most common requests I’ve had over the years but as you can probably imagine, there are many other things that golfers think can be solved during a single golf lesson as well.

Now, while the cost of golf lessons from a good golf coach and the idea that the golfer needs to pay someone to help them solve a problem (which not many people really like to do) are no doubt factors behind this mind-set.

The main thing that I’ve observed that when golfers request that one golf lesson, is the expectation that it will somehow magically over-ride years of poor technique, a lack of grounding in the basics of the game, weird ideas that golfers come up with, an inconsistent approach to the game, contradictory advice from other golfers…………..the list goes on and on.

ianhardie.net

Miracles $10,000 In less time, than it takes for most golfers to play a few holes!

Very occasionally that can happen but the reality is that very few golfers problems can be solved in a single golf lesson, although the exception to that may be the session I call ‘The Sand Experience’ which does seem to be able to solve most golfers problems with the sand in one go - you can find out more about that at https://ianhardie.net/ The reality is though, that depending on the problems the golfer is looking to solve in their golf game, it’s probably more likely to require quite a few golf lessons over a period of weeks or months.

In my experience over the past 30 or so years that I’ve been coaching golf, the golfers who have best been able to overcome whatever problems they were having with their golf game, lower their golf scores and as a result find an increase in their enjoyment of the game of golf.

Were the ones who understood that while a single golf lesson won’t hurt anyone, it generally doesn’t exactly help most golfers either.

It usually takes a few lessons and a bit of time to effect lasting improvement in

anyone’s golf game, which I assume is what the golfer wants, otherwise they wouldn’t be asking for a golf lesson in the first place.

To illustrate this idea, I recall sitting out the back of a golf pro shop many years ago when a golfer rushed into the golf shop after what I assume must have been a poor round of golf.

‘I want a lesson to fix my slice’ was his request to the very experienced Golf Professional.

I expected the Pro to simply book the golfer in for a lesson but instead he said to the golfer.

“I’ve seen you hit a few shots on the course over the past year and if you want me to fix your slice in a single lesson – it will cost you $10,000”. ‘$10,000 spluttered the golfer – you can’t be serious – why so much?’

“As I think it would take a miracle to fix your slice in a single lesson and if that’s possible then $10,000 would be a fair price.”

‘Are you saying you can’t fix my slice?’

“Not at all, in fact I think that an initial series of say 6 golf lessons over the next 3 months would enable me to sort your

slice out in a manner that would allow long term change along with an overall improvement in your golf scores”.

‘How much would that cost?’

“Much less than it does to perform a miracle”.

I happened to be back at that course about six months later and I asked the Pro what happened to that guy who was asking for the miracle last time I was there.

“Since he had the series of lessons his handicap has dropped from 19 down to 13 and he has just asked me to put a plan together to get him down to a single figure handicap”.

That experience many years ago has stuck with me to this day and countless times, I have seen how effective a series of golf lessons can be for most golfers.

So, if you have struck a problem with your golf game, don’t expect the single lesson miracle.

Be prepared to take a series of golf lessons that will allow long term change while you overcome whatever problems you have been having with your golf game, lower your golf scores and as a result, increase your enjoyment of the game of golf.

Play well.

»» You can find out more about golf coaching with me at https://ianhardie.net/ or you can find your local PGA Coach at: https://www. pga.org.nz/find-a-pga-pro

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.

PGAPARS

pga.org.nz

Composure was a key in Kobori’s NZ PGA Championship success

By Dominic Sainsbury New Zealand PGA General Manager

L

ast month Kazuma Kobori won the SEC (Sports and Education Corporation) New Zealand PGA Championship at the age of 17 and as an amateur.

Kobori was playing amongst seasoned professional golfers on the ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia where some of the best professional players in Australasia compete.

In the third round Kobori played in the final group of the day alongside European Tour player Josh Geary and one of Australia’s rising stars Jack Wilson and he did not falter. In fact it brought the best out of Kobori and he took the lead of the tournament by four shots.

On the final day of the tournament Kobori seemed unfazed as eight-time Japanese Tour winner, New Zealand Open winner and four-time Australasian Tour winner David Smail made a charge. Kobori held his nerve and calmly and confidently went about playing his game.

Kobori won the tournament by four

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shots with a four-round total of 21 under par. In 72 holes of intense tournament play, Kobori only had two bogies and one of those was a three putt. In all of his post-round interviews he was smiling and seemed to be having the time of his life enjoying every moment of the event.

So how did this young man handle himself with such professional composure, show such confidence and calmness in the most intense arena of professional tournament golf on one of the world’s leading professional golf tours.

Positive mind set – This was a young man that showed that he played golf with a focus on what he wanted to happen with every shot (not want he did not want to happen). He played in the moment and had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve with every shot.

Practice with a purpose – Kobori had practiced from a young age competing against his older sister and father in chipping, putting and pitching games at the Rangiora and Pegasus Golf Clubs. Not only were they having fun when they were practicing but they were preparing for

the pressure of a tournament by having a consequence on the outcome of each shot and learning how to perform under pressure.

Preparation – Kobori had a great game plan for playing the course and stuck to his tactics. He was unfazed as to what other players were doing, simply by only focusing on what he could control. He selected his shot and his plan for executing that shot and simply accepted the outcome.

Acceptance – Kobori seemed to completely understand his golf game. He only played shots that he was confident he could execute.

THE PGA’S ADVICE FOR YOU

1. Focus on what you want to achieve and how you will do that with each shot you play. Make this your last thought before you play your shot.

2.

Have an outcome with every shot you play in practice and if you can play practice games with friends and family to develop skill (skill is the ability to perform a task under pressure).

3.

This is all to do with course management. Have a plan for how you want

April 2019

to play each hole and commit to your plan and each shot.

4. All to often we see golfers attempting to play a shot in a competition that they have not mastered on the practice range. This is where a lot of poor scores come from. Only play the shots you have mastered in practice. »» For help with your golf game and how to shoot lower scores get in contact your local PGA professional today. You can find them at https://www.pga.org.nz/find-a-pgapro?ComeFromCat=875

13

PROFESSIONAL LESSONS INCREASE CHANCE OF LOWERING HANDICAPS, DATA SHOWS

A

Danish business which specialises in computer software for the golf industry has provided an insight into the correlation between game performance and lessons from professionals.

The business is GolfBox and in 2017 it captured data from 20,000 golfers who booked one or more lessons through it’s proplanner platform.

The captured data established a positive trend between number of lessons booked and the chance of lowering handicaps. GolfBox identified the correlation when it analysed the captured data against a control group sourced from the same geographical region.

The data uncovered golfers who undertook lessons from a professional had an improved chance of lowering their handicaps.

CANADIAN ROCKIES JUNE

Golfers who had three or more lessons from January to December 2017 were 48.8 percent more likely to lower their handicap, whereas golfers who had no lessons had a 25.6 percent chance of lowering their handicaps.

Nick Thornton, general manager of MPower Golf from GolfBox’s parent company MPower MSL, said: “Proplanner has been specifically designed for PGA professionals to grow and manage their lessons and, in turn, generate additional revenue from lessons.

“We are very pleased that Proplanner has generated $US9 million worth of lesson revenue for PGA professionals since its inception. We will continue to work with our PGA partners in ensuring this is the lesson booking software of choice for the golf industry.”

KENYA JUNE

.

British Open winner to fly the flag for women’s golf

W

omen’s British Open champion Georgia Hall will support The Royal & Ancient’s (R&A) drive to inspire more women, girls and families into playing golf by becoming its latest ambassador.

The R&A is investing £80 million ($NZ155 million) into women’s and mixed golf over the next 10 years to boost participation in the sport and Hall will undertake a wide range of promotional activities to enhance initiatives that encourage more women, girls and families to play golf.

Hall, 22, will play a key role in raising the profile of women’s and girls’ golf in support of the women in golf charter, led by The R&A, which aims to inspire an industry-wide commitment to developing a more inclusive culture within golf around the world and to enable more women and girls to flourish and maximise their potential at all levels of the sport.

Hall said: “There is no better known body in golf than The R&A

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so I was extremely honoured to have been invited to be an ambassador for the organisation.

“I am passionate about helping to grow the game so it’s very natural for me to support The R&A’s great initiatives, particularly for women and children, over the coming years.

“The women in golf charter is a great first step and I look forward to working with them on some exciting initiatives over the next few years.”

By making her breakthrough win in a major championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes last year, Hall became the first golfer in the history of the sport to win the Women’s British Open, the Women’s Amateur Championship and the Girls Amateur Championship.

Her two-shot victory over Thai Pornanong Phatlum on England’s Golf Coast elevated Hall into the top-10 of the women’s world golf rankings as well as delivering a second Ladies’ European Tour order of merit title in a row after she

topped the standings in 2017.

Hall also represented Europe in the 2017 Solheim Cup against the United States of America in Iowa and as an amateur golfer she played for Great Britain and Ireland in the 2014 Curtis Cup in St Louis.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “Georgia is an influential role model for our sport and we are honoured that she has agreed to become an ambassador for The R&A and work with us to promote our activities in women’s and girls’ golf.

“She has shown that talent, hard work and determination can take you to the very pinnacle of our sport and she deserves enormous credit for her victory in the 2018 Ricoh Women’s British Open.

“We believe that her achievements will inspire many women and girls into taking up golf and going on to enjoy playing as members of clubs with their families and friends.”

LADIES/ MIXED GOLF RETREATS AUGUST

MELBOURNE OCT/NOV

We have destinations from all around the world to tempt you with, all with very different experiences, lined up for you to savour. We take care of everything so that you can enjoy a hassle-free relaxed holiday and play golf on spectacular courses. Visit our website for all the details.

For more information, freephone 0800 377 479 or visit charliesgolftours.co.nz Travel Encounters Ltd t/a Charlie’s Golf Tours. Travel Encounters Ltd is an approved Travel Broker for the Travel Managers Group. TMG is a bonded member of IATA.

14

April 2019

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GOLD COAST GOLFING

commencing their back nine on the challenging 10th tee with water all up the left hand side of the fairway.

Neat dress code is required at all times with strictly no denim or cargo pants permitted, collared shirt and enclosed footwear is a must while on course.

For more information please contact us on: proshop@lakelandsgolfclub.com. au or call 011 61 7 5510 6507

LAKELANDS GOLF CLUB »» Travel Info: From Broadbeach 10 minutes »» From Surfers Paradise 15 minutes »» Website www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

SITUATED in the heart of the Gold Coast, Lakelands Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course designed in Australia. Lakelands Golf Club combines the traditions of Golf and Hospitality by providing its members, guests and visitors with the environment, facilities and services that satisfy their Golf, social and business needs and interests. Opened on 17th February 1997, Lakelands Golf Club had gained a reputation for “The Best Serving the Best” providing standards and facilities second to none on the Gold Coast. Multiple tee positions make the course user friendly and yet challenging, whatever the standard of golf you play.

Nicklaus has used bunkering extensively in his strategic design and water features on many of the course’s 18 holes.

With tee times available to the public every day at Lakelands Golf Club, it is a must to play this golf course which has all of the tell tale signs you would expect of Jack Nicklaus designed Golf Course which is situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, less than 10 minutes from Broadbeach and 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise.

Lakelands also has full locker room facilities, Golf Shop, Signature Restaurant and Bar, a full length driving range, PGA certified coaches available each day, along with all the other facilities you would expect a facility of this reputation to have.

Whether you are here for a trip away with good friends, or on a holiday, Lakelands Golf Club is a course you must visit for a game on our beautifully presented course, making sure to enjoy a drink on the deck while overlooking those behind finishing out on the 18th green, or

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

It’s time to escape the cold weather and take a trip abroad to Australia’s sunshine state! With plenty of courses on offer, a Gold Coast golfing holiday might just be your perfect paradise.

central to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We invite you to experience our championship golf course and first class clubhouse facilities.

Contact Links Hope Island for bookings or further information on: Golf I Membership Options I Events I Weddings I Links Restaurant Phone 07 5530 9000 or email events@linkshopeisland.com.au With its 5-Star clubhouse and practice facilities and consistent rankings as one of Australia’s top ten resort courses, Links Hope Island is the ultimate destination for corporate and social golf, functions, glamourous events or weddings.

There are also a variety of membership options available from full membership, to corporate or 5 day options. Contact us today to find out more.

LINKS HOPE ISLAND GOLF COURSE »» Holes: 18 Par: 72 Metres: 6,457 »» Designer: Peter Thomson »» Ranking: 6th best Public Access Course in Austrailia 2005 (#6 in 2004) »» Course Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Club hire Locker Room, On Course refreshments, Golf Academy »» Travel Info: From Brisbane 50mins »» From Broadbeach 35mins »» From Surfers Paradise 30mins »» Website: www.hir.com.au

LINKS HOPE ISLAND is a gem of an 18 hole traditional “links” style championship course, designed by five times British Open champion Peter Thomson and reminiscent of the great courses of Britain and Ireland. Challenging, yet very approachable, the two nines unfold with beauty and intrigue ensuring those that appreciate golf presented at its best leave with an unforgettable experience and a strong desire to return again and again. Forget about trying to play Links Hope Island like all the standard format resort courses, this one deserves special skill and attention. Bump and run golf is a great challenge for those not accustomed to it, and we guarantee you will come away with renewed admiration for how the poms play their golf. A fantastic opportunity to sample good old fashioned British links golf without the 20 hour plane ride! Don’t miss it.

Links Hope Island, the Gold Coast’s No.1 Golf Course*, is perfectly located,

ter-course featuring lakes, ponds, creeks and native wildlife completes a rare golf course environment.

The front nine holes are particularly striking as the trees envelope you as you move around, and the final two holes are a great way to finish the round.

Consistently ranked in the top resort courses in the country, the service before and after you play is superb, and we feel certain you will enjoy your day.

PALMER COLONIAL GOLF COURSE

PALMER GOLD COAST GOLF COURSE (FORMERLY ROBINA WOODS) »» Holes: 18 Par: 71 Metres: 6,078 »» Designer: Graham Marsh & Ross Watson »» Course Facilities: Practice Range, Club Hire, Locker »» Room, Bar, Restaurant, On Course Refreshments, Golf Academy »» Travel Info: From Brisbane 60mins »» From Broadbeach 10mins »» From Surfers Paradise 15mins »» Website: www.palmergoldcoast.com.au

CARVED out of 65 hectares of native woodlands, with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this unique layout is unlike any other resort course on the Gold Coast. Palmer Gold Coast (formerly Robina Woods) possesses maturity well beyond its years, and has developed a reputation as one of Queensland’s best-loved resort courses. The rolling fairways, manicured greens, and towering eucalyptus trees are strikingly beautiful and blend harmoniously with the surrounding residential development. A natural wa-

April 2019

»» Holes: 18 Par: 72 Metres: 6,424 »» Designer: Mitsuaki Kobyashi »» Course Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Club »» hire, Locker Room, On Course Refreshments, Restaurant »» Travel Info: From Brisbane 60mins »» From Broadbeach 10mins »» From Surfers Paradise 15mins »» Website: www.palmercolonial.com.au

A FARMLAND once home to cows, weeds and bush has been transformed into a beautifully groomed course with lush fairways and meticulously manicured greens. The championship resort layout meanders its way through 39 hectares of towering eucalyptus, picturesque lakes and serene waterways.

Flowering native and exotic trees and plants abound, while ornate bridges cross watercourses in which luxuriant lilies jostle for space The distinguishing feature of the course is the clubhouse, with its Colonial Queenslander design.

You feel like you have drifted back in time as you sit down to that first thirst quenching drink on the wide, breeze-catching Queenslander verandahs which surround the building and offer panoramic views over the golf course and Gold Coast hinterland. Palmer Colonial is well worth the visit, and great value for money. >>

15

F E AT U R E

acclaim. Visually it has that links style appeal, and the more golfers play it they will appreciate its strategic qualities. A great golfing experience!

ABOVE PAR GOLF TOURS

A

SANCTUARY COVE –THE PALMS »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Holes: 18 Par: 70 Metres: 5,904 Designer: Ross Watson Travel Info: From Brisbane 55mins From Broadbeach 35mins From Surfers Paradise 30mins Website: www.sanctuarycovegolfclub. com.au

PALM MEADOWS GOLF COURSE

THE Palms Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove is another masterpiece from renowned Golf Course architect Ross Watson. With gently undulating fairways dissecting critically placed bunkers, it offers a wonderful challenge for all golfers.

With a par of 70, it has a mixture of long and shorter holes, with some par 3 holes that are sure to attract critical

»» »» »» »» »» »»

Par: 72 Metres: 6319 Travel Info: From Broadbeach 5 minutes From Surfers Paradise 10 muntes 18 Holes Par 72 measures 6319 metres Designer Greg Norman Website: www.palmmeadows.com.au/

PALM MEADOWS Golf Course at Carrara on the Gold Coast is centrally located within 10 minutes drive of Surfers Paradise and five minutes from Broadbeach. Palm Meadows welcomes golfers of all standards. There are no reserved tee times and patrons

BOVE PAR GOLF TOURS, one of the region’s leading tour operators, is owned by a fellow Kiwi, Mike Cox. The Gold Coast is undoubtedly the favourite winter golf destination for Kiwis, and having spent 20 years in the depths of Southland, Mike can fully understand why.

“Our aim is to simplify your holiday by taking over all of the accommodation, golf and transport bookings on your behalf, and at the same time using our bulk buying power to provide the package cheaper than you can do it yourself – a classic win-win situation,’’ he said.

“Packages are tailormade for your individual requirements with a large selection of accommodation and courses available to suit any budget.’’

The company offers outstanding value packages for small and large groups, and provides a comprehensive website with slideshows of all golf courses.

The website also has a unique online quote system which means you can go on-line 24 hours a day, seven days a week and construct your own dream holiday from a wide range of accommodation, resort courses, hire cars or daily transfers.

Once the selections are made, a no-obligation quote is immediately emailed, saving hours of time and money contacting Australia.

Mike’s sales staff then work on a oneto-one basis with you to ensure a truly memorable holiday for all.

For full information visit: www.abovepargolf.com.au or call Mike on 0061 7 5522 9055

Create Your Own Dream Holiday Online Gold Coast • sunshine Coast

links hope island | sanCtuary Cove | lakelands | Brookwater | Glades | palmer Coolum | noosa sprinGs | twin waters | peliCan waters and many more

INSTANT ONLINE QUOTES 24/7 Let us arrange all your discounted accommodation, golf and transport needs

For INSTANT QUOTES & unbeatable deals visit www.abovepargolf.com.au

Tel: +61 7 5522 9055 • Email: enquiries@abovepargolf.com.au 16

April 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

F E AT U R E

may utilise all facilities including the clubhouse, function rooms and Lakeview Restaurant.

The all weather golf course has 11 kilometres of golf cart paths around the fairways. Palm Meadows has a fleet of 72 Club Car Electric Golf Carts with wet weather covers.

The challenging 350 hectare course was designed by leading Australian golfer Graham Marsh. Par 72 measures 6319 metres off the championship tees.

Water comes into play on 14 holes and there are 82 sand bunkers.

The first hole is recognised as one of the world’s most challenging opening holes. Water runs the length of the hole on the left and the world famous Bamboo Curtain forms a barrier to the right.

Palm Meadows’ signature hole is the world famous 18th; it measures 523 metres from the championship tees.

Players accept the challenge and decide how much of the right dogleg they want to cut off. American Golf Digest rated Palm Meadows 18th in the world’s top 500 golf holes.

Palm Meadows Golf Course is a pub-

lic course with limited memberships.

All golfers may enjoy the facilities of the course, clubhouse and Lakeview Restaurant.

PARADISE GOLF TOURS

P THE GLADES GOLF COURSE »» par 72, 7264 metre »» Website: www.glades.com.au

THE GLADES GOLF CLUB boasts the reputation as one of Australia’s most prestigious resort golf courses and is located right here on the Gold Coast. Designed by champion Australian golfing icon, Greg Norman, the course is typical of his trademark aggressive layouts offering golfers a challenging round of golf within visually stunning surrounds.

ARADISE GOLF TOURS is the longest-established specialist Golf Tour company on the Gold Coast (since 1989), which means that you are dealing with a very reputable and experienced company.

Over the years, Paradise Golf Tours has built excellent relationships with the Gold Coast’s premier resort courses and this means they can usually secure your preferred tee-time on all courses, on any day.

Because of their buying power, they have access to significant discounts at a huge choice of accommodation venues as well as all golf courses – discounts which are passed on to their clients ensuring that Paradise Golf Tours provides excellent value with lower prices than can be obtained by going direct.

Let Paradise Golf Tours organise your

next group trip to the Gold Coast and you too could be playing on exclusive and private renowned courses such as Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove Pines, Sanctuary Cove Palms, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Lakelands, the Greg Norman-designed Glades or Brookwater, the home of the Australian PGA – Royal Pines, Arundel Hills and many others too.

With a modern fleet of buses to provide transfers throughout your stay and a myriad of choices for accommodation, it’s no wonder they say: “We’ll cross all the tee’s for you !”

Begin your trip planning right now by going to: www.paradisegolftours.com.au and click on the red “GET A QUOTE” button, or email them at : info@paradisegolftours.com.au or just call on 0402 049 868 right now – it’s really that easy to organise a golf trip for any number of golfers from 2 to 100 or more.

Tailor-made

GOLF TOURS on the Gold Coast

EXPERTS IN GOLFING VACATIONS

• We organise transfers, accommodation, tee times and carts • Airport transfers • Premium courses: ✓Sanctuary Cove Pines ✓Hope Island ✓Robina Woods ✓Plus others

We cross all the tee’s for you!

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WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

info@paradisegolftours.com.au www.paradisegolftours.com.au

+ 614 0204 9868

April 2019

17

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND

KWON’S 65 SETS UP BRILLIANT MANGAWHAI PROAM

Young professional Luke Kwon continued a brilliant run of recent form to

card an impressive 7- under-par 65 off the Mangawhai Golf Club’s Championship tees in last month’s 2019 Partners Life Mangawhai ProAm. His outstanding score placed him one shot clear of Michael Hendry to secure the major professional’s prize of the day.

A strong line-up of professionals, including well-known names such Michael Hendry, Mark Brown, Grant Moorhead, Troy Ropiha, previous winner Peter Zwart and the up-and-coming Mark Hutson, each teamed with amateur players who were competing for prizes valued at more than $10,000.

The tournament’s major sponsor is Partners Life and their generous support was augmented by The Clubroom who provided all the prizes played for by amateurs. Additional hole sponsors also made important contributions to the suc-

cess of the day.

The highly-regarded Mangawhai course was in very good condition considering the area’s lack of rain over recent weeks and the renowned greens were running true and disconcertingly fast for those unfamiliar with their qualities. A capacity field of 120 players teed off, with 3 amateurs teamed with 1 professional in each group. The overall pace of play was good, although the midday heat proved a real challenge for some players. Fortunately, the club had placed 3 food and water stations on the course to give players a chance to recharge their batteries during their round.

Following the round, a full clubhouse enjoyed a delicious buffet meal that was followed by Prizegiving. Golf Club President Tony Vale conducted proceedings as Naomi Ballantyne of Partners Life and David Feeney from The Clubroom presented prizes to the winning teams.

Winning professional Luke Kwon, receiving his cheque from Geoff Smart of the NZ PGA, spoke of his enjoyment of

the day, remarking on the positive atmosphere and the outstanding challenge presented by the Mangawhai course.

Already planning is under way for next year’s event, ensuring Mangawhai retains a strong presence on the New Zealand golfing scene. As president Tony Vale remarked “We’re a strong club, we have a course that has many special attributes and we have a brilliant team of volunteers who help us put on an event that everyone really enjoys. We have tremendously supportive sponsors – we can’t thank them enough – so overall this has been a really positive experience for everyone.”

Team Results (best 2 stableford points on each hole): First – David Hunter, Roy Norris, Paul Greenwood – 94 points (Professional – Mason Lee) Second – Keith Routledge, Gordon Wylde, Kevin Brewer – 93 points (Professional – Michael Hendry) Third – Wayne Watts, Colin Sterling, Greg Furnell – 91 points (Professional – Grant Moorhead)

THE GOLF

NORTHERN Pay & Pl ay

Come play the “Fringe of Heaven” Titirangi Golf Club www.titirangigolf.co.nz

30 MINUTES FROM HAMILTON • 40 MINUTES FROM TAURANGA • 90 MINUTES FROM AUCKLAND

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

Take advantage of exclusive green fee rates at participating clubs, pay only $20 for 18 ($12 for 9) holes all year round.

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

Play at New Zealand’s Walton Golf Club

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

April 2019

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Fourth – Keren Vale, Tony Vale, Richard Clarke – 90 points (Professional – Lachie McDonald) Fifth – Rowan Clift, Shayne Stuart, Craig Cogan – 90 points (Professional – Harry Bateman) Sixth – Steve Thomas, Kelvin Scott, Malcolm Shepherd – 89 points (“Professional” – Des Chitty) Seventh – Mike Ashton, Brendan Kuriger, Tracey Jones – 88 points (Professional – Luke Kwon) Eighth – Craig King, Peter Neven, Rob Skinner – 87 points (Professional – Troy Ropiha) Professionals: Luke Kwon (65), Michael Hendry (66),Sam An (69), Tae Koh (69), Jordan Loof (71), Grant Moorhead (71), Kieran Muir (72), Nick Loach (73), Woonchul Na (73), Troy Ropiha (73), Dean Sipson (74) NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD 11-Apr

WAITANGI

(09) 402 7713

Womens 18H Summer open

12-Apr

PINES

(09) 4362246

Mix Vets 9H Social Day

12-Apr

HIKURANGI

94338590

Lions Club Charity T'Ment

18-Apr

KERIKERI

(09) 407 8837

Northland Vets

19-Apr

KERIKERI

(09) 407 8837

GUMDIGGERS

20-Apr

KAITAIA

09-4094833

MIX MOBIL Memorial T'ment

20-Apr

Northern Wairoa

09 4363403

Mix Masters Easter T'ment

25-Apr

Northland

09 435 0042

Anzac Day Mixed Open

27-Apr

Waipu

(09) 432 0259

Anniversary Mixed Open

tables at our events, using the many golf-related brands carried by Brittain Wynyard www.brittainwynyard.co.nz.

We look forward to a long relationship with our great new sponsors.

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT QUADRANGULAR TEAMS NAMED

OPENING DAY HANNING CUPS AT WHANGAROA

A good crowd saw Jackie Thompson, their Vice-President, tee off to open the 2019 season. This was followed by a round of Best Ball Stableford for the Hanning Cups which were won by John O’Neill and Pam Weber, fast becoming a force in tournaments, presented by Club Captains Barry and Carol Boyed.

NORTH HARBOUR WELCOME TO OUR NEW SPONSOR – BRIDGESTONE GOLF

The Executive team of North Golf Association is delighted to announce that Harbour Golf and Golf Northland are now supported by Bridgestone Golf in association with Brittain Wynyard & Co Ltd. Our rep teams will proudly carry the Bridgestone Golf logo, and our Association will be able to provide fantastic prize

Congratulations to the Junior teams named to travel to Te Puke and Rotorua in April to face Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

Harbour Golf – Boys Development team.

Te Puke 15-16 April 2019 Tristan Su Pupuke Alec Yap North Shore Keegan Jephson Huapai Luke Ho North Shore Luke Old Pupuke Callum Wall Gulf Harbour Duncan Jarm North Shore Ben Salisbury North Shore Jack Whale Pupuke Ricky Yoon Wainui Harbour Golf – Girls Development team.

Rotorua 17-18 April 2019 Eunseo Choi Takapuna Danika Lee Takapuna Amy Im Pupuke Eujin Kang North Shore Ruby Chi Pupuke Seohyun Lee Gulf Harbour

HARBOUR REP PLAYS AT NZ OPEN

Congratulations to Jesper Bengtsson of North Shore GC for his achievement in qualifying for the recent NZ Open in

NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD 1 April -30 April

Whangaparaoa

09 424 5441

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

1 April -30 April

Redwood Park

(09)8338253

memberships $920 Annually

1 April -30 April

Muriwai

9 411 8454

The Links course out west. All welcome

1 April -30 April

Helensville

(09)4205454

Midweek Open Great Prize table

1 April -30 April

Omaha Beach

(09)4227551

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

1 April -30 April

Waitakere

(09)810 9399

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

Arrowtown. His great 68 at Cromwell GC on the Monday before the Open, saw Jesper take one of the four qualifying spots ahead of many professional players.

Despite a nervous start of three bogeys, Jesper fought back to record a very respectable 76 on Day 1 at The Hills. He

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!

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Yes that’s right $550 for 12 months. (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.

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WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

April 2019

19

followed this with a 78 at Milbrook Resort on Day 2.

A fantastic experience for 18-year old Jesper, who now has a taste for the higher levels of the game, so one to watch for the future.

JUNIOR OPEN DAY

(Picutred above) A wonderful afternoon enjoyed by over 50 kids. Thanks to everyone at the North Shore Golf Club who allowed us to use the facilities and helped run the event. Some amazing future talent on show from across our district, all under the watchful eye of our Junior Development coaches, led by PGA Professional, Jacques Nortje. The kids had fun with great prize challenges and were all fed and watered on a beautiful afternoon on the Shore.

AUCKLAND THE AUCKLAND CENTRAL SSANG YONG OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

It was a good day on 16th March 2019 when 110 visitors, some from as far away as Wellington and Northland, and 120 odd members headed out to play in Howick Golf Club’s Auckland Central Open Championships. Weather great, greens fantastic and the standard of play likewise.

Henry Gao from Titirangi fired a nett 62 to take out the men’s section and is our Championship Golfer for 2019 while his daughter Georgia took out the Ladies section with a gross 75 nett 68. Howick’s own Jimmy Zheng despite a double bogie on 10 fired 6 birdies during this round to

Auckland Central Par 3 Championships at Howick Golf Club in September are sure to attract a similar number.

be the best player of the day recording a 3 under par round of 66. The stablford from Feng Chen of 40 was good enough to take out the best stableford on a count back and was one of the major winners.

The Ssang Yong signage and trucks added to the appearance of one of the elite Auckland Events and many thanks go to Auckland Central the car dealership who sponsored this day. Auckland Central is to be involved in 2 other events with us this year. The Auckland Central Open Championship was the firsts followed by The Auckland Central 18 hole Par 3 Championships in September to our new Auckland Central Twilight Championships with $4,000 to the overall league results stating in the spring.

With over 30 players either not signing cards or returning cards we assume some found the course a little more challenging than anticipated but all did have the chance to win the car on the day. Alas not struck but one of our newest members to the club and top guy Paul Mottershead was closest of them all. Sally Miller all but had a hole in one on the 9th when leaving the ball with is millimetres of going in on the 9th so much so that Greg Limond was sure someone had made a mistake when results were done as his shot earlier had also nearly going in, all but to rest a few more centimetres away than Sally’s.

The thunder shots were struck by Craig Wheat and Sylvain Jones and 23 players recorded twos.

With Interest from other sponsors the

“EAGLES GOLFER OF THE YEAR” – JIMMY ZHENG

Prior to prizegiving at the Howick Open last Saturday, David Philippe wearing his “Eagles” jacket made a presentation to Jimmy Zheng.

This is what he had to say: “The Eagles Golfing Society was formed in Auckland in 1958 with the aim of fostering and promoting junior golf at club

ELLESMERE GOLF CLUB Feredays Rd, Leeston

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Entries to Bill Whelan 03 324 3251 “It plays long! Huntly is one of the best tests of length in the Northern region!” Axel Hansen

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1st May to 31st May 2019 NZ$760.00 for TWO NZ residents • International Visitors add $280.00 1st June to 31st Aug 2019 NZ$740.00 for TWO NZ residents • International Visitors add $280.00 • 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

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20

April 2019

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

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and national level.

Soon after Eagles societies were formed in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay and Otago and in 1964 these five districts formed the Eagles Golfing Society of New Zealand.

A further 9 district societies were formed over the next 5 years, and by 1978 all districts in NZ had Eagles societies.

In 1967 The Eagles created their “Golfer of the Year” award judged on ‘Commitment to the game of golf’, ‘Effort to improve’, ‘Behaviour’, ‘Golfing Ability and Tournament results’ as well as ‘Academic record’.

The list of previous winners include: Stuart Jones in 1967, Bob Charles in ‘68, Ted McDougall, Marnie McGuire, Philip Tataurangi (twice), Steve Alker, Grant Moorhead, Lisa Aldridge, Bradley Iles, Josh Geary, Danny Lee, Lydia Ko (3 times), and Siyi Keh. I think there have been some changes to eligibility over the years, but more recently it has been restricted to players Under 17.

Each district can make one nomination and the National Executive selects the winner.

In 2018 Auckland /North Harbour nominated Jimmy Zheng (of Howick) and they were very pleased to learn that the National Executive – in a close decision –

chose Jimmy as the “Golfer of the Year.”

The year covers the period from 1st Oct 2017 to 30th Nov 2018 and here the best of Jimmy’s tournament results during that 12 month period.

Nov’17 5th Auckland Provincial Strokeplay Champs at Pukekohe G C Nov’17 2nd Auckland Provincial Matchplay Champs at Windross Farm Jan’18 5th Danny Lee Springfield Open (scores 72, 64) Jan’18 2nd Hastings Open Feb’18 4th Grant Clements Memorial Tournament.

Apr’18 1st South Island Men’s U19 Championships overall (1st for U17s) Apr’18 9th Carrus Openoverall (3rd best amateur) – scores (69,68,66,69) Jun’18 1st Akarana Anniversary Open (with a score of 63) July’18 – In America: 1st Ryan Moore Junior Championship (66,69,71) 5th IMG Academy Junior World Championship (71,73,72,72) 4th ACDS Junior Championship p (67,72,68) Aug’18 3rd South Pacific Junior Open (New Caledonia) Sept’18 New Zealand Secondary Schools Finals - 1st Jimmy led the Macleans team to secondary school winners and was individual overall with scores of 71 and 60

(yes, sixty).

Jimmy couldn’t be at the Eagles National Convention last month to receive the award – as he was in Queenstown trying to qualify for the NZ Open, but Jimmy’s mother accepted the award on his behalf; I was asked to bring the trophy back to Auckland and get a photo of Jimmy with it, and I couldn’t think of a better occasion than today to present this award to Jimmy in front of so many of our members.”

WAIUKU TAKE EARLY LEAD IN COVIC SHIELD

The COVIC SHIELD golf competition got underway on the nine hole layout of the Waiterimu Golf Club on the 8th

AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD 1-30 Apr

Onewhero

09 2334038

Love Golf $50 introductory 3 rounds

1-30 Apr

Pakuranga

09 534 3818

Intermediate memberships 26-35 year $860

1-30 Apr

Formosa

09 5364715

Stay and Play $280 for 2 people T+C's apply

1-30 Apr

Formosa

09 5364715

$1200 Full membership

1-30 Apr

Formosa

09 5364715

$350 10 Round greenfee concession

1-30 Apr

Maxwells

09 236 0911

Stay and Play packages

26-Apr

Titirangi

827 3967

Back Tee Challenge

31-May

Titirangi

827 3967

Back Tee Challenge

March. The initial weather looked good but as the vets settled into their rounds the skies began to rain for a few minutes and then cleared. Any expectation that the rain had gone proved premature, as around the turn, a strong windy and wet front came in with real force that saw a number of umbrellas quickly disappear across fairways and at least one tree toppled along with many airborne branches.

For the first time recent COVIC memory the event was quickly terminated on Health & Safety grounds, and the round result based on stableford scores as returned across the first nine holes.

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25

$

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Queens Birthday Weekend (1st and 2nd June 2019) Entry Fee $85 incl. novelties and meals Saturday & Sunday Approx. $10,000 in prizes Senior, Intermediate And Junior Divisions • Nett, Gross & Stableford Prizes Warren Ruri Memorial Trophy For Best Nett • Brian Bradley Memorial Trophy For Best Stableford

ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CLUB  07 3237095 OR www.whakatane.info • kaweraugolf@xtra.co.nz OR flashmeg@slingshot.co.nz  Flash 027 696 1829 April 2019

21

Of the sixty two somewhat relieved players who returned to the warm and dry of the clubhouse, the best of the day had scored 20-points: Terry Broughton representing the home team of Huntly-Waiterimu; Hector Red of Waiuku; Chris Radloff of Onewhero; with Tim Howard of Clarks Beach next best on 19. Fine scoring in the conditions however, the Franklin Golf Shop Player of the Day award went to one of the four ladies present, local player Pettina Northcott (pictured), who scored an impressive eagle two on the long and difficult par four fourth hole.

In the COVIC Shield qualifying it was the Waiuku team of Hector Rei (20), Brent Dawson (17), Trevor Cleghorn (17) and Mike Croucher (15), Ross Fah (15), and Merry Price (11), whose combined best four scores saw their club take an early lead. The qualifying competition is played over five rounds before a the table is split between the Shield and Plate finals for a further five rounds. Waiuku’s 69 team points was two ahead of home team Huntly-Waiterimu on 67 with Maramarua and Clarks Beach equal third on 63 points. Hauraki were 5th on 62, Onewhero 6th equal with Onewhero on 61, Wattle Downs 8th on 59 and Awhitu 9th with 52.

The COVIC players meet again in a few weeks time at Onewhero on Friday 29th March 2019. Women golfers are being encouraged to play COVIC and at Onewhero the goal is to run a seperate ladies division. Extra player enquiries and regis-

WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 19-20 Apr

Walton

(07) 888 3731

Easter Tournament

28-Apr

Morrinsville

07 889 6696

Meatpack Tournament

26-May

Morrinsville

07 889 6696

Meatpack Tournament

trations to Les Johns on 021 565 411.

WAIKATO

EUROPA CUP WINNERS

Pictured are Ngaruawahia Golf Club’s Europa Cup Winners being presented by S Grylls-Thomas (Club Captain)– Oli Oliver (middle) and Peter Goodin (right).

NEW COURSE RATINGS FOR HUNTLY

New course ratings have been introduced at Huntly Golf Club effective from 21st March 2019. After nearly ten years of the previous ratings the change will prove to be quite significant. They offer visiting players some relief from what

were previously considered to be ‘tough’ ratings, and somewhat askew by neighbouring clubs whenever Huntly members raided their prize tables. They are now considered to properly reflect the new Par 72 course lengths of 5,723m (white) and 4,970m (yellow), the fact that there is negligible fairway run for 9 months of the year, a couple of new tee location placements and some slightly reduced green sizes, new OB boundaries along the river holes and secondary rough cut length expectations.

The new course ratings are: (i) WHITE MEN: PAR 72 SLOPE 118 SCR 69.9 (was Par 71, 108 / 68.6) (ii) YELLOW LADIES: PAR 72 SLOPE 116 SCR 70.9 (was Par 71, 113 / 69.8); (iii) YELLOW MEN: PAR 72 SLOPE 110 SCR 65.9 (was Par 71, 97 / 59.0); (iv) WHITE LADIES: Not yet rerated due to limited use (was Par 71, 123 / 75.0).

So if Huntly’s previous course ratings have scared you away in the past as being too hard, now’s the time to return and try out their new ones! Club days are Tuesdays for Ladies, Wednesdays and Saturdays (mixed 18 holes) and Sundays (mixed 9 holes). Fridays after 3pm remain GREEN FEE FREE for non handicap visitors playing 9-holes of Golf or 12-holes of Footgolf. The club bar will be open from 4pm with Pool and Darts available along with refreshments and food. So why not get yourself along to the club’s Te Ohaki venue on the west bank of the Waikato half way between Rangiriri and Huntly.

MANAWATU WANGANUI NOTICEBOARD 4-Apr

Pahiatua

06 3763852

LADIES’ OPEN DAY

HAWKES BAY POVERTY BAY NOTICEBOARD 12-Apr

Poverty Bay

06) 867 4402

Kiri Te Kanawa Vets Open

14-Apr

Waipukurau

06 8577905

Pike Cup

16-17 Apr

Rangitikei

06 322 1475

Junior Boys/Girls Lower NI

26-Apr

Napier

(06) 844 7913

Hawkes Bay Veterans 50 plus Tournament

27-Apr

Mahia

06 8387066

Mahia ladies Open

1st May

Poverty Bay

06) 867 4402 ext1

PSM 27 Hole Foursomes

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

TARANAKI NOTICEBOARD 8-Apr

Waitara

(06) 754 8923

Waitara & Districts Veterans Golf Society 5 Day Golf Tournament

19-Apr

Fitzroy

06 758 2574

Sportys Easter Hamper

22-Apr

Inglewood

06 756 7472

Easter Tournament

25-Apr

Pungarehu

06 763 8255

Famous Pork Tournament

BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD 22-23 Jun

Springfield

(07) 348 2748

Springfield Masters

36TH

KAIMAI CLASSIC

SPECIAL OFFERS MEMBERSHIP WINTER GREEN FEE SPECIALS+

OPTIONS AVAILABLE FROM

1ST AND 2ND JUNE, 2019

$650

18 HOLES NON AFFILIATED 18 HOLES AFFILIATED 9 HOLES NON AFFILIATED 9 HOLES AFFILIATED

$35 $30 $25 $20

(MONDAY – THURSDAY) Ends August 31st 2018

+

• 36 Holes (18 Each Day) • All entries must be 18-Hole NZGA Affiliated • Prizes will be Gross and Stableford

DETAILS

Entry Fee: $85 for Visitors and $65 for Mount and Omanu Members

All entries must be accompanied by the official entry form and payment. Tournament details and entry forms available from www.mountgolf.co.nz or www.omanugolf.co.nz Entries close 5pm, 24th May 2019.

All enquiries to baytrain75@gmail.com or 07 575 0590

FOLLOW US

PH. 07 572 7044

15 FAIRWAY AVE, MT MAUNGANUI

PUBLICATION DATE: APRIL 2019

Mt Maunganui Golf Club

www.mountgolf.co.nz

2019 Tournament Host

22

DDI 09 536 4715 | golf@formosa.co.nz | www.formosa.co.nz GOLF COURSE • RESTAURANT • DRIVING RANGE • WEDDINGS • CONFERENCES • PRIVATE FUNCTIONS April 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

NEW ZEALAND EAGLES ANNUAL CONVENTION RESULTS

The New Zealand Eagles held their annual convention in Wellington last month.

Waikato Women won the teams event!

Congratulations to Dianne Sweeney(Walton), Raewyn Marcroft ( Ngahinapouri), Anne Preece (Tokoroa), Helen Parker (Stewart Alexander).

The Whitaker-Porter Trophy Winner (Lady Eagle Champion best net 36 holes) wan none other than our Women’s President Dianne Sweeney (Walton).

BAY OF PLENTY YOU TRAVEL MT MAUNGANUI WINNER

A very excited member of Omanu Golf Club, Tim Johnston (pictured left) was presented with the prize from YOU Travel Mt Maunganui for a trip for two to Queenstown and a round of golf for two at Jack’s Point.

YOU Travel had partnered with Omanu to sponsor The Friday Open and Tim’s name was drawn as the winner of the event.

Catherine Membery from YOU travel was present to draw the winning number and present the prize to Tim. You Travel have been great sponsors to Omanu and were thanked by both Tim and Omanu President Marnie Wineera.

WELLINGTON CARTERTON GOLF CLUB

By Wendy Wills On Sunday the 10th of March we held a SHE LOVES GOLF afternoon to encourage women to come along and try golf.

We had a good number of ladies attend and participate in the various golf activities with some of our enthusiastic members helping guide and teach various skills.

The ladies were also given a guided tour around our course in our new golf carts and treated to a sumptuous high tea and refreshments at the end of the afternoon. We have a number of the ladies taking the opportunity of lessons with the local professional Joel Macklin.

Played last month at the “Major Champions” Invitational, Darae has returned 3 rounds of -3, 69 on the 6.920 yd layout in Monte Verde Flordia, to finish 3rd behing the England No.1 and world amatuer #11, Annabel Fuller and world #15, Jung Mi Hong from Korea, by 2 and 1 shots respectively.

Her scores helped her Team Annika finish 1st in the teams competition, 18 teams all sponsored and named after major champions.

Time spent with Sir Nick Faldo, Tony Jacklin and current Women’s World No.1 Ariya Jutanugarn, were also amazing highlights of her week in Florida.

TASMAN NOTICEBOARD

DARAE CHUNG 3RD, TEAM ANNIKA WINS

Wellington provincial No.1, Shandon’s Darae Chung has completed her 1st event in the USA.

8, 11 Apr

Motueka

03 5288998

National Left Handers Tournament

11-Apr

Greenacres

(03) 544 8420

Grandmothers Tournament

13-Apr

Rarangi

(03) 570 5709

Golf Hub Autumn Tournament

14-Apr

Nelson

03-5485029

Westrupp Trophy

15-Apr

Rarangi

(03) 570 5709

Marlborough Vets

20-21 Apr

Hokitika

03 755 8549

Hokitika Easter Tournament

20-21 Apr

Totaradale

03 541 8030

Easter Tournament

25-Apr

Marlborough

(3) 578 7646

Anzac Day / Red Cross

29-Apr

Nelson

03-5485029

TSB Nelson Festival of Golf

GOLF SUNSHINE COAST

GOLF

ESCAPE WIN TER

SUNSHINE COAST

EXPERIENCE THE BEST IN QUEENSLAND GOLF

Visit

www.golfsunshinecoast.com.au for more information and to purchase your 4 course pass

Test yourself on 4 of the best with the Sunshine Coast Golf Pass, only $319 per player.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

April 2019

23

Grade 1 1st Brian Hampton 156 2nd Miguel Sobrino 153 3rd Shaun Smith 151 4th Steve Gadsby 151 c/b 5th Mike Inwood 149 Grade 2 1st Michael Flay 157 2nd Murray Johnson 154 3rd Peter Cullen 153 4th Dave Ironside 152 5th Pita Austin 150 6th Roger Gee 150 Ladies 1st Lynley Burgess 138 2nd Tania Appelman 136 3rd Brenda Climo 136 c/b 4th Lois Schwass 136 c/b

SHE LOVES GOLF—TASMAN BAY FOOD GROUP

TASMAN WEST COAST GOLF CHALLENGE

CONGRATULATIONS TO MICHAEL FLAY (Waitara) 2019 Winner of West Coast Golf Challenge Trophy (157 Points) The West Coast Golf Challenge Trophy is presented to the player with the best four round stableford. A piece of pounamu presented by local renowned carver Ric Moor mounted on a piece of iconic local silver pine carved by local master carver, Tony Manuel.

Results: Trophy Michael Flay 157 STABLEFORD OVER ALL PRIZES

Contact was made by Tasman Golf to see if the Tasman Bay Food Group were interested in a “She Loves Golf” day at Greenacres. Ten of their female employees signed up for a day on the course to experience golf for the first time. Rachel Saunders and her team from Greenacres were on hand to assist the girls with the Golf and look after them in the clubhouse afterwards. If you have a work group or a friends group who would like to have a similar day where you experience a bit of golf, get a “She Loves Golf” goodie bag, and enjoy a refreshment afterwards then please contact your local club or Chris Pugh at Tasman Golf.

Ngaruawahia GOLF CLUB

MCLEANS ISLAND GOLF CLUB

ANZAC DAY MIXED OPEN WE SHALL REMEMBER THEM! LEST WE FORGET THURSDAY 25 APRIL 2019 2 TEE START BOOK ONLINE NOW! WWW.GOLF.CO.NZ

SEPTEMBER 27th, 28th 29th 2019 HELP US MAKE THIS A WEEKEND TO REMEMBER!

Entry $20 Includes Hot Toddy!

Tees open from 11.44am

Share with past members! We are also looking for photos, and memorabilia of interest. Please pass on to a committee member.

Phone 07 824 8006 to book your tee time.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

VISITING WELLINGTON? SHORT TERM MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE BY THE WEEK AT THE GOLF & BIRDLIFE SANCTUARY

Please contact the office at McLeans Island on ( 03 3599768 * mcleansislandgolf@xtra.co.nz

Ngaruawahia GOLF CLUB

20 Minutes from CBD Wellington, commuter railway station 50 metres from Club gates.

1 WEEK $75 2 WEEKS $100 3 WEEKS $165

APPLICANTS MUST RESIDE OUTSIDE 50KM RADIUS OF CLUB. APPLY BY EMAIL TO: OFFICE@MANORPARKGOLF.CO.NZ

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April 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD 12-Apr

Rangiora

03 313-6666

Friday Tournament

12-Apr

Tai Tapu

03-329-6710

Ladies Team Stableford Tournament

13-Apr

Weedons

03 3478519

Weedons Men's & Women's Pairs Tournament

13-Apr

Amuri

33156036

Amuri Men's Open

14-Apr

Templeton

(03) 349 7571

Men's Open

16-Apr

Templeton

(03) 349 7571

South Island Women's U19 Championship & U16 & U19 Interprovincial

16-Apr

Harewood

(03) 359 8843

South Island Men's U19 Championship & U16 & U19 Interprovincial

17-Apr

Bottle Lake

(03) 383-1403

Bottle Lake Midweek Open

18-Apr

Everglades

33122078

Everglades 9 Hole Stableford Tournament

18-Apr

Rangiora

03 313-6666

Rangiora Women's Open

20-Apr

Avondale

03-3888203

Avondale Te Waipounamu Easter Tournament

22-Apr

Ellesmere

03 3242886

Ellesmere Easter Classic Tournament

22-Apr

Rangiora

03 313-6666

Rangiora Mixed Open Tournament

24-Apr

Waitikiri

03 383-1400

Waitikiri Women's Teams Tournament

25-Apr

McLeans Island

(03) 3599768

McLeans Island ANZAC Day Tournament

25-Apr

Culverden

03 315 8189

Mixed Open

27-Apr

Culverden

03 315 8189

27 Hole Men's Open

27-29 Sept

McLeans Island

(03) 3599768

50th Jubilee

CANTERBURY BURNSIDE HIGH SCHOOL WIN CANTERBURY SECONDARY SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Canterbury Secondary Schools Golf Championships were held at Harewood Golf Club last month in fine conditions and the course in great order.

Burnside High School’s team of, from left Yuki Miya, Hayato Miya, Amy Weng and Jasmine Clancy won the Gross Teams prize with a team three lowest aggregate gross total of 225.

Pictured right, are the Christchurch Boys High School’s team of Ben Burgess, Kan Shin, Ed Dickinson and Tiaki Ogilvie were nine shots back on 234. St Andrew’s College team of Hayden Lam, Mika MacDonald, Seb May and Reuben Smith were third on 245.

Christ’s College team of Zach May, Tim Seeto, Robert McClean and Santino Felitti-Duter won the Teams Best Net with a score of 224.

Individual honours for Best Individual Gross was won by Maddie May (Rangi Ruru Girls School), with an adjusted gross 70 and Best Individual Net was won by Tiaki Ogilvie with a net 62.

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND 2019 TAIERI CLASSIC

Newcomer to the region Josh Taylor (St Clair) came from nowhere to win the

Taieri Classic at the Taieri Lakes course on Sunday 17 February. Played over two rounds, Taylor and Matt McLean, of Harewood in Christchurch, each ended up on 145, and the match went to a playoff. The duo went to the 18th and played it twice, both par- ring the hole each time. On the third attempt, Taylor nabbed a birdie to gain the upper hand on McLean, who could not match Taylor’s effort.

Taylor is from Australia and arrived in Dunedin only recently. He was keen for some golf and came along to Taieri, making the field when someone pulled out. Taylor will claim the top OOM points

available for his win and aims to play in more Senior OOM events.

He hit 75 in his first round but went better in the second round, hitting a 70.

McLean hit 67 in his first round and then blew out with a 78.

Three shots behind the winning duo was Blake Mason, of Wanaka, and Hayden Robertson was one shot further back.

HOUSE OF TRAVEL TOUR

The House of Travel Tour consists of three events in January, the Southland, Canterbury & Otago Strokeplay. House of Travel vouchers are awarded to the winners based of their nine round aggregate

GOLFCROSSWORD ACROSS

1 Swedish winner of the 2011 Travelers Championship, _______ Jacobson (7) 5 Something difficult to solve (7) 9 Affect (3,2) 10 Birth city of Spanish golfer, ¡lvaro Velasco (9) 11 Cheeky (10) 12 Englishman who won the Valspar Championship in 2018 and 2019, ____ Casey (4) 14 A property consisting of an extensive area of land usually with a large house (6) 16 Check, stop (4,2) 17 Mobile service (1,1,1) 18 A conference or short course on a particular subject (6) 19 Balls hit high; wintertime sportspeople (6) 23 He tied for 4th at the 2019 NZ PGA Championship, ____ Purser (4) 24 Winner of the 2019 NZ Open (4,6) 27 Facing a difficult shot (2,7) 28 Highest-finishing Kiwi at the 2019 Bank of Hope Founders Cup, _____ Ko (5) 29 Winner of the 1989 US Open Championship, Curtis ______ (7) 30 Sort of score associated with a weekend golfer (7)

DOWN

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

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1 Easily broken (7) 2 Register as a competitor (5) 3 Restoring to good condition (10) 4 Amateur who won the 2019 NZ PGA Championship, Kazuma ______ (6) 5 Two people playing golf as a team (8) 6 Describing a golf tournament accessible to all (4) 7 Hurry up! (4,5) 8 Contemptibly small in amount (6) 13 Winner of the 2014 Australian Masters (4,6) 15 One known for their patience and understand-

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ing (9) 17 Informal golf format played in teams (8) 20 Up in the air (7) 21 Modern communication (1-5) 22 To separate the grain or seeds from (a cereal plant, etc.) by some mechanical means (6) 25 Golf battle between the US and Europe, _____ Cup (5) 26 Aussie who won the Valspar Championship in 2014, ____ Senden (4) >> SOLUTION NEXT EDITION

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scores. Golf Otago supported two men, two women and three juniors to participate in all three events and attempt to take out the prize vouchers in their respective grades.

Sumin Kang (Wakatipu Junior) took out the women’s section with an aggregate score of 697. A remarkable feat given she is only 14 years old.

In the men’s section, Brandon Hodgson (Otago) performed admirably, to take the runners up position and also received a New Members & Visitors Welcome

GOLF OMANU

THE BAYS BEST GOLFING EXPERIENCE

travel voucher. Both players will look to use this reward to support them to attend larger national events.

SOUTHLAND LADIES CLAIM TITLES AT NZ WOMEN’S SENIORS

More than 40 Southland ladies headed to the NZ Seniors Championships in Cromwell in February and a lot of them came home with prizes, which was great to see.

Congratulations, in particular, to Robyn Boniface who took out the national title for the fifth time (beating fellow Southlanders Robyn Pullar in the final 5/3), and to Robyn Pullar who won the overall stroke play title with a best gross score of 73 in qualifying.

non-golfers; a great way to introduce new players to the sport. Gore Golf Club is holding free coaching this month with professional Scott Riordan, with one session targeting adult beginners/those new to the game, and the other aimed at school children. This initiative is a great way to support those new to the game and to help them get their game off to the best start.

Auckland Senior Golfers Society Maramarua Golf Club

Tuatapere’s annual Waitangi Day tournament raised more than $7700 for Hospice Southland and attracted a record 88 players. A fantastic effort!

It goes to show what a smaller club is capable of, and what a great sport golf is for raising money for charity.

98 Matapihi Rd, Mt Maunganui

www.omanugolf.co.nz

11-Apr

Fairlie

21363956

Eagles Halberg Men's Tournament

11-Apr

Ashburton

(03) 308 6371

Ashburton Ladies Open

12-Apr

Tinwald

03 308 4577

12-Apr

Tokarahi

26-Apr

Temuka

Tinwald 9 Hole Tokarahi Women's Open

03 6159666

Temuka 9 Hole

8-12 Apr

Wanaka

Mount Michael Autumn Classic

11-Apr

Ardleigh

03 4651448

Cockies Classic

14-Apr

Taieri Lakes

34897450

Taieri Weekend Tournament

14-Apr

Lawrence

03)4859628

Lions Tournament

21-Apr

Dunstan

03 4492729

Dunedin City Ford Charity Ambrose

21-Apr

Otakou

03 4780864

Charity Golf Classic

21-Apr

Kaitangata

03 4139825

Easter Chicken Run & Ocean View Cup

21-Apr

Lake Hawea

027 203 8785

Easter Ambrose Tournament

Monday Apr. 1st 2019 – 8.30 am start

Maungakiekie Golf Club Monday Apr. 8th - 8.30 am start

Howick Golf Club Monday Apr. 4th – 8.30 am start (Tom Inagaki trophy)

Whitford Golf Club th

Monday Apr. 29 . - 8.30 am shotgun start

INITIATIVES TO GET MORE PEOPLE INTO GOLF

For course availability book online or phone +64 7 575 5957

Aorangi

Otago

TUATAPERE GOLF CLUB’S CHARITY TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS

New club manager at Te Anau, Murray Barron, organised a Waitangi Day Ambrose, designed as a fun way to encourage more people to try golf. Of the 40 players that teed off, half were

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND NOTICEBOARD

Southland

Remuera Golf Club th

Monday May 6 – 7.30 am start

Pakuranga Golf Club Monday May 13th – 8.30 am start

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

8-Apr

Riverton

225348873

Riverton Handicap Foursomes

14-Apr

Tuatapere

03 226 6687

Tuatapere Men’s Tournament

27-Apr

Invercargill

03 2131133

Invercargill Gold Cup

www.akseniorgolf.org.nz

LOOKING FOR SOMETHING TO DO THIS EASTER? WALTON GOLF CLUB HAVE A TWO PERSON PAIRS, SINGLE PERSON OR MIXED COUPLES EASTER TOURNAMENT

FRID & SA AY 19TH 20THTURDAY A

PRIL

GREAT PRIZES GREAT COURSE GREAT HOSPITAILTY

18 hole Foursomes on Friday morning; 2 Ball Best Ball 18 hole on Friday afternoon; and 18 hole pairs Ambrose on Saturday

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

FOR MORE DETAILS AND TO ENTER PHONE (07) 8883731 OR EMAIL waltongolf@outlook.com

26

April 2019

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

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Waikato pair wins at Paraparaumu T

he Waikato pairing of Janet Myers (Cambridge) partnered with Helen Green (Hamilton) have won the 83rd New Zealand Golf Women’s Autumn Foursomes.

Played last month on the iconic Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course that has hosted a record 12 New Zealand Opens including the 2002 tournament with Tiger Woods in the field, Myers and Green were the only pair undefeated after 3 days foursomes match play.

Drawn randomly in the 64 pair grid, Green and Myers faced two local pairs in their opening matches on Tuesday 26 March. First victims were Sue Norris and Jenny Thomas, a match they won comfortably 5 and 4, before facing Yvonne Jackson and Mary Wilson. They needed all 18-holes to win that match, 2-up before advancing onto the 3rd round.

Methven players, Gayle O’Duffy and Jenny Senior couldn’t handle the tough stormy conditions during the tournament as well as the Waikato friends did, gifting the pair a relatively easy run into

the quarter finals, with a win 6 and 4.

To reach the semi-finals Green and Myers won 2 and 1 against Janine McCauley and Christine Tylden (Taupo) in their 4th match on Wednesday 27 March, to then face the defending champions Iris Jillett (Whakatane) and Susan Somerville (Te Marua) in their semi final.

A comfortable win 4 and 2, played in near perfect conditions, put them in the final against Trudy Cooper and Denise Sweetman who hail from nearby Otaki Golf Club.

Cooper and Sweetman might ruse what could have been, having lead the match for many of the opening holes. However the dogged pair, with some accurate putting, finally took the match out on the 18th, 1-up and the 2019 title.

Cooper and Sweetman had also had a good run to the final. Their opening match they won 3 and 1 against Carole Brand (Gleniti) and Vicki Moore (Ashburton), followed by a win 3 and 2, against Nancy Andrews and Penny Bertelsen from their home club, Otaki.

The Helensville pair of Val Dent and Marilyn Trent gave the Otaki finalists

their 3rd win losing 3 and 1, before Coo- ers are guaranteed at least five rounds per and Sweetman were up against a lo- with multiple flights on both sides of the draw. Flight winners included Sue Armcal pair in their quarter final.

Paraparaumu’s Robyna Aitken and strong and Allison Fraei (Paraparaumu), Norrey Simmons lost 1 down on the 18th Jennie Hewett and Kellie Orchard (Roygreen . The host clubs last hope of get- al Wellington) Sinead Keaney (Akarana) ting the 2019 title, was therefore on the and Aseri (Maraenui), Christene Dennishoulders of Mary McCulloch and Chris- son and Bronwyn O’Brien (Tuatapere), tine Shum who faced Cooper and Sweet- Yvonne Jackson and Mary Wilson (Paraman in the other semi-final round. Also paraumu), Maureen de Bernardo and going to the 18th green Otaki was the Wendy Stilwell (Paraparaumu) and, Tish winner in this semi, with a 1 up win to Amon and Debbie Taylor (Wairakei), in the NZ Autumn Foursomes Cup flights.

Sweetman and Cooper.

128 players came from around the NZLGU Salver flight winners included country to this mighty links challenge Carole Butland and Kim Weber-Swain which also recognises the first round (Shandon), Chrissie Courtman (Hamilton) losers competing for the NZLGU Salver. and Rosie Priest (Levin), Lynn Pedersen This year’s winners were Heather Gifkins and Corinne Pert (Wairakei), Sandra Pickand Pam Johnston, who play their golf at ering and Wendy Quinn (Boulcott’s Farm), Waitomo.

Jane Logan (Waiheke) and Trish Stewart Runners up in the NZLGU Salver were (Inglewood), Roselee Thurston and Karen Yuriko Manabe and Christine May from Musson (Otaki) along with Virginia Gibbs Shandon, with the bronze medal on this and Jackie Higgins from Manaia.

PaR nz Golfing Holidays who manage side of the draw for the semi-finalists awarded to Celia Howden and Ka- the tournament under the auspices of 2019Mary Programme vanagh (Karori) and Dates Diane Boot and Col- Location New Zealand Golf,Contact will announce shortly 2019 Name Phone the 2020 venue and dates, which is due leen Rowe (Hamilton).

Men 7 - 10 Jan 2019 Pakuranga/Remuera 4 day Graham Arnold 09 528 8717 admin@a In typical ‘Womens Golf’ tradition play- to be hosted in the South Island.

M&W

30Jan-1Feb

M&W

6 - 8 Feb

Whakatane 3 day

Secretary WGC

07 308 8117

whakatane

Taumarunui

Terry Kay

07 8968710

M&W

eileen.ter

13 - 15 Feb

Nthn Wairoa,Sherwood,Mt Denby

Hugh Tennent

09 433 8055

M&W

hughandj

13 - 15 Feb

Omokoroa 3 day

Terry Golder

07 548 0391

terry.gold

Mxd

18 -22 Feb

Bay of Islands Kerikeri

Club Manager

09 407 8837 Ex 2

kerikerigo

M&W

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

Mxd Men

M&W

11 - 15 Mar

30Jan-1Feb 6 - 8 18 Feb -

M&W M&W

07 862 6767

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

Secretary WGC

21-Aug

Club Manager

06 368 6189

07 308M&W 8117

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

Don Blackledge

8 348 4051

10 - 11 Oct

Club Manager

09 235 9489

M&W

M&W

9 - 13 Sep Pat Pene

M&W

M&W

09 433Mxd 8055

M&W

Mxd Mxd

13 - 15 Feb

118 -22 Feb

5 Bay Aprof IslandsStratford Kerikeri

Omokoroa 3 day

Terry Golder

07 548 0391

20 - 22 Feb 8-

9 Mount Apr Maunganui Waihi Stroke Play

2 - 6th Dec

06 765 5219

8 - 12 29Apr Apr -Waitara 2 May

Manukorihi

Muriwai,Nth Shore, WainuiBill Bird

Kaitake, Westown, Fitzroy, Inglewood

Kaye Cavey

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

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

Terry Golder

06 754 8953Secretary

Rangitikei

06 7552875

Rangitikei

h.rvivian@xtra.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

29 Apr - 2 May Muriwai,Nth Shore, Wainui

Owen Young

021 666 686

nhsga1@outlook.com

M&W

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

Brian Chapman

04 298 4321

chapmanb@xtra.co.nz

23-24 May

Waipa Veterans Classic - Te Awamutu

M&W,Mxd All

20-2118 May-

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

M&W M&W

23-24 May

Kerry Jensen

Waipa Veterans Classic - Te Awamutu 21-Aug Paeroa

admin@s

nhsga1@o

chapman

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

871

cjv@xtra.

07 871 4838

k-a.jensen

07 8649846

cwcollier2

07 871 4838

k-a.jensen@xtra.co.nz Richard Baker 07 862 6767

mcleavey

06 368 6189

levin@go

M&W

9 - 13 Sep

M&W

23 -25 Sept

M&W

7 - 8 Oct

M&W

10 - 11 Oct

Waiuku

Mxd

14 - 15 Oct

Warkworth

M&W

17 - 18 Oct

Sherwood Park 2 day

22 - 24 Oct

Whakatane

M&W M&W M&W M&W M&W M&W M&W

Men Women

Lorraine McLeavey

mikehayes

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

Mxd

Otaki

Kerry Jensen

07 533 1832

greveykp

0274 494522

Mxd

26 - 30 Aug

666 686

07 548 0391

wg.cf.bird

rere8533

06 7552875

M&W

M&W

Scott Evans

gcmurphy44@gmail.com

2 - 6th Dec Marie Rayner

Women

06 867 4402

07 863 8678David Mansell waihi@go 07 3788904

Te Puke

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

09 434 6900

WGC 07 308 8117 765 5219Secretary h.rvivian@ Reg Calden 07 824 8006

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

Heather Vivian

M&W

Mxd All

Men

Jane Hiebendaal

Secretary

Taupo

Waikato Champs hhppene@gmail.com

18 - 20 Nov

Stratford

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

4 - 8 Nov

Bill Bird 13-14 Nov

06 374 3670

22 - 26 Apr

22 - 26 Apr

Whakatane

regcalden@yahoo.com 11 - 14 Nov Omokoroa

M&W

Gwen Murphy

1 - 5 Apr

15 - 18 Apr

Sutton Kaitake, Westown, Fitzroy,Lindsay Inglewood

M&W

Waipukurau,Takapau, Dannevirke, Waipawa

Mxd

M&W

terry.golder2@gmail.com

22 - 24 Oct

06 344M&W 5478

25 -29 Mar

Mxd

M&W

Pat Pene

Waitara

09 425 8248 06 374 3670The Secretary gcmurphy

Vivian 06 09 407M&W 8837Heather Ex 229 - 31 kerikerigolf@clear.net.nz Oct Ngaruawahia

Rangitikei & Castlecliff

18 - 2215 Mar- 18 Carterton Apr

Mxd

Sherwood Park 2 day

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

M&W

M&W

17 - 18 Oct

07 824M&W 8006

M&W Mxd

8 - 9 Apr2

Gwen Murphy

Tom Uden

11 - 15 Mar

Mxd

Club Manager

M&W

Waiuku

06 3445478 hhppene@

09 232 1788 3775763 Club Manager vetsgolfca

hughandjean@farmside.co.nz 14 - 15 Oct Warkworth

Reg Calden

M&W

Mxd M&W

06 344 5478Pat Pene

Ngaruawahia

8 - 12 Apr

M&W

Waipukurau,Takapau, Dannevirke, Waipawa

824 8006Lorraine McLeaveyregcalden@ 0274 494522

Rangitikei,Rangatira, Wanganui,Castlecliff

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

Hugh Tennent

4 - 6 Mar

Email07

Terry Kay

Nthn Wairoa,Sherwood,Mt Denby

25 -29 Mar

Paeroa

Phone - 30 Aug Otaki Mxd Reg26Calden

13 - 15 Feb

Mxd

April 2019

Rangitikei & Castlecliff

Whakatane 3 day

22Taumarunui Mar Carterton

Richard Baker

09 528Mxd 8717

Contact Name Graham Arnold

M&W

M&W M&W

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Location Ngaruawahia

7 - 10 Jan 2019 Pakuranga/Remuera 4 day

M&W

Photo from left Pam Johnston, Helen Green, Murray Armstrong (Paraparaumu Golf Chairman), Janet Myers, Heather Gifkins.

6 Mar

Tom18 -Uden 07Classic 575 4214Craig Collier nztru@ki M&W,Mxd 19 Aug Coromandel Coast Vets Pairs 07 8649846

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

By Denise Langdon ParNZ Tournament Director

Rangitikei,Rangatira, Wanganui,Castlecliff

Pat Pene

06 3445478

hhppene@

Rotorua (Arikikapakapa)

Don Blackledge

8 348 4051

rotorua@

Club Manager

09 232 1788

manager@

Club Manager

09 235 9489

waiukugo

The Secretary

09 425 8248

thedivot@

Jane Hiebendaal

09 434 6900

Clarks Beach

CROSSWORDSOLUTION March J B H O L M E S

O H N S O N K N Secretary A T I EWGC 29 - 31 Oct Ngaruawahia Reg O V E R C Calden O N C E O K N 3 - 6 Nov Poverty Bay Secretary O S A N G David E LMansell E S 4 - 8 Nov Taupo G L D 11 - 14 Nov Omokoroa Terry Golder X P O S E Secretary R Y A 13-14 Nov Waikato Champs R U O 18 - 20 Nov Te Puke Scott Evans R E T I R E D B Proposed Local Special events prior to Nationals A S T N C 2 - 6th Dec Rangitikei P H I L C H A L L 2 - 6th Dec Rangitikei P D O A A E Y E O P E N E R A N E C K R E T I N U E E C

O W H O W V 07 308 O 8117E 07 824 E A L 8006 E D R 06 867 E 4402G M I K E 07 3788904 K 07 548 N 0391S N F O X E N L 07 533 1832 E N E P E L I E N G E S N R H G L O O M T W A H E L O N

27

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whakatane

regcalden@

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waikatove

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