June 2019 14th year as NZ’s exclusive Golf club magazine
/golferpacificnz
PAGE 4
ISSN 1178-0754 ISSN 1835-1336 XX 06
NZD $5.00 Subscription $60 per annum
Golf’s two monsters INSIDE // WORLD HANDICAP SYSTEM ON TRACK FOR INTRODUCTION NEXT YEAR
Get Custom fit today. For your nearest PING stockist contact Sports Network Ltd. Ph: 0508 776 786
EDITORIAL
NEW ZEALAND EDITORIAL Paul Gueorgieff pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz Ph: 64 4 565 0385 Mob: 64 27 227 1038
pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz
A refreshing approach to putting
I
By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ
recently heard something very refreshing from a golf commentator on television. The commentator noticed that a player on the LPGA Tour was putting with only the white of the ball facing upwards. There were no lines marked on the ball to help with aiming and even the ball maker’s name was facing away from the player’s view. The female commentator said this was the way she preferred to putt as well. I thought wow. Every week I see players on television spend hours reading a putt. Okay, hours might be an exaggeration but you know what I mean. They then carefully aim a line on their ball at where they think they want to hit the ball. Another hour has passed. They then re-read the putt, do a
360 degree walk around the putt and then place a marker behind the ball again. They then move the line on the ball 0.0000001 of a millimetre to the left or right. Another hour has passed. Once again, slight exaggerations in those last two sentences, but you know what I mean. They then remove the ball marker, get ready to make the putt, steady themselves and make a stroke. The ball slides past the hole — in other words they missed. And these are the best players in the world. Okay, I understand such players might be putting on very fast greens and putting is not easy. But my question is: does a line on a ball help with putting? The following is what one putting expert, Neville Walker from Australia, said: “Using a line or the logo on your ball draws on the argument that it is easier to aim at a target from behind than from the
side. Nobody disputes the logic of this statement.” But there’s a but. The expert continued: “Why then wouldn’t every golfer choose to use this method or technique for aiming? “The argument against using a line on your ball is that it restricts the freedom of your stroke. Your stroke becomes too mechanical as you are fixated on your ball rather than on your target.’’ Very interesting. The line on a ball could be more of a distraction than an aid. The expert continued: “Golfers argue that when they look down, the line on their ball appears to be aimed incorrectly. This leads to indecision and a tentative stroke. The line acts as a visual distraction rather than an aid to aligning their putter-face.” My argument about putting is if I could paint a line on a green for a 20 foot putt, showing the exact
break, could I keep the ball on that line and therefore sink the ball? The answer is most probably not. That’s because the painted line on the green would be for a certain speed of the ball. Getting the pace correct for a putt is probably harder than getting the right line. And that, to me, means that getting the pace of a putt is probably more important than getting the precise line. If you get the pace right but still do not sink the ball, you will almost certainly finish near the hole and therefore avoid the dreaded three-putt. I reckon that many players, at our level, who sink a putt do so because they mis-read the putt and miss-hit the ball — in this case, two wrongs making a right. I’ll leave the last word to the expert. “My recommendation is that if you are going to use a line, pick an intermediate target close to the ball and aim at this.”
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@gmail.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: Brooks Koepka holds the monster Wanamaker trophy after his win in the PGA Championship at Bethpage in New York. The trophy weighs more than 12kgs. COPYRIGHT All material published in Golfer Pacific NZ is subject to all forms of copyright. Contents of this newspaper cannot be reproduced in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the editor. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of this newspaper, its management. New Zealand Golfer Pacific is published Golfer Pacific NZ Limited. The company’s registered office is unit 10/7 Aruma St Chevron Island QLD 4217.
GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS 1.1 All advertisements accepted for publication are subject in every respect to the approval of Golfer Pacific NZ Limited. The conditions set out in any Rate Card and Golfer Pacific NZ Limited Advertising Order Form are the rules applicable to advertising as laid down from time to time by the Australian Newspaper Council and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). 1.2 While every care is taken in the publication of advertisements, errors may sometimes occur. In such cases, no claim shall be made by or on behalf of the advertiser in respect of any error or its subsequent effects. If brought to our attention within 24 hours of publication, adjustments may be made, but only for the space actually occupied by an error. No responsibility is taken for any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to any instructions. No guarantee is given regarding the positioning of any advertisements. 1.3 Golfer Pacific NZ Limited reserves the right to change position, cancel, refuse, omit or postpone publication of any advertisement in any issue. 1.4 The word “advertisement” will be included in an advertisement if, in the opinion of Golfer Pacific NZ Limited, it resembles editorial matter. 1.5 If a proof is required prior to the publication, the advertisement must be a minimum size of 5cm x 1 column. One proof is provided for text corrections only; any additional layout revisions requested at the publication’s discretion and will incur a (non-commissionable) production fee. Advertisers will be charged for author’s text alterations required on third and subsequent proofs. 1.6 No responsibility is accepted for any error or omission of key numbers or telephoned alterations to copy. 1.7 No arrangements concerning an order can be recognised unless authorised or approved by Golfer Pacific NZ Limited in writing. 1.8 Requests for advertisements to be printed upside down or side-on or any particular arrangements of type or display are subject to rejections without notice. 1.9 All publishers’ conditions apply equally to all Golfer Pacific NZ Limited products, electronic or printed format. 1.10 Tear-sheets for advertisement publication verifi cation are available. Golfer Pacific NZ retains the right to publish advertiser and editorial content online using social media, the company and third party wesbites and our fortnightly email newsletter. Deadlines – The responsibility for supplying booked material by the required deadline lies with the advertiser/agency. Golfer Pacific NZ Limited accepts no responsibility for material not received by deadline and charges will apply.
AT r RM f Tou O l F Go W NE land s oI Tw
HAWAII SEPT 19
SOUTH AFRICA .
Hawaii is a golfer’s paradise with over 70 golf courses to choose from. The weather is balmy and the ‘Aloha’ relaxing! Join us as we visit Maui & Kauai and play on stunning courses that will take your breath away. Opportunities to extend your stay if some beach time at Waikiki is needed!
CHILE & ARGENTINA OCT/NOV 19
Experience a heady blend of nature, culture, golf, wine & food that is Argentina. See the grandeur of the Andes during an alpine crossing by coach; Be captivated by an Argentine Tango show; Witness the magnificent Iguazu Falls and jet boat the rapids below. Oh and the golf isn’t bad either!
2
OCT 19
Discover the Charm and Magic of South Africa. Spectacular golf courses, magnificent wildlife; this South Africa golf tour includes a wide range of memorable activities. The natural wonders and stunning scenery will take your breath away.
MELBOURNE
For over 20 years Charlies Golf Tours has been delivering superbly organised, fun and great value golfing holiday experiences. We take care of everything so that you can enjoy a hassle-free relaxed holiday and play golf on spectacular courses.
OCT/NOV 19 For more information, freephone 0800 377 479 or visit charliesgolftours.co.nz This two centre tour allows you to experience some of the great Sand Belt golf courses and city life from your base on the South Bank before moving down to Sorrento for a more relaxed week in the heart of the Mornington Peninsula and sampling the courses there.
June 2019
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.
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
G
olf’s new world handicap system, which is designed to bring the game of golf under a single set of rules for handicapping and provide a more consistent measure of players’ ability between different regions of the world, remains on track for implementation next year. Education has begun with events being held in Singapore, South Africa, Great Britain and Ireland, Japan, Argentina, Brazil, Continental Europe, Canada, the Caribbean and the United States. A secure resource portal, accessible via whs.com, has also been launched to provide national associations with a library of materials that they can use to help support their own education efforts. Coinciding with this release, The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA) are launching a social media video campaign to remind golfers of the eight key features of the new rules of handicapping and to reveal more details. These features include: * Minimum number of scores to establish a handicap index and maximum handicap index of 54 * Basis of calculation of handicap index * Acceptability of scores for handicap purposes * Course rating and slope rating * Calculation of a playing handicap * Maximum hole score for handicap purposes * Adjustments for abnormal playing conditions * Frequency of updating a handicap index Significant progress has been made in preparation for the roll-out of the new system, which includes building a library of education materials, finalising the new rules of handicapping, release of the technical specifications and the continuation of testing. Many national associations around the world are busy ensuring that their golf courses are rated in accordance with the course rating system and working to update local software platforms so that they are ready to apply the new rules of handicapping. While many countries will be ready to transition to the world handicapping system early next year, given both the magnitude of the change for some jurisdictions and varying seasonality throughout the world, it is anticipated that some will need more time. Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “There are many ways in which it is important for golf to modernise and become more appealing for people thinking of taking up the sport and handicapping is clearly one of them. The world handicap system is a major new initiative
for the sport which will establish a clearer and more consistent handicapping process for golfers throughout the world. “We are working closely with national associations, as we do across all our core activities, to ensure they are fully prepared for the introduction of the new system as soon as possible after it becomes available for implementation.” USGA chief executive Mike Davis said: “The world handicap system is the latest example of our work to make the game more welcoming. Golfers throughout the world will be able to play equitably, measure their success and more fully enjoy and engage with the game. After working with national associations across the world on course rating throughout the past 30 years and now the world handicap system, this monumental collaborative effort will benefit everyone in golf.” Since its conception, the development of a world handicap has focused on three key goals. They are to encourage as many golfers as possible to obtain and maintain a handicap index; to enable golfers of differing abilities, genders and nationalities to transport their handicap index to any course around the world and compete on a fair basis; and to indicate with sufficient accuracy the score a golfer is reasonably capable of achieving on any course around the world, playing under normal conditions. The system has been devised following extensive consultation with the six existing handicapping authorities: Golf Australia, the Council of National Golf Unions (CONGU) in Great Britain and Ireland, the European Golf Association (EGA), the South African Golf Association (SAGA), the Argentine Golf Association (AAG) and the USGA. The Japan Golf Association and Golf Canada have also been closely involved in developing the new system. Widespread support for a world handicap was expressed in an international survey of 52,000 golfers with 76 percent in favour of the new system and a further 22 percent saying they were willing to consider its benefits. Focus groups were also held in different regions of the world to elicit detailed feedback on the features of the new system, which have contributed to the finalised rules of handicapping. The world handicap system will unite the golf world under one single set of handicapping rules and will be governed by the USGA and The R&A, with support from the existing six handicap authorities. As an extension of their support of the rules of golf worldwide, watchmaker Rolex has made a commitment to support The R&A’s and the USGA’s efforts to implement the world handicap system.
GOLF NEWS
World handicap system on track for introduction next year
Our newest golf trolley has just landed!
Boasting an all-new whisper quiet, powerful 230W motor, digital power gauge and battery fuel indicator, the stylish FW3s offers engineered simplicity at the highest level.
Huge 2.3” full colour display!
Handy Waterproof Design!
Get the DRI Edition cart bag for only $289 with the purchase of any trundler during the month of June!
DRI EDITION Black & Yellow (01310-03-01)
- Other cart bags & colours available FREEPHONE 0 8 00 9 44 495
WWW.POWAKADDYNZ.CO.NZ
GOLF NEWS 4
Golf’s two monsters — Bethpage Black and Brooks Koepka
I
t’s described as the municipal monster. Correctly it’s called the black course at the Bethpage State Park in New York. It’s a public course, it has only two par fives and its par is just 70. So it can’t be very long, right? Wrong. It’s monster long. It measures 6829 metres. Outside the first tee there is a sign that reads: “The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.” But that doesn’t deter members of the public who sleep in their car overnight to obtain one of the first six tee times that are made available each day on a first-come, first-in basis. And for locals the cost is just $US65. Bethpage Black was the scene of last month’s PGA Championship, the second major event of the year, and the fairways were narrowed and the rough lengthened. Then along comes big-hitting Brooks Koepka. In the first two rounds he posts scores of seven under 63 and five under par 65 for a two-round total of 128. It’s the lowest tworound total in a major championship, beating the previous record of 130. Koepka only shot an even par 70 in the third round and his lead going into the final round was seven — the largest final round lead of a PGA Championship and a lead that had never been lost in a major. Many of the nearest opposition on the final day admitted they were playing for second and Koepka was already being compared with Tiger Woods. They said Koepka was the monster — there’s that word again — that Woods had created. Koepka was aged six when Woods won his first major in 1997 and in the space of 11 years Woods had taken his tally of majors to 14. Victory at Bethpage would provide Koepka with a Woods-like record. He was the defending champion of the PGA Championship and had won the last two US Opens — that would amount to four major wins in less
The delight is obvious as Brooks Koepka seals victory for his second consecutive win in the $US11 million PGA Championship in New York. Photo credit: PGA of America.
June 2019
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
PGA CHAMPIONSHIP LEADERBOARD AND PRIZEMONEY
Scores and prizemoney ($US) from the PGA Championships held at Bethpage in New York.
POS PLAYER 1 Brooks Koepka 2 Dustin Johnson T3 Jordan Spieth T3 Patrick Cantlay T3 Matt Wallace 6 Luke List 7 Sung Kang T8 Gary Woodland T8 Matt Kuchar T8 Rory McIlroy T8 Shane Lowry T8 Erik van Rooyen T8 Adam Scott T14 Chez Reavie T14 Jazz Janewattananond T16 Brandt Snedeker T16 Mike Lorenzo-Vera T16 Abraham Ancer T16 Lucas Bjerregaard T16 Lucas Glover T16 Xander Schauffele T16 Hideki Matsuyama T23 Thomas Pieters T23 Jason Kokrak T23 Billy Horschel T23 Emiliano Grillo T23 Jason Day T23 Jimmy Walker T29 Paul Casey T29 Graeme McDowell T29 Keegan Bradley T29 Webb Simpson T29 Adam Hadwin T29 Sam Burns T29 Justin Rose T36 Beau Hossler T36 Li Haotong T36 Danny Lee T36 Rickie Fowler T36 Harold Varner III T41 Matthew Fitzpatrick T41 Charles Howell III T41 Aaron Wise T41 Kiradech Aphibarnrat T41 Adam Long T41 Scott Piercy T41 Danny Willett T48 Henrik Stenson T48 Kelly Kraft T48 Bronson Burgoon
DISCOVER JUDGEFORD
Play the country course next to the city! Just 25 minutes from CBD and 15 minutes from Porirua and Lower and Upper Hutt.
lebrate o d ce ur an
50th
b’s clu
Com e
than two years. But day four at Bethpage did not go to script for Koepka. On the very first hole he made bogey. Worse was to come. He bogeyed four holes in a row on the back nine and after the 14th hole his lead had been reduced to just one with Dustin Johnson on his tail. This presented the opportunity for New York sports fans to live up to their reputation as not being the most polite in the world. Some of them started chanting “DJ, DJ, DJ” but it was more of a taunt directed at Koepka rather than a cheer for Johnson, who was not in Koepka’s playing group. Koepka said he accepted the criticism. “It’s New York, what do you expect when you are half-choking it?’’ he said. “I think I kind of deserved it. If you are going to rattle off four (bogeys) in a row and it looks like you are going to lose it … I’ve been to sporting events in New York, I know how it goes.” When asked to elaborate, Koepka believed it strengthened his resolve. “I think it actually helped. I was just thinking, okay, I’ve got everyone against me, let’s go.” Koepka said his situation was not helped by winds that had got up for the final day and his task was all the more tougher. “It played so hard today. These fairways are just 25-28 yards wide and I didn’t give myself many chances from the tee — you do that at Bethpage, you are in for a long day.” Koepka, 29, held on to his lead with Johnson making bogeys on two of his last three holes. Koepka won by two from Johnson to gain the winner’s purse of $US1.98 million. “This is the most satisfying of all the ones (majors) that I have won.” One question that brought a smile to Koepka’s face at his press conference was that the 2024 Ryder Cup is to be held at Bethpage. The Ryder Cup is a United States versus Europe tournament which easily brings out the most vocal fans of any golf tournament in the world. That was no more evident at the last Ryder Cup in France last year when the European team, the clear underdogs, beat the United States comfortably much to the delight of a raucous European crowd. The 2024 Ryder Cup might be five years away but the thought of how New York fans would react had Koepka beaming. “Good luck to Europe,” he said with a wry smile. “With the fans. I can’t wait to play it. I hope I’m on the team. If not, I just want to be here.”
ANNIVERSARY
TO PAR -8 -6 -2 -2 -2 -1 E 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8
R1 R2 R3 R4 TOTAL 63 65 70 74 272 69 67 69 69 274 69 66 72 71 278 69 70 68 71 278 69 67 70 72 278 68 68 69 74 279 68 70 70 72 280 70 70 73 68 281 70 70 72 69 281 72 71 69 69 281 75 69 68 69 281 70 68 70 73 281 71 64 72 74 281 68 71 71 72 282 70 68 67 77 282 74 67 73 69 283 68 71 75 69 283 73 70 69 71 283 71 69 70 73 283 72 69 69 73 283 70 69 68 76 283 70 68 68 77 283 74 70 71 69 284 73 70 71 70 284 70 72 71 71 284 76 67 70 71 284 69 74 69 72 284 70 70 71 73 284 70 71 75 69 285 70 72 73 70 285 70 70 73 72 285 72 69 72 72 285 72 70 70 73 285 70 72 69 74 285 70 67 73 75 285 72 69 77 68 286 73 69 70 74 286 64 74 71 77 286 69 69 71 77 286 71 67 67 81 286 75 65 76 71 287 72 67 73 75 287 70 71 71 75 287 76 68 68 75 287 73 70 69 75 287 72 67 72 76 287 71 70 69 77 287 74 68 75 71 288 71 65 78 74 288 73 66 74
MONEY $1,980,000 $1,188,000 $575,500 $575,500 $575,500 $380,000 $343,650 $264,382 $264,382 $264,382 $264,382 $264,382 $264,382 $191,665 $191,665 $143,100 $143,100 $143,100 $143,100 $143,100 $143,100 $143,100 $91,000 $91,000 $91,000 $91,000 $91,000 $91,000 $65,000 $65,000 $65,000 $65,000 $65,000 $65,000 $65,000 $48,200 $48,200 $48,200 $48,200 $48,200 $36,036 $36,036 $36,036 $36,036 $36,036 $36,036 $36,036 $26,250 $26,250
VISITING WELLINGTON? 20 MINUTES FROM CBD WELLINGTON, COMMUTER RAILWAY STATION 50 METRES FROM CLUB GATES
Labour Weekend Friday 25 - Sunday 27 0ctober 2019 We have a busy programme arranged including a floating Hole in One competition over the whole weekend! Friday: fun and games & BBQ Saturday: an Open Tournament, an evening formal dinner followed by entertainment Sunday: 3 Person Ambrose followed by lunch
We welcome all golfers visiting the Wellington region. Come and play a round or two at our fabulous all weather golf course and enjoy our wildlife sanctuary. All green fee players are welcome.
07 386 8724 – turangigolfclub@xnet.co.nz 1 Atirau Road, Turangi –
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
June 2019
5
Women’s Asia-Pacific tournament will be judged by depth, not just the winners GOLF NEWS
A
judgment on the success of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific should be based on the depth of field five years from now, according to Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A. “We couldn’t have wished for a better winner last year for the inaugural event,” said Slumbers, referring to Thai teenager Atthaya Thitikul, triumphant in Singapore in 2018 and the leading amateur at the Women’s British Open and the ANA Inspiration, the two major championships into which she gained an exemption as a result of her Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific victory. Addressing a press conference along with Kei Muratsu, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), on the opening day of the event’s second edition at The Royal Golf Club in Japan, Slumbers said: “We are delighted with the early success of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific. I think this week we will build on that and it is already becoming a fixture on the golf-
ing schedule. “Kei and I share enormous admiration and aspiration for this event. We want this to be viewed as one of the top amateur events for women in the world. “That will take time to build. But with winners like Atthaya, it will happen very quickly. It was very much known around the golfing circuit that this young 15‑year‑old Thai girl could seriously play, and she represented her country fantastically at Royal Lytham last year. “This is all about creating opportunities. I think five years from now, I will judge success, not just on the competence of the winners and how they perform, but what’s most important, the biggest measure, will be the depth of the field. How well does the depth improve with this opportunity? “So, I look at the bottom half of the scoreboard as much as I look at the top 10, and five years from now, that’s where we’ll be judging it.”
The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific has been developed by The R&A and APGC with a view to unearthing emerging talent and providing a pathway for Asia’s and Oceania’s elite women amateurs onto the international stage. The champion in Japan last month was Japanese player Yuka Yasuda who earned a place in two of the five women’s majors – the Women’s British Open and the Evian Championship in France. She will also receive an invite to the 2020 Augusta National Women’s Amateur in the United States. The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific is in line with the goals of The R&A’s women in golf charter, which was launched in May last year. Slumbers said: “The women in golf charter is something that’s very dear to The R&A. We believe that the future of our great game is to make sure more women are playing the game and more women are working in the game, and that will create a more diverse game and bigger game.
“Since last year, we have had over a hundred national federations signing up to committing to the charter. We are now in the phase of working with individual golf clubs who will be signing up and committing to the charter. The pace of change is growing and that is very, very important. “I’ve always said that professional sport requires a pyramid, from grassroots at the bottom to the elite professional game at the top. This championship filled the vacuum as we saw it in Asia‑Pacific between the national federation events that are being run by our colleagues at the APGC and the LPGA. Most of the field here will be professionals at some point in the future, and that’s fantastic. “We hope this championship goes on to give them just that little bit more of a chance at being successful in their professional career.”
Japanese player wins by eight at women’s Asia-Pacific
H
ome favourite Yuka Yasuda, leading a tournament in the final round for the first time, provided a masterclass in front-running as she left the field in her wake to win the second edition of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship by eight shots in Japan. The 18-year-old started the final round at The Royal Golf Club leading by two shots. After making a birdie on the opening hole, she never lost the honour. She signed for a bogey-free seven-under par 65 to take her tally to an 11-under 277 total for the championship. Thai player Atthaya Thitikul, champion at the first Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in Singapore last year, finished runner-up at three-under par while the Korean duo of Lee Ye-won and Hong Yae-eun were third and fourth respectively. New Zealand players were not in contention. Vivian Lu and Brittney Dryland finished 37th at 15 over par while Carmen Lim and Caryn Khoo were 42nd and 47th respectively at 18 and 22 over par. Juliana Hung and Jessica Huang both missed the cut.
The winner Yasuda said she was spurred on by her home crowd. “Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to win the championship,’’ Yasuda said. “But so many people came out today and they cheered and motivated me and I am happy that I could play some good golf. “This is such a huge win for me. I am trying to become a professional golfer and I am sure this is going to open many doors for me in the future. “I get the opportunity to play two major championships with this win [the British Open and the Evian Championship]. That experience will definitely help me become a better player.” Two shots behind the leaders after a bogey on the 14th hole on Saturday, Yasuda finished with one eagle and three birdies to grab sole possession of the lead by two at the end of the third round. She increased that advantage to six shots with four birdies in her first five holes on the final day. Yasuda hit it close with her second shot on the first hole. She seemed to be in trouble on the second when
her tee shot went into the trees but a superb second left her 20 feet short of the pin and she made the putt. On the third, she poured in a 15-foot putt. At that point, she was eight-under for her last seven holes. Yasuda made further birdies on the par-four fifth and par-five eighth holes. Equally important were par saves from the bunkers on the seventh and ninth holes. That helped her make the turn in 31 and nine-under for the championship, seven ahead of Atthaya. “I played a perfect round of golf today, except for a couple of second shots after which I had to make good recoveries,’’ recalled Yasuda, who has also secured a spot at the 2020 Augusta National Women’s Amateur. “I thought those pars [on seven and nine] were very important to keep the momentum going my way.” On her back nine, Yasuda added birdies on the parfive 13th and 16th holes to complete a dominant win. Japan’s Yuna Nishimura, who lost in a play-off to Thitikul last year, was in fifth place at one over par, while China’s Lei Ye was sixth, one shot behind her.
30 MINUTES FROM HAMILTON • 40 MINUTES FROM TAURANGA • 90 MINUTES FROM AUCKLAND
Play at New Zealand’s Walton Golf Club
in heartland Waikato
www.waltongolf.co.nz
CARTS AVAILABLE BY ARRANGEMENT PH OR EMAIL • GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS WELCOME
1928 MORRINSVILLE-WALTON ROAD • PHONE (07) 8883731 • EMAIL waltongolf@outlook.com
6
June 2019
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
Plan your golf travel now for the end of the year
SUMMER GOLF EXPERIENCE SERIES 36 HOLE TWO DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT DEC 29-30
Play and enjoy a great two day tournament event at Gulf Harbour Country Club on the beautiful Whangaparaoa Peninsula, North Auckland. Tournament Dates & Times: Sunday December 29th 12-6pm Monday December 30th 12-6pm
Two Day Entry – NZD$200 Day 1 Entry Only – NZD$95 Day 2 Entry Only – NZD$105
Open to New Zealand, Australian & International Golfers with registered handicaps not exceeding 36. Limited to 120 players per day. Stableford, Gross & Net. Daily prizegiving. Terms and Conditions Apply.
To register and for more details go to www.summerseries.co.nz
GOLF NEWS
Golf course superintendents averaging salaries of $US93,000 in the United States
E
mployers of golf course superintendents continue to reinforce the value they place in golf course facility leaders as the average annual salary for the profession climbed to more than $US93,000 this year. The average salary and additional data come from the latest compensation and benefits report from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The 2019 report showed that the $US93,176 average salary was an increase of 4.5 percent over the 2017 re-
port, continuing the trend of increases in every two-year period since GCSAA began tracking the data in 1993. Superintendents’ salaries have more than doubled in the last quarter century since that first report, when the average salary was $US44,500. Certified golf course superintendents, those who have achieved the highest level of recognition through education, experience and service, saw an increase of more than one percent over 2017. Their average salary rose to $US111,250, an increase of $US1,630
over 2017. Assistant superintendents and golf course equipment managers also saw increases in their incomes. Assistant salaries rose 7.3 percent, and equipment managers saw a seven percent increase from the average salary two years ago. “It is heartening to see golf course owners continue to invest in golf course superintendents and their staffs,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief executive. “They know the value of these high-
ly educated professionals who oversee the golf facility’s top asset.” The report also gives a good picture of the profile of GCSAA superintendents and their operations. The average age of a superintendent is 46.5 years, and they have spent 16.4 years in the profession. The average number of years superintendents have spent in their current position stayed steady at 10.5 years.
Golf helps your ‘para-sympathetic nervous system kick in’
A
leading psychologist has championed the role golf can play in reducing stress and supporting good mental health. Professor Jenny Roe, environmental psychologist and director of the Centre for Design & Health, University of Virginia, says golf is one way of benefiting from a regular dose of green space to boost psychological well-being and physical health. “There’s a wealth of evidence, using robust, scientific methods, to show the benefits of green exercise – exercise in the natural outdoors – compared to exercise indoors, including the gym,” Roe said. “When you step into a green space, there’s a number of things that happen with both your physiology and your psychology. “Your para-sympathetic nervous system kicks in – the system that’s associated with relaxation – and your stress physiology actually changes. You literally manage stress more efficiently when you are in a green space.” Roe’s insights appear in a new multi-media article titled Golf Saved My Life, published by the Syngenta Growing Golf campaign, highlighting golf and men-
tal health issues and telling the story of young United States golfer Sam Gerry, who reveals how playing golf saved him after depression left him suicidal at age 14. Recent research from the United States and the United Kingdom demonstrate the widespread need for stress-reducing activities. A 2018 study by the UK’s Mental Health Foundation revealed that in the previous 12 months, 74 percent of people had felt so stressed they had been overwhelmed or unable to cope. In the same study, almost 10 percent of respondents said they were stressed ‘all of the time’. A survey by American pollsters Gallup in the US showed a similar trend, with only 17 percent of respondents saying that they rarely feel stressed. Research also shows that women tend to report more stress than men, with one recent poll demonstrating a 78 to 66 percent difference. Syngenta’s worldwide research report, the global economic value of increased female participation in golf, demonstrates that the very things that attract women to the game align with professor Roe’s insights, as well as with general stress-relief advice from institutions such
as the UK’s National Health Service and the US’s American Heart Foundation. In the report, five of the top factors that piqued women’s interest in golf were: 1. Being outdoors 2. Relaxation or stress relief 3. It presents a mental challenge 4. Spending time with family or friends 5. It presents a physical challenge Roe added: “I think to get out and play golf you are really helping manage your mental health in a very holistic way. “Contact with nature allows us to recover from brain fatigue, reduces our stress levels and improves our mood. “In turn, improved mood is linked to what’s called the broaden and build hypothesis, with an increased capacity for creative thought and cognitive flexibility that can – potentially – lead to new thought-action repertoires on and off the golf course, and improved performance.”
THE ROTORUA GOLF CLUB Arikikapakapa
Ranked in the top 10 most extreme golf courses in the world due to its Geothermal nature The perfect golf group location (group rates apply) Great condition all year round 8
June 2019
Office 07 348 4051 • Pro-shop 07 349 0446
rotoruagolfclub.co.nz WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
NEWS Singapore golf course becomes two-in-one
A
golf course in Singapore has become two. The course is Marina Bay, which is best known as having a par six hole. That hole, from the back tee, measures a mammoth 651 metres — and with bunkers and water to encounter on the way. But this month the club launched another new spin to the game by offering two configurations within one golf course. Its original configuration will be known as Course A while the new configuration became Course B. Course B paves the way for golfers to experience the golf course in a different light and derive a totally different experience out of playing 18 holes. While the individual hole layout remains unchanged, the routing from hole to hole is different in Course B. Course A comprises of an outer and inner loop of two sets of nine holes, both of which lead to the club house. Course B, on the other hand, features some holes crossing over to the inner loop after the fifth hole. For example, the existing ninth hole became hole 18 and, the existing 18th hole became the 10th hole for course B. With the change in hole sequence, golfers who are all too familiar with the existing golf course layout will have to change their game plan accordingly. “We are committed to deliver not only amazing value but also a golf course that’s truly a golfer’s delight. The novel concept of a two-in-one course is a prelude to more exciting initiatives that are in the pipeline,” said Mr Ng Ser Miang, chairman of NCI Golf Pte Ltd. Course B is available for play from Wednesday to Sunday on every alternate week after the launch.
Marina Bay golf course in Singapore, which now has a second layout for its original 18 holes.
ABOUT MARINA BAY GOLF COURSE
Opened in November 2006, Marina Bay Golf Course is Singapore’s only 18-hole public golf course. With its proximity to the city, Marina
Bay Golf Course offers great accessibility to all golfers who also get to enjoy the beautiful cityscape, be it day or night. The 6561m, par 72 course, designed by Phil Jacobs, is one of the very few out-
standing links-styled golf courses in Asia. Marina Bay Golf Course has won numerous accolades, including the best public golf course in Asia-Pacific and best managed golf club in Asia-Pacific.
Play a Winter round (18 holes) at sensational sand-based Mangawhai during the months of June, July, August & September and you can gain a free entry in our “Winter Winner” Lucky Draw. Open to affiliated (not Mangawhai members) and non-affiliated golfers. Conditions apply – see Entry Form.
The winning prize includes a round of golf for 4 at both Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary and Kinloch Golf Club, carts included, plus 2 nights accommodation at “Sacred Waters” Taupo Luxury Apartments.
Book online at www.mangawhaigolf.co.nz or call 09 431 4807.
June 2019 WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
9
GOLF NEWS
Cambodia raising its sights as a golf destination C ambodia is poised to become a genuine twin-centre golf destination as a result of two announcements made during the eighth Asia golf tourism convention. The event, held by the global golf tourism organisation IAGTO in Siem Reap, the gateway city to Cambodia’s ancient Angkor temples, was attended by 420 IAGTO member delegates from 45 countries. IAGTO chief executive Peter Walton said: “It was very special to be able to stage this year’s event just a few kilometres from the number one-ranked UNESCO World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat and this was not lost on our members, most of whom were visiting Cambodia for the first time. “Most importantly, we were able to shine a light on a relatively undiscovered golf destination that has enormous potential. “Siem Reap is a really cosy golf destination, with all three 18-hole courses – Angkor Golf Resort, Phokee-
thra Country Club and Siem Reap Booyoung Country Club – located within a 20 to 30-minute drive of the centre of town.” Walton said he believed that two announcements made at the golf tourism convention would see Cambodia transform into a genuine two-centre golf destination. “The country’s capital, Phnom Penh, a short hop from Siem Reap, will soon have four courses suitable for international golf travellers,’’ Walton said. “Under new ownership since November last year, the Royal Cambodia Golf Club is embarking on major renovations to its clubhouse and golf course which will enable it to join ranks with Garden City and Grand Phnom Penh golf clubs. “The jewel in the crown will be the brand new Vattanac Golf Resort, a 36-hole Nick Faldo design, of which 18 holes are already complete and which will be open to the customers of IAGTO golf tour opera-
tors from October 1 this year.” Cambodia’s minister of tourism, Dr Thong Khon, told delegates: “Siem Reap is reliant on its magnificent heritage to attract visitors, but now golf travel provides another pillar to the destination’s tourism product and is another reason for golfers from around the world to visit Cambodia and enjoy our heritage, culture, gastronomy and lifestyle via these magnificent fairways.” Cambodia offers value for money, a laid-back attitude, convenience, comfort, tranquility and nightlife along with a variety of great golf experiences, according to Walton. “Siem Reap undoubtedly stands out as a unique golf destination, and if there was ever such a thing, I would probably describe it as one of the most enjoyable ‘boutique golf destinations in Asia’.”
$US30 million deal for golf media company A
merican media company Discovery has bought golf media brand Golf Digest from Condé Nast for $US30 million. Golf Business News reported that the deal, in which Discovery chief executive David Zaslav prevailed in a bidding war over the Comcast-owned NBC Sports Group, the owner of the Golf Channel, was announced last month. Golf Digest will extend Discovery’s global golf media business to the United States market through Golf Digest’s multi-platform distribution and reach. It also boosts Discovery’s ability to reach golf fans with instructional videos, equipment advice, course rankings, travel destinations, online bookings and more. The $US30 million price tag is a fraction of the estimated $US430 million that Condé Nast paid to buy the monthly magazine and several smaller titles from The New York Times newspaper in 1990. At that time, Golf World was reporting annual profits of around $US20 million, whereas today the monthly title is said
to be losing money, with sister title Golf for Women closing, while the weekly US-title Golf World is now digital-only. Golf Digest, which earns nearly half of its revenue from digital advertising, will continue to publish a US monthly print magazine and Discovery will assume the global licenses for editions serving nearly 70 countries. Editor-in-chief Jerry Tarde and the rest of the editorial staff are expected to stay with the magazine, although the advertising staff may face cuts as Golf Digest and the PGA Tour begin to jointly handle commercial sales. In addition to overseeing the editorial content of Golf Digest, Tarde’s role will be expanded to include GolfTV, and he will report to Alex Kaplan, president and general manager, Discovery Golf. Tarde said: “Golf Digest has this amazing team of editors, reporters, producers, photographers and contributors – all dedicated to helping golfers improve and be smarter consumers of the game we love. Discovery’s vision to create one
global destination for everything a golf fan could want is perfectly aligned with what Golf Digest does every day. “As we look to the future, Discovery’s global scale and ability to light up content on all platforms and in every language, combined with the PGA Tour’s brand, will benefit golf and golfers worldwide.” The purchase of Golf Digest by Discovery, which owns the Food Network and HGTV, follows a 12-year, $US2 billion deal to carry PGA Tour events outside the US and start GolfTV, a live and on-demand video streaming service outside the US. The US rights to the PGA Tour broadcasts are held by Comcast-owned NBC and its Golf Channel, with a limited number of events on CBS. The acquisition creates a powerful programming engine by adding Golf Digest to GolfTV’s offerings, which already include exclusive carriage of the PGA Tour, the European Tour and the Ladies European Tour, as well as the US Masters tournament, in select territories outside the US, and Discovery’s exclusive glob-
al content partnerships with Tiger Woods and Francesco Molinari. David Zaslav, president and chief executive of Discovery, Inc said: “Golf Digest is a world-class brand that has become the ‘go-to’ authority for millions of golf enthusiasts, professional players and global advertisers. It’s a natural strategic fit with Discovery’s goal to be the leading golf media platform in the world. “Through our investments with the PGA Tour, the European Tour and our partnership with Tiger Woods, we wanted to bolster GolfTV’s international offerings with Golf Digest’s award-winning journalism, broad consumer reach and deep content library, while also creating the largest US digital golf business. Jay Monahanand and the PGA Tour have been great partners and we are excited to expand our mutual vision to bring these amazing players and all of their terrific play to more people on more devices in every market in the world.”
Midwinter xmas tournament NGARUAWAHIA GOLF CLUB Sunday 30 June 2019
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.
kaweraugolf@xtra.co.nz Cobham Dr, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand 07 323 7095
10
SHOTGUN START – 11:00AM
Entry $20
Prizes supplied by New World Ngaruawahia
Phone 07 824 8006 and secure a tee time or email nga@golfwaikato.co.nz
June 2019
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
Green Fee Specials Play on one of New Zealand’s best layouts -
18 Holes only $59.00 this Summer
|
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
|
Restaurant & Bar
Black Tee Challenge
• Weddings & Functions
1st Friday every month • Play the championship tees • 18 hole competition • Great prizes
• Corporate Events
Cost $69.00 pp
• Indoor/Outdoor dining • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
|
|
June 2019
|
|
11
GOLF NEWS
Golfers number more than 24 million in the United States
T
he National Golf Foundation (NGF), the only trade organisation that works with every sector within the United States’ golf industry, has released its 2019 golf industry report, a comprehensive state-of-the-industry overview. The golf industry report compiles many of the game’s key data points in a single publication and is intended to provide the most holistic view of the business of golf and the health of the game within the United States to stakeholders and the media. The report includes the latest NGF data on golf participation, engagement, rounds-played, latent demand, golf course supply and development, retail supply, golf equipment sales and golf’s reach. Golf’s participation base in the United States remains stable, with an estimated 24.2 million people (aged six-and-above) who played golf on a course in 2018 – a slight increase from 23.8 million a year earlier. Almost as many people in the United States play off-course forms of the game, with 23 million hitting golf balls
at golf entertainment facilities like Topgolf and Drive Shack, indoor simulators and driving ranges. With 9.3 million people exclusively playing golf off-course, the game’s overall participant pool has increased by four percent to 33.5 million. There were 434 million rounds of golf played in the United States in 2018, a 4.8 percent year-over-year decline attributable in part to the third-wettest year on record nationally dating back to 1895. Despite the negative weather impact on the nation’s top outdoor, pay-toplay participation sport, there are 14.7 million people who didn’t play golf last year but say they are very interested in playing golf on a course. This untapped demand helped contribute to the 2.6 million beginners who picked up the game in 2018. The total US golf course supply declined by 1.2 percent, with the opening of 12.5 new 18-hole equivalent golf courses and 198.5 course closures. Closures have outweighed new openings nationwide since 2006, an on-going correction of supply and demand
within the market that followed an unsustainable 20-year building boom during which more than 4000 courses opened, boosting the US supply by 44 percent. The US remains the best-supplied golf market in the world with 14,613 facilities and 16,693 courses – more than 75 percent of which are open to all players, the highest public-to-private ratio in history. Other 2018 highlights from the golf industry report: * Golf’s total reach of about 107 million people in the US is comprised of 33.5 million total golf participants plus approximately 74 million who watched and/or read about golf, but didn’t play on or off course. This represents more than one-third of the US population (aged six and older) and is a 10 percent increase from 2017. * Juniors (six-to-17) and young adults (18-34) comprise approximately 35 percent of all on-course golfers, with 2.5 million junior participants and 6.1 million young adults. * There are 5.7 million women who
played golf on a course in the United States in 2018. Women account for 23 percent of the on-course golfer base and 44 percent of off-course only play. * Newcomers to golf are increasingly diverse: 31 percent are female, 26 percent are non-Caucasian and 62 percent are under the age of 35. * The number of golfers aged 65-andover in the United States increased almost 17 percent to 4.2 million in 2018. This number should continue to increase as the balance of “baby boomers’’ cross this milestone. Baby boomers are people born between 1946 and 1964 and represents 20 percent of the United States population. * There are more than 20 million committed golfers who account for approximately 95 percent of all roundsplayed and spending. * Golfers in the United States played an average of 17.9 rounds in 2018. * The average price paid for an 18hole round at public golf facilities in the United States is $US35.
NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST RANGE OF SECOND HAND GOLF CLUBS. Quality, used golf clubs from Japan. Includes all major brands: Titleist, Nike, Callaway, Ping, Honma, Mizuno, Srixon, Yamaha TRADE IN YOUR OLD GOLF EQUIPMENT TO TRADE UP! OPENING HOURS
Level 2, 13-15 Aintree Ave, Airport Oaks, Mangere, Auckland j-golf.nz www.facebook.com/jgolf.nz/ Phone 09 379 5729
12
Mon 11:00-17:00 Tue 11:00-17:00 Wed 11:00-17:00 Thu 11:00-17:00 Fri 11:00-17:00 Sat 10:00-15:00 Sun Closed
June 2019
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
NZGOLFUPDATE
golf.co.nz
How much should clubs charge for green fees? F
By Dean Murphy New Zealand Golf Chief Executive
or the past 10 years, one of the hottest topics of discussion at club forums has been the price of green fees. While the crazy discounting of three years ago is no longer such a feature of the market, the price charged for green fees remains a major concern for many clubs. The discussion generally focuses on the thought that green fees are far too low and undermine the value of traditional membership products. While there are many clubs that have diverse revenue streams, and therefore less reliance on traditional membership income, this revenue line remains the critical focus area for most clubs in New Zealand. It’s easy therefore to understand why low green fee rates remain a concern for clubs as they contemplate the future. More often than not, club forums will agree that green fee rates need to rise. Yet in most areas these become more affordable each year while traditional
membership prices tend to slowly increase. I recently attended an excellent club forum in Canterbury where there was much enthusiasm for green fee rates to rise and several clubs made a pledge to increase their green fees. It will be interesting to see what happens in that market over the coming year. New Zealand Golf has long recommended that green fee rates should roughly be related to the monthly golfer. Our thinking is that if a golfer is playing more than once a month, they should be better off joining the club as a member. That would see green fee rates being roughly 1/12 of the membership fee – $40 green fee for a $500 club membership, $125 for a $1500 club membership. This rough method ensures a decent value proportion is offered for the member against the casual golfer. Other sectors manage this value proposition well. Take for example the skiing industry, where it is far more advantageous to be a season pass holder rather than buy day lift passes. The trouble with the simplistic thinking above (raise green fees and return more value to traditional membership) is that it
therefore is to deliver the entitlements that traditional club members pay for with the demands of the growing casual player market. This, in my view, all comes down to good planning. The modern golf club in New Zealand needs to have a very clear picture of who their customers are and what mix of customers they are targeting. For some clubs it will be all about membership, for others the casual player might be the most important customer. Careful thought needs to be placed into the membership value proposition and how this relates to the products offered to casual players. Having a clear strategy behind the positioning of all price points will help clubs know where they sit and how to balance the various customer needs. All golfers use the same facility – how the price points are managed is the piece that needs careful thought. In the end, golf clubs are the same as all businesses who constantly need to be evolving to meet their customers’ needs. As our golfing market evolves, the casual player is becoming a more important – how we deal with their needs may well influence our future success.
has the potential to alienate our biggest growth market. New Zealand’s golf participation rates are increasing (up two percent since 2014). However with traditional membership numbers flat at best, the growth we are seeing is all in the casual player market. There is further opportunity for golf to increase the number of participants as the population of New Zealand grows over the coming 20 years. But for now, our growth is all in casual players. The fact is that demographic changes, busier lives and rising living costs are influencing the way people play golf. While clubs are increasingly seeking new ways to attract participants and to increase their long-term sustainability, today’s golfer is increasingly a casual player without a membership who prefers to participate in an unstructured and flexible way. Some have budget constraints, most have limits on their time. For the causal player, it has almost never been cheaper nor more accessible to play golf. Affordable green fees encourage them to play and this in turn drives business into golf clubs. The challenge we have as a sector
“TEE FOR TWO” GOLF PACKAGE Play Kauri Cliffs + accommodation at Stone Store Lodge ü TWO golfers enjoy One Round of Golf each (Green Fees) at Kauri Cliffs Designed by David Harman **one of the top 100 courses in the world** www.kauricliffs.com ü TWO nights accommodation in a Deluxe Suite Dble/Twin suite with Inlet views, at Stone Store Lodge Kerikeri **201 Kerikeri Road** ü TWO for TEA (or coffee) each morning with continental or full breakfast at Stone Store Lodge ü TWO guests enjoy a delicious glass of wine with light snacks on night of arrival.
NZ$740 for TWO *
*Must be NZ residents. International Visitors ADD $280
Outs ide these dates please look at ou r webs ite
TERMS & CONDITIONS: Above pricing valid from 1st June to 31st August 2019. 1st September to 30th September 2019 NZ$760.00 for TWO NZ residents • International Visitors add $280.00 1st October to 13th December 2019 NZ$945.00 for TWO NZ residents • International Visitors add $555.00 14th December to 31st March 2020 NZ$1015.00 for TWO NZ residents • International Visitors add $555.00 • 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
LODGE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE USE! Min. 2 nights. Use our fully equipped kitchen, self-catering. Lodge serviced daily. If you have more than 6 golfers or are international golfers please enquire.
For reservations contact richard@stonestorelodge.co.nz www.stonestorelodge.co.nz | Ph (09) 407-6693
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
June 2019
13
PGAPARS
pga.org.nz
Attitude was a key to Koepka’s PGA Championship success B
By Dominic Sainsbury New Zealand PGA General Manager
rooks Koepka won the PGA Championship for the second year in a row on arguably one of the toughest golf courses in the world against the strongest field in professional golf. And now he is not only the winner of the last two PGA Championships and the last two US Opens, but he has just finished second to Tiger Woods at the US Masters in April. What sets Brooks apart from most golfers is that he works hard on all facets of his game. He is physically conditioned for golf, he is mentally very strong, he has a great technique in all areas of his game, he thrives under pressure and loves competing. Brooks enjoys all that the game of golf offers and loves the camaraderie of those playing all over the world. At the age of 29 he has won twice on the Japan Golf Tour, five times on the European Tour, four
14
times on the European Challenge Tour and six times on the US PGA Tour. Brooks is a golf purest. What can we learn from Brooks Koepka? In an interview prior to the PGA Championship the media asked how hard it was going to be for him to win the PGA Championship on such a hard course against such a strong field. Brooks replied that he believed that major championships were the easiest tournaments to win due to the pressure about half the players put on themselves to perform, the fact some players would not play well and that left only about 30 players he would be competing with. He believed he was in that 30 and that he had the golf game and mental belief to beat them. This does come across a little arrogant, but the point here is this player has a strong belief in his state of mind and the confidence in his golf game and equipment to play well. This did not only lead
Brooks to winning the tournament but more importantly he had a lot of fun in the way he approached every shot he hit. I love the way that Brooks controlled his mind and only focused on a positive outcome prior to playing each shot and then committed to executing the shot. All too often I hear amateur players say ‘I knew I was going to do that’ after hitting a poor shot or how they failed on the course during their round. The best players love to fail as failure stands for the First Attempt In Learning. But if you continue to fail then you have not learnt that skill or shot. The best way to help with this is to seek advice or coaching from a PGA professional as this is a shortfall of the average golfer when they take on shots that not even the best players in world would. The ability to control your mind and take a positive approach into each golf shot is a choice, not only to be positive but also realistic. If you choose this positive mindset approach to playing golf and choose to
June 2019
play shots within your skill level, you will enjoy your experience on the course a lot more. Just like Brooks, not every shot will turn out the way you prepared for it and that is the beauty of golf and what we love about the challenge. The one aspect of your golf game you are in control over is your mind and your approach to how you will play each shot. If you want help with how to think better on the golf course and how to stay in control of your mind both before and after each golf shot call your local PGA professional today for a mind game assessment. You can find your PGA professional at www.pga.org.nz/find-a-pga-pro The game is also not just about how good your good shots are, but how good your bad shots (that we all hit from time to time) are and if they are still in play and pretty straight then you can recover and score.
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
GOLFCOACHING
ianhardie.net
Which golf balls go the furthest?
I
By Ian Hardie NZPGA Professional
remember as a young golfer, eagerly reading the latest golf magazines from cover to cover as soon as I got a copy, as that was one of the few ways to get golf information in those days. Just like they are in golf magazines now, the pages were full of adverts from golf equipment companies trying to entice you to buy their stuff. Back then, golf clubs were significantly more expensive (in relative terms) than golf balls were, so as good as they looked, there wasn’t much chance of a junior golfer getting any of those anytime soon. Buying a new golf ball to play with though, was something that was financially in reach on the odd occasion. This meant that the adverts I paid most attention to in those magazines, were the ones for the latest and greatest golf balls. The most amazing thing about them was that nearly every golf company claimed that their new golf ball went 10 yards longer than any other golf ball. These days it’s pretty difficult to make claims like that so most of the golf companies seem to be trying to blind us with science to get us to buy their golf balls. But if you go to the golf course and ask any golfer ‘which golf balls go the furthest?’ you are guaranteed to get an answer or at least a lively debate from them. So, which golf balls go the furthest? My answer is – none of them! At least not any of the ones approved for use in normal competition by the governing bodies of golf around the world. Which is probably about 95% of the golf balls available out there. You’ll realise why I say that at the end of this article but before then, let’s have a look at a few key facts which will build a picture for you as to how this can be. The two world governing bodies of golf, the R&A and the USGA, have a very well defined set of rules and testing procedures (if you have nothing better to do one day – you can read all about them here: www.randa.org/RulesEquipment/Equipment/Equipment-Submissions), which are designed to keep the development of golf balls controlled. Controlled in their words means: ‘So that there are no major performance differences between brands.’ Getting the idea yet? A quick look at some of the rules around ‘approved’ golf balls, tell us things like: The diameter of the ball must not be less than 1.680 inches (42.67mm). We all knew that though – didn’t we? If a particular ball weighs more than 1.620 ounces avoirdupois (45.93 g) when weighed on the Ohaus electronic scale then that particular ball fails the weight test. You probably knew that too though, right? Here’s something you probably weren’t aware of though. To test a golf ball’s performance, they actually use 24 identical golf balls. All of which are required to be maintained at 75° F +/- 1° F (23.9° C +/- 0.6° C) for a minimum of three hours prior to testing.
I’m not sure 24 golf balls is enough to establish a standard but I suppose it would just take too long if they used more. Here’s where things start getting interesting. The velocity of the ball shall not be greater than 250 feet (76.2 m) per second … while doing that test a maximum tolerance of 2% will be allowed. This means that they are all going to come off the club face at pretty much the same rate, which of course leads us to my personal favourite. The overall distance of the ball shall not be greater than 317.0 yards … A maximum test tolerance of 3.0 yards is associated with this test. That’s using their testing equipment of course, as we know that out on the golf course, the golf balls can go much further. By the way, if you think that 3.0 yard tolerance is going to make a big difference, it is in reality around 1% of the total distance, which isn’t that great. The testing methods (plus a bunch of other stuff that you can read about on that webpage) are used to determine the overall distance and symmetry of golf balls for a given set of launch conditions to allow a golf ball to be added to the ‘approved for play’ list. As I said earlier, 95% of the golf balls that are available to you will conform to the above rules. Which means there are golf balls out there that will go further but you aren’t able to use them unless you play golf on your own a lot. However, if you want to play in almost any competition from the PGA Tour all the way down to the Sunday stableford at your local golf club – you will need to use a conforming golf ball. So, which of the conforming golf balls go furthest? If we use a bit of logic and the above information, we can be confident in thinking that, firstly, none of the golf companies are able to have a golf ball approved for play that goes any more than the maximum distance the performance testing guidelines allow. And obviously, none of the golf companies would be silly enough to try and market a golf ball that goes significantly shorter than all the other golf balls available for play. Which to me means that the ones you buy at your local golf shop will all perform somewhere in that top range of tolerance at around 317 yards to 320 yards – this is on the official testing equipment of course. You may not be able to get that sort of performance just because you buy that particular golf ball or because the advert in the magazine claims it does. So, which golf balls go the furthest? They’re all in fact pretty similar in terms of distance but of course, there are more aspects that need to be considered than just distance when it comes to using the best golf ball for your golf game. I’ll take a look at those things another time, until then, the golf balls that go the furthest for you will be the ones you hit the hardest! Play well.
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.
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
June 2019
Dave Mangan is the general manager of championship and golf operations for New Zealand Golf. Since 2013, Dave has been New Zealand Golf’s representative on the R&A rules of golf committee and was involved in the five years of discussions on the 2019 rule changes. Readers are invited to submit questions to Golfer Pacific editor Paul Gueorgieff by email to pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz. Please ensure you explain your questions and situations clearly.
RELIEF FROM A TREE IN A PENALTY AREA Dave: An opponent hit his tee shot to very near a penalty area, but not in the penalty area. His swing was impeded by a small tree in the penalty tree. Our club has a local rule which allows relief from trees under two club lengths. The rule reads: Immovable (relief under rule 24-2) All trees under two club-lengths in height. We presumed the player was allowed relief even though the tree was in the penalty area. Is that correct? Dave’s answer: Firstly we wouldn’t recommend that a club has a local rule defining all trees under two club-lengths are immovable obstructions and the reference 24-2 is from the 2018 rules, so this should be updated. If a club wants to protect young or small trees then they should attach a stake to this tree and declare this a no play zone. This is covered under the committee procedures in the new rules under model local rule E-10 Protection of young trees. If a player’s swing is impeded by a young tree declared as a no play zone in a penalty area and their ball is outside the penalty area then they are entitled to relief from that tree. If the player’s ball lies in the penalty area then they can take relief from the tree, but must drop inside the penalty area.
CLEANING A BALL ON THE GREEN’S SURFACE Dave: I used to be told to never clean my golf ball by rubbing it on the putting green. I would studiously walk to the side of the green, clean the golf ball in the neighbouring grass and walk back to where my ball was and replace it. I was told not to clean the ball on the green because this was testing the green, although what I was supposed to learn I never came to understand. Can you please clarify if this situation still applies? Dave’s answer: The reason for this rule is that you are not allowed to deliberately test any putting green. It would be a breach of rule 13.1e if you did something like roughen or scrape the grass on the putting green with your hand or golf ball to determine which way the grain was growing. It would however not be a breach of the rule if you were to simply rub your ball on the green to clean off mud. This was also the case prior to 2019 provided that the purpose of rubbing your ball on the green was for cleaning and not testing the surface, so while you do need to be careful, you are able to clean your ball by rubbing it on the putting green.
15
2019 TSB Nelson Festival of Golf
GOLF EVENT 16
T
his was the sixth year of the Nelson Festival of Golf and the fourth year that TSB has been the naming rights sponsor, and we had terrific support from Ian Cooper of TSB during the week of the tournament. We had 120 players from 45 golf clubs throughout New Zealand arrive into town to play in this week long tournament. There were 50 returning players and 70 first timers, and they arrived into Nelson’s great weather on Sunday and by the time they left the following Saturday, all they had experienced was sunshine all the way. The region certainly stood up to its reputation of being the sunshine capital of New Zealand. The event ran like clockwork and the players thoroughly enjoyed all three of the region’s 18 hole golf courses: Nelson, Motueka and Greenacres. All the courses were presented in great condition, and the players loved them all. Thanks and praise to the greenkeeping staff at all the courses were given by all the players. The tournament had its first female overall winner, when Julia Greig from Waimairi Golf Club in Christchurch took the honours. The tournament also had its first
by the Nelson Regional Development Agency Programme, which is funded by Nelson City Council. The programme’s objective is to stimulate Nelson City’s economy in the shoulder and off seasons by bringing new spending through visitors coming to Nelson for district events. For further information, contact NRDA’s chairman, Mark Rawson, on 03 545 6858.
RESULTS
hole-in-one during the tournament, Julie Hamilton from Harewood scored an ace on the 3rd hole on the last day. Unfortunately for Julie, Nelson’s Bowater Honda had offered a new car for a hole-in-one on the 17th hole, so she missed out on that fantastic prize. However, she was presented with a $100 travel voucher from Hello World Nelson as a consolation prize. The organising committee of Derek Drysdale, Jeane Drysdale, Euan Milne,
June 2019
Sue Scofield, Allison O’Donnell and Rebecca Sheehy thanked all the players for taking part in the tournament, and the volunteers from all three clubs who assisted them throughout the week. Plans are already in place for next year with many of the players asking for the dates. The proposed dates for 2020 are: Registration on Sunday 26th April, Tournament runs from Monday 27th April – Friday 1st May. The tournament is also supported
Overall Champion Julia Greig, Waimari Golf Club 111 Ladies Division Winner: Angela Pivac, Manawatu 104 2nd: Barb Cornor, Castelcliff 100 3rd: Colleen Rose, Maraenui 99 4th: Gillian McConway, Otaki 99 5th: Patricia Farr, Royal Auckland 98 6th: Robyn Smith, Boulcotts Farm 96 Mens Div 1 Winner: Warren Wisneski, Christchurch 110 2nd: Stuart Irvine, Clearwater 107 3rd: Anton Currie, Horsham Downs 106 4th: Doug Millington, Ngaruawahia 105 5th: Sonny Sue, Apiti 104 6th: Greg Bunn, Waiterimu 104 Mens Div 2 Winner: Peter Yang, Titirangi 110 2nd: Alastair Macritchie Howick 107 3rd: Francis Chai, Formosa 106 4th: David Carpenter, Horsham Downs 104 5th: Kevin Cowan, Templeton 104 6th: Tony Fitzgerald, Weedons 104
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
GOLF EVENT WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
June 2019
17
GOLF TRAILS
NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS
NORTHLAND MANGAWHAI SETS NEW BAR HIGH FOR NORTH GOLF
There was tremendous excitement, pride and quiet satisfaction as, on Sunday 12 May, Mangawhai’s Championship Men’s Pennants team won the final of North Harbour’s premier Nobilo division. Inspiringly captained by Scott Wightman and astutely managed by Ross Hattaway, the entire team capped a strong season by beating Muriwai 4-1/2 to 3-1/2 in a closely fought final on the Waitemata (Devonport) course. It was just a year ago that Mangawhai qualified for this premier division, after topping the West Coast section of North Harbour Pennants in 2018 and then winning their promotion-relegation match. To win the Nobilo division in just their first year at this level is a stunning achievement for a club that is enjoying a surge in membership and an overall lift in playing standards. Round by round this season, the team has toughed it out against quality opposition, winning tight matches as each team member has committed to the cause and showed exceptional matchplay abilities. In the words of team manager Ross Hattaway: “They’re a closely-bonded group and have shown a consistent ability to come through on all kinds of courses and in all kinds of conditions.” The final was a tense contest as matches progressed and was decided only on the last green as the enthusiastic band of Mangawhai supporters watched on. At that point, with all other matches completed, team scores were tied at 3–1/2 each. Mangawhai No.1 Tyler Wood was 1-up on the 18th tee and played a superb 270 metre 2-iron to leave himself a comfortable 40 metre pitch to the par four green.
18
His opponent, Kevin Koong (like Tyler, a New Zealand representative), realised he needed a birdie to square the match and his choice of driver looked a great option as the ball flew long and straight, only to carry the green and go out of bounds across the road and into a neighbouring property. Declining the new Local Rule of Strokeand-Distance option, he played his third shot (with a 3-wood) from the tee and this time his pure strike found the green and finished some 8 metres from the flag. Tyler then chipped on to a similar distance from the pin, leaving Kevin with the need to sink his putt to put pressure on his opponent and perhaps force a playoff. Kevin’s putt failed to find the hole, he tapped in for a five and the match was Tyler’s – and Mangawhai’s! The tense silence around the green was shattered by the roar from the Mangawhai supporters and the jubilant team who’d gathered to watch these final moments. Team captain Scott Wightman’s reaction was modest but understandably proud: “This is unbelievable. To win like this against such a strong team is huge for us. All our boys played their hearts out, this kind of thing is a real team effort and I’m blown away to be part of it.” As Mangawhai Club Captain and chief cheerleader Barry Brennan stated: “This is massive for our club. “With Northland no longer hosting a championship Pennants competition we made the decision two years ago to play in North Harbour. North Harbour association and clubs have been very welcoming, the standard’s really high … and now we’re right at the top! Brilliant! Just brilliant!” With the Nobilo Trophy presented in the clubhouse, the team basked in the
glory of the moment and reflected on an outstanding season. Already, planning is under way for the 2020 season when it is expected the great majority of the team will again be available. The team will be welcomed and congratulated at a special function in the Mangawhai clubhouse. It is a phenomenal achievement for what many may have considered a “fringe” club and clearly positions Mangawhai right at the forefront of the new North Golf Association.
NORTHERN WAIROA GOLF MIXED PAIRS EASTER TOURNAMENT BAYLYS BEACH, DARGAVILLE Easter turned on fantastic weather for the Northern Wairoa two day Mixed Pairs Tournament. The day was enjoyed by 64 players, with 22 of them collecting a prize. Saturday was ambrose and alternate shots, and Sunday was best nett on the hole and combined nett. It was the combined nett that most pairs found challenging, as both had to play well. This is an annual event that is held every Easter weekend. This was the tournament’s fourth year and each year it grows in popularity. Overall winners of the tournament were Neil Smith and Tia Kaenphinit.
Back Row: Hannah Carrington (Waipu), Sophie Burke (Northern Wairoa), Gary Webb, Glennis Webb (Sherwood Park), Andy Blatherwick (Northern Wairoa), Tia Kaenphinit (Northern Wairoa), Janice Hobson (Northern Wairoa), Rob Gaastra (Northern Wairoa), Baz Slater (Northern Wairoa), Suzanne Alder and Barry Alder (Pakuranga) Front Row: Glen Carrington (Waipu), Lena Te Waiti (Northern Wairoa), Beth Kelliher (Northern Wairoa), Neil Smith (Northern Wairoa), Di Parsons (Northern Wairoa), Rima Te Waiti (Northern Wairoa). Absent Dallas and Terene Campbell (Sherwood Park)
WAIPU GOLF CLUB JUNIOR TOURNAMENT
Waipu Golf Club is leading the North with junior golf. The club’s junior tournament had 73 entrants, including 20 on handicaps of 9 or less. The day was generously sponsored by members Bob Glen and his wife Kerry, and the Northland Eagles.
SPECIAL OFFERS MEMBERSHIP WINTER GREEN FEE SPECIALS+
OPTIONS AVAILABLE FROM
$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
+
PUBLICATION DATE: APRIL 2019
DDI 09 536 4715 | golf@formosa.co.nz | www.formosa.co.nz GOLF COURSE • RESTAURANT • DRIVING RANGE • WEDDINGS • CONFERENCES • PRIVATE FUNCTIONS
June 2019
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
John Pennington provided prizes for novelty shots and lucky draws. John was representing the Eagles. Kylie Jacoby, their ladies champion, runs a regular junior program after school on a Monday and she was also very involved on the day. As well as the list of winners below there were two ambrose teams: The Sausage Rolls and The Hot Dogs. All the children received a prize on the day. Results: Boys Hcp 0-9 – Blue Tees Gross: Lee Sebeom, Titirangi 72 Nett: Jaewoo Son, North Shore 70 Stableford: Craig Hockings, The Pines 38 Nearest the Pin: Andrew Kim, Titirangi Boys Hcp 10-36 – White Tees Gross: Jack Hodgson, Paparoa 76 Nett: Bowen Shao, Akarana 66 Stableford: Rafe Flemming-Bone, Northland 42 Nearest the Pin: Craven Whitehead, Whangarei Girls Hcp 0-36 – Yellow Tees
Gross: Yeonsoo Son, North Shore 69 Nett: Jackie Jang, Remuera 65 Stableford: Amber Farrell, Sherwood Park 42 Nearest the Pin: Katherine Cao, Windross Farm Kiwi Course Stableford: Holly Duncan, Northern Wairoa First Runner-up: Keiran Froggatt, Sherwood Park Second Runner-up: Daniel Yao, Maungakiekie
NORTH ZONE PENNANT CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to the North Zone Pennant Champions: Whangaroa GC! They stormed home to beat Okaihau GC in the final round 8.5 point to 0.5 points! This propelled them to the top of the leader board on 40 points, leaving Kaitaia GC close in 2nd with 37.5 points after their hard-fought match with Rawene GC finished in a half as they shared 4.5 points each. Winners of the Mighty Wooden Spoon were Kaikohe GC, on 25 points.
HAANZ TOURNAMENT
Whangaroa Golf Club’s Beachcomber Restaurant team from this year’s Hospitality New Zealand Golf Tournament, which took place recently at Whangaroa Golf Club. From right to left above, Daniel our Big Boss Man, Iose famous Bar Tender and Front of House Assistant Manager, our dear Uncle Beat from Switzerland/parttime NZ, and of course Dad Roly from Carneval – Ocean View Bed and Breakfast in Cable Bay. Many other goodies went to Iose and his family. The trophy will be kept at Beachcomber Restaurant till next year’s challenge.
NORTH HARBOUR THE NEW NORTH GOLF WEBSITE IS LIVE
Visit www.northgolf.nz It combines all Harbour Golf news and Golf Northland news. Two prizes of a dozen Bridgestone Golf balls to be won. Entries close 30 June.
2019 RANGITOTO PENNANT WINNERS
North Shore GC has won the Rangitoto Pennant at Waitemata GC. Congratulations to the team having produced dominant performances all season in this grade. It took a great performance from all players to beat Muriwai GC, holders of this pennant for the last five years. Well done North Shore and thanks to Waitemata GC for hosting the finals day.
2019 NZ GOLF NATIONAL TEAMS CHAMPS - HARBOUR DIVISION
NZ GOLF SECONDARY SCHOOLS CHAMPS - HARBOUR DIVISION
Very testing winds at Warkworth GC made conditions tough for the youngsters, but still some impressive golf on display. Using the best three gross scores of the four players in the team, our champions for 2019 are Rangitoto College. They now get the chance to play in the national final in Cromwell this September. Thank you to Warkworth GC for its generous hosting and also to the support from the Eagles Golfing Society of NZ.
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
June 2019
Redwood Park GC was looking amazing on a glorious May day for golf. Many thanks to Warren and the team for hosting. Congratulations to Waitemata GC who won the day with an impressive net score of 126 for the two pairs. Runners-up were North Shore GC, with Pupuke GC in third. Well played Julie Liu, Youngwha Lee, Claire Kim and Karen Ginn, pictured above collecting the trophy and prizes from Harbour Vice President, Vicki Lambert.
19
2019 WEST COAST PENNANT WINNERS
North Shore GC. They took the trophy in commanding fashion from runners-up Whangaparaoa GC and third placed Pupuke GC. A great season of 9-hole pennants coordinated by Diane Knott. Thanks to all clubs this year for their enthusiastic hosting. Congratulations North Shore GC.
AUCKLAND REMUERA WIN THE BETTY FAESEN CHALLENGE SHIELD
Congratulations to Gulf Harbour Country Club on winning the West Coast final at home against Redwood Park GC. A great effort led by team captain Chad Meyer. The team also went on the win the promotion match, and will now feature in the top division next year.
2019 SUNDERLAND PENNANT WINNERS
Final round hosts, Wainui GC, took out the Sunderland Pennant for 2019. Their win in the final round was enough to take the trophy from second placed Helensville GC and third placed Omaha Beach GC. Thank you to all 10 teams in this pennant for another successful Sunderland division.
2019 KAIPARA PENNANT WINNERS
Our first pennant winners of the year have been found. Congratulations to North Shore GC for defending the Kaipara Trophy in the final round at Huapai GC. Here is the team, captained by Bill Kapea.
9-HOLE PENNANT WINNERS 2019
The Betty Faesen competition was decided last month in the last round. Final results as follows: Winners: Remuera (24 points) Akarana (23 points) Royal Auckland & Grange (23 points) Pakuranga (20 points) Titirangi (16 points) Windross Farm (14 points)
TITIRANGI WIN THE WOMEN’S NATIONAL CLUB TEAMS’ CHAMPIONSHIP – AUCKLAND DISTRICT
Played last month at Howick Golf Club. Results: Winning Team: Titirangi (Sue Ash, Raewyn McIlroy, Norma Loomes and Shirley Kittelty) Runner-Up: Wattle Downs (Seepa Semau, Mele Afele, Fata Laita Aufata and Andrea Cleaver) Third: Howick (Sally Millar, Sue Gold, Sue Wohlmuther and Diane Andrew)
CLARKS BEACH SLAY THE OPPOSITION
WAIKATO THE GRINNING WINNERS – GRAEME MARTIN AMBROSE NGARUAWAHIA
Above: Graeme Martin Trophy winners, from left: Joseph McLeod, Graeme Martin, Rob McLeod and Al Carter. Ngaruawahia‘s Graeme Martin introduced this Ambrose competition in 2000 for their club members and it has proved to be very popular. Joseph and Rob first won it in 2014 when Joseph was just 12 years old. They scored the top prize again this year and were delighted to take the shield for a second time.
WALTON EASTER TOURNAMENT
On a beautiful Good Friday morning the tournament began with 54 players, 27 teams in round one of the foursomes format. In the afternoon players ventured out again for the round two 2 ball better ball format. These formats had the leaderboard changing, leaving the field wide open for the final day. Saturday was yet again a lovely day and the golfers played 18 holes of Ambrose on day two of the competition. We would like to thank our sponsors Norwood and all the many helpers who made this weekend successful. The winners were: Mixed Competition – Ben and Chelsea Higgens Individual Competition – Bede and John Higgens
For the past two years, the Clarks Beach COVIC team have been on fire, but nothing like they were at Waiuku Golf Club on May 7. While the host club team was busy winning the Challenge Matchplay Cup from Awhitu by a convincing 41 to 31 team points, the Clarks Beach Shield team was busy taking the course apart to win the day with 165 points from their top four players. Two of the team, Keith Sanders and Glen Guy, both shot 46 stableford points while teammate Owen Shaw was one behind them on 45. The fact that the fourth and best of the other three team members scored only 28-points meant nothing much as their team was still 12-points clear of second placed Waiuku with 153 points. Onewhero was third on 152 with Awhitu and Hauraki fourth equal on 145. They were followed by Pukekohe (143), Maramarua (141), Wattle Downs (136), Huntly-Waiterimu (135). The COVIC Claret Jacket for Player of the Day was awarded to Keith Sanders along with a sleeve of balls from sponsor The Franklin Golf Shop. Waiterimu’s Nobbie Thorburn had the pleasure of scoring his first eagle, a two on the par four 14th hole. The leading women’s player on the day was Awhitu’s Linda Blain with 40 points. She was one of six ladies in the 86 strong field who enjoyed a windless sunny day on a well presented golf course. AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD
A heavy spell of rain at Whangaparaoa did not hinder the 9-hole team from
20
16 Jun
Titirangi
827 3967
Open Mixed Event
28 Jun
Titirangi
827 3967
Black Tee Challenge
June 2019
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
HAMILTON BOYS HIGH WAIKATO INTER-COLLEGIATE CHAMPIONS
fending champs but had lost two of their first team players from last year. Boys High on the other hand had a rebuilding year last year and were looking to once again contend at the top. The dark horses in the equation were the Te Awamutu team lead by the Waikato Secondary School Matchplay Champ Sam Towers, the St Johns team led by the strong performing Ethan Price (Waikato Development Number One Player) and the team from Rototuna Junior High School, which boasted the Waikato Women’s Number One player in Zahraa Bester,
RIVERSIDE GOLF CLUB, 2019 WAIKATO HANDICAP MATCHPLAY CHAMPS
Denny Nunn at number three for Stewart once again restored balance to the match, defeating Riverside’s Lee Kilgour. The match had been a real ding-dong battle up to this point and a win for either team would go a long way to claiming the title. Jason Kraavanger and Todd Hall playing at number two decided to add to the drama. Their match swung back and forth before they reached the final hole. Both players walking off the last hole with a half, thus building the anticipation for the final result. The number one for Riverside, Jason Orton, and the number one for Stewart Alexander, Carl Miezenbeek, now had the hopes of their respective clubs resting on their shoulders. It was ultimately to be glory for Riverside, with Jason Orton defeating Carl Miezenbeek to claim the win for Riverside Golf Club 5–4.
The Waikato Region Inter-Collegiate Championships were held last month at the Hamilton Golf Club. Thirty players from various Waikato high schools took part in the 18 hole strokeplay event where the best three out of four scores count towards an aggregate team total. The two main golf schools in the Waikato, St Peters and Hamilton Boys High, were once again looking to push their claim for the title. St Peters were the de-
The Waikato Handicap Matchplay Pennants final was held last month at the Hamilton Golf Club. Six players from Riverside and six players from Stewart Alexander arrived at the Hamilton Golf Club to do battle in the Handicap Matchplay Pennants final. The match was a close run affair from the start with the morning foursomes matches being split 2–1 with riverside taking the early lead. Stewart Alexander number six Keith Mitchell restored the balance of the match with a win over Craig Hilton. Evan Carter restored the advantage for Riverside beating Paul Makuch at number five. Scott Carter and Bobby Rollinson decided to be friendly at number four with their match ending in a half.
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
along with Nicolas Pierry, who had earlier in the year finished 8th at the Waikato Secondary Schools Matchplay Champs. During the round the managers were frantically checking in with their players to get an idea of how the event was unfolding. At the halfway point there were warning signs for the defending champs with two of their team struggling at six and nine over par. The Boys High team on the other hand had two players at par or slightly better.
June 2019
Te Awamutu were struggling with Sam several over par and the other two members of their team unable to contribute stellar rounds for their team total. With only three players available for Te Awamutu, they needed all their starts to align for a result. The St Johns team could still sniff glory at the halfway stage. Their team captain Ethan Price was cruising along at one under par and just needed two of his three remaining teammates to contribute. As the teams started to finish their rounds and the results started to seep in, the scores for the early runners all added up to a grandstand finish. St Peters, Boys High and St Johns were all close with their remaining players to come in. Unfortunately for St Johns they had one good score and several just off the pace, meaning they fell out of contention. St Peters had posted two decent scores of 77 and 76 (adjusted for the girls course from 78) and were relying on their fourth player to deliver in the final group. Boys High had Dominic Letford leading the tournament with a one over par 73, Waikato Junior Boys Number One Logan Madden with a four over par 76, paired with another 76 from Anthony East to make a respectable and tough to beat total of 225. The final group approached the 18th green and as the hole progressed it was evident that St Peters could not go back to back. Hamilton Boys High would be crowned the 2019 Waikato Region Inter-Collegiate Champions.
21
WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 22-23 Jun
Springfield
07 348 2748
Springfield Masters
6 Jul
Matamata
07 888 6109
Ruth Middleton Tournament
13-14 Jul
Cambridge
07 827 6381
Cambridge Masters
15-16 Jul
Cambridge
07 827 6381
Waikato Age Groups
19-21 Jul
Riverside
07 843 6287
Waikato Winter Strokeplay
BAY OF PLENTY MOUNT MAUNGANUI CLUB OF THE YEAR
Mount Maunganui Golf Club has won the major gong at The National Golf Awards as we take the opportunity to celebrate excellence and dedication across the whole New Zealand golfing community. 2018 saw over one hundred high-quality submissions across 13 different categories that cover both the playing and administration of the game, but it was the new-look Mount Maunganui Golf Club that took home one of the main awards. Michael Williams who has been at the helm of the club for nearly two years is proud of the changes and support the club gets from everyone involved. “The Mount Golf Club is incredibly proud to have won this award. It is great recognition for some of the initiatives and changes the club has made in recent times as we strive to be a leading club in New Zealand. It is also great recognition for the board, staff and large numbers of volunteers that make a huge contribution to the club on an annual basis,” said Williams. Mr Williams spoke with Golfer Pacific. “Innovation and the use of technology have improved the performance of the club. In recent years golf membership has increased from 800 members to 1000 members.” New Zealand Golf CEO Dean Murphy was excited to be able to celebrate this year’s recipients and ensure everyone involved in the game is recognised from not just our elite players, but everyone behind the scenes at club level too. “Historically we’ve always focused on the playing of the game and while we’re keen to make sure we keep those awards alive and recognise those that perform
on the playing side, we’re really keen to recognise those people who deliver the sport, whether that’s in the volunteer, administrator or service capacity,” said Murphy. An independent judging panel including sport administrators, media, professional golfers, golf administrators and sport governors came together in February to select the finalists and winners of each category. After rigorous debate and discussion, the winners and finalists for each category are below. Congratulations to all who were nominated and thank you for your support to the game of golf. Nominations for the 2019 National Golf Awards will open 1 October. Delivery/Administration Awards Club of the Year: Mount Maunganui Golf Club Finalists: Russley Golf Club, Muriwai Golf Links Manager of the Year: Michelle Campbell (Hastings) Finalists: Hayden McCullum (Waitemata), Andrew Jackson (Muriwai), Michael Williams (Mount Maunganui) Administrator of the Year: Des Topp (Golf Managers Association, NZ Golf Industry Council) Finalists: Pire Wehi (Rangatikei), Haydee Wilton (Wellington Golf Inc), Malcolm Wood (Aorangi Golf) Volunteer of the Year: Pire Wehi (Rangitikei) Finalists: Alvin Russell (Maungakiekie), Malcolm Cooper (Muriwai, Harbour Golf), Denys Cringle (Paraparaumu), Alison Hutchins (Hukanui), Alec Foreman (Castlepoint) All Abilities Golfer of the Year: Parker Aluesi (St Clair) Community Coach of the Year: Mary Gard’ner (Paraparaumu) Finalists: Stuart Thompson (Whitford), Rhys Watkins (Manawatu/Wanganui Golf), Ray Tuffin (Mornington), Malcolm Wood (Aorangi Golf) Professional Coach of the Year: Marcus Wheelhouse Finalists: Rodney Yee (Russley), Alistair Sidford (Boulcotts Farm Heritage) Player Awards Professional Player of the Year Female:
Lydia Ko Professional Player of the Year Male: Ryan Fox Finalists: Danny Lee, Nick Voke Amateur Player of the Year Female: Wenyung Keh Amateur Player of the Year Male: Daniel Hillier BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD 20-21 Jul
BOP Masters
07 308 8117
Whakatane
TARANAKI LOWER NORTH ISLAND JUNIOR QUADRANGULAR – MARTON GC
The Taranaki Junior Boys competed in the Shand Salver at Marton GC recently. Playing against teams from Wellington, Hawke’s Bay and the hosts Manawatu-Whanganui, the Taranaki side got off to a bright start beating the eventual winners Wellington 2 1/2 – 1 1/2. However, the team went down to Manawatu-Whanganui 4–0 and Hawke’s Bay 3–1, to finish in fourth place with Wellington taking the honours. It was better news for the development side who, despite getting pipped 5 1/2 – 4 1/2 in their opening game, went on to beat Manawatu-Whanganui 6–4 and Hawke’s Bay 7–3 to win the overall competition on count back of matches won.
MANAWATU-WHANGANUI MARTON WIN B PENNANT FINAL
Marton Golf Club has won the B Grade Pennant competition for 2019. They played the final last month at Levin Golf Club, against Feilding. Marton led 2.5 to 0.5 after the morning foursomes matches, and Feilding rallied in the afternoon to just come up short, with Marton taking it out 5 games to 4. Individual results: Foursomes (Feilding names first): R MacNamara and K Russell lost to D Arnott and S Melis 3/2 S Baker and R Early lost to M Arnott and A Bremner 5/4 R Rooney and E Ward halved with N Maas and T Calkin Singles (Feilding names first): Kyle Russell lost to Troy Calkin 2/1 Remy Early halved with Nic Maas Ethan Ward lost to Aron Bremner 6/5 Reuben MacNamara beat Darin Arnott 6/5 Sebastian Baker beat Mike Arnott 2/1 Ryan Rooney beat Shay Melis 4/3 Below: Winning Marton Team after being presented with pennant by David Townend
TARANAKI NOTICEBOARD 1 Jun
Westown
06 758 6933
Every Wednesday Club
1 Jun
Westown
06 758 6933
Monthly Haggle
19 Jun
Pungarehu
06 763 8255
Multi Sponsored Tournament
HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY NOTICEBOARD 16 Jun
Maraenui
06 835 8273
HB 36 Hole Stroke-play W
22-23 Jun
Waipukurau
06 857 7905
54 Hole Matchplay W
7 Jul
Porangahau
06 855 5029
Porangahau 27 Hole W
3 Aug
Dannevirke
06 374 8248
SHB 27 Hole Strokeplay (Rose Bowl)
17-18 Aug
Napier
06 844 7913
Kapi Tareha W
31 Aug
Takapau
06 855 8385
Takapau 30 Hole Stroke Play W
Below: Members of both B Pennant final teams
New Members & Visitors Welcome
GOLF OMANU
THE BAYS BEST GOLFING EXPERIENCE
For course availability book online or phone +64 7 575 5957 98 Matapihi Rd, Mt Maunganui
www.omanugolf.co.nz
22
June 2019
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
MANAWATU WIN A PENNANT
The Manawatu Golf Club A Pennant team won the A Pennant final last month on their home track against Feilding 6 3. Trailing 2 - 1 after the morning foursomes, the Manawatu players lifted in the afternoon singles matches with 4 wins and two halved matches. The result was actually a lot closer than the 6 - 3 final result indicated, and Manawatu only confirmed the win in the final stages of the match. Manawatu was awarded the home final by being the top seed after round robin play. Feilding got the better of the Manawatu team when they battled at Hawkestone during round robin, which shows that there is not a lot between the two teams. The individual results from the day: Manawatu 6 Feilding 3 Foursomes: C Nash and M Francis lost to D Walker and T Ward 2 down E Westergaard and R Perry halved with M Atkins and J Humphrey R McConaghty and G Shaw halved with L Finlayson and T Chettleburgh Singles: Craig Nash beat Trevor Ward 2/1 Matt Francis halved with Damian Walker Greg Shaw halved with James Humphrey Reid Perry beat Michael Atkins 2 up Ewan Westergaard beat Tony Chettleburgh 3/2 Regan McConaghty beat Liam Finlayson 3/2
MANAWATU MASTERS JUNIOR EVENT
ald’s Masters Tournament was played last month and attracted a field of over 70 players, including players from as far away as Taupo, Napier and the Wellington Region. This is without doubt the largest junior participation event held in the district in recent years. The event format was held over three divisions, with 35 participants playing 18 holes, 18 participants playing 9 holes, and 17 participants completing 6 holes. The prize table included merchandise that was gathered from this year’s Masters Tournament at Augusta, held just a few weeks ago. Manawatu Golf Club Professional Andre White was at this year’s event, and was able to bring back the merchandise especially for the event. The event included a McDonald’s lunch provided by sponsors Justin and Kellie Leck, of McDonald’s Manawatu. It was fantastic to see so many smiles on the faces of all the young golfers, which is a great sign for the future. For the record the 18 gross winner was Foxton’s Anthony Ilton-Maher with a very good three under par 69 off the blue tees, followed by Manawatu Whanganui women’s reps Tara Raj and Zhuoyi Hu with two under par 72s off the yellow tees.
PALMERSTON NORTH WIN MEN’S HANDICAP PENNANT
Palmerston North Golf Club are the winners of the 2019 Handicap Pennants. Semi-finals and the final were played last month at Feilding Golf Club after Feilding won the rights to host, finishing on top of the rankings after round robin competition Feilding went on to win their semi against Whanganui, which required a playoff after they finished tied up during regulation play. The team number 1’s went back out and Feilding’s Bobby Te Mataki defeated Saia Fisilau on the second hole. Palmerston North defeated Marton 5.5–3.5 in the other semi. This meant that Feilding and Palmerston North headed out in the final. The result was very close, but Palmerston North prevailed by 5 games to 4 to take out the Handicap Pennant competition. MANAWATU-WHANGANUI NOTICEBOARD
The 2019 Manawatu Golf Club McDon-
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
16 Jun
Levin
06 368 6189
Horowhenua Open
10 Oct
Manawatu
06 357 8793
Manawatu Women’s Open Day
27 Oct
Manawatu
06 357 8793
Manawatu Open
WELLINGTON CARTERTON GOLF CLUB
The golf house was really buzzing with excitement on Saturday 11th May, when our Division 1 team came back from their last game in Waikanae to announce they had won the Kau Kau Trophy. This win was 27 years in the making as last time Carterton had won the Kau Kau Trophy was in 1992. Pictured above from left to right are Bevan Lambess, Tam Slaven, Jason Sadler, Bill McLinden, Lance Sayer, Eric Collings, Tony Reast, Trevor Barnard, Alistair Smith, Nigel Bain. Our Division 7 team playing in the Linnell Cup came in second in their overall standings. Our course is looking really good at the moment as can be seen by some of the scores coming in. All thanks to our green keeper Kurtis Tautuhi and all the volunteers out there most days. The men’s competition on Saturday was stableford with the following results: Dave Pacey 43 John Drury 39 Les Mason 37 Graham Gorham 36 Barry Bentley 35 David Sadler 35 The ladies played a nett competition for round three of the Robson Cup, the results were: Sue Braiden 68 Shirley Carew 74 Jane Brooking 74 Best gross for the day went to Kurtis Tautuhi. Nearest the pins: David Sadler, Jane Brooking and Shirley Carew Two’s went to: Dean Sadd, Wendy Wills and Graham Gorham Our mixed nine holers played a nett competition with the following results: Ngaire Taylor 34 Colleen Southey 36 Joan Ward 37 Nigel McGregor 37 Nearest the pin: John Smith We are hosting the Wairarapa Men’s Foursome 36 Hole Open on Sunday 30th June 2019. For more information email the Carterton Golf Club: admin@cartertongolfclub.co.nz
PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLF WAREHOUSE
Wellington Golf is pleased to announce a commercial partnership with the Golf Warehouse.
June 2019
This partnership will see sponsorship of the WGI vehicle and an expansion of the facility support already provided around Wellington Golf’s Talent Development Programme and Representative Teams Programme. With the existing setup at the Golf Warehouse soon to be enhanced with Pro Tracer coming to all bays, coupled with coaches Dean Kingsbeer and Matthew Lane being based at the Moera branch, this partnership and opportunity will see these two programmes take a significant step forward in effectiveness and goal achievement.
CARMEN BLACKLER APPOINTED WGI BOARD CHAIR
Wellington Golf Inc (WGI) is pleased to announce that Carmen Blackler has been appointed Board Chair, selected by the Board as per the WGI Constitution, after election of the Board members at the recent WGI AGM. Carmen has served on the Board for three years, and as a Board member has been part of the WGI Talent Development Team and also Team Manager of the Boys U19 Team, currently National Interprovincial Champions. Carmen will be relinquishing these two responsibilities, in a direct sense, giving space between the governance role of the Board Chair and these operational roles. Carmen brings a wealth of strategic, facilitation, project and process skills to this position, as well as her knowledge and love of the game. The operational staff in the office, and her fellow board members are keenly looking forward to Carmen’s tenure in the role.
23
WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD 8-9 Jun
Riversdale
06 372 3416
Riversdale 36 Hole Strokeplay
8 Jun
Miramar
04 801 7649
2019 WN 36 Hole 4BBB/Foursomes
15 Jun
Otaki
06 364 8260
MAT/Lansdowne Field Day
24 Jun
Otaki
06 364 8260
Women’s 9 Hole Lynne Walker Memorial Tournament
24 Jun
BFHGC
04 567 4722 Ext 1
Women’s Vets
30 Jun
Carterton
06 379 8457
2019 Wairarapa Men’s Foursomes
TASMAN NATIONAL TEAMS EVENT WON BY KARAMEA
The Karamea Club has won the Tasman National Team’s event held in Greymouth on Sunday 19th May. The team of Jill Waines and Carol Higgs finished with a net 67, combined with Elaine Hegh and Jean Gibson who finished with a net 70 for a combined team total of 137. Karamea edged out Rarangi by a shot with the team of Tracy Bary and Bridget Quaife shooting a net 69, mirrored with Helen Neame and Aroha Minhinnick also with a net 69, for a team score of 138. The individual pairing of Sharon Davidson and Marj Curtain also carded a net 67 for Hokitika. TASMAN NOTICEBOARD 8 Jun
Westport
03 789 8132
Westport Ladies Tournament
8 Jun
Awatere
03 570 5399
27 Hole Tournament
10 Jun
Wairau Valley
03 572 2575
Hospice Tournament
19 Jun
Tasman
03 526 6819
Fruitgrowers Tournament
22 Jun
Greymouth
03 768 5332
Greymouth Ladies Tournament
24 Jun
Awatere
03 570 5399
Marlborough Vets
29 Jun
Awatere
03 570 5399
Eagles Tournament
CANTERBURY A FIRST FOR PEGASUS IN WEEKEND INTERCLUB
The Women’s Weekend Interclub Final between Pegasus and Bottle Lake 2 was played in a cold southerly wind at Christchurch last month, with the course in great order. Pegasus fought out the matches to the last green to narrowly defeat Bottle Lake 2, 2.5 to 1.5. Pegasus number four, Lynn Younger had a tough challenge giving 12 shots to Anne Brown of Bottle Lake. After an early four hole deficit, Anne came back to tie their match at the sixteenth and went on to win one up. Pegasus’ Kahlia Sutherland played an exceptional game showing no mercy in defeating Angela Poole 7/6. Philippa Robertson gave Pegasus their second win when she defeated Christina Valenzuela 4/2. With only the number one game still alive, and Bottle Lake’s Yumi Masuri one up playing the 18th after being four up with four to play, a tied team result was looking a possibility. However, Sharon Stewart sunk a sizeable putt to win the 18th hole, tie her match, and give Pegasus the team win and title for the first time in Women’s Weekend Interclub.
24
Pictured above is the Pegasus winning squad, from left Sharon Stewart, Lynn Younger, Clare Stevens, Bobbi Oliver, Kahlia Sutherland, Philippa Robertson and Kate Brooks.
WOMEN’S INTERCLUB 18 & 36 HOLE FINALS DAY
The Women’s 36 Hole Silver, 36 Hole Open and 18 Hole Interclub Finals were played at Templeton Golf Club last month. With dire weather forecasts and an overnight wind storm, players were delighted to enjoy a fine day at Templeton for the finals. Templeton provided a good challenge with some fast greens and lush lies off the fairways. All games were played in good spirits and friendship. In the 18 Hole Final Russley’s Jane Kim, Anne O’Keefe, Agatha Sim, Anne MacGregor, Lesley Martin and Ann Collingwood (pictured below left to right) made it back-to-back wins for the club in the competition, but not before Clearwater’s Philippa Cooke, Melanie Duff, Sue Clements, Cynthia Hampton, Sandra Howat and Chris Plimmer took the top seed to the wire, with the match locked up at 3–3 after 18 holes. It took a sudden death play-off on the tenth hole in the gathering dusk and a ten foot putt by Jane Kim on the first play-off hole to finally secure the win for Russley.
The 36 Hole Open Final result was more clear cut. With the morning foursomes giving Tai Tapu 1 the slight advantage, Tai Tapu’s Janet Nicholls, Grace Miller, Anne Siave, Julie Livesey and Carol Bates (pictured above left to right) proved dominant in the singles, making it four 36 Hole Open titles in succession for the club, defeating Weedon’s Sarah Lurajud, Pam
Hughes, Val Fountaine and Christine McDermott 4.5–1.5. Tai Tapu 1 were thrilled to win, having previously lost several 36 Hole Open finals to their Tai Tapu 2 team mates. The 36 Hole Silver Final between Waitikiri’s Cheryl Kemp, Suzette Eastmond, Rosalie Neaves and Pam Ellis (pictured below left to right, absent Kate Lagan and Jenny Ahn) and Clearwater’s Virginia Faass, Maree Saunders, Julie Battersby and Nicky Wright, was a real cliff-hanger until the last hole of the day. The morning foursomes were tied one match each, then with two singles matches won and one lost in the afternoon, Waitikiri needed a halved match to win. Only the successful final putt by Waitikiri’s number three Rosalie Neaves confirmed a tied match and a 3.5–2.5 win for the Waitikiri team, their second 36 Hole Silver title in the past three years.
weather and the course in excellent condition. It was the last chance for players to push their case for individual honours as the best performer over the round-robin part of the competition. With one round left it was still wide open with several players in contention, but it was Russley White’s Jack Collie, pictured below left, who continued his great form throughout the competition, winning his final match and remaining undefeated, winning four from four over the five rounds to win the coveted Maori Wahaika Trophy. Jack will be looking to continue on his winning way as his team Russley White play Christchurch in the semi-finals, while top qualifiers Russley Blue play Kaiapoi Gold in the other semi-final at Waimairi Beach Golf Club.
CANTERBURY NORTH V NELSON REP MATCH
North Canterbury players enjoyed their annual match recently against Nelson, played at Hanmer Springs Golf Club with the course in superb condition. The senior and intermediate teams enjoyed the match played over three rounds which included Foursomes, Singles and Reverse Singles. Unfortunately Nelson were unable to field junior or masters teams for this fixture. The North Canterbury Seniors were very strong winning 14.5 of the possible 16 points. Nelson took the bragging rights in the Intermediate section winning 16–6 games.
TEMPLETON – PRESIDENTS GRADE CHAMPIONS
JACK UNDEFEATED IN JUNIOR INTERCLUB MATCHPLAY
The final round of round-robin Junior Interclub Matchplay was held at Christchurch Golf Club last month in fine
June 2019
The Final round of Presidents Grade Interclub was played at Avondale Golf Club last month with all teams playing at the same venue for the finale of the season. Avondale was in great order to host the event and the weather conditions were fine and sunny.
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
At the end of the penultimate round Templeton and Coringa were both on top of the table on points with Templeton slightly ahead on games and Harewood a point behind in third. With the top two teams playing each other in the final round, it was always going to be a tough match and so it proved with Templeton beating Coringa 5.5–2.5 to finish first on 20 points. Harewood edged past Coringa as a result of their 6–2 win over Hagley to claim second on 19 points with Coring finishing third a further point back. The Presidents Most Valuable Player award was also a very close affair with both Alan Ewington (Harewood) and David McClure (Bottle Lake) finishing with 10 wins for the season. Alan was awarded the MVP Trophy due to his higher winning ratio of 10 wins from 11 matches against David’s 10 from 12.
Templeton’s winning team from left: John Hampton, Richard Hampton, John Hodge, Jim Keene, Gary Shaw, Murray Huddy, Tony Pupich, Peter Fridd, Jim Bennie and Bernie Kennedy (Manager).
before Russley won on a countback, making it back-to-back victories for the club in the event. Avondale finished third on 127, Rawhiti fourth on 128 with Weedons fifth on 129, pipping hosts Waimairi Beach on a countback. A personal highlight of the day was Clearwater’s Virginia Faass achieving her first hole-in-one with the perfect shot on No. 8.
RANGIORA 9 HOLE INTERCLUB CHAMPIONS
The Final of the 9 Hole Interclub competition was played last month at McLeans Island Golf Club in calm, cool conditions and the course in great order. The all North Canterbury Final between Rangiora 2 and Amberley was always going to provide the winner bragging rights North of the Waimak, and it was Rangiora’s Coleen White, Ross McQueen, Diane Sinclair and Rita Moore who prevailed over Amberley’s all male line up of Garry Reid, Mike Carpenter, Ron Kemp and John Evans by 75–65 stableford points. Above: The winning Rangiora 2 team from left, Pam Holland, Ross McQueen, Coleen White, Diane Sinclair, Rita Moore and Anne Smith.
RUSSLEY WIN BACK-TO-BACK NATIONAL WOMEN’S TEAMS DISTRICT CHAMPION TITLES
The 2019 Women’s National Club Teams District Championship was played last month with 26 clubs represented in a great field of 104 competitors. Waimairi Beach Golf Club was in great order and the weather also played its part with a calm, sunny autumn day, making ideal scoring conditions. The results were very close with just eight shots separating the top ten teams. First place was even closer with Lincoln’s Jan Latham, Judy Campbell, Lois Anderson and Liz Birdling and Russley’s Robyn Cruse, Mihee Woo, Shera Kant and Denise Forbes finishing locked together on a combined team best ball net of 125,
Above: The victorious Russley team from left, Mihee Woo, Shera Kant, Denise Forbes and Robyn Cruse. Shera was also a member of the 2018 winning Russley team, which is a great achievement. CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD 9 Jun
Pegasus
03 920 3300
Pegasus Open
12 Jun
Hanmer Springs
03 315 7110
Hanmer Springs Men’s Mid Week Open
14 Jun
Rangiora
03 388 8203
Rangiora Friday Tournament
16 Jun
Waitikiri
03 383 1400
Men’s Champion of Champions
GOLFCROSSWORD ACROSS
1 Winner of the 2010 Honda Classic, ______ Villegas (6) 4 A collection of papers arranged for reference (4) 9 A shot that travels further than desired as a result of decreased backspin, usually resulting from long grass (5) 10 Growth once featured by Craig Stadler and Corey Pavin (9) 11 “Putter Boy” at Pinehurst No.2, and a bear marking The Bear Trap at PGA Nationalís 15th, 16th and 17th holes (7) 12 Tommy Fleetwood and Eddie Pepperell’s country of origin (7) 13 A rake, for example (4) 14 American golfer who returned to PGA tournament golf at the 2019 Puerto Rico Open after health issues (3,7) 18 Changes (10) 19 Winner of the 2019 Wells Fargo Championship, Max ____ (4) 22 Great golfers in history (7) 24 Go ahead (7) 25 Golf club that sounds like it’s made from two types of materials (5,4) 26 Wedge (of cake, say) (5) 27 Division of a golf course (4) 28 Several pieces attached to the sole of a shoe for protection or grip (6)
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
June 2019
1
2
3
4
6
5
7
9
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17 18
19
20
21 22
23
24
25
26
27
DOWN
28
1 Golf circuit played by 7-down (5,4) 2 NZ PGA’s Coach of the Year in 2017, ______ Wheelhouse (6) 3 Walks with difficulty (5) 4 Weary from physical or mental work (8) 5 A lightweight, synthetic, elastomeric fibre unlikely to be seen on a golf course (5) 6 Counterbalance (6) 7 Winner of the 2019 Qinhuangdao Championship (4,4) 8 Winner of the 2017 NZ Open, Michael ______ (6)
15 Something that has been left out (8) 16 Practice swings (9) 17 Kiwi who was sitting in second place after the first round at six-under at the 2019 US PGA Championship (5,3) 18 Cubic capacity (6) 20 Winner of the 2018 Barracuda Championship, ______ Putnam (6) 21 Winner of the 2019 US PGA Championship, Brooks ______ (6) 23 Reach (3,2) 24 Ride a bike (5) >> SOLUTION NEXT EDITION
25
03 314 4490
Hawarden Women’s Open
21 Jun
Greendale
03 325 4128
Greendale Women’s Teams Stableford
23 Jun
Russley
03 358 4748
Canterbury 4BBB Championship
23 Jun
Hawarden
03 314 4490
Hawarden Open Mixed Foursomes
26 Jun
Amuri
03 315 6036
Amuri Men’s Mid Week Tournament
28 Jun
Weedons
03 347 8519
Weedons Women’s Teams Stableford
27-29 Sep
McLean Island
03 359 9768
McLean Island Golf Club 50th Jubilee
OTAGO/SOUTHLAND KUROW WIN AORANGI WOMEN’S NATIONAL CLUB TEAMS’ DISTRICT FINAL
2019 Programme
M&W M&W M&W
Mxd
18 - 19 Aug
6 - 8 26 Feb -
13 - 15 Feb
13 - 15 Feb
Mxd M&W
18 -22 Feb 9-
M&W
20 - 22 Feb
M&W
Secretary WGC Terry Kay
Nthn Wairoa,Sherwood,Mt Denby
Hugh Tennent
2 - 6 Sept Levin Omokoroa 3 day
Terry Golder
18 - 22 Mar
8 Rangitikei Oct & Clarks CastlecliffBeach
25 -29 Mar
Waipukurau,Takapau, Dannevirke, Waipawa
8 - 9 Apr 17
Play - 18Waihi OctStrokeSherwood Park 2 day
8 - 12 Apr
15 - 18 Apr
M&W Mxd
22 - 2629 Apr-
M&W M&W
All M&W M&W
M&W
Waitara
22 - 24 Oct
Mxd
M&W
Whakatane
Kaitake, Westown, Fitzroy, Inglewood
31Manukorihi Oct Ngaruawahia Sherwood Park 1 Day. Team of 4
3 - 6 Nov
Poverty Bay
29 Apr - 2 May Muriwai,Nth Shore, Wainui
- 8 Paraparaumu,Otaki,Levin,Waikanae Nov Taupo 29 Apr - 34 May 20-21 11 May23-24 May
09 433Mxd 8055
07 8649846
2 - 6admin@akseniorgolf.org.nz Sept Levin
9 - 13 Sep
10 - 11 Oct
hughandjean@farmside.co.nz 14 - 15 Oct Warkworth
Lorraine McLeavey Club Manager
07 8649846
cwcollier22@me.com
07 862 6767
mikehayes2211@gmail.com
0274 494522
06 368 6189
mcleavey@xtra.co.nz
levin@golf.co.nz
6767Don Blackledge mikehayes2211@gmail.com 8 348 4051 rotorua@golf.co.nz SOUTHLAND VETERAN
Rangitikei,Rangatira, Wanganui,Castlecliff
Waiuku
Overall: Winner 2019 Handicap Pennant Winners: Riversdale (1) 205 – Grant Weller, Morgan Will, Gavin Wilson, Lindsay Tayles (pictured above) 2nd: Hedgehope (B) 212 – Brendan Price, Cody Cresswell, Peter Stuart, Gabriel Green 3rd: Wyndham (1) 212 – Allan Maxwell, Michael McCullen, Alan Pettersson, Glen Sutherland 4th: Gore (2) 213 – Grant Briggs, Chris Marshall, Donovan Harvey, Thomas Nichol Individual Winners: Division 1: Bert McNoe (Mataura) Division 2: Gary Wilson (Riversdale) Division 3: Brett Dobbie (Nightcaps) and Cody Cresswell (Hedgehope) Division Prizes: Division 1: Tokanui, Wyndham (1), Bluff Division 2: Waikaka, Riversdale (1), Dipton Division 3: Hedgehope (B), Nightcaps, cwcollier22@me.com Drummond
Pat Pene
06 3445478
hhppene@gmail.com
494522Club Manager mcleavey@xtra.co.nz 09 SOCIETY 235 9489 waiukugolf@xtra.co.nz 2000TH Club Manager
09 232 1788
manager@clarksbeachgolfclub.co.nz
Club17 Manager Theadmin@sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz Southland - 18 Oct Sherwood Park 2 day 06 368 6189Jane Hiebendaallevin@golf.co.nz 09 434 6900 terry.golder2@gmail.com
07 548M&W 0391 M&W
07 575M&W 4214
10 - 11Carterton Oct Waiuku
2 May
M&W
07 824M&W 8006
M&W
M&W
Richard Baker
Otaki
Baker 07 862 07 308M&W 8117Richard whakatanegolfclub@gmail.com 23 -25 Sept Rotorua (Arikikapakapa)
Tom Uden
M&W M&W
Mxd
Craig Collier
Paeroa
M&W 7 - 8 Oct Clarks Beach 07 8968710 eileen.terry@xtra.co.nz Lorraine McLeavey 0274
Reg Calden
Rotorua (Arikikapakapa)
- 15Stratford Oct Warkworth
M&W
Coromandel Coast Vets Pairs Classic
Craig Collier
M&W
Mount Maunganui
14 1 - 5 Apr
Mxd
21-Aug 26 - 30 Aug
09 528Mxd 8717
Ngaruawahia
23 -25 Sept
4 - 6 Mar
M&W
Mxd
18 - 19 Aug
M&W
Phone Mxd
14Riverside Nov (Narrows/Lochiel) Omokoroa 2 day Pairs Waipa Veterans Classic - Te Awamutu
13-14 Nov
Waikato Champs
M&W
22 - 24 Oct
Whakatane
The Secretary
Secretary WGC
3 - 6 Nov
Poverty Bay nztru@kinect.co.nz
- 8 Nov Taupo Don4Blackledge
regcalden@yahoo.com 11 - 14 Nov Omokoroa
Pat Pene
06 344 5478Club Manager hhppene@gmail.com
Lindsay Sutton
06 3775763
Gwen Murphy
M&W
13-14 Nov
M&W
18 - 20 Nov
Men
Waikato Champs Te Puke
8 348 4051
06 374 3670
2 - 6th Dec
09 232 1788
Secretary
Scott Evans
gcmurphy44@gmail.com
Club Manager
07 863 8678Jane Hiebendaal waihi@golf.co.nz
Bill Bird
06 754 8953
wg.cf.bird@xtra.co.nz
Kaye Cavey
06 7585754
greveykp@gmail.com
Women
Rangitikei Secretary h.rvivian@xtra.co.nz 09 425 8248
2 - 6th Dec
Secretary WGC
09 434 6900 07 308 8117
Marie Rayner
06 7552875Reg
Jane Hiebendaal
09 434 6900
admin@sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz
Owen Young
021 666 686
Calden rere8533@gmail.com 07 824 8006 nhsga1@outlook.com
Secretary
06 867 4402
Brian Chapman
Mansell 07 3788904 04 298 4321David chapmanb@xtra.co.nz
Colin Vincent
021 971 871Terry Golder cjv@xtra.co.nz
18 - 20 Nov
Te Puke
Men
2 - 6th Dec
Rangitikei
Women
2 - 6th Dec
Rangitikei
Terry Golder
Rangitikei
06 765 5219The
M&W
David Mansell
vetsgolfcarterton@gmail.com Proposed Local Special events prior to Nationals Club Manager 09 235 9489
Heather Vivian
Kerry Jensen
Secretary
07 871 4838
k-a.jensen@xtra.co.nz
07 548 0391
Secretary
Scott Evans
GOLFERS’ MEMBER
Veterans Golfers’ Sociup its 2000th member. At the group’s outing in Gore last rotorua@golf.co.nz month, Queens Park member Brian Sudmanager@clarksbeachgolfclub.co.nz daby became member 2000. waiukugolf@xtra.co.nz With life membership offered for just a $2 fee, the society is open to male golfers thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz over the age of 55. The group plays sevadmin@sherwoodparkgolf.co.nz eral courses in Southland and plays every 09 425 8248
thedivot@warkworthgolfclub.co.nz
07 308 8117
whakatanegolfclub@gmail.com
06 867 4402
pbseniors@outlook.com
07 3788904
07 548 0391
fourems@xtra.co.nz
terry.golder2@gmail.com
waikatoveterangolf.co.nz
07 533 1832
golf@golftepuke.co.nz
whakatanegolfclub@gmail.com regcalden@yahoo.com
pbseniors@outlook.com fourems@xtra.co.nz terry.golder2@gmail.com waikatoveterangolf.co.nz
07 533 1832
fortnight. The society was started in April 1981 by some of Southland’s older golfers and its aim was to keep older members active in the game. Over the years they will have had more than 800 outings. The society is always looking for new members, so if you are keen to join the fun and become one of the 2000 golfers to have enjoyed golf in this fine company, contact the society’s President, Trevor Bayne, at tebayne@kinect.co.nz.
MATAURA LICENSING TRUST VICE PRESIDENT PENNANT FINALS RESULTS
ety has signed of Islands Kerikeri Club Manager 09 407M&W 8837Pat Ex 229 kerikerigolf@clear.net.nz 13Bay Sep Rangitikei,Rangatira, Wanganui,Castlecliff Pene 06 3445478 Reg Calden hhppene@gmail.com - 31 Oct Ngaruawahia 07 824 8006 regcalden@yahoo.com
711 - 15 Mar
M&W
Graham Arnold
30Taumarunui Aug Otaki
M&W M&W M&W
Coromandel Coast Vets Pairs Classic
21-Aug 30Jan-1Feb Whakatane 3Paeroa day
M&W
Mxd
Contact Name
7 - 10 Jan 2019 Pakuranga/Remuera 4 day
M&W
Mxd
M&W,Mxd
Location
MATAURA LICENSING TRUST HANDICAP PENNANT FINALS RESULTS
Please check website NZVGA.co.nz for changes or updates
M&W,Mxd
Men
Dates 2019
Christine Nowell. 2nd was Ashburton – Wendy Parr/Joyce van der Heide 66 and Hilary Ward/Heather Robertson 65 – total 131 3rd place went to Rakaia – Marian Wederell/Bronwyn Oakley 67 and Sally Smith/Sue Martin 67 – total 134
17 Clubs participated in the Aorangi Women’s National Club Teams’ District Final at Geraldine last month in very changeable conditions; fine and sunny to start the day, followed by very gusty wind, which then turned to cold rainy conditions. However a warm clubhouse greeted participants on the completion of their round. Results of the Aorangi Women’s National Teams’ 2BBB Final: The winning team was Kurow – Kate Gibbon/Christine Nowell 63 and Tracey Scott/Denise Cochrane 66 – a winning total of 129 and great achievement for the small club. Pictured below left to right: Kate Gibbon, Tracey Scott, Denise Cochrane and
golf@golftepuke.co.nz
Proposed Local Special events prior to Nationals
Please check website NZVGA.co.nz for changes or updates
Hawarden
Please check website NZVGA.co.nz for changes or updates
19 Jun
Pictured above: Vice President Pennant Winners: Invercargill (Blair Jackson, Peter Morsink, Peter Howley, Murray Paterson, Josh Cooper, Chris McMillan) Results from Golf Southland Mataura Licensing Trust sponsored Vice Presidents Pennants Finals played on 19th May at Gore Golf Club: 1st and 2nd Invercargill: 3 ½, Gore: 2 Blair Jackson beat Scott Hellier Peter Morsink square with Graham Ellery Peter Howley lost to Bryan Burgess Murray Paterson lost to Julian Morris Josh Cooper beat Craig Burns 3/1 Chris McMillan beat Don McConnell 3/2 3rd and 4th Greenacres: 4, Queens Park: 2 Alan Smith beat Liam Hewitt Nathan Piggott lost to Rodger Stewart 4/3 Robbie Birch lost to Jeff Mowat 4/3 Brent Allison beat Rex McDonald 2 up Rob Dreaver beat Trevor Neilson 4/3 Brian Gibson beat Graeme McKenzie 4/3.
CROSSWORDSOLUTION May M A R A T H O N G R A P H S
26
June 2019
I C H A E R B E A D S I O I G E R W B U S T E D I N A N S T I G Y A N B P J R O T O T R S E E T H E
L B A E R S P E C S N O O D S N A A N G D S S O T G R E A K A R Y P E E T D H O
T E M A N A A O T A T O R T S M S U V A Y N U L A R S M D M E A R A A N S D O W N T M Y E M A I L R N E S T I L E
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
2019 NATIONAL TEAMS RESULTS PLAYED 2ND MAY AT GREENACRES
Above: 2019 National Teams Winners Invercargill – Jo Wadworth, Pam Cracknell, Olivia Frost, Jean Fallow
GILMOUR ROSEBOWL REMAINS AT GORE
Gore Ladies retain the Gilmour Rosebowl, defeating Lumsden 5 nil on the 7th May. Individual results (Gore names first): Adie Crispin defeated Jody Drysdale 2 up Joanne Osborne defeated Lois Mitchell 5/4 Brenda Duncan defeated Shelly Mollison 3/1 Ann Carran defeated Maree Melrose 2 up Heather Waby defeated Sue King 3/2 Next challenge is against Winton in June.
NATIONAL TEAMS EVENT
The Invercargill team of Olivia Frost, Jean Fallow, Jo Wadworth and Pam Cracknell have won the Southland regional round of the National Teams event, played at Greenacres recently. The team finished with a combined nett aggregate 133 points, just one ahead of runners-up Te Anau (Marg Hughes, Linda Wright, Sheree Hemi and Judith Matthews), who finished with 134, placing
second on count-back from the Riversdale team of Cora Collins, Dianne McKeown, Pam Snell and Marie Roy.
SOUTHLAND COUNTRY V OTAGO COUNTRY
Poor weather did not play into the hands of the Southland Country ladies, who took on their Otago Country counterparts at Balclutha recently. Bad weather made the course unplayable in the morning, so the morning round was cancelled and overall results were based solely on the afternoon’s singles matches, which Otago Country won 5–3. Individual results were: Geraldine Todd lost to Liz McRae 1 down Bronwyn O’Brien beat Joanne Booker 5/4 Janet Anderson lost to Paula Kitchingham 4/3 Anita Fraser lost to Joy Calder 1 down Lorraine Froger lost to Maria Arhanic 6/4 Marg Hughes lost to Becs Calder 3/1 Shona Elder beat Raewyn Devlin 8/6 Nikki Hume beat Becky Slade 1 up
OTAGO/SOUTHLAND NOTICEBOARD Aorangi
Above: Runners-up Te Anau – Judy Matthews, Sheree Hemi, Marg Hughes, Linda Wright Winners: Invercargill 133 Olivia Frost and Jean Fallow 68 Jo Wadworth and Pam Cracknell 65 Runner Up: Te Anau 134 Marg Hughes and Linda Wright 67 Sheree Hemi and Judith Matthews 67 3rd Place: Riversdale 134 C/B Cora Collins, Dianne McKeown, Pam Snell and Marie Roy 4th: Waikaka 135 5th= Mataura 136 Greenacres 136 Dipton 136 8th= Drummond 137 Gore 137 10th= Tuatapere 139 Winton 139 12th Queens Park 141 13th Riverton 143
1-hour drive from Auckland City
Sunday Mixed Open Dates MAY
JULY
19
14
Seafood vouchers
New World vouchers
$365 pa*
…BECOME A
$1 PER DAY MEMBER!
SEPT
15
Foundation Bar vouchers
Entry $20
*For New Members
13 Jun
Lower Waitaki
03 431 3800
Lower Waitaki Women’s Teams
24 Jun
Ashburton
03 308 6371
Ashburton Women’s Tournament
Otago 8 Jun
Omakau
omakaugolf@ xtra.co.nz
Omakau Golf Club Open Tournament
29-30 Jun
Cromwell
03 445 0165
Cooke Howlison Brass Monkey Tournament
3 Jul
Clinton
03 415 7936
Mid-Week Men’s & Women’s Tournament
Southland 9 Jun
Dipton
03 248 5051
Open Stroke Dipton
20 Jun
Queens Park
03 218 8371
Queens Park Ladies Mid Winter Ambrose
24 Jun
Riversdale
03 202 5886
Riversdale Ladies American Foursome 0-40.4
28 Jun
Hedgehope
03 216 8387
Hedgehope 3 Person Ambrose
AFFORDABLE GOLF
HIDDEN GEM COURSE! WHITE TEES Par 72 5678m Men 118 Slope and 69.9 SCR YELLOW TEES Par 72 4970m Men 110 Slope and 65.9 SCR Women 116 Slope 70.8 SCR
huntlygolf@xtra.co.nz
Tee off: 10:00 – 12:00 noon 2’s & scramble in the Pro Shop Matte Black Catering and bar available
14th Lumsden 144 15th Wyndham 151 Two’s: H Baird I Walker, F Gray, J Matthews Nearest Pins Silver: S Hemi Bronze: MA Lindsay Longest Putt Silver: L Harvey Bronze: J Scarlett
30 minutes from Hamilton City
$150 pa*
+$10/round RESTRICTED MEMBERSHIP
Phone 07 828 8305
HUNTLY GOLF CLUB Inc
At TE OHAKI between SH1 exits at RANGIRIRI & HUNTLY bridges
HIDDEN GEM!
Phone 07 824 8006 or book online at nga@golfwaikato.co.nz
WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ
June 2019
27
WITH INJECTED TWIST FACE TM
Thru-slot Speed Pocket TM Low CG HYBRAR Damper
Available at:
ONE CONNECTED TECHNOLOGY THAT STRENGTHENS THE ENTIRE IRON STRUCTURE FOR INCREASED BALL SPEED, MORE DISTANCE, AND EXCEPTIONAL FEEL.
Inverted Cone Technology 360ยบ Undercut
CALL US FREE:
0800 GOLFER
www.golfwarehouse.nz
360ยบ Fluted Hosel