Golfer Pacific NZ – October 2019

October 2019 15th year as NZ’s exclusive Golf club magazine

/golferpacificnz

ISSN 1178-0754 ISSN 1835-1336 XX 10

NZD $5.00 Subscription $60 per annum

New Zealand wins Astor Trophy PAGE 3 INSIDE // NEW ZEALAND TEAM FOR NOMURA CUP // 5 COURSE CLASSIC

COPPER PLATING FOR ‘LAYERS OF FEEL’ Mizuno has unveiled three new MP-20 Series iron models featuring copper-plating within the heads to add ‘layers of feel’ at impact.

Get Custom fit today. For your nearest MIZUNO stockist contact Sports Network Ltd. Ph: 0508 776 786

EDITORIAL

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Are you going to the Presidents’ Cup in Melbourne?

T

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

he Presidents’ Cup is less than two months away.

The event is held once every two years between a team from the United States and a team known as the Internationals, which is for players from outside Europe.

The Presidents’ Cup acts as an alternative to the Ryder Cup, which is contested between the United States and Europe and is also held once every two years.

The Ryder Cup has being going since 1927 and has developed into a fiercely contested grudge match, which is reflected by highly vocal fans.

On the other hand the Presidents’ Cup is a much younger event, with the tournament first held in 1994.

Consequently the intensity is

not at the same level as the Ryder Cup and that’s partly because the Americans have dominated.

From 12 events to date, the United States have won 10. There has been one draw and the Internationals have one win.

But there is a good reason to attend this year’s Presidents’ Cup in Melbourne at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club from December 12-15.

For starters this will be the third time Royal Melbourne has hosted the Presidents’ Cup and the first time, in 1998, was the occasion when the Internationals won.

The winning score for the Internationals at that time was 20-1/2 to 11-1/2, which is the tournament’s second biggest winning margin.

The biggest winning margin came two years later when the United States won 21-1/2 to 10-1/2.

This year’s United States’ team is very strong. At the time of

writing eight players had been confirmed and they are Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas, Dustin Johnson, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Webb Simpson, Matt Kuchar and Bryson DeChambeau.

Another four players had yet to be selected but one of them could be Tiger Woods, who is the team captain. Tiger has indicated he is keen to be more than just captain.

Eight players have also been named for the International team.

They are Marc Leishman, Hideki Matsuyama, Louis Oosthuizen, Adam Scott, Abraham Ancer, Pan Cheng-tsung and Cameron Smith.

The team captain Ernie Els will select four more players.

One of the great aspects of the Presidents’ Cup is that not a single cent of prize money is on the line. Players are there merely for the honour.

The tournament, however,

does generate significant fundraising, which is shared amongst the players who each nominate a charity for it to be donated.

Tickets for the Presidents’ Cup range in price from $A125 for one day to $2650 for a four-day pass, which is a premium venue with a lounge interior and all-day food and beverage package.

Another plus is that Royal Melbourne is in the heart of Melbourne’s famous sandbelt region where a multitude of top golf courses are situated. That means when you are not watching the golf you have a great number of choices to play at.

I played a tournament at one of the sandbelt courses last year.

We were staying only 20 minutes’ drive from the course but when I turned on my GPS at the hotel the course did not appear in the 10 nearest courses.

NEW ZEALAND EDITORIAL Paul Gueorgieff pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz Ph: 64 4 527 8445 Mob: 64 27 227 1038 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: The New Zealand team of Julianne Alvarez, Carmen Lim, Wenyung Keh and Amelia Garvey with the Astor Trophy.

Photo credit: Golf Canada.

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.

2

October 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

New Zealand defeats Australia to win Astor Trophy for the first time 3 year warranty equals increased peace-of-mind

Full colour 3.5” widescreen display

Julianne Alvarez, Carmen Lim, Wenyung Keh and Amelia Garvey pose with the Astor Trophy.

Photo credit: Golf Canada.

T

he Astor Trophy had been proving elusive for New Zealand.

The women’s team golf event, previously known as the Commonwealth Trophy, had been held every four years since 1959 and New Zealand had finished second an agonising five times.

But that all changed in Canada last month when New Zealand broke through for victory and the delight was immense, said team manager Jay Carter.

“The girls are pretty pumped,’’ Carter said after the win.

“We talked about what the Astor Trophy meant to us and the importance of representing our country, and I think the girls really came together and embraced the challenge this week.

“The only time our name has been on the trophy was when we’ve hosted the event back in New Zealand. We chatted this morning about what the day could hold for us and the pressure that comes with that, and we just tried hard to embrace it and not shy away from it.

“To see the girls handle the pressure and get the job done is a pretty cool feeling, we’re all over the moon.”

Among the winning team of four was Julianne Alvarez from Wellington, who was playing in the Astor Trophy for a remarkable third time. She had just a few weeks earlier passed the first stage of qualifying school for the LPGA Tour, which potentially could see her playing alongside star New Zealand professional Lydia Ko. “The first time I represented New Zealand was the Astor Trophy back in 2011 and Lydia was one of my team mates,’’ Alvarez recalled.

“To win the trophy for the first time is the icing on the cake for my amateur career.

It’ll be something I remember for a long time.”

The Astor Trophy comprises teams from Great Britain and Ireland, Australia, Can-

ada, New Zealand and South Africa. The change of name from Commonwealth to Astor was to allow Ireland to join ranks with Great Britain.

Victory for New Zealand came to a tense showdown on the final day with arch rivals Australia at the Royal Colwood Golf Club.

New Zealand was leading the competition on 2.5 points and needed a draw with Australia to secure the elusive trophy.

After halving the morning foursomes one-all, the Kiwis knew that two single’s points was all that was needed in the afternoon to get the job done.

British Amateur runner-up Amelia Garvey had been leading the New Zealand team out all week and did just that again in the afternoon. The Cantabrian won four of her last six holes to claim a crucial one up victory and got the first point on the board for the Kiwis.

Carmen Lim, from Auckland, was next up to the plate, and unfortunately could not follow on from Garvey’s heroics and would succumb to her opponent Amelia Mehmet-Grohn 4 and 3.

Wenyung Keh, also from Auckland, had gone unbeaten the whole week and was eager to continue that trend and claim the final point needed.

Keh once again showed her class to seal another point for the Kiwis against Stacey White, to claim the Astor Trophy for the first time.

Knowing the contest had all but been sewn up, news quickly filtered back to Alvarez who was battling it out in the last match of the day against Emily Mahar. A half wasn’t what they wanted as they really wanted to beat their Australian rivals.

When Alvarez won the 17th to win 2 and 1, the celebrations begun.

New Zealand will defend the Astor Trophy in four years’ time when it will be New Zealand’s turn to host the event.

Unique Plug ’n’ Play battery system Powerful, near-silent 230 watt motor

EBS downhill braking mode

MASSIVE

variety of cart bags & colours, choose yours today at your local Powakaddy dealer!

Freephone 0800 944 465

www.powakaddynz.co.nz

GOLF NEWS

Kieran Muir’s first win on China Tour T auranga golfer Kieran Muir posted his first win on the China Tour when he held his nerve in the final round to win the Huangshan Open.

Muir started the final day in a share of the lead at nine-under par and got off to a hot start with birdies on the first two holes.

But a double bogey on the ninth hole saw him slip back to one over for the day, but that score was short-lived.

Muir birdied the first three holes on the back nine and despite making bogeys on holes 16 and 17, he made par on the last to cling to a one shot lead over Maverick Antcliff from Australia who had already won on the China

Tour three times this year.

“It certainly feels good to win in China. It feels good to win anywhere as it’s not easy,” Muir said afterwards.

“My game has been progressing nicely. I feel as though if I perform my job correctly and a few things go my way, there is every chance I’ll be in the mix. I’ve been working really hard with a great team around me.”

Muir had rounds of 70, 70, 67 and 72 for his nine under par total and the win earned him 126,000 Chinese yuan.

That’s nearly $NZ28,000.

Muir, who turns 32 this month, has been a professional for eight years.

Kieran Muir with his trophy following his first win on the China Tour.

Photo credit: China Tour.

New Zealand team for Nomura Cup in Hong Kong

I

t’s a mix of youth and experience for the New Zealand team to compete for the Nomura Cup in Hong Kong next month.

The Nomura Cup will be played at Clearwater Bay from November 5-8 and the four-man team to represent New Zealand comprises Kazuma Kobori (Rangiora), Luke Brown (The Pines, Northland), Harry Hillier (Te Puke), and Kerry Mountcastle (Masterton).

Kobori is the highest ranked Kiwi in the side as he boasts a very impressive amateur record in 2019. Kobori burst onto the scene winning the New Zealand Professional Golfers’ Association (NZPGA) Championship at Pegasus Golf Club in North Canterbury by four shots.

He quickly backed that up with another outstanding performance at the New Zealand Strokeplay, in which he finished second.

Brown is a veteran of the New Zealand amateur scene. He played in the Nomura Cup two years ago when New Zealand finished fourth. Most recently, Brown has made it through second stage of Japan Tour School in his quest to transition to the professional ranks later in the year.

Hillier make his Nomura Cup debut after previously representing New Zealand at the 2017 Junior World Cup in Japan. Hillier is based in the United States as he attends college at the University of

Kerry Mountcastle from Masterton

Harry Hillier from Bay of Plenty

Luke Brown from Whangarei

Kazuma Kobori from North Canterbury

Kansas. Last year he won his first college event and began 2019 with two second-place finishes.

Mountcastle has a very impressive am-

ateur record and, like Kobori, has a professional win to his name. Mountcastle won the Carrus Tauranga Open last year and he also won the New Zealand Stroke-

play in 2018 and was a member of the Eisenhower team that finished fourth.

New Zealand Golf’s high performance manager Gregg Thorpe said: “While the team’s first priority is capturing the Nomura Cup this November, Clearwater Bay is also one of the Eisenhower Trophy venues for 2020, so this event also provides a great opportunity to gain experience at this stunning and unique golf course.”

The Nomura Cup is held once every two years and is rotated in the Asia-Pacific region. It was first held in the Philippines in 1963 and New Zealand was a winner in 1995 when the tournament was held at the Russley Golf Club in Christchurch. The New Zealand team members were Richard Best, Hadyn Morgan, Martin Pettigrew and David Somervaille.

Conducted by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, each team consists of four male players, contesting 18 holes of strokeplay for four days. In each round, the lowest three individual scores make up the team score for the round.

The four-day (72-hole) total is the team’s score for the championship. The winning team receives the Nomura Cup, which was named after Shun Nomura, the former vice-president of the Japan Golf Association, who donated the cup.

Book Now! www.titirangigolf.co.nz or on DotGolf

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

4

October 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Millbrook’s new nine looks stunning Southland’s second win in 40 years at under-19 champs

By Neville Idour

Liam Hewitt with his trophy after his win in the under-19 New Zealand Age Group Championship

L

iam Hewitt has broken a long-standing drought to become the first Southlander in 40 years to win the New Zealand Age Group Championship.

The win didn’t come without drama as Hewitt had to go into a playoff with Wellington’s Jayden Ford at the end of regular tournament play at Cromwell Golf Club.

The pair had finished the three rounds of regulation play at six-under par.

A par on the second playoff hole was good enough for Hewitt to break the deadlock and post the biggest win of his career.

“This means the world to me,’’ Hewitt said afterwards.

“It’s definitely my biggest achievement so far and I’m over the moon my name is on this trophy. Getting it done in a playoff isn’t easy on the nerves, but I thought I handled everything pretty well today.”

Hewitt, 18, was pleased his win brought attention to golf in Southland.

“Looking at the trophy, it looks like 1978 was the last Southlander to get their hands on this trophy,’’ he said.

“I’d like to think I’ve done Southland Golf proud and hopefully have inspired a few kids to get into the game,” says Hewitt.

On the girls side of the competition, Wellington’s Darae Chung was the winner by one stroke over overnight leader, Fiona Xu. Chung carded rounds of 69, 65, and 72 to finish at 10-under par for the tournament played at Millbrook.

“I played so well this week. I composed myself really well,’’ Chung said.

“I’ve struggled for the last few months and I’ve worked hard to get my game back where it needs to be. All of the hard work has paid off this week.”

Wellington’s No 1 player Darae Chung, winner of the women’s section of the New Zealand Age Group Championship

A

recent visit to the former Dalgleish farmland, where the new Millbrook Coronet nine hole golf development is being constructed, proved to be something of a revelation.

Greg Turner of the design team Turner, McPherson and Brian Spicer (also Millbrook finance director), gave Golfer Pacific a close up of progress.

Work started in July last year and the final two holes were seeded last month.

Construction of the course will be completed next month.

Spicer said: “Depending on the short growing seasons it could be 18 months to two years before it is ready for play.

For the New Zealand Open it is looking like 2022, although if it grows really well 2021 is a possibility.”

Turner said when the new nine comes into play, the 18 hole Coronet Championship course will comprise the first five holes of the existing nine.

Play then moves to the new nine on the spectacular elevated farmland. Players then finish the remaining holes of the existing nine where the sixth hole becomes the 15th and so on.

The course already looks great with so many fairways and greens already a lush green.

A feature is no two holes are similar.

The challenging par five at Millbrook. Accuracy is essential.

Each has its own persona. The signature hole may well be a stunning challenging par five, which meanders through a canyon. Turner adds that there will be a fully operational café sited adjacent to the tee.

There are 42 house lots in the development, 22 on the upper level with breathtaking views and 20 along the lower level.

Turner said: “The routing of the course means that on the elevated land only a few houses will be visible from one hole.”

Spicer added: “We were fortunate this land came up for sale as it was the last piece we could put 18 holes on.”

This project has been special for Turner who has designed several courses.

“I don’t think I have ever been involved in a more spectacular site,’’ he said.

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

+

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

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

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

October 2019

Level 2, 13-15 Aintree Ave, Airport Oaks, Mangere, Auckland j-golf.nz www.facebook.com/jgolf.nz/ Phone 09 379 5729

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

5

Choose a putter that suits your putting stroke compensations, or a bad stroke, to make putts. It’s also very important to have a putter with a rotational value that matches your stroke.”

With that in mind, the basic considerations for choosing a putter are as follows: * Shaft length — the length of your putter will dictate your posture and, in turn, where your eyes are at address. Getting it right will help you monitor face alignment. The eyes have it. * Head type — optimally yours should suit your swing arc, plus your strengths and weaknesses.

While mallets of all shapes tend to offer extra stability, they can come at the cost of feel. * Your preferences — no question, putting is a confidence game, so you need to like the shape, finish and sight lines on your putter, as well as its weight and feel. * Get a grip — there’s also an array of grip sizes and materials to choose from. There’s the standard size that match your other clubs, but what a thicker grip can do is take your hands and wrists out of the stroke, which is what golfers seek to do to improve their putting. The downside of that is you won’t get the same level of feel of a standard grip because the vibrations coming up the shaft will be dampened down. So, if you are a feel putter or have a stroke that involves a lot of wrist action, then you are more suited to a standard grip.

And after all that and you still can’t decide which brand to go with, a golfer can’t go wrong with those manufacturers that lead the way and are the best bet to keep your strokes on the green down. They are those that have been committed to being on the cutting edge of refining the flat stick for years including Ben Hogan, Scotty Cameron/Titleist, Taylor Made, Ping and Odyssey/Callaway.

So, what’s trending with putters and what tips do

the experts have for us?

White, from Ben Hogan, added: “There seem to be a couple of trends right now. First, golfers are looking for more stability and/or minimal face twist. Bigger heads and larger grips help with this and allow golfers to keep the putter face online longer.”

Williams, from Odyssey, said: “We’re seeing a lot more interest in the putter shaft. The ability to completely re-balance the putter in a way that helps golfers square the face more consistently has been a major breakthrough and it continues to grow in popularity week by week on the (golf) tours around the world and in the marketplace.”

Taylor Made’s director of sports marketing, putters and wedges Chris Trott said: “The eye line is crucial to golfers in understanding which type of putter best suits their address position and stroke.

“They have to be comfortable with the shape of the putter and how they release the putter, whether they are square-to-square or have more of a toe type of stroke.

“So, the individual golfers’ set up and eye line is important and why we would recommend getting custom fit. The moi (moment of inertia) of a putter is a measurement of its resistance to twisting on off-centre hits.

“The greater the figure, the more stable your putter will be and that is the big story in putters right now and how mallets and blades can deliver this through technology and shape, as well as provide the player with stability to hit more consistent putts more often.”

Birdies don’t come cheap, but when your ball falls into that hole you’ll be proudly raising that putter in the air not thinking about the price tag, but rather the joy, that pure joy of reducing your strokes in more ways than one.

With their Stroke Lab putters, Odyssey is putting the focus somewhere new – the shaft. With a mixture of graphite and steel, they’ve moved weight in an effort to improve your swing tempo on the green. The new seven, it’s all about the roll.

The Ben Hogan Precision Milled Forged Plumber’s Neck Blade putter are part of the first flat sticks from the iconic brand in close to 15 years. It’s made from soft carbon steel, utilising a multiple step forging process for added consistency and feel, while enhanced durability and glare resistance is provided by a proprietary Diamond Black Metal finish.

Replacing the Futura line, the Scotty Cameron Phantom X is tapered towards the heel and toe to give the visual impression that it is hugging the ground at address. And speaking of visuals, a new feature is the use of neon yellow on black alignment lines.

The all new DuPage mallet putter completes the Patina Putter collection with a new take on the traditional mallet design incorporating a single bend, face balanced design.

Brand new, just on the market last month, The Series 18 from Sacks Parente features a patented ULBP (ultra-low balance point) technology. Using a balancing point below the sole of the putter, it promotes a natural pendulum motion, with minimal effort, that automatically squares the putter head at impact and improves your speed control.

The Sigma 2 Valor 400 from Ping is the highest-MOI Sigma 2 putter model to date. The counter-balanced mallet is engineered with a 400-gram head and custom built with a 15” grip and a 38” shaft with 50 grams added to the butt end to promote a stable, pendulum-style motion that takes the wrists out of the stroke.

By Randy Williams in the United States

GOLF NEWS 6

T

hey say putting is an art form.

If that is the case, the putting green is often filled with odd angles and tricky undulations so how do you choose the right putter for that fast eightfoot downhiller with a double break or the 60-footer you have to run across the entire green just to get it close for the chance to save par?

With so many putter options, one could suffer a stroke trying to reduce your strokes. There are toe balanced putters, blade putters, peripheral-weighted putters, mallet putters, metal-faced putters, insert-faced putters, groove-faced putters, centre-shafted putters … the list is almost endless — what to do?

Scott White, chief executive of Ben Hogan Golf Equipment Company, offers the following advice.

“It’s really important not to fall in love with the shape, style, or graphics of a specific putter without understanding what kind of putting stroke you have,” White said.

“If you don’t match a putter to your specific putting style, you aren’t going to putt well. It’s as simple as that.”

In other words one of the first tips is to get a customised fit to ensure that the loft and lie angle match your stroke.

Luke Williams, the senior global director of Odyssey Putters by Callaway, concurred.

“If they (golfers) have somewhere to go to get fit, they should really start there,” Williams said.

“Short of that, you should look for a putter that you are able to align well and consistently. Golfers in general, even tour players, struggle with alignment and if you are not aligned with where you want to start your putt, everything else breaks down. You have to make

October 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

FUN, NATIONAL EVENTS FOR ALL

2019 OCTOBER New Zealand Mixed Foursomes @ Maraenui GC October 26 – 27 All ages and all handicaps welcome NOVEMBER New Zealand Women’s Senior Foursomes @ Shandon GC November 25 – 28 Women aged 50 plus / All handicaps welcome

2020 JANUARY New Zealand Men’s & Women’s Mid-Amateur @ Omanu GC January 10 – 12 Men & Women aged 30 plus Handicaps maximum 14 men / 24 women FEBRUARY New Zealand Women’s Senior Championships @ Taupo GC February 17 – 20 Women aged 50 plus / All handicaps MARCH New Zealand Women’s Autumn Foursomes @ Gleniti GC March 24 – 26 All ages and all handicaps welcome

ENTER ONLINE www.parnz.co.nz

Phone 09 486 1077 or Australia Toll Free 1800 018 575

Shoulder and hip turn a major factor in the golf swing, says expert

G

ood shoulder and hip turn is the main difference between professional and most amateur players, says a top instructor.

Nick Clearwater, who is vice president of Golftec, says greater shoulder and hip turn is the key to hitting the ball further and preventing the slice shot.

Clearwater has collected motion data from more than nine million lessons conducted by Golftec and measurements from more than 200 PGA Tour players.

“The one move every pro makes,’’ Clearwater said of good shoulder and hip turn.

“Anybody can do it – but most of us don’t.”

He uses this information to show how the best golfers in the world turn their shoulders and hips to create wider, deeper backswings and more time to store power that can be released in the downswing.

Golftec’s research shows that shoulder turn is the biggest separator among ability levels in golf, as the vast majority of elite players have 60 degrees of turn when their club shaft is parallel to the ground on the backswing. Amateurs, however, rotate their shoulders anywhere from 10 to 30 degrees less.

Hip turn is also an important indicator of quality

8

ball striking, as tour players get to the shaft-parallel position with about 25 to 30 degrees of turn in their pelvis. Most weekend players only turn a maximum of 15 degrees.

“Technology is allowing us to capture and analyse data on a level that was previously impossible,” said Clearwater, who has been named one of the Golf Digest’s best young teachers.

“The benefit of this data is that we can get rid of swing theories and replace them with a fact-based approach that gives us a blueprint for what works.

“It isn’t that we think everyone should have the same swing – we certainly don’t. But we can now see that two tour players with different-looking swings still have amazing similarities during key moments of their motions.”

Clearwater has nearly 20 years of teaching experience, and was named the number one golf instructor in Colorado by Golf Digest.

He regularly appears on Golf Channel’s Morning Drive, where he provides tips to help golfers improve their swings.

Golftec operates more than 200 corporately-owned and franchised training centres in all major US cities as well as Canada, China, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

October 2019

Asian Tour’s first Indonesian winner R

ory Hie became the first Indonesian to win on the Asian Tour after carding a flawless four-under par 68 in the final round at the inaugural Classic Golf and Country Club International Championship in India last month.

Hie, who held the lead since the first round, was determined to seal his maiden win and demonstrated that resolve with a birdie on the first hole.

Despite playing under intense pressure from the chasing pack, the 31-year-old maintained his composure by marking his card with 11 straight pars before a hat-trick of birdies from the 13th hole confirmed his place in the winner’s circle.

Hie, who finished at 21 under par, said: “Oh my god. I’m finally an Asian Tour champion. There are a lot of great players that didn’t, or haven’t won yet and I don’t know what I did to deserve this. I’m just so glad that it happened.

“I just putted like a champion today. I think that’s what made the difference. Coming down the stretch I pretty much almost made every putt.

“I was so nervous coming into today. I was shaking, even on the driving range. But somehow I re-focused and actually after I made the birdie on 15 I knew I had a two-shot lead. I found it really hard to control my emotions at that point.”

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

|

|

October 2019

|

|

9

New Zealand puts up its hand for sustainability GOLF NEWS

T

he golf bodies of New Zealand have announced their unified support for a new national initiative that will drive the sport’s sustainability performance to new heights over the coming years.

The bold statement comes at the launch of OnCourse New Zealand – a national version of the international programme developed and assured by the Golf Environment Organisation Foundation.

Dean Murphy, the chief executive of New Zealand Golf (NZG), launched the initiative from Remuera Golf Club in Auckland – the home of NZG, the Golf Managers’ Association of New Zealand (GMANZ) and the New Zealand Golf Industry Council (NZGIC).

Murphy said: “All of the associations felt it was time to take our existing efforts in environmental stewardship and social value to the next level.

“We see this as vital to the long-term health of our clubs and the sport, and we also want to make a meaningful contribution to the issues that we know are of significant concern for the people of New Zealand.

“We are extremely grateful to the GEO Foundation, whose strategic expertise and custom solutions for golf enabled us to move quickly, effectively

Plan your golf travel now for the end of the year

and credibly.

“OnCourse New Zealand will become the engine room of club support and engagement, performance measurement and sharing many inspiring grassroots stories, that’s why New Zealand Golf is committing investment to these important issues and support for our clubs.”

Spencer Cooper, board member of the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendents’ Association, is sure the organisation’s members will embrace the opportunity to join the OnCourse programme.

Cooper said: “This is a very exciting moment for golf in New Zealand and a tremendous reinforcement of the stewardship and care that greenkeepers try to deliver day in and day out across the country.

“Joining OnCourse will enable our members to review and track their practices, key performance data and highlights, which will also help them plan and deliver new and exciting projects.”

The New Zealand Golf Industry Council recognises the complexity of the issues around sustainability.

The council’s chairman Des Topp said: “These important issues need the whole of golf to unite in the commit-

ment, the action and the promotion of the results. We look forward to helping coordinate and represent what this great sport does to foster nature, conserve resources and build healthy, sustainable communities across New Zealand.”

Jonathan Smith, executive director of GEO Foundation, visited New Zealand in June and immediately recognised the strong fit between great golf, the environment and sustainability.

He said: “In so many ways, golf in New Zealand highlights the natural compatibility between golf, the environment and strong communities, and this is a tremendous foundation to push further as an example of leadership and inspiration – domestically and also internationally. We are proud to support this strengthened commitment and action.”

A lot of incredibly valuable work is being done by other partners in the sustainability space in New Zealand and Murphy sees OnCourse as an extension of that.

Murphy added: “This will build upon what’s been achieved to date with initiatives such as Project Litefoot, which will continue to provide free advisory to clubs in relation to energy, materials and water conservation. Other ad-

visers in landscape, ecology and sustainable agronomy are also lined up to help us all pull in the same direction.”

Golf courses are keen to provide healthy and sustainable facilities for the enjoyment of their communities and to be a part of the New Zealand government target of becoming a carbon zero economy by 2050.

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

Hole in One competition!

Win a new car!

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 10

October 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

McIlroy voted PGA Tour player of the year

R

ory McIlroy was named 2019 PGA Tour player of the year as voted by the tour’s membership for the 201819 season.

The Northern Irishman receives the Jack Nicklaus award for winning the PGA Tour player of the year for the third time in his career (2012, 2014, 2019).

PGA Tour members who played at least 15 official FedEx Cup events during the 2018-19 season were eligible to vote. The balloting process ended on September 6.

McIlroy, 30, won the FedEx Cup for the second time (2016, 2019), becoming just the second player to win the season-long race multiple times (Tiger Woods is the other), and the first player to win The Players Championship and the FedEx Cup in the same season.

With three wins in the season (The Players, Canadian Open, Tour Championship), McIlroy matched Brooks Koepka for the most on the PGA Tour, and marked the third time he collected three or more victories in a single season.

“On behalf of the PGA Tour, my congratulations to Rory McIlroy on being vot-

ed the 2019 PGA Tour Player of the Year by the Tour’s membership,” said PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan.

“While there are a number of honours one can receive in this game, PGA Tour player of the year has to be among the most satisfying as it comes directly from his peers. Rory’s season was a model of consistency punctuated by milestone victories and ultimately the FedEx Cup in Atlanta.”

After one start in the fall of 2018 (World Golf Championships/HSBC Champions), McIlroy opened the 2019 calendar year with top-sixes in his first five starts before winning The Players for his 15th career PGA Tour victory. He became only the third player to win The Players, a major championship, the FedEx Cup and a World Golf Championship’s event in a career, joining Woods and Henrik Stenson.

Six starts later, McIlroy made his tournament debut at the Canadian Open, where he set the tournament record and won by seven shots, the largest winning margin of the season.

Three of McIlroy’s 14 top-10 finish-

es came at World Golf Championship events: Mexico Championship (second), Dell Technologies Match Play (tied ninth) and FedEx St Jude Invitational (tied fourth).

McIlroy ended the PGA Tour Regular Season at second in the FedEx Cup standings, claiming second place in the inaugural Wyndham Rewards Top 10, a US$10 million bonus pool split among the top-

10 finishers in the FedEx Cup Regular Season.

McIlroy entered the Tour Championship at fifth in the FedEx Cup standings, beginning the FedEx Cup Play-offs finale at five-under, based on the new FedEx Cup starting strokes system. With rounds of 66, 67, 68 and 66, McIlroy won the Tour Championship and hoisted the FedExCup for the second time in his career.

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

Premium Golf NZ is the official New Zealand partner of the WAGC

2020 WAGC NEW ZEALAND QUALIFYING & NATIONAL FINAL REGISTRATION OPEN www.wagc.nz

Qualifying and National Final Dates: Friday March 6th: North Island Regional Qualifying Round 1 at Arikikapakapa Rotorua Golf Club 1pm shotgun start

Friday March 13th: South Island Regional Qualifying at Harewood Golf Club 1pm shotgun start

Friday April 3rd: North Island Regional Qualifying Round 2 at Pakuranga Golf Club

Sunday April 19th (TBC): 2020 New Zealand National Championship Final at Gulf Harbour

Register today at www.wagc.nz

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

October 2019

11

Didn’t quite make the cut T rey Bilardello missed the cut in a qualifying event for the United States Amateur in Florida.

It was just one of those days when things didn’t work out.

Bilardello, whose handicap index was 2.2, started his round on the 10th hole and made a sound beginning with pars on the first two holes.

But there was hiccup when he tripley-bogeyed his third hole (12th hole), which was followed by a disastrous 10 on a par five.

The putts were just not dropping.

Bilardello, a caddie on the PGA Tour, did not close out his opening nine holes like he hoped. His scores on holes 16, 17 and 18 were 8, 15 and 11. That made for an opening nine of 69. Just a reminder these are not cricket scores.

So surely his closing nine holes would be much better? Couldn’t be any worse?

Or could it?

His closing nine holes were initially recorded as 13, 19, 16, 19, 12, 14, 10, 17 and a masterful par five on the last. That made for 125.

But wait there’s more.

Bilardello’s marker did not know how to record a score higher than 19 on the scorecard and it transpires Bilardello actually had scores of 25 and 21 on two holes.

That made for an 18-hole total of 202. It

was a tough course, after all.

The Florida State Golf Association was not impressed, according to Beth Major who is the United States Golf Association’s senior director of championship communication.

“The Florida State Golf Association, after consulting with the United States Golf Association, has disqualified Trey Bilardello under rule 1.2 for serious misconduct and failing to play in the spirit of the game,” Major said.

“His disqualification was deemed appropriate as a result of the individual’s failure to show consideration for other players — deliberately playing away from the hole to run up his score.”

Bilardello’s playing partner Kristian Fortis said: “After the first nine, he said that he wanted to shoot the highest recorded score in USGA history.

“He would chip shots and scoot his ball around on the tee box just to add strokes, and then he would just pipe a two-iron down the middle of the fairway, hit it on the green and then just scoot his ball around again with his putter.

“He’d be right next to the hole and then I guess he’d think to himself that he didn’t have enough strokes and he’d hit his ball in the opposite direction of the hole. He was really rude to a lot of the officials, too.”

Just didn’t get the rub of the green.

PACKAGES Based on 4 guests

• Reservations at golf course of your choice and for the second round you may choose to play at Arikikapakapa a second time or at one of the following courses: Lakeview, Te Puke, Matamata, Whakatane or Ohope.

• Golf carts each day (based on two players per cart) • Deluxe studio accommodation pricing includes two nights in Rotorua • Delicious cooked breakfast both mornings of play • Welcome drink at Arikikapakapa bar

Invite your friends for a weekend of great fun in the geothermal wonderland, indulge in hot springs and top it off with 10% off on all Volcanic Air flights, all part of the Arikikapakapa golf experience.

Please contact us for details on package prices and reservations.

Ph: 07 348 4051

email: rotoruamarketing@golf.co.nz

SENIORS GOLF KERIKERI SENIORS GOLF IN IN KERIKERI IN BEAUTIFUL BAY BAY OF OF ISLANDS ISLANDS IN NZ’S NZ’S BEAUTIFUL Bay of of Islands Islands Golf Club Club is is holding holding its its annual Bay Mixed MixedSeniors SeniorsOpen Open Golf Tournament Tournament on on 17-21 18-22 February February 2020.

2019.

The format is 4BBB Pairs Match Play over 4 days, Monday to Friday, with a rest day on Wednesday to explore some of our local highlights, see www.kerikeriguide.co.nz/kkvg for an online Kerikeri Visitor’s Guide.

For more details & an entry form please contact Bay of Islands Golf Club: Phone: (0064 9) 407 8837 | Email: kerikeri@golf.co.nz Postal enquiries should be sent to P O Box 233, Kerikeri 0230.

12

October 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

.

2020 tours out now!

Start planning your 2020 fully hosted golfing holiday with us now and take advantage of our Early Bird savings. We have 15 destinations to tempt you with, all with very different experiences, lined up for you to savour. We take care of everything so that you can enjoy a hassle-free relaxed holiday and play golf on spectacular courses.

TASMANIA

THAILAND

FEB/MAR

MAR/APR

CALIFORNIA

CHINA

FEB/MAR

MAY

JAPAN

KENYA

MAY

JUNE

CANADA

QUEENSLAND

JUNE

JULY/AUG

COOLANGATTA

SUNSHINE COAST

JULY

AUGUST

LADIES GOLF RETREAT

IRELAND

AUGUST

ITALY, FRANCE & SWITZERLAND SEPT/OCT

EARLY BIRD SAVINGS AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY

AUG/SEPT

SOUTH AFRICA SEPT/OCT

HAWAII

CUSTOM TOURS

OCT

ANYTIME!

PGAPARS

pga.org.nz

PGA members continually evolving

By Dominic Sainsbury New Zealand PGA General Manager

T

he golf industry as a whole continues to experience change and evolution but one constant is that the PGA member remains at the heart of the golfing community.

It is rare that someone who is new to the game or playing regularly hasn’t encountered a PGA professional.

Whether directly engaging with the community, or in leadership positions playing an integral role in the direction of clubs and facilities, it is their unique ability to engage and inspire people to play more golf that has stood the test of time.

There are now more PGA members than ever who hold roles outside out the traditional club professional.

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.

HOW OFTEN IS THE ONE-BALL RULE USED? Dave, I believe the professionals have a one ball rule where they must play the same type of ball throughout 18 holes.

The example usually given is that if a player starts with a Titleist ProV1x then they must continue to use a ProV1x for the 18 holes. They cannot change, for example, to a ProV1 because it spins more and could be used in preference on par threes.

My question is how regularly is the one ball rule used on professional golf tours and down to what level is it used.

For example would it be used in amateur events like the New Zealand Amateur or regional events like the Canterbury Open?

Tony, Christchurch Hi Tony, The one ball rule is used on most professional tours around the world. We use it in New Zealand at our Jennian Homes Charles Tour events, however, not at our National Championships like the New Zealand Amateur. Even though

14

Two of the country’s most prominent facilities, Royal Auckland and Grange and Royal Wellington currently have PGA members in the general manager position. Such is the scope of PGA members’ skillsets, New Zealand Golf has four PGA professionals on its staff and another on its board in leadership positions.

John Quincy Adams, who was the sixth president of the United States, once said: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

As an organisation, the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of New Zealand needs to ensure that members are supported in their efforts to keep pace with the demands the industry is facing.

Continuing education and development lie at the heart of this and 2019 has seen a

renewed focus and comprehensive overhaul of these areas to ensure that they are fit for purpose.

New membership classifications have been introduced with the intention of great public awareness for those members who continue to develop and up-skill to enhance the experience for the golfing community.

PGA professional – replaces the A status.

PGA certified professional – replaces the AA and AAA status.

PGA advanced professional – new classification and is a member who has completed an advanced education course in coaching or facility management.

PGA master professional – highest level of PGA status and a member who has made an outstanding contribution to

the game and completed research that adds value to the game.

Dealing with change is always a two-way conversation and we have collaborated with current PGA members in positions of leadership to identify the core competencies that are required to carry out these senior roles on a daily basis.

It was from these conversations that the PGA advanced professional programme was developed. Designed for the future leaders of our game, we hope it will serve as a signal to the industry stakeholder and golfing community that those holding the membership classification are able to operate at an extremely high level.

Next time you engage with a PGA professional, make sure you look for the certified, advanced or master mark for quality.

we don’t introduce it at National Championship level, most of the players in those tournaments only use the type of ball that they have decided suits their game the best.

and strokeplay?

Stephen, Auckland Hi Stephen, New Zealand Golf is often asked by clubs and golf club members with regards to the very common practice where clubs will run a pro shop scramble under a strokeplay format, however, those players within the four ball will want to have a match against each other just like you have outlined.

As per the rules of golf, it is not appropriate to combine stroke and match play competition.

However, New Zealand Golf understands the playing habits of our members and the importance of club competition and the support of a club professional or pro shop and adding enjoyment to the game we love.

New Zealand Golf are comfortable with the approach that on a general club day, players enter the scramble (which is usually stableford and recognised as a

strokeplay competition) and have a fun haggle with their playing partners (which is usually matchplay).

There will be important competitive days where this is not appropriate. For example your major club events, club championship qualifying or club championship matchplay.

On days where the meaningful tournament is matchplay, and a club scramble is still desired then we recommend the club competition uses a format played against par that is based on matchplay rules. If players are playing in strokeplay qualifying, then they should not play a match.

If players play a match while competing in a strokeplay competition, it is recommended that the players be advised that the rules for strokeplay apply throughout. For example, no concessions are allowed and if one player plays out of turn, the other does not have the option of recalling the stroke.

WHAT ARE MAIN RULE CONFLICTS BETWEEN MATCHPLAY AND STROKEPLAY? Dave, I recently played in a strokeplay event where I also played a matchplay match.

I know what you are going to say.

You can’t play a strokeplay event and matchplay event at the same time. I am fully aware of that.

The strokeplay event was simply a get together of a regular Wednesday group of between 20-30 players and the matchplay match was simply organised as convenient by myself and my opponent because we are both Wednesday regulars.

The fact we played a strokeplay event and a matchplay event at the same time was no big deal to either of us or anyone else in the Wednesday group. In every instance we putted out on every hole as you would do for a strokeplay event.

Now I presume the main reason you can’t play two different events at the same time is that different rules apply. But I was wondering what rules in particular would conflict with each other by playing two types of events at the same time, remembering that we always putted out.

I would be interested if there would indeed be any major conflicts.

Also when playing our regular Wednesday event, we always have a haggle amongst each playing group.

Is that in itself a conflict of matchplay

2019 Metro Couriers Hamilton Inaugural Ryder Cup Tournament

54 holes played over 26th-27th October Entry Fee $100 per player – individual players welcome!

Includes dinner Saturday/lunch Sunday 10 teams of 12 players Catering & Bar Facilities available – Contact email: duncansproshop@yahoo.com – Phone 07 824 8006 Ext 802

October 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLFCOACHING

ianhardie.net

Do you really need a full set of golf clubs?

By Ian Hardie NZPGA Professional

“The biggest liar in the world is the golfer who claims that he plays the game merely for exercise.” – Tommy Bolt.

I was talking to a golfer the other day who made a statement that I have heard a lot over the years.

“I don’t play much – so I only need a few clubs – half a set will do me.”

It’s a statement that I absolutely … disagree with!

Generally the golfers who say things like that are just starting out in the game or, due to other things going on in their life, they play golf casually.

Now, if you consider the statement from a common sense approach.

It’s logical.

If you think about from the point of view of financial cost.

It’s also logical.

The golfers that make statements like this generally claim that they play the game just for the exercise or for fun, but I don’t believe them.

My experience is that anyone who walks onto a golf course, after their first couple of games of golf, will start to want to try and improve.

In both the quality of their golf shots and ultimately improve their scores by lowering them.

A common response I get when I ask these golfers after their game is usually not “I had great exercise or fun” but a judgement from them as to whether they went well or not.

“I went terribly.”

“I’m just a hacker.”

“I don’t really play enough.”

These answers can only be based by judging their game against past performance and can only be important if they care about improving on some level, which almost all of them want to do.

So, even though there are plenty of logical reasons as to why a golfer should start cheaply with a few golf clubs, I still think it’s a bad thing.

As the golfers I’m referring to are the future of the game, the ones that, given the right encouragement, will be the full-time golfers of the future. But if they continue to perform poorly they will become frustrated golfers and give up golf altogether.

So, why do I disagree with the ‘few clubs to start with’ mentality I hear you ask?

Think about your own golf game for a minute.

The one you may have spent many years working on to give you a sound repeating action that consistently moves the ball to where you want to hit your next shot from.

No doubt, you complement it by having as many clubs at your disposal as possible – currently a maximum of 14 as you will know.

Although, personally I think it should be higher – you can read about that here: golfhabits.com/2012/12/04/why-are-westill-limited-to-14-clubs Having all of these different golf clubs available to you allows you to approach almost every shot on the course, select the simplest club to use for it and effort-

lessly hit that great shot.

Reality for most of us?

No, of course it isn’t!

Even with the maximum number of clubs available most of us spend every game trying to adjust our actions to get that next shot just right.

We have spent years doing it and mostly we don’t get it right.

So, tell me how a new golfer or one that doesn’t play very often, using their handful of clubs, is ever going to be able to do that?

Before you say “they don’t need to Ian – they are just new or casual golfers”.

Think about who they will be playing with and watching, silently measuring their own performance against.

You, the established golfer, the one with all the experience who is making minor adjustments each shot to allow your single action to give you great shots.

That new or casual golfer with very little experience and a few golf clubs has to be able to have at least three different actions before they start to adjust anything

at all.

One action that hits the right distance.

One that hits really hard – to fill in the gap in clubs.

And another one that has to hit a lot softer – also to fill in the gap in clubs.

As I’ve talked about before in other articles on golfhabits.com, that’s hard enough for an accomplished golfer to do.

What chance does a new or casual golfer have?

Very little.

And how many games of golf, performing badly in front of someone else does it take for most people to stop and give up?

Not that many.

So, do you really need a full set of golf clubs?

You do if you like the game (if only a little) and you want to get better, which everyone wants to do ultimately.

The sooner you get a full set of golf clubs, the easier golf will be for you!

Then maybe you’ll play a little more and really start having fun on the golf course.

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.

VISITING WELLINGTON? 20 MINUTES FROM CBD WELLINGTON, COMMUTER RAILWAY STATION 50 METRES FROM CLUB GATES

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.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

October 2019

15

Join us for the Metlifecare GOLF EVENT

36 years ago, at a Leaner in Omanu Golf Club, a few regular “Leaners� often discussed the idea of a Tournament involving the top courses in the Western Bay of Plenty.

They considered the five ingredients necessary to make such a vision work.

Locality? Perfect. Quality of courses?

Ideal. Climate? Outstanding.

However, the event would also need a sponsor and a tournament director to complete the recipe.

Retired bank manager and Omanu President Elwyn Mickell agreed to be the tournament director.

In 1996 iconic local winery Mills Reef agreed to be the major sponsor with Eves Realty and the local Honda dealer

as supporting sponsors for the first 5 Course Classic.

Over the intervening years Eves Realty became the naming rights sponsor with Mills Reef Winery still involved as a secondary sponsor, and three of the host clubs were rostered to manage the event.

From these humble beginnings and approximately 250 entries the event quickly grew to the stage where numbers had to be capped at around 400 such was the tournament’s popularity.

Right from the early days the event attracted hordes from across the ditch and just last year approximately 80 players entered from Australia along with a regular contingent from the

Cook Islands and a growing number from Asia.

Eves Realty made the decision after the 2018 tournament to step down from their involvement after more than 20 years of fantastic support.

The host clubs of Mount Maunganui, Omanu, Omokoroa, Tauranga and Te Puke were indebted to have Metlifecare Retirement Villages come on board in 2019 to ensure the survival of the fixture as naming rights sponsor, and they have agreed to support the 2020 event, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the longest running multi-club stableford tournament in the country.

Planning is underway for the 2020 Metlifecare 5 Course Classic and the longevity of the event is testament to the great number of golfers that return each year.

The 2020 Metlifecare 5 Course Classic is located adjacent to the best beach in the country, which is a massive attraction.

Complementing this is the vast variety of accommodation available with hotels, apartments, motels, motorhome parking and these days Airbnb and holiday homes all provide great value options.

Although hugely popular for golfing couples, the location makes Tauran-

ga/Mount Maunganui an ideal holiday destination for non-golfers to enjoy what the region has to offer.

In addition to the naming sponsor, Metlifecare, we are proud to announce the continued support of Mills Reef Winery, Wilson Staff, Independent Liquor by way of Asahi Beer and Pacific Golfer Magazine.

We have increased the number of local attractions that add value throughout the week with special deals for our golfers.

Entry is limited to the first 400 golfers, who are split across four courses per day, with stableford scores accumulating over the five rounds. Men are grouped into three even handicap divisions and ladies into two divisions.

Additional to the massive final prize table, we have daily prize giving, plus daily draws for golf holiday packages, Asahi giveaways and Mills Reef wines.

A welcoming function will take place, along with wine tasting evenings and a mid-week dinner party night.

It is truly a celebration of golf that has stood the test of time and the 2020 event will be our biggest and best yet. We anticipate an over-subscription of entries, so we urge you to register early.

Register at www.5courseclassic. co.nz or email enquiries to jayne@ bopgolf.co.nz

5 Course Classic

GOLF EVENT

20-24 JANUARY 2020

OMANU GOLF CLUB Established in 1971, the Omanu Golf Club offers a great golfing experience to its members and visitors alike. The golf course itself is of a very high standard and would best be described as parkland.

The fairways are irrigated, mostly flat with some slight undulation and the rough is cut to a consistent length which provides a challenge for the better golfer but remains playable for all levels.

It’s not just about the golf at Omanu – the club offers modern facilities includ-

ing a proshop, café and bar, which are all open seven days a week. You will be welcomed into the clubhouse where you will find friendly people, good food and a bar stocked with a variety of low alcohol options. Omanu Golf Club is a must play for anyone visiting the Bay of Plenty.

07 575 5957 98 Matapihi Road Mt Maunganui www.omanugolf.co.nz

TAURANGA GOLF COURSE Located on the southwest edge of Tauranga City on the Racecourse Reserve and 10 minutes from the city centre, the Tauranga Golf Course offers a secluded and peaceful setting for golfers of all ages and ability. Only a two hour drive from Auckland and a short trip from Rotorua and Hamilton, enhances the popularity of Tauranga as a golfing destination for visiting golfers from NZ and abroad.

With a varied and undulating terrain, the Tauranga course has earned the respect of top amateurs and professionals alike as an exacting test of shot placement and concentration.

The course has interesting topogra-

phy and variation in holes (it has been described as two courses in one) and its fairways and sand based greens are in beautiful condition as a result of permanent irrigation systems.

The Tauranga Golf Course has an area of approximately 45 hectares, and is a Par 71 measuring 5571m from the back tees.

With PGA Professional Jim Cusdin and a fully stocked Pro Shop onsite, Tauranga Golf Club is fast becoming the home for up and coming amateur golfers.

07 578 8465 Racecourse Reserve Cameron Road, Tauranga www.taurangagolf.co.nz

MT MAUNGANUI GOLF CLUB Mount Maunganui Golf Club, with its championship 18 hole, par 72 course, offers golfers challenges to satisfy all levels of players as well as a year-round benign climate. Mt Maunganui is both challenging and aesthetically pleasing to play. The combination of a sand base and a modern irrigation system ensures the course is green but dry underfoot. Mt Maunganui is rated as one of the finest courses in New Zealand. Whatever your handicap this is a golf club that combines sport and relaxation in a modern centralised setting.

Take advantage of a course that has hosted many top amateur and professional events, which has included during the 1970’s and 1980’s PGA sanctioned tour events, both the 2012 New Zealand Men’s and Women’s Amateurs Championship and the 2002 Asia Pacific Championship. In 2019 the club will join the Charles Tour of NZ hosting a four round

professional event. The Mt Maunganui Golf Club employs professional staff to constantly maintain our impeccably groomed fairways and greens.

Come and play one of New Zealand’s finest courses. Boasting one of the most up to date, spaciously luxurious club houses in the country. The Professional Shop is an integral part of Mt Maunganui Golf Club. Whether it is as a stop during your round to buy a drink or chocolate bar, or for fashion golf clothing, golf equipment to buy or hire, all are available seven days a week from a well stocked Pro Shop. The club also has professionals on hand to advise on all aspects of the game, from coaching, club fittings and repairs.

07 572 7044 15 Fairway Avenue Mt Maunganui www.mountgolf.co.nz

OMOKOROA GOLF CLUB WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

TE PUKE GOLF COURSE Coined as one of New Zealand’s premier rural golf courses, the Te Puke Golf Club continues to make improvements to both its greens fairways, which is reflected in its growing reputation as one of the better courses to play when in the Bay. With on-site pro and NZ top 10 ranked player, Jared Pender, the club offers a fully stocked Pro Shop and professional lessons catering to all levels of golfer.

The course is located at the end of the new Tauranga Eastern Link expressway, so just 15 minutes from the Mount, and

central to most Bay holiday destinations and the course is available to visitors most days of the week, so next time you are in the Bay, give the club a ring and book a tee time.

The club kitchen provides fantastic home based meals and can cater for all functions, from weddings to small finger food events, as well as out-catering.

07 5331115 847 SH 2 Te Puke www.golftepuke.co.nz

Omokoroa Golf Club is situated on a small peninsula on the Tauranga Harbour. It is a very flat course built on the harbour’s edge, and our 3rd and 5th fairways are below sea level. We have four different tees, so can cater for golfers of all abilities. And even though we are only 20 mins north of Tauranga, and 15 south of Katikati, we are a friendly country course that is so quiet, you can often only hear the birds and the waves lapping on the shore.

So make sure you get out soon to enjoy this hidden gem.

You’ll find Omokoroa Golf Club on Links View Drive, which from State Highway 2, turn onto Omokoroa Rd, onto Kaylene Place and onto Links View Drive.

For more information, phone 5480384 or email info@omokoroagolf.co.nz 07 548 0384 67 Links View Drive Omokoroa www.omokoroagolf.co.nz

October 2019

17

Nelson Festival of Golf W

GOLF EVENT

hy not consider playing in a multi-round golf tournament next year? ... If you’re interested, then this is the one for you to enter. At last year’s event, everyone involved including players, non-playing partners, sponsors and organisers, had a wonderful time!

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

We have just completed our first two day Pro Am at the Nelson Golf Club and the top pro golfers of New Zealand were very impressed by the golf course and the newly refurbished clubhouse.

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

Tournament dates for the 2020 Nelson Festival of Golf are Monday 27th April – Friday 1st May, with a rest day on the Wednesday to allow competitors to put their feet up, or get out and about to visit the many attractions the region has to offer or get some practice in for the next two days of golf. We are looking to hold a quiz night on the Wednesday just to keep the fun going. Non-playing partners are also very welcome to join us for the quiz and the major prize giving dinner on the Friday evening. There will be an extra cost involved for non-playing guests for both these events.

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

“We are delighted that we have had many of last year’s entrants already registered to enter the tournament again,” Derek said. “So, if you are keen to enjoy a

week of golf in early May in the stunning Nelson region, now is the time to register to confirm your place.”

Major naming sponsorship is under discussion and we are looking to secure a new name for the tournament in 2020.

The Nelson Festival of Golf has in the past received sponsorship funding for the event from 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 Mark Rawson on 03 545 6858.

Further sponsorship is being looked at and Total Golf have confirmed their support. This year the hole-in-one prize on Friday will be a brand new set of golf clubs through Total Golf. Another not to be missed opportunity is our Long Putt competition. Qualify on Monday for the Friday Final and you could win a very nice prize. We will also be running our lucky draw prizes, where each day some lucky competitors will win vouchers from our chosen restaurant partners.

The event itself will consist of a Team Event on the Monday at Nelson, followed by three days of individual stableford competition on Tuesday at Greenacres, Thursday at Motueka and back to Nelson on Friday. There will be team prizes on the Monday, and daily prizes and weekly overall prizes for individuals. The Entry fee of $265 includes four rounds of golf, individual and team competitions, golf

gift and a two-course dinner to be held during the final prize giving at the Nelson Golf Club on the Friday evening, where we are planning a party atmosphere to finish the week off in style! We have recently completed a major refurbishment in our clubrooms and we are very pleased with the end result. Our Function Manager, Monique, will delight you all with the food that will be on offer at our Friday night dinner.

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

You can enter online, by visiting our website: www.nelsongolf.co.nz and click on the “Nelson Festival of Golf” box on the home page. Scroll down for an entry form, and please remember, we need payment to secure your entries.

Our preferred accommodation providers are The Greens Motel, book with them directly on reservations freephone NZ: 0508 246 6835 or email: reception@ greensmotel.co.nz.

We look forward to receiving your application forms soon!

Play the Nelson region’s beautiful golf courses FESTIVAL OF

GOLF NELSON

20

20

20

20

27th April – 1st May 2020 Nelson Golf Club Greenacres Golf Club, Best Island, Richmond Motueka Golf Club, Motueka ENTRY FEE: $265 SUNDAY – REGISTRATION DAY MONDAY – Team Competition TUES, THURS & FRIDAY – Individual Stableford Competition in grade divisions Daily Prize Giving and Major Prize Giving Dinner on Friday night

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOURNAMENT AND HOW TO ENTER CHECK OUT www.nelsongolf.co.nz then click on the 2020 Festival of Golf box FOR MORE INFORMATION OR HELP WITH ENTRIES contact Nelson Golf Club on 03-548-5029 or email nelsonfestivalofgolf@gmail.com

Mizuno Unveils New MP-20 Irons

W H AT ’ S N E W

M

izuno, the Japanese equipment manufacturer long renowned for its beautiful, industry-leading forged irons and technically advanced golf clubs, has unveiled three new MP-20 Series iron models featuring copper-plating within the heads to add ‘layers of feel’ at impact.

Mizuno, founded in Osaka, Japan, in 1906, has long held an enviable industryand tour-wide reputation for crafting the very finest forged irons in the game, offering golfers the ultimate blend of looks,feel and workability.

The three new MP-20 iron models have evolved from the DNA of Mizuno irons that shaped the modern game, launched Major-winning careers and inspired generations of ‘tour edition’ musclebacks. Exclusively Grain Flow Forged in Hiroshima, Japan, where Mizuno has refined the art of feel for more than 50 years, the heads of all three MP-20 iron models feature copper plating, just as in the brand’s legendary TN87 model, for an impact sensation recognised as Mizuno’s purest ever.

The new family comprises MP-20 MB, MP-20 MMC and MP-20 HMB models, each with its own unique appeal, each designed to either stand alone or blend into custom combo sets and each featuring soft copper plating beneath a protective nickel chrome to deliver that legendary Mizuno feedback and feel.

MP-20 MB is a pure muscleback, heavily influenced by the most revered blades of Mizuno’s past and Grain Flow Forged HD from a single billet of 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel. MP-20 MMC is hailed as an ‘Elite Players’ Cavity’ and represents the second-generation of Mizuno’s multi-material concept. It is also forged from 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel but with a thinner topline and refined scoring irons. It shares the chassis, set flow and proportions of the MP20 MB, but offers enhanced playability courtesy of a titanium muscle plate and tungsten sole weight. MP-20 HMB is then a new breed of hollow-headed ‘Hot Metal Blade’ in a tour-ready profile that features Mizuno’s forged Chromoly material in the face and neck. It is inspired by the proliferation of long iron replacements on tour but extends the concept right down to the wedges.

“Most modern musclebacks and limited ‘tour edition’ irons can be traced back to the great Mizuno blades,” says Mizuno’s Chris Voshall, “though what makes a Mizuno iron truly exceptional is everything you can’t see. If you could peel back the chrome plating, you would find a sandwich of nickel and soft copper before the Grain Flow Forged HD chassis.

Under a microscope, you can see a perfect flow of grain within the steel from the hosel to toe, compacted tighter in the hitting area. Designers can mimic our lines, but not what’s inside.”

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

MP-20 HMB The MP-20 HMB offers a full set of performance hybrid irons in a sharp ‘tourready’ profile, built on the ball speed of Mizuno’s Chromoly material in the face and neck, supported by a precision stainless steel body and tungsten weighting.

It offers the proportions, topline and offset transition of a classic Mizuno players’ muscleback with a generous sole width that’s hidden at address, and is designed to help consistent players pursuing added ball speed without sacrificing their shot-making options.

The heads feature a brush satin durable plated finish and a complex, loft-specific construction. From 2- to 8-iron, Mizuno’s multi-thickness Grain Flow Forged Chromoly face and neck is dialled in to be consistently hot across the clubface. From 2- to 7-iron, twin 12g tungsten weights deliver stability and an easy launch, while use of a softer 1025E Pure Select mild carbon steel from 9-iron to PW makes the short irons soft and responsive. MP-20 HMB is designed to be played as a full set or mixed with any MP-20 set, with recommended break points between the 4- and 5-iron or 7- and 8-iron for blended sets.

“A few years back it was a surprise to see truly elite tour players with more than one long iron replacement,” says Mizuno’s Chris Voshall, “but now that we’ve found their acceptance point on offset, size and proportions, there’s a new set who are open-minded to the 5-iron and beyond. We’re excited to see what happens when they experiment with the HMB.” Availability: RH #2-PW; LH #3 - #4 iron (as a split set with 5-PW MP-20 MB)

MP-20 MB This pure muscleback’s ‘tour-ready’ profile has been honed by studying elements of Mizuno’s most played/retained tour iron models by both contracted and non-contracted tour players, with usage among the tour’s new breed of ‘free agents’ adding a new perspective. A discreetly tapered topline and cambered sole allow a fuller spread of weight to enhance vertical stability and forgiveness on strikes from high or low in the face, while retaining a traditional muscleback appearance.

The topline has been refined in response to tour player preferences and is Mizuno’s thinnest among recent generations of MP irons, while the blend of satin and mirror chrome finishing has been engineered to eliminate areas of high glare in the playing position.

“We kept asking ourselves why players still talked about the feel of older Mizuno blades – TN87, MP14, MP29, TP9,” says Voshall. “Despite our Grain Flow Forging process tightening up and an evolving CAD process that predicts vibration patterns, we were still missing something.

The one element left from the old classics was a layer of copper. After blind testing our players at the Valspar it was more than nostalgia - our test pool universally preferred the prototype with copper plating.”

Availability: RH #3-PW; LH #5-PW (as a split set with #3-4 HMB)

October 2019

MP-20 MMC The second generation of Mizuno’s multi-material concept is engineered to be more playable than the MP-20 MB courtesy of its titanium muscle plate and tungsten sole weight. It promises stability in a tour-preferred profile, with a titanium muscle spreading weight for forgiveness on off-centre strikes while maintaining centre-portion thickness for the feel and feedback associated with a muscleback iron.

The multi-material construction comprises a Grain Flow Forged 1025E mild carbon steel chassis and Ti muscle pad throughout the set, with a 12g tungsten toe weight from the 4- to 7-irons that adds ease of launch in a compact playing profile. A second Ti muscle pad improves set flow by allowing for a narrower sole from 8-iron to pitching wedge. The topline is dramatically thinner than on the MP-18 MMC (0.3mm thinner in the 4-iron and 0.4mm in the pitching wedge) while remaining only 1mm thicker at address than on the MP-20 MB. The chrome finishing is again a mix of satin and mirror.

“The new MMC is the smaller, sharper version of the original,” says Voshall. “For a player with a traditional eye looking for a little stability on off-centre strikes, but comfortable with their distances and ball speed, this is the iron.”

MP-20 SEL (Left Handed) Based on the most popular right handed, blended set Mizuno has created the perfect mixed set for left handers – the MP-20 SEL. Precise, shotmakers MP-20 muscle back mid to short irons #5-PW, and stable, easy launching MP-20 HMB long irons #3 and #4, with lofts adjusted for perfect distance gaps throughout.

Availability: LH #3 - #4 HMB; #5-PW MP20 MB Mizuno has strived to “create the best products for consumers” for 113 years, and all three models in the new MP-20 iron family adhere firmly to that original spirit and desire, while offering the best performance benefits that modern technology can bring. #ReachBeyond For further information and custom fitting contact: Sports Network Ltd PH +64 9 4798632 FX +64 9 4798634

19

North Island Strokeplay/Bay of Plenty Open GOLF EVENT

O

nce again Whakatane turned on perfect spring weather in hosting the Men’s and Women’s North Island Strokeplay Championship in conjunction with the Bay of Plenty Open.

78 men and 30 women were registered to tee off on the Friday with a cut after the 2nd round on Saturday and 36 holes on Sunday.

The greens were pure as usual, but the firmness coupled with a changing breeze made scoring difficult, especially for the second round and the cut for the men was at 15 over with the women at 11 over.

Leading the Men’s field into Sunday was Howick’s Jimmy Zheng at 2 under with Sam Jones from Manaia the only other player in red figures on the Par 70 layout after opening with 72 and 67.

The tall 22-year-old from the Naki had come into the event under the radar but word soon got around as spectators witnessed his prodigious length.

Zheng finished 4 over in both his final rounds but 2018 winner Matt McLean came back into calculations with a 67 70 finish along with Waikato’s James Fellows-Ford with 70 69.

However, Jones just got better and finished with rounds of 69 and 67 to claim the silverware by 5 shots. Having only recently returned from college in the USA, little was known of his ability, but a Google search revealed he was the 2017 New Zealand Long Drive Champion. Further evidence of this was when he all but drove the 18th on the final round to set up a superb birdie finish.

14-year-old Fiona Xu from Akarana took control of the Women’s Championship after opening with a superb 65, then backed it up with rounds of 68, 71 and 71 to win by 3 shots over Darae Chung from Shandon with the Bay number one Caitlin Maurice claiming third spot.  Born in New Zealand of Chinese heritage, Fiona shows all the signs of developing into an outstanding player. Her length of the tee was impressive and along with Darae Chung looks a real prospect for the future. Men’s Leaderboard (Par 70) Sam Jones (Manaia) 72 67 69 67 275 James Fellows-Ford (Riverside) 71 70 70 69 280 Matthew McLean (Harewood) 69 74 67 70 280 Tyler Hodge (Levin) 69 72 72 69 282 Jordan Woodall (Cambridge) 71 72 67 72 282 Mako Thompson (Maraenui) 73 68 71 71 283 Han Sungwoo (Queenstown) 69 73 69 74 285 Mitchell Kale (Tauranga) 73 72 68 73 286 Jimmy Zheng (Howick) 70 68 74 74 286 Women’s Leaderboard: (Par 71) Fiona Xu (Akarana) 65 68 71 71 275 Darae Chung (Shandon) 71 69 69 69 278 Caitlin Maurice (Omokoroa) 73 72 66 75 286 Angela Ju (Pakuranga) 72 78 71 70 291 Danika Lee (Takapuna) 69 75 73 74 291 Eunseo Choi (Takapuna) 78 68 70 75 291 Caryn Khoo (Pakuranga) 68 76 73 75 292 Anna An (Muriwai) 72 72 73 76 293 Jessica Green (Futures Geyserland) 77 70 71 77 295

Sam Jones

Fiona Xu

Ohope International Golf Club & Whakatane Golf Club present the inaugural

TOI MOANA WOMEN'S OPEN 36 HOLE TOURNAMENT Overal l 36H Gross Wi nner O o$e H Ne' ) S' a l e or W a a' ane H Ne' ) S' a l e or 2 Di vi si ons

d r o f e Judg r e m m u this S

sponsors LUCKY PRIZE DRAW for 36H entrants HOLIDAY PACKA E FOR 2 SPONSORED BY helloworld Whakatane

Summer Membership

Conditions apply *

$449

20 19

Oct 1st 2019 - March 31st 2020 ‘Enjoy a meal at Flighty’s Cafe or grab a coffee to go’

20

HELLOWORLD WHAKATANE * RURAL ACCOUNTANTS* CURVES WHAKATANE * PATTERSON'S *

October 2019

sat 26 Oct @ OHOPE - start times from 12:30pm sun 27 Oct @ WHAKATANE - start times from 9:30am for more details call Ohope Golf Club on 07 312 4486 or Whakatane Golf Club on 07 308 8117 or visit www.ohopegolf.co.nz / www.whakatanegolf.co.nz

LABOUR WEEKEND - 26-2 OCTOBER -

$50-36H $25-18H entry fee

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND HIKURANGI GOLF CLUB DAFFODIL DAY TOURNAMENT

A capacity field of 144 golfers last month assembled at the Hikurangi Golf Club for the 15th annual Daffodil Day tournament to raise funds for the Cancer Society. It was a beautiful fine and clear day and the course was in perfect order, which all added to the enjoyment of a fun day’s golf that got off to a shotgun start at 9.30am. With such a large field it was always going to be a slow round of golf but with the Hikurangi Lions Club manning two refreshment tents on the course, a boat in the lake for golfers to try and hit, and a Scottish piper to pay for a tune, there was plenty to entertain players during their round.

The tournament raised yet another re-

cord total towards the fight against this disease that impacts so many of our lives today.

The donations from businesses, individuals and the golfers who took part amounted to a staggering $20,000, and with the Hikurangi Lions Club donating a further $2,000, meant that cheques for $22,000 were handed over to the Cancer Society as proceeds from the day.

This tournament has now raised over $236,000 in its 15 year history and all Hikurangi Golf Club members can be justly proud of this achievement. Well done Hikurangi.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, many of whom have supported this tournament every year since its inception. There were more than enough prizes for every player to receive one.

Winners of this year’s Yellow Ball

Team Competition were the “Plastered” team of Max Smith, Larry Drake, Sean Blackwood and Paul Priestley with 44 Points (pictured below).

.

Runners Up were “Three Guys and a Gal” Alva Lenssen, Colin Billington, Adam Billington and Russell Foster on 42 Points.

Top scores on the day were: D Johnston and P Mosely: 43 Points D Cameron, N Evans, A Lenssen, C Notton, K Reed: 40 Points Twos: A Gray, F Croft, J Jordan, G Kay, G Lynch, D Bowness Players to hit the boat: T Williams, J Robinson

Club Captain about to present cheque to Cancer Society Rep

CITRUS OPEN – “BATTLE OF THE TITANS”

The annual Men’s Citrus Open tournament took place at the Bay of Islands Golf Club in Kerikeri on Sept 14-15.

The tournament had an added incen-

tive for many of the entrants this year – it being an NZ Order of Merit event and a trial for both the Northland Men’s Interprovincial and Masters teams. Last year’s winner, and the second placed OOM player, Jang Hyun Lee from Titirangi GC, was back to defend his title. Home player Taylor Gill provided the biggest hurdle in what became a mammoth tussle between these two. After Saturday’s 18 holes, both had scored 71 in trying conditions. Sunday’s 18 holes can only be described as the “battle of the titans” with the lead seesawing between them. Jang Hyun pulled off the miracle of the day on the 8th by holing his second shot from in the trees, only to watch Taylor birdie the hole to lessen the deficit. Going to the 16th hole Jang Hyun had a one-shot lead.

Taylor sunk his putt for birdie and uncharacteristically, Jang Hyun three putted to give Taylor a one-shot lead playing the last two holes. Taylor didn’t relinquish this lead and became the Citrus Cup holder. The gallery who followed them was treated to some memorable golf and Jan and Andrew Gill were there to watch their son triumph over a top-quality field and set a new Blue Tee course record of 68 – 5 under par! Third place went to Sherwood Park’s Dale Clarke with Kadin Neho (Whangarei) coming 4th.

Division 2 was won by Robin Yoon (North Shore) with local player Steve Holford (Okaihau) in second place.

In Division 3 Patel Avinash took the title, with Robert McGregor second, both players from Redwood Park.

Titirangi Golf Club Twilight Series

18 weeks / $20,000 in prizes Starts Thursday, 24 October 2019 Final Thursday, 12 March 2020 Book online or call 09 827 5749

Entry Fees Members: $15 Visitors: $25 SHOTGUN START @ 5:30PM EVERY THURSDAY

Over $1,000 in prizes each week!!!

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

October 2019

21

NORTH HARBOUR

had fallen on the course. There were 39 18 Hole players and 13 9-hole players.

Each group had three 18 hole and one 9-hole player. This was well received although some of the 9-hole players were a little apprehensive about playing with the 18-hole ladies. They should not have worried. The field was divided as equally as possible into three groups – Division One Handicaps 15.1 to 26.2, Division Two 26.6 to 41.9 and Division Three all the 9-hole players. Very interesting scores.

First three Division One all had 30 points, Division Two 36, 35, 32, Division Three 36, 34, 31.

The prizes were all donated by the Te Aroha ladies. The theme was food. What a variety of prizes! There are some great cooks and others with very innovative ideas in the club.

The general consensus after the Tournament, was that “When is the next one?”

The comments have been tremendous.

The Te Aroha Ladies now feel that they have achieved something that includes both 18- and 9-hole players in the same competition. A date has been set for next year – Friday 11 September.

AIMS GAMES

2019 Seniors Nett Winner: Jun Yu Han and 2019 Masters Winner: Scott Robertson Harbour Rep, EunSeo Choi has blitzed the field at the Annual AIMs Games golf tournament.The Pinehurst School student won by a massive 23 strokes in the Girls Gross section. In second place was another Harbour rep, Seohyun Lee from Gulf Harbour CC. Noteworthy performances also from North Shore GC member Alexander Yap, who finished second in the Boys Gross, and Rajat Rai of Huapai GC, 6th place in the Boys Stableford. Well done everyone.

ELAINE BLEDISLOE WINNERS

BATTLE OF THE BRIDGE

A superb performance by the Harbour Women saw them retain the trophy against current Toro Champions Auckland with a 7-5 victory. Some outstanding individual performances including a win for EunSeo Choi over NZ rep Vivian Lu, after being 5 down through 9 holes.

Thanks to Muriwai GC for hosting the event.

AUCKLAND NEW LITHIUM CARTS FOR WHITFORD PARK GOLF CLUB Congratulations to the Division Winners of the recent Elaine Bledisloe Tournament. Division One winner was Sjanna Bishop from Wellsford Golf Club. Sjanna is the great-granddaughter of Molly Bainbridge and granddaughter of Jo Bonnington, who have both also been past winners of this great women’s tournament.

Photo L to R above: Denise Barnes (Ngunguru GC), Miriam Corbett (Sherwood Park GC), Sjanna, Pettrina Maddren (Whangaroa GC), Ellen Wright (Kaitaia GC), Cynthia Shailes (Whangaroa GC).

HARBOUR SENIORS Stu Nicholls of Waitemata GC has defended his Harbour Seniors title with a narrow win in the 3-day event at Omaha Beach GC, Helensville GC and Muriwai Golf Links. The Masters section winner was Scott Robertson of Remuera GC and the Nett Champion is Jun Yu Han from Pupuke GC.

The 18 Hole ladies at Te Aroha wanted to do something that would include 9 Hole players and 18 Hole players. They came up with the idea of having a 14 Hole Tournament where everyone played 14 holes. The course at Te Aroha suits this concept as it is possible to play holes 1 to 13 and finish on 18 without any back tracking or extra distance. The holes left out include the 14th par 4 which is long and wet in the winter, the 15th, which is a challenging Par 3, the 16th, which is steep and wet in winter, and the 17th just because it made sense.

Invitations were sent out to all the Thames Valley, BOP, Waikato and some Auckland Clubs. The ladies decided that 56 would be the limit. This would allow groups of four to tee off each hole in a multi-start. It would be a straight Stableford competition, and the Winter short course would be used.

Fifty-one players entered from 13 clubs.

The weather was fine and the course in good condition considering the rain that

22

Lochiel Club 1938.

By Richard Humphreys RBT Design and Phil Tataurangi Golf

“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.

Pictured above are Whitford Park Golf Club head Professional Ray Jiang (centre) alongside Chris Burnside from Ezi-go (to his right) and Pro-shop team member Wim Ripassa with the new fleet of Ezi-go Lithium Carts.

With the summer season just around the corner the new look carts will be a great addition at the club for members and guests alike. The club is also undertaking some extensive additional drainage work this summer as part of an ongoing programme of course improvements that will see the winter playing conditions improved. With the extra facilities on offer at Whitford Park Golf Club (driving range, pool and tennis), the new course work and new carts are all part of a commitment to keep the club moving forward.

NZ$945 for TWO *

*Must be NZ residents. International Visitors ADD $555

Outs ide these dates please look at ou r webs ite

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Above pricing valid until 13th December 2019.

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

WAIKATO 2019 Seniors Winner: Stu Nicholls

TRANSFORMATION OF RIVERSIDE GOLF CLUB (ABRIDGED)

TE AROHA’S INAUGURAL 14 HOLE TOURNAMENT October 2019

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

are progressing with a NZ$10 million transformation of Riverside Golf Club in Hamilton, New Zealand, aiming to “create a brand-new golf experience”.

Riverside is the amalgamation of two neighbouring golf clubs — Narrows and Lochiel — which were both formed in the 1930s. “The 2014 amalgamation was initially a rationalisation of operating expenditure, however the club decided to keep the two golf courses in operation,” said Brett Thomson of RBT Design.

In 2017, Thomson and Tataurangi, a former PGA Tour winner and now a golf course consultant, won a redesign commission for the Lochiel course.

“Initially, the remodelling of Lochiel was going to be run by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), which would have followed a typical government tendered construction contract,” said Thomson. “However, the initial cost plan by NZTA consultants pushed the projected costs well in excess of budget.”

With the Narrows course in the path of the NZTA’s highway expansion project, the club chairman decided to begin discussions with the NZTA. In June 2018, the club unanimously voted to pursue a cash settlement from the NZTA for the purchase of the Narrows course. The compensation package enabled the club to pay off their debt and reinvest back into the Lochiel course.

“The cash settlement enabled the club to plot their own course,” said Thomson.

“They asked us if we’d like to build the golf course, having already been tasked with remodelling it in 2017. We agreed, set up a construction company called Mahi Tahi Golf Projects and set about finalising the design and rationalising costs and settled on an approved construction budget of NZ$10 million.”

JAPANESE QUALIFYING SCHOOL

Luke Brown will be joined by Denzel Ieremia and Woonchul Na at the third

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

stage of Japanese Qualifying School later this year.

Both Ieremia and Na easily progressed after finishing in a tie for third and a tie for 12th respectively. The top 45 players and ties progressed from the second stage of the qualifying tournament.

Ieremia fired rounds of 61, 73, 73, and 70 to finish at 11-under for the tournament to comfortably go through to the third stage. However, he now turns his focus to the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Qualifying School next week.

He attends the third stage of Japanese Q-School at Golden Valley Golf Club in November.

Meanwhile, Na carded scores of 63, 71, 72, and 75 to finish at seven-under for the event. He also makes it through to the third stage with ease. He also attends third stage at Golden Valley Golf Club.

On the PGA Tour China, Nick Voke has finished in a tie for 21st at the Haikou Classic. He shot rounds of 71, 70, 69, and 67 to finish the tournament at seven-under par, nine shots back of the champion.

Ryan Chisnall and Luke Toomey also teed it up at the Haikou Classic. However, they both missed the cut after finishing at seven-over and eight-over respectively.

Over on the PGA Tour, both Danny Lee and Tim Wilkinson have pegged it at the first event of the new season – The Military Tribute at The Greenbrier.

Lee has had a successful start to the new season as he’s fired rounds of 70, 66, 72, and 66 to finish at six-under par, leaving him in a tie 36th place.

Wilkinson hasn’t been as fortunate as he’s missed the cut in his return to the PGA Tour. He carded consecutive rounds of 70 to finish at even-par to miss the cut by four strokes.

Daniel Hillier made his professional debut at the KLM Open in Amsterdam on the European Tour this week.

He carded rounds of 78 and 68 to finish at two-over par to miss the cut by four strokes.

Michael Campbell also played on the European Tour this week. Like Hillier, he missed the cut after rounds of 75 and 69 to finish at even-par.

On the European Challenge Tour, Josh Geary has fallen three places on the Challenge Tour Rankings into 15th after missing the cut at the Open de Portugal.

Geary shot rounds of 72 and 78 to finish at six-over for the tournament. He sits right on the bubble of players to progress

to the European Tour at the season’s end with the top 15 all earning European Tour cards.

Michael Hendry has also missed the cut on the Japanese Tour this week at the ANA Open.

The North Harbour professional posted rounds of 70 and 74 to finish at even-par for the tournament, missing the cut by a single stroke. He falls four places into 48th on the Japan Tour Order of Merit.

Finally, Gareth Paddison has missed the cut on the Asian Tour this week at the Classic Golf and Country Club International Championship.

After beginning the tournament with a hiss and a roar being seven-under through his first seven holes, Paddison struggled to keep up the hot-form signing for scores of 69 and 77 to finish at twoover for the tournament. He missed the cut by two shots.

LUNDEN LINKS PUTTER COMPETITION 2019

LOCKERBIE CUP WINNERS

Lockerbie Cup Winners 2019 – Logan Madden (right), Ken Vincent (absent) with Gareth Harbinson and G D Jones (Lockerbie Estate) and MGC President, Mike O’Connor.

WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD 11 Oct

Ngaruawahia

07 824 8006

Monica Pellow Memorial

12-13 Oct

Waihi

07 863 8678

Apata Triple Pairs Tournament

12-13 Oct

Waitomo

07 873 7978

OTC ITM 36 Hole Tournament

12 Oct

Narrows

07 843 6287

Dipsticks Tournament

14 Oct

Tokoroa

07 886 5689

Ladies Open Tournament

17 Oct

Pauanui

07 864 8695

9 Hole Open

26-27 Oct

Ngaruawahia

07 824 8006

Labour Weekend Tournament

31 Oct

Hukanui

07 824 3784

Ladies 18 Hole Tournament

2-3 Nov

Horsham Downs

07 829 4709

4BBB Open Tournament

BAY OF PLENTY OHOPE ARE THE BEST IN THE BAY!

The Lunden Links Putter Competition was held on the 2nd and 3rd of September. This competition sees the top golfers from across the Waikato team up to represent their school in a best three out of four nett competition.

Round one was played at the Riverside Golf Club in perfect spring conditions.

The standout performances were from Sam McArthur and Charlie Harris who both shot a round of nett 67. However, despite these impressive scores it was the Hamilton Boys High School (HBHS) #3 team of Jack Persen, Ben Wright, Thomas Verry and Cole Tosalnd who finished the day with a best three out of four nett score of 213 and held a one shot lead over HBHS #1.

Round two was played at the Ngaruawahia Golf Course in much more challenging conditions. Heading into day two there were four teams who were all in the running to take first place with only six shots separating them. HBHS #3 team improved on their impressive first round score carding a nett 208 lead by Jack Persen who shot a nett 68.

They would have entered the clubhouse thinking that would be enough to secure them the championship. But HBHS #1 team had other ideas, anchored by Sam McArthur’s standout performance of nett 65 they stormed in to beat HBHS #3 by three shots with a score of 205.

This performance was enough to crown the HBHS #1 back to back winners of the Lunden Links Putter Competition with an overall score of 419 beating HBHS #3 by just two shots with a score of 421. Both years the HBHS #1 team has come from behind to win. St Johns College finished third with a total score of 439.

October 2019

EBOP Interclub Golf Challenge Fathers Day 2019 dawned bright and clear promising the best of conditions for this year’s Eastern Bay of Plenty Interclub Golf Challenge.

The sunshine brought out a number of late entries on the day and this gave the starters a mammoth job trying to sort out all the groups for a Shotgun start. The delay in tee-off however was taken in good spirit and it was great to see the many greetings between friends from the different clubs who had not caught up with each other for quite a while.

The Challenge attracted a good attendance with 77 men and 33 women making for a field of 110 all out to support their club in winning bragging rights as “Best in the Bay” and of course win for their club the valuable Team Prize sponsored by the Golfer Pacific NZ magazine.

Host club Whakatane had their course in pristine condition with the greens smooth and fast following on from the recent Bay Open Tournament. This provided plenty of challenge for the players with many a putt seen to roll on that extra bit past the hole!

A few individual players conquered the course and recorded good scores and so featured on the leaderboard, best of the men [Div 1] were Flash Gordon [Kawerau] and Ian Bartlett [Ohope] with 40pts, followed by Micky Huriwaka [Opotiki] with 39 and then Daniel Robb [Ohope] on 38. In Div 2 men, top scorers were Loki Moore [Opotiki] and Terry Bowe [Ohope] with 40pts, next was Gary Pellett [Ohope] on 39 and followed by Alby Oakes [Kawerau] on 38. For the women, best on the day was Trish Eilbreck [Whakatane] and Janice Hustler {Opotiki] both with 36 pts, then Alison Barr {Whakatane] and Polly

23

White {Opotiki] with 35pts each.

However the day was all about the Club Team score, with each club’s captain having to nominate their team players before play commenced, and as is usually the case, some of the best performers were not selected in their club’s team!

The Club Team score was an aggregate of their men and women scores with Ohope Club coming out top with 347pts, closely followed by Whakatane and Opotiki both with 345 pts, next was Kawerau with 343 pts and Te Teko with 333 pts.

Ohope Golf Club’s Captain for the day, Ian Bartlett, was very pleased to be handed the trophy by Ali Barr on behalf of host club Whakatane and to receive the team prize of $2000 of green fee vouchers sponsored by the Golfer Pacific NZ magazine.

Next year’s host for this popular event will be Ohope Golf Club and now as holders of the trophy they will have a big task ahead to defend it. However in the meantime, they can enjoy their next 12 months with bragging rights to being “The Best in the Bay”!

Ian Bartlett receives the trophy from Alison Barr.

BAY OF PLENTY NOTICEBOARD 18-20 Oct

Rotorua

07 348 4051

Rotorua Open

18 Oct

Kawerau

07 323 7095

Kawerau 4BBB Tournament

21 Oct

Fairview

07 549 3412

Fairview Open

24 Oct

Hauraki

07 867 3197

Hauraki Teams Tournament

ing reverse singles was won 7/1 and the afternoon singles won 6 ½ /1 ½ . The loss was actually not a played win by Hawke’s Bay Poverty Bay as unfortunately Casey had to retire, after four holes played, with an injury. The 13 ½ / 2 ½ is the second very solid win in the Rep calendar.

WELCOME TO NGAMOTU

TATANA WINS INAUGURAL PALMERSTON NORTH 36 HOLE OPEN

Welcome To Ngamotu. One of New Zealand’s golfing jewels.

“To provide an enjoyable, friendly golfing experience – like no other.”

Established in 1912 on the outskirts of Taranaki’s main centre of New Plymouth, it is a classic par-72 layout and a superb golf challenge. It has been the venue of four New Zealand Open championships and numerous national and provincial amateur events.

Ngamotu is designed so that both nines sweep out from the clubhouse in two giant loops, which means that no matter which way the wind is blowing, there will be an adventure for players at some time or other during each round.

This is particularly the case with Ngamotu’s four par three holes, which are regarded as among the best in the country. Not only do they range widely in their lengths, but they all point in different directions of the compass.

Ngamotu’s modern course features water on three of the holes while many of the greens are large and contoured so they can be a true test of a golfer’s putting ability.

Our name, Ngamotu, is Maori for “The Islands”, and refers to the islands which lie just off the New Plymouth shoreline.

These islands are in full view when playing the holes at the seaward end of our golf course.

‘To be the most welcoming community facility offering the ultimate experience.’ www.newplymouthgolf.co.nz TARANAKI NOTICEBOARD

HAWKE’S BAY WELLINGTON STROKE PLAY FINAL RESULTS – HAWKE’S BAY

The final two rounds of the Wellington Stroke Play were played last month at Boulcott Farm Heritage Golf Club.

Ladies: Aseri Miekle 85-85-96-89 = 355 13th Martha Manaena 89-93-89-94 = 365 15th Men: Stuart Duff: 76-70-74-72 = 292 8th Jeff Tuoro: 76-79-72-75 = 302 20th Russell Mitchell: 72-77-77-76 = 302 21st Mako Thompson: 77-77-78-72 = 304 24th Angus Findlay: 75-76-77-78 = 306 29th Adam Winter: 74-74-76-83 = 307 30th Dyland Bagley: 76-81-80-76 = 313 38th Tyson Tawera: 79-76-82-78 = 315 43rd Ben Swinburne: 83-77-81-81 = 322 50th Zack Swanwick: 76-82-81-84 = 323 51st HAWKE’S BAY NOTICEBOARD 2 Nov

Puketitiri

06 839 8611

3 Nov

Pahiatua

06 376 7445

Junior Eagles

3 Nov

Dannevirke

06 374 8248

SHB 36 Hole Mixed Foursomes

10 Nov

Waipawa

06 857 8089

Waipawa Mixed Foursomes

24

TARANAKI

Puketitiri Scramble

20 Oct

Patea

06 273 8250

Carey Shield

31 Oct

Kaitake

06 752 7665

2 Day 72 Hole Tournament

31 Oct 1 Nov

Kaitake

06 752 7665

Women’s 72 Hole Foursomes

9 Nov

Patea

06 273 8250

Christmas Hamper

MANAWATU-WHANGANUI WOMEN DOMINANT IN JUDY PEARSON SALVER

The team of Zhuoyi Hu, Lisa Herbert, Casey Chettleburgh, Katherine Paskins, Lily Griffin, Mudra Lakhani, Lisa Cotton and Sera Raj enjoyed a terrific win over in the Hawke’s Bay last month. Travelling with the Judy Pearson Salver and intent on returning with the silverware, the team had a good introduction to the Maraenui Golf Course where the Toro will be held later in the year. The morn-

Junior Tatana once again showed his golfing class by taking the first ever Palmerston North 36 Hole Open played late August. The event was a NZ Golf Order of Merit tournament and provides a guide for form as the representative season approaches. Against a field of 80 amateurs and five PGA trainee professionals, Tatana scored a three under 141 which included a six under 66 in the opening round. The new format of 18 holes per day was very popular and plans are underway for the second event next year.

The course was in very good condition despite the recent run of wet weather and the fast sloping greens had many in the field scratching their heads. After a calm and sunny day on Saturday the second day saw the wind get up and the course became very tricky in the afternoon. Only Regan Cording in the men’s division and Brydie Hodge in the ladies were able to tame par with a one under and three under round respectively on Sunday.

Tatana’s four shot lead after the first round provided enough of a buffer to go with his second round 75 for him to take the title and a $1,000 trust credit. His length off the tee and prodigious short game gave him a distinct advantage over the other players. Tyler Hodge, who recently returning to the amateur ranks from Levin, put together two par rounds to finish second and Sam Nichols, the trainee professional from Palmerston North was a further shot back in third place. Anthony Sharp, another professional from Wellington, finished fourth at two over par.

Local Palmerston North member Ian Strickett won $1,000 in golf equipment with the lowest overall nett score for the two days of 141 and closely followed by Sera Raj from Whanganui.

The ladies divisions were a family affair with Tara Raj winning the gross with a one over total of 149 and one shot ahead of local member Zhuoyi Hu. Tara’s younger sister Sera won the best nett with 148, one shot ahead of Aseri Meikle from the Maraenui GC in Napier. Tara has just been selected to represent New Zealand at the Jack Newton tournament in Australia later in the year and we wish her all the best.

Pictures below are of Junior Tatana and Ian Strickett receiving their prizes from Matt Carroll, owner of major sponsor Mates Rates Insulation and Tara Raj receiving her prize from Sam Neilson, the Club Captain at PNGC. Norm Rapson, PNGC

October 2019

MANAWATU-WHANGANUI NOTICEBOARD 9 Oct

Feilding

T10 Twilight Golf

06 323 4553

10 Oct

Feilding

Business House

06 323 5976

10 Oct

Manawatu

Manawatu Open Day Women

06 357 8793

27 Oct

Manawatu

Manawatu Open

06 357 8793

WELLINGTON CARTERTON GOLF CLUB

By Wendy Wills A cracker of a day on the Sunday of the annual All Teed Up Ambrose Tournament with lovely warm temperatures, a great day for the big field of players turning out in their teams to play.

With the course looking really great thanks to the green keeper and volunteers, and it showed with some good scores being made on the day.

The winners of the Gross competition were the team of: Simon Dew, Samuel Forrester and Nathan Frew with a gross 59.

Second was the team of Ivan Karaitana, Byron Karaitana and Kavarn Walker with a gross 61.

The winners of the Net were the team of: Caleb Kahui, Danniel Kahui and Robert Kahui with a net 55.5.

Second was the team of Colin Whibley-Smith, Paul McKenzie and Phil Collins with a net 58.33.

A big thank you to all who helped organise and run a successful tournament.

From left to right: Nett Winners: Caleb Kahui, Danniel Kahu, Robert Kahui. Gross Winners: Simon Drew, Samuel Forrester, Nathan Frew.

WELLINGTON CHURCH, BAI, CHUNG HARCOURTS STROKEPLAY CHAMPIONS

On an immaculately turned out Boulcott’s Farm course, the 2019 Harcourts Wellington 72 Hole Strokeplay was com-

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

pleted last month.

The weather did its best to disrupt proceedings, upwards of a half hour delay within Saturday morning and a 40 minute delay to Sunday morning’s start, but nevertheless, with big efforts all round and understanding from the players, all four rounds were completed, eventually in fine sunny conditions on Sunday afternoon.

Darae Chung had opened up a 3rd round, 8 shot lead in the women’s event over Manawatu/Whanganui No.1 Tara Raj, with Raj coming storming home in round four with the tournament low over all players, a 5 under 67, closing the gap but not denying the repeat champion Chung, who tidied up with an even par 72. Local player Shontalia William, after an 18 month injury enforced break, showed her form is returning with a nice four rounds of golf and 3rd place.

In the men’s championship, overnight leader Jayden Ford was drawn with his Judgeford club teammate Adam Church and young Auckland phenom Joshua Bai, staying with the Ford family for the event.

Church and Bai would draw away from Ford in the final round, trading birdies early, then matching par for par all the way to the 72nd hole, a playoff of two more pars not separating the two as fading light eventually saw the title shared.

Manawatu/Whanganui No.1 Tyler Wood was two shots back in 3rd place with Wellington Rep teammates Kerry Mountcastle and Elton Nicholson in 4th spot a further shot back.

WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD 12 Oct

Shandon

04 939 6305

2019 Shandon 36 Hole Open

13 Oct

Shandon

04 939 6305

2019 Shandon Junior Open

13 Oct

Masterton

04 939 6305

All Teed Up Ambrose

14 Oct

BFGC

04 567 4722 Ext 1

2019 Women’s Vets District Champs

17 Oct

Carterton

06 379 8457

Women’s & Men’s 9 Hole Open Day

17 Oct

Otaki

06 364 8260

Otaki Women’s 18 Hole 6x6x6

25-28 Oct

Trentham

04 527 7039

Trentham Camp Golden Jubilee Events

28 Oct

Masterton

04 939 6305

WBS Labour Day Tournament

TASMAN WEST COAST CHALLENGE IS BACK

Above: The West Coast Golf Challenge Trophy presented to the player with the best four round stableford. A piece of pounamu presented by local renowned carver Ric Moor mounted on a piece of iconic local silver pine carved by local master carver, Tony Manuel.

The West Coast has a long golfing history and is proud to offer The West Coast Golf Challenge, a great experience for both local golfers and friends from ‘away’ – which is every part of the world that is not on ‘The Coast’.

March 3th-March 6th 2020 will be the 8th edition of the West Coast Golf Challenge.

It is a great opportunity to combine four rounds of golf on four quite different courses with the chance to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country. The four hosting clubs are Westport on their Kawatiri links at Carters’ Beach, Reefton on their Glenburnie course, Hokitika on their links course at Mahinapua, and Greymouth on their course at Kaiata.

All of the courses will offer different challenges, from the links courses of Hokitika and Westport to the parklands layouts of Reefton and Greymouth, and all will be well prepared and presented.

Good hospitality is guaranteed. This is the West Coast after all!

Visitors are encouraged to take time either before, during or after the tournament to visit picturesque landmarks such as Denniston, Cape Foulwind, Charleston, Punakaiki, Oceana Gold mine, Lake Brun-

ner, Brunner Mine, Shantytown, Lake Kaniere, Hokitika Gorge or The Glaciers and all of the beauty that lies between and beyond.

The chance should also be taken to be impressed by and get your own examples of the wonderful art and crafts that the West Coast prides itself on.

A good variety of accommodation and restaurants are available in all of the towns and visitors can choose to relocate for the next day’s play, which the schedule readily allows for, or make any of the towns their base for the duration of the tournament.

The courses will be played in the following order: Westport, Reefton, Hokitika and finally Greymouth.

Tournament organisers are confident that visitors and locals alike will be impressed with the $14000-plus value prize list.

The tournament will be a stableford in three divisions, one for women and two for the men. With fields over 100 in the last two years we expect the limit of 120 players to be reached fairly quickly so enter early to avoid disappointment.

To express interest and receive an information pack, or visit the tournament website at westcoastgolfchallenge.com for more information and an entry form.

Send your entries to Brian Hampton at brian.hampy@outlook.com or post entry and cheque payment to West Coast Golf Challenge C/o Brian Hampton, 15 Main Street, Reefton 7830. Entry is confirmed on payment.

GOLFCROSSWORD ACROSS

1 Winner of the 1987 Australian PGA Championship, Roger ______ (6) 4 Drink probably available at the nineteenth hole (6) 10 Group responsible for organising a golf tournament (9) 11 An abalone found near the Channel Islands (5) 12 Make money (4) 13 Australian winner of the 2004 Michelin Championship at Las Vegas (5,5) 15 British capital (6) 16 Cadet (7) 18 Upper layer (7) 21 Aussie who has gained his PGA Tour card for the 2020 season, Rhein ______ (6) 23 Unlikely (10) 25 Aussie winner of the 2014 Shell Houston Open, ____ Jones (4) 27 High finisher at the 2019 Tahuna Beach Nelson Proam, _____ Cadenhead (5) 28 PGA Tour tournament: _________ Farms Championship (9) 29 Procedural way of doing something (6) 30 Closely mown area encircling a putting green (6)

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

October 2019

1

2

3

4 8

5

6

7

9

10

11

12

13 14

15

16 17 18

19

20

23

21

22

24

25 26

27

28

29

30

DOWN

1 Lady golfer from Hawaii, ________ Wie (8) 2 Name common to golfers Percy, Smith and Davis (7) 3 Continent that dominates ladies professional golf (4) 5 Divisive part of NZ (4,6) 6 He placed second at the Greenbrier Classic in 2019 (3,4) 7 Car rental company (5) 8 Shock or overwhelm (4) 9 Winner of the 2019 Tahuna Beach Nelson Pro-am, Daniel ______ (6) 14 Rounds are played on

it (4,6) 16 Consistent Kiwi on the 2019 PGA Tour, Danny ___ (3) 17 A particular case (8) 19 Empties a suitcase (7) 20 Describing a stylish player (6) 22 Continues (5,2) 23 Golf clubs that are the most numerous in the bag (5) 24 Previous Kiwi winner of the WA PGA, Michael ____ (4) 26 Winner of the 2010 LPGA Championship, Cristie ____ (4) >> SOLUTION NEXT EDITION

25

TASMAN NOTICEBOARD 10 Oct

Nelson

03 548 5029

Gwen Crossman Nelson 36 Holes

12 Oct

Motueka

03 528 8998

Top of the South Spring Classic

12 Oct

Rarangi

03 570 5709

Golf Hub Spring Tournament

14 Oct

Marlborough

03 319 5628

Marlborough Vets

16-18 Oct

Greenacres

03 544 8420

The Richmond Unlimited Three Day Womens Tournament

20 Oct

Nopera Bay

03 319 5628

Nopera Bay Marlborough Speed Golf Open

20 Oct

Nelson

03 548 5029

Pestells Open Tournament

24 Oct

Golden Downs

03 522 4134

Golden Downs Spring Open

CANTERBURY NATIONAL WOMEN’S CLUB BASED COMPETITION RESULTS

This year’s National Women’s Home Links and National Teams Championship results have been finalised.

Congratulations to Isy McLaughlin (Hororata) who is this year’s National Winner of the Veterans Trophy competition and Carolyn Rickard (Harewood) National Winner of the Coronation Medal Competition. Both Isy and Carolyn will be presented with the national trophies, which they will hold for the year.

BANK PENINSULA CHAMPS

The Banks Peninsula Champs which were held at Charteris Bay last month over 27 holes with the following results: Senior Gross - Hayden Clinton (Akaroa) Senior Nett - Rob Phillips (Charteris Bay) Intermediate Gross - Simon Hatfield (Tai Tapu) Intermediate Nett - John Laycock (Charteris Bay) Junior Gross - John Bickley (Charteris Bay) Junior Nett - Bevan Ryan (Tai Tapu) Overall Nett Trophy - John Bickley.

From left, Simon Hatfield, Hayden Clinton, John Bickley, Rob Phillips, John Laycock, Bevan Ryan

but sunny conditions.

In the Women’s Grade 1, Lorraine Barnett (Pegasus) was first with 20 stableford points, from Kathryn Ferris (Avondale) on 18 pts and Fiona Matheson (Pegasus) third on 17 pts.

Women’s Grade 2 was won by Jane Trotter (Russley) with 21 pts, from Anne Harris (Avondale) on 20 pts and third, Vivienne Cowley (Russley) with 17 pts.

In the Men’s Grade Ted Kikstra (Greendale) was first with 21 pts, from Garry Reid (Amberley) on 19 pts and John Evans (Amberley) third on 15 pts.

Ted was also the Overall Winner on countback from Jane Trotter and is pictured with the 9 Hole Champion Trophy above.

TOWN VS COUNTRY

The Annual Town vs Country fixture was played at Hororata last month in perfect spring weather conditions and the course in superb order.

The Senior Men morning foursomes were all square at 3-3, however in the afternoon singles, Town proved too strong winning 8.5-3.5 to win 11.5-6.5 overall.

In the Men’s Masters, Town held a slender lead after the morning foursomes 2.5-1.5 and managed to retain their advantage into the afternoon singles, despite some close matches, to win the singles 4.5-3.5 and defeat Country 7-5 overall.

The Junior Boys also fought out some tight matches with Town edging Country in the foursomes 1.5-.5 and finishing strongly in the singles 3.5-.5 to defeat Country 5-1 overall.

The Hororata club were great hosts, with all players enjoying the opportunity to play on the course, and for a number of players having their first look at the course, were very impressed.

CHEVIOT - CANTERBURY NORTH WOMEN’S INTERCLUB CHAMPIONS

CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD 10 Oct

Hanmer Springs

03 315 7110

Hanmer Springs Long Drive Champion Exhibition

10 Oct

Christchurch

03 385 9506

Christchurch Golf Club 9 Hole Tournament

14 Oct

Coringa

03 359 7174

Coringa 9 Hole Mixed Teams Tournament

15 Oct

Hanmer Springs

03 315 7110

Hanmer Springs Men’s & Women’s 40 Years & Over Tournament

17 Oct

Avondale

03 388 8203

Avondale 9 Hole Tournament

17 Oct

Everglades

03 312 2078

Everglades Ladies Team Stableford

18 Oct

Rangiora

03 313 6666

Rangiora Friday Tournament

21 Oct

Amberley

03 314 8735

Amberley 9 Hole Tournament

26 Oct

Tai Tapu

03 329 6710

Tai Tapu 27 Hole Men’s Open

26 Oct

Bottle Lake

03 383 1403

Bottle Lake Spring Classic

28 Oct

Weedons

03 347 8519

Weedons Machinery Tournament

28 Oct

Rangiora

03 313 6666

Rangiora Labour Day Open Stableford

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND WOMEN’S WEEKEND PENNANT FINAL

The weekend final of the Womens’ Pennants was held at Geraldine last month in ideal golf conditions. All matches had very close results with Maungati/Mt Nessing coming out the winners by 6 – 4.

The final result was not known until the putts on the 18th green for the fourball results.

Maungati/Mt Nessing’s winning team, from left above: Marg Glass, Judy Hamer, Raylene Cowles (Aorangi Match), Pat Duffy and Glennys Douglas.

HOLMES CUP FINALS

Yet another brilliant day of golf held at the Denfield Golf Course in Geraldine last month with the Holmes Cup semi-finals/final, the Hayes Cup final and the Redpath Cup semi-finals being played in excellent conditions over the entire day.

The semi-finals of the Holmes Cup saw Tinwald defeat Tinwald 2, and Ashburton defeat Timaru in a very close match that went all the way to the final putt on the 18th green.

The final was always going to be a close tussle between two teams who know each other’s games very well, and seven of the eight players selected to represent Aorangi in their annual fixture against Canterbury on Sunday. After a long, tough day the Ashburton team came out on top and took home the cup.

Josh Smith defeated Nigel Heney, Jeff Hewitt lost to Regan Stills, Blair Franklin defeated John Smitheram, Robbie Bell halved with Ryan Ford while the fourballs were shared, for a 6-4 win to Ashburton.

Thanks must go to the Geraldine Golf Club, who continue to present an excellent course for Aorangi fixtures, and to the club volunteers who are extremely organised and welcoming to all players.

In the Hayes Cup, Pleasant Point defeated Timaru 2, and in the semi-finals of the Redpath Cup Tinwald defeated Temuka, and Rakaia defeated Ashburton.

The Holmes/Hayes Cup Player of the Series was won in convincing fashion by Regan Stills of Tinwald.

The winning Ashburton team, from left Robbie Bell, Josh Smith, Jeff Hewitt and Blair Franklin.

AORANGI VETERANS WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT

The Aorangi Veteran’s Women’s tournament was played at Timaru Golf Club last month with the following results: Hedges Kennard Trophy – Best gross over field: Ginny Bolderston (Geraldine) 80 Clarkson Trophy – Best Nett over 65

The Canterbury Golf 9 Hole Tournament was played at Avondale Golf Club last month, with the course in great order and a field of 35 golfers playing in cool

26

The final round of Canterbury North Women’s Interclub was played at Cheviot last month in perfect spring conditions and the course in great order.

Leading into the final day Cheviot were on top of the table, but having the bye had to wait and hope they wouldn’t be overtaken by Scargill who were playing Hanmer Springs. So it proved with Hanmer Springs winning comfortably.

There was good reason for excitement in the Cheviot squad as the last time they were champions was 20 years ago in 1999. The winning squad from left above is Sue Harrison, Jen Le Pine, Val Parsons,

October 2019

lebrate o d ce ur an

50th

b’s clu

Com e

CANTERBURY GOLF 9 HOLE TOURNAMENT

Phils Morris, Di Yates, Gee Williams, Katie Wilding and Sue Anderson (Absent Rose Stevenson).

ANNIVERSARY Labour Weekend Friday 25 - Sunday 27 October 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 dinner followed by entertainment Sunday: 3 Person Ambrose followed by lunch 07 386 8724 – turangigolfclub@xnet.co.nz 1 Atirau Road, Turangi

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

years: Miriam Burnside (Timaru) 65 Euny-Peg Trophy – Best Stableford over 70 years: Di Bell 41 stbfds

Trophy Winners from left, Miriam Burnside, Ginny Bolderston and Di Bell.

Class A (50 – 59 years): Sue Gutsell (Tinwald) 72 nett Class B (60 – 69 years): Shona Bensemann (Geraldine) 68 nett 1st Stableford: Glenis Priddle (Temuka) 38 stbfds 2nd Stableford: Marilyn Walker (Ashburton) 36 stbfds 3rd Stableford: Ali Barrett (Pl Point) 36 stbfds Class C (70 – 79 years ): Jenny Senior (Methven) 72 nett 1st Stableford: Noeline Donaghue (Temuka) 37 stbfds 2nd Stableford: Marg O’Neill (Pleasant Point) 34 stbfds 3rd Stableford: June Bruhns (Tinwald) 33 stbfds Class D (80 years +): Pat Barrie (Pl Point) 77 nett 1st Stableford: Eleanor Wilson (Gleniti) 32 stbfds Nearest the Pin 0-25: Ruth Smith (Methven) Nearest the Pin – 26-40:Joan Inglis (Gleniti) Longest Putt: Sue Gutsell Twos: Judy Webb and Joan Inglis

ALEX KELLIHER: 2019 UNDER 19 TOURNAMENT, CROMWELL

Alex Kelliher from Pleasant Point has just completed playing in the NZ Golf National Under 19 Men’s tournament in Cromwell.

Alex, who plays off a 3.9, was the only Aorangi Junior player entered.

In his first round he lost a ball and the trauma of having to go back and play another from the tee made it difficult to get back into rhythm.

He recovered with a 79 on his second round but missed the cut by two strokes.

An awesome effort from Alex. There is no doubt he has a great future with Aorangi Golf.

2019 MATAURA LICENSING TRUST PRESIDENT PENNANT RESULTS

Invercargill A Team: Craig O’Rorke, Tyler McLean, Matt Tautari, & Liam Hewitt winners of the 2019 Mataura Licensing Trust President Pennants held in September.

Semi Final Results Invercargill A 2 – Gore 2 Matt Tautari lost Scott Hellier, Tyler McLean defeated Glenn Brinsdon, Craig O’Rorke lost Simon Hollyer, Liam Hewitt defeated Thomas Nichol Invercargill won in a playoff Invercargill B 3 – Winton B 1 Doug Carmichael lost Ewan Clark, Mark Horgan defeated Kyle Dobbie, Paul Adams defeated Jason Unahi 3/1, Brad Harper defeated Max Schuster 3/2 3rd & 4th Playoff Gore 4 – Winton 0 Scott Hellier defeated Ewan Clark, Glenn Brinsdon defeated Kyle Dobbie, Simon Hellyer defeated Jason Unahi, Thomas Nichol defeated Max Schuster Final Invercargill A 3 – Invercargill B 1 Matt Tauitari defeated Doug Carmichael, Tyler McLean defeated Mark Horgan, Craig O’Rorke square Paul Adams, Liam Hewitt square Brad Harper

GOLF SOUTHLAND FOURSOMES

Results from the Golf Southland Foursomes played at Queens Park on Sunday 25th August reduced to 18 holes due to weather.

Men AM Stableford: Ben McGregor & Innes Forbes Runners-up: Rhuebyn Prattley & Adam dePass NEAREST THE PINS Ladies No 12: Bronwyn O’Brien Men No 12: Jason Milne Ladies No 17: Karen Keen Men No 17: Josh Cooper OTAGO/SOUTHLAND NOTICEBOARD

Mens Gross Winners P R Adams Trophy: Tyler McLean & Matt Tautari and Women’s Gross Winners Ester Blackey Trophy: Robyn Boniface & Karen Keen

Men’s Nett Winners: Bryan Cantley & Daniel Mills and Women’s Nett Winners: Teena McColl & Julie Braitwaite Full results 2019 Men’s Gross Winners P R Adams Trophies: Matt Tautari & Tyler McLean 66 Runners Up: Joshua Kalweit & Josh Cooper 73 2019 Men’s Nett: Bryan Cantley & Daniel Mills 71 Runners Up: Kyle Dobbie & Chris Sherlock 72 3rd: Brad Harper & Mark Horgan 73 4th: Thomas Nichol & Mathew Grace 74 c/b 5th: Simon Boland & Peter Buckley 74 c/b 6th: Roger Stewart & Darren Miller 74 2019 Women’s Gross Winners Ester Blackly Trophies: Robyn Boniface & Karen Keen 76 Runners Up: Robyn Pullar & Geraldine Todd 83 2019 Women’s Nett Winners Teena McColl & Julie Braitwaite 77 Runners-up: Kate McGregor & Raylene Leith-Forbes 78 3rd: Lorraine Froger & Wendy Whitson 79 Women’s 18 hole AM Nett: Julie Fleury & Josie Ladbrook Runners-up: Anita Fraser & Bronwyn O’Brien Men’s 18 Hole AM Nett: Ewan Clark & Jason Unahi Runners-Up: Liam Hewitt & Zac Fowle Women’s AM Stableford: Naoko Anderson & Esther Hwang

Aorangi 12 Oct

Highfield

021 026 594 93

Highfield 2 Day Tournament

12 Oct

Maungati

03 612 9805

Maungati Men’s & Women’s All Grades

13 Oct

Grande Vue

03 693 8396

Grande Vue 18 Hole Ambrose

17 Oct

Ashburton

03 308 6371

Ashburton Lions Tournament

25 Oct

Methven

03 302 8438

Methven 9 Hole Tournament

31 Oct

Mayfield

03 303 6342

Mayfield Women’s 2BBB Tournament

Otago 10 Oct

Arrowtown

03 442 1719

Women’s Lakes District Championship 2019 & CO Veterans

11 Oct

Arrowtown

03 442 1719

Arrowtown 9 Hole Tournament

13 Oct

St Clair

03 487 7076

Lottie Smellie Mixed Foursomes

17 Oct

Balclutha

03 418 2171

Open 4BBB Tournament

25-27 Oct

Lawrence

03 418 2171

Lawrence Golf Club 125th Jubilee Weekend

25 Oct

Balclutha

03 418 2171

Tyreland Mixed Tournament

27 Oct

Lake Hawea

027 203 8785

Labour Weekend Mixed Tournament

27 Oct

Roxburgh

03 446 8366

Open 27-Hole Tournament

Southland 17 Oct

Drummond

03 236 2850

Drummond Ladies Teams Event

19 Oct

Waikaka

03 207 2874

Open Stroke Waikaka

24 Oct

Mataura

03 203 8427

Mataura Ladies 4BBB

27 Oct

Otautau

03 225 8135

Otautau King of the Mountain

27 Oct

Waikaia

03 207 2874

Waikaia Labour Weekend Tournament

CROSSWORDSOLUTION

September M C I L R O Y

E A T N T E U N D E A N A N T N S I G T E I N A S R S T Y

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

October 2019

N D I E R E A C T R F C L A H T M C A T L E

E R S E A D A S S R O S S N U M C E H I F F F N E Y E C A N T E R E D P R

I M E M S S E D C U P T S H O M A E S

P A I R B O C O T T V A V E N T O M B E R L M U I R N O A D E S E E E R I T E T E R V E

27

WITH

TECHNOLOGY

FEEL THE DIFFERENCE

RAW RAW

S PI N

BE AUT Y

FACE DESIGNED TO OPTIMIZE SPIN AND FEEL Dramatization. Extent and speed of club face rusting may vary.

P RE F E R R E D BY T HE W OR L D ’S B E ST Products used by Tour professionals may vary. © 2019 Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc

AVAILABLE AT: Golf Matters Napier (Maraenui Golf Club) 06 835 8656 Total Golf Nelson (Nelson Golf Club) 0508 TOTAL GOLF NZ Golf Outlet 06 367 2389 Frankton Golf Centre Queenstown 03-442 3584 The Golf Zone New Plymouth 06 758 1060

28 and

October Stores

Napier Golf Club, Napier 06 844 7970 Taranaki Golf Centre New Plymouth 06 755 0424 Otatara Golf Centre Invercargill 03-213 1133 One Stop Golf Shop Poverty Bay 06 867 4402 Wanaka Golf Shop Wanaka 03 443 7888 2019

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ