Golfer Pacific NZ – March 2020 by Golfer Pacific NZ

March 2020 16th year as NZ’s exclusive Golf club magazine

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NZ Open winner was considering retiring

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EDITORIAL

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Men and women — we are all in this together

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

t was announced last month that men and women would compete against each other on the Charles Tour in New Zealand. I found this an extremely interesting move but, as far as I could see, it drew very little reaction from New Zealand’s news media. This is a major change to the format of the Charles Tour events. If a woman wins will the men complain that the women were advantaged because of the forward tees? If a man wins will the women complain they were still not being placed on equal footing? How do you equalise the playing field between men and women? It is planned that if most men are hitting a long iron into a par three, the tees for the women would be placed in a position where most women would also be hitting a long iron. If a par five is reachable in two

for most men, the tees for the women would be placed in a position where most women would be able to reach the green in two. So it’s not an exact science and the question arises should men and women be competing for the same prizemoney when on a playing field of different measurements? I find it difficult to think of a professional sporting event where men and women compete together with allowances made for the women. On the other hand, I can think of one sporting event where men and women compete on equal footing where hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line every week. That is horse racing. Women jockeys have been now been competing against men jockeys in New Zealand for a few decades to the point where New Zealand is a world leader for women jockeys. It is nothing unusual for a race to have as many women jockeys as men. The names of Lisa Allpress, Rosie Myers, Danielle Johnson, Saman-

tha Collett, Trudy Thornton and Sam Spratt are just as well known in horse racing as Opie Bosson, Jason Waddell, Chris Johnson and Mathew Cameron. Let’s make it clear. One of the main reasons for allowing women to compete against men on the Charles Tour is to grow the female game in New Zealand by creating equal opportunities. I applaud that. We need more women golfers. I was myself involved in a male versus women competition at my own club last year. I had won some club competition and was pitted against the winner of the similar women’s competition. Our club captain stressed to me that this was an important competition because it determined who the was the best player in the club, not the best male or female. Okay, he was exaggerating a little, as it was a handicap event but it made me take on the event seriously despite my opponent Lonise Tago being a 13-year-old girl.

We both played off our own handicaps, played off our own tees. But I was seriously disadvantaged. Lonise hit her drives as long as me and she was probably holding back so as not to embarrass the old man. But we had a great match which went to the last hole with Lonise winning one up to make me, as our club captain would tell me, the second-best player in the club. On the subject of mixed gender events, I particularly enjoyed the Victoria Open last month. Men and women were not competing against each other, but they were playing for the same amount of prizemoney and playing in the same field — not separated by playing a different course or on different nines of the course. The women’s winner got as much prizemoney as the men’s winner and it made for interesting television coverage as the spotlight switched between the men’s leaders and the women’s leaders.

NEW ZEALAND EDITORIAL Paul Gueorgieff pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz Ph: 64 4 565 0385 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: Brad Kennedy from Queensland holds aloft the New Zealand Open trophy following his win at Millbrook, near Queenstown. Photo credit: Photosport New Zealand. COPYRIGHT All material published in Golfer Pacific NZ is subject to all forms of copyright. Contents of this newspaper cannot be reproduced in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the editor. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of this newspaper, its management. New Zealand Golfer Pacific is published Golfer Pacific NZ Limited. The company’s registered office is unit 10/7 Aruma St Chevron Island QLD 4217.

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March 2020

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rad Kennedy joined a select club of New Zealand Open multiple winners with victory at Millbrook Resort, near Queenstown. The 45-year-old Australian, who started the final day two shots behind compatriot Lucas Herbert and Korean teenager Joohyung Kim, climbed to the top of the leaderboard with five holes remaining on the end of a run of three straight birdies. His closing round of an eight under par 63 equalled the low round of the day and saw him win by two shots from Herbert. It was an all Australian finish with Nick Flanagan, from New South Wales, two shots back in third. Herbert seemed well on track to claim his second win in as many months, but the par three 13th proved unlucky for him after he found the water and ended with a double bogey. Kennedy’s previous win in the New Zealand Open came at Christchurch’s Clearwater course in 2011. The Victorian also won the New Zealand PGA Championship in 2016. Kennedy is the first multiple winner of the Brodie Breeze trophy since Greg Turner in 1997, and the first Australian to achieve the feat since Bob Shearer in 1981. “I just gutsed it out and really tried to play within my game as much as I could,’’ Kennedy, from Queensland, said afterwards. “I just let my putter do the talking today and I’m just relieved — to do this again after nine years is just unbelievable. “I didn’t look at a leaderboard all day. I actually posted a number in my head last night. Twenty-one was the number.

GOLF NEWS

NZ Open winner was considering retiring this year

Brad Kennedy from Queensland holds aloft the New Zealand Open trophy following his win at Millbrook, near Queenstown. Photo credit: Photosport New Zealand.

I didn’t think I’d reach it but I just knew that this course was out there to be had, the course is playing unbelievable.” Kennedy was on the rebound after a horror Queensland PGA Championship two weeks previously when he let a four shot lead slip with three holes to play. “I was gutted after the Queensland PGA,’’ Kennedy added. “I actually didn’t want to play last week, I was that mentally destroyed by what happened. To do that today under that sort of pressure and over-

come that, I’m just really proud of what I did today.” Kennedy said he was considering this year would be his last as a professional golfer. “I’d always said 2020 was my last year. I’ve been playing 25 years on tour and it was time to get home and spend some more time with my kids and wife. Who knows now? If I can still do it at 45 then I don’t know what’s going to happen.” Herbert, from Victoria, was weighing up the positives of finishing runner-up

despite not playing his best golf in Queenstown. “Obviously I had the win in Dubai (in January) and then to back it up with another top-five finish was really pleasing and realistically I didn’t have my best stuff this week,’’ Herbert said. “To finish second you’ve got to look at the positives and I sort of can’t slouch too much at that. “Brad’s played great out there today. He shot eight under and kind of deserves to win given how well he played. Continued on page 4 >>

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March 2020

NEWS << Continued from page 3

“He made the birdies when he needed to and he played the tough holes better than I did.” Flanagan also paid credit to his compatriot. “I don’t think there was any catching Brad out there today. He was pretty unbelievable,’’ Flanagan said. “There was just a couple of pressure shots that I kind of messed up coming in but I battled for third which is still a great week. If someone had told me that at the start of the week it would have been great.” Korean teenage prodigy Joohyung Kim could only manage a one-under 70 on the final day to fade to fourth, four bogeys blotting his round. Fifth place was shared by New Zealanders Michael Hendry and Harry Bateman, who both shot four under 67s. Hendry now faces an uncertain immediate future with the Japan Tour in doubt due to the concerns over the coronavirus. “I’ll be playing here for the next five weeks or so just in local events just trying to get myself ready for Japan,’’ Hendry said.

“It’s a little up in the air as to whether we’ll be playing early in the season, but hopefully the authorities will get on top of it shortly and we’ll be able to carry on as normal.” A bogey on the 18th was symptomatic of Hendry’s putting throughout the tournament. “The whole week the putter didn’t really gel with me,” Hendry added. “I just thought to myself, at least give them a chance to go in by getting them to the hole and that was all I tried to do coming in. I had a lot of good shots, but it just didn’t fall my way this week.” In comparison, Bateman finished with consecutive birdies to card a bogey-free round. “That’s my best finish ever in a big event,’’ Bateman said. “I was really solid. I only had one bad hole where I was in trouble but I made a good up and down and I didn’t have a bogey today. I left a few putts out there, for sure, but had two nice ones to finish.” Australian Wade Ormsby and American player Chan Kim finished tied for seventh at 14-under, while New Zealand’s Kieran Muir and Japan’s Ryosuke Kinoshita rounded out the top 10, a further shot back.

Pernilla Lindberg from Sweden at the New Zealand Open. Lindberg was making a guest appearance and although she did not make the cut, she finished with a creditable one over par at The Hills course on the second day. Photo credit: Neville Idour.

March 2020

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en and women will play each other on New Zealand’s professional golf circuit this year. The Charles Tour, sponsored by Jennian Homes, will see men and women pitted against each other in one competition and vying for the same trophy and prizemoney. The leading amateur golfer of each event, whether they are female or male, will also be recognised. New Zealand Golf said this approach comes in an effort to grow the female game in New Zealand by creating equal playing opportunities. Tournament venues will be set up with the aim to create a similar challenge for male and female golfers. The course that female golfers play will be set up based on shot values instead of holes being a certain percentage shorter for females than it is for males. This means a female will hit a long iron into a long par three just as the men would, and if a par five is reachable in two shots for the majority of males, it will be set up so it is reachable for the majority of female players. Dave Mangan, general manager for champion-

ships and golf operations for New Zealand Golf, said the changes would be great for the game in New Zealand. “Having mixed gender events is what Greg Turner initially envisaged when he started this tour back in 2004 and it’s great to see that we are putting this concept back in place,” Mangan said. “We are starting to see events like this around the world with a full European Tour and Ladies European Tour event in June hosted by Annika Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson being mixed gender. “This will create playing opportunities for female professional golfers in New Zealand as well as challenge our female amateur golfers.” Mangan said setting up a course correctly would be important. “Course set up will play a big part in these events and we have been getting great information from the European Tour as we face this new challenge of setting up golf course equitably, so men and women can compete against each other.

“As we develop the player pool of female golfers in our country, we hope to see them contending down the stretch and becoming future Jennian Homes Charles Tour champions.” Mixed gender events were to have kicked off with the new Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Super 6 event, held at the Manawatu Golf Club in March. Following is the 2020 Jennian Homes Charles Tour season schedule: * Brian Green Property Group New Zealand Super 6 Manawatu – Manawatu Golf Club, March 5-8 * Autex Muriwai Open – Muriwai Golf Club, March 26-29 * Barfoot and Thompson Akarana Open – Akarana Golf Club, April 2-5 * DVS Pegasus Open – Pegasus Golf Club, October 1-4 * Carrus Open – Tauranga Golf Club, October 8-11 * Taranaki Open – New Plymouth Golf Club * Christies Floorings Mount Open – Mt Maunganui Golf Club, December 10-13

GOLF NEWS

Men and women will be opponents on Charles Tour M

Taranaki Open’s welcome return to Charles Tour

he Taranaki Open makes its return to the Charles Tour after a two-year hiatus from the New Zealand golf cir-

cuit. The Taranaki Open stopped in 2018 due to lack of funding, but will return to the tour in October at the New Plymouth Golf Club. The Taranaki Open was the inaugural event on the circuit back in 2004 and will turn 14-years-old in 2020, making it the equal oldest tournament on the Charles Tour along with the Carrus Open, which will also have its 14th event the week prior. New Zealand Golf general manager for tournaments and golf operations, Dave

Mangan, said the New Plymouth Golf Club had done a great job bringing this event back to the tour. “It’s great to have the Taranaki Open back on the Jennian Homes Charles Tour,” Mangan said. “The Taranaki Open was the original event on this tour back in 2004 and we’re pleased to be going back to such a strong test of golf. “It’s a challenge for a club to raise the $50,000 for the professionals to play for and we thank the board of the New Plymouth Golf Club for taking on this challenge.” New Plymouth Golf Club general manager Neville Maindonald said the club

Southern Cross Junior Golf Tour By Ray Jiang Head Professional Whitford Park Golf Club

“Stay Strong, We Love China” was the message of 42 junior golfers gathered at Whitford Park Golf Course in Auckland, sending heartfelt wishes to the people who have been affected by the coronavirus, in a special golfers way. Played on the 8th of February, these players were from the Southern Cross Junior Golf Tour. The inaugural tournament is held in New Zealand with Global Junior Golf Ranking (GJGR), and Junior Scoreboard (JGS) in the future. It was originally connected for junior players in Asia Pacific and China to improve the junior golf education and competition standard in New Zealand, and build up multi-culture communications. With the escalating crisis in China, the organiser Southern Cross Junior Golf Association (SCJGA) immediately decided to donate all the revenues of the first tournament to China, on behalf of all the attend-

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ing players, to support individuals and hospitals in the frontline of the affected areas. Donation boxes were also dotted throughout the event, funds from which were passed to China. This standard competition round is changed to a charity event as an act to express the junior New Zealand golfers’ willingness and kindness to help those affected by the global crisis. The competition began with a hope-inspiring speech from Dominic Sainsbury, General Manager of New Zealand PGA. He expressed his heartfelt encouragement to junior players in attendance, players in China unable to attend, and support for SCJGA’s initiatives. Queena Zhuang, founder of SCJGA, gave a speech after Dominic Sainsbury: “There were lots of challenges in changing the purpose of the competition to a charity event. Despite current uncertainty around the coronavirus crisis, this competition is our way to band together and play a part in bettering the situation. SCJGA believes that connection between people is very important. We are not only playing to

was excited at having one of the pinnacle events on the New Zealand Golf calendar back at the club. “We understand the importance of providing our leading professional and amateur golfers with the opportunity to play under pressure on one of the best and respected courses in the country. Our members are excited to host and witness the skills that will be on show.” Daniel Pearce won the last Taranaki Open in 2017, with Caryn Khoo taking out the women’s event. The Taranaki Open is the seventh Jennian Homes Charles Tour event on the New Zealand Golf Calendar for 2020. compete in golf; we play to build friendship and camaraderie, to strengthen connections between players and cultures, and to inspire a sense of hope and positivity in the community.” She also expressed the SCJGA’s sincere gratitude to Rose Zhang, Ryan Fox and famous Chinese junior golf player Tiger for making a video with powerful encouraging words to the people in affected areas, and special thanks to NZPGA, Sky-Kiwi and councillor Paul Young for their help and support. Players were sorted into divisions according to their ages, with the youngest player Juliana Guo, who’s only 6 years old, and this being her first 18 hole round competition. According to age division, the players began the competition at yellow, white and blue tees, to complete the tournament in 30km wind conditions. Age division 6-11 started with an interesting three-way tie between Samuel Ding, Justin Le and Ishaan Shah, who all scored a 77 off the yellow tees. In the 12-14 age division, Xuxiao Ran came out triumphant with a total gross of 75 – 3 over, impressive as this was her first time playing at Whitford Park Golf Club.

March 2020

The champion of the 14-19 age group was Stephen Liu, who kick started the first round of the Southern Cross Junior Golf Tournament with a gross result of 72, a total of 14 par, with consecutive birdies at holes 16-17. Stephen said to the media that he had played to his standard and was alright with his outcome. However, he admitted he made a few misjudgments on the course, causing him to drop a few shots throughout his round. These junior golf players’ pursuit of excellence in golf and charity will no doubt inspire the community, and it is our hope that those braving the frontline in China will feel their warmth and support as they toil to heal those affected by the outbreak. After all has settled, we hope to meet the junior players from China soon in New Zealand, to play together with us on this green field under the bright sunshine. As the meaning of golf: green, oxygen, light and friendship, SCGJA may have the honour of representing young golf players in China and Asia Pacific, with future competitions serving as a platform for strengthening friendships and community.

NEWS

Hitting distance report has 100 years of data

orld golf’s two governing bodies, The R&A and the United States Golf Association (USGA), have issued a report which provides comprehensive research and analysis on the contributors to, and longterm impacts of, hitting distance in golf. After extensive stakeholder research, the report features more than 100 years of data, informed by a library of 56 supporting documents. It is accompanied by a 15page conclusions paper from the governing bodies that summarises their perspectives on the long-term implications for the sport. The reports and library have been publicly released and can be found at randa.org/distanceinsights or usga. org/distanceinsights To facilitate input from manufacturers and other stakeholders in the golf community, specific topics of further research will be identified and published soon. It is expected that this important step in gathering input could take approximately nine months to one year. Key findings of the project include: * There is a 100-year trend of hitting distance increases in golf, as well as a corresponding increase in the length of golf courses, across the game globally. The R&A and the USGA believe this continuing cycle is detrimental to the game’s long-term future. * The inherent strategic challenge presented by many golf courses can be compromised, especially when those courses have not or cannot become long enough to keep up with increases in the hitting distances of the golfers who play from their longest tees. This can lead to a risk of many courses becoming less challenging, or obsolete. * Increased hitting distance can begin to undermine the core principle that the challenge of golf is about needing to demonstrate a broad range of skills to be successful. * If courses continue to lengthen, it is at odds with grow-

ing societal concerns about the use of water, chemicals and other resources. * Longer distances and courses, longer tees and longer times to play are taking golf in the wrong direction and are not necessary for a challenging, enjoyable and sustainable game. * A concern has been identified that many recreational golfers are playing from longer tees than is necessary relative to their hitting distances and, in particular, that the forward tees on many golf courses are very long for many of the golfers who play from them. Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We believe we have reached a pivotal moment in golf. The publication of this report is highly significant. The impact of long-term hitting distance increases on some of golf’s essential elements are now clear – including changing the strategic challenge of the sport, altering the balance of skills needed to be successful and risking courses being less challenging or obsolete. “Our objective as governing bodies is to work with the key stakeholders in golf to address this issue in a way that brings the sport together and which ensures it continues to thrive for many years to come.” Mike Davis, chief executive officer of the USGA, said: “This is not about the last few years or the next few years but rather about the long-term future of the game. “This report clearly shows a consistent increase in hitting distance and golf course lengths over the last 100plus years. These increases have had a profound impact on costs to build, modify and operate golf courses and they have impacted golfers at all levels. “We believe this problem will continue unless this cycle is brought to an end. With collaboration from the entire golf community, we have an opportunity to stem this tide and help ensure golf remains sustainable and enjoyable for generations to come.”

No solutions have been determined as yet. The R&A and the USGA will now enter the next phase of their work by assessing potential solutions that can help end the cycle of increased distance. It is expected the main topic for research and assessment will be potential changes in the equipment rules, along with further enquiry into the effects of course design, conditions and set-up on hitting distance. With this background in mind, a broad review of both clubs and balls will be conducted to understand and assess a full range of options for addressing these issues relating to hitting distance. Without limiting the scope of topics that may be considered, this review is expected to include the following: * The review of overall conformance specifications for both clubs and balls, including specifications that both directly and indirectly affect hitting distances. It is not currently intended to consider revising overall equipment specifications in a way that would produce substantial reductions in hitting distances at all levels of the game. * The assessment of the potential use of a local rule option specifying the use of reduced-distance equipment. Such an option could be available as a choice at all levels of play for competitions, courses and individual players. * Guidance on the availability of short enough forward tees and the appropriate tee-to-hole playing distances for golfers of all levels. * Several other topics including equipment testing processes, potential guidance on how design, agronomy and set-up can affect hitting distance, and others. All research and any work regarding potential changes to equipment standards in golf are guided by the equipment rulemaking procedures, which were agreed upon and published by The R&A and the USGA in 2011 to ensure a transparent and collaborative process among key stakeholders in the game.

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By Neville Idour

welve kilometres north of Hunterville the equivalent of golfing hell was endured by the Rangatira Golf Club for three long years. Late last year when we played this gem I was able to chat with club president Hugh Lilburn who was only too happy to relate the intriguing tale. “In 2013, out of the blue a man from off the street came in and plonked a red sticker on our cable car and disappeared so we had to close it down. “The reasons given were firstly that it only had one rope, even though it was a strong logging rope as thick as your arm. Secondly, it stopped too quickly. The new stipulation was it needed two wires of finger width. “Ironically we had never had a problem with the lift and it has been there for decades.” So the drama unfolded. “We were quoted $70,000 for the changes. It would eventually cost $140,000. How were we going to raise that sort of money? “Hunterville has a population of just 600, however, the whole community got involved and talked to each other about donating. “Car dealers, the cycle club and the vet club and well-established families all supported us.” Unbelievably $200,000 was raised but the end of the ordeal was a long way off. Lilburn continued: “We ordered parts from the USA which never came in three months. It then took them six months to work out they had gone missing. So it took another four months to get replacements. So when it was finally repaired three years later everything was the same except it now had two spindly wires and starts slowly.” Sadly everything isn’t the same. “The finger wires wore out in three years and had to be replaced. Now it breaks down regularly and we constantly have to reset it.” To think the original thick rope had never been a problem. I have to say

when my wife and I were riding back to the top level the wires looked … well … thin. How did the club survive during the three long years the cable car was inactive? “We rely heavily on green fees, which are significant at around $1000 weekly, so as word spread about the closure of the cable car people stopped coming,” Lilburn recounted. “We instituted a car service for players to transport them back up during those years.” Lilburn is proud of a story he said appeared in a USA magazine about the world’s 100 bucket list courses to play before you die. Rangatira rated 40th. Farmlands Co-Operative saw the article and it wanted to bring its charity tournament to Rangatira. The club is thriving again with around 140 members, half of them women, a credit to the appeal of the club. It has one full-time greenkeeper and lots of volunteers who do the rough mowing, all of which keeps the course in excellent condition. Rangatira is more than a country gem, it is an iconic bucket list golf experience to enjoy before you die.

Graeme McDowell with his trophy following his win in the Saudi International. Photo credit: Getty Images

orthern Ireland golfer Graeme McDowell was winning for the 16th time in a 12th different country when taking out the Saudi International last month. The 40-year-old has been a profes-

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Rangatira Golf Club’s distinctive cable car which brings you home after 18 holes.

Two Asia-Pacific events postponed

wo key events on the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) calendar have been postponed for safety reasons surrounding the outbreak of the coronavirus. The two events are the Queen Sirikit Cup, which was to have been held in Indonesia last month, and the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP), which was to be held in Thailand this month. R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said it was not willing to put players at risk during the outbreak of the deadly virus. “With our partners at the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation we have taken the decision to postpone the Women’s Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship.

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“The decision has been taken amid serious concerns for the safety of players and officials travelling during the current coronavirus outbreak. Our utmost priority is to ensure their safety and the advice we have received in the last 24 hours is that we should not ask them to travel at this time. We will assist all players with their arrangements and plan to reschedule the championship later this year,” he said when discussing the WAAP. The Queen Sirikit Cup have also taken the same stance on the issue after careful deliberation, and following feedback from the majority of teams attending they’ve also decided to postpone the event to a later date.

sional for more than 20 years and he used all of that experience to prevail by two shots in Saudi Arabia. McDowell took a one-shot lead into the final round at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club and it wasn’t until back-to-back birdies on the 14th and 15th holes that provided him with a cushion at the top of the leaderboard. The veteran then used all his golfing nous to safely negotiate the treacherous seaside par three 16th and challenging final two holes in level par, to close out for a superb victory by two shots over Dustin Johnson. It was McDowell’s first European Tour victory since the 2014 Open de France and it took the former US Open Champion back into the world’s top 50 rankings. “I’m very excited and very relieved,” McDowell said. “The birdies on 14 and 15 were huge at the time. This is a difficult golf course. It’s unusual to win feeling as uncomfortable as I did on a lot of these holes because it’s a tough course in tough conditions. “It’s been 10 years since I won the US Open, 10 years probably since I played the best golf of my life. I feel like I’m moving back in the right direction.”

GOLF NEWS

The cable car drama of Rangatira McDowell’s 16th win in 12 countries

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NEWS

Helping hand for women’s golf

orld golf governing body The R&A and the men’s European Tour have committed to help the newly formed joint venture between the Ladies’ Professional Golf Association (LPGA) and the Ladies’ European Tour (LET) in its efforts to significantly grow playing opportunities, financial incentives and television exposure for women’s professional golf in Europe and around the world. As well as providing financial support and leveraging other assets they manage, the two bodies will each have one seat on the new LPGA-LET joint venture board of directors. Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “Building a strong and sustainable Ladies European Tour is fully consistent with the aims of The R&A women in golf charter. We support the vision of the LPGA-LET joint venture to create significantly more opportunities for women and girls to pursue their dreams in golf here in Europe and to inspire future generations to take up

the sport. We look forward to working with the LPGA-LET team as a board member of this important venture.” Keith Pelley, chief executive of the European Tour, said: “The European Tour has already had the opportunity to host events involving LET members and we’ve seen their talent and drive first-hand. Looking ahead to our 2020 schedule, we have added another new and exciting co-sanctioned event with the LET in Sweden and are pursuing similar opportunities in other markets. “The women professionals bring a different dynamic and fan base to the game – all of which improves our sport – and we look forward to building a strong women’s professional presence through this new collaborative approach.” While the LPGA might have been the first organisation to reach out to the LET in an effort to create an even stronger entity, LPGA commissioner Mike Whan said he always knew he could count on the support of others. “It’s exciting to see so many stakeholders in the game

give their attention and their support to rebuilding a stronger women’s professional tour in Europe,” Whan said. “This significant commitment by The R&A and the European Tour is an immediate, important endorsement of the vision for the new LPGA-LET partnership.” LET board chair Marta Figueras-Dotti said: “Great businesses typically start with great leadership teams. Adding leadership from the LPGA, The R&A and the European Tour to our newly formed board is a recipe for success. I can’t wait to get started. “The commitment and engagement of The R&A and the European Tour provides more velocity, energy and expertise to help the newly formed LPGA-LET partnership. It’s an exciting time for golf – when top organisations not only look out for their own interests but are also compassionate enough to help support others that are trying to achieve similar results for the women’s game.”

The distance debate is just hot air By Neville Idour

recent report into how far the golf ball is being hit has produced a wide variance of responses, most of which I believe will prove to be hot air. The report, from world golf’s two governing bodies, the United States Golf Association and The R&A, makes it clear that the increases in driving distances are detrimental to the game. The obvious question is why is that the case? Is it because it is too easy to score lower, or is it because courses are not long enough or challenging enough now? Is it because clubs on the major tour schedules feel they need to lengthen their layouts at huge costs? For the powers that be it seems to be a combination of all three. Bear in mind, the US Open aims at a par score to win and the winning score is usually close to that. What do the players think? Phil Mickelson as always can be relied

on to be specific: “I hate seeing athletes punished or discouraged from working hard and getting better.” His swing speed has increased in the last two years, even though he is nearly 50 years old, through improved technique and fitness. He also lampooned the governing bodies saying golf is the only professional sport governed by amateurs. Luke Donald, who isn’t a long hitter, does not think they should be stopped because they are better off the tee. Dustin Johnson doesn’t think scores are any lower than they used to be. “I don’t think the game is too easy because it isn’t for me,” Johnson said. Jason Day, along with other long hitters, asks whether the game is in good shape now and if so why would they want shorter tee shots. Let’s face it, the major golf tours are entertainment to a large degree. Spectators love to see big drives. Distance is a big seller as golfers are always looking for that driver that goes further. Matt Kuchar came up with a beaut, suggesting smaller club heads.

The consensus amongst most players was to limit the flight of the golf ball and keep standards where they are now. Marcus Wheelhouse, a New Zealand professional and coach of the powerful Ryan Fox, agreed with that conclusion adding: “Whatever the situation, the playing field must be the same for everyone.” The next question is will this guarantee no further increase in distance? The answer may well be no. Why? Statistics show that from 2003 till now average driving distances have increased as follows. PGA Tour 7.6 yards. European tour 8.5 yards. LPGA Tour 9 yards. These figures are certainly not astronomical and does it really justify major golf course revamps? Also let us consider the human race. From 1896 to 1996 people in the USA increased average height by 10 centimetres and Australasia by 12 centimetres. Weight increases in USA for 50 years were 30 kgs for men and 27 kgs for women. On the athletic field world records are continually broken. The 1500 metres record in 1912 was 3min 55sec. In 1998 it was 3min 26sec. The shot put record in 1909

was 15.54metres. In 1990 it was 23.12m. What is the point? Humans in general are bigger and top athletes are fitter and stronger than before so it is inevitable there will be improvements on the status quo. So what conclusions can we come to from all of this? Is it really as dire as many would say it is? The simple solution is to limit the standards for driver technology and ball flight to the current levels and get on with promoting golf as the wonderful game it is. After all aren’t we just talking about the professional tours? As for golf courses, just make them a little more difficult as they do for the US Open. Why lengthen them? Leave them the same and tweak them with another bunker or two and maybe narrow some fairways for tournaments. What does it matter if the winner scores one under one year and 20 under 10 years later. Spectators are more than happy to see birdies and eagles and the presenters, TV companies and sponsors love to see records broken and statistics that impress. As long as the challenge is the same for everyone what is the problem?

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By Neville Idour

olidays and golf make great bedmates. That is what my wife Philippa and I have found over our last 20 years of involvement with the game. We have enjoyed many wonderful times here in New Zealand and overseas combining both. Some of our best have been when we tank up the car with golf clubs in the boot and point the car north or south. It used to be from Christchurch but for the last eight years it has been from Dunedin. Recently we ventured north enjoying family visits and the scenery and amazing road works through the Kaikoura coastline. After a pleasant Cook Strait crossing we stayed in Wellington to play two courses. First we played the Greg Turner revamped Royal Wellington course. What a delight it was. In this writer’s opinion it is a step up from the former routing. Each hole has its own unique feel and the variety of challenges and layouts are a delight to experience. The first hole was an easy intro with nice contours while two and four are standout par fives. Hole two had several diagonal bunkers guarding the green and hole four was long with attractive

undulations. The par five 10th presented problems before the green while the short 275-metre 14th, a par four, was very pretty with a creek along the right of the fairway. The 16th was a lovely par three while the 18th was a testing par five with several bunkers to be avoided before putting out on the long green. Without exception the greens were a pleasure to putt on, never being any more than challenging. The overriding memory is of the attractive surroundings of natural waterways, creeks and streams as well as the variety of foliage and trees. Of course there is no better way to finish a round here than to enjoy the wonderful classic clubhouse and the hospitality available. Next day we were hosted by the editor of this publication, Paul Gueorgieff, at Manor Park, yet another of the many fine courses in the Hutt Valley. This was our second time to Manor Park and Paul treated us like royalty as we joined the Thursday afternoon group, which Philippa was more than welcomed. We new what to expect on course. We remembered it as an attractive parkland layout and of course it still is. From the white tees it is a long 5878

metres, 98 longer than Royal Wellington and for me more difficult. An interesting sidelight while playing the long par five 14th came from Paul who was a fund of knowledge. Looking up to Haywards quarry we saw where nine months’ filming of the Lord of the Rings was done. After our most enjoyable round we were impressed with the convivial atmosphere of all the players enjoying the 19th. With a membership of 468 including 148 women the club seems to be thriving. Our next golf stop was one of our favourites as we made our second visit to Rangatira, north of Hunterville on State Highway One. Is there another course in the world as unique? I doubt it. With six holes on each of three levels, no bunkers, several outstanding holes, excellent fairways and greens, stunning scenery and then a breathtaking cable car ride back to the top, it is a bucket list experience. Each drop down hole is spectacular. Hole seven presents a par five stretching out below tree-lined fairways and with a sweeping view. Hole eight could easily be a signature hole. A very attractive par three requiring an accurate shot to avoid the trees left. No 13 is a short drop down 243

metre par four. Easy stroke 17 rating. I cannot agree. It doglegs sharply right and presents two large kahikatea trees guarding the green. If you can’t bisect them with an accurate approach shot or clear them with a miracle huge tee shot, then bogey comes in to play. Our final golf experience this trip was at Kinloch, north of Taupo. Not the Jack Nicklaus version, but the original Kinloch Golf Club nine-holer, although there are 10 holes. Hence the seven par fours and 11 par threes if you play 18 holes. It is hardly a penal layout but it still has enough variety in contours and undulations on some holes to be a pleasant round. The club is in great heart as it reaps significant casual green fee revenue along with a healthy membership of 145 men and 62 women. On previous North Island trips we have enjoyed other gems such as Tairua on the Coromandel Peninsula. It has its own Augusta Amen Corner, a superb short par four, tree-lined over a rise to reveal a beautiful amphitheatre green below. There are far too many courses to mention other than the outstanding links course at Ahipara, the Kaitaia Golf Club. No question that there are so many places to enjoy “the greatest game” here in New Zealand.

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March 2020

GOLF NEWS

Fiji Open Turns 50

he 50th anniversary of the Fiji Open Golf Championship will be played on the Denarau Golf course on May 28-31 2020. John Cooper told Golfer Pacific: “I created the inaugural Open in 1970 when we played on the Fiji Golf Club course at Vatuwaqa in Suva, won by young New Zealand professional Bruce Rafferty.” Over the years many prominent New Zealand and Australian professionals have won the Fiji Open. New Zealand amateur Peter Creighton won the Open in 1979. Both gentlemen and lady amateurs can enter on handicaps to 24 men and 36 ladies.

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Golf Australia chief resigns

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tephen Pitt has resigned as Golf Australia’s chief executive after 11 years in the role and will step down from the organisation later this year. Pitt joined Golf Australia in 2008 and oversaw a period of change and expansion, including the growth and consolidation of the Australian Opens, the introduction of the MyGolf junior golfers programme, which has 28,000 members, the National Vision 2025 strategy and most recently the new governance structure. He will assist Golf Australia’s executive board as required with the transition process and with the finalisation of key commercial arrangements. “Stephen has achieved a great deal, including to bring five Australian states and territories into Golf Australia’s one golf national administration model,” Golf Australia chairman Andrew Newbold said. “This has not been an easy process; we remain hopeful of completing the transition to One Golf as soon as possible in the near future.

“Stephen has also been the driving force behind Vision 2025 – which aims to increase female involvement in golf in Australia – and has in recent years overseen various programmes to increase golf participation and to improve the health of the sport generally.” Pitt said: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with Golf Australia for 11 years. I believe, as a team, we achieved a lot of great things for golf in that time and I’m of the firm view the new One Golf structure is the right one for our game and will deliver significant dividends in the future. “The last 12 months have been difficult at times; particularly in terms of our financial performance and I take responsibility for last year’s result and also the challenges we’ve been working through this financial year. However, I believe we have a strong board, great staff and a range of excellent national programmes and I know the organisation and the game generally will flourish in the years ahead.”

Age lowered for World Golf hall of famers

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he World Golf Foundation board of directors has voted to make several changes to the World Golf hall of fame eligibility and induction process in an effort to ensure the game’s greats from around the world are actively recognised and celebrated. Changes to the eligibility include lowering the age of a male or female competitor from 50 to 45 years of age or three years retired from the game. Additional changes include elimination of the veterans’ category and replacing lifetime achievement recognition with contributor. “Recognising the game’s greatest players and contributors is an important endeavour and one our sport takes very seriously,” said Jay Monahan, World Golf Foundation board chairman and PGA Tour commissioner. “We are committed to regularly evaluating the selection process to ensure we approach it with both historical context and the future in mind. I believe these changes benefit the hall of fame members, fans across the world and the institution.” The nominating and selection commit-

March 2020

tees have expanded to include 18 members of the media. Hall of famers Beth Daniel, Nick Price and Curtis Strange will join Annika Sorenstam as co-chairs on the selection committee. Said Sorenstam: “Being inducted into the World Golf hall of fame was one of the defining moments of my career, and I am honoured to serve on the selection committee. “These changes are positive for the hall of fame, and I am pleased that future members can enjoy the recognition and celebration of their achievements beginning at age 45.” Greg McLaughlin, chief executive of the World Golf Foundation, said: “We believe these changes will enhance the hall of fame in many ways and bring greater attention to the most deserving players at a time in their careers when they are still competing at the highest level. We look forward to the future of the hall of fame as we ensure it remains a meaningful way to recognise the game’s greats.” The nominating and selection committees will meet early this year to determine the World Golf hall of fame class of 2021.

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Championship Cup Goes Back to Aussie

GOLF EVENT

he 2020 New Zealand Senior Women’s Championship concluded on Thursday 20 February, at the Taupo Golf Club with the NZ Golf Veterans Challenge Cup, awarded to Australian, Jacqui Morgan (Monash), the title going back to Australia. This prestigious women’s tournament is open to all senior women aged 50 and over, attracting the best senior players from both sides of the Tasman. With Morgan’s win, Australian players have won the Challenge Cup four times in the last five years. Morgan, one of Australia’s most capped seniors, dominated the prize table claiming both the Challenge Cup for her performance in the match play section, and the Curtis Cup for the Stroke Play Championship, the best gross in qualifying. Morgan comfortably won her final against local Diana Syer (Wairakei) in a match she led at all stages. Turning 3-up after 9 holes, which included one birdie on the par-3, 6th, sadly for locals, Syer was in catch up mode most of the match. Morgan did have a couple of speed wobbles on three holes in the back nine, but held on to take out the match on the 17th. Morgan’s run to the final included wins over her fellow countrymen, Carmen Palframan (Lake Karrinyup) and Helen Pascoe (Buninyong) before her semi-final against Brigit Holford (Royal Auckland Grange) in the semi-final. In confirming her place in the final, Syer had her toughest battle against Robyn Boniface (Queens Park), who was the defending champion. Syer needed all 18 holes to secure her place against the seasoned campaigner from Southland, with a final score 2up. Syer’s earlier wins were against Kim Burke (Shelly Beach) and Jill Morgan (Cambridge). Both Burke and Morgan were previous winners, in 2017 and 2015 respectively. Taupo’s best result was in the Division 3, Manawatu Whanganui Salver, where Lynette Mortleman won, after a final against Dianne Cleland (Waikaka). Mortelman needed two extra holes to finally getting her hands on this salver. Anna Brabyn, Taupo Golf Club’s President, won the LGU Vesta Cup for the best score in the stroke play round, for players aged 70-plus. Other Taupo locals in the extensive prize pool in the awards ceremony were Chris Pritt, Lesley Hosking and Chris Thomson. Pritt and Thomson were both plate winners, Hosking a flight winner. The 72nd championship attracted players from around the country along with 20 entrants from Australia. 124 senior ladies started the tournament with an 18-hole Stroke Play round before qualifying into eight divisions of 16, competing for three days in match play. Other divisional winners included Rosie Priest (Paraparaumu), Liz Bartlett (Ngaruawahia), and Sarah Pearson (Arrowtown) in the Waipukurau Jubilee

Sandra Rickards (Hauraki), best Net, Mike Alexander, Anna Brabyn, and Jacqui Morgan

RESULTS

Championship NZ Veterans Challenge Cup Winner Jacqui Morgan

Salver, Hawke’s Bay Salver and Canterbury Rosebowl divisions respectively. The Maunu Trophy was awarded to Chris Chambers (St Clair), the Wanaka Trophy to Mary Symons (Otautau) and the Waihi Trophy to Robyn Kennard (Tuatapere). PaR nz Golfing Holidays, who manage the tournament on behalf of New Zealand Golf, announced that the 73rd Championship will be held in Taranaki from the 15th – 18th February at New Plymouth Golf Club, known as Ngāmotu Links. The attention of host club, Taupo, now turns to the 2020 Senior Women’s Trans-Tasman Biannual Tournament. The inaugural Trans-Tasman was held in Adelaide in 2018 with Australia wining by one point. Morgan, the Australian captain, will hope her current form can continue over the weekend, attempting to lead her team to their second win. The Australian team includes Sue Wooster who is currently the world’s leading senior women golfer. Named in January, Wooster has wins and top places in numerous senior women’s amateur tournaments around the globe. Wooster did not play in the New Zealand championship this week, but was a winner in 2018. Wooster will join Morgan, Burke, Palfrman and Pascoe along with Sharon Dawson, who won the New Zealand championship in 2016. New Zealand will be led by Robyn Boniface, who is awaiting the arrival of new cap to the team, Julie Gee (Riverside), who was also not available to compete in the New Zealand Senior Women’s Championship. Boniface’s team includes a star studded list of past Senior Women Champions including Robyn Pullar (Invercargill), Robyn Pellow (Ngauruawahia), along with Holford and Syer. Boniface is a 4-time winner of the Challenge Cup and a 4-time winner of the Curtis Cup as the Stroke Play Champion. Syer is the current New Zealand Women’s Mid Am holder along with her 2020 runner-up place after this week’s tournament. For more information please contact Denise Langdon NZ Golf Tournament Director Phone 0275 662 385

March 2020

Championship NZ Veterans Challenge Cup Final: J Morgan bt D Syer 2 and 1 Semi Finals: Jacqui Morgan bt; B Holford 2 and 1; D Syer bt R Boniface 2up Qtr Finals: Jacqui Morgan bt H Pascoe 4 and 3; B Holford bt R Pullar 3 and 2; R Boniface bt S Dawson 2 and 1; D Syer bt Jill Morgan 3 and 2 Waipukurau Jubilee Salver Final: R Priest bt J Kent 4 and 2 Semi Finals: J Kent bt E Newton 19th; R Priest bt J McCauley 3 and 2 Qtr Finals: E Newton bt J Wilton-Eadie 1up; J Kent bt H Green 4 and 3; R Priest bt S Eastmond 3 and 1; J McCauley bt P Jeffrey 3 and 2 Hawke’s Bay Salver Final: L Bartlett bt T Sasaki 19th Semi Finals: T Sasaki bt G Muir 6 and 5; L Bartlett bt J Lloyd 3 and 1 Qtr Finals: T Sasaki bt J Hall 2up; G Muir bt L Campbell 3 and 2; L Bartlett bt H Gifkins 2 and 1; J Lloyd bt J Moyle 1up Manawatu Whanganui Salver Final: L Mortleman bt D Cleland 20th Semi Finals: L Mortleman bt C Hyndman 5 and 3; D Cleland bt A Mark 19th Qtr Finals: C Hyndman bt J Gibson 21st; L Mortleman bt C Fouhy 2 and 1; D Cleland bt B Bridge 3 and 2; A Mark bt C Mackenzie 2 and 1 Canterbury Rosebowl Final: S Pearson bt T Woolcott 2/1 Semi Finals: T Woolcott bt A Newman 2 and 1; S Pearson bt S Connell 2up Qtr Finals: A Newman bt S Speden 2 and 1; T Woolcott bt J Clifton 2 and 1; S Connell bt G Bunn 3 and 2; S Pearson bt J Fullerton 3 and 2 Maunu Trophy Final: C Chambers bt V Philp 1up Semi Finals: C Chambers bt F Currie 5 and 4; V Philp bt B Duncan 4 and 3 Qtr Finals: C Chambers bt R Taylor 2 and 1; F Currie bt P Johnston 2 and 1; V Philp bt T Yoshifuku 5 and 4; B Duncan bt N Simmons 2up Wanaka Trophy Final: P Purdie bt M Symons 1up Semi Finals: P Purdie bt C Alley 3 and 1; M Symons bt N Bertinshaw 5 and 4 Qtr Finals: C Alley bt P Dawson 3 and 2; P Purdie bt J Davey 7 and 5; N Bertinshaw bt L Chambers 5 and 4; M Symons bt C Williams 3 and 2 Waihi Trophy Final: R Kennard bt M Cleaver 8 and 6 Semi Finals: M Cleaver bt R Aitken 2 and 1; R Kennard bt M Hardy 2 and 1 Qtr Finals: R Aitken bt K Bazeos 5 and 3; M Cleaver bt E Leary 2 and 1; R Kennard bt S Allioux 20th; M Hardy bt T Vanengelen 3 and 2

Lynette Mortleman with Mike Alexander – Life member NZ Golf

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An exciting new decade ahead for golf By Dominic Sainsbury New Zealand PGA General Manager

am looking forward to what this decade holds for golf in New Zealand and there are a number of reasons for this. Here are four to start with: 1. A well-educated, highly skilled and passionate workforce leading our game at clubs across New Zealand. 2. Positive young and mature role models providing inspiration for the next generation of golfers. 3. Fun and innovative engaging formats of play with a focus on socially connecting people. 4. Knowledge of the fact that playing golf will improve your quality of life and that golfers live longer. One of the main strategic goals of the Professional Golfers’ Association of New Zealand is to invest heavily in educating PGA professionals in the game and business of golf.

The game is really reaping the rewards of this hard work and investment by the PGA of NZ with more PGA professionals than ever in leadership positions across New Zealand. Also, our applied learning philosophies of mentoring of our members has led to increased participation and more people enjoying the game of golf. We are so lucky to have great positive role models playing the game at the highest level with passion, enthusiasm and ultimate professionalism, as well as being humble in the process. Meanwhile the likes of professional golfers Ryan Fox, who keeps on getting better and better, Luke Toomey’s rise and rise, the announcement of Denzel Ieremia on the world stage, Danny Lee and Tim Wilkinson flying the flag on the PGA Tour, Lydia Ko will be back to the top of the leader boards over the next 10 years as form comes and goes but class never leaves you, and we have a host of exciting

GOLFCOACHING How to read a putting green

talent coming through the ranks all working hard on unleashing their talents on the world’s stage. They include golfers such as Luke Brown, Daniel Hillier, Nick Voke, James Anstiss, Tae Koh, Harry Bateman and countless other young courageous players all coming through playing on the professional circuits around the world from Asia to Europe. PGA professionals are at the forefront of focusing on the needs and wants of golfers past, present and future. Providing an experience is the mantra of so many of our members. This means innovating and adapting, sometimes relaxing the rules and embracing a casual approach while at the same time upholding the values of the game around respect and integrity. All this is done with the support and empowering of a great volunteer and club network at facilities across New Zealand. Golf is a low impact workout where we walk between 7-10 kilometres for 18

holes. It provides not just physical benefits but also enhances our mental well-being. I recently played a two-ball ambrose event and while I struggled around the greens, my playing partner holed loads of putts and chipped in a couple of times. I supported with the odd good drive and thanks to the fun format we posted a good score and had heaps of fun and banter in the process. We are seeing more and more of these fun formats being played at clubs around New Zealand with great success. If you want any more on these points visit your local PGA professional who is dedicated to helping you get the most enjoyment out of your golf game and sign up to our friends of the PGA newsletter to stay up to date with all our professional players applying their trade all over the world. www.pga.org.nz/friends-of-the-pga

Can you then see in your mind the path that the water would take when it hit the ground? Will the water run away quickly – a severe slope that will really affect your putt – or will it just trickle away? Using the imaginary ‘bucket of water’ should help to give you an idea of whatever slope is on the green and how to adjust the line of your putt to allow for it. Before I get to my next idea, I do need to point out that all of this green reading stuff should only be done if you have time to do it and you won’t be holding anybody up doing it. That applies to both the group you are playing with and the group behind you if there is one! So back to working out what your putt is going to do. After getting an idea of how much slope there possibly is, it’s a good idea to then walk around and look back at your golf ball from behind the hole. Doing this should help you to confirm the slope you saw at the start. However, while you are there it is helpful to take a good look around the hole itself, to see if the green around it actually slopes from one edge to the other. You would be surprised how often it does! It may explain those putts you have hit over the years that have been travelling on a great line, only to veer off in the oth-

er direction just as the golf ball was about to go in. The last thing I would suggest is that as you make your way back to your golf ball past the hole. Walk along the ‘low side’ of the target line if you have identified a slope. I’m not sure there is a lot of science behind it but I know it helps me to look at it from that angle to confirm what I need to do. I discuss this idea further in an article which you can find on my Golf Habits website: golfhabits.com/2013/08/21/ how-to-read-a-putting-green-part-two In the meantime, another thing you may find useful if you play either early in the morning or late in the day, is that frequently the sun can help you to figure out the slopes on the green (and therefore the borrow) by putting shadows on the low points of the green. Take a minute to think about how many times you have seen that over the years and possibly taken no notice of it at all! So, to read a putting green, take advantage of the things I’ve covered above when you can see them. Start figuring out the slope of the green as you approach it from that fairway and if you aren’t sure you can see a slope, get out your ‘bucket of water’ and imagine ‘tipping it’ on the green! But only if you have time of course. Play well.

ianhardie.net

By Ian Hardie NZPGA Professional

eading a putting green is in its simplest form, taking some time before deciding where you will aim and how you will putt, to determine the slope or slopes of the green between your golf ball and the hole. And then estimating how (or whether) it will cause the golf ball to turn in any direction as it travels toward the hole, which is what most golfers call: the break of the putt. Gathering this information can also help you to determine the speed of the putt, which I will discuss later. The ability to read a putting green well is one of the things that separates great putters from average putters and in any game you play, it can turn pars into birdies and bogeys into pars. Unfortunately though, reading a putting green well is something that most golfers find quite difficult, especially when the putt is a longer one and the green has multiple breaks on the ball’s way to the hole. So today, we are going to look at the easiest way to figure out if there is any break at all. First of all, something you may not

have thought of doing. Most good golfers will start to read the green as they approach it from the fairway. This initial look usually gives you a good idea of the green’s general slope and the main way that the green slopes – if it does at all. Then once you get to the green, stand a few feet behind your golf ball and look toward the hole, looking carefully at the green’s surface between your golf ball and the hole. Does it look like the green is higher on one side or another of the direct line to the hole? If you can see a difference, are you able to visualise how the golf ball is likely to turn as it makes its way towards the hole? This is the part that most golfers have trouble with, but luckily I learned a little tip many years ago that can help you with that. It helps you to visualise the effect of the slope (if there is one) on the path of the golf ball to the hole. What you need to do is imagine you are holding ‘a big bucket of water’ while standing at a point about halfway between your golf ball and the hole. You then imagine ‘tipping the bucket of water’ onto the green.

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

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

March 2020

New and Used Yamaha Golf Cars at Parkland

amaha personal transportation vehicles distributed nationally by Parkland Products continue to grow their position in the New Zealand market. The Yamaha Drive 2 range includes petrol and electric power options for golf cars, personal transport vehicles, as well as the highly capable UMX utility vehicle. When a customer purchases a new or used Yamaha vehicle, they have peace of mind through Parkland’s exclusive nationwide service coverage. Purchasing a Yamaha vehicle has never been easier with finance options available to meet customers’ needs. “The Yamaha brand is synonymous with superior quality and advanced technology and their golf cart range continues in this vein. These quality vehicles sit comfortably alongside our existing portfolio of premi-

um products,” Craig Johnston, National Sales Manager for Parkland Products, said. “Boasting an impressive array of industry-leading features, designed to maximise passenger comfort and convenience, the Yamaha Drive2 vehicles set themselves apart from the competition. With our experienced and Yamaha trained sales, parts and service personnel the team at Parkland are suitably equipped to make sure that you get the best product for your needs, along with the support service and parts provision to ensure the longevity of your investment in your new Yamaha.” As well as bold styling and colour options, the design of the Yamaha Drive2 range is engineered specifically for player comfort and convenience. Featuring the widest, most ergonomic contoured seat, the most occupancy space and the most legroom of any

New & Used

other golf car on the market, while the automotive style dashboard, two USB ports (PTV Model) and a huge storage compartment with non-slip mat ensure that your modern electronics remain safe and secure during your round. Those looking for the greatest range can choose Yamaha’s Quietech EFI option and still enjoy the lowest noise emissions and industry-leading fuel economy, coupled with the reliability and smoothness of a fuel injected petrol engine. The QuieTech® EFI boasts the industry’s first-ever Independent Rear Suspension on a golf car, ensuring a luxuriously quiet ride. With a wide range of accessories available you can personalise the look and feel of your Yamaha golf cart or PTV and make sure that it exactly matches your requirements.

NEW D ZEALAN

WIDE

Yamaha Golf Cars On Site Servicing Parts & Accessories

0800 867 686 | www.parkland.co.nz

March 2020

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Welcome to Greenacres Golf Club, where playing golf is a “fun” experience to be enjoyed. This beautifully-maintained 18-hole layout, rated one of the top 40 courses in New Zealand, is conveniently located on the outskirts of Richmond, just a short drive from Nelson Airport. Set on an island, the club offers magnificent scenery and tranquil surroundings. The course is renowned as one of the best all-weather courses in the region and tests players of all abilities, young or old, high or low handicaps.

NELSON GOLF CLUB NELSON GOLF CLUB’S 18 hole championship links course is adjacent to the district’s airport and the picturesque waters of Tasman Bay. This beautiful seaside links course has reputedly the ‘best’ greens in the country. Nelson golf links is only ten minutes from the centre of downtown Nelson and virtually next door to beautiful Tahunanui Beach and associated accommodation. Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand with high sunshine hours which helps to explain why Nelson is a popular golfing destination. Come and play this challenging links course year round. www.nelsongolf.co.nz

Nelson Golf Club

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

While this course is considered one of the most challenging in the top of the South Island it is a popular course for all playing levels. The scenic yet challenging links style layout of the course in a tree lined parkland setting, is a pleasure to enjoy. Greenacres has everything a good (and growing) golf club should have – a great course and facilities, and fabulous people that are friendly and welcoming and want you to be part of the club, even if just for one day We look forward to seeing you soon. www.greenacresgolfclub.co.nz

MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB Motueka Golf Club, voted the 2018 NZ Golf Club of

Greenacres Golf Club

are great deals available on green fees and a wide range of memberships – contact the staff at the Nelson Golf club, who will be only too delighted to explain all the options available. Call 03-548-5029 or email nelson@golf.co.nz Check out our website www.nelsongolf.co.nz and see what you’re missing. The site offers photos of the course plus other club information highlighting the Nelson Festival of Golf. Check it out on www.nelsongolf. co.nz/festivalofgolf

the Year, prides itself on running a friendly and welcoming club. The course is relatively flat and has a park like atmosphere with the fairways lined by mature trees. In addition to our beautifully maintained course we are fortunate that it is alive with abundant and varied birdlife. The course has been modified and improved over recent years. The trees have been trimmed and our fairways have been widened which has made the course more “Golfer Friendly”. The fairways are well watered and beautifully grassed and our greens are consistent and true. For those players who played last year you will find our greens are in even better condition this year! At 5800m off the White Tees the course rewards accuracy and correct club selection. Golfers of all abilities will welcome the challenge and if you play to your handicap on your first visit you should be well satisfied. You will be in the minority! The course sits on the east side of Motueka and provides some stunning views of Tasman Bay. With an increasing membership and glowing reports from both local and overseas visiting players, Motueka’s reputation continues to grow as one of the best country courses in New Zealand. We look forward to again hosting new and returning players to the Nelson Festival of Golf. www.moteukagolf.co.nz

GOLF EVENT

GREENACRES GOLF CLUB

Motueka Golf Club

2018 NZ GOLF CLUB OF THE YEAR

Harbour Road

Motueka

Tel: (03) 528 8998

Fax: (03) 528 8998

� Click to email us �

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

The best island golf course in New Zealand

www.nelsongolf.co.nz

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

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March 2020

Australia Claims The Trans-Tasman Cup, Again! GOLF EVENT 16

2020 Senior Women’s Trans-Tasman Taupo Golf Club Monday 24 February

ell that’s that! Australia, led by Jacqui Morgan, have retained the Trans-Tasman Cup, 8 ½ points to New Zealand’s 3 ½. Trailing 5-1 overnight after the previous day’s Foursomes and Fourballs, where New Zealand only managed to scrape one win, the task was always daunting. None-the-less New Zealand came out firing. Highlights from the six singles matches for the Kiwis included local Diana Syer claiming the prize scalp of Sue Wooster, who had been ranked no. 1 in the senior world circuit one month ago. This match was all square through the first nine holes, Wooster got two back on the 11th and 12th, then lost the 13th to a Syer birdie, the 15th where she bogeyed, then another to a 3-putt on the 16th. Syer birdied

the 17th and the match was New Zealand’s, 2 and 1. It seemed like all of Ngaruawahia was out supporting their ‘home-grown favourite’ Robyn Pellow, who gave New Zealand their second win of the day. Pellow led from the first hole, with a birdie, and two more wins on the back nine where opponent Sharon Dawson was struggling to make a putt. Three down at the turn, Dawson did get two back on the back nine including a birdie on the par-3 12th. However the long-standing Waikato representative claimed the 15th and then, despite a wayward tee shot into the long scrub, miraculously got back on the 16th green for 2, and made par. Match won 4 and 2. Rookie Julie Gee, playing the very experienced and skilled Jacqui Morgan, Australia’s captain, initially 5-down after 6-holes and while still losing, can take extreme heart from the chase she made on holes 7, 8, 9 10 and 11 to

square the match. Morgan, ever talented, fresh off her win last week at the 2020 New Zealand Women’s Senior Championships, dug in and eventually won on the 16th, 3 and 2. Robyn Pullar managed a half for New Zealand against Carmen Palframan but the day belonged to Australia. Wins by Kim Burke over Robyn Boniface, New Zealand’s captain, started to close the door on any New Zealand dreams of staging a major upset, the inevitable Cup win cemented by Helen Pascoe, a win 4 and 3, over Brigit Holford. Australia won the inaugural Trans-Tasman 18 months ago in Adelaide, by one point. Both Morgan and Boniface were the captains in 2018 and again this year. The 3rd Trans-Tasman Cup will be staged in 2 ½ years to coincide with the 2022 Australian Senior Women’s Championships, which are due to be held in Victoria. Both captains reflected on who might be in the 2022 teams as masters players on

March 2020

both sides of the Tasman turn 55 in time to put their hand up. One thing is for sure, Morgan, Wooster, Pascoe, Palframan, Dawson and Burke will be celebrating all the way home, and so they should. Well done Australia – a class act and the 2020 Cup deservedly yours. Results Single match scores: Australia win 2 and 1 Burke bt Boniface New Zealand win 2 and 1 Syer bt Wooster New Zealand win 4 and 2 Pellow bt Dawson Australia win 4 and 3 Pascoe bt Holford Australia win 3 and 2 Morgan bt Gee Match Sq Pullar vs Palframan Results Foursomes: Pascoe / Palframan (Aus) bt Holford / Syer (NZ) 2up; Dawson / Wooster (Aus) bt Boniface / Pellow (NZ) 2up; Morgan / Burke (Aus) bt Pullar / Gee (NZ) 3 and 2 Results Football: Palframan / Dawson (Aus) bt Syer / Pellow (NZ) 5 and 4; Morgan / Pascoe (Aus) lost to Boniface / Pullar (NZ) 1 Down; Burke / Wooster (Aus) bt Gee / Holford (NZ) 3 and 2

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undreds of years ago Scottish shepherds passed the time by knocking round stones down rabbit holes with their crooks. This supposedly, was the origin of golf we play today! Although the game and associated equipment has progressed over the centuries, modern day farmers still amuse themselves by knocking balls down holes at their local golf course. For many the ultimate experience would be to return to where the game originated in Scotland and play and experience the lifestyle and culture which led to the development of this amazing game. Then to top it off, follow the best players in the world at The Open at the Royal St George in England in July 2020. An added attraction for many golfing farmers will be the chance to visit a few properties to see modern UK agriculture, and maybe as well, check out where their ancestors hailed from. Scotland is also naturally of interest as the source of many of our finest farm animal breeds, such as Angus, Galloway and Ayrshire cattle, Border Leicester and Cheviot sheep, Collie Dogs and Clydesdale Horses. This tour is being organised by Ross Macmillan of Farm To Farm Tours in Rangiora and past pro and current top

senior amateur, Peter Brinsdon – both members of Pegasus Golf and Sports Club.

Peter Brinsdon

Scotland has more golf courses per capita than any other country, so specialist, local golf guides have helped choose some of the very best courses to play and to also recommend some of the best other local attractions. Along with playing golf and experiencing the beautiful countryside, a few days in the wonderful cities of Edinburgh and London are included. All of these features augur well for this small group tour. You don’t have to be a gun golfer to enjoy this one … and also non-playing travelling companions are very, very welcome.

Scottish golf and farming tour plus The Open 2020

A wonderful opportunity to travel on a small group tour designed especially for farmers who love golf! * Play on some world-famous courses in Scotland * See the best players in the world at THE OPEN, July 2020 * Enjoy visits to a range of Scottish farms * Soak up the culture and history of the Highlands! * London, Edinburgh, Inverness, St Andrews and more * Escorted by former professional golfer and livestock agent, Peter Brinsdon

For details: www.farmtofarm.co.nz | Free phone: 0800 383 8747 More 2020 tours to South America, USA, Canada, Africa, Europe, Australia, Japan, Scandinavia

G O L F T R AV E L

Farming and golf inextricably linked!

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PING introduces Heppler putters

mploying high-pressure aluminum casting for the first time in the manufacturing of its putters, PING introduced the Heppler putters today, an eye-catching, nine-model family of blades and multi-material mid-mallets and mallets differentiated by solid- face technology and extremely high inertia properties. The custom-fit putters are available for pre-order at authorized PING golf shops around the world beginning today. “With the Heppler series, we’re providing golfers a firmer-feeling putter in highly forgiving models to ensure a choice that fits their stroke and eye,” said John K. Solheim, PING President. “We’ve chosen a very precise manufacturing process that’s significantly advanced our ability to create high-MOI mid-mallets and mallets by combining aerospace-grade aluminum with steel. The contrasting copper and black finish provides alignment cues and a visually appealing, premium look that’s attracting a lot of interest on tour.” “Fitting continues to be an important part of our putter technology as well,” Solheim said. “We’ve made improvements to the feel of our adjustable-length shaft technology, and the new putters are available to fit every stroke type so golfers can find a putter to match their stance and stroke.” Solid-Face Technology A firmer feel and sound is the result of the machined, flat face. The face material – either aluminum or steel – varies by model, depending on the placement of the materials, which is strategically positioned to maximize forgiveness and optimize the center of gravity. Extensive testing revealed the auditory feedback of the flat metal face had a positive effect on the player’s confidence by providing a distinct impact experience without compromising performance. “We saw a high percentage of testers improve their ‘Strokes Gained’ results with a Heppler model, indicating that many golfers prefer the firmer sound and feel of a solid-face design,” said Solheim. “We see the new putters as an appealing alternative to our Sigma 2 series, which offers a softer feel and sound through its dual-durometer insert and TR face technology. Our primary goal is to provide golfers a custom-fit putter with their desired feel and sound while delivering the performance and consistency they need to hole more putts.” Pressure-Cast Aluminum; Multi-material Designs PING engineers combined a lightweight aluminum with steel through strategic shaping and weight placement to produce extremely high MOI designs. The aluminum

casting process creates precise detail and exceptional quality in the mid-mallets and mallets. The new Tomcat 14 has the highest MOI in the line and features a 14-dot alignment aid inspired by the lights on an airport runway. “The advantage of pressure casting is we can achieve highly precise design details while allowing our engineers much greater freedom to position weight where it benefits the putter’s performance the most,” said Solheim. “As a result, we improved the performance of existing models and developed two entirely new designs. Golfers will also find a variety of alignment features to help ensure accuracy and match their preferred look.” Black Chrome, Adjustable-Length Shaft Advancements to the adjustable-length shaft technology introduced in the Sigma 2 family produce a firmer feel with less flexing. Finished in an eye-catching black chrome, the adjustable-length shaft is lightweight, easy to use and sleekly concealed beneath the grip, allowing golfers to customize length between 32” and 36” to fit their stroke and posture. The process is quick and intuitive through the use of an adjustment tool that inserts into the top of the grip. One full turn causes approximately a ¼” adjustment up or down, and the grip remains perfectly aligned during the adjustment process. “We’ve taken a very complex technical challenge and simplified it for the benefit of golfers,” said Solheim. “It allows you to experiment with various lengths and ultimately fit yourself. You simply adjust it until you’re comfortable, ideally with your eyes directly over the ball or slightly inside the line. The performance improvements with a putter fit to the proper length are significant. We strongly encourage golfers to take advantage of this innovative feature.” PING Pistol Grip Options Four PING grip designs allow golfers to find their optimal fit and feel. The PP59 is the standard grip, inspired by the popular PP58. The PP60 is midsize and lightweight, designed to fit the contours of the hands with flats on the top and sides. Slightly heavier, the PP61 has an exaggerated pistol shape. The PP62, while still lightweight, has a larger, more rounded shape to promote quieter hands. Name Pays Tribute to Longtime Employee The new putter family is named in honor of Rick Heppler, a longtime PING employee who began his career with the company as a teenager in 1966. The son of a General Electric co-worker of PING Founder Karsten Solheim, Rick was hired by Karsten to help John A. Solheim build putters in the family garage. Rick eventually held several management positions at Karsten Manufacturing Corporation before passing away in a motorcycle accident in 2013. “Rick was part of the PING family for almost 50 years,” said John. “He was a dear friend who contributed greatly to our suc-

cess in all that he did. Naming this putter series after him is a tribute to his dedication to our company and its employees.”

HEPPLER MODELS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Anser 2 – Bearing the same heel-toe weighting that helped make the original Anser 2 so popular, the Heppler version also shares the original’s angled heel ballast. The all-steel Heppler Anser 2 stands apart with color blocking that creates its own eye-pleasing alignment assistance. * Putter Type: Blade * Material: Steel * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 350g * Stroke Type: Slight Arc * Lie Angle: 20° ±4° * Loft: 3° ±3° ZB3 – A larger section of the cavity was carved out and the heel-toe ballasts are larger than those in the ZB 2 to achieve a high MOI in this strong-arc blade. The alignment dot is a product of our research showing this cue makes aiming easier for strongarc players. * Putter Type: Blade * Material: Steel * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 355g * Stroke Type: Strong Arc * Lie Angle: 20° ±4° * Loft: 3° ±3° Piper C – Players who prefer center-shafted putters will find the Piper C gives them a performance edge. Relative to other center-shafted models, the CG is lower, and MOI is higher because of steel heel and toe weights integrated with the aluminum body. * Putter Type: Mid-mallet * Material: Aluminum/Steel face * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 365g * Stroke Type: Straight * Lie Angle: 20° ±4° * Loft: 3° ±1° Tyne 3 – At address, the ratio of aluminum to steel appears to be 50/50; in fact, steel accounts for 2/3 of the weight, created by a thick back flange, resulting in a lower, much deeper CG and a higher MOI. * Putter Type: Mallet * Material: Aluminum face/Steel * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 360g * Stroke Type: Slight Arc * Lie Angle: 20° ±4° * Loft: 3° ±3° Fetch – To elevate MOI over the Sigma 2 Fetch, which has steel bordering the center cutout, designers used aluminum, then steel in the heel-toe ballasting for increasing forgiveness. The color contrasting helps golfers focus on the alignment lines, causing the holed-out section to fade and not be the primary focus. * Putter Type: Mallet * Material: Aluminum/Steel face * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 365g * Stroke Type: Straight

* Lie Angle: 20° ±2° * Loft: 3° ±3° Ketsch – Its sole is steel, which also wraps the perimeter, a big reason this ½ steel, ½ aluminum Ketsch nearly doubles the MOI of the PING Vault 2.0 Ketsch. Like all the Heppler mallets, it effectively utilizes multi-material construction, and is the only putter in the family with three alignment lines, which frame the ball. * Putter Type: Mallet * Material: Aluminum face/Steel * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 370g * Stroke Type: Slight Arc or Straight * Lie Angle: 20° ±2° * Loft: 3° ±3° Floki – The strong-arc mallet is enjoying popularity, and the Floki expands a player’s fitting options while boasting the second-highest MOI in the Heppler line, owing to its 2/3 steel, 1/3 aluminum construction. Significant steel around the perimeter prevents twisting and its copper color contrasted against the black aluminum is designed to inspire confidence. * Putter Type: Mallet * Material: Aluminum face/Steel * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 365g * Stroke Type: Strong Arc * Lie Angle: 20° ±4° * Loft: 3° ±3° Tomcat 14 – Airport runway lights inspired the alignment dots in the highest-MOI model in the Heppler family. The dots get closer together front to back to simulate motion, help with eye tracking, and frame the ball. The back ballasts are cored out and steel filled in this ½ steel, ½ aluminum putter. * Putter Type: Mallet * Material: Aluminum face/Steel * Adjustable-Length Black Chrome Shaft: 32” to 36” range * Head Weight: 370g * Stroke Type: Slight Arc or Straight * Lie Angle: 20° ±2° * Loft: 3° ±3° Piper Armlock – A mid-mallet is the predominant putter style among armlock players for its desirable head shape, and this Piper relies on the same low-CG, high-MOI, heel-toe weighted Piper C head. The difference is a double-bend shaft (std. length 41 ½”) and it attaches heel-side as opposed to the center, a 21-inch grip, and standard loft is 6°. * Putter Type: Mid-Mallet * Material: Aluminum/Steel face * Standard length: 41.5” (Non-adjustable. Custom lengths available) * Head Weight: 355g * Stroke Type: Slight Arc or Straight * Lie Angle: 20° ±2° * Standard Loft: 6° (custom lofts available) Get custom fit today. For your nearest PING stockist contact Sports Network Ltd. Ph: 0508 776 786.

PING introduces G710 distance iron

n the new G710 irons, PING engineers deliver golfers more distance and forgiveness in a sleek, dark finish, PING President John K. Solheim announced today. The new irons are available for custom fitting and pre-order at authorized PING golf shops around the world beginning today. “The G710 iron is our longest, most forgiving iron to date. It’s engineered for golfers who want to maximize both distance and forgiveness,” Solheim said. “In designing it, we also advanced other important attributes such as consistency, sound and feel without sacrificing performance. The hydropearl stealth chrome finish gives it a very sleek and attractive look. It’s a beautiful, high-performance design that will have broad appeal for golfers who want to hit the ball longer and straighter. Solheim also announced the new G710 irons come standard with Arccos Caddie Smart Grips and a free trial of the Arccos Caddie app. “I personally started using Arccos more than a year ago and have seen significant improvement across my entire game,” he said. “It helps me during a round with club selection, and I really enjoy analyzing all the data after the

round to uncover areas to help me play better. The Arccos Caddie app is a tremendous shot-tracking tool to help golfers lower their scores and have more fun on the course.” Precision Machined, Maraging Steel Face One of the strongest aerospace-grade alloys in the world, maraging steel provides strength and flexibility for launching shots higher and farther. High durability coupled with a machined variable-thickness face make an ideal pairing for distance. “We’ve continued to employ maraging steel in several products where maximizing face flexing is a performance priority,” said Solheim. “Our engineers have optimized the bending of the G710 face to increase ball speeds for more distance and higher trajectories, producing shots that land softer and hold the green. It’s a distance iron that delivers consistent distance, a very rare combination for an iron of this type.” 5% Higher MOI High-density tungsten toe and heel weights optimally positioned in the 17-4 stainless body increase the MOI by 5% compared to the G700, producing exceptional forgiveness for more distance and accuracy, especially for mid-to-high

handicaps and slower swing speeds. “Forgiveness continues to be at the top of our list when it comes to iron design,” Solheim said. “In a hollow-body design, our goal is to balance a variety of attributes to help golfers hit the ball significantly farther while hitting more greens. The G710 iron’s extremely high MOI is a result of strategically positioning weight on the toe and inside the hosel to make it our most forgiving iron. We’ve also greatly enhanced the feel and sound through extensive modal analysis, which helped us eliminate certain undesirable frequencies.” Hydropearl Stealth Chrome Finish A hydropearl chrome finish with black PVD coating provides hydrophobicity to repel water and improve performance through the turf and in wet conditions. The two-stage coating process ensures durability and the darker finish creates the perception of a smaller, more compact head. Alta Distanza Black 40 Graphite Shaft The proprietary PING shaft is a no-upcharge option in the G710 iron and offers the lightest weight and max trajectory height available in a PING iron shaft. A more active tip in the 43-gram shaft deliv-

presents

try En

WH AT’S N EW

ers higher trajectories and best matches golfers with slower swing speeds. Arccos Caddie Smart Grip & Arccos Caddie app The Arccos Caddie Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet Smart Grip is standard on every G710 iron in one of three sizes (Aqua -1/64”, White Std., Gold +1/32”). Each iron is custom built with an embedded sensor in the grip to automatically record and analyze every shot taken during a round when paired with the Arccos Caddie app. Golfers receive a 90-day free trial of the app (then $99.99 annual subscription) and eight additional screw-in sensors at no charge after the purchase of six or more G710 irons. Fulfillment of the additional free sensors comes directly from PING and requires users to first download the Arccos Caddie app. G710 Iron Specifications: Multi-material design: Hollow-body 17-4 stainless steel head, plasma-welded maraging steel face, machined face and grooves, tungsten toe and hosel weights Finish: Hydropearl Stealth Available 4-9, PW, UW, SW in 10 color codes (lie angle). Black is standard. Standard grips: Arccos Caddie Smart Grip/Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet in three sizes (Aqua -1/64”, White Std., Gold +1/32”) Optional grips: Golf Pride 360 Tour Velvet in six sizes (Blue -1/16”, Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”, White Std., Gold +1/32”, Orange +1/16”) Shaft options: Stock steel shaft -- PING AWT 2.0 (R, S, X); Stock graphite shafts -Alta CB Red (counter-balanced) powered by AWT (SR, R, X), Alta Distanza Black 40, UST Recoil 760 ES SMACWRAP (A), UST Recoil 780 ES SMACWRAP (R, S) Aftermarket steel shaft options (no upcharge): True Temper Dynamic Gold (S300, X100), Dynamic Gold 105 (R300, S300), Dynamic Gold 120 (S300, X100) Project X LZ (5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5), True Temper XP95 (R, S,), Nippon NS Pro Modus 105 (S, X), KBS Tour (R, S, X) Get custom fit today. For your nearest PING stockist contact Sports Network Ltd. Ph: 0508 776 786.

e Fe

PIXIE WILDING LADIES’ PAIRS TOURNAMENT SUNDAY 29TH MARCH 2020 Tee off from 8.30am FORMAT: 27 HOLES – 9X9X9

KAWERAU GOLF & SQUASH 4BBB, FOURSOMES, SCOTCH FOURSOMES CLUB ENTRY INC. FEE: $30.00 EACH

SPONSORED TOURNAMENT 29th March 2020

(INCLUDES 2’S AND LUNCH provided by PULP LUNCH BAR)

PRESENTS

BAR FACILITIES & REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE PIXIE WILDING Include your name and membership number PAIRS TOURNAMENT

CALL or TEXT entry to Rangi on 0273195353 or EMAIL TO: chappies2017@gmail.com Direct Credit Option: 38-9018-0369042-00. Don’t forget your name and reference is PIXIE

SUNDAY 29TH MARCH 2020

Tee off from 8.30am WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ FORMAT : 27 HOLES – 9X9X9

March 2020

Shotgun Start 8am and 12:30pm

Entries close 20th March | CONTACT: Mark Bohan 027-291-3831 Or message us on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/charterisbay

Green Fee Specials Play on one of New Zealand’s best layouts -

18 Holes only $59.00 this Summer

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

March 2020

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND NORTHLAND NOTICEBOARD 12 Mar

Northern Wairoa

09 439 6599

Women’s Teams Day

12 Mar

Mangawhai

09 431 4807

Mangawhai Pro Am

13 Mar

Mangawhai

09 431 4807

Mix Partners

14 Mar

Kaitaia

09 409 4833

Men’s Open

15 Mar

Sherwood Park

09 434 6900

Shamrock Mixed Open

17 -18 Mar

Sherwood Park

09 434 6900

Mixed Platinum Homes DVS Pro Am

19 Mar

Waiotira

09 436 3403

Women’s Open

19 Mar

Waitangi

09 402 7713

Mix Pro-Am Waitangi

NORTH HARBOUR 2020 LYDIA KO JUNIOR OPEN WINNERS

The event was played early last month at Gulf Harbour Country Club.

Final scoring was as follows: First: Onewhero 225 points Second: Waiuku 204 points Third: Awhitu 199 points Equal Fourth: Maramarua 195 points Equal Fourth: Pukekohe 195 points Sixth: Hauraki 194 points Seventh: Clarks Beach 187 points Eighth: Wattle Downs 185 points Ninth: Huntly/Waiterimu 156 points Top individual score for the day, winning the Claret Jacket, was Graham Bell with a credible 42 points closely followed by Warwick Blagrove on 41 points and Mark Smits on 40 points. All these three represented Onewhero so it is no surprise that the hosts came out on top. The next Covic event will be the First Qualifying Round of the Covic Shield and Plate competition on 2nd March 2020 at Waiterimu. AUCKLAND NOTICEBOARD 19 Mar

09 232 5702

Maramarua

9 Hole

3 Apr

shop@ maungakie kiegolf.co.nz

Maungakiekie

2020 Maungakiekie Open

WAIKATO LUKE TOOMEY WINS THE 2020 BRIAN PERRY CLASSIC 2020 Boys Champion – Jang Hyun Lee NORTH HARBOUR NOTICEBOARD 10-11 Mar

Pupuke

09 410 7906

Mix Pupuke Pro-am

13 Mar

Pupuke

09 410 7906

9-Hole Open Day

16 Mar

Warkworth

09 425 8248

Warkworth Pro-am

17 Mar

North Shore

09 415 9924

Open Pairs Charity Day

AUCKLAND COVIC NEWS – SEASON OPENER

2020 Girls Champion – Angela Ju

The Covic 2020 season opened at Onewhero on Monday 10th February with the traditional VVV Cup. The competition was on a pairs, combined stableford format with the best three pairs’ scores counting towards each club’s score. The tournament was played is brilliant sunshine and hot temperatures and the course, though well-prepared, presented the players with a serious challenge due to the hard nature of the ground. In the end, local knowledge and experience told with the hosts running out clear winners.

Local boy Luke Toomey has continued his impressive form from the back end of 2019 by winning the annual Brian Perry Classic for 2020. The ex-Waikato representative proved too strong taking out first place with a round of five under 67. Just behind him tied for second equal was Cameron Jones and Richard Lee who both shot four under 68’s. In the team division the X-site team of Hamish Lamb, Donna Allen, Murray Shaw, Zahraa Bester (Junior) and Andrew Henare (Pro) took out first place with a score of 132 stableford points.

The X-site team won on the day by countback from the ONYX team of Terry McDonnell, Warrick Lyall, Darryn Murray, Sam Towers (Junior) and Cameron Jones (Pro). Bay of Plenty representative James Tauariki won the Junior Division with a round of 68 beating Henry Wang by three shots, who shot a round of 71. Eunseo Choi finished 3rd after shooting a round of 72. Thank you to everyone who took place is this wonderful event and a special thank you to all the sponsors without whom this day would not be possible.

WAITANGI DAY OPEN

It has been a busy start to 2020 at the Huntly Golf Club, with a significant increase in the number of affiliated and casual players coming to play the course. Unlike most drought browned off courses, throughout the region, the Huntly Te Ohaaki course still has a 50% green tinge to its fairways, indicating plenty of playable grass on green approach. With the greens and surrounds now being watered multiple times a day from the club’s river supply, the course is being presented at its best possible summer state of play. On Waitangi Day, a tournament field of nearly 100 players took to the tees in the second annual Te Ohaaki Waitangi Day Strokeplay Open. This is an enormous success for the club and its event sponsors, Tainui Group Holdings, Tainui Waikato Raupatu River Trust, The Henry Morgan Family, The Franklin Golf Shop (Pukekohe GC) and Smith’s Golf Waikato. The day started with a commemorative Waitangi Day welcome speech and prayer from Tuku Morgan, on behalf of the local tribes and whanau. Mr Morgan spoke in both Te Reo and English and provided some historical context as to the importance of the Treaty for Aotearoa New Zealand, the history of the local river region, the region and role of the Raupatu Trustees and the river’s importance to both iwi and Kiwis. A shotgun tee start followed and the day was concluded with a high spirited after-match session, along with free kai, prize giving and celebration. Some kind words were given by a number of the major prizewinners, including Gross Winner Jordan Rangihaka who stated it was an honour to come and play the Huntly course alongside his Taniwharau mates.

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March 2020

Jordan, playing off a +1.8 handicap, shot an impressive 8-under par 66 score. Hidden in the women’s field was New Zealand’s World Long Drive Champion Phillis Meti, who chose to play off the white tees alongside the men and shot a two over 74. What a treat for the field and great to see her playing some fun golf.

Major results were: Seniors: Best Gross Jordan Rangihaka (66); Runner Up Alan Garrick (72). Best Net (on count back): Kelvin Tupuhi (65); Walter Morgan (65); Michael Garrick (67); Ponzi Vaea (67); Roger Neale (68); Robbie Furmage (68); Jeff Rendall (68); Kevin Ellery (69); Ollie Ward (69); Rodney Buck (70). Juniors: Best Net (on count back) Jason Broughton (61); Te Iwiangaro Morgan (67); Vern Hall (68); Malcolm Budgen (68); Danny Meanata (69); Braden Chick (69); Stephen McLaren (69); Jared Turton (69); Aaron Steel (69). Women: Best Net (on count back) Maggie McMinn (68); Sheree Bezer (68); Layla Kim (69); Kay Gregory (69); Natasha Rehm (71); Phillis-Jean Meti (71); Kathy Ashby (72); Lauola Paloma (73); Jenny Shewin (73); Phil Meti (74); Kathryn Douglas (74). Non Handicappers: On Gross score: Raekwon Morgan (90); Jeff Johnson (105); Jean Koak (108).

Above: Don Highet – Senior Nett Winner In the juniors, three locals went into the last day with a good chance to take the trophy. Eventually Mike Matutinovich, with a three round nett of 209, was able to lift the trophy.

Above: World Long Drive Champion Phillis Meti proved an inspiration for our next generation of golfers. Here she is with Huntly Junior Miss Rendall.

Above: Leonard Morgan – Gross Winner The ladies’ gross this year was hotly contested with five players coming to Waihi playing off seven or better. The final day saw Jill Morgan and Sian Stevenson, both from the Cambridge Club, fighting for best Gross, Jill taking the win on the day on countback with a three round total of 246. The Stableford winners were David P Campbell 118, Dennis Borman 117, and Emma Spiers 115. Another successful tournament at Waihi Golf Club with a busy month of golf culminating in the FOX Fishing & Golf Festival on March 5-7. WAIKATO NOTICEBOARD

WAIHI GOLF OJI 54 HOLE GOLF TOURNAMENT – PLAYED 8TH & 9TH FEBRUARY 2020

On the weekend of the 8th and 9th of February the Waihi Golf Club held its annual 54 Hole Open tournament. This year the club welcomed two new major sponsors in OJI Fibre Solutions and The Clubroom. 109 entries ensured a strong field for the 2-day event. The course was well set up by the Waihi green staff under very dry conditions with the greens playing true and reasonably quick on the Saturday afternoon and just a bit slower on Sunday.

Additional sponsorship was provided by Mills Reef Wines, Golfer Pacific magazine and Asahi, which added value to the daily prize table. Numbers were down a little on previous years, especially with overseas entries, however those in attendance all seemed to have a great time and Bay of Plenty Golf Board Member Jayne King once again did an amazing job ensuring player requests such as groups, carts, trundlers etc were all sorted. It was good to see the scoring was a lot closer in all divisions, with only one player achieving 200 stableford over five rounds.

The first round Saturday saw Don Highet from Walton, off a 15, set a blistering pace with a nett 60 to start his weekend campaign in the senior men. He was never headed from that round on and eventually took home the prize for the best nett with a three round score of 198.

Above: Mike Matutnivich – Junior Nett Winner In the ladies’ division Emma Yarndley from Ngahinepouri took out the best nett for women, with a solid 206 from fellow club member Emma Spiers. The men’s gross this year was won by Leonard Morgan from Cambridge. Leonard came to Waihi to defend his title from last year, and after scoring 74, 72, and 76 he was four shots clear of the field and again will have his name on the trophy.

11 Mar

Walton

07 888 3731

Mid-Week Ambrose Tournament

19 Mar

Pauanu

07 864 8695

Open Tournament

19 Mar

Tahuna

07 887 5861

Ladies Autumn Tournament

27 Mar

Hukanui

07 824 3784

Ladies 9 Hole Tournament

30 Mar

Morrinsville

07 889 6696

Autumn Tournament

2 Apr

Matamata

07 888 6109

Life Pharmacy Tournament

BAY OF PLENTY METLIFECARE 5 COURSE CLASSIC

Superb weather was a feature on the 25th 5 Course Classic, which for the past two years has been sponsored by Metlifecare Retirement Villages.

Results: Division 1 Men 1.Tipene Wairepo (Hukanui) 190 2. Ross Mackie (Te Puke) 188 3. Taylor Scott (Ngaruawahia) 184 4. Kevin Mitchell (Wellsford) 183 5. Robert Gillespie (Feilding) 183 6. Mark Lewis (Walton) 182 Division 2 Men 1. Nathan Warahi (Whangarei) 200 2. Y T Park (Maungakiekie) 197 3. Rex Wairepo (Te Kowhai) 193 4. Mark Flood (Redwood Park) 192 5. John Holloway (Omokoroa) 190 6. John Dudson (Cambridge) 187 Division 3 Men 1. Con O’Leary (Otumoetai) 194 2. Robert Wetere (Te Awamutu) 193 3. Phil Jackson (Cambridge) 190 4. Damon-Lee Rameka (Wellsford) 187 5. Joseph Hwang (North Shore) 185 6. Mark Benjamin (Whangaparaoa) 185 Division 1 Women 1. Kaeko Watanabe (Australia) 187 2. Ann Braithwaite (Strathmore) 185 3. Lea Shapiera (Australia) 182 4. Carolyn Koch (Manaia) 180 5. Lynn Cuming (Fairview) 178 6. Younghwa Lee (Waitemata) 177 Division 2 Women 1. Hwee Ping Oh (Titirangi) 186 2. Kaye Paulger (Turangi) 181 3. Sun Park (Remuera) 180 4. Katrina Burrow (Redwood Park) 179 5. Helena Kwon (Northshore) 179 6. Susie Hwang (Northshore) 179

HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY NOTICEBOARD

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.

Gisborne

06 867 9849

Association Day, Judy O’Rouke Memorial

19 Mar

Dannevirke

06 374 8248

Dannevirke Ladies Foursomes

23 Mar

Maraenui

06 835 8273

Silky Oak Chocolates 9 Hole Tournament

25 Mar

Poverty Bay

06 867 4402

Taste One Open Foursomes

30 Mar

Puketitiri

06 839 8611

Ladies Open

TARANAKI TARANAKI NOTICEBOARD

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

18 Mar

March 2020

14 Mar

Waitara

06 754 8923

Ladies Open Day

22 Mar

Manaia

06 274 5846

Balanced Accounting Taranaki 5000 Golf Tournament & Lottery

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MANAWATU-WHANGANUI

WELLINGTON

MANAWATU WHANGANUI MASTERS WOMEN’S TEAM SELECTED

CARTERTON GOLF CLUB OPENING DAY

After a series of trials, the Manawatu Whanganui golf selectors have named the following four players to compete at the Masters Interprovincial at Clarks Beach near Auckland in early April. Congratulations to the following players: Lisa Herbert (Manawatu GC) Lisa Cotton (Pahiatua GC) Von Walker (Feilding GC) Karen Wehipeihana (Palmerston North GC) The reserve is Jill Hall from Rangitikei GC. Lisa Herbert had the best individual result at the 2019 tournament, and will no doubt have eyes on repeating that this year.

By Wendy Wills Saturday the 8th February was Carterton Golf Club’s Opening Day, with the main competition being a Canadian Mixed Foursomes for the W.J. Feast Memorial Trophy. The winners were Robyn Hill and Jim Harris with 41 closely followed by Lesley Sadler and Max Baylis 40, then Janet and Duncan Pincock with 39. The rest of the men played a stableford competition. Their results were: Les Cherry 41, David Sadler 40, Don Kinnell 39, Cary Clark 39, Nigel Bain 38, Chris Connor 38, Stu Oliver 38 and Wal McKnight 37. Best gross for the day went to Nigel Bain. Twos for the day went to: Josh Price, David Sadler, Stu Oliver, Les Mason and Murray Smith.

20 Mar

Castlecliff

06 344 4554 (0)

Castlecliff Open Day

Feilding

06 323 5976

Women’s Premier Challenge Feilding

2 Apr

Marton

06 327 6912

Intercollegiate Championships Junior

2 Apr

Pahiatua

pahiatuagolf club@gmail. com

Pahiatua Open Day

30-31 May

Feilding

06 323 5976

Mens Queens Birthday tournament

Jayden Ford was exempt from the first stage, but will also be at the final stage of qualifying with Adam. The New Zealand Open Regional Qualifying Series began last month with 135 aspiring players competing for spots in the final qualifier across four iconic New Zealand venues: Paraparaumu Beach, Otago, Christchurch and Titirangi.

JUDGEFORD GOLF CLUB’S HEINEKEN 2020 SUMMER CUPS

Another successful competition over for the year. Thank you to everyone involved in the organisation, once again it was an event to be proud of, showcasing the quality of Judgeford Golf Club. A big thanks to the sponsors: Harvey Norman, Prolife Foods and On Par Advertising. It was great to see another field in excess of 200. Despite the breezy conditions, a few golfers managed to register some great scores. Congratulations to all of the winners.

MANAWATU-WHANGANUI NOTICEBOARD 2-3 Apr

slow start, three over through 5, Adam ripped the course apart to finish with an eagle and four birdies.

Above: Winners of the W.J. Feast Memorial Trophy, Jim Harris and Robyn Hall.

NZ OPEN QUALIFYING

Judgeford golfer Adam Church shot a three under 68 to top the Regional Qualifying from Paraparaumu Beach. After a

Results: Men’s Gross – Adam Church 136 (68, 68). Adam scored the best result yet with a combined total of 136, two rounds of 68 net three under both days. Men’s Net – Mohammed Ali (Shandon) 132 (67, 65) Ladies’ Gross – Yewoo Hyun (Shandon) 159 (77, 82) Ladies’ Net – Sally Moffat 140 (67, 73) WELLINGTON NOTICEBOARD 20 Mar

Masterton

06 377 4984

2020 Trust House Wairarapa Women’s Open

23 Mar

BFGC

04 567 4722 Ext 1

Hutt City New World Women’s Open Day

25 Mar

Carterton

06 379 8457

Carterton Ladies Open Day

27 Mar

Manor Park

04 563 8558

Women’s Veterans Event

TASMAN COASTWIDE HONDA WESTLAND CLASSIC

The Coastwide Honda Westland Classic continues to attract good numbers of participants, with 132 lining up for the 2020 event on Greymouth’s Kaiata Links over the weekend of 8/9th February.

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

March 2020

Clearwater, with a 36 hole total of 172. Harcourts joined with Coastwide Honda to this year underwrite a $500 holein-one prize. It took less than an hour of playing time by local Michael Scholes to claim this prize on the 12th hole on Saturday morning. The tournament continues to have an international flavour, with 11 entries from Australia and two from the Netherlands. Tournament convenor Rob Harrison noted that comments received from visitors and locals suggested the course to have been in the best condition ever for this tournament, an excellent accolade for greenkeeper Ken Liefting, and his hardworking volunteer assistants.

Light rain at intervals on the first day didn’t dampen spirits, and Sunday’s play was fine and warm throughout the day, producing excellent underfoot and overhead conditions. Course presentation was a feature of the weekend, attracting plenty of enthusiastic approval from visitors and locals. Nick Franzmann once again proved he has a game to match all comers, winning the Westland Classic trophy for the fourth time, and the third in succession, with a gross score of 144. The Win Beck Trophy for the best gross 18 holes over the weekend was won by local Ryan Coll with a 71. As well as his name on the Westland Classic Trophy again, Franzman pocketed $500 for his win, while Coll benefited with his name on the Win Beck Trophy and $250 cash. The women’s division 36 hole net was won by Yvonne van der Jagt, a visitor from the Netherlands, with a score of 150 on a countback from Lynda Vieceli, a long time Canterbury supporter of the event on the coast. Van der Jagt received the Penny Robertson-Crowe Trophy and a Weber BBQ for her efforts. Best nett score across all grades was taken out by a regular at the tournament, John Hornby, now resident in New Plymouth. He shot an excellent net score of 129, including a superb net 60 on Saturday, and also earned $500 for his efforts. Best gross score in the women’s division was taken out by Lynda Vieceli, of

Results: Best Gross 36 holes – Nick Franzmann 70, 74 – 144 Best Gross 18 holes – Ryan Coll 71 on Sunday Best Net All Grades over the field – John Hornby 129 Senior Men Best Net 36 holes – Jarrod Satherley 137 Senior Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Caleb McNeish 137 Senior Men’s 2nd Runner Up Net 36 holes – Michael Scholes 137 Senior Men Best Gross – James Howard 146 Senior Men Runner Up Gross – Wayne Robbins 147 Senior Men Best Net Saturday – Ian Donaldson 68 Senior Men Best Net Sunday – Ethan Negri 68 Intermediate Men Best Net 36 holes – Murray Macgibbon 136 Intermediate Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Kevin Thomas 138 Intermediate Men 2nd Runner Up 36 holes – Rick Moor 140 Intermediate Men Best Gross 36 holes – Wayne Thomas 161

Intermediate Men Runner-Up Gross 36 holes – Luke McNeish 163 Intermediate Men Best Net Saturday – Peter McGee 66 Intermediate Men Best Net Sunday – Karl Lineton 68 Junior Men Best Net 36 holes – Paul Watson 137 Junior Men Runner Up Net 36 holes – Mark Dixon 138 Junior Men 2nd Runner Up Net 36 holes – Andy Williamson 142 Junior Men Best Gross 36 holes – Mark Connors 183 Junior Men Runner Up gross 36 holes – Murray McLeod 186 Junior Men Best Net Saturday – Antony Merriman 68 Junior Men Best Net Sunday – Errol Simpson 73 Womens Best Net 36 holes – Yvonne van der Jagt 150 Women’s Runner Up Net 36 holes – Denise Pickering 152 Women’s 2nd Runner Up Net – Kate Lagan 152 Women’s Best Gross 36 holes – Lynda Vieceli 172 Women’s Runner Up Gross 36 holes – Catherine Shackleton 178 Women’s Best Net Saturday – Pam Maxwell 73 Women’s Best Net Sunday – Colleen Buchanan 76 Mooney Cup – Best International Net score – Bruce McLeod 150 Mooney Cup – Runner Up – John Morton 153 Women Closest Pin Saturday – Annette Goodall Men Closest Pin Saturday – M.Scholes (hole-in-one) Men Closest Pin Sunday – Ian Donaldson Closest 16th hole (Saturday) – Peter Bourke Closest 16th hole (Sunday) – Brent Foster Junior Men Closest Pin on 7th for 3 – Tony Bastings Women closest Pin on 9th for 3 – Lynda Vieceli Two’s were scored by the following: Saturday – Jeremy Aranga, Ian Donaldson, Kevin Moyle, Russell Nelson, Melanie Duff, Brent Foster, Ken Williams, John Hornby,

Steve Satherley, James Hardie (2), Ryan Coll, Kevin Thomas Sunday – Josh McNeish, Michael Dwyer, Ian Donaldson, Kevin Moyle, Shane Kennedy, David Bruce (2), Brian McLaughlin, James Howard, Jimmy Geddes, Ian Carruthers, Ryan Coll, Bruce McLeod, Patrick McBride, Karl Lineton, Murray Macgibbon, Michael Scholes.

Above: Visitor from the Netherlands, Desiree van der Jagt, preparing to putt on the 18th, while her sister Yvonne van der Jagt (winner of women’s best net) and NZ cousin Tonie de Vries look on. TASMAN NOTICEBOARD 16 Mar

Picton

03 573 7750

Marlborough Vets

21-22 Mar

Motueka

03 528 8998

Motueka Centenary (18 Hole Saturday, Ambrose Sunday)

24 Mar

Wairau Valley

03 572 2575

Margaret Anderson Tournament

27 Mar

Nelson

03 548 5029

Nine Hole

28 Mar

Waahi Taakaro

03 548 7771

Maitai Masters 27 hole

29 Mar

Marlborough

03 578 7646

Marlborough Junior Golf Tournament

CANTERBURY CAPTAINS DAY TOURNAMENT

The 2020 Captains Day Tournament

“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 (from 1st April breakfast provided will be self service)

NZ$1015 for TWO *

*Must be NZ residents. International players ADD $555

Outs ide these dates please look at ou r webs ite

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Above pricing valid until 31st March 2020. 14th December to 31st March 2020 NZ$1015.00 for TWO NZ residents • International players add $555.00. 1st of April to 30th April $945.00 • International players add $555.00. • NON Golfer Substitute: A selection from Health-Herbal-body treatments • No refund for unused services • Rain check available due weather within validity • Based on two persons - share Twin or Double Occupancy • Air and land transportation not included • Prices are GST inclusive • Golf carts not included

LODGE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE USE! Min. 2 nights. Use our fully equipped kitchen, self-catering. Lodge serviced daily. If you have more than 6 golfers or are international golfers please enquire.

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

March 2020

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was held at Avondale Golf Club last month in cool, overcast conditions with the course in excellent order. A field of 40 men and women’s club captains from around the Canterbury region competed for the Captains Trophy, playing a combined stableford competition. The scoring was very close with only four points separating the top eight teams.

lie Livesey (40) and Merv Westland (28). Five teams, Burnham, Rangiora, Amberley, Waimak Gorge and Waitikiri, were all locked together on 66 points.

CANTERBURY MEN’S OVER 50’S & 60’S INTERCLUB

The final round of Canterbury Over 50’s & 60’s Men’s Interclub was played at Bottle Lake last month in fine, warm weather and the course in great condition.

Results were as follows: Over 50’s Team Gross (6 Rd Agg.) Pirie Cup – Christchurch Over 50’s Individual Gross (Best 4 of 6 Rds) George Turner Trophy – Peter McDougall (Christchurch) Over 50’s Invidual Net (Best 4 of 6 Rds) – Dan Cusiel (Tai Tapu) Over 50’s Team Net (6 Rd Agg.) Chamberlain Cup – Amberley Over 60’s Team Gross (6 Rd Agg.) – Pegasus B Over 60’s Team Net (6 Rd Agg.) – Bottle Lake Over 60’s Individual Gross (Best 4 of 6 Rds less age) A M Pemberton Salver – Wayne Gugich (Lincoln)

Eventually, it was Hawarden’s Judy McMillan (37 pts) and Hugh Murchison (33 pts) pictured above, with a combined stableford score of 70 points, who won the tournament on a countback from McLeans Island’s Ailex Barnett (33) and Warren Davis (37), also on 70 points. Third on 68 points was Tai Tapu’s Ju-

Above: Pegasus B’s John Woods, Phil Brodie, Nevin Wright & Peter Nicholls

Amberley’s Gwyn Williams, Ron MacPhail, Roger Hornblow & Tala Natapu

GREAT FIELD FOR ARTHUR CHAMBERS TOURNAMENT

One of the largest fields in recent years played in the Arthur Chambers Memorial Tournament played last month. The junior tournament, which this year was held at Burnham Golf Club, attracted a field of 40 players from around Canterbury. Michael Visser (Russley) won the Arthur Chambers Memorial trophy for the lowest net score over the field, with a net 64. The runner-up was Joseph Hall on a net 65. Leading the girls field both shooting a net 68 were Deanna Matthews (Weedons) and Jana Beneke (Kaiapoi). The Central Canterbury medals are awarded to players with the lowest net scores from a Central Canterbury club. The U16 medal was won by Joseph Hall (Weedons) with Nathan Hall (Weedons) winning the U19 medal with a net 67. The 9 hole section was won by Selwyn Hub member Alex Kimber with Joshua Wentworth (Weedons) finishing runner-up.

Michael Visser is pictured above with Karen Wilson from Burnham Golf Club.

RESULTS – LAMB & HAYWARD CANTERBURY STROKEPLAY

Dominic Brettkelly was the toast of

GOLFCROSSWORD ACROSS

1 Look after (3,2) 4 Driven hard (6) 10 Winner of the 2013 NSW Open (4,5) 11 Reduce to nothing (5) 12 Aerial (7) 13 Winner of the 2020 Queensland Open, _______ Quayle (7) 14 Winner of the 2020 Farmers Insurance Open, ____ Leishman (4) 16 Canadian winner of the 2020 Pebble Beach Pro-am (4,6) 19 Local boy who won the 2020 Queensland PGA Championship (7,3) 22 Winner of the 2020 WGC Mexico Championship, Patrick ____ (4) 25 High-finishing Kiwi at the 2020 Queensland Open, James _______ (7) 26 Cut down (7) 28 Green (5) 29 Swing (9) 30 Winner of the 2014 Valspar Championship, John ______ (6) 31 Warning device that may be sounded when lightning is about (5)

DOWN

1 Winner of The Genesis Invitational in 2020, Adam _____ (5)

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March 2020

8 10

18 19

24 25

2 Lengthen (6) 3 Art of folding paper into shapes (7) 5 The USA players at the Ryder Cup in 2018, for example (4,4) 6 Winner of the 2020 Victorian Open (3,3,3) 7 One who holds up play (7) 8 Greeting that might be heard on course at the Dubai Desert Classic (6) 9 Make a comment (6) 15 Slump (9) 17 Record store purchases (3)

18 Southeast Asian tongue (8) 19 Expanses of grass but not those normally seen on golf courses (7) 20 Period of instruction that could be needed to improve your game (6) 21 Bugs (7) 23 Winner of the 2018 NZ Open, ______ Nisbet (6) 24 Winner of the 2020 Waitikiri Legends Pro-am, Peter ______ (6) 27 Work out; practise (5) >> SOLUTION NEXT EDITION

Hororata last month after he came from behind to win the Lamb & Hayward Canterbury Strokeplay Men’s Championship at Harewood. Back from the USA on a break from University, Dominic shot a final round 71 to beat Hayato Miya, Mike Toeke and Josh Smith by one shot, and win the title for the second time. Playing in the second to last group, he had a nervous wait as the final group of Reid Hilton, Mike Toeke and Josh Smith looked likely to win or end up in a playoff. While Dominic birdied the last three holes, the final group could not get it in and made bogeys down the stretch to fall short. Next best were Jonny MacKay and Reid Hilton. The Women’s Championship was won by Christchurch Golf Club’s Yoonji Woo. She was too strong with three rounds of 70 to win by six shots from Russley’s Anika Park, then a further four shots back to Sumin Kang from Queenstown. Sumin shot a fine third round of 68 but will rue the 81 she had in the second round. Sayaka Okada (Pegasus) and Maddie May (Russley) were the next best. The Men’s Masters Championship was won by Kwang Hoon Woo who is the father of the women’s winner Yoonji Woo. With rounds of 74, 75, 75 he won by five shots from Russley’s Andrew Dufton, with a further two shots back to Waitikiri’s Brett Turner. Woo began the day with a three shot lead, and playing in the final group together, Dufton and Turner were unable to peg him back. Waitikiri and Canterbury rep Kim Moggach won the Women’s Masters Championship holding on after starting the final round with a five shot lead over Southland’s Robyn Pullar. She prevailed by one shot over Pullar, with clubmate Suzette Eastmond finishing third. The Men’s Net was won by youngster Ben Allington (Harewood) by one shot from Russley Master Gary Gillard. Clearwater’s Virginia Faass won the Women’s Net by one shot over Waitikiri’s Cheryl Kemp. Thanks must go to Harewood Golf Club for presenting a superb golf course and backing that up with fine hospitality and support from their members. The Harewood layout proved once again what a fine test of golf it is for a championship of this level. Thanks also to Stephen Parkyn and his team at Lamb and Hayward for again supporting the championship.

CANTERBURY NOTICEBOARD 11 Mar

Amberley

03 314 8735

Women’s Teams Stableford

13 Mar

Rangiora

03 313 6666

Friday Tournament

13 Mar

Greendale

03 325 4128

Women’s Canadian Foursomes

14 Mar

Hanmer Springs

03 315 7110

Simes & Bascand Cups 27 Hole Mixed American Foursomes

16 Mar

Russley

03 358 4748

Men’s & Women’s 9 Hole Tournament

22 Mar

Russley

03 358 4748

Women’s Open

26 Mar

Lincoln

03 325 2453

Women’s Open

27 Mar

Ellesmere

03 324 2886

9 Hole Open

27 Mar

Rangiora

03 313 6666

Friday Tournament

29 Mar

Charteris Bay

03 329 4799