Golfer Pacific NZ – December 2021 by Golfer Pacific NZ

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Steve Alker Life begins at 50 PAGE 3 INSIDE // OUR FAVOURITE COURSES // NBS NELSON FESTIVAL OF GOLF 2022

EDITORIAL

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

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND EDITORIAL Neville Idour 0274771423 pmidour@hotmail.co.nz

The dramas of a shootout final M

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

y golf club held its annual shootout final last month. It is easily the club’s most dramatic tournament of the year. For starters, it’s a season-long event with only 11 players making the final. Scores can be submitted every Saturday and Sunday from about February to November. In other words you could enter about 100 times, paying $2 for each entry. Clearly no one plays in every round but at $2 a time, a sizeable pot mounts up for the shootout final. The players with the highest stableford points from eight rounds make the final field of 11. In the final few weeks there is much desperation from those hovering around the 11th qualifier mark. But that is only the beginning of the drama. The shootout final has all participants on edge as the competition gets underway. What makes the final so dramat-

ic is that one player has to lose on every hole. The player with the worst nett score is eliminated and no one wants to depart the contest on the opening hole, after months of build-up. But someone must lose and in my years of playing the tournament there have been some bizarre incidents. Our first hole is not long but there are trees left and right, a creek running diagonally across the fairway and the green is bunkered left and right. Consequently there has been scores as high as 13 and another time the highest nett score was just five. When there is more than one player with the highest nett score a playoff is required to determine who departs the contest. The playoff is decided by the tournament supervisor and it is usually a chip or a putt. The person with the worst chip or worst putt

loses. A matter of inches can often be the difference and the loser departs the contest much like a losing contestant on television’s quiz programme The Weakest Link. You are the weakest link. Goodbye. The tension is high throughout the shootout final and four-putts, flubbed chips and wild drives are par for the course. I was involved in a chip-off on the seventh hole in our tournament last month. I went first and my chip didn’t even make the green. I nearly went and picked up my ball to concede the chip-off to my opponent. Lucky I didn’t. My opponent’s chip was worse and I survived another hole. Another bizarre incident a year or so ago, a player picked up his ball on the second-last green when he thought he couldn’t equal his two opponents. The player had forgotten he got a shot on the hole. He didn’t nor-

mally get a shot on the hole but the player’s handicap had recently gone out to allow him a shot. Another time a player hit the wrong ball. Hard to believe considering most of the players have caddies and there are other people watching the event. But it happened. For the winner of the shootout final last month it was a case of redemption. The previous year he posted a score of 13 on the seventh hole when he topped his tee shot, topped his next shot, topped his next shot, topped his next shot and topped his next shot. Yes, disaster. But his win last month didn’t go without yet more drama. He missed a short putt on the final hole to secure victory and a chip-off was required to determine the winner. Both players hit good chips and it was only a matter of inches that decided victory. I’m already looking forward to next year’s shootout.

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Steve Alker: Life begins at 50 By Neville Idour

must admit that finding adequate words to describe Steve Alker’s extraordinary 10-event introduction to the PGA Champions Tour in the United States is probably never going to do it justice. Apart from Phil Mickelson’s not unexpected four wins in six events on the same tour, it is difficult to find a better sequence of top finishes as Alker’s on any golf tour. After no more than journeyman performances on the PGA and Korn Ferry Tours, such terms as reborn, new dawn, resurgence and life begins at 50 have emerged to describe the New Zealander’s stunning Champions Tour introduction. His first 10 events, culminating in the Charles Schwab Championship finale, produced the following sequence of finishes: seventh, third, ninth, seventh, fifth, seventh, 16th, fourth, first and second. To make the first event he had to win the Monday qualifier which he did. That would continue to be the requirement unless he finished in the top 10 of each tournament which of course he did. Still it was a daunting requirement which he took in his stride. To finish just a shot adrift of Mickelson in solo second place in the final was an exceptional effort. Alker missed makeable eight feet putts by a whisker on holes 15 and 16 then made similar ones on 17 and 18 to just miss either a playoff or a win. In the heat of the battle he left many big names in his wake. His ultimate 18th place on the points’ list was staggering. His 1,792,707 points from 10 events was almost half those of overall winner Bernhard Langer’s 3,655,999 from, wait for it, all 39 events of the season. Alker’s average was twice Langer’s. Jim Furyk probably deserved to win overall as he only played 26 events, but he lost his way in the last few holes on the final tournament. Alker’s bank balance has improved by $US1,146,207 ($NZ1.5 million) from the 10 events while those players around his position had played 30 plus events. Alker’s statistics were consistently near 80 percent in fairways hit and greens in regulation while his putting was also consistent. So what has been the catalyst for this welcome success? Alker spoke to us: “I have worked hard

teven Alker had to go through a qualifying event before he played his first seniors’ tournament of the PGA Tour. Three months later the New Zealander racked up his first win when taking out a $US2

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Steve Alker of New Zealand with his trophy after winning on the rich seniors’ tour in the United States last month. Photo credit: Tracy Wilcox/PGA Tour via Getty Images.

recently on the fundamentals in my swing and keeping things simple. “I finished my full schedule on the 2021 Korn Ferry Tour and while I missed out on the finals’ events it was excellent preparation in the build-up to the Champions Tour which I had been focussing on for the last 12 months. “The competition was tough, but the courses are similar to the Champions Tour.” Excellent preparation indeed. However it was a decision born of some brainstorming with Bob Charles who was happy to share his experience and knowledge. Alker’s fitness should stand him in good stead for longevity on the tour, His final three events of the Korn Ferry tour gave a clue to his form as his play was on an elevated level with 12 consecutive rounds in the 60s and finishes of fifth and 11th. So it has proved. His consistency from those three events till now has been remarkable. His statistics show he is driving the ball as far and as well as ever and his short game and putter have been top notch. Another factor in his consistent low scoring has been his ability to play the par fives well under par on most occasions. What is different about golf now? “I had a fun week at the Pebble Beach event. It is always a treat to play there. I’m finding it so much more relaxing. After all there are only three rounds (in Champions Tour events) and with no cut there is little pressure other than play as well as

possible. “I’m actually having fun. Not to forget I am playing with legends who were the best players in the world and some who still are.” Think Mickelson, Stricker, Furyk, Langer to name a few. How about the difference in the courses you play now? “Overall they are much the same as the Korn Ferry but in the main a little shorter than on the PGA Tour. Probably the main difference is that the rough is shorter and therefore not as penal as the PGA Tour setups.” Looking back on his progress he adds: “I have been living in Arizona full time for 11 years playing the Korn Ferry, PGA and now Champions Tour. “It has been a long journey with lots of ups and more downs. But I have persevered, stayed in good shape and been thinking about the Champions Tour for a couple of years now.” Looking back on his career so far Alker has certainly done the hard yards and in doing so has had many highlights. He has won four times on the Korn Ferry Tour and also won seven times internationally including a stellar year in 2000 with three wins. His biggest thrill in golf? “Representing New Zealand as both an amateur and professional along with winning the 2009 NZPGA Championship in Christchurch.” This writer well remembers watching Alker’s accurate and consistent perfor-

mance on the challenging Clearwater layout. His favourite course is St Andrews in Scotland which is the home of The Open. “My favourite tournament has to be The Open (which he played in 2012 ) because the atmosphere is amazing and British golf fans have a great appreciation and knowledge of the game. I like links golf as true links courses are fun.” Many golf fans will remember Alker in his early years when wife Tanya was his full time caddie. Not now. She and their children Ben and Skye have interests other than golf. Says Alker: “It is great for me when I come off tour as I can enjoy what they do.’’ When he isn’t playing golf he lists Roger Federer as his favourite athlete to watch and New Zealand lamb is still his favourite food. What does Alker like most about his life as a professional golfer? “The constant grind to become the best player and person I can be and the opportunity that golf gives me to help others. “I guess if golf wasn’t my job I would be involved in some other sport or have my own business as I like being my own boss.” Alker would be no stranger to non golf work as he has been a petroleum engineer and a carpet cleaner. Not forgetting his roots Alker says: “I miss a lot of things about New Zealand and the fire still burns. I love coming home to play and seeing old friends. “Also the clean smell of the air and vegetation is so different to elsewhere. Having said that I am very fortunate to play and live in the USA. “There are lots of opportunities, everything is convenient and people are hospitable. Home is where my family and I live now but … you can take the boy out of New Zealand but you can’t take New Zealand out of the boy.” It has been something of an exhilarating ride following Alker’s Champions Tour successes and indications are it may well continue for the foreseeable future. Alker’s goals are simple. “I’m going to continue having fun and chasing more wins.” And so say all of us.

Alker earns $435,000 from his Florida win million event in Florida which earned him $US305,000. That’s about $NZ435,000. The following week Alker finished second to Phil Mickelson in the seniors’ season-ending $US2.5 million Charles Schwab Cup Championship.

Those two results wrapped a wonderfully consistent record for Alker since he joined what is known as the PGA Tour Champions after turning 50 on July 28. Alker had 10 starts on the PGA Tour Champions for a record of a first, a second, a third,

December 2021

a fourth and six other top 10 finishes. The win in Florida last month came when he held off the challenge of Jim Furyk. Alker capped off his amazing run when he closed with a four under par 68 for a two-shot victory.

Locked in a duel with Furyk on the back nine of The Old Course at Broken Sound, Alker holed an 18-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole to take the lead, and then finished with a birdie he didn’t need to win by two over Furyk and Miguel Angel Jimenez.

GOLF NEWS

Exciting field for The Hills’ pro-am By Neville Idour

he Hills’ Invitation Pro-Am field for the December 18 and 19 event is one to excite. The strongest possible available field has been assembled with only Ryan Fox and former winner Mark Brown absent because of prior engagements while Ben Campbell is currently playing in Asia. However, in a welcome move, the

field will include two of our best women professionals. Momoka Kobori earned her position from her top 12 order of merit placing for 2021 after some great performances on New Zealand’s Charles Tour. Also in the field for the 36-hole event is Amelia Garvey who narrowly missed out recently on qualifying for the LPGA Tour in the United States. However she will be able to earn qualification through the Symetra Tour next year.

Twelve players from the order of merit plus eight invitees make up the 20-person field that will compete for the $50,000 prizemoney. Headlining the men are defending champion Dongwoo Kang, European tour players Josh Geary and recent Challenge Tour winner Daniel Hillier. The event is more than welcome for tour players Michael Hendry (Japan), James Anstiss (Latino), Nick Voke (Korn Ferry) and Gareth Paddison (Asian)

who have been unable to travel because of covid-19. The remainder of the field is made up of former winner Harry Bateman, Luke Toomey, Jordan Loof, Kieran Muir, Fraser Wilkin, Johnny Tynan, Sam An, Luke Brown, Ryan Chisnall, Fraser MacLachlan and The Hills professional Craig Palmer. The 20 professionals will each play with three Hills’ members in an accompanying team event over both days.

Green light for New Zealand Open — at this stage

ext year’s New Zealand Open is going ahead — at this stage. The tournament’s organising committee admit it is difficult to justify staging the event under New Zealand’s current covid-19 restrictions but at this point the intention is to continue as planned. The tournament, which is to be held at Millbrook Resort at Arrowtown, near Queenstown, from March 31-April 3, will probably be dominated by New Zealanders because of the need for visitors to quarantine for seven days. Tournament chairman John Hart said: “We believe that it will be very difficult to convince foreign national professionals to take an extra week out of their playing schedule, particularly at a time when other tournaments around the world are getting back to a more normal situation. “In all probability, our only option will be to run a tournament that mainly features Kiwis, and we are delighted that a number of New Zealand’s leading professionals, including Ryan Fox, Mike Hend-

ry, Josh Geary and others have signalled their support for the event, regardless of format. “Our process will now be to consult with our tour partners, international players, amateurs, sponsors and other key funding agencies to ascertain what might be possible, and indeed, if we are able to run a financially viable and high-quality event.” Hart said the tournament provides a significant platform to promote tourism to New Zealand and this is something that will be desperately needed once international borders re-open. The New Zealand Open has been placed upon the government approved event list, and while it is possible for some international players to attend, the challenge faced is the need for players to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival without access to practice facilities. A further announcement on the future of the 102nd New Zealand Open and its playing format will be made within the next few weeks.

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Sir Bob Charles (left) with 2020 New Zealand Open champion Brad Kennedy. Photo Credit: Photosport.nz.

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Ko racks up second win of the year in Saudi Arabia

Lydia Ko is all smiles as she holds the winner’s trophy from the Saudi Ladies’ International which was held in Saudi Arabia last month.

ydia Ko posted her second win of the year when running away with the $US1 million Saudi Ladies’ International in Saudi Arabia. The star New Zealand golfer was five shots ahead of her nearest rival when finishing with a score of 23 under par at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club last month. On the third day of the tournament Ko posted a course equalling record of 63, which is nine under par. Ko’s previous win for the year had been at Hawaii in April on the LPGA Tour. That had been her first win for three years. In between the two wins had been a bronze medal at the Olympics

in Tokyo. Ko’s win in Saudi Arabia was worth $US129,680 or about $NZ180,000. Ko went into the final day with a four-shot lead and carried on when she left off with a birdie on the first hole. She then added four further birdies and an eagle for a bogey-free round of 65. The 24-year-old said the course presented plenty of birdie opportunities and she had to keep taking them as others would be doing the same. “When I was out there I was just trying to play the best golf I can,” Ko said. “I knew a lot of the top names were playing well and this is a golf course where there’s a fair

amount of birdies. So I just tried to have my share of them, have fun out there and enjoy the experience at Royal Greens.” Ko said it was a big advantage having a lead of four shot lead going into the last round. “It helps going into the final round and you have a four-shot cushion, as we could possibly shoot the same score but I still have those shots from the last three days. “I birdied the first hole (on the last day) then holed two really good putts for par on two and three and I think that kind of set my momentum and I just tried to not look back and keep going forward. I’m delighted to have won.”

December 2021

This was the first Saudi Ladies’ International and became the first international women’s sports event to be held in Saudi Arabia and be broadcast on national television – at a time when the Kingdom had fewer than 20 female golfers. A landmark moment, the tournament inspired 1200 women and girls to sign-up to learn golf over its four days. Ko hoped the event would draw more Saudi women to the game. “Hopefully, more and more women have the courage to take up golf and want to, in the future, come and play this event.” Second in the tournament was Atthaya Thitikul, 18, from Thailand. That was enough for Thitikul to be crowned this year’s Ladies’ European Tour Race to Costa del Sol champion, whose final day 66 pushed her five-clear of Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Alice Hewson of England. Thitikul said: “It was a good fight today. I just did my best

NEWS

out there but Lydia Ko is just the best – brilliant. She was really good with her putting, her approach shots, everything she did this week! I will definitely learn from her to get better myself. “It’s an honour and really an amazing feeling for me to win the Race to the Costa del Sol this year, on my rookie year as well. Words cannot describe it.” On her shared third place finish – secured with a closing day four-under-par – Spain’s Ciganda said: “I played pretty solid. I hit a lot of fairways and lots of greens. I didn’t make as many putts as I would’ve liked to but some weeks they go in and some weeks they don’t. I’m happy with the week – Lydia and Atthaya played incredible. “It’s been a great week. I love the course and think it’s a great set up for us. Everything’s been great – the hospitality, the hotel. I know it’s a little bit hot but it’s a great place and it’s been great for Saudi women and Saudi sports to have a women’s golf tournament like this.”

Lydia Ko plays her approach shot to the 18th green on the final day of the Saudi Ladies’ International in Saudi Arabia last month.

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December 2021

Millbrook Village all action By Neville Idour

GOLF NEWS

recent visit to world class Millbrook Resort near Queenstown revealed major developments and upgrades underway in and around the Village Centre amenities. They are being targeted towards coinciding with the opening of the new Coronet nine holes later in the year. The aim is to enhance the member and guest experience as Millbrook prepares for the launch of the 36hole offering which will feature at the 2022 New Zealand Open. The first two rounds will be played on the Remarkables 18 and the two weekend rounds on the Coronet Championship 18. The $4 million-plus project features a new practice putting green near the golf shop and reception building. The enhanced golf cart storage and grooming facility buildings are being built on the previous putting green. The golf shop is being refurbished and includes a new retail fit out.

It was also exciting to see that the iconic and hugely popular Hole in One bar and café was closed and is undergoing a complete refurbishment. The finished article will be eagerly anticipated. Road access to the central facilities will be upgraded and a 25 metre wide tree-lined boulevard will be created between the new cart barns and golf shop. It has been designed as a shared space for pedestrians, golf carts and vehicles from the reception area and other facilities. There will be improvements to the arrival court and entranceway which will be enhanced by hard and soft landscaping. These projects are all part of the overall developments at the resort. The almost completed Mill Farm area is quite spectacular as it includes the new Coronet nine holes and residential areas associated with it. Management is confident work will be completed by December. Certainly an exciting timeframe to look forward to.

Work being done at Millbrook Resort near Queenstown. Photo credit: Neville Idour.

News from the tours... By Neville Idour

TOUR TO LIMIT USE OF GREENS’ BOOKS

A communication to PGA Tour players recently indicated only “committee approved’’ yardage books may be available to players and caddies in the near future. These new books would only include general information on the various aspects of the greens such as slopes. Players will still be able to add their own handwritten notes. The aim of the change is to wind back time and produce an environment where players and caddies will have to use their natural skills when reading greens. Prior practice and experience with reading lines and pace will become much more important. Expect the new rule to be in place by January 1 which would see any yardage or green reading books produced before that date prohibited along with any other aid or device for greens. It is hoped an added benefit will be to speed up play. Wouldn’t that be good?

A recent video posted by Tiger Woods produced something of a fawning frenzy from some golf commentators including those of television’s Golf Central. However, strangely it only shows one shot repeated. Some said he was hitting balls on the range. The divot in the video might indicate that, but I would have thought Tiger would have wanted a longer sequence showing him hitting several shots to give a better indication of progress. We await with bated breath for more facts from the man himself. Woods is second to Michael Jordan as the all time second highest earning athlete with an inflation adjusted $US2.1 billion. Jordan has amassed $2.6 billion. Arnold Palmer with $1.6 billion is third and Jack Nicklaus $1.38 billion is fourth. Mickelson ($1.08 billion) is 11th. Who said golfers don’t need the $60 million prize pool at the FED EX cup finale?

STICKER DISQUALIFIES SABBATINI

The disqualification of Rory Sabbatini at the RSM Classic was bizarre. He violated rule 4.1 which prohibits non conforming NO VACCINATION, NO PLAY external attachments on a clubface. SabThe PGA Tour’s Bermuda Champion- batini used a fairway wood on the first ship last month gave an inkling of the hole then realised he had not removed a future for the tour. The 126-player field reflective sticker on the clubface. was short of the usual 132. One of the These stickers are very small and used reasons was the vaccination requirement to track clubhead speed when practicing. to enter Bermuda. Charlie Beljan tweet- Many players prefer to use a marker pen ed he was forced to withdraw because “I which is allowed. Sabbatini’s reaction rehaven’t had the jab” followed by a jibe at inforced his fine attitude and character the tour. The message was later deleted. and the greatness of golf where golfers Players and caddies were informed that referee themselves. the Centers for Disease Control and PreFollowing his very handy 68 he sought vention (CDC) required all foreign players a ruling which confirmed his disqualifiand caddies to be fully vaccinated to enter cation for using a non conforming club. the USA from November 8. As of early No- I wonder if he went out and bought a vember, 83 percent of all the tour’s mem- marker pen or two after that faux pas. bers and staff were vaccinated.

BILLIONAIRE TIGER WOODS HITS A BALL

times it is not surprising. He and wife Annie were overjoyed with the birth of their first child Sammy recently. They did not seek to know the gender until the baby was born and did not publicise the pregnancy until late in the term. Married in 2018, this was a significant milestone in a year that happily saw Spieth regain his mojo with his first win in four years and a return to the top 10 rankings.

LPGA TOUR’S MAJOR STEP FORWARD

The LPGA Tour continues to grow in every way. This year saw 29 events played culminating in the CME Globe finale for purses totalling $US67.5 million. Next year’s schedule has 34 events which will offer a record $US85.7 million in prizemoney. Several tournaments have bumped up purses. Chevron is now $5 million, The Women’s Open is $US6.8m, CME Group Championship is up $2m to $7m. The US

Open, which offered $5.5m in 2021, has yet to reveal its purse for 2022 The tour will expand its tentacles into nine countries outside the United States. Four of them — Canada, China, Japan and Taiwan — missed out in 2021 because of covid. One milestone will be the historic Women’s Open in early August, as it is being held at Muirfield which did not admit female members until 2019.

VARE TROPHY ANOTHER COUP FOR KO

Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko and Inbee Park may be ruing missing out to Lydia Ko for the Vare Trophy. The three top players in the world rankings were also the top three in the average score per round during the season. With all three failing by a round or few to attain the 70 minimum rounds to qualify, Lydia Ko was more than happy to receive the accolade after a stellar year including two wins and where she made huge strides back to her best to end the season fifth in the world rankings.

FIRST CHILD FOR JORDAN SPIETH

If 28-year-old Jordan Spieth has been a little quiet on the PGA Tour in recent

December 2021

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Thursday 10th - Friday 11th March, 2022 • Palmerston North Golf Club

Thursday 10th - Friday 11th March, 2022 Palmerston North Golf11thClub The competition is a 2 Ball Stableford Team Event, on Thursday 10th and Friday March. The winners will be the team that has the highest total Stableford points after the 2 rounds. A lot of fun, a lot of prizes, two BBQs, welcome function and a finale lunch with the first drinks on us. Join us at the Palmerston North Golf for 2 rounds of golf and a whole heap of fun next March. The Rural Golf Challenge is an associated event leading into the iconic Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games. Following the golf be part of the weekend of fun in Palmerston North.

THE PROGRAMME

Thursday 10th March. 11am. Registration and pick up your Golf Gift Pack Pre tee off BBQ. 12 Noon Shotgun Start. 5pm. Welcome Function Finger Food and the first round free. Prize Giving Friday 11th March. 8am. Registration and breakfast BBQ 9am. Shotgun Start. 2pm. Finale Lunch and the first round free 2nd round Prizes Overall event prizes

CONTACT

THE COMPETITION

Thursday 10th - 2 ball, best ball stableford Friday 11th - 2 ball, combined stableford Players must have an official NZ Golf handicap.

ENTRY

$165 per player - Includes Two rounds Fantastic daily prizes Welcome BBQ First drinks after each round Finger Food after first round Breakfast BBQ on Friday Finale Lunch and prize giving

PRIZES

Fantastic daily prizes for each round and the overall winners.

Mike Godinet 027 532 4724 - mike@golfunlimited.co.nz Roger Carroll 027 490 2139 - roger@golfunlimited.co.nz

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Asian Tour receives $US200 million boost for next decade T he Asian Tour’s days as a down trodden stepping stone circuit are over. For decades, the Asian Tour has been widely treated as a poor relation to the world’s top two golf circuits, the PGA Tour and the European Tour, and dismissed as purely a pathway for players to progress their careers. However, in the wake of a $US200 million investment to support playing opportunities and prize funds over the next 10 years, the Asian Tour is finally ready to step out of the shadows and into the limelight. Speaking during an interview with the Asian Golf Industry Federation, Cho Minn Thant, the Asian Tour’s commissioner and chief executive, discussed the backing from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), via LIV Golf Investments, and the implications for his organisation. Cho said: “We’ve been looking for a big-time investment like this for decades … and it’s finally here. Now we’ve got to do our best to harness it and grow the Asian Tour into what it can be, or

should be. “I don’t think it’s going to happen overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day. But we’re in a pretty good position now to accelerate our growth. “Doing a deal where 10 events come onto the schedule straight away and remain on our schedule for the next 10 years is massive. We can only build around that and build our product and grow from there.” Cho acknowledges that a change in the Asian Tour’s relationship with the PGA Tour and European Tour is inevitable, but he maintains a dignified and diplomatic stance. He said: “We still keep in contact with the PGA Tour and the European Tour, but they’ve made it very clear, or they’ve positioned very clear, that they will be doing their own thing and will be separate to us. “(But) I don’t think it changes our position in the International Federation. I don’t think we’ve done anything outside of our mission and duty to our members, which is to grow the game of golf in Asia and grow the Asian Tour.

“We’ve had an alliance with the European Tour for the past five years. We’ve had great success co-sanctioning tournaments with them since 1999 and our players have always looked to progress their careers by going to Europe after they’ve seen success in Asia. “The European Tour has been quite open about not continuing the co-sanction arrangements going forward and the progression for our players to get onto the European Tour. “We accept that, but we feel that with the new investment we’ll build our Tour into a lucrative Tour where players might not have to look to Europe or at other Tours to make a lucrative living. “We’ve always had an issue with players performing very well on the Asian Tour and before you know it, they’re off to Europe and we’re left with a new crop of players. “Not that that’s a bad thing, but an investment like this and a new series like this will hopefully allow us to keep some talent in Asia and build the Tour into a place that people want to come

and play, not just the stepping stone Tour.” Despite the cooling of ties with the PGA Tour and European Tour, Cho insists the Asian Tour will continue to work closely with other professional Tours. He said: “We co-sanctioned three events in Korea with the Korean PGA – the Maekyung Open, the Korean Open and the Shinhan Donghae Open. “We do several co-sanctions with the Japan Tour – the Singapore Open and the Diamond Cup – and we’re looking to do stuff with the Australasian Tour in future, as well. “We believe in collaboration. We’re very happy to co-sanction events and work together with every Tour. We’ve had a great history of working with every Tour. I think we’re the only Tour that in the past has worked with every single Tour within the Federation. So, we’re happy to keep those ties alive and build on them if the opportunities arise.” Cho is also hopeful that marquee players will be granted releases from the PGA Tour and European Tour to perform in Asian Tour events.

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Cho said: “We’ve had really good success with tournaments like the Hong Kong Open, Maybank Championship, Indonesia Masters bringing in marquee players year in, year out. “We expect that to continue. Promoters, sponsors are still going to want several top players to come and participate in their events. “I don’t believe that what we’re doing with this new series is outside of the norm really. We’re going to put on our tournaments and try and build our schedule and grow the prize monies and the stature of these events. “We have an open category in these marquee events where players from the top-200 (in the Official World Golf Ranking) can come and play regardless of their Tour affiliation. “We’re going to have categories for elite amateurs as well and the top players from various Order of Merits. We would like to be very inclusive and if players from other Tours, other nations, would like to come and play these marquee events they need not be members of the Asian Tour.”

Two major appointments named for LIV Golf

IV Golf Investments, which is expected to launch a new golf circuit in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, has appointed Sean Bratches as chief commercial officer and Ron Crossas chief events’ officer. Both Bratches and Cross will transition into their roles immediately and bring a combined 60-plus years of experience in golf and sports innovation to LIV Golf Investments. LIV chief executive Greg Norman said: “We believe the game of golf is poised to grow on a global scale and we are ready to make the necessary strategic investments to support its growth. “The addition of Sean and Ron to our leadership team delivers an unmatched level of experience and expertise that will allow us to make an immediate impact. I’m excited to get to work and look forward to the months ahead.” Bratches brings more than three decades of experience in public and private equity company leadership, management, and operations at multi-billion-dollar scale in media, entertainment, and sports sectors. Bratches spent close to 30 years with American sports broadcaster Entertainment and Sports Programming Network

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(ESPN), rising to executive vice president of sales and marketing and serving on the ESPN board of directors. Upon Liberty Media’s acquisition of formula 1 car racing, Bratches moved to London for three years serving as managing director of commercial operations where he transformed formula 1 from a motorsport series into a global media and entertainment brand. Bratches said: “I am energised and excited to join LIV Golf Investments and work to foster sustained growth in the game of golf globally. “I am encouraged by the comprehensive vision that we have for the sport and the platform that we will create to benefit professional golfers, the sport’s commercial partners, and in particular, the passionate fans of golf worldwide.” Cross has spent the last 30 years in various leadership roles at the PGA Tour and Augusta National Golf Club. He spent two decades at the PGA Tour running premier events, including the Presidents’ Cup, Tour Championship and World Golf Championships before moving to Augusta National Golf Club for eight years. As part of the leadership team under Augusta chairman Billy Payne, Cross led

its grow the game efforts, under Payne’s vision to create heroes around the world. He was integral to the organisation as Augusta National and the Masters Tournament partnered with The R&A, United States Golf Association, PGA of America, and Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation to develop and execute the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, the Latin America Amateur Championship and the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship.

December 2021

Cross said: “I am honoured for the opportunity to work alongside Greg, Sean and the entire LIV Golf Investments team as we work to improve the game of golf on a global level. “To be a small part of a significant change in the way golf is played and enjoyed while continuing to make a positive impact on the communities we play in is another dream come true for me.”

Greg Norman at head of major expansion of Asian Tour GOLF NEWS

reg Norman has been announced as chief executive of a newly formed company, LIV Golf Investments, a move which will set in motion a number of momentous developments for professional golf world-wide. Norman, an Australian former world No 1 golfer, will have as his first order of business is the announcement of a ground-breaking series of 10 new marquee events to be staged annually on the Asian Tour over the next 10 years, representing a total commitment of more than $US200 million to support playing opportunities and prize funds. The move represents one of the single biggest investments in the history of professional golf. The series will be added to the Asian Tour schedule from 2022 onwards, with new events across Asia, the Middle East and Europe. It has been designed to drive greater engagement among fans, attract new commercial interest and to help stabilise professional golf following a sustained period of worldwide disruption and uncertainty. “This is only the beginning,” Norman said. “LIV Golf Investments has secured a

major capital commitment that will be used to create additive new opportunities across world-wide professional golf. “We will be a co-operative and respectful supporter of the game at every level, and today’s announcement alongside the Asian Tour is the first example of that. “I have been a staunch supporter and believer in playing and developing golf in Asia for more than four decades. The Asian Tour is a sleeping giant and we share ambition to grow the series and unlock what we believe is significant untapped potential. “We see our promotion of these new events as a vital first step in supporting emerging markets, creating a new platform, rich with playing opportunities that create valuable player pathways.” LIV Golf Investments has been established with group companies in the United States, United Kingdom, with Asian offices to follow. Several high-profile executives have already been appointed, with further announcements to follow in due course. PIF, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds with a diverse international investment portfolio, is the majority shareholder in the new com-

pany. Plans are in place to introduce further investment partners, who share the passion and belief in how new opportunities in professional golf can create widespread benefit for fans and players. Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and chief executive of the Asian Tour, said: “This is the single biggest development in the history of the Asian Tour and a major milestone for professional golf. “The opportunity will secure unprecedented new playing opportunities, establish new player pathways, allow us to compete commercially with other sports, and enhance our social agenda. “We are particularly excited at the prospect today’s landmark announcement brings to the amateur game, providing new inspiration to aspiring players through a new level of topflight professional competition in the region.” The series will add to the Asian Tour’s backbone of established events to comprise a 25-event season, expected to represent a record-breaking combined prize-fund in 2022. Each of the 10 new events will be broadcast live across the globe, with

plans to attract an international field of headline talent through an open eligibility category regardless of tour affiliation so opportunities are available to the broadest cross section of players. The announcement closely followed the striking of a new 10-year partnership between the Asian Tour and Golf Saudi, the organisers of the Saudi International powered by SoftBank Investment Advisers, which will see the event become the flagship tournament on the Asian Tour, featuring an increased prize fund of $US5 million. The Saudi International will not be one of the 10 new events to feature as part of the new series but will itself provide enhanced exemption requirements. Further signals of increased prosperity for the Asian Tour also came recently with the announcement that competitive play will soon recommence following a postponement due to the covid-19 pandemic. The new series of 10 events will take place throughout 2022, with all fullfield events contributing towards the order of merit ranking.

Professional golf tournament held at night in Korea T he Korea Professional Golfers’ Association held a night tournament for the first time last month. The tournament was made possible by a new state-of-theart sports lighting system at Podo Country Club. The Musco Moonlight KPGA Senior Open featured 136 professional golfers including Kim Doo-hwan, Kim Tae-jin, Chu Jeong-sik, and Park Sung-pil, who ran out the winner. Park secured his first career title with rounds of four-underpar 68 and a closing 69. Night golf has been rapidly growing in popularity around the world, and particularly in South Korea where demand for tee-times during daytime hours has exceeded supply. Installing lights at golf courses brings significant challenges, however, especially in terms of preventing glare and spill light from affecting golfers as well as homes and roads neighbouring the facility. The system that lit the event at Podo Country Club was custom designed and engineered by Musco Lighting, which partnered with the KPGA to stage the Musco Moonlight tournament.

Golf at night for a professional tournament in Korea last month.

Musco has specialised in sports lighting systems for 45 years, and has installed its solutions at nearly 150 golf courses in Korea, as well as courses in several other countries across

the globe. “The majority of golf courses in Korea are in mountainous regions, but the terrain at this course is relatively flat,” said Jeff Rogers, President of Musco.

December 2021

“In terms of lighting, that helps when it comes to creating good night-time visibility. But it also brings challenges to preventing spill light from impacting the surrounding areas,” he added.

The lighting at Podo Country Club features patented light control and visoring that prevents players and neighbours from being affected by glare, as well as innovative technology that lights the underside of the golf ball in flight, allowing players and spectators to track its entire flight. “I was convinced we made the right decision to move ahead with Musco’s lighting solution when I heard from one of my friends that our course had the best night golf lighting in the region,” said Kim Joo-young, chairperson at Podo Country Club. Players who participated in the tournament said they enjoyed the experience and look forward to playing again next year. The event garnered significant interest from Korea’s professional golf community and media, including television coverage by JTBC Golf TV, which broadcast the tournament’s second round nationwide. “It was a competition that received a lot of attention,” said Kim Byung-jun, president of the KPGA. “We are thinking of expanding the night competition next year.”

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December 2021

Third win for Japan at Asia-Pacific Amateur GOLF NEWS

eita Nakajima became the third player from Japan to win the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC), defeating Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho on the second hole of a thrilling play-off at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in the United Arab Emirates. Nakajima, who had been the world’s No 1 ranked amateur, shot a three-under-par 68 in the final round to catch up with Kho, who fired a 64 in the third round followed by a 65 to finish the tournament on 14-under par. The two players headed back to the 18th hole, which was parred in the first attempt. Kho then found the water with his second from the right fairway bunker playing it a second time. Nakajima hit a superb drive, followed by a second shot to 20 feet. He rolled that in to seal the victory with a birdie. It was the second play-off in the event’s 12-tournament history, following the two extra holes played by Lin Yuxin and Takumi Kanaya in the 2019 championship in Shanghai in China. With his win, Nakajima, 21, receives an invitation to The Masters in the United States next year, thus making his dream of playing a practice round at Augusta National Golf Club with

reigning Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama come true. Nakajima also receives an exemption into The Open at St Andrews in Scotland next year. “I am very proud of what I have achieved,’’ Nakajima said after the Dubai win. “To follow in the footsteps of Hideki-san and Takumi feels great. I am so excited that I will be playing three majors in 2022 (he is also exempt for the US Open as part of winning the Mark H McCormack Medal as the men’s world number one in the 2021 world amateur ranking). “I am very thankful to the tournament for giving us such great opportunities,” added Nakajima, who finished joint runner-up behind Kanaya in the 2018 edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur in Singapore. Nakajima, who is a former Royal & Anicent foundation scholar, made a blazing start in his final round with birdies on the first, third and fifth holes. That took him three clear of the field but a three-putt bogey on the sixth, followed by a double-bogey on the ninth from a difficult stance in a fairway bunker, brought him back to the field. Kho, with a fine run of five birdies

in six holes from the ninth, propelled himself into contention and finished with four pars to equal the low round of the day. The University of Notre Dame senior’s second place was Hong Kong’s best finish in 12 years of the championship. Kho, who had been ranked 220th in amateur rankings, said: “I was three back and I knew the guys in the last group had the potential for going deep. “I just knew if I focused on my own game, I could post a low one out there and I did exactly that. I just made a string of birdies and by the time I knew it I was in the lead with three to go. That was nerve-racking but at the same time I feel like I’ve prepared for that pretty well. “I felt more comfortable this time. To be able to play well down the stretch gives me a lot of confidence going forward. I hit the shots I needed to hit. If I had the same shot again, I would choose the same club and thought process. I just didn’t execute this time. Keita (Nakajima) won with a birdie so I have no regrets with that decision.” Korea’s Cho Woo-young matched Kho’s 65 to finish tied third alongside China’s Bo Jin (68) at 12-under. Cho was bogey-free with five birdies on his back

nine, including one on the challenging 18th, while Jin slipped early with a double bogey on the par-four second hole, but followed with five birdies without dropping any more shots. Defending champion Yuxin Lin, who also won at Wellington in New Zealand in 2017, started with a birdie but followed that with a triple-bogey on the second. He fought his way back into contention, before he sliced his tee shot on the par-four 15th out of bounds. An even-par 71 saw him finish tied seventh. Lin said: “I am definitely happy with the way I fought back after the second hole. I gave it my best until the 15th happened. I will take this as a learning experience and continue to work hard.’’ Jimmy Zhen, the only New Zealander in the field, finished 36th. He was near the lead after a score of four under par 67 in the first round but slipped back to finish 36th with following rounds of 71, 74 and 73. Zhen was able to make the field because he is based in the United States. New Zealand-based players were not able to do so.

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December 2021

Controversy over trees at Christchurch Golf Club By Neville Idour

GOLF NEWS

hirley Links, home of the Christchurch Golf Club, has been embroiled in an unwelcome squabble over the felling of some macrocarpa and pine trees. The club dates back to 1873 and is the second oldest in New Zealand (Otago at Balmacewen is the oldest) and seventh oldest outside the United Kingdom. All but one of the club’s course committee resigned, which in a letter to members from the board said these came from “differences” about the project. Club general manager Mike Hadley said the resignations were about more than the trees but were an internal matter and he would not comment. The level of vehement opposition from some members, neighbouring residents, and especially others

throughout New Zealand was not expected. While the project involved felling numbers well into three figures, apparently many of the trees were very old and past their use by date. Many were dangerous and were a health and safety threat. About 100 trees will remain when the project is complete. One upside is frosty areas will see more sunlight as will other parts of the course. This is already the case. However when it is all boiled down or when all the trees are down it may well have been a storm in a tea cup. Why? Former general manager and current men’s club captain Struan Cain said that in early photos of the course from 100 years ago there is not a tree in sight. That is why the club was called Christchurch Golf

Club Shirley Links in those days and that is what the club aims to restore the course to. Who better than Sir Bob Charles to comment. Charles views Shirley as his home club having played there since 1956. “I favour the restoration of the original links character of 100 years ago which will be going back to our roots so to speak,” Charles said. “While we are taking away the trees we are going to start a replanting programme of native trees which will restore the bird life. The end result will be fantastic.” It is not clear why trees were planted so many years ago to change the original concept. But that will no longer be an issue along with the felling of the trees when the project is complete and the new plantings take effect.

Golf attracting both young and women players in Asia

ome interesting statistics of new golfers in Asia have emerged. Across the nine Asian markets surveyed as part of Sports Marketing Surveys’ new Asian playing habits research, three percent of all golfers have started playing in the last year. A further six percent started playing between one and two years ago, a timeframe which would fit with the first covid-19 cases and lockdowns across the Asian continent. Perhaps even more meaningfully, a quarter of those newest golfers – those who have started playing in the last year – are women. Over half of the newest golfers are aged 40 or under.

Despite increased success in amateur and professional golf and at times dominance on the LPGA Tour, at grassroots level golf has been a male dominated pastime in Asia. Of the nine markets surveyed, only Singapore and Taiwan reported females making up more than 20 percent of golfers. As for age, in the two most established golfing markets in the study, Japan and South Korea, only 19 percent of responding golfers were aged 40 or younger. Global consumer polling has long indicated that gen Z and millennials are more fitness conscious than their parents, a preference that manifests in many as-

pects of their lifestyle, including smoking, drinking and nutrition. There is no reason why golf shouldn’t become a means of boosting physical and mental fitness for a much wider section of these age groups. On both measures, the new golfer findings would suggest a narrowing of gender and age disparity, boding well for the future of golf in Asia. “While any new golfers coming into the game is cause for celebration, it’s particularly gratifying to see more women and young people taking part. This is of course vital for the long-term health of the sport,” said Eric Lynge, special advi-

sor for Asia at Sports Marketing Surveys. “In the short term, too, there are clear benefits to diversifying the player base, not least that these are demographics that advertisers and partners are keen to appeal to. Having more of these people in the game makes golf more valuable as well as more vibrant and diverse. “Covid had a twin effect of reducing available leisure activities while also reminding these groups and others of the value of fresh air, exercise and social connection. Golf is a brilliant way of achieving all of those things, and it’s exciting to think that there is still so much room for growth in the future,” added Lynge.

The Hills adopting double vaccination policy By Neville Idour

ir Michael Hill’s golf club The Hills in Arrowtown is setting a lead for golf clubs

in the fight against covid-19.

General manager James Cavanagh said The Hills would align itself with the government’s date of December 3 for moving to the new traffic light system by implementing its own vaccina-

tion requirements. As from that date all persons over 12 years of age coming on to The Hills will be required to show proof of vaccination via the digital or printed version of

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the my vaccine pass. Cavanagh said: “We have decided to require vaccination certificates under all levels, green, orange and red, so that we can continue to deliver the fullest

range of services and the best possible premium experience to members, guests and visitors.” This requirement will apply to all people including those providing goods and services.

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Singapore club wins world’s best award for third time

entosa Golf Club in Singapore has won the world’s best award at the World Golf Awards for the third time in a row. That tops off an amazing awards’ season with the club also capturing the title of world’s best eco-friendly golf facility award for the second consecutive year. Sentosa had also received recognition as sustainability champion of the year’ at the Britcham 22nd Annual Business Awards (British Chamber of Commerce Singapore), further crediting it’s efforts in golf’s battle against climate change from an array of highly successful initiatives over the past 12 months.

olf Club

The Star Tracy

It’s been another standout year in the sustainability field, during which the club announced a new pledge to become the world’s first carbon neutral golf club by 2022, through various initiatives to actively manage and reduce its carbon, water and waste footprint. That includes the deployment of energy efficient buggies, innovative irrigation and agronomy technologies, and supporting off-site carbon sequestration through certified high-quality offsets from contributions from golf rounds. The club’s sustainability plans are aligned with the recently announced sustainable Sentosa strategic road map. The

21 January 2021 9x2

club is part of the Sentosa carbon neutral network, a business alliance committed to achieving Sentosa Island’s dual goals of carbon neutrality by 2030 and becoming a globally recognised, certified sustainable tourism destination. Speaking at the awards’ ceremony in Dubai, Sentosa Golf Club general manager Andrew Johnston said: “To be recognised as the world’s best eco-friendly golf facility for the second successive year, as well as sustainability champion of the year’ at the Britcham 22nd annual business awards, is an outstanding achievement. “Receiving recognition for our hard

NEWS

work to improve and pioneer new sustainable initiatives over the last 12 months is also hugely satisfying. “Sentosa will take great pride and satisfaction in winning these awards. However, our focus will remain on continuing the excellent work that has been carried out over the last three years and to continue to lead the industry in tackling this critical issue.” Sentosa Golf Club’s awards success is firmly backed by the strength of its team, which delivers state-of-the-art championship courses in tournament ready conditions, 365 days of the year, under the leadership and guidance of Johnston.

The Taupo Golf Club will become the new host of the North Island Age Group Championship

he Taupo Golf Club will become the new host of the North Island Age Group Championship and will host the event from Tuesday 11 January to Thursday 13 January, 2021. Golfers under the age of 19 on the will be eligible to play in the event held over the clubs Cen-

EVERGLADES TR

GOLF

tennial course. The club who take over the hosting from the Hamilton Golf Club is no stranger to Golf New Zealand events, having previously held the New Zealand Amateur Championship, Freyberg Masters and the New Zealand Under 23 Teams Championship

for many years. The 2020 North Island Age Group Championship saw Zac May and Vivian Lu take out the Under 19 titles with the under 16 titles going to Joshua Bai and Yeonsoo Son. Entries are now open on the Golf New Zealand website.

Everglades Country Golf Club

637 Marshland Rd. 637 Marshland Rd, Christchurch

New Members and Green fee players welcome 9 holes $10.00 18 holes $20.00

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Our Favourite Courses, Country and Coastal Gems MARAENUI GOLF CLUB NAPIER, HAWKES BAY

Phone: +64 6 835 8273 Website: www.maraenuigolf.co.nz Email: maraenui@golf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS White: 5705 Mtrs Par 72 Blue : 6125 Mtrs Par 72 Yellow: 5289 Mtrs Par 74

OHOPE BEACH GOLF LINKS BAY OF PLENTY Phone: +64 7-312 4486 Email: ohope@golf.co.nz Website: www.ohopegolf.co.nz

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COURSE INFORMATION Year Opened: 1932 Green Fees: $40 (Affilliate 18H), $50 (Non-Affilliate 18H) Electric Cart Hire: 18 Holes $40 Visitors. Trundler Hire: $5 Set of Clubs and Trundler: $25 Special Features: Green fee players always welcome – only 5 minutes’ drive from Napier City and 15 minutes from Hastings. We have a full bar with friendly staff. Club owned and operated Greenside Café has a fine selection of food to have with your drinks after your round. How to get there: Driving from Auckland to Napier 5 hours 30 mins; Driving from Wellington to Napier 3 hours 45 mins; Fly from Auckland to Hawkes Bay 1 Hour; Fly from Wellington to Hawkes Bay 1 Hour.

COURSE INFORMATION Green Fees: 18H $60.00 affiliated, $65 non affiliated 10H $35 affiliated, $40 non affiliated Electric Cart: $40 (18 Holes) and $25 (10 Holes) Club Hire: Full Set including trundler: $25 (18 Holes) and $15 (10 Holes) Trundler: $5 per Round Clubhouse: Available for Weddings, Private Events and

COURSE LENGTHS Blue: Blue 5761 - Par 71 Green: 5437 - Par 71 White: 5012 - Par 72 • OUR FAVOURITE COURSES •

WAINUI GOLF CLUB • NEW ZEALAND • NORTH ISLAND

AUCKLAND

Phone: +64 09 444 3437 Email: admin@wainui.online Website: www.wainui.online COURSE LENGTHS 65’s 6485 Par 72 59’s 5921 Par 72 55’s 5519 Par 72 50’s 5009 Par 72 45’s 4532 Par 72

Corporate Functions. How to get there: from Whakatane Airport: 40 minutes by car. From Tauranga 1 Hour 15 mins by car, From Rotorua 1 hour 15 mins by car.

COURSE INFORMATION Year opened: PGC established 1956 * Wainui 2016 Green Fees: $99.00 - $175.00 gst included Electric Cart Hire: $50.00 per cart Club Hire: $60 (Premium 18H); $40 (Premium 9H) Accommodation: O’Grady Lodge. Visit www.ogradylodge.co.nz, email ogrady@xtra. co.nz or phone 021 620 276 to book. Special Features: Club Fitting Studio. Driving Range. Short Game Practice Area. Orchard 9 Par 3 Course. Restaurant and Bar Facilities. How to get here: Head north on the State Highway #1 to exit # 396 Millwater. Take the first turn on Wainui Road. 4 kilometers to Windmill Drive turn left .5 kilometers. December 2021

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MILLBROOK RESORT • NEW ZEALAND • SOUTH ISLAND

QUEENSTOWN Phone: +64 3 441 7010 Email: golf.bookings@millbrook.co.nz Website: www.millbrook.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Remarkables 18

Coronet 18

Tees

Mtrs / Par

Mtrs/Par

Black Blue White Red Yellow

6259/71 5854/71 5432/71 5025/71 4557/71

6342/72 5874/72 5406/72 4969/72 4478/72

NELSON GOLF CLUB NELSON, TASMAN Phone: +64 3 5485029 Website: www.nelsongolf.co.nz Email: nelson@golf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Black: 6199m Par 71 Blue: 5921m Par 71 Red: 5303m Par 72

• NEW ZEALAND • SOUTH ISLAND

QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB QUEENSTOWN Phone: +64 3 442 9169 Email: proshop@queenstowngolf.co.nz Website: www.queenstowngolf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS Mens: 6103m Par 72 Ladies: 5174m Par 74

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COURSE INFORMATION Year Established: 1992 Course Architect: Sir Bob Charles Course Upgrade: Greg Turner & Scott McPherson Green Fees: From: $100 (low) to $260 (high) Electric Cart: $60 Club Hire: $60 Footwear: Soft spikes only Accommodation: Experience Millbrook’s luxurious Deluxe Studios, fully appointed One and Two Bedroom Suites, Resort Homes and Luxury Retreats. Special Features: Two championship 18 hole golf courses and Home of the New Zealand Open. Enjoy the resort’s Health & Fitness Centre, tennis, indoor swimming pool, outdoor hot pools, day spa, and visit the Golf Shop for gifts and apparel. How to get there: 20 min from Queenstown

COURSE INFORMATION Year Established: 1897 Golf Professional: Sean Riordan Green Fees: $45 for NZ affiliated golfers $60 for non-affiliated golfers Electric Cart Hire: $40 Footwear: Soft spikes only Special Features: A true links experience. Host to the 2015 NZ Seniors Championship. Host of the New Zealand Under 19 Championsips in 2016. How to get there: Next door to Nelson airport. 10 minutes from town. Facilities: Bar & Cafe Open 7 days. Fully stocked pro shop.

COURSE INFORMATION Year Established: 1975 Head Professional: Matt Judd Green Fees: NZ Affiliated $65; Non Affiliated $100 Club Hire: $40 standard; $60 Executive Motorised Cart: $50 Push Cart: $10 Facilities: Pro Shop, Bar and Café, Warm up Range, Putting and Chipping Practice Special features: Acclaimed as the most scenic golf course in New Zealand, so many feature holes in stunning scenery. Surrounded by Lake Wakatipu and framed by the Remarkable mountain range. How to get there: Water taxi from Queenstown Bay

December 2021

Local lads top the leaderboard in the Ohope 10,000 By Ian Dawson (on behalf of the Ohope Beach Golf Links)

GOLF EVENT

he future of golf at Ohope Beach Golf Links looks assured if the results from the club’s annual twoday Men’s Open 10,000 held over the recent Labour weekend are meaningful. Club member, Matt Purdy, who lost by a shot to Stu Duff last year, toppled the five-time tournament champion this year after a titanic battle over the two days. Sublime playing conditions on the Saturday saw both players on top of their games, each carding 69 to be two shots clear of the chasing pack. Sunday presented a different challenge to Matt and Stu and indeed all other players, with blustery, changing winds swirling about the course. Heading to the 18th hole, Matt held a oneshot advantage but both players made it difficult for themselves on this final hole. Stu overcooked his second shot, his ball whipping over the green into the carpark, whilst Matt, having unleashed a huge drive, had a couple of misdirected chips, leaving Stu a faint chance of victory. Matt, however, held his nerve, sinking a clutch putt to seal a two-shot win and earning loud applause from the large gallery of fellow players and visitors who had gathered to watch the climax on the 18th green. For Matt success was well-earned. Pre-tournament he was bullish about his chances of winning his first 10,000. “I knew I had a chance after a bogey-free 69 on the Saturday. I just had to try and stay in control, but I was super-stoked to take the win”, Matt said post-tournament. Stu, always a popular entrant in the tournament, was typically magnanimous in defeat and was happy to present the winning trophy to Matt at the prize-giving. For Ohope Beach Golf Links the final results took on even more significance this year with the performances of club members, 19-year-old Tyler Van Asselt

The four top placegetters. From left: Harry Sheaff, Tyler Van Asselt, Matt Purdy and Stu Duff

and 15-year-old Harry Sheaff. Tyler shot a 71 on the first day and matched Matt’s 75 on the Sunday to tie for second with Stu. Harry carded a 73 on the first day and even though he had a troubled 82 in the second round, it was good enough to secure 4th place. Matt, Tyler, and Harry will ensure Ohope is competitive in the Bay of Plenty championship pennants come next year. The tournament was yet another opportunity for the club to showcase its challenging, yet superbly defined links course to visiting players in its 50th year. Yes, the club, incorporated as Ohope International Golf Club back in

December 1971, is celebrating its jubilee anniversary. Whilst Covid-19 restrictions have unfortunately postponed the jubilee dinner for this year, the club intends to hold a series of events over the next 12 months to commemorate the occasion, culminating in a grand function in November 2022. In the meantime, anyone interested in the story of the unique Ohope club, and it is a good story, can purchase a book, appropriately titled ‘From Dunes to Greens’ and written by an enthusiastic club member, by contacting the club office.

Defending champion Stu Duff presents this year’s champion Matt Purdy with the winning trophy.

A challenging links course that is playable all year round! “My NZPGA Trainee Professional, Tim Berry, and I always love playing at Ohope Beach Golf Links when we are up that way, it’s truly a great golf course. Again thank you for letting us on and for looking after us so well.” Alan Hyatt, AAA Class NZPGA Golf Professional | Director of Golf | Manawatu Golf Club

Special green fees for groups of 12 players or more – call us to make a booking!

December 2021

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NBS Nelson Festival of Golf Tournament 2022 GOLF EVENT

re you considering playing in a multi-round golf tournament next year? If your answer is YES, then this is the one for you to enter. At last year’s event, everyone involved including players, non-playing partners, sponsors and organisers, had a wonderful time! The tournament is played over three great golf courses, namely, Nelson, Greenacres and Motueka, with two days to be played on the highly-rated Nelson Golf Course, which is currently in the best condition it has ever been in since it hosted three of the top NZ amateur tournaments. They were the New Zealand Amateur Championships, the New Zealand Seniors Championships, and the New Zealand under 19’s championships. Every event resulted in glowing reviews for the course from all the players. We also play our two day Pro Am at the Nelson Golf Club and the top pro golfers of New Zealand were very impressed by the golf course and the newly refurbished clubhouse. The courses are all very different, giving the competitors a real challenge for the week. Nelson being a true links course, whereas Motueka is a mature parkland course, and Greenacres offering a mix of challenging waterfront and parkland holes. We are very fortunate to have such great courses close enough to involve each of them in this great tournament.

TOURNAMENT DATES FOR THE 2022 NELSON FESTIVAL OF GOLF ARE:

Registration is on Sunday 1st May, and you’ll get a courtesy round at Nelson after 1pm. Playing dates are: Monday 2nd May – Friday 6th May, with a rest day on the Wednesday to allow competitors to put their feet up, or get out and about to visit the many attractions the region has to offer or get some practice in for the next two days of golf. We are looking to hold a quiz night on the Wednesday evening just to keep the fun going. Non-playing partners are also very welcome to join us, not only for the

quiz but also the major prize giving dinner on the Friday evening. There will be an extra cost involved for non-playing guests for both these events. The organising committee has decided to keep the number of entries to the same as last year, which means a maximum of 128 players. This created both a competitive yet friendly environment for all the participants. By the end of the week players had golfed with and made new friends with golfers from all over New Zealand. Tournament Director, Derek Drysdale, said, “At the final prize giving it was really pleasing to hear many of the competitors saying how much they’d enjoyed their week, as we tried to create a tournament that mixed both great golf and great fun, and it seems we did just that! “We are delighted that we have had many of last year’s entrants already registered to enter the tournament again,” Derek said. “So, if you are keen to enjoy a week of golf in early May in the stunning Nelson region, now is the time to register to confirm your place.” Major naming sponsorship has been confirmed and we are delighted to confirm that the Nelson Building Society (NBS) have agreed to continue as our major Sponsor for the tournament in 2022. This is fantastic news for us all, and here is a comment from NBS’s Howie Timms: “NBS was proud to become the naming right sponsor of the Nelson Festival Of Golf in 2021, and we are very pleased to confirm our support for next year. NBS has been a significant sponsor of golf clubs throughout the Nelson, Tasman and West Coast regions for many years. Partnering with Nelson Golf Club to support this fantastic event is simply an extension to our support of golf throughout the top of the south”, said Howie Timms (Commercial Manager of NBS). Many of our investment clients play and love the game and do business with us knowing we support their Clubs’ and the local communities in which we operate”, he said. The Nelson Festival of Golf has also re-

ceived sponsorship funding for the event from the Nelson Regional Development Agency Programme, which is funded by Nelson City Council. “The programme’s objective is to stimulate Nelson City’s economy in the shoulder and off seasons by bringing new spending through visitors coming to Nelson for district events.” For further information contact NRDA Fiona Wilson on 03 545 6858. Further sponsorship has been confirmed with one of the Nelson’s leading wine ranges, Kahurangi Estate Wines, and their products will again feature in our prize tables throughout the week’s competitions. Total Golf have confirmed their support, and this year the holein-one prize on Friday will be a $5,000 voucher for Total Golf. Another Novelty competition not to be missed opportunity is our Long Putt competition. Qualify on Monday for the Friday Final and you could win a fabulous prize. We will also be running our daily lucky draw prizes, where each day some lucky competitors will win vouchers from our chosen restaurant partners. The event itself will consist of a Team Event on the Monday at Nelson, followed by three days of individual stableford competition on Tuesday at Greenacres, Thursday at Motueka and back to Nelson on Friday. There will be team prizes on the Monday, and daily prizes and weekly overall prizes for individuals. The Entry fee of $275 includes this amazing package. * 4 rounds of competition golf with individual and team competitions. * A courtesy practice round on the Sunday prior to the tournament which is a fantastic gesture by the Nelson Golf Club Board, and is appreciated by all the players. * A golf gift at registration. * Long Putt Competition. * Daily Prize giving. * Major Prize giving on the Friday evening * A three-course dinner to be held during the final prize giving ceremony at the Nelson Golf Club on the Friday evening.

December 2021

* Customer service of the highest quality by your Tournament Committee On the Friday night we are planning a party atmosphere to finish the week off in style! We have recently completed a major refurbishment in our clubrooms and we are delighted with the end result. Our Function Manager, Monique Tasker, and her team will delight you all with the food that will be on offer at our Friday night dinner, as well as throughout the week. You can book in for a cooked breakfast every day before you head out to whichever course you’re playing that day. The organisers want to continue to build on the great success of all their previous tournaments. They invite you to register now and enjoy the challenging competition offered on the variety of different courses along with the opportunity to widen your golfing experiences, meet new friends and most of all, enjoy the week. The golf days will start with a 9.45am shotgun start on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with an earlier start of 9.15am on Friday, ensuring that all players are back in the clubhouse around the same time providing a great fun atmosphere for the daily prize giving. You can enter online, by visiting our website: www.nelsongolf.co.nz and click on the “Nelson 18 hole Festival of Golf” box on the home page. Scroll down for an entry form, and please remember, we need payment to secure your entries. Nelson Festival of Golf, NZ golf tournament (nelsongolf.co.nz) Our preferred accommodation provider is: The Greens Motel, who are located adjacent to Nelson Golf Club. Book with them directly on reservations freephone NZ: 0508 246 6835 or email them on their address: reception@greensmotel.co.nz. Our preferred car rental company is: Hardy Cars, 31 Bolt Rd, Tahunanui, Nelson. Their contact details are: 03-5485125 or office@hardycars.com We look forward to receiving your application forms soon!

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LONG DRIVE

Clearing the GRID for Bringing the world of XDL Australia 2022 Long Drive to the Pacific G etting ready to announce all XDL Australian events for our sportsmen and sportswomen. A back to back year of COVID lockdowns and travel restrictions has forced planned events into 2022. Thanks to the support of sponsor Cavalier Homes Australia the events schedule will soon be announced on the IGANZ website www.iganz.co.nz. All XDL events will qualify for the 2023 Global Championship so we ex-

pect the largest turnout of competitors for the upcoming season. The last IGANZ Australian Championship took place in 2018 with Golden Cap - Karl Peters (Men’s Open) and Jason Loftus (Masters) champion taking home the win. In 2019 Australian bushfires postponed the event and in 2020 and 2021 we all have been faced with COVID lockdowns taking a toll on this emerging sport of Long Drive.

ll IGANZ events from 2022 will be qualifiers for the Pacific Rim Series last held in the Cook Islands, 2018. The pandemic lockdowns (spanning two years), have been crushing plans for the PRS which is set to expand around the Islands of the Pacific, once International Borders are open for free travel in and out of New Zealand. IGANZ held the first Pacific Rim Series event in the Cook Islands to celebrate and connect the home turf of Golden Gal of Long Drive, Phillis Meti. Phillis is a three time, Long Drive World Champion and two time World Record Breaker. Phillis was nominated by IGANZ for a Queen’s Honour and with much excitement, Phillis is now listed with this as MNZM. Mr Maurice Allen (USA) became the first (Golden Cap) for the PRS dated back to 2018 and is well known as the first Long Drive athlete promoted by IGANZ back in April, 2016. IGANZ sponsored

players from around the world competed in the Cook Islands to showcase this high-performance sport in a resort destination environment. A huge success with the locals and tourism board and with this, plans for the PRS will expand beyond the neighbouring countries and provide opportunities for IGANZ to give back to the Islands needing post pandemic support through our media and events. With the New Zealand borders set to reopen on 30th April, the PRS conversations are beginning for this fabulous series. The sport of Long Drive and Xtreme Drivers will be going to new heights from 2022. IGANZ has got exciting news to announce on close of 2021 which has been the toughest year yet for this emerging sport. Details on the 2022 events and PRS updates will be loaded in late February on the IGANZ website www.iganz.co.nz

Karl Peters - IGANZ Golden Cap and Australian Long Drive (Men’s) Champion 2018

IGANZ Australian sponsor Cavalier Homes have been instrumental in our plans to play catchup on events postponed and IGANZ looks forward to building a strong relationship beyond the tee. Our appointed managers on the ground will be announced along with event dates and venues

by Mid January 2022. Events are scheduled to take place from February 20th 2022 and the players are registering their interest already. Looking forward to clearing the GRID to go full swing into 2022 with Cavalier Homes Australia #GolfJustGotLoud

Locals and resident Winner - William Howard with International Players (PRS 2018)

Jason Loftus - IGANZ Golden Cap (Masters) Long Drive Champion 2018

December 2021

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Keeping The Ball Rolling in 2022

t’s hard to find a better sponsor than JP Liebenberg, Owner of New Horizon Construction. Supporting the sport of Long Drive and Xtreme Drivers, since 2020, JP jumped in with two feet after connecting with Olna Ford, CEO of New Zealand Long Drive and Owner of the New Zealand Long Blacks. The mission is to develop the events in every region from January 2022, JP will be the backbone for the Nation wide plan to establish construction around the sport with XDL product design/manufacturing and XDL venue fit-outs. “JP is essential and no-one can do his job”, says Olna Ford. The process of conversations and JP’S expertise puts him as a hands-on

sponsor and cherished name to the sport. Through back to back COVID lockdowns JP has kept faith in our projects and with this New Zealand Long Drive is confident in the products, services and developments that will begin with JP and New Horizon Construction from mid January 2022. “The sport of XDL struck GOLD when JP committed himself as a sponsor. It’s hard enough finding a sponsor for this emerging sport let alone finding a wholehearted person who goes above and beyond”, says Olna. JP is also owner of Cavalier Homes, Waikato so players will see both logos popping up around New Zealand XDL and Long Drive events.

JP out with the New Zealand Long Blacks to support the sport of XDL and local clubs

JP seen here at the ISPS HANDA Halberg Awards Decade Champion 2021 with New Zealand Long Blacks Captain - Mr Paul West

Dedication has travelled JP around the country to be at special events even after working a full shift. Major developments underway for the 2022 calendar that will see the sunrise on the NEW HORIZON. Prior to this years level 4 - COVID lockdown, JP visited a local Golf Club - Walton Golf Club, with the New Zealand

Long Black, Captains Mr. Paul West and Ms. Phillis Meti. JP also walked the Red Carpet this year at the prestigious ISPS HANDA Halberg Awards, Decade Champion, with the New Zealand Long Blacks Captains and the current XDL Champion, definitely a special night etched in this sports history.

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB - NEWS AND RESULTS

December 2021

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NORTHERN WAIROA GOLF CLUB

Northern Wairoa Golf Club Baylys Beach Dargaville The Northern Wairoa Golf Club held their Match Play finals on Sunday, October 31. The course was in immaculate condition after a good dousing of rain in prior weeks. This year two new members, who have been playing for a very short period of time – Herena Warmington and Billie Burke, won their respective divisions. Following are this year’s finalists:

From left to right: Shane Munn, (Intermediate Men), Jodi Macalister (Silver Ladies), Herena Warmington (Bronze 2 Ladies), Billie Burke (Bronze 1 Ladies), Rob Gaastra (Senior Men) and Clive Mc-

Dermott (Junior Men). Absent: Aaron Cutts (Mens D-Grade)

NORTHLAND GOLF CHAMP OF CHAMPS 2021 WINNERS

Northland Golf Champ of champs 2021 winners - played recently at Kerikeri - Bay of Islands Golf Club Women: Senior winner - Denise Pilbrow 85 Bronze winner - Cheryl Douglas 184 Senior winner - Kylie Jacoby 150

Senior winner - Kylie Jacoby 150

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December 2021

Junior winner - Richard Thompson 181 Intermediate winner - Duncan Spokes 167 Senior winner - Brett Dormer 150 Congratulations to all of the winners and a huge thanks to those who turned up to play. It was a great weekend at the BOI Kerikeri golf club, thanks again to all who made the tournaments happen.

Silver Gross Champion 2021 - Tammy Prince, Taupo Silver Gross R/Up - Taylor-Rose Perrett, Omanu, 87, 75 Total: 162

BAY OF PLENTY Rose Bowl winner - Northland golf club Jenny Peters, Cheryll Pitman, Megan Moccollum

Men: D Grade winner - James Braidford 94

ers, Opotiki, 17, 12 Total: 29 Una Wickham 1st - Taupo, Tammy Prince & Trish Macklow 303 2nd - Turangi, Fran McCarthy & Kaye Paulger 307 3rd - Ohope, Louisa Hayward & Yan Ping Sun 311 RoseBowl 1st - Omanu, Taylor-Rose Perrett 59, Monica McMillan, Total: 100

BOP WOMEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS 2021

Taupo Golf Club was the venue for the Women’s Champion of Champions. With the support of Golf NZ we were able to complete the last BOP Women’s event for the year. Prize Winners Silver Gross Winner - Tammy Prince, Taupo, 78, 82 Total: 160 Silver Gross Runner Up 2021 - Taylor-Rose Perret, Omanu Silver Net Winner- Fran McCarthy, Turangi, 77, 72 Total: 149 count back over Trish Macklow, Kinloch, 76, 73 Total: 149 Bronze Gross Winner - Yan Ping Sun, Ohope, 103, 93 Total: 196 Bronze Gross R/Up - Trish Macklow, Taupo, 100, 97 Total: 197 Bronze Net Winner - Yan Ping Sun, Ohope, 79, 69 Total: 148 on count back over Minsoo Geary, 75, 73 Total: 148 Bronze Runner Up Division Gross Stableford Winner - Jacqui Rog-

December 2021

Una Wickham Winner 2021 - Tammy Prince & Trish Macklow, Taupo 2nd - Taupo, Tammy Prince 59, Trish Macklow 23, Fran Fuller 12, Total: 94 3rd - Wairakei, Diana Syer 53, Marg Azariah 20, Sandy Evans 19 Total: 92

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THE KAWERAU GOLF CLUB LADIES 4BBB CHRISTMAS TOURNAMENT

MANAWATU-WHANGANUI RANGATIRA GOLF CLUB - LADIES

DOROTHY GARLAND EVENT - BOP

Thames Valley - Winning team, Dorothy Garland 2021 The BOP Ladies Dorothy Garland Event was held at the Te Aroha Golf Club recently in extremely hot weather with a great turn out of 59 ladies from throughout the BOP, with 9 & 18 holers. The course was in good order and an enjoyable day had by all.

Jenny Kamins, Mount Maunganui: 9 hole Winner Dorothy Garland

2021 Team Winners: Thames Valley 31.1 2nd: Central 30.2 3rd: Eastern combined 29.1 4th: Women’s Executive 28.2 9 Hole Winner: Jenny Kamins 21 points 18 Hole Winner: Esther Hall 38 points on a count back from Lynette Kimpton 38 points.

By Judy Paterson 34 pairs of Ladies participated in The Kawerau Golf Club 4BBB Christmas Tournament. We had representatives from over 13 Clubs. Napier, Rotorua, Te Teko, Ohope, Lakeview, Opotiki, Walton, Hinehopu, Omanu, Mt Maunganui, Tauranga, Springfield and Tauranga. Many thanks goes to our Sponsors. Major Sponsor Pacific Golfer, Asaleo Care Products and Peter Davie for their Sponsorships. These were greatly appreciated by the Ladies. The event organisers would like to thank the may volunteers who made the event possible.

In true country spirit Rangatira Golf Club Ladies recently had their closing and prize giving day.

WELLINGTON 2021 WOMEN’S DISTRICT VETS CHAMPIONS

The 2021 Women’s District Vets Championships were held, on the 2nd attempt, at Boulcott’s Farm on Monday 1st November. Congratulations to Fiona McBride (Silver), Judy MacIndoe (Bronze), Kathy Maetzig (Senior Vets) and Jane Campbell (9 Hole), champions.

Esther Hall, Thames: 18 hole winner Dorothy Garland

The Northland Golf Club is a par 71, 18hole course set in a peaceful rural valley with many native trees and bird life. Try out our Monday special: $20 for 18 holes, $12 for 9 holes, if you’re looking for a way to iron out the wrinkles in your game, or just want to have a get-together with your mates. You just need to turn up, and the Golf Shop team will look after you. Please contact us first if you require a golf cart.

160 Pipiwai Rd, Whangarei | 09 435 0042 | facebook.com/northlandgolfclubinc

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December 2021

WELLINGTON HAVE WON THE 2021 FREYBERG MASTERS

The hometown favourites Wellington have won the 2021 Freyberg Masters held at the spiritual home of golf, Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. The home team came into the week as favourites to win, and they delivered. After having wins over Tasman, Hawkes Bay, Northland, Southland, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, and a hiccup against Otago in round five, they needed a win or a half against Canterbury in the final round of round robin to secure the title. A loss would see Otago lift the trophy. Otago had a bye in the final round and had a nervous wait to see if their southern neighbours could get the job done over the hosts. Wellington came out all guns blazing and were up in three matches through nine. The momentum immediately swung the hosts way early in the back and through 15 holes, Jonathan Cane, Elton Nicholson, Matthew Pegg, Malcom Gullery, and Ricky Bartlett were all up. They all finished the job, meaning they finished on seven wins and 30 individual points, pipping Otago at the post. Wellington Manager Steve Weir says it’s a special feeling to win on home turf. “It was pretty important for us to win

on our home turf. We had plenty of family and friends around that all play here often, and we’ve put in plenty of preparation over the past year knowing this event was being played at home. “It’s pretty special moment for sure,” he says. Ater a five-nil victory over Bay of Plenty this morning, Wellington knew what they needed to do in order to lift the trophy. Weir says although a half was all that was required, Wellington wanted to win in style. “We were never aiming for just a half this afternoon, we wanted to win. It was a lot closer than five-nil to- be honest. There were plenty of matches where there was just a hole or two in it through nine holes. “We just really wanted to win this afternoon.” Although there can only be one winner over the week, Weir says it was a win for golf in New Zealand having an event back on the calendar after a challenging year. “We had a quadrangular last week. But we are really aware what Auckland and other areas are going through. Golfers just want to play golf and administrators just want the same. “I feel for my close mate Phil Aickin as this event is very close to his heart and he’s unable to be here. But it’s great to have some competitive golf back on the calendar and we’re happy we are able to lift the trophy this week. Wellington now switch their attention to the New Zealand Men’s and Women’s Interprovincials in a months time.

SHANDON GOLF CLUB LADIES 2021 CHAMPIONS

Shandon Golf Club ladies recently held their prize giving. Pictured are the 2021 Champions, Kim Weber-Swain, Rosemary Trendle, Diana Gibbons and Debbie Gapes.

CANTERBURY CHRISTCHURCH WIN POLLOCK CUP

The Pollock Final was held at Harewood on Sunday 7 November on a breezy cool day where it didn’t reach the expected 18 degrees. This was a final where the golf was of a very high calibre and the two clubs Christchurch and Clearwater had many supporters out to witness many quality golf shots. With Christchurch keen to lose the ‘bridesmaid’ title for the last five years, and Clearwater very keen to win it allowed for some very close matches and almost ‘down to the wire’ finish. Jo Kent was the first match in with a solid win over Nicki Webb 6/4 but the remaining matches were all tight finishes. The putting proved to be the decider on many matches with the undulating

December 2021

Harewood greens making for some tricky putts. Late stage come-backs for Mel Newburn and Mel Brew were clinches for Christchurch with Mel Newburn finishing two up over Virginia Faass and Mel Brew halving her match with Lynda Vieceli. The shot of the day, and there were many, had to be Olive Tapu’s second into 18, (Par 5). Olive was playing a very determined Rachel Eder who had fought back from two down to square the match playing the last hole. Both had solid drives but Rachel’s second was pulled into the long grass left, while Olive pulled out a 4 iron and drove a missile into the green less than two meters from the pin. Rachel hit another into the rough, her fourth onto the green and sunk the putt for a par 5. However, Olive managed to secure the win with a birdie. The two Catherine’s had solid wins with Catherine Knight winning 2/1 over Monica Tulisi and Catherine Bell beating Maddie May 4/2 with many fine and skilled golf shots coming from all four players. Christchurch beat Clearwater 3.5 to 2.5.

DOUBLE SUCCESS FOR CANTERBURY AT THE 2021 SOUTH ISLAND INTERPROVINCIAL

Canterbury Golf saw both their women’s team take out their SIIP tournament in style at Timaru Golf course with the men’s team also impressive in taking out their respective competition at Ashburton Golf Course. Played recently The ladies, looking to defend the title did so in style winning 3 from 3 games dropping just 6.5 points in total throughout the weekend. Standout performances from the middle of the playing order saw Catherine Bell, Olive Tapu, and Rachel Eder all secure 3 wins from 3. Solid unbeaten perfor-

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mances from no1 Maddie May and no7 Melissa Newburn also contributed towards a convincing team performance. A mention too is worthy for Melissa and Jasmine Clancy who were both giving up shots each round to their opposition in keeping with the tournament conditions of play. Meanwhile, in Ashburton our men’s team were looking to regain the SIIP title since last winning it back in 2018. Coming out the blocks hot Canterbury won all their first-round matches to set a good foundation for the rest of the tournament. That form continued into round 2 where they recorded another 6 wins to leave themselves in pole position going into day 2 with 2 team wins on the board. The Sunday bought very windy conditions adding another element to contend with which resulted in a tough round 3 with close results against Southland 2-2 and Aorangi 3-1. The men finished strong however to record 7 victories in round 4 to complete the clean sweep with the team collecting 26.5 points from 32 overall. Zach May, Reid Hilton, and Dominic Brettkelly all recorded perfect 4 from 4 records with Matt McLean also going through undefeated with 3 wins and a half.

CANTERBURY GOLF HISTORIC WIN FOR TEMPLETON IN WOODWARD CUP!

Sir Bob Charles became the first New Zealander to win a major championship when he won the British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1963. A little known fact is that this is also the year when Templeton Golf Club last won the Woodward Cup. 58 years later Templeton have finally done it again! The semi-finals in the morning were held in idyllic almost surreal conditions at Christchurch Golf Club. Not a breath of wind and a balmy 18 degrees greeted players on a superb Shirley layout with a new “open” vista welcoming everyone.

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swarmed the green in jubilation. The final result was 5-3 to Templeton. Pegasus got good wins from Kazuma Kobori, Zach May, and Shaun Allan at the top-of-theorder but Templeton’s all round depth came through in the end. Blank Cup

Woodward Cup Both semis were close and tense affairs. Templeton eventually held off Clearwater 5.5-2.5 but not without some close matches particularly at the top-ofthe-order where Mike Toeke just held off Archie Gothard 1up, and No.2 Dan Laughton halving with an in-form Will Bastings. Nick Franzmann, Jordon Latter, Josh Simpson, and Sam McGill all had good wins for Templeton, while Marcel Boet played superb to comprehensively beat Ryan Bellamy, and Michael Bailey outlasted Tom Wilson 2up. The other semi between Russley and Pegasus was even closer and took a half an hour longer to finish. It eventually came down to a putt in the Michael McAuley v James Cadehead game giving Cadenhead a 1up win and the victory to Pegasus 4.5-3.5. For Russley Reid Hilton had a notable win over Kazuma Kobori, and Dom Brettkelly, Taylor Hosking also won with a half to Andrew Dufton against Nathan Gilbert. This was not enough with wins on the Pegasus side to Zach May, Marcus Mariu, and Peter Brinsdon along with Cadenhead. 7 out of the 8 games went to the 18th hole indicating the match could have tipped either way. On course conditions had changed in the afternoon with a stiff NE breeze and

some light rain. In the final Pegasus got off to a sizzling start and threatened to overrun Templeton. After four holes they were up in five matches and square in two. Zach May was particularly impressive going through the front nine well under par continuing the form from his pratice round earflier in the week where he shot 63 off the back tees. However through 9 holes Templeton were starting to edge back into the match and turn the tide. With Pegasus well in control of the top three games focus turned to the first games on the course that were see-sawing and very tight. Templeton needed to win the 7 & 8 games with Sam McGill and Josh Simpson and they delivered on the 17th hole with 2/1 victories over Peter Brinsdon and Nathan Gilbert. Meanwhile word had come through that Nick Franzmann had beaten Phil Stephens, and Jordon Latter had beaten James Cadenhead both 3/2. Attention turned to Tom Wilson to deliver the half point needed for victory, however he was one down playing the 17th against Marcus Mariu and a play-off looked likely. Wilson won the 17th with a par and then delivered the knockout blow with a superb drive, pitch and six foot downhiller for birdie on the 18th. There were scenes of rapture as the team and supporters

December 2021

Templeton got the double when they also won the Blank Cup beating Christchurch 5-3 in the final. In the morning they had beaten Waimairi Beach in the semi-final 6-2 with wins to James Robb, Greg Hey, Ricky Butson, Paul Burke, Terewa Tamihana, and Lance Gahan. In the other semi Christchurch and Russley had a good battle before Christchurch prevailed over the young Russley team 5-3. Christchurch had wins to Grant McEwan, Reinhardt Van Zyl, Ian MacDonald, Grant Mercer, and Gary Gillard. For Russley young stars Yuki Miya and Cooper Moore won, along with veteran Andrew Richardson. In the final all games were decided by the 17th hole. For Templeton Greg Hey, Willie Hamilton, and Paul Burke had comprehensive victories, ably assisted by Ricky Butson and Pat Werihiko. For Christchurch they looked good early in the run home with wins at 7 & 8 to Grant Mercer and Gary Gillard, but only Lewis Nutley at No.1 could add to the tally with a close 3/1 win over James Robb. Simon Cup

Christchurch beat Russley 5-3 in the final of the Simon Cup. As they have done for many years, Russley have used this compettiion to foster young players who did them credit in the final. Hayden Lam, Ethan Lam, and Ron He had wins but they were beaten by a more experienced Christchurch team on their home course. For Christchurch their first players out set the tone with wins to George Keeble, Kevin Martin, and Andrew Gillespie. The other two points came at No.1 with a big win to Brad Clark over Phong Nguyen, and at No. 3 when Rhys Morris beat Hugo Daly on the 18th. The morning semis saw Christchurch beat Waitikiri 4.5-3.5 in a close match with four matches going to the 18th, and Russley beat Avondale 6.5-1.5. Thanks must go to the Canterbury Golf Referees Association for their tireless efforts during the day, to Canterbury Golf Officials John Thompson, Peter MacDonald, John Bretell, and David Silk for running the competitions throughout the season, and to Christchurch Golf Club for hosting the pinnacle of mens interclub golf in Canterbury on one of New Zealand’s finest layouts. The crowd and support attendance for the teams was significantly higher than in previous years making for a great atmosphere on a memorable day for golf in Canterbury.

RANGIORA GOLF CLUB - LADIES TROPHY WINNERS 2021 SEASON

CANTERBURY GOLF - WOMEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS DAY

The near perfect course and weather conditions at Rangiora set the stage for the Women’s Champions of Champions and Gross Stableford Rosebowl tournament. The event played recently, Catherine Bell of Christchurch did not disappoint in playing par golf to take out the Champions trophy with rounds of 71 and 76 for a gross total of 147. She also won the Toyota Longest Drive trophy and was in the Christchurch team of club champions that were third placed in the Rosebowl competition. Runner-up in the Champion of Champions was Alisia Ren from Russley, seven shots back on a total 154, then Jo Kent of Rangiora in third place on 160. Alisia did however win the Hagley Trophy for the 36 hole Net competition, with a score of 144.

format, the winners scores going forward to compete against other New Zealand districts. The winning Rangiora team, from left comprised Bronze Runner-Up Sue McFarlane, Senior Champion Jo Kent and Bronze Champion Lynne John with a 36-hole total of 130 points. To complete Rangiora’s happy day, Lynne John and Sue McFarlane also won the Pat Rennell Salver for the Bronze pair with the highest aggregate stablefords of 71.

From left comprised Bronze Runner-Up Sue McFarlane, Senior Champion Jo Kent and Bronze Champion Lynne John with a 36-hole total of 130 points.

The Rangiora club champions took advantage of playing their home course in winning the district final of the Gross Stableford Rosebowl which is a NZ Golf clubbased event played by senior and bronze champions in an off-the-stick stableford

Earlier in the day, the 9 Hole Champions trophy was won for the second year running by Liz Agnew of Avondale with a gross 52, Pat Barwick from Waitikiri was a close second on 54. Longest Drive was produced by Lisa Neho-Smith of Harewood.

Waihi Golf Club is a wonderful par 72, 5685m golf course situated amongst beautiful lush green surroundings, overlooking the Waihi Township and surrounding farm land. The course is expertly maintained and managed and will be a challenge whatever your skill level.

December 2021

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OTAGO/SOUTHLAND AORANGI GOLF 2021 WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS

Aorangi Women’s Champions results

Champion

2021 Womens Senior Handicap Foursome Div 1 played at the Geraldine Golf Club recently. The champions are Local ladies - Shona Bensemann & Denise Kenny.

CANTERBURY GOLF - JUNIOR FOURSOMES INTERCLUB

The Final round of Junior Foursomes Interclub was played at Russley recently in fine calm conditions and the course in great order. In the 18 Hole Junior Foursomes, Hororata’s team of Marshall Johnston, Lexi Thomson-Hall, Alex Kimber and Harvey Youdale were convincing winners with a four round total of 291 points. Second on 277 points were Russley White’s Uny Shao, Jonathan Fry, James Walker and Michael Visser with Russley Gold’s Alice Fry, Vanessa Lim, Junie Chang and Eva Yin third, a further two points back on 275, after a top score of 90 points in the final round. In the 9 Hole Junior Foursomes, Waimairi Beach’s Archie Watson, Mostyn Brown, Darren Kung and Sophie Kak won with 165 points ahead of Weedons Red’s Hunter McKeown, Taine Jewell, Madison McKeown and Juandre Willemse in second with 158 points. Third equal on 151 points were Avondale’s Alex Baine, Aiden Cheng, Lee Patterson, Toby Temple and Future Hub’s Lex Saunders, Kingston Greaves, Micaiah Pratley and Timote Tu’ilotolava.

CANTERBURY GOLF CENTRAL MASTERS FINAL

The Final of Canterbury Central Masters Interclub was played at Ellesmere recently between Tai Tapu and Hororata Black, in changeable weather with the course in great order.

Above: 2021 Women’s Senior Handicap Foursome Div 1 Champions Shona Bensemann & Denise Kenny Geraldine take out weekend pennant final The Aorangi Women’s Weekend Pennant Final was played at Temuka on Sunday 7th November in warm and sunny conditions. In a close fought match, that was decided on the 18th hole, Geraldine beat Tinwald/Mayfield by 6 points to 4.

In a tight match Tai Tapu’s (from left) Don Le Page, Murray Chapman, Tony Pye, Jason Blair, Bevin Ryan and Sean Spencer defeated Hororata Black’s Shane Prendergast, Martin Wills, Kolo Vailuu, David Mansbridge, Tony Edwards and Gerald Robertson 5-4.

The Harkerss Tankard for best individual performance was jointly won by, from left Jason Blair (Tai Tapu), Shane Prendergast (Hororata) and Matt Harrison (Lincoln).

ROXBURGH GOLF CLUB