Golfer Pacific NZ – February 2022

February 2022 17th year as NZ’s exclusive Golf club magazine

Suppor ter of

/golferpacificnz

ISSN 1178-0754 ISSN 1835-1336 XX 02

NZD $5.00 Subscription $60 per annum

Kapalua defenceless, Yas Links tough PAGE 3 INSIDE // NEW ZEALAND OPEN GIVEN RED LIGHT // WHANGANUI - MANAWATU GOLF

EDITORIAL

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

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Perhaps the most spectacular backdrop in world golf

I

SALES & CLUB PACKAGE GOLF TRAILS & NOTICEBOARDS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 7 5504 6334 Mob: 0061 433 163 043

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

am always amazed at the stunning backdrops when golf is televised from the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai.

At the end of last month the $US8 million Dubai Desert Classic was played at the Emirates.

As the television pictures showed the highly impressive skyscraper settings in the background with a brilliant blue skyline, I was left shaking my head in awe, even though I have seen the same images many times beforehand.

I haven’t been to Dubai but what a place of wonder it must be.

Dubai is the home of Burg Khalifa, the world’s tallest building which stands more than half a mile high at 828 metres.

I live in Wellington at Heretaunga in Upper Hutt and am a proud resident. But the skyline in Upper Hutt is, shall we say, different.

Upper Hutt’s tallest building is the CBD Towers which has nine floors and stands at, wait for it, 37 metres.

Also in Dubai is the Palm Jumeirah which is an archipelago of artificial islands which, according to advertising, can be seen from space.

Upper Hutt doesn’t have an archipelago of artificial islands. By the way, I looked up the word archipelago in the dictionary and it means a large group of islands.

But Upper Hutt too can be seen from space. All you need is

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

LAYOUT & DESIGN layout.golferpacificnz@gmail.com PUBLISHER Golfer Pacific NZ LTD PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand ACCOUNTS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com SUBSCRIPTION $60.00 per annum including GST smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 5575 7444 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 NEW ZEALAND MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand COVER PHOTO: Australian golfer Cameron Smith who scored an almost unbelievable 35 under par to win at Kapalua in Hawaii last month.

COPYRIGHT All material published in Golfer Pacific NZ is subject to all forms of copyright. Contents of this newspaper cannot be reproduced in any way, shape, or form without the permission of the editor. Views expressed in editorial contributions do not necessarily refl ect the opinions of this newspaper, its management.

New Zealand Golfer Pacific is published Golfer Pacific NZ Limited.

The company’s registered office is unit 10/7 Aruma St Chevron Island QLD 4217.

Looking down the eighth hole of the Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Club in Dubai. This is perhaps the most spectacular backdrop of any hole in golf.

a very good telescope.

Upper Hutt may not have an archipelago of islands but it does have the Hutt River.

The river was shown in scenic television shots when the Royal Wellington Golf Club hosted the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship a few years ago.

The river actually looked quite nice but overseas viewers may have been confused when the same scenic clips also included pictures of the Huka Falls in Taupo. It may have given the impression that the Huka Falls and the Hutt River are connected.

That’s not the case but don’t tell those from abroad.

In Dubai there is also the Dubai Fountain which is world’s largest choreographed fountain system.

Upper Hutt doesn’t have such a fountain but down the road at Petone in Lower Hutt is Te Puna Wai Ora. Te Puna Wai Ora — meaning the spring of life — supplies pure artesian water from the Hutt Valley aquifer and is extremely popular with people filling up bottles day and night.

The water from Te Puna Wai Ora

always goes well with a good gin or a good whiskey — so I am told.

More seriously, the Majlis course at the Emirates Golf Club was opened in 1988.

The Majlis course was the first 18-hole grass course in the Middle East.

The club was the inspiration of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rasheed Al Maktoum and the Bedouin tent styled clubhouse nestled behind the eighth green, is named after him.

The club’s website says at the time of construction, the Majlis was surrounded by desert.

Today, the sprawling city has grown to encircle the course, making for a spectacular city backdrop on many holes, particularly the iconic tee shot on the eighth. However, tall desert dunes still frame the perimeter of the course with both fresh and saltwater lakes coming into play on several holes.

As you would expect, the practice facilities are world class, including a state-of-the-art swing analysis studio, a nine-hole parthree academy course, a shortgame area, practice putting greens and a driving range, all floodlit.

GENERAL TERMS & CONDITIONS 1.1 All advertisements accepted for publication are subject in every respect to the approval of Golfer Pacific NZ Limited. The conditions set out in any Rate Card and Golfer Pacific NZ Limited Advertising Order Form are the rules applicable to advertising as laid down from time to time by the Australian Newspaper Council and the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). 1.2 While every care is taken in the publication of advertisements, errors may sometimes occur. In such cases, no claim shall be made by or on behalf of the advertiser in respect of any error or its subsequent effects. If brought to our attention within 24 hours of publication, adjustments may be made, but only for the space actually occupied by an error. No responsibility is taken for any loss due to the failure of an advertisement to appear according to any instructions. No guarantee is given regarding the positioning of any advertisements. 1.3 Golfer Pacific NZ Limited reserves the right to change position, cancel, refuse, omit or postpone publication of any advertisement in any issue. 1.4 The word “advertisement” will be included in an advertisement if, in the opinion of Golfer Pacific NZ Limited, it resembles editorial matter. 1.5 If a proof is required prior to the publication, the advertisement must be a minimum size of 5cm x 1 column. One proof is provided for text corrections only; any additional layout revisions requested at the publication’s discretion and will incur a (non-commissionable) production fee. Advertisers will be charged for author’s text alterations required on third and subsequent proofs. 1.6 No responsibility is accepted for any error or omission of key numbers or telephoned alterations to copy. 1.7 No arrangements concerning an order can be recognised unless authorised or approved by Golfer Pacific NZ Limited in writing. 1.8 Requests for advertisements to be printed upside down or side-on or any particular arrangements of type or display are subject to rejections without notice. 1.9 All publishers’ conditions apply equally to all Golfer Pacific NZ Limited products, electronic or printed format. 1.10 Tear-sheets for advertisement publication verifi cation are available. Golfer Pacific NZ retains the right to publish advertiser and editorial content online using social media, the company and third party wesbites and our fortnightly email newsletter. Deadlines – The responsibility for supplying booked material by the required deadline lies with the advertiser/agency. Golfer Pacific NZ Limited accepts no responsibility for material not received by deadline and charges will apply.

2

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor Golfer Pacific NZ

T

hey were tournaments of contrast.

One was the first event of the year on the PGA Tour in the United States where the winner Cameron Smith of Australia scored an almost unfathomable 35 under par.

The second was the Abu Dhabi Championship in the United Arab Emirates where the winner was Thomas Pieters of Belgium despite having two rounds of par or worse.

Both winners got home by just the one shot. But the big difference was one was 35 under par for four rounds and the other 10 under par for four rounds.

Smith had rounds of 65, 64, 64 and 65. That’s eight under par, nine under, nine under and eight under.

Eight or nine under in one round happens. But in all four rounds it hadn’t happened on the PGA Tour until last month.

The previous record for a PGA Tour event had been 31 under par. That was scored by Ernie Els at the same course of Kapalua in Hawaii in 2003. The difference on that occasion was Els won by eight. Smith won by one.

The third lowest score is 30 under par, also at Kapalua, which was scored

by Jordan Speith in 2016. Speith also won by eight.

Kapalua’s usual defence is wind but that was absent for the four days of play. The tournament’s runner-up John Rham finished with 34 under par and third-placed Matt Jones, another Australian, finished at 32 under.

It was the best scoring conditions in the 24 times that Kapalua has hosted the winners-only tournament that kicks off the new year.

Smith, whose caddie is Sam Pinfold of New Zealand, knew he would probably need birdie on the final hole to stall off Rahm.

“Mate, it was intense,” Smith said. “It was pretty crazy. I felt like I needed to

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

GOLF NEWS

Kapalua defenceless, Yas Links tough

Australian golfer Cameron Smith who scored an almost unbelievable 35 under par to win at Kapalua in Hawaii last month.

make a birdie to kind of keep up with him or stay in front.

“An unreal round. Something I’ll never forget.”

The win saw Smith jump 30 spots to No 3 in the PGA Tour league standings.

Rahm didn’t know what to make of his score and the fact he only finished second.

“I have every reason to be smiling,” Rahm said.

“It’s a bittersweet moment.”

Rahm, playing for the first time since October 15, did all he could and Smith never gave him an opening. They started the final round tied for the lead.

Rahm added: “This golf course only has one defence and that’s the wind.

“If people are shooting between 20

and 26 under with 20-mile-an-hour winds, what do you expect us to do when there’s absolutely no wind?”

Meanwhile, a couple of weeks later at the Yas Links course in Abu Dhabi, players had to contend with strong winds in early rounds and then difficult pin placements in the final round where the hole was often on a shelf of the green.

Limiting the mistakes, particularly on the Sunday, was a key to the win of Pieters.

Pieters capitalised by keeping steady as his playing partners faltered. He dropped just five shots all week (the least of any other player), and only one on the final day.

This counted the most on the par

February 2022

fours, which Pieters said was a result of feeling in control of his ball-flight.

He ranked third for par-four scoring for the week, dropping just three of his five shots on the ten par fours.

“I’m really in control of my ball flight and it’s nice to feel like that and making putts as well,” Pieters said.

Pieters said he was hopeful his performance would inspire the next generation of Belgian golfers.

“I just hope all the juniors back at home are watching this.

“I used to watch as a kid and think it was impossible for me but then Nico (Colsaerts) came on the scene and started winning. It’s stuff like that that inspires kids and hopefully I can do that back home.”

3

Simon Boland fostering junior golf

By Neville Idour

GOLF NEWS 4

S

imon Boland is one of those special people in the Lake Wakatipu region in Otago who enjoys contributing hugely in their chosen field.

For Boland it is junior golf.

He masterminded the extremely successful Wakatipu Junior Golf Club six years ago. It has become the blueprint for similar clubs throughout New Zealand.

The virtual club has no actual home course but members enjoy playing rights at several courses for their annual membership fee of $120 which is also available for their parents when they play together. The growing membership is currently 160 juniors and 32 parents.

So where did it all begin for Boland?

“I was born in Dunedin. I didn’t play golf when I was younger,’’ Boland replied.

“Dad was a tragic golfer who used golf as a chance to go out with his mates. He was a member of the fire brigade in Dunedin and played a bit of fire brigade golf.

“I would occasionally bunk school and go and caddy for him and sometimes even drive him home afterwards.

“So that was my only experience of golf back then. Dad loved the social side of golf so I would caddy then drive him home some nights because he had drunk too many beers.

“I was always there at Balmacewen (Otago Golf Club) and while dad was enjoying the 19th I would spend some time looking for golf balls, often in the glen (the famous signature 11th hole).

“I didn’t play much golf as I was into other sports like soccer which was my main sport as well as softball, being part of a softballing family.

“I moved up to Queenstown when I was 21 in 1992 to do some gibstopping work, which was my trade and never went back.”

When did Boland really start playing golf?

“I started playing socially when I was 28 or 29. As a youngster it would be occasionally with mates to see who could throw their club the furthest when he hit a bad shot.

“I was still playing soccer so I got involved with the Queenstown Rovers and ended up running the club. I enjoyed that and meeting a lot of people. So we took the club to play in the Southland competition and went from strength to strength. I met a few guys who played golf so we might go out on a Sunday for a game after a bashed up football game on a Saturday.

“I enjoyed hacking around but I then joined Queenstown Golf Club (Kelvin Heights) in 1999 back in the days of the Montana Series at Millbrook. My brother was playing golf in Queenstown and I decided to play some golf

Simon Boland working with junior golfers.

with him at Millbrook. So I joined a club to get a handicap, although I was still just a social golfer.

“Then when I was 30 I busted my knee playing soccer so I thought, oh well I might have a crack at golf and ripped into it from there. Therefore I have only been playing golf seriously and competitively for about 18 years — a late bloomer.

“When I look back I was disappointed my football finished the way it did. The knee injury forced my hand as being single living in Queenstown was a bit of a crazy life, so golf threw a bit of a lifeline to me.

“It taught me a lot of things about myself I hadn’t really considered. To this day I’m pleased it all happened that way as it gave me a chance to change me as a person and give back to the sport that was good to me. It certainly settled me down a bit and with my competitive nature I took to golf and wanted to get good at it. To do that I knew I had to change.”

Boland has always been a person who has wanted to help others.

“Even when I was at school I remember going to do phys ed (physical education) and spending most of the time hanging out in the gym with the phys ed teachers. I was at Logan Park High and I would sometimes help the teachers run their classes and take the third and fourth form classes.”

Boland has coached football and softball teams. His mother was a big giver to sport running softball clubs.

“I probably learned about giving back

from mum. When I joined Queenstown Golf Club I got involved on the executive committee and worked as their junior convenor to try and encourage youngsters to play golf.”

It was then in 2015 that the Wakatipu Junior Golf Club was born. The concept originated from a lack of support for junior golf in the area.

Boland explains: “I had been looking after small groups at the Queenstown Golf Club for some years and decided that a junior only club should be created with a view to gaining support from local business and funding sources.

John Stephens, the club manager, suggested we take it further and create a club for the entire Wakatipu region.”

What is your work situation now?

“I worked with my brother who was a painter doing gibstopping for a few years then started my own business.

However I planned to be out of it when I was 45. That was my focus and I managed to achieve that a couple of years earlier. So now it is full time with golf.

“I’m fortunate because when we started the junior programme in 2014 I was able to balance that with my business. Then in 2016 when our son Willis was born I made the choice then to get out of the trade as I was working some pretty long hours. Seven day weeks, 12 hour days, some injuries that needed attending to, it was time to get out.

“It was great to be supported by my wife. It gave me the opportunity to grow the Wakatipu Junior Golf Club so it could employ me. Now with the work for Southland Golf I am full time.”

February 2022

Last year Boland took on the role of junior golf co-ordinator.

“My wife Anna and I have been together for 18 years and she is a financial adviser for Jarden Investments.

She is not involved in golf. It works well and we support each other in our interests. I honestly believe golf has given me the opportunity to help others to experience what golf can give a person.”

Boland is a member of the Winton Golf Club because he plays for the Southland Masters.

“I’m also a member at Millbrook and Queenstown (Kelvin Heights). I’m a member of the PGA (professional golfers’ association) as a PGA gateway coach.”

Boland has been a scratch handicap golfer, although he ruefully admits he is now around three handicapper.

Still, with his late entry to golf and sometimes limited playing opportunities it is an admirable achievement.

Exciting times are now ahead with fiveyear-old son Willis playing.

“After school he can jump in the cart with me and we can play a few holes at Kelvin Heights. He loves it, but he also loves lots of sports like me.”

Boland’s outstanding support for junior golf is always in evidence. At various tournaments in the district and further afield he will be there looking after teams of Wakatipu juniors even if he is playing himself. Long may it continue as the youngsters sing his praises.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2022

5

New Zealand Open given the red light

GOLF NEWS

T

he New Zealand Open has been cancelled for the second year in succession.

This year’s event was to be held from March 31-April 3 at Millbrook Resort, near Queenstown, but it was considered too hard to host under current covid-19 restrictions.

They included continued border entry restrictions for international players and prohibitive restrictions operating under the current red traffic light setting.

Tournament chairman John Hart acknowledged that the challenges of putting on major events in New Zealand in the current environment had created barriers that could not be overcome.

“We have done everything within our power to make this event happen,’’ Hart said.

“However, with the current government restrictions in place, running an event that includes 250 players, 250 caddies, 500 volunteers, nearly 100 tournament staff and officials, plus numerous contractors, as well

of course spectators, is just not possible.

“After announcing in December that the New Zealand Open would proceed, including having direct entry into the prestigious 150th Open Championship at St Andrews (in Scotland) for the leading three players, we are devastated to have now come to this decision.

“We know how important this tournament is for the Queenstown Lakes region, tourism in New Zealand, and in particular for golf in New Zealand.

“We would like to thank our tournament partners and sponsors and in particular our underwriter Millbrook Resort for their unwavering support throughout the difficulties of the past few months.

“We remain fully committed to the tournament and the Queenstown region and we are now setting our sights on holding the 102nd New Zealand Open in 2023.”

Last year’s New Zealand Open was also cancelled

for similar reasons.

Golf New Zealand chief executive Dean Murphy noted the impact this decision will have on New Zealand professionals.

“This cancellation only adds to the extremely difficult past two years that many of the leading New Zealand professionals and leading elite amateur players have had,’’ Murphy said.

“Opportunities have been severely limited, and we will be doing all we can in the immediate term to see if we can add a small event for domestic players, within the current restrictions, during the week that was set aside for the New Zealand Open.

“It is also pleasing to know that both Millbrook and the supporting international golf tours have assured us of their ongoing support.”

The 102nd New Zealand Open will now be played March 2-5 of next year at Millbrook Resort.

Taranaki and Auckland winners of South Island Strokeplays

Cameron Harlock from Taranaki who won the men’s division of the South Island Strokeplay Championship in Invercargill last month. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

T

aranaki and Auckland provided the winners of the men’s and women’s divisions of the South Island Strokeplay Championships.

Cameron Harlock, from Taranaki, and Vivian Lu, from Auckland, were the winners of the tournaments held in Invercargill last month.

The event was played over 54-holes at the Invercargill Golf Club, alongside the Southland Strokeplay Championship.

Harlock won the hard way, defeating Joshua Bai on the first playoff hole, while Lu won comfortably by four shots.

Harlock had scores of 68 and 71 in the first two rounds to go into the final round five-under-par and one shot clear of one of the home favourites, Liam Balneaves.

6

Vivian Lu, from Auckland, who won the women’s section of the South Island Strokeplay Championship in Invercargill last month. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

He got off to a strong start on the Sunday, making birdies at the first and third holes to be two-under through three.

He then made a bogey on the sixth but bounced back with further birdies at the seventh and ninth holes to make the turn at three-under.

Harlock made another birdie at the 12th, followed by an eagle at the 13th to get to six-under for the day and 11-under for the tournament. However, late bogeys at the 14th and 16th holes brought Joshua Bai charging into the picture.

Bai also went through the first nine at three-under par for the day and five-under for the tournament. He stormed into the title picture with birdies at the 10th, 11th, and 13th holes to be within touch-

ing distance of Harlock.

After Harlock’s second bogey of the day on the 16th, Bai caught the leader with a birdie at the par three 17th. Extra holes were needed after the pair parred the final hole of regulation play.

Fortunately for Harlock, he prevailed in the first extra hole to add the South Island and Southland Stroke Play titles next to the New Zealand Men’s Interprovincial trophy he won with Taranaki late last year.

Meanwhile, Vivian Lu won the women’s event comfortably with rounds of 72, 67, and 71 to finish 12-under-par, four clear of Sumin Kang.

However, the end result suggests the victory was a lot more comfortable than

February 2022

it actually was.

Lu began the final day with a oneshot buffer over Kang and the pair traded birdies over the front nine and both made the turn at four-under.

Lu went two shots ahead with a birdie at the 11th before disaster struck for Kang at the par five 13th where she made a quadruple bogey which shot her out of the tournament.

Although Lu made a bogey on the same hole, the damage was done and she just needed to avoid disaster herself and the tournament was hers.

She played the remaining five holes in one-over to finish at 12-under for the tournament and capture both trophies as well.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Australian Amateur winner will receive $A1350

I

n a first for the Australian Amateur and the Australian Junior, players will this year be competing for prizemoney.

This move takes advantage of changes to the rules of amateur status that were announced recently by golf’s governing bodies, The R&A and the United States Golf Association.

The male and female champions for both events will each receive $A1350, which is a bonus to their current exemption into the men’s and women’s Australian Opens.

Runners-up will receive $A1000 and third placegetters $A750. For the Australian Ama-

teur, positions down to eighth place will receive prizemoney, and for the Australian Junior prizemoney will be paid to those in the top five.

The prizemoney component will ensure the events have even greater alignment with professional tournaments and will enable players the experience of playing under increased pressure.

Brad James, Golf Australia’s general manager of high performance, said: “For players to experience the real pressure of needing to sink that six-foot putt which may make a difference of $A350, will be a further boost

for their on-going development.

“We want our events to demonstrate a strong flavour of what players will experience when they make the move into professional golf, and this is a great step in that direction.”

Kirsten Rudgeley, the reigning English Women’s Amateur champion and Australia’s highest ranked amateur golfer and order of merit winner, said: “I’m excited for this year’s Australian Amateur to replicate some of the pressures professional golfers face each week.

“Dealing with the added pressure that comes from needing to make a birdie or make a par at

the last to secure the prizemoney is an important step in my development.”

The new rule to allow prizemoney in amateur golf competitions comes with the following restrictions: Prizemoney may only be awarded to amateurs when “competition is a competition that does not have a net score element in any part of the competition and handicaps must not be used to separate players into different scratch categories. Any competition that is not a scratch competition is considered by the rules of amateur status to be a handicap competition. Note:

NEWS

In a scratch competition, handicaps may be used to limit who is eligible to enter, such as allowing entry only to players with a Golf Australia handicap of 5.0 or better.) $A1350 is the limit for the total value of prizes accepted by an individual in a single competition (or in multiple competitions being conducted at the same time, eg. long-drive, nearest-thepin, team event).

The Australian Amateur will be played at Cranbourne Golf Club in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs from March 29-April 1.

Christchurch all go for golf conference

By Neville Idour

C

hristchurch New Zealand and Tourism New Zealand are pleased Christchurch has been chosen to host the Golf Matters New Zealand Golf Convention and Expo in August.

The New Zealand Golf and Industry Council has reached an agreement for the venue to be the new $475 million convention centre which opened last December.

Denise Langdon, the conference organiser, was able to get a first hand look at the facility and said: “It is simply stunning. Delegates will enjoy one of the country’s most modern and advanced facilities.”

The setting near the Avon River in the central city is perfect and convenient for attendees. The dates for the conference are August 8-10.

The Christchurch Convention centre which will be the venue for golf conference in August.

This conference will be the first of its kind in New Zealand, possibly the world, as it brings together all sectors of the golf industry in this country and from around the world. It is hoped there will be many international visitors but with covid, border and travel restrictions are a possible influence.

Arrangements for online and streaming presentations from around the world are being worked on.

The programme and various speakers involved will be released this month along with registration of delegates. Involvement is expected from the European Tour, WPGA Tour of Australasia, the R&A, Golf Tour Operators IAGTO, plus

news media, Olympic reps and more.

Industries such as travel, tourism and finance are also on the agenda. The venue will also be a feature and lure for the golf fraternity.

There is a 1400 seat auditorium which can be divided into two spaces. The banquet hall next door seats 1000 people and can be used for meetings and seminars. There are several meeting rooms downstairs plus a 2800 square metre exhibition hall which can be expanded to 3300 square metres or divided into smaller areas.

This conference and expo will be a must for all involved in the golf industry at a venue that will showcase it superbly.

The front of the Christchurch Convention Centre.

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

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2022

7

Youngsters’ longest day a sweet one

By Neville Idour

GOLF NEWS

A

n inspirational cancer fundraiser story in the latter part of last month featured two 12-yearolds George Currie and Thomas Clayson.

They played 72 holes in the one day at the Otago Golf Club at Balmacewen for what was known as the Longest Day fundraiser for cancer.

This was not an inconsiderable feat. Anyone who knows the Balmacewen course and has walked it knows it challenges one’s fitness because of its hilly nature.

George Currie’s mother Abby said one of the boys had a step counter which registered they walked 39 kilometres even though mum allowed them to ride in her golf cart for part of the final of four rounds.

The walk up hole number 18 is a stretch once, let alone four times. It was indeed the longest day, in fact may have been just that for anyone playing the fundraiser. The boys teed off at 6.15am and finished at 8.30pm. That’s more than 14 hours. Whew.

So to ensure they didn’t run out of steam their parents gave them license to fuel themselves on a variety of sweet treats.

George elaborates: “Mum packed some different flavoured Oreos (biscuits) which we nibbled on during the first round. A bag of lollies and Picnic (chocolate)

bars kept our energy levels up in the other rounds.”

It was just what was needed to sustain their stamina.

George’s home is Dunedin while Thomas Clayson lives in Geraldine. Both are schooled at Waihi Boarding School near Winchester which is just north of Timaru. They both picked up golf there when the teachers would take them to Denfield Golf Club for a hit which they took to like a duck to water.

So now the lads play as often as they can as well as read golf magazines, check out golf websites and watch golf on television looking for advice to improve their games. George is a member of the Dunedin Junior Golf Club and has a 17.1 handicap while Thomas has a 12.1 handicap.

When it came to the cancer fundraiser they were both keen to give it a go and raise funds, in part because their mothers both work in a hospital and do community work assisting people with cancer.

Thomas said: “This is our way to raise funds and help people get better so they can have a better life.”

Their longest day challenge was a huge success and raised about $1733 which took the grand total at that point nationally to $703,997. Their wonderful effort was recognised with a nice front page piece

by John Lewis and a photo in the Otago Daily Times newspaper.

George Currie and Thomas Clayson who played four rounds of golf in one day at the not-so-flat Balmacewen course in Dunedin to raise funds for cancer.

The good and not so good

By Neville Idour

T

he penultimate weekend of last month saw a full-blooded assault by New Zealanders on the various professional tours worldwide.

At times it promised very much, in fact more so. But in the end it delivered the whole spectrum from outstanding to extremely disappointing.

Let’s start at the top with Steve Alker’s continuation of his extraordinary run of 10 top 10s, including a win.

Playing in the season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai in Hawaii he was always close to the lead .

A flawless six-under par in the first round followed by a five-under par in the second round left him three shots behind leader Stephen Ames and tied with Miguel Angel Jiminez.

Another clean round of six under saw Alker overtake the leaders to sit in the clubhouse on 17 under par and the solo lead. He then watched Jiminez match his birdie on 18 to make it a playoff.

Both players parred the 18th the first time in the playoff but Alker found the bunker with his approach shot the second time and couldn’t play a good enough recovery to avoid a bogey and a loss.

However, Alker will be buoyed by such a consistent start to the year. Seventeen birdies without a bogey in three rounds was quite outstanding.

Meanwhile, Queenstown’s Ben Campbell has started his year after his long injury layoff solidly. He finished eighth at the $US1.25 million Singapore Open on

8

six under par to earn a nice payday. He was consistent with rounds of 70, 70, 69 and 69. Look for him to feature in Australia this month.

Then we had Lydia Ko kicking off her 2022 with a satisfactory if a little disappointing 10th placing after being in touch with the leaders on five under par after two rounds. However her weekend rounds saw her lose a shot to finish at four under par, some 12 shots behind Danielle Kang. Ko would not be too displeased with her effort which no doubt helped her brush off a few cobwebs. That was indeed the case when at the end of last month Ko won in Florida.

It was her 17th win on the LPGA Tour, the world’s richest golf circuit for women.

Denzel Ieremia was our only entrant in the Australian PGA and he toiled away after a difficult start to make the cut and finish 41st on seven over par.

Now to the good and not so good.

Ryan Fox and Danny Lee both had one of those days where everything turns to custard for no good reason.

Fox was well placed for a top 20 finish in the Abu Dhabi Championship in the United Arab Emirates after a bogey-free 10 holes in the final round sitting on two under par.

The windy conditions may have played a part but an extraordinary run of five consecutive bogeys appeared from nowhere followed by another on the 18th which saw him plummet down to 61st place with a four over par total. In a very strong field Fox would be pleased he matched it with the best for so long and he still earned a tidy 20,475 euros. That’s

nearly $NZ35,000.

Sadly Danny Lee’s end game was beyond analysis in the The American Express on the PGA Tour in California.

Seven under after round one he was fifth. Ten under in round two after seven holes with an eagle on seven he was challenging for the lead. Bingo.

But on the next hole, a par three, he produced an outlandish eight. Over water he hit the rocks and a huge bounce left him on sandy waste. He was short and found water. Playing five from the same spot when he could have been much closer with a much easier shot he was a fraction long and just rolled into the water at the back of the green, much to the commentators’ bemusement.

February 2022

To his credit he fought back and picked up two shots on the back nine to still be reasonably placed. However an erratic two-over par final round saw him inexplicably miss the third round cut by one shot.

A run of three consecutive bogeys on the back nine was a killer. It was certainly a case of a missed opportunity. If there was a silver lining it was he still has the ability to gain many shots. In this case he gained 17 shots. After three rounds that matched the leaders.

There is much to look forward to if we add Nick Voke on the Korn Ferry Tour having made the cut in his first event and Amelia Garvey heading to the United States for the Symetra Tour. This year just might be a big year for New Zealand golfers.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

.

READY FOR GOLF AUSSIE OR NZ? We are confident that borders will be open with Australia again by mid-year. We have a selection of golf holidays planned for

QUEENSLAND GOLF HOLIDAY

QUEENSTOWN GOLF GETAWAY

JULY / AUG 2022

MARCH 2022

COOLANGATTA GOLF HOLIDAY

TAUPO GOLF GETAWAY

JULY 2022

MARCH 2022

SUNSHINE COAST GOLF HOLIDAY

NELSON GOLF GETAWAY

AUGUST 2022

MARCH 2022

GOLF RETREAT

BAY OF ISLANDS GOLF GETAWAY

Australia that will allow you to escape the New Zealand winter.

Should you prefer to explore New Zealand, our Golf Getaways visit the best golfing regions this Autumn.

Either way, our fully hosted packages ensure you have a hassle-free, fun and relaxed time when travelling with us.

FREEPHONE NZ

0800 377 479 OR VISIT GOLFENCOUNTERS.CO.NZ FREEPHONE AUS

1800 377 479

AUGUST 2022

Golf Encounters - Travel Encounters t/a Golf Encounters.

Travel Encounters Ltd is an approved Travel Broker for the Travel Managers Group Ltd. The Travel Managers Group is a bonded member of IATA.

APRIL 2022

Thailand tournament kicks off Asian Tour season for 2022 GOLF NEWS 10

A

new tournament in Thailand this month will raise the curtain on the Asian Tour’s exciting 2022 season.

The tournament is the inaugural Royal’s Cup which will carry a purse of $US400,000 and be played at Kanchanaburi’s Grand Prix Golf Club from February 24-27.

The Royal’s Cup was originally scheduled to take place in March 2020 but was postponed because of the covid-19 pandemic.

It has now been re-instated and will form part of an exciting series of events on the early 2022 Asian Tour schedule.

Dr Prachin Eamlumnow, chief executive of Grand Prix International Public Ltd Company, said: “After nearly two years, we are glad that we can finally host the event next month.

“It’s our aim to promote Thailand as a world class golfing destination and develop the game here through the staging of this event, held in honour of His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (Rama X), and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Grand Prix International Public Company Limited in 2020.

“With lucrative prizes on offer, we are confident it will be an exciting week of golf, not only for the players but also all the fans watching the live broadcast.”

The tournament is promoted by

The Grand Prix Golf Club in Thailand where the Asian Tour for the 2022 season kicks off this month.

Grand Prix International, the company behind the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), a major event on Thailand’s automotive scene for more than 40 years.

In addition to the purse, a number of the latest model of sponsors’ cars will

be on offer as hole-in-one prizes on every par three (holes 3, 5, 12 and 16), as well as prizes for any albatross on holes 2, 14 and 18.

The first player to achieve the feat on one of these holes will drive home with one of the event sponsors’ vehicles

February 2022

which are: Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, MG and Isuzu.

The Royal’s Cup will also mark the Asian Tour’s maiden visit to Kanchanaburi, a town steeped in World War II history and situated approximately three hours’ drive from Bangkok.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

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

FIELD LIMITED TO 100 PLAYERS

The competition is a 2 Ball Stableford Team Event, on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th 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 this March.

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

PALMERSTON NORTH GOLF CLUB COVID POLICY The course and all facilities require that all members and visitors carry their Covid Passport as proof of being double vaccinated against Covid.

This will be checked on arrival and periodically around the course and clubhouse.

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 WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

ENTER ONLINE www.golfunlimited.co.nz 11

February 2022

.

G425

MAX FORGIVENESS. Get Custom Fitted today.

Get Custom fit today.

February 2022 12 your nearest PING stockist contact Sports For Network Ltd. Ph: 0508 776 786 WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Hole in one and albatross for 20 handicapper

NEWS

Wembley Golf Course in Perth where a 20 handicapper scored in hole in one and an albatross (a two on a par five) in the same round. Photo credit: Wembley Golf Course.

Rowan McCarhty, a 20 handicapper, who scored a hole in one and an albatross (two on a par five) in one round.

By Neville Idour

F

or most golfers, especially 20 handicappers, a hole in one is pretty special.

But how about a hole in one followed three holes later by an albatross two on a par five.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

This happened recently at the Wembley Golf Course in Perth, Western Australia.

Rowan McCarthy, a 20 handicapper, hit a perfect seven iron into the 169-metre 12th hole which landed on the green front and rolled nicely to drop in.

On the 15th hole, McCarthy hit a big drive on the par five which left him a 185-metre shot downhill. Using the contour by the green, the ball fed nicely to hit the flag and drop in.

To add even more drama McCarthy may well have played

February 2022

one of the craziest five hole stretches of all time. It began on the 11th hole with a triple bogey. Then came the ace on the 12th followed by a double bogey on the 13th, a triple bogey on the 14th and finally the albatross on the 15th. He gained five shots to par but dropped eight.

Despite the two standout holes he finished the round two over his handicap.

Still he said: “I will never forget this day.” He now has a new social media address of @shankmagic.

So if you hope to emulate McCarthy’s feat here are the odds. Chances of a hole in one are around 12,000 to one. For an albatross we are in the millions.

So to achieve both in one round may be one in billions.

To add some perspective Wembley is rated as one of the very best public courses in Australia.

There are two 18-hole courses with trees lining undulating fairways. There is also an 18 hole mini course which is a scaled down version of a full course, featuring bunkers, bridges, water and quality landscaping. There is an 80-bay two level driving range plus huge areas for the restaurant and golf shop.

We are talking Perth here.

So is there any reason why New Zealand city councils can’t have the same attitude towards its public facilities?

13

Golf in Christchurch Stay ‘n’ Play

CLEARWATER GOLF CLUB PEGASUS GOLF CLUB CHRISTCHURCH GOLF CLUB RUSSLEY GOLF CLUB

PACKAGES GOLF-FIX LONG WEEKEND

GOLF TOUR EXTENDED STAY

• Three rounds of golf at each of our featured courses; Clearwater, Pegasus and Christchurch Golf Club.

• Four rounds of golf at each of our featured courses; Clearwater, Russley, Pegasus and Christchurch Golf Club

• Two nights’ accommodation at the centrally located, modern Bealey Quarter Studios.

• Cooked breakfast each morning & barista coffee • Complimentary house drink in the Bealey Bar each evening • Two $50 dinner vouchers to spend in any six Oxford Group venues • Transfers to and from the golf courses & airport transfers

$950 per person

• Three nights’ accommodation at the centrally located, modern Bealey Quarter Studios • Cooked breakfast each morning & barista coffee • Complimentary house drink in the Bealey Bar each evening • Three $50 dinner vouchers to spend in any six Oxford Group venues • Transfers to and from golf courses & airport transfers

$1250 per person

Christchurch’s most iconic Golf Clubs, together with the City’s leading hospitality operator are proud to bring you premium Golf Packages delivered by GM+M. Our ‘Stay ‘n’ Play’ packages bring together the best of golf and hospitality experiences. We look foward to welcoming you to the golf garden city.

See you at the 19th hole...”

Mike Godinet mike@golfmm.co.nz or 027 5324 724

Korean prodigy takes out Singapore International

H

ighly promising Korean teenage golfer Kim Joo-hyung won the $US1 million Singapore International at Tanah Merah Country Club last month.

Kim, 19, won after a gripping sudden-death play-off against Rattanon Wannasrichan when he holed a pressure-packed 14-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole, on the Tampines Course’s daunting par-five 18th, before Rattanon missed his birdie attempt from eight feet.

The victory saw Kim earned a cheque for $US180,000.

Kim and Rattanon, playing together in the final pairing, finished the tournament tied on four-under, after Kim closed with a 70 and Rattanon 72.

Thai amateur Ratchanon Chantananuwat, aged just 14, was in contention for much of the day, making it a battle of the teenagers. He took sole possession of third when he returned a 69 to finish two shots shy of the play-off.

For the fourth day in a row, strong winds swept the Tampines Course.

Only the top three bettered par over 72 holes, testament to the difficulty of the Tanah Merah venue.

Kim joo-hyun after his win in the Singapore International at Tanah Merah Country Club in Singapore last month.

Showing maturity beyond his years, Kim handled conditions impressively to capture his second Asian Tour title, following his win in the 2019 Panasonic Open in India.

Asked which win was the hardest, he

said: “Has to be this one. Just because it’s a tough golf course. All the players played their hearts out. I’m very lucky to be on top. It was a grind today. I think it was a lot harder than the first one.”

Kim looked to be on course to take

NEWS

the title in more comfortable fashion and held a one-shot lead playing the final hole in normal time. But Rattanon made an eight-foot birdie putt after a brilliant chip from behind the green while the Korean took two to get out of the greenside bunker, after a difficult lie for his third, before making a tense par putt from three feet to force the tournament into a sudden-death play-off.

It was a remarkable turn of events as the Korean had been two ahead with two holes to play but found trouble with his second shot on 17. He pushed his approach right into a penalty area next to a lake, took a drop, chipped to 15 feet and bravely made the putt for bogey.

“To be honest, I was walking down the fairway on that shot [on 17], to that pin. I thought I had this under control and just didn’t play safe enough,” said Kim. “I played aggressive the whole day and I felt like sticking to the game plan was the right choice. I took the longer club and just got lazy on it, leaked it right but had a great up and down. I just told myself to give myself a chance … and it worked out.”

Thai golfer wins by three shots in Singapore Open T hai golfer Sadom Kaewkanjana secured the biggest title of his fledgling career when he won the $US1.25 million Singapore Open at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore last month.

Sadom, the joint-overnight leader, fired a composed bogey-free 69 on The Serapong course to finish on 13 under par and beat Japan’s Yuto Katsuragawa and Korean Kim Joo-hyung by three strokes.

Katsuragawa returned a 68 while Kim wrapped up the Asian Tour order of merit title after signing for 69. Kim Sih-wan, who started the day sharing the lead, carded a 73 to take fourth place.

All four players booked their tickets to this year’s The Open Championship at St Andrews in Scotland as the Singapore Open is part of The Open qualifying series.

Sadom produced another inspired display that confirmed his status as one of hottest young golfers in the region and a star of the future.

The 23-year-old was never really challenged on an extremely hot day. After Kim Sih-wan made bogey on the first, Sadom took the outright lead and did not look back.

Birdies on six and seven saw him move three ahead and he calmly parred his way home and enjoyed the comfort of a three-shot lead playing 18.

He picked up a cheque for $US225,000 and finished

Sadom Kaewkanjana from Thailand who won the Singapore Open in Singapore last month. The 23-year-old has won six tournaments, including the Thailand Open, in the last four months.

the year in second place on the order of merit list with earnings of $US378,972.

The victory continued Sadom’s remarkable recent run of form: in the final three months of last year, he won five times in Thailand, including the Thailand Open.

He’s won once before on the Asian Tour, at the 2019 Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open – which saw him become

the fastest qualifying school graduate to win on the Asian Tour as it was his first start after graduating.

“This is amazing. It wasn’t easy,” said Sadom, who was also bogey-free on Saturday, a rare feat over the award-winning layout at Sentosa Golf Club.

“It has taken a lot of hard work to get here, especially over the last two years. This is a great way to start the year. I hope it’s the start of a great year.”

Kim Joo-hyung, aged 19, fought hard to catch him but it was not to be his day.

Kim said: “I was just trying to grind it out. I felt like I had a shot, but I couldn’t be so aggressive because I had The Open on the line as well. I just tried to play through my game and I felt like I didn’t have my 100 percent today and it’s pretty disappointing. But we learn, and hopefully come back stronger.”

At 19 years and 216 days, Kim is the second youngest winner of the coveted order of merit title after compatriot Noh Seung-yul, who was 19 years and 204 days when he won in 2010.

The tournament’s star player, Paul Casey from England, produced his best performance of the week by shooting 66 to tie for 16th, while Thailand’s 14-yearold amateur sensation Ratchanon ‘TK’ Chantananuwat closed with a 71 to finish equal 34th.

North Island Age Group Championships at the Taupo Golf Club

E

unseo Choi, Zack Swanwick, Carmen Lim and Stephen Liu have started 2022 as winners, all taking out their respective titles at the North Island Age Group Championships at the Taupo Golf Club today.

Starting things off in the Girls Under 16 Championship Eunseo Choi and Amy Im had a tense battle for 18 holes in difficult windy conditions today. Starting the day 3 shots back Choi started solidly and took advantage of a nervous double bogey

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

start by Im to close the gap. A clutch birdie on 17 gave Choi some breathing space on 18 and a 3 putt bogey by Im on the last made the margin of victory more in the end than the close contest deserved.

Things were a lot easier for Zack Swanwick in the Under 17 Boys event. Starting the day with a healthy lead, three birdies inside the first eleven holes saw him stretch his lead over the chasing pack. With no one able to make a move, he finished off with an impressive six shot margin of victo-

ry finishing every round under par.

The closest contest of the day saw the final pairing in the Girls Under 19 event saw Carmen Lim, Mimi Guo and Tara Raj each share the lead at various stages during the round. Ultimately 3 birdies on the back and no bogeys was enough for Lim to secure a 1 shot victory over Guo, with Raj a shot further back sharing third place with Darae Chung.

Stephen Liu stormed into contention during the second round of the North Is-

February 2022

land Under 19 Boys Championships with the round of the tournament shooting a five under 67 in the second round, which was the lowest score of the week. That score put him into the lead starting round three and despite not having his best in the third round a 77 was good enough to keep him clear of the pack, winning by two shots over Aoki Shinju.

The North Island Age Group Championships will once again be held at the Taupo Golf Club in 2023.

15

G OL LOFN GE VDE RN ITV E

More than Long Drive! Clearing the GRID in RED Light

T

T

he New Zealand Long Blacks took to the tee as major sponsor to the Nelson Golf Club Pro Am for the 2nd consecutive year. “The staff won me over!” says founder and owner of the NZLB’S. The club is home to the South Island XDL Championship, the event also owned by Olna.

The idea to sponsor the Pro Am happened organically in conversation during the 2020 XDL South Island Championship just before the first Covid Lockdown.

Pro Golfer - Harry Bateman, Winner of the Long Blacks Pro Am 2022 at Nelson Golf Club

16

“The 2021 event was postponed due to the Delta Lockdown so it’s been a tough few years playing catchup with events”. “The Nelson Golf Club has been so welcoming to our sport and it’s a given that we want to show appreciation and support to the club”, says Olna.

The high-performance sport of XDL is gaining momentum with the New Zealand Long Blacks making the Halberg’s Nominations list, for Team and Captain of the Women’s team making the Queen’s Honours List.

The next event with Nelson Golf Club is scheduled for March 27th when XDL South Island Championship takes place and the South Island Champ takes on the North for the New Zealand title. The sport of Long Drive is looking to be seen more frequently with club events being held in every region with the growth plan being implemented by Olna under the NSO umbrella (New Zealand Long Drive). With the global pandemic still adding pressure to every sector, the New Zealand Long Blacks are proving to be a brand not just promoting Long Drive. Follow the growth of the game at www.

NewZealandLongBlacks.com

he stir of the RED light restrictions are not stopping XDL from going full swing into it’s catch-up events.

Slowed up from the Delta Lockdown, the North & South XDL Champions titles are planned and the New Horizon XDL North Island Championship (2021) title is up next at Pupuke Golf Club on the 27th February.

Mr. Grieg Mooney is the name to beat in the Men’s open, a New Zealand Long Black with a thirst to keep his stance as best in the North.

Our Women’s Champion and New Zealand Long Blacks Captain (Women’s Team), Ms. Phillis Meti, MNZM who received a Queen’s Honour in 2021, is sure to want to hold both North and South titles, and encourages women to enter

regardless of experience.

Mr. Leon Tasker, Masters winner who took home the trip to Fushifaru Maldives.

The New Zealand Long Blacks making sports history with their back to back win also made the nominations list recently for a Halberg under Team category.

The sport of Long Drive (Amatuer) and XDL (Xtreme Drivers League- Professional League) is growing globally with a contract with Asia Long Drive which comes into effect this year with all New Zealand winners getting entry into events with international associates.

With NSO title New Zealand Long Drive is set to implement it’s National Growth Plan in 2022 with club events on the agenda. Registrations are OPEN at www. iganz.co.nz

XDL North Women’s Champion, Phillis Meti MNZM

XDL North Champion Grieg Mooney

XDL Masters Winner - Leon Tasker

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

I

GANZ has made its mark on Australian turf with both the Trans Tasman Clash 2017 and again in 2018 with the Australian Long Drive Championship.

History made for the sport, celebrated on the wall of fame at the Greg Norman’s Course, Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club. Bushfires in 2019 shifted events to be held in NZ and in 2020 the Global Pandemic interrupted plans and the Trans Tasman Clash was held in Auckland where the New Zealand Long Blacks took a back to back win against the Aussie Long Ballers.

The sport since has gone to NEW heights with IGANZ generating global attention with the largest purse paid in the sports history to the company and brand now recognised as NSO for the sport. The events in Australia will

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2022

be run by IGANZ representatives who are residents of Australia. The focus in 2022 is to play catch up with back to back events being planned. The Aussie Long Ballers are launching their website in the month of February so you can follow events, promo’s and get your supporters gear online. IGANZ is inviting clubs to host their own events that will qualify for all associate partners championships. The high-performance sport of Long Drive (Amatuer) ad Xtreme Drivers League (Professional) is about to go full swing ahead so if you are a club or interested in hosting events with IGANZ contact them at www.iganz.co.nz all players that are interested can follow events and register here also. #GolfJustGotLoud

LONG DRIVE

Clearing the GRID in Australia

17

W H AT ’ S N E W

Callaway Golf announces new Chrome Soft golf balls C hrome Soft is better for everyone, with new Precision Technology to create their best performing and most consistent golf balls Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY), an unrivaled tech-enabled golf company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel, and entertainment, officially announced their new Chrome Soft, Chrome Soft X, and Chrome Soft X LS Golf Balls. Each of these new products will be available at authorised retailers across Australia and New Zealand starting on January 14.

Chrome Soft is better for everyone, from amateurs to major winners. Now each of these new golf ball offerings incorporates the company’s proprietary new Precision Technology to deliver their tightest dispersion, consistently fast ball speeds and total performance. They’ve leveraged over $70 million (AUD) of additional investment to enhance every component, process, and measure for the highest quality

golf balls. With Precision Technology, they’ve created design techniques and manufacturing specifications up to 1/1000th of an inch.

The Chrome Soft Golf Ball is designed for a wide range of golfers who want outstanding feel, excellent distance, and incredible forgiveness. Key

performance characteristics include our signature Chrome Soft feel, more distance off the tee, low spinning iron shots, and a high level of greenside control.

Chrome Soft X LS 22 is designed for max distance in a fine-tuned lower spin profile. It’s especially suited for

players who want to hit their longest drives off the tee, with a tremendous combination of distance and a straight ball flight. Key performance characteristics include very fast ball speed off the tee, penetrating long iron shots, straight ball flight, and excellent greenside control.

Chrome Soft X is Callaway’s #1 ball on Tours worldwide. It’s a great option for the better, faster- swinging players who want excellent spin consistency and Tour level short game control. Key performance characteristics include high ball speeds off the tee, workable iron shots, and Tour level greenside control.

Each of these golf balls are available at a Recommended Retail Price of $94.99 NZD per dozen. Options are also available in the company’s major-winning Triple Track Technology for enhanced alignment, and in hi-res Truvis designs.

Callaway Golf announces new Rogue family of woods and irons The Rogue lineup features the Company’s fastest, most stable drivers, longest fairway woods, longest irons, and fastest hybrids ever. Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY), an unrivaled tech-enabled golf company delivering leading golf equipment, apparel, and entertainment, officially announced their new Rogue Family of Drivers, Fairway Woods, Irons and Hybrids. Each of these new products will be available at authorised retailers across Australia and New Zealand from early March.

CALLAWAY ROGUE DRIVERS

These new drivers are the Company’s fastest, most stable drivers ever, with industry-leading innovations that create a breakthrough in performance. An all-new Tungsten Speed Cartridge places specific weight (up to 26 grams) low and deep in the head for increased speed, stability, and high MOI. The construction, shaping and positioning of their Jailbreak Speed Frame promotes even more speed and stability. And as the industry leader in Artificial Intelligence, they have lowered spin and increased forgiveness in their face optimisation formula.

Rogue ST MAX: Callaway’s best combination of distance and forgiveness, fits the majority of players.

Rogue ST MAX D: Dedicated draw model for players who need the most shot shape correction. Rogue ST MAX LS: Stronger trajectory, lower spin, and more neutral ball flight.

Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS: A compact, low-spin head for better players.

18

CALLAWAY ROGUE FAIRWAY WOODS

CALLAWAY ROGUE HYBRIDS

Their fastest fairway woods ever, in fact they are up to 10 yards longer with new Batwing Technology. The new A.I. Jailbreak system has been completely redesigned to promote speed and stability. Two Jailbreak batwings are pushed to the perimeter, providing stiffness while allowing the face to flex for high ball speeds. Like the driver, these fairway woods are engineered with a Tungsten Speed Cartridge plus an A.I. Face. Additionally, the High Strength Face Cup provides speed and spin consistency.

Rogue ST MAX: Their longest fairway wood, with high MOI and a neutral ball flight.

Rogue ST MAX D: Their highest launching and most draw biased model for shot shape correction.

Rogue ST MAX LS: Their lowest spinning model with a neutral ball flight in a compact shape.

The Company continues to push the boundaries of hybrid performance, and the new Rogue ST models incorporate an all-new Jailbreak System for powerful distance. These clubs also feature a high strength 455 Face Cup, an all-new A.I. Face Optimisation, and a Tungsten Speed Cartridge.

MAX: For the game-improvement player who wants breakthrough hybrid performance. MAX OS: Larger clubhead for easy launch, more draw bias and better turf interaction.

MAX OS LITE: The easiest-to-launch Rogue ST Hybrid, with lightweight components for more swing speed.

PRO: Fairway wood shaping, shallow face, and neutral CG for the most workability.

February 2022

CALLAWAY ROGUE IRONS

Their longest irons. In an industry-first, Callaway has combined high strength 450 steel with an A.I. designed Flash Face Cup for more ball speed and better ball speed consistency. They’ve also continued to push innovation through patented Urethane Microspheres and have massively increased their precision tungsten weighting.

MAX: Refined game-improvement shaping, incredible speed, forgiveness, and all-around performance.

MAX OS: A forgiving game-improvement iron with high launch, wide soles, and enhanced offset for mid-high handicap golfers.

MAX OS LITE: Their most forgiving iron with high launch, increased lofts, and wide soles in a lightweight package.

PRO: Packed with technology in a players’ hollow body shape.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

Odyssey Golf introduces new Tri-Hot 5K, Eleven and Toulon putters

O

dyssey, the #1 Putter in Golf, announced its new Tri-Hot 5K, Eleven, and Toulon Putters, along with new versions of their major-winning White Hot OG lineup.

Odyssey developed Tri-Hot 5K with an audacious goal, to introduce a new blade putter construction that outperforms a mallet, in a classic shape that the best players on TOUR love. We’ve moved the CG positioning forward and leveraged new materials in ways that have never

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

been realised in a putter. Stainless steel, tungsten, and 6061 aircraft grade aluminum have all been meticulously crafted to re-invent what a blade can accomplish.

Using massive amounts of tungsten, they’ve developed an inertia level exceeding 5000 IZZ for incredible forgiveness that’s unmatched in the blade category, all while moving the CG closer to the face.

This spectacular combination promotes improved performance in speed control, spin control, speed consistency on off center hits and a much tighter downrange dispersion that limits off-target spin.

Odyssey Eleven combines their legendary White Hot insert, still the #1 insert on Tour, with their major-winning Stroke Lab shaft to improve the consistency in your stroke. This unique head shape delivers the outstanding MOI properties that you would expect from a mallet.

However, this shape uniquely combines a more forward CG positioning that delivers the tight dispersion of a blade, for putts that stay on line. All these design characteristics are available in three proven options for better aim: a Tour Lined version, Triple Track Alignment, or a classic, unlined model.

The new Odyssey Toulon Design Put-

ters are fundamentally driven to combine rare beauty, obsessive attention to detail, exacting precision, and Tour-proven performance. From compelling new head shapes, featuring our new deep diamond groove face milling, to a new stunning Tour Satin Black finish, new split weight forward weighting configuration,

February 2022

W H AT ’ S NEW

and their latest generation Stroke Lab shaft, this collection delivers the highest qualities that Odyssey could imagine for milled putters.

Product at Retail Dates: * January 14, 2022: Toulon * March 4, 2022: Tri-Hot 5K, Eleven, and new White Hot OG versions

19

F E AT U R E

Whanganui - Manawatu

Rangatira Golf Club Join us for golf at this unique 18 hole course situated in the heart of the Rangitikei. What gives Rangatira that uniqueness; the course is built on three levels, stunning views of the Rangitikei River, and a ride in the Electric Cable Car, the only one of its kind in New Zealand.​ There are no bunkers.

We are on State Highway One 12km North of Hunterville. Rangatira is arguably one of the best golf courses in the

20

Rangitikei Golf Club

lower North Island as featured on Sky TVs “The Golf Club” November 2009. We were also the winner Golf Rankings ‘Hidden Gem’ award.

Get your friends together and come and experience our fantastic course.

Have a look at our accommodation options available.

Contact Mary on 06 322 9859 or 027 322 9850 for more information or visit www.rangatiragolf.co.nz

Rangitikei Golf Club is known as the Jewel of the Rangitikei. It is located 5kms from the town centre of Bulls. The Rangitikei Golf Club’s par 72 course offers a challenging 18 holes with elevated tees, undulating fairways and greens to test the unwary.

Please click on the video link on the website for a virtual tour of the Rangitikei Club course and its facilities.

Green fees are $20.00.

February 2022

We have golf carts available for hire, the cost is $30.00. Please phone (06) 322-1475 to book carts.

Eftpos facilities are only available on Club Days (Wednesday and Saturday). Please ensure you have cash for green fees and cart hire.

Visitors are guaranteed a friendly welcome. www.rangitikeigolfclub.co.nz

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

F E AT U R E

NZ Golf’s progressive destination Feilding Golf Club The Feilding Golf Club is situated on the side of the Oroua River, just 2 minutes from Feilding’s Town Centre. This 18 hole beautiful park course features mature trees lining immaculately manicured fairways. Our course very rarely closes due to its porous, well draining soils and our greens are of the highest quality and condition in the region.

While an easy walk, the course is challenging to all levels and a test for the best golfers that have played it.

The club has been a proud supporter of the Arohanui Hospice over many years, hosts the Men’s Queen’s birthday 54 Hole Match Play Open and Women’s 2 day Premier Challenge Open Tournaments.

With the Golf Shop open every day except Tuesday and an extremely friendly membership, you will always be welcome to either wander in your own time or join our members on a club or competition day.

Waimarino Golf Club The Waimarino Golf club is an 18 hole course at the base of Mt Ruapehu between Ohakune and Raetihi. The views of the Mountain are spectacular from many of the holes. Come and play any time or after skiing or mountain biking on this gem of a course cared for by our hugely experienced green keeper. There are beautiful trees and manicured holes from tee box to green.. The course drains

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

well both winter and summer.

The green fees are reasonable with great deals for country and full membership. The course is managed by a Voluntary Committee who really enjoy hosting individuals and groups.

It is a course not to be missed for serious and social golfers.

Check us out on Ruapehugolf.com

February 2022

21

NZ GOLF CLUB OF THE MONTH: Everglades The Everglades Country Golf Club is a 9-Hole course established in 1967 and is located 20 minutes north of central Christchurch. The course is bordered by the Kaputone stream on two sides of the course and is a straightforward layout.

T

he challenge is to negotiate the tree lined fairways and relatively small greens.

The club operates a full winter and summer programme of competitive and social golf for both men and women. Playing groups are varied weekly to encourage getting to know fellow members in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

All club days are run as a shotgun start to allow for a collective finish after play.

Men’s NZSCR 63 Ladies NZSCR 67 New members welcome in the following categories Full, 9 Holes, Midweek, Winter and Summer membership and Juniors.

There is also an Associate membership which provides players with a handicap.

Associate members pay green fees.

22

CLUB DAYS

Saturday Men: 11.30 am start, cards in by 11.15 am Saturday Ladies: 8.30 am start, cards in by 8.15 am Tuesday Ladies 9 and 18 hole players: 10 am start, cards in by 9.30 am Wednesday Men: 11.30 am start, cards in by 11am (course open to green fee players) Twilight Golf: Thursday during daylight saving hours, tee off between 4pm to 5.15 pm visitors welcome.

Further details please contact Clubhouse (03) 3238641 Email: evergladescgc@xtra.co.nz Location: 637 Marshland Road, Ouruhia, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand Postal Address: 142 Riverlea Estate Drive, Stewarts Gully 8083 Fee: Green fee players welcome. Green fees 9 holes $10.00 pay for 5 games and get the 6th game free.

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

ECCO GOLF

BI O M ® H 4 · NATURAL MOTION STABILITY AND CONTROL WITH A GLOVE LIKE FIT · ECCO MTN GRIP OUTSOLE WITH 360° STABILITY VIA TPU BLOCKS AND X-TENSA TECHNOLOGY INSIDE · PREMIUM PERFORMANCE LEATHER FROM ECCO’S OWN TANNERIES · 100% WATERPROOF AND BREATHABLE GORE-TEX TECHNOLOGY

READ MORE HERE: GOLF.ECCO.COM SPORTS NETWORK LTD 0508 776786

GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB - NEWS AND RESULTS

24

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

NORTH HARBOUR WAITAKERE GOLF CLUB

Waitakere Golf Club’s Frank Fitzpatrick was the winner recently of the first comp of the year and taking home the Summer Cup for the first time. It was close with Tom Rooker and Lorcan Murnane and Lorcan sneaking in for second place.

BAY OF PLENTY

MANAWATU-WHANGANUI

2022 DANNY LEE SPRINGFIELD OPEN CHAMPIONS

INAUGURAL MANAWATU WHANGANUI MASTERS

2022 Danny Lee Springfield Open champions determined in playoffs.

Joshua Bai became the first men’s backto-back winner since Danny Lee was an amateur while Euneseo Choi won the women’s in extra time. Both champions are 15 years old and on their way to great golfing careers.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2022

The final day went a little bit longer for the Masters’ Men in the inaugural Manawatu Wanganui Masters which was played recently.

Foxton Golf Club’s Denny Thompson equalled the low round of the day by shooting a 2 under 70 managed to move up the leaderboard and tie with Feidlings Tony Chettleburgh on a two-round score of 148. They were one shot clear of Hawkes Bays Michael Trass.

It took three holes to separate the players with Tony Chettleburgh making birdie on the 18th the second time around to claim the Inaugural Manawatu Wanganui Masters trophy.

Manawatu’s Lisa Herbert had a much easier time in the Women’s Masters by firing her second 72 for a two-round total of 144 and claiming the Women’s Masters trophy.

In the Women’s Horowhenua Open Wanganui Golf Club’s Tara Raj eased away to a four-shot win over Casey Chettleburgh by firing a 69 on the final day.

In the Men’s Horowhenua Open there were moves made by Feilding Members Ryan Rooney and Liam Finlayson who both shot final round 70’s.

This resulted in Liam jumping up into second place while Ryan ended up tied third with Manawatu’s Kaleb Idemaru and Wellington Sam Marsters. They couldn’t catch overnight leader Zack Swanwick who added to his New Zealand Under 16’s title last week.

Levin Golf Club has agreed to hold the Manawatu Wanganui Masters alongside the Horowhenua Open again in 2023.

25

26

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

CHAFFING FOR A CAUSE FEILDING GOLFER’S RAISE $13,500 FOR CANCER

Feilding player’s who raised $13,500 for Cancer - Mike Atkins Stu Donald Seb Baker Damian Walker Trevor Ward Tony Boxall James Holden Duncan Webb.

Feilding Golf Club’s golfer’s participated in the Longest Day Golf Challenge held recently. Eight golfer’s played 72 holes in one day to raise money for the

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

New Zealand Cancer Society. This is the 3rd year they’ve done this and this time to make things a little more challenging they played 4 different courses in the one day!

Course played Marton Golf Club, Rangitikei Golf Club, Hawkestone Golf Club and finished in Feilding.

They raised $13,500. Cancer Society report 71 New Zealanders are diagnosed every day with cancer. Congratulations to all involved with this worthy cause.

WELLINGTON THE ARNOLD LINDSAY MEMORIAL NEW YEAR OPEN AT MANOR PARK GOLF SANCTUARY

By John Pihema, Captain Club The Arnold Lindsay Memorial New Year Open at Manor Park Golf Sanctuary was contested on 2/3 January. We had a field of 126 players for the two days of the tournament and weather conditions were extremely hot with the temperature

February 2022

exceeding 30C each day.

Dominic Hazeldine, from Royal Wellington Golf Club, had scores of 70 and 72 (even par) to win the gross section of the first division for men.

Andy Hamilton (77 and 80) and Ash Kai Fong (82 and 80), both from Manor Park Golf Sanctuary, won the gross sections of the second and third divisions.

In the women’s event it was two Shandon Golf Club players who prevailed in the main competitions. Teisa Vaka had

27

28

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

scores of 85 and 82 in the gross section of the women’s first division and Victoria Faafia had 90 and 82 in the gross section of the women’s second division.

Congratulations to the Nett and Stableford winners.

A hole-in-one prize of a $40,000 car on hole No 2 was not struck and our own Maxwell Jansen was the closest, he went within 30 centimetres (one foot) of doing so.

Ironically another player, Christopher Long from Palmerston North Golf Club scored a hole in one but it was not on the hole that counted. His ace was scored on hole No 6.

Once again thanks to Lindsay Investments, Renaissance - Craft Beer from New Zealand in Marlborough, Value Motors in Lower Hutt, Queensgate-shopping’centre and Whittaker’s Chocolate Lovers in Porirua.

Julie Perks and Liz Tago also operated a barbecue and drinks stop at our recently erected gazebo after the eighth hole on both days which was much appreciated by the golfers.

Thanks to Paul G, Paul (Bar), Mark (Shop and scores), Pip, Julie and Bill for your efforts leading up to and on the tournament days. It was a very successful tournament with plenty of positive feedback.

I look forward to the 2023 addition of this tournament and our goal is a field of 140 players.

Hari Tau Hou Happy New Year John Pihema Club Captain

CANTERBURY GOLF NZ’S WOMEN’S MID AMATEUR EVENT Golf New Zealand Women’s Mid Amateur event played at Clearwater GC recently.

Rachel Eder from her home course Clearwater prevailed to win a play off with Invercargill’s Olivia Frost. Both were tied after 54 holes with rounds 238 gross.

Third was Rangiora’s Joanne Kent.

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND ISLAND PARK OPENING DAY Excellent weather and course in great condition.

Winners of the Colin Clapperton mixed trophy Kerry Weller and James Dowie.

Men’s combined stabfd Brent Young and Shane Stewart.

Hole in one trophy presented to Shane who now rates the score.

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

February 2022

29

30

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

ISLAND PARK COMBINED STABLEFORD

Mike Bell and Alan Toomer for winning the Neil Hall trophy combined stableford played recently in good condi-

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ

tions.

Next 3 pairs joint runner ups were Gary Pohatu and Colin McLeod, Geof Davidson and Colin Clapperton, Trevor Stanley and Kevin Hayes.

Nearest the pin Barney Full

SOUTHLAND STROKEPLAY

The Southland Strokeplay and Golf New Zealand South Island Strokeplay event was played recently in absolutely perfect conditions at Invercargill Golf Club.

Men’s 54 hole Champion Cameron Har-

February 2022

lock - 9 Women’s 54 hole Champion Vivian Lu -12 Men’s Masters Champion Craig O’Rourke Women’s Masters Champion Helen Baird Junior Champion Jake Slater.

64 (course record) from Liam Hewitt

31

32

February 2022

WWW.GOLFERPACIFIC.CO.NZ