Golfer Pacific NZ – April 2022

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The New Zealander behind Cameron Smith’s win at TPC Sawgrass PAGE 3 INSIDE // JOSH GEARY SWOOPS TO VICTORY // MOMOKA KOBORI COMES WITHIN A WHISKER OF WINNING

EDITORIAL

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

The dramatic rise to number one in world golf W

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

ho is the world’s No 1 ranked male golfer?

If you guessed Jon Rahm of Spain that was a good attempt.

He had been No 1 for 14 consecutive weeks until knocked off his perch at the end of last month by Scottie Scheffler of the United States.

Scheffler attained the top ranking when winning the World Golf Championships Matchplay in Texas in March.

That was his third win in his previous five starts.

His two previous wins had been the Phoenix Open in Arizona in February and the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Florida in March when Scheffler prevailed in a playoff.

The Phoenix Open was worth $US8.2 million while the Arnold Palmer and World Matchplay were each worth $US12 million.

Scheffler picked up $US1.4 million in the Phoenix Open and $US2.1 million in each of the Arnold Palmer and World Matchplay tournaments. That totals $US5.6 million or about $NZ8 million.

Scheffler had not previously won on the PGA Tour. In other words, three wins in a short period of time saw him shoot up the world rankings. In February he was ranked 14th. Two months later he was first.

At the same time Scheffler, 25, became just the sixth player to attain the No 1 position at the age of 25 or younger since the world rankings were established in 1986.

The other five players to reach No 1 at age 25 or younger are Ti-

ger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth and Jon Rahm.

In addition Scheffler was only having his 92nd professional start when he became No 1. That is the third lowest behind Woods at 21 starts (simply amazing) and Spieth at 77.

Scheffler’s rise to No 1 has been so dramatic you are left wondering who is this guy. Will he fade away just as quickly or will he be a top 10 player for years to come?

Scottie Scheffler holds the Walter Hagen Cup and signals the number one sign after winning the World Golf Championships Matchplay in Texas last month. (Photo credit: David Buono/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).

His ascendency seems to have surprised Scheffler just as much as anyone else. After his win in the World Golf Championship Matchplay he said: “I don’t feel like No 1 in the world. I feel like the same guy I was four months ago, and I hope that doesn’t change.”

That’s a great attitude and it will be interesting to see how long Scheffler can attain the top spot.

Where are the New Zealanders on the world ranking list? At the end of last month Ryan Fox was New Zealand’s top male golfer with a ranking of 120 while Daniel Hillier was 217th and Danny Lee was 261th.

On the women’s side of the ledger we, of course, have our own heroine.

That’s Lydia Ko who has spent a total of 104 weeks as the world’s No 1-ranked women golfer.

Ko first attained the No 1 spot in February, 2015, when she was aged 17 years, nine months and nine days. She remains the youngest in professional golf — male or female — to become No 1.

NEW ZEALAND EDITORIAL Paul Gueorgieff pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz Ph: 64 4 565 0385 Mob: 64 27 227 1038 SOUTH ISLAND EDITORIAL Neville Idour 0274771423 pmidour@hotmail.co.nz SALES & CLUB PACKAGE GOLF TRAILS & NOTICEBOARDS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 7 5504 6334 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 LAYOUT & DESIGN layout.golferpacificnz@gmail.com PUBLISHER Golfer Pacific NZ LTD PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand ACCOUNTS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com SUBSCRIPTION $60.00 per annum including GST smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 5575 7444 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 NEW ZEALAND MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand COVER PHOTO: Cameron Smith from Queensland with his trophy after winning the $US20 million Players’ Championship in Florida last month. Photo credit: Keyur Khamar/PGA Tour via Getty Images.

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April 2022

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By Paul Gueorgieff, Golfer Pacific editor

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n Australian and a New Zealander combined to win the biggest prize on the PGA Tour in the United States last month.

The Players’ Championship in Florida carried a record purse of $US20 million and victory went to Cameron Smith from Queensland. His caddie was Sam Pinfold from New Zealand.

The first prize for Smith was $US3.6 million which is about $NZ5.2 million.

Caddies usually earn 10 percent when their player wins and that means Pinfold probably picked up $NZ520,000.

Pinfold, from Wellington, has been on Smith’s bag most of the time since they partnered officially in 2015.

Smith got home by one shot in The Players’ Championship, which is regarded as the fifth major championship, and his last two holes provided plenty of drama.

On the iconic par three 17th hole at the Tournament Players’ Club (TPC) at Sawgrass, with an island green, Smith hit his tee shot within several feet of the flag but also dangerously close to the water several feet further right.

Smith shared a wry smile with Pinfold as he placed his nine iron back in the bag.

Smith would later admit: “I’d be lying if I said I was aiming there. I was probably aiming 10 feet left of that.

“Yeah, heart was in the throat there for a second, but I knew it was the right club.

“But I still wanted to stay aggressive, still wanted to make birdie.”

Smith holed the putt to take a twoshot lead going to the 18th which is lined with water on the left-hand side.

Smith surprised many by taking driver off the tee and in attempting to avoid the water he sliced his shot to the right amongst the trees.

He had to punch his next shot out onto the fairway but he got it better than expected and his ball scuttled across the fairway and into the water.

Smith later said of his choice to take driver off the tee: “Just because I just wanted to get it down there as far as I could basically. If it did turn over, I was

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New Zealand caddie Sam Pinfold and Queensland golfer Cameron Smith shake hands at the completion of the Players’ Championship in Florida last month. Photo credit: Keyur Khamar/ PGA Tour via Getty Images.

going to have a short shot in, and it just didn’t quite turn over.

Smith was later asked: The punch out, did you think it was going to get to the water when you hit it?

“No, I thought the shot was actually

going to come out quite soft because it was in amongst some pine straw, and it actually come out really nice.

“Definitely I was trying to hit it probably 30 yards less of that. I just thought it was going to come out tumbling and

April 2022

just roll out on to the fairway.

“Yeah, but just kind of come out nice, and it was unfortunate, but held it together. And great up-and-down.”

A great up and down it was.

Smith was in grave danger of giving up his lead but after his penalty drop he hit his next shot, with wedge, to within two feet of the hole which allowed him a tap in par five and victory.

Pinfold later commented: “He’s a genius inside 60 yards.’’

Smith lives close to TPC Sawgrass and was asked what he would do after the win which was achieved on a Monday because a rain-delayed tournament.

“Sleep,” was his immediate reply.

“I feel like I haven’t slept in five or six days. It’s obviously been a long week.

I’m sure there will be a few beers around the fire tonight, but yeah, I can’t wait for a good sleep.

TPC Sawgrass isn’t known as a place where players can scrape it around, but Smith won despite hitting less than half his fairways (24 of 56) and finishing last in driving accuracy among the 70 players who completed all four weather-delayed rounds.

Smith became the first Players’ champion to hit the fairway less than 50 percent of the time. Golf Channel commentator Brandel Chamblee called it “one of the greatest examples of great nerve from start to finish that I’ve seen.”

His 24 birdies were the most in the field, but he also made 11 bogeys.

“I felt really confident with my iron shots,” Smith said. “I just needed to hit the fairway. That was the big thing.”

His iron play is vastly improved this season, allowing him to capitalise on the best club in his bag, the putter.

“I feel as though I’ve put in the work and I feel as though I’ve done a lot of work on my body and I’ve put in the time. It’s nice to see all that stuff paying off.”

The first sign of Smith’s ascendance came in the opening week of the year, when he held off world No 1 Jon Rahm at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii, shooting the lowest 72-hole score in relation to par to beat Rahm by one.

GOLF NEWS

The New Zealander behind Cameron Smith’s win at TPC Sawgrass

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Josh Geary swoops to victory with brilliant final nine holes GOLF NEWS Josh Geary, winner of the New Zealand Strokeplay in Christchurch last month. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

J

osh Geary had a scintillating back nine to win the New Zealand Strokeplay Championship in Christchurch.

Geary produced some of his best golf to come home in seven-under par and steal the title away from amateur Sam Jones in the dying stages of the event. He carded rounds of 68, 68, 73, and 65 to finish at 14-under to win by one.

He started the back nine three-shots behind Jones and managed to kickstart the closing stages of his tournament with a birdie on hole No 10.

He holed his second shot on hole No 11 for eagle and birdied the 12th to suddenly tie Jones’s lead.

The pair traded blows, with Geary making birdies on the 14th and 16th and rolled in a clutch birdie on 18 to put the tournament virtually out of Jones’s reach. The only way Geary could be caught was if Jones made eagle up the last.

Jones went close, making a birdie.

The victory was Geary’s first since the

Sam Jones of Taranaki. He was beaten by Josh Geary in a Charles Tour event at Christchurch last month but prevailed in the New Zealand Amateur Strokeplay. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

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Akarana Open in 2019 and he was delighted to get the monkey off his back.

“This feels pretty awesome,’’ Geary said afterwards.

“It was a bit of a battle all day out there, and even yesterday, I felt like I wasn’t getting much out of my golf.

“But yeah, I made that birdie on 10 and holed out for eagle on 11 and made some pretty clutch putts on the last five holes. It all seemed to come together at the right time.

“My putting clicked today. I tend to get hyper-focused when the pressure’s on, and it helps my putting especially.

A few putts dropped at the right time.”

“I’ve had a lot of good results over the past couple of years, and I haven’t managed to get over the line, so it was great to get that monkey off my back.

“It’s getting harder to win out here, and everyone is getting better. It’s great to see that the Jennian Homes Charles Tour is doing its job by improving the professionals and elite amateurs which is a great sign. It means more when you win now.”

The victory sets him up well for the rest of the year as he aims to get back over to Europe to play more events.

“This is great momentum for the rest of the year. I’ve only just started practising and playing again after two or three months. I have a few pro-ams up north and one in Queenstown, and then I’m getting ready to head overseas not long after that.

“It’s always good to get some competitive golf under your belt and some high pressure golf too, which is invaluable for when we go to these bigger events abroad.”

April 2022

The man he beat didn’t walk away empty-handed.

Jones still walked away with the New Zealand Men’s Amateur Strokeplay Championship, awarded to the lowest amateur in the event.

He began the day two shots in front and played solid golf throughout his opening nine to hold a three-shot lead with nine holes to play.

He made a great par on the 10th after hitting his tee shot into the penalty area, and then made three birdies in a row to keep his nose in front of a fast-finishing Geary.

Jones’s tee shot on 17 proved costly as he hit his ball into the penalty area, resulting in a bogey.

“I know this isn’t a consolation prize and I’m really stoked to get this one over the line even though I fell short for the overall trophy,’’ Jones said.

“I played really solid all day and I was checking the leaderboard all day to see where everyone was at.

“Josh [Geary] had an awesome back nine to take it away from me but I’m still really stoked to win the New Zealand Men’s Amateur Strokeplay title.”

Jones’s tournament has set him up well for the rest of the year as he has eyes on making the Eisenhower Trophy team.

“My main goal is to make the Eisenhower team, and this week was a great stepping stone for that. If I keep playing well, there is no reason I can’t be a fixture when it comes to selection time.”

He finished with rounds of 69, 66, 71, and 69 to finish 13 under par.

Winning the New Zealand Women’s Amateur Strokeplay was Royal Auckland and Grange’s Vivian Lu who went back-to-back after winning the event last year.

She’s the first to win back-to-back titles in 27 years, with the last person to do it being Catherine Knight in 1994 and 1995.

Lu was in control all-tournament, shooting rounds of 70, 72, 71, and 72 to finish three-under par, six shots clear of her nearest rival Tara Raj. Lu said it was fantastic to win consecutive titles.

“It feels great. I’m really happy I was I was able to pull it off today, and knowing that Lydia (Ko) didn’t go back-toback is a bit of an ego-boost.”

“The game plan today was just to do what I’ve been doing the entire week.

I just wanted to stay consistent today and shoot somewhere around even par.

“I want to try and win the New Zealand Amateur again and just play my best in all the events I end up playing in. This has given me a bit of confidence for the year ahead.”

Auckland golfer Vivian Lu. She won the New Zealand Women’s Amateur Strokeplay in Christchurch last month to become the first person in 27 years to win the event in consecutive years. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

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Momoka Kobori comes within a whisker of winning in Australia GOLF NEWS

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anterbury golfer Momoka Kobori picked up $A20,000 ($NZ21,000) after being beaten in a playoff in New South Wales last month.

The tournament was a $A200,000 event on the Australasian Tour and was played at Oaks Cypress Lakes Resort near Newcastle.

Kobori unfortunately three-putted the last hole of regulation play to allow Aaron Pike of Australia to join her in the lead at eight under par. The mixed-gender tournament had been shortened to 54 holes because of torrential rain.

Kobori and Pike played the 18th hole three times in the playoff before Pike prevailed with a birdie after knocking his approach shot to two feet from the hole.

The win was Pike’s third on the Australasian Tour but Kobori, 22, can take credit in a top performance in which she was seeking to join her younger brother Kazuma as a PGA Tour of Aus-

tralasia winner.

Even as she and Pike went back and forth in the playoff she barely flinched, only succumbing when Pike produced the knockout shot on the third extra hole.

Pike was very complimentary of Kobori afterwards.

“I couldn’t believe she was four-under through nine. I don’t know what golf course she was playing,’’ Pike said.

“She’s obviously playing like a gun at the moment. She’s been top 10 in everything that’s been on.

“It’s a matter of time until she wins, not if.

“I said that when I played with her at Rosebud. I don’t think I said it to her but I said it to a few of the other guys.

I said she’s winning and she’s going to do it quick.

“It’s a shame she didn’t get over the line this time but I’m sure it’s happening.”

Canterbury golfer Momoka Kobori who was beaten in a play-off of a mixed gender event in New South Wales last month.

A slippery slope … or is it?

By Neville Idour

M

y wife and I played in a recent Coronet Golf Tour event in Queenstown which gave rise to conjecture about the accuracy of the latest slope ratings.

I will try not to bore you with too many statistics but first let us look at the slope and course ratings of the four courses played and the average stableford scores for both men and women on each course which provided the questioning. Bear in mind playing conditions were, for the most part, good.

Of the courses played, the mens’ stats were, in the following order: average stableford scores, slope rating and course rating.

Remarkables, Millbrook: 33.36, 127, 69.6.

Queenstown GC: 31.57, 128, 71.2.

Jacks Point: 27.14, 128, 71.7.

Coronet, Millbrook: 27,122, 68.8.

Women’s stats were:Remarkables, Millbrook: 32.54, 123, 70.

Queenstown GC: 31.54, 122, 72.8.

Jacks Point: 26.75, 123, 71.9.

Coronet, Millbrook: 23.69, 118, 69.2.

It is easy to see why questions were raised. The slope and course ratings for both men and women indicate that the Coronet course is significantly kinder than the other three which have similar ratings. Yet the average stableford scoring for the men was six and eight points less than Remarkables and Queenstown but, not surprisingly, similar to Jacks Point which many felt was the most challenging course.

The women had even greater disparity with Coronet the most difficult during the event and bear in mind playing stableford scoring reduces the number of shots recorded for handicapping.

So do we conclude there are mistakes in the rating of Millbrook’s Coronet course. Definitely not according to Golf

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New Zealand’s handicapping and golf services’ manager Phil Aickin.

First of all just what are the course ratings and slope ratings? Put simply course rating is an evaluation of the difficulty of a golf course for scratch golfers. This is arrived at from an estimate of the average scores of the best 50 percent of rounds played by scratch golfers at the course being rated. So a scratch golfer can be expected to average that number of strokes when playing that course. In the case of Coronet that’s 68.8 for men and 69.2 for women.

On the other hand slope rating is a measurement of the difficulty for bogey golfers relative to the course rating. In other words the golfer scoring 18 over par or a bogey on each hole.

Maybe we can sum it up this way.

Course rating tells the best golfers how hard a golf course actually plays while slope rating indicates how much harder the course plays for regular, average, not the best golfers. The minimum slope rating is 55 and the maximum 155 so the higher the slope the more difficult it is.

Aickin explains: “For well over a century handicapping and course rating has been regarded as an inexact science. But the evolution of both has been beneficial for equitable competition. And both play a significant part in providing the best platform for competition.”

The resources and effort being applied to this ongoing process are to be applauded. Aickin highlights this: “Last year I trained and retrained over 200 volunteers, spending two days in every district.

Day one was a class room presentation and then the second day the full rating of a golf course. Just like the rules of golf, the course rating process has small improvements every few years.”

Course rating is a very thorough assessment and requires a team of trained

volunteers to circuit the course and gather data which is then used to calculate point values for the many areas of consideration as we shall see.

Aickin explained the various areas points values are allocated to. The first consideration is the measured length of each set of tees being rated.

Then it is to assess the effective playing length factors as follows.

Roll: We consider in spring and autumn.

Firm reduces length. Soft adds length.

Elevation: From tee to green.

Wind: Niwa (National Institute of Weather and Atmospheric Research) has provided the average daily wind speed at each course.

Doglegs: We rate for a scratch and bogey golfer. Where tee shots finish. Layup?

Take shorter route?

Forced layups: Adds length.

Altitude: The ball flies further.

The other considerations are the various possible obstacles such as:Topogrophy: Elevations and fairway variations Faiways: Width and challenge of hitting the fairway.

Green target.

Rough and Recoverability: Average length of rough.

Bunkers are all recorded plus their depth.

Penalty areas and trees.

Green surface: These are measured for 1. Flat or gentle slope. 2.Moderate contour or slope. 3. Highly contoured or steeply sloped.

Points’ values are assigned to each of the above then added to the USGA database which provides the course rating, bogey rating and slope number.

It is clear that course rating is a very thorough assessment of a golf course with exactly the same formula used for all. It is not a case of one person wander-

April 2022

ing round a course. It is a dedicated team effort.

Aickin adds: “One of the great challenges in our game is nature. A course can play very differently to the way it has been rated and the system has two things to counter that situation. ``First is that a handicap index is based on the best eight score differentials in the most recent 20 scores. Second is the playing conditions calculation (PCC) which is the assessment of all scores posted on that day which can lower the rating by one or increase it by up to three.”

“There are 34,000 golf courses worldwide and for most they are assessed using the same system we have been using for over 20 years. So for the first time ever we can play on any USGA rated golf course around the world and our card can be entered for handicap purposes.”

Aickin also acknowledged we may have felt that the rating of Coronet the day we played was inaccurate because the scoring was so poor. However a +3 PCC was applied that day which increased the course rating to 71.7 which in retrospect was more appropriate.

So what can we conclude from all of this?

For this bogey golfer It has been educational but the key thing is the formula is the same for every course and that being the case we can sleep easy knowing the assessments are as good as possible. As Aickin said, it has always been an inexact science. Now it is as exact as possible but where nature is involved it is impossible to achieve perfection.

For me, the bottom line is whatever a course offers up in ratings or difficulty it is the same for everyone as we found out at Coronet. So as long as we are on an even playing field nothing else matters.

It is hard enough just getting the ball in the hole.

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April 2022

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The odd couple a winner

By Neville Idour

GOLF NEWS 8

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y wife and I played as a pair in a recent three-round club member event that was an absolute winner in every way.

I have certainly not experienced such a format before. Dubbed as The Odd Couple it invited members to find a partner, male or female to join the fun.

It was not only a hoot to play but threw up unexpected results. First, and foremost, it yet again highlighted what a wonderful game golf is with its inclusivity and variety as well as the superb handicap system that allows players of all abilities to compete together on an even playing field.

A weekend event, we played two rounds on Saturday and one on Sunday. The field was a mixture of pairings, male pairings and male/female pairings. Handicaps ranged from single figures to 30 and more. The three formats were ambrose, foursomes and fourball.

The first round was ambrose with a minimum of six tee shots required

from each player. The other rule was that whoever’s shot is chosen each time, that player plays first until the ball is holed.

I felt we would have little chance of success as neither of us hit tee shots further than 160 metres whereas many in the field hit well over 200 metres. As it happened we were more than competitive. It became obvious that having one of your shots in a playable position was key. Shorter and accurate was better than two long wayward shots. My wife’s excellent short game was vital.

Unlike the usual four-person ambrose team with few limits, you could not stack a twosome team as such, so tactical decisions on what shot to play were a key element. What was surprising was that this format took the longest time. Nevertheless it was hugely enjoyable.

After a lunch break the second round was foursomes and again I felt we would be off the pace against the big hitters.

This format, the most difficult, can put the player under pressure to not

put their partner in the stook. Keeping a sense of humour to the fore is a plus. The key in foursomes, we found, was to choose tee shot holes as best as possible because they are alternate. In this case at The Hills it was clear to us that my wife needed to play from the odd numbers and I play the evens. Some of the odd numbers such as all four par five holes gave her a significantly shorter hole.

Communicating on what shot to play for the benefit of your partner was crucial. Getting our tactics, if not always the shots right, we remained competitive.

So to the final round, the fourball where the best nett on the holes from each player is scored. Arguably this gives rise to the most tactical opportunities and decisions. There will be holes where the shorter hitter should go first and if they can hit a good one it may allow the other player a little more freedom to let it rip. Then there will be holes where the more accurate player should go first.

As for second shots again possibly the lesser player (if there is one)

April 2022

might go first as a good shot may allow the other player to attack the pin.

Then on the putting green there are several scenarios. The better putter may go second if each player has a similar line, irrespective of distance.

This will give the second player a good read.

All in all, from my personal perspective, this event was a huge success and all the others who played, who I am aware of, agreed with that sentiment and we all are looking forward to another such event later in the year.

It was an eye-opener to see that some players who may have been more favoured to do well struggled so the format certainly provides a level playing field for all. What more can we ask for in competition.

This is an event any club in the country should consider and it has four possibilities. Men only, women only, mixed only or, as we played, free for all. It was a great learning experience for us, and that can only be good for one’s golf.

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Kiss My Putt, so to speak

By Neville Idour

T

here is a new kid on the block in the golf tour business based in the Queenstown area near Lake Hayes.

Janie Reese, who moved from Auckland in December 2020, introduced a new take on the golf holiday/tour offerings that is rather unique, as is the business name of Kiss My Putt.

Her business is primarily aimed at learner women golfers. But rather than offer only traditional coaching it is more about mentoring and education on the course as well as very special “rookie retreats”. More on this later.

How did Janie arrive at this point in her life?

“I am a born and bred Cantabrian. My parents had a bach at Hanmer Springs so as a child every holiday was there.

“So rather than have to find babysitters for me I would always go out on the golf course with my parents. I would have a seven iron in my hand and potter around.

“When I scored my first double bogey I thought it was exciting.

I was probably about nine years old.

“My father said you have got one double bogey. You only need 17 more and you will have a 36 handicap. So I thought that makes sense.”

That was where golf really began for Reese and she said she had wonderful mentors.

“Val Cullen, an incredible woman from Canterbury Golf was a standout. She motivated and inspired me because at the stage there weren’t a lot of female golfers.

“This encouraged me to carry on and I went to my first junior nationals at the age of 15 with six golf clubs in my little old gun

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bag. They had leather grips and wooden shafts.”

That sounded terrible. Janie agreed but the good news was that her father said: “When you get to a 28 handicap I will buy you a new set of golf clubs.”

Janie progressed from there and played for Canterbury and really enjoyed it.

However, she revealed: “Here I am in my early 20s and disappeared off and didn’t play competitive golf again. Since then I have just played and pottered with golf.”

Reese then revealed a long held passion.

“I have always had a passion for helping women with golf. I used to love being drawn with high handicappers at my golf club because I enjoyed helping them a little bit and giving them motivation and excitement to play.

“So if someone didn’t like their driver but liked their seven wood I would say, all right, tee off with that.”

Her career gives a little insight into her passion.

“I have spent my whole career in the tourism industry, most of it in Auckland after moving there in my early 20s.

“Firstly with STHC (Safeer Tourism and Hotel Company) who had Park Royals and Travelodges. I started at the Christchurch Park Royal. (This writer remembers that wonderful hotel that was destroyed by the earthquake).

“I then moved to Australia and worked five years as marketing representative for Destination Queenstown. It was the best job in the world selling all things Queenstown to Australians.

“Then the last 14 years I was with (French multinational hospitality company) Accor until I

left hotels completely before covid hit. I needed a break and ended up with a woman who advertised for someone to help with their golf. So I said I will be that person.”

That seemed an unusual approach rather than just go to a professional.

Reese explains: “They didn’t want a coach, so I became a golf mentor. She was wonderful so we started on a journey to improve her golf. From there I started telling people what I was doing and then it kept snowballing as word of mouth spread. So I ended up with quite a few clients in Auckland although once covid hit it was very hard to get on a golf course.

“So when I launched my business here it had two sides to it.

One is my private mentoring where I take people around the course and help them become more confident and better golfers, as well as teach them all the things they don’t learn on a driving range. Therefore I am different to a golf pro. I am a mentor and do not give swing instruction like a golf pro does.

“Because I have come from the world of tourism the other side of my business is I offer rookie retreats’ in Queenstown.

These are three nights/four days where we have lots of golf and we might do cooking classes, massages, degustation dinners and wine tastings.

“In other words all those things that girls love to do when they go on holiday. We try and make unique experiences which comes from my Destination Queenstown days of creating unique experiences for people.

We aim to send them home better and more confident golfers.”

The other initiative Reese is involved in is the she loves golf

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Jani Reese of Kiss My Putt

website which was launched in collaboration with the Arrowtown Golf Club.

“We put an ad on Facebook and Instagram in December and within 10 hours we had 62 bookings for 30 places to come to a have a go day at Arrowtown.

So we had to have a second day and that filled.

“Following that we set up an eight week programme of she loves golf learn and play sessions. Then we created other experiences for them such as twilight golf or six holes after work, games for them, really lots of fun.”

So what does the future hold?

“Very much focussed on more

of the same, but I have an agent who is based in Sydney who I am working with.

“He has already launched my packages but of course we have to wait until Australians are allowed into New Zealand.

The packages are for rookie retreats. Girls trips from Sydney into Queenstown for four or five days. All about being a better golfer and having lots of fun. My other market is Auckland and there is a lot of interest.”

Kiss My Putt is certainly an excellent alternative for women.

As Reese said: “Golf can be scary for a learner so my aim is to remove that fear.”

And so say all of us.

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An intriguing Masters in prospect — as usual

By Neville Idour

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or various reasons The Masters at Augusta this month is shaping up as something of a blockbuster.

Trying to pick winners is not my favourite occupation but looking at some of the form horses this year is an intriguing prospect.

With only around 100 players, The Masters is by far the smallest field of the four major championships in men’s professional golf, if not the strongest. There is no qualifying way in to the field. It is top 50 world ranked or the various invite categories.

Recent winners Hideki Matsuyama (2021), Dustin Johnson (2020), Patrick Reed (2018), Sergio Garcia (2017), Jordan Spieth (2015), Bubba Watson (2014 and 2012) and Adam Scott (2013) will all be there.

Matsuyama said: “I am looking forward to returning to defend my title and playing the best I can.”

Matsuyama had to withdraw from The Players’ Championship with a back problem but says he is 80 percent mended and ready to go. It would be a super effort for him to repeat last year. Of the others Johnson and possibly Scott look more likely while the others, although ca-

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pable, have not been at their best of late.

Johnson has been something of an enigma since his Masters win in November 2020. Hard to believe that was his last top five finish until the just completed World Golf Championship Matchplay event where he finished fourth after showing the missing consistency may be close to returning.

Several excellent wins in the matchplay tournament, and especially satisfying, was his comeback from two down to beat the super confident Brooks Koepka.

Scott also showed his game is on the rise with some solid wins in the matchplay event but probably not quite sharp enough to win at Augusta.

Bryson DeChambeau will have lots of support but admits a broken bone in his wrist, which saw him take six weeks off, is not helping. After the WGC Matchplay he said: “I lack confidence in my wrist as my drives were not going where I wanted. It will get it ironed out over time but as of now it is holding up well.” His frame of mind is still positive.

Four time major winner Koepka, who has competed at six Masters with two top 10s, a missed cut in 2021 and a best finish of tied second in 2019, is obviously in the hunt. He would love to add a Masters to his resume. In fact if you were to ask him for a tip he would likely pick himself.

Asked by Golf Channel if The Masters suits his game he said: “Every major suits

me. I like the pressure.”

Late last year he said he saw no reason why he couldn’t match Tiger Woods’ 15 major wins or maybe even Jack Nicklaus’ 18 majors.

“In my mind I’m going to catch Tiger. I believe that. I do not see any reason to stop me. There is still plenty of time. At 31, I have another 14 years left. One a year I catch Nicklaus.’’

No doubt time will tell.

For many pundits Jon Rahm, the now former world No 1, is favourite to win the green jacket. If he is on his game he will be right up there, but lately he seems to be missing that golden touch by a smidgeon at times. Canadian Corey Connors, who had some very impressive wins at the WGC Matchplay culminating in a fine win over Dustin Johnson for third place, could be one to watch.

Which brings me to the two players who look to be the form horses.

Australian Cameron Smith, 28, has been banking some seriously good golf performances in 2022. His two wins have come at two completely different styles of courses, one in Hawaii and the other in The Players’ Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Florida, beating the strongest field in golf.

Also bear in mind his impressive record in his five appearances at Augusta — three top 10s including runner-up to Johnson in 2020. His youth and experience with five

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PGA Tour wins to his name make a good combination along with his New Zealand caddie Sam Pinfold.

So to the form player Scottie Scheffler, 25, who was an irresistible force at the WGC Matchplay beating many of the very best players on his way to a decisive 4 and 3 championship win against one of the best match players on the planet, Kevin Kisner. Scheffler had been runner-up in the same event last year so was overcome with emotion to finish the job this time.

What is extraordinary is that, having contended for a PGA Tour title so often it took until the Phoenix Open to gain his first win when world ranked 15th. Forty two days later and with this third win under his belt he is world No 1. It was the fastest ascension to number one following a first PGA Tour win by a country mile. Not even Tiger Woods came within a bull’s roar of that.

As a final note Phil Mickelson is missing from the lineup for the first time since 1993. The word from the United States is that it may well be a case of Augusta asking him not to come because of the unwanted baggage he may bring and the PGA Tour has him under ban, thus also jeopardising his defending his PGA Championship title. The PGA Tour is always silent regarding discipline so it is a case of wait and see.

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Two mixed gender tournaments in Thailand this month

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he Asian Tour and Ladies’ European Tour (Let) will join forces in staging two new mixed tournaments in Thailand this month.

Trust Golf, part of the TCT Corporation, will host the Asian Mixed Cup and the Asian Mixed Stableford Challenge as part of the Trust Golf Asian Mixed Series. The tournaments will see the leading stars on the Asian Tour and Let compete for $US1.5 million in the space of a fortnight.

The innovative events will be played back-to-back on the Waterside Course at Siam Country Club (SCC) near Pattaya from April 7-10 and April 13-16.

SCC has hosted numerous prestigious international championships and is home to the Honda LPGA Thailand.

Both mixed events will feature 60 Asian Tour players and 60 Let players, along with 24 sponsor invitations, playing for the same prize fund and trophy. Each tournament will offer a prize fund of $US750,000, along with world golf ranking points.

The support of Trust Golf as title sponsor is a huge

boost for the ground-breaking co-sanctioned events.

Dr Prin Singhanart, founder of the Thai-based technology enterprise and the Trust Golf Tour, is passionate about innovative golf formats.

Dr Prin hopes to drive towards a World Mixed Championship one day.

Dr Prin said: “I’m always extremely keen on mixed formats as golf is the only sport allowing people of all ages and genders to play together. I would like to provide a pathway for Thai talents, both male and female.

“If a female golfer wins outright, they will earn membership to the Let, and if a male golfer wins outright, they will earn membership to the Asian Tour. With the Trust Golf Tour affiliated membership programme, it will allow the players to be ranked on both order of merits.

“I believe that sport has always been a soft power diplomacy approach to international relations. Through the attraction of its unique culture, Thailand has such potential to boost that in sports, especially with our strength in Thai boxing and golf.

“This can contribute to future trade and investment

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by strengthening trust and awareness of our country’s capabilities.”

Alexandra Armas, chief executive of Let, said: “We look forward to collaborating with Dr Prin and her vision to nurture the next generation of Thai talent. These new tournaments are important steps in the continued growth of the Let as we offer 33 playing opportunities to our members in 2022 and we look forward to working together with Trust Golf and the Asian Tour at Siam Country Club in April.”

Cho Minn Thant, commissioner of the Asian Tour, said: “The Asian Tour is extremely excited to add a new format of play to our tournament schedule. We thank Trust Golf for making it possible for the Asian Tour to stage its first mixed events, which will resonate strongly with golf fans in the region.

“It is also an exciting opportunity to collaborate with the Ladies’ European Tour for the first time and pay our maiden visit to the highly-regarded Siam Country Club.”

Big New Zealand numbers expected for Thailand amateur event

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ollowing a two-year covid-enforced hiatus, the self-proclaimed biggest and richest tournament for club golfers in Asia will return to the calendar this year against the idyllic seaside backdrop of Hua Hin in Thailand The seventh edition of the Centara World Masters Golf Championship has been confirmed for May 8-14 with rounds at Banyan Golf Club, Black Mountain Golf Club and Springfield Royal Country Club.

Open to golfers aged 35 and over, the 2022 Centara World Masters will see prizes totalling $US30,000 up for grabs, played across a range of age and handicap divisions – a popular format that sees men and women golfers pitted against peers of a similar age and standard.

The Centara World Masters is a collaboration between Australian-based Go Golfing and Thailand-based Golfasian, which looks after more golfers travelling to Asia than any other golf tour operator.

Peter McCarthy, Go Golfing founder and Centara World Masters Tournament

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co-director, said: “Go Golfing is proud to again partner with Golfasian and Centara Hotels & Resorts, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, and other partners to present the Centara Masters.

“We’ll be bringing a big contingent from Australia and New Zealand to join golfers from all over the globe. Our detailed covid zero plans have delivered zero covid cases at our six events this year, and the protocols for the Centara Masters are designed to ensure this event is covid-free.

“Big on fun, we’ve added a teams’ championship to the programme. Recruit a minimum of five friends or members from your club, and you’re in with a chance to win big prizes and bragging rights. The best five scores from your team members will count each day. You’ll also be able to personally design the caddie bib with your nickname, team name or country flag.”

Golfasian managing director Mark Siegel said: “I am delighted to bring back the

Centara World Masters and phenomenal golfing experiences in Hua Hin. “The 2022 edition will see players from over 30 countries participate in Asia’s largest amateur golf event, including protocols to ensure a safe and fun event for all.”

One of Thailand’s premier beach resort getaways, Hua Hin – a 2-1/2 hour drive south of Bangkok – has twice won the International Association of Golf Tour Operators award for Asia Golf Destination of the Year (most recently in 2019).

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading hotel operator, with six brands, ranging from luxury island retreats and upscale family resorts to affordable lifestyle concepts supported by innovative technology. Its 88 properties span all major Thai destinations, plus the Maldives, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Most golfers participating in the tournament stay at the beachfront Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas, which draws

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on a rich history and tradition stretching back to the 1920s in combining modern luxuries with the elegance of a bygone era.

Thirayuth Chirathivat, Centara Hotels & Resorts Chief Executive Officer, said: “More than ever, we are proud to support the biggest club golf tournament in Asia, as we reintroduce Thailand to the world as a safe destination with the same warm hospitality Centara has always been known for.

“Our iconic Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Hua Hin enjoys a long-standing reputation for the highest standards of service, and we can’t wait for the players and their families to enjoy it this May, when this wonderful week of golf and entertainment returns.”

An extensive Covid Safe plan has been specifically developed for the event, encompassing accommodation, golf courses, catering, transport and all service suppliers, ensuring best-practice cleaning and sanitation.

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Membership and green fees on the rise, according to UK survey

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n annual survey of private and proprietary-owned golf clubs in the United Kingdom has revealed that golf club membership remains on the rise, as has the cost of a round of golf, over the last 12 months.

The annual survey of 99 golf clubs across the country is carried out by accountants Hillier Hopkins and is published in a report titled members and proprietary golf clubs survey 2021/21 which is produced in partnership with the UK Golf Federation and the Golf Club Secretary Newsletter.

The report showed a sharp rise in the number of golf club members in 2021, together with increasing waiting lists.

However, the sport remains the preserve of older male members who are prepared to pay more for a round of golf in 2022.

Headline findings from the survey are: * On average, 29,000 rounds of golf were played at clubs participating in this survey. * 75 percent of club members are men. Ladies account for 18 percent and juniors seven percent. * 64 percent of club members are

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aged 50 and over. * 53 percent of clubs have waiting lists for new members. * 80 percent of clubs will increase memberships fees in 2022, yet 77 percent of clubs have kept memberships fees under £1612 (about $NZ3000). * Member green fees stand, on average, at £31 ($NZ59), with non-member green fees at £58. * 51 percent of clubs turnover more than £1 million ($NZ1.9 million) a year. * Clubs operate with minimal cash surpluses, with the average standing at £64,000. * 72 percent of clubs continue to insist on a strict dress code. * 87 percent of clubs say they are prepared to change their rules and regulations to attract new and younger members. * Flexible memberships are offered by 47 percent of clubs. * PGA professionals retained by golf clubs are typically paid between £1500 and £2500 a month. * Golf clubs on average employ 25 fulltime staff.

Matt Bailey, a senior manager at accountants Hillier Hopkins, said: “2021 has been a much better year for golf clubs, with 79 percent of members clubs and 88 percent of proprietary clubs reporting growth in the year. Just over half (53 percent) of clubs report waiting lists for members compared to just 22 percent of clubs in 2019, the year before the pandemic.

“Clubs are, however, concerned that the age of membership remains stubbornly high, with almost three-quarters of club members aged over 50, and a third aged over 61. All clubs continue to work hard to attract younger and greater numbers of female members.”

Doug Poole, chief executive at the UK Golf Federation, said: “The UK Golf Federation has supported the Hillier Hopkins survey for the last few years as it provides current and valuable information on how golf courses and golf facilities have performed over the last year of trading. We all know information is king in ensuring a business can maximise on its services and bottom-line income. Even more valuable this year since we have all battled through

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changes in operation and closedowns due to covid restrictions in operation.

“Therefore, the Hillier Hopkins Members and Proprietary Golf Clubs Survey and Report 2021/22 is perfectly timed with some excellent insights into costing levels, changes, staffing numbers and operational matters.”

Jeremy Ellwood, editor of The Golf Club Secretary Newsletter, said: “The sport of golf and many golf clubs have fared considerably better over the past two years than most feared when the pandemic first struck. But clubs have had to adapt quickly to take full advantage, and further challenges and big decisions no doubt lie ahead, which is why it’s more important than ever to be as well-informed as possible.

“The Hillier Hopkins annual survey delivers vital data and information in abundance, and with respondent numbers up nearly 35 percent on 2020, this latest survey will prove an even more valuable resource as golf clubs seek to consolidate and steer the best possible course in 2022 and beyond.”

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April 2022

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Garvey’s quest underway

By Neville Idour

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antabrian Amelia Garvey’s quest for her LPGA Tour card has begun with the first three events on the Epson Tour. While it hasn’t been particularly spectacular it is very early days in her rookie year.

The good news is she has made all three cuts and is quite upbeat about her form. She had finishes of 59th, 28th and 42nd. This leaves her in

42nd place with winnings of $US3544.

Keeping in mind the end goal for the season is top 25 it is looking promising.

At the most recent event the IOA Champs she scored 10 birdies and bogeys. After three birdies in the first seven holes of the second round she was in the top 20 but three bogeys derailed the charge up the leaderboard.

Speaking before that event Garvey said: “Last week (Florida Classic) had

it’s ups and downs, but I was happy to play well coming down the final few holes of the second round and birdie the last to make the cut by one.

“I gave myself a ton of opportunities for birdies but couldn’t capitalise. A lot of potential going forward; just trying to stay patient and wait for the low scores to come.

“It was a late drive to San Diego and an early tee off for a Monday qualifier (LPGA Tour) which meant the energy

levels were a pretty low. I did get off to a good start and then had some bad luck with a flyer lie and lost a ball.”

Garvey tried to press things which led to some risk and reward situations that didn’t go her way. There was a lot to learn from the day.

“It is more about staying in it for as long as you can rather than trying to make things happen early on. Will use this learning as I will try to play a few more of these this year.”

Karrie Webb to be Aussie captain at Olympics

By Neville Idour

I

t should not come as a surprise that Australian golfing legend and World Golf Hall of Fame member Karrie Webb will be nominated as captain of the Australian team for the Paris Olympics in 2024.

Webb, a seven-time major winner, is possibly the first woman to captain both men and women at the Olympics. Previously there have been separate captains. She replaces Ian Baker-Finch who was captain in 2016 and 2020.

In addition Webb will also coach the Australian women’s team at the World Amateur Teams’ Champs this year in Paris at the Olympic venue which will give a good heads up on the course.

“I couldn’t be more excited and I am very familiar

Karrie Webb

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Golf makes donations to Ukranians

he global golf industry has launched an appeal to raise funds for United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) and its work supporting the people of Ukraine.

Leading golf bodies including The R&A, The PGA of Great Britain & Ireland, the Ladies’ European Tour, the DP World Tour and many other associations and governing bodies are

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with all the players who are likely to be in contention to play in Paris, and in some cases they are close friends of mine,” said Webb.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: “Karrie is a hugely classy person and has always given back to golf, which makes her an obvious choice for the role in Paris and hopefully beyond.”

Webb has not been a person who sought the limelight. Humble and self effacing has always been her mantra.

This writer well remembers watching Webb and close rival Annika Sorenstam playing the 18th in the final round of the Australian Women’s Open many years ago at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast as well as watching her win at Royal Sydney. Great memories of one of the all time greats of women’s golf.

promoting the hashtag #GOLFERSFORUKRAINE and the website golfersforukraine.com, where donations to support Unicef’s work in Ukraine can be made.

As of March 10, the total raised stood at more than $US540,000.

A statement from The R&A said: “We are truly saddened by what is happening in Ukraine and, like many others, want to help. We are working with

other leading golf bodies to offer support by donating to Unicef’s work in Ukraine.

“Together we can make a significant difference and support Unicef to deliver urgently needed materials such as health supplies, water and sanitation supplies, winter clothes for children, recreational kits and early childhood development kits to help with psychosocial support.”

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PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said that the tour and its players were fully behind the fund-raising appeal.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine and those caught in the crosshairs of the conflict,’’ Monahan said.

“We hope for an end to this senseless violence and a peaceful resolution. The game of golf has a way of rallying around important causes and this is one.”

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Dunedin golfer again wins Otago rural tournament

By Neville Idour

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hil Bungard equalled the Middlemarch course record last year but fell three shots short of breaking it to win this years Emerson’s Brewery Course Record Challenge.

Bungard, from the St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin, shot 68 which was good enough to win the day by one shot from Tom Lee. Former New Zealand Open winner Mahal Pearce was third with 70 while tied on 72 were three players Mat Tautauri, Will McLaughlan and Matt Weir.

Bungard said conditions were ideal and the course seemed to be there for the taking.

“I had a plan to be three under par after nine holes to set me up for a four under last nine,’’ Bungard said.

“The putts wouldn’t drop on the front nine so the nine pars made it too difficult although I did go four under on the back nine. I guess we aren’t as good as we think we are.

“Middlemarch do a great job and provide excellent support. It is a fun day.”

The most extraordinary round of the day belonged to Matthew Crawford (St Clair) who was nicely placed to challenge the record when four under par after 11 holes.

However the last seven holes produced triple bogey, quadruple bogey, bogey, bogey, par, eagle, birdie, par to finish on 74. The course at 5698 metres is no push-

The Middlemarch golf course in rural Otago.

over despite its flat nature.

Although no one took away the $1000 bonus there were prizes for the top six finishers.

The inaugural event last year was a great success and for a small country club with just 34 members, an event like this is a triumph of ingenuity, innovation and enterprise. That’s especially so when you consider that just 10 years ago the club almost ceased to exist.

Back then the membership had dwindled to a few and just a tiny few, sometimes three or four, would turn up for Saturday members’ day, said current

club captain Stacey Atkinson.

The club secretary at the time sent a letter to the Dunedin City Council asking if it would like to buy the course for use as a park. The answer, not surprisingly, was no.

So a community meeting was held and informed the club would have to close without more support. Current population of Middlemarch is about 300 people, so not a large demographic.

Fortunately a member kindly loaned the club $10,000 to assist financially and there was a will for the club to survive and ultimately thrive. That loan has since

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been repaid.

Current membership is 34 including six women, and Saturdays now attract 15 or more players.

The club is also attracting some junior players.

Atkinson said: “2021 was our best year financially with around $4500 in green fees and more members playing the course.

“Also the bar is proving our biggest earner aided by tournaments like this one. The clubhouse is also being used for community functions.”

As for course maintenance the club owns the machinery needed for greenkeeping and has a part-time greenkeeper and voluntary labour for the work. The course always looks good and with green fees of just $20 why not play it if you get the chance.

In fact the next event on the calendar is a must. The Cockies Classic, which has been going for over 40 years, will be held on May 12.

It is a three-person ambrose and is now entry only as last year it had to be closed at 90 players.

Initially intended for the farming community it now attracts all sorts. The entry fee of $40 which includes free barbeques on course plus a meal after golf is a steal.

Only in the country, eh.

The club will celebrate 100 years in 2026.

Kelvin Heights appointment

By Neville Idour

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ndrew Bell continues his association with golf following his appointment as golf operations manager at Queenstown Golf Club’s Kelvin Heights course. He comes to the role with great enthusiasm for the club’s future.

He spent much of his career in the banking industry until 2011 when he joined Clearwater as golf operations manager before a seven year stint as general manager.

When the CPG Hotel Group bought Terrace Downs in

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2021 he had a brief stint as general manager there as it was preparing to relaunch the resort as part of its boutique Fable brand of hotels throughout New Zealand.

Kelvin Heights is a change from that and he sees great potential for new ideas to grow the club. Such as hospitality: “I would like to see it become a popular and desirable hospitality destination on the Kelvin peninsula in addition to the golf. We can also increase our involvement with cyclists and walkers. Often we will have a group turn up with their mountain bikes for a latte and scones.’’

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He also sees the benefits of increasing the numbers of families and casual players enjoying a hit on the driving range plus the green fee player lift since covid struck.

“The international market may have gone but it will come back.”

As for his move to golf management it should not be a surprise as the game has always been in the family. As for his own game. It may have been good but golf management has not helped it.

The club is also part of an organic waste composting initiative.

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In full swing with the XDL North Island Champs G OL LOFN GE VDE RN ITV E Group shot - New Horizon XDL North Island Championship (2021 title)

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ecently, out of the longest COVID lockdown in New Zealand, the postponed New Horizon XDL Championship (North Island 2021 title) was a great success. The pandemic response has posed strict rules around events including; Limited numbers, vaccine passports and a host of other expectations.

The day brought a good show of spectators and interest from sponsors who have watched the IGANZ events take to the tee. The women’s title remains with current North Island and New Zealand Champion ( Phillis Meti MNZM) who won by default due to players in this division isolating and the remainder of players just wishing to hit in a non-competitor round. The Masters division had a strong group of hitters with Mr Paul West (Captain of New Zealand Long Blacks) taking the win with a beautiful straight drive to 303 meters with Andrew Storm taking second place with a 290 meter drive.

Leon Tasker the 2020 XDL Masters Champion, taking 3rd place after being knocked out by Andrew in the semi finals. The Men’s Open division saw a strong and large group of both amatuer and professional players. Sam Jones the first IGANZ Long Drive North Island and New Zealand Champion certainly proved he’s a natural taking

the Men’s Open Win with a 319 meter drive. Sam was named the 1st New Zealand Long Black and is a Golden Cap to the sport with IGANZ and was the 1st player sent to the United States of America to compete. Known on the golf circuit with many title wins in New Zealand, Sam has been educated with one of the best Universities in the United States, with his coaching and representation in Golf stemming from the USA. Another amazing competitor and New Zealand Long Black, Nick Hanna taking 2nd with a 280 meter drive. Nick is consistent with his drives and another well played golfer. Adam Taylor taking 3rd place, also a New Zealand Long Black, Adam is well known in the Long Drive circle with his presence at all IGANZ events both nationally and abroad.

The North Island Champions will now be flown to the South to compete and the North Champs will verse the South for the New Zealand Title. The 2022 XDL season begins in April with regional events already listed. With New Zealand Borders opening up IGANZ events will be opening up events to international competitors later in the year.

For more events and updates go to www.iganz.co.nz #GolfJustGotLoud Paul West - Captain of New Zealand Long Blacks & Masters North Island Champion (2021 title)

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Sam Jones - Winner of Men’s Open XDL North Island Champion (2021 title) Golden Cap to XDL & 1st New Zealand Long Black

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#WatchMeDrive

Pacific Rim Long Drive - IGANZ - Rarotonga

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GANZ Women will see more opportunities to take to the tee with a Trans Tasman focus. On recent news that borders will be opening up from mid April, the National and Pacific plan of events is on track for the 2022 season, which officially starts on April 15th. “The Men’s Open division has always been our largest by far, and with this we have great aspirations to attract more women to the sport with our new initiatives in 2022”, says Olna Ford, founder and CEO of IGANZ. The big influence to the

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Dedicated sport of BIG drivers for Olna is Phillis Meti (MNZM), named as the Golden Gal. Phillis is the reason why Olna has focused on investing in the sport. “I saw an extraordinary athlete in Phillis when I met her in 2016 when IGANZ sponsored Internationals to showcase the sport, and knew the sport of Long Drive needed to be classified under High-performance not Golf so that these World Record makers could have an official stage. Happy to say that IGANZ company collective is now at the forefront of the sport and recognised as National Sports Organisation for Long Drive and Xtreme Drivers League (XDL).

The IGANZ Women initiative 2022 will be focused on fun participation and Girls Just Want To Drive for FUN! Events will start to be listed with regional events to PUSH for Ladies at the tee! The New Zealand Long Blacks, Aussie Long Ballers (Women’s team) will be w.iganz. co.nz If you are interested in hosting a Long Drive event send us a message via the website. Follon the scout for raw talent and this year’s Trans Tasman Clash will certainly raise the hype.

IGANZ is appointing representatives in New Zealand, Australia and throughout the Pacific to help implement pe via the website. Follow our IGANZ Women hashtag #WatchMeDrive + #GolfJustGotLoudlans. With restrictions easing and event numbers for outdoors back to normal from April, the crew at IGANZ is excited to start the ball rolling with associates and their events first up on the calendar. For all updates and events go to www.iganz.co.nz If you are interested in hosting a Long Drive event send us a message via the website. Follow our IGANZ Women hashtag #WatchMeDrive + #GolfJustGotLoud

un, sand and the crystal waters of the Pacific are very much on the minds of the IGANZ crew who are excited to hear the borders are opening up this April. The pandemic has delayed everyone all around the world and international flights without isolation is music to everyone’s ears. The IGANZ Pacific Rim Series is back on the charts with a bigger and brighter vision incorporating many more Islands. The PRS will bring players from all over the world and with a strong tie to Asia the media hype will certainly bring business to the much loved Islands.

More than Long Drive and Xtreme Drivers, the IGANZ collective looks to grow relationships with locals and support important projects and ways the events and players can give back. Planning a big catch-up from the global pause that the pandemic has caused, the crew and players are eager to get the ball rolling.

IGANZ sponsored players have been

April 2022

made to feel like VIPS on and off the tee, flying high to see the sights to sign wrapped vehicles to promote champions. The IGANZ Pacific Rim Series from 2022 will be one of the biggest international series for the sport with announcements being made from June.

IGANZ welcomes New associates in the Pacific to make contact and invites interest via www.iganz.co.nz IGANZ investment into the Pacific Rim Series will see growth in other business sectors and looks forward to making an impact on tourism with regular events.

Founder and CEO of IGANZ, Olna Ford, looks forward to working with locals and will appoint on-ground managers for events and the ongoing development of the sport in the given regions.

Mr Maurice Allen, IGANZ first Long Drive sponsored athlete and Champion is current Pacific Rim Series title holder. Ms Phillis Meti (MNZM) is poster gal for the sport and will feature alongside Maurice for upcoming media.

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New Ping - Putting Lab Design (PLD) program offers tour-inspired designs and custom experiences W H AT ’ S N E W

P

ING launched the Putting Lab Design (PLD) program today, a custom putter experience created to give golfers unprecedented access to precision-milled putters and tour-level fitting experiences through a new website dedicated to advancing PING’s reputation as the leader in putter design and customization.

PLD Milled: Four precision-milled, tour-proven models available at PING retailers committed to selling premium, custom-fit putters.

As part of the PLD introduc-

tion, PING staff players at this week’s Players Championship will carry a PLD-branded staff bag and wear headwear featuring the PLD logo. The staff bags will be autographed by the player and later donated or auctioned off.

“Several of our highest-ranked players in the world rely on a PLD custom putter that was designed in collaboration with our engineering team,” said Solheim.

“We chose this week to introduce the PLD program at one of the game’s most important events and shine a spotlight on our success. Viktor Hovland, Tony Finau and Bubba Watson are just a few players who put their trust in a PLD model, each custom designed and built to their specific needs, but all engineered to win championships.”

PLD MILLED

The PLD Milled line offers a collection of four tour-validated models, each with a

history of winning championships. These designs are fully machined from forged, 303 stainless steel and represent a combination of standard-setting favorites like the Anser and newer, tour-inspired models like the DS72, the choice of multiple-time winner Viktor Hovland. Each model requires more than four hours of milling time, precisely shaping every surface and radius to achieve the high quality and premium look expected in a precision-milled putter.

The four models are available for pre-order beginning today at PING authorized retailers committed to selling premium, custom-fit putters.

“The PLD Milled is an exciting addition to our putter line,” said John K. Solheim. “We’ve identified a couple of our most popular models from the past and some newer designs that have attracted a lot of attention in the last couple of years.

We’ve given the new putters a very clean, premium look to

emphasize the precision process they undergo before they are ready for play. As we collaborate on new designs with our engineers and tour staff through the PLD program, we’ll add new models to bring golfers the latest in tour-proven performance on the putting green.”

PLD MILLED MODEL SPECIFICATIONS

Anser Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel Slight Arc 350g Matte Black finish PING black graphite shaft Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4° Loft: 3° +3°/- 2° Anser 2 Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel Slight Arc 350g Satin finish Chrome stepless steel shaft Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4° Loft: 3° +3°/- 2°

DS72 Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel Straight Stroke 365g Satin finish Chrome stepless steel shaft Loft: 3° +3°/- 2° Lie Angle: 20° +/- 2° Loft: 3° +3°/- 2° Prime Tyne 4 Precision-milled from forged, 303 stainless steel head Aerospace grade, machined aluminum hosel Strong Arc 360g Matte Black finish Matte-black stepless steel shaft Lie Angle: 20° +/- 4° Get Custom fitted today .For your nearest Ping Dealer contact Sports Network Ltd 0508 776 786.

The Course for Everyone

Pay $870 to play golf through to 28 February 2023

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April 2022

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GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB - NEWS AND RESULTS

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April 2022

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BAY OF PLENTY THE DUNES MATARANGI ST PATRICK’S DAY TOURNAMENT

Here are the results 1st Place: I Rish I had Beer – Sean & Pip McCann, Rose Crom (pictured above) 2nd Place:

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Puffin Paddy’s – Julie & Bruce Douglas , Bronwyn Verner 3rd Place: The O’Mara’s – Gary Bancroft , Ivan Adams , Brad Adams

4th Place: Tree Grand Ejits – Doug Smith, Noeleen & Tracey Mulligan 5th Place: Mossy’s Mulligans – Ross Alexander,

April 2022

Steve Moss, Allan Dickinson Best Team Name: Tree Grand Egits Best Dressed Team: The Padd

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Judgeford Golf Club’s Jayden Ford wins Avondale Amateur

WELLINGTON JUDGEFORD GOLF CLUB’S JAYDEN FORD WINS AVONDALE AMATEUR

Jayden Ford has teed off his 2022 with the biggest win of his young amateur career at the Avondale Amateur in Sydney, Australia.

The 19-year-old Judgeford Golf Club member got over the line the hard way, winning in a three-hole playoff after shooting 68, 74, 65, and 71 to finish at six-under and share the top position on the leaderboard with Jasper Stubbs and Andrew Richards.

Ford began the final round with a twoshot lead and stretched it to three after birdies at the third and seventh holes, but his hard work was undone with a double bogey at the par 5 ninth. Richards, who was playing with Ford, made birdie to equal the lead with nine holes to play.

The final nine holes were a battle of at-

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trition, with Stubbs a shot behind in the group in front. Ford ground out par after par throughout the closing stages of the tournament, and with Stubbs picking up shots at the 14th and 15th holes, there were now three at the top of the leaderboard after 72-holes.

The overnight leader, Ford, grabbed the initiative on the second playoff hole by hitting an eight-iron to 10-feet and converting the birdie.

With one hole left, the trio returned to the 18th, and Ford once again proved he was up to the task. He slotted his drive to the righthand side of the fairway, which meant he was a solid mid-iron shot away from victory.

Both Stubbs and Richards hit their tee shots into the left trees, which all but sealed the victory for Ford. He proceeded to hit his second to with a couple of metres of the hole and rolled in another birdie to seal the win.

CANTERBURY CANTERBURY MATCH PLAY - BACK NINE BIRDIE BLITZ IN MEN’S FINAL!

In the Men’s Championship Final between Canterbury’s Reid Hilton and Otago’s Tom Lee at Bottle Lake it was birdie mania on the back nine. Lee got off to a hot start birdieing the first four holes and when they turned for the back nine Hilton was three down and wondering how he was going to come back. An eagle on the par 5 10th, then two more successive birdies got him back to square.

April 2022

The pair halved the 13th, Lee birdied the 14th, then Hilton birdied the very difficult par 4 15th, and followed up with another birdie at the par 3 16th to go 1up with two to play. Not to be outdone, Lee holed a 30 foot bomb for birdie on the 17th while Hilton missed his 8 foot birdie putt. They would halve the 18th, and two extra holes later Lee finally finished the match with a birdie on the par 3 first hole!

What a great match for the privileged few who were able to witness such stunning golf. In the morning semis Hilton played well and was four under when he bought to an end the steady run of Scott Many-

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weathers. Lee had to go to the 18th to beat Auckland’s Joshua Bai. Nelson’s Lizzie Neale always had the upper hand in her Final against Canterbury’s Olive Tapu. She was 3up on the turn and ran out a 4/3 winner. The No. 1 seed showed good form over the two days with strong wins in her first round

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and in the morning’s semi where she beat Aroha Minhinnick 7/6..

The Masters Mens Championship had the stiffest competition in it with 18 players vying for two brackets of eight in qualifiying. The semi-finals saw top qualifier Nelson’s Ben Crawford beaten

by Aaron Forsyth 4/3. Meanwhile Brett

Turner had a battle against Canterbury team-mate Jonathan Stieller before finally getting him on the 18th winning 1up. In the final Turner got out of the blocks early and never looked back. 3up on the turn he ran out a 5/4 winner to again claim the Masters title. Forsyth looked a wee bit out of sorts and Turner on the other

April 2022

hand played well all afternoon. In the Div 2 Men’s Masters veteran John Rademakers, choosing to play in the Masters instead of the Seniors, won a close match with James Howard. He always held a slight advantage and won it on the 18th 2up.

The Women’s Masters Final between Rachel Eder and Naomi Wallace was close all the way, with each player only ever holding a one hole advantage. Wallace went down 18 1up but a bogey meant it went to a play-off and Eder sunk a 40 foot bomb to win the match on the 19th.

Marty Holman won the Men’s Seniors for the fourth year in a row and again etched his name on the trophy he donated. He played his best golf in the final beating Paul Bailey 4/3. Bailey had played some good golf in earlier rounds beating Kerry Chuck and No. 1 qualifier Gary Gillard, but was no match for Holman.

13 year old Cooper Moore went into the U19 Championship Final hot favourite after some sizzling golf in earlier rounds including a 69 in strokeplay qualifying, and being 2 under when beating Ethan Lam 4/3 in the semis. However his opponent in the final Alex Kelliher saved his best until last, and with a fine back nine won 3/2 over Moore. It was Moore who lead 1up on the turn which should have been 2up had he not three-putted the 10th hole. Kelliher then played some great golf which saw him finish under the card while Moore was a couple over.

Jonathan Fry beat Yash Naicker 3/1 in the U19 Div 2 Final.

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GOLF WAREHOUSE NEW ZEALAND HICKORY OPEN AT THE CHRISTCHURCH GOLF CLUB After years of talking about it, Sir Bob Charles, Glenn Bongartz and Stu Upton organised the first Golf Warehouse New Zealand Hickory Open at the Christchurch Golf Club, on the Shirley Links for the 13th of March 2022.

66 golfers from North and South competed in the tournament.

The morning Gross Foursomes team of John Rowland and John Elliott won a tight chip off playoff from Bongartz/Lawson, Devlin/Lund and Bath/Hilton. All finished on 4 over par 40.

Bongartz/Lawson had also tied in the Nett Foursomes with Neil and Sam Bromfield. Bongartz and Lawson going on to win that playoff to be Nett Champions.

Both finished on 3 over par 39.

The individual Strokeplay Champion was James Devlin in a playoff with Aidan Berry (38) and third was local CGC hero Callum MacAlpine (39).

The Nett was won by Simon Forshaw (36) from Peter Lund (37) and Richie Bath (37).

The Ladies Nett was won by Ina Hall on 44.

Stu Upton with pipe Jacqui Lowe CGC Club President Glenn Bongartz arrival in 1923 Model T Ford small.

Some great outfits were on display.

Pictured here is Stu Upton, Jacqui Lowe (Christchurch Golf Club President), and Glenn Bongartz arriving in a 1923 Ford Model T. The best dressed Man was Evan Thomson and the best dressed Woman was the CGC President Jacqui Lowe.

The club wishes to thank their sponsors Golf Warehouse, Whisky Galore and Hellers. The supporting cast of which were also very thankful for were Paul Dingwall, Tom Music, Simon Fraser, Graham Clark, David Lloyd, Mark Lawson, Rick Vincent, Jasmaine Hanrahan, Richard Hawke, Jamie McEwen and the vintage car owners.

The club hopes to do it all again next year for the CGC 150th celebrations.

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April 2022

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OTAGO/SOUTHLAND MT PLEASANT GOLF CLUB - NEWS AND RESULTS

Winner of Great Grandfathers Tournament J L Norton Trophy: Colin Turner 33 points Other Scores: Frank Stack 33; Richard Hanson 32: Winner of Grandfathers Tournament H A King Trophy: Gavin Giles 40 Points: Others Scores; Brent Simkin 37; Ivan Geary 37; Michael Ussher 37; Duncan McKenzie 37; Denis Mills 36; Ron Hobbs 34; Moray

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Sutherland 34; John Dewar 33; Trevor Johnson 33; Roger Cartwright 32; Rob Mansfield 32; Mike Hargadon; Sam Simpson 32; Colin Southby 32; Danny Lyons 32; Graeme Goodger 31; Peter Dixon 31; J Higgs 31; B Stack 31; by lot NTP: Denis Mills Twos: Nathan Lough; Brian Green; Trevor Johnson; Daniel Sparks; Ron Hobbs; Graeme Goodger; Damian Rodgers (on 17) Open Thursday: Steve Pilcher 36; Damian Rodgers 32; Daniel Sparks Trophies were presented by Colin Taylor.

April 2022

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April 2022

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