Ihave got a question for you.
The question is how good a putter are you?
Please select from the following the answer that best sums up how good a putter you are.
A: Outstanding.
B: Excellent.
C: Very good.
D: Fantastic.
Notice that none of the answers include the likes of average, okay, pathetic or horrible.
That’s because no one likes to admit they are a poor putter.
They will tell you how far they hit their tee shot on one particular hole but will not mention the four three putts they had or the two three footers they missed.
The golf professional at my club reckons out of 200 lessons he would on average give only one for putting.
“Yet at the end of a round all most people talk about is the putts they missed,’’ said the golf pro.
No truer word.
Golfers will always boast how far they hit one particular drive on one particular hole.
And when you ask them what they scored they will often reply a par or, even worse, a bogey because the birdie putt just slid past the hole or they missed a simple three footer for par.
Yes, we all want to hit our drives further and flush our approach shots. Yes we will go to the driving range and practice our drives and practice our
irons.
But how ofter do we go to the practice putting green and practice out putts? And I don’t mean having a few putts before the start of a round.
I mean proper practice.
That’s hitting 25 putts from 30 feet from different positions on the green to within three feet of the hole. Miss one and you start again.
And likewise, holing 25 three footers in a row. Miss one and you start again.
Have you ever had your putting stroke analysed? You might have had your full blooded swing analysed 1000 times but never ever had anyone look at your putting stroke. Why is that?
We all know the adage of drive for show and putt for dough and
we all think nothing of hitting 100 drives or irons on the driving range.
But do we ever have 100 proper — and I mean proper — practice putts on the practice green? Why is that?
I always ask people if they hit every fairway in regulation, hit every green in regulation and scored par, would they be happy?
Most people’s first answer is yes because they have never scored par for a round in their life.
But let’s look at the question again. Imagine you did hit every fairway in regulation and hit every green in regulation and scored par. That means you did not have a single one putt. That’s not good enough.
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The 2023 Charles Tour season in New Zealand will be greatly enhanced with the first season-ending championship event at Tieke Golf Estate, near Hamilton.
The Charles Tour Race to Tieke boasts an impressive prize purse of at least $100,000 underwritten by both Jennian Homes and the Perry Group and will be played at the end of the Jennian Homes Charles Tour season at the Waikato’s marquee golf course in February, 2024.
All Charles Tour tournament players will now be battling it out to gain as many points at each Jennian Homes Charles Tour event as they can, as the leading 24 players will qualify automatically for the 54hole Charles Tour Race to Tieke season-ending tournament.
The Charles Tour Race to Tieke started at the inaugural Hastings Open at Hastings Golf Club in January. In each calendar year, the points accumulated will decide the qualifiers for the Charles Tour Race to Tieke event, which will be held at the start of the following year.
In addition to the leading 24 players over the season, there will also be six tournament invites to create a field of 30 players who will play with pro-am teams over the first 36 holes before a seeded draw to determine the season champion on the final day over 18 holes.
In an exciting addition to the $100,000 prize purse, players will earn more prize money based on the
number of Charles Tour events they play during the season. If a player accepts a tournament invite and hasn’t played during the season, they will only be eligible for 50 percent of the $100,000 prize money earnt for their finishing position.
However, if a player has played all Charles Tour events, then they will receive all of the allocated prize money for their tournament finishing position. If a player plays in 25 percent of the Charles Tour events during the year, they will receive 50 percent of the prizemoney allocated to their tournament finishing position, and the other 50 percent would be paid out at 25 percent only for the events they played. Amateur golfers will also be eligible to earn their way into the season finale event to compete alongside the country’s leading professionals.
In addition to the $100,000 prize pool, through its ownership of the New Zealand Open, Golf New Zealand will provide the leading amateur or professional at the Charles Tour Race to Tieke event, (who has not already qualified), an entry into the New Zealand Open for 2024.
Stu Munro from Jennian Homes said: “Jennian Homes is proud of its continued support of Golf New Zealand and celebrates the pathway for young amateurs and professionals to experience tournament play within New Zealand to assist and prepare them for success on the international stage.
“With the partnership of Perry Group, under the leadership and support of Simon Perry, Jennian
Homes and Perry Group believe the Charles Tour Race to Tieke event will be a major boost for not only golf in general but tourism for the Waikato region.”
Simon Perry from Perry Group added: “We are delighted to partner with Jennian Homes and Golf New Zealand in supporting this new Charles Tour season-ending event. Perry Group has sponsored our unique Waikato teams’ event for over a dozen years now, and the opportunity to become part of this Charles Tour event while continuing to support junior golf and Kiwi professionals was an easy decision to make.”
Dave Mangan, general manager championships and golf operations, is pleased Golf New Zealand is able to promote this season-ending additional event.
“Jennian Homes first supported the Charles Tour in 2015, and to have their support for so long has been outstanding for the golfing landscape in New Zealand,’’ Mangan said.
“While each year the players have competed for the Jennian Homes Charles Tour Cup, we have always desired a season-ending event.
“With Jennian Homes, Perry Group, and the Tieke Golf Estate’s support, we should see an exciting finish to the season, as well as excitement and interest during the year where the players are trying to get into that top 24.
“Just as Jennian has supported Golf New Zealand so well, the players, in turn, now get a bigger financial incentive for the more events that they support.”
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ed to have a bit of a reset. Although it was only for 10 or 11 days I felt a little bit guilty doing that as I was missing out on tournaments and opportunities to move up the rankings. At the same time I think it was something I needed to do to get my head back into a good space.”
So it would prove as Hillier relates.
“When I came back I felt pretty fresh and managed to finish the season off well.’’
We asked Siobhan if she got back on the bag when she went over to join him.
“I was lucky enough not to caddy for the first few weeks,’’ she said.
“I thought I would go over and have a bit of fun for myself, but also I think it helps Dan mentally to have a familiar face with him.”
By Neville IdourFollowing his outstanding sixth at the Australian Open and second placing in The Hills’ Invitation Pro-Am it was good to catch up with Josh Geary.
Looking back at 2022 it was a tough year in many ways for him.
“Yes, golf was on the back foot the first few months of this year (2022) dealing with mum’s accident so I didn’t really put much time into my game with practice. I would just play and did so at home first,” Geary said.
“I actually played pretty well to be fair and won a few things. I then went over to Europe for a few weeks.
“I found it hard mid-year with so much going on back home and having a baby at the same time. I spent about 12 weeks in Europe and had some solid play, nothing amazing. I did about five events on each of the Challenge and DP World Tours. Then I came home to family and played the New Zealand circuit and had some more success.
“But it was really about having a bit of down time from golf and not doing much practice. Yet I still had some good results and it was good to finish
the year with two good results in the Australian Open and at The Hills.
“Looking back it was a solid season. I think I only missed one cut all year. So even though there were no top finishes in Europe I made a lot of cheques and with a few wins back home it was a pretty decent year money-wise.”
Geary won the New Zealand Strokeplay, the Charles Tour Clearwater Open and finished top professional at the Mount Open. He also won the Millbrook Pro-Am and four other pro-ams plus some other high finishes on the Charles Tour and a second at The Cello Open.
So what does 2023 hold for Geary?
“I don’t have any status in Europe for next season. I will play the Australasian Tour, about eight events including the New Zealand Open and the NZ PGA. After my sixth in the Aussie Open I am already in the top 15 on the order of merit.
“So there is a good chance I can play well enough to gain some exemptions for next year such as the DP World Tour. A top seven or eight might be good enough to do it. If I miss out I can look at Asia which is a growing tour. I might try there at the end of next year if not before.”
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By Neville IdourDaniel Hillier has had a milestone 2022 year in his career with gaining his full DP World Tour card after several outstanding performances. His reflections on 2022 are revealing.
“It was a very long year. I guess when you are overseas for an extended period of time you definitely have your ups and downs,” Hillier recalled.
“I started the year really well and got myself into a good position early on, but had a bit of a rough patch through the middle.
“I was lucky during that period that (girlfriend) Siobhan decided to come over for a few weeks and she helped me get through that. The thing with golf is you are never going to play well all the time. It was probably the first time I have had an extended period where I wasn’t playing how I wanted. I was probably mentally fatigued. There were also a few travel issues then as well.
“It was an interesting time through the middle of the year so I ended up getting a flight home in August. I just need-
“Then Dan’s full-time caddie had a wedding to go to one week. So the last week I was there I caddied in Scotland at Fairmont, St Andrews where Dan finished 12th. So I think I have still got it,’’ she said with a laugh.
“I think it is nice I could do that when we needed to. I love it as it was a bit of fun for me too. We said let’s have a break at home and even though it was only a week and a half it was just what was needed.”
So what are the plans for 2023? Hillier explains.
“I leave in January and my first event will hopefully be Abu Dahbi where my ranking should get me a start. The Rolex series starts the year.
“There are a few tournaments in the United Arab Emirates, then we move to Asia for a few DP World Tour events.”
This means he will miss the Australasian Tour although the New Zealand Open is a possibility.
“I am not sure about the New Zealand Open. It is all situational. It is nice to have more events closer to home so it means only one long haul flight rather than two. After those events there is a little break so I will be able to come home for a few weeks.”
How does he see the DP World Tour?
“They have upped their game and there is plenty to play for with cards for the PGA Tour up for grabs and prizemoney increases. The next couple of years will be interesting.”
As for Siobhan what does 2023 hold for her?
“I will continue to work and get my teachers’ registration. I have got one more year on that and then the world’s our oyster after that. I’ll be able to go over in the new year during my school holidays if it works out. It would be in March and then July around some of the big events. If we play an Open qualifier that would be cool. The principal at my school is very forgiving if I want some time off to pop over or take some time if Daniel comes home.”
On that happy note we left this likeable couple to enjoy the second day at The Hills Invitation Pro-Am.
So has this helped Chisnall take his game on an upward curve? His explanation of the effects are fascinating.
“I’m feeling awesome now but the only problem has emerged as I have just played the last six weeks. I found that because I am so used to being so stiff and rigid I would swing within my boundaries and limitations whereas now that I don’t have the pain associated with it. I feel like I have got long and loose. It feels good with the body but it has freed me up and I am a bit of a spray can and I am hitting it all over the show at the moment.
By Neville IdourRyan Chisnall, from Nelson, was happy to talk about his 2022 year during the Hills Pro-Am in December.
“It has been an interesting year for me. I didn’t play a lot in 2021 so I was just looking forward to the year ahead and getting back into playing regularly again,’’ Chisnall recalled.
“I got off to a reasonable start. I only played three events on the Australian tour and managed to keep my card. I finished third, 10th and 12th which was pretty good. Then I was bedridden for six months with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a form of inflammatory arthritis which I was diagnosed with a few years ago. It has been a bit of a process getting that under control. I have just started a new medication which is an injection formula I take every two weeks.
“It has been a real game changer for me as I was having to rely on anti-inflammatories every day to get through my golf. I have basically had this thing all my life but I have only kind of dealt with it until now. Then I thought this isn’t right. I need to get something sorted. I got that done so now I am able to functionally move and play golf pain free again. It has been five or six years since I have done that.”
“But it’s all good, it is just going to take some time. I will have to do some stability work and try and get some function back into the golf swing. It is a good problem to have. At the moment I would rather be playing pain free and hitting it everywhere than playing in pain every day.”
So what are the plans for 2023?
“I was a bit inconsistent in Aussie at the end of the year and missed more cuts than I made. I then went to Asian Q school and missed out. But there will be more opportunities. I have still got full Australasian Tour status so I will play all the Aussie stuff including the New Zealand Open then have a look at things during our winter. I hope to get away in some capacity. Whether it is Europe or the US, trying to get tournament play during winter is the hardest part.
“I would love to give Europe a crack but I would have to play qualifying. I have played the Clutch Pro Tour Mini Pro events over there. I am also moving to the Gold Coast so I will be able to play more pro-ams over there … just give the golf a good crack for a couple of years now that I am starting to feel a lot better. I am looking forward to it but it is just figuring it all out.’’
Chisnall is moving to the Gold Coast with his girlfriend who has a job at Robina State High School.
“She will be running the netball programme there. She used to play professional netball for a number of years.’’
Hopefully the new beginnings for the likeable Chisnall will bear copious fruit. He deserves it.
By Neville IdourDongwoo Kang enjoyed a successful 2022 and reflected on that to Golfer Pacific during The Hills Pro-Am which he won two years previously.
“I played well on the New Zealand circuit. It is just whether my body is able to handle my golf.”
Why do you say that?
“I have been struggling with my back injuries and I haven’t been playing much. However golf itself, whether it be technique or playing, I am playing a lot better than two years ago. Two weeks ago I won the Cello Tournament at Millbrook. I came down with my family early to prepare for The Hills and also for a holiday.
“I feel very fortunate to be able to play in The Hills Invitational. This is the course I always want to play and is my favourite course in the world.”
High praise indeed.
“I have played a lot of good golf courses around the world but for atmosphere, course design and the course set-up, even the staff, The Hills is amazing.”
Kang has been at the Gulf Harbour
Country Club in north Auckland for seven years.
“I am doing a lot of coaching but when I have time I try to play as much as I can and support all the pro-ams and local events.”
He has had his share of wins in 2022.
“I had three wins this year, but none on the Charles Tour although I had a second behind Josh Geary at the Clearwater Open.”
What plans do you have for 2023?
“My main job is the coaching but if I have time I will play as many pro-ams and Charles Tour events as I can. If time allows I will also play some events in Australia. Through the New Zealand order of merit I get some status in Australia. The NZPGA is providing really good opportunities to the young professionals and even some rookie pros to play some events in Australia.
“Three players in the New Zealand order of merit can play some events in Australia which is very good for us.”
At this point one of his little daughters asks dad if she can do something. So we leave Kang in his happy place to enjoy his time with his wife and two young children.
Last year was not one of Michael Hendry’s most enjoyable years, golf wise, thanks to the actions of the Japan PGA Tour which were unexpected considering Hendry’s loyal support and much success for 10 years.
So when we caught up with him at The Hills Pro-Am in December, Hendry was willing to recap the year for us.
“It was a difficult year. The covid hangover is still prevalent, particularly in Japan.’’ Hendry said.
Is it the disease?
“Not so much the disease itself but the decisions the tour made during the covid period are still working their way through the system.
“They probably thought they were doing the right thing, but made some errors. They were probably too friendly to new members rather than long standing members.
“There were 27 members affected by covid so we have anecdotally called it the covid category. So out of the 27 of us all fully exempt players most of us have been on the tour for more than a couple of years. Out of the 27 only 25 have managed to retain status.
“The only person left with covid starts is me. Because our lockdowns were so extreme and the MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) issues we had, it meant I was stuck in New Zealand for longer than other guys.”
“So I have more starts to catch up on. I have one in the new year. It is a decent event and if I play well I will retain full status. If I don’t I go back to a Q school status which will still give me enough starts to do something with.
“But having been a member for 10 straight years I still feel a little aggrieved that it became more about the new members rather than the current members. It was easier for guys who came out of Q school in 2021 than it
was for journeyman tour members. So guys with three to five or more years, including myself, feel like we got the raw end of the deal.”
How did this play out for you?
“I was ranked 50th in 2019 which allows me to play every tournament on the tour schedule. Covid came along and the tour decided it would continue to hold a Q school so there were new guys coming through in 2020 and 2021.
“Because I couldn’t travel to Japan as freely as I wanted to the tour said yes you can have those as an exemption. But effectively I went from 50th ranking to 83rd. At the end of the season in Japan there is a lot of money and short fields so the 84-man fields will play for $3 million each week. A lot of them can be sponsors exemptions but overseas players never get those unless they are a world top 25 player.
“So effectively I went from a relatively highly exempt player to effectively 15th out of Q school, which I think is pretty unfair considering my decade on tour. I normally play about 20
events in a season but in 2022 I think I played 17.
“There were some weeks I couldn’t get in the field which was a bit of a drag because I have a young family and they are my number one priority. So having to stay away from them for longer than necessary because of the situation I was put in by the tour, also had a big effect on settling my mental health. We all know how frustrating golf can be and especially when you are stuck away from family for long periods of time.
“So it was a particularly difficult year travel-wise and exemption-wise. This may sound controversial but the Japan Tour does not carry favour with the international players. The Japan Tour would be perfectly happy with a domestic tour of only Japanese players.
“The problem with that is, and they don’t see it, but it is coming home to roost, is the tour is dying. Five years ago it was the third biggest tour but in my opinion in five years time it will be lucky if it is the seventh or eighth biggest in the world. The Asian and Korean Tours are going from strength to strength. I genuinely see the Japanese men’s tour in a world of bother in the next five to 10 years if they don’t change their attitude towards international players and international sponsors.”
So what were your playing highlights in 2022?
“I played quite well through the middle of the year. I had a couple of top 10s, quite a few top 20s in a row and I was really starting to find some form around September/October. But in the middle of October I tore a couple of ligaments in my shoulder which has left me with two grade four tears. It has been problematic for about seven weeks and I have been trying to manage it while playing. To be honest it has been too difficult and I should have
taken a medical exemption.
“Initially I didn’t think it was serious but it got worse and worse and I didn’t have the opportunity to get scans until I came home. I had scans and while serious, surgery is not needed at this stage so I am going through a course like stem cell therapy to strengthen my shoulder.
“I’m confident it is coming right. It felt good today (The Hills Pro-Am). I’ve got a few weeks off now so hopefully I will be where I need to be by the end of January.”
The other annoyance Hendry has always had to deal with and manage is his allergies related to grass. Hardly ideal for a golfer but he copes remarkably well.
Looking ahead to 2023 how does your schedule look?
“I plan to play most of the Australian events from the end of January. If I get back to full fitness I feel that my game is in a pretty good place and if I can be pain free I will play well.”
After that is Asia a possibility or will it be back to Japan?
“No not Asia. For me, at my age and with a young family, the hardest thing is not seeing my two young girls grow up. So golf is becoming less important to me. As long as I can remain competitive and I have goals that I want to achieve in golf I will keep playing. I have achieved a lot of what I set out to achieve anyway and I can see the next chapter in my life beginning fairly shortly.”
What is that likely to involve?
“I honestly don’t know although I have a lot of interests outside golf that I am interested in pursuing. Hopefully an opportunity will arise. If not I could move into coaching but that is probably not my number one choice although I feel I could do a good job. Hopefully a sign will be given,’’ he concluded with a laugh.
So do you want to mention any of those interests?
“I have some business stuff in a few different fields in the background I would like to do more in. Also some hobby stuff getting a bit more serious. I have a real passion for the financial world, the stock market and equities which I never thought I would have. I am looking into getting my qualifications sorted in that area and then getting into investment banking or something like that.”
So you clearly have many irons in the fire.
“Too many probably — have to start specialising.”
Given Hendry’s challenges in 2022 we can only wish him a successful 2023 both on and off the golf course.
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Queenstown professional Ben Campbell was happy to talk about a difficult 2022 and look ahead to 2023 after an excellent effort in The Hills Invitation Pro-Am in mid-December.
“I had a good start to the year and played really nicely, having a couple of good chances to win in Asia,’’ Campbell said.
Four weeks before The (British) Open I was in the gym and picked up a weight and felt my back go. I picked up a bulged disc but played The Open. We didn’t realise how bad it was. I played two more events straight after The Open and it was really bad and not getting better.
By Neville Idour“So I came home and had a scan to confirm a bulged disc. I took a couple of months off and it took a long time to come right. It actually took about 12 weeks before it started feeling better. I got left with quite a bit of nerve trouble in my lower back so I have been battling with that. I am waiting to get a nerve ablation done on that (to surgically remove the irritation by killing the nerve).
“Hopefully I can start back up again in the second week of February when the Asian Tour kicks off. I have a medical exemption for the Asian Tour.” Amazingly The Hills Pro-Am was his first hit out in four or five months so his fifth placing was extremely encouraging especially his cracking second
round 68. This scribe enjoyed watching him hit greens consistently in regulation.
We asked if he would play any Australasian Tour events. The answer was no as it is before he goes to Asia.
“I have been on that tour for the last four or five years so I have my full card.”
Does the LIV Tour involvement have benefits for the tour?
“The Saudis have been there for the last couple of years so the Asian Tour is on the rise and getting a lot bigger. The purses this year were a lot better and next year (2023) looks really good.
“It is probably getting back to what the tour was when I first went up there and it was big. It is now obviously a
Luke Toomey was happy to talk to Golfer Pacific about his golf in 2022 and look ahead to 2023 at The Hills Pro-Amin December.
“The highlight in general was getting back on a plane and travelling and competing internationally again,’’ Toomey said.
“Obviously two and a half years of being stuck on the ground was difficult as there was a limit to what we could do locally.
“So it was good to be able to travel again to compete against the best players on the best courses and kind of reignite that dream again. That has been huge, in particular the last five weeks or so in Australia. The Aussie Open and the PGA, I was lucky enough to be the last man into the field for those two events. It was such a great environment and awesome to be playing with and alongside some of the world’s best golfers like Cam Smith, Adam Scott and Mark Leishman. So regardless of how you play, competing with those guys is great for your game going forward.
“I came away with a whole bunch of learnings. I guess very personally my 18th in the Australian Open was very nice. I was in the top 10 most of the week and I just loved being in the mix on the final day. It was brilliant and so much fun.”
Any other highlights?
“I finished top 10 in every Charles Tour event during the year. Didn’t win any though so I guess I will reflect on that and ask myself how I can do better, although I was in contention every time which is good. I also had a 14th in the Victorian PGA. I think it has been my most consistent year to date. Just need to reflect on how I can turn those top 10s into a win in 2023.”
So what is the programme for the Waikato golfer in 2023?
“I will play the full Australasian Tour schedule. Something like nine or 10 weeks in a row from late January right through to April. There are five events
in Aussie then the New Zealand Open and NZPGA and finishing with another two or three in Aussie. I will play all but one. I’ll probably take a week off somewhere in the middle.”
After that is Asia in the frame?
“No. I would have liked to but didn’t have the capital. But I will probably look at something like Japan or Europe later in the year. The first stage of Japan Q school is about June. However I am putting all my
pathway to the LIV Tour. If you play well in Asia you can get on LIV. If I qualified I would definitely play the LIV Tour. If you can be in the top three on the order of merit in the International Series you can get on the LIV Tour.”
What about the NZ Open?
“It is part of the Asian Tour so I will be back for that although I don’t know about the NZ PGA. It will depend on the Asian Tour schedule. That will take priority as it provides pathways. It is going to be a very big tour in the next few years so it is exciting up there”
For Campbell, after his injury curtailed his last two or three years, it will be nice to see him have an injury free 2023 and fulfil his undoubted ability with a stellar year.
eggs in the Australasian Tour basket now and if I play well there may be some perks from that. A couple of top three finishes may open some doors.”
As for the possibility of Europe and following the path of Daniel Hillier, Toomey’s comments were forthright and insightful.
“It’s tricky. There is obviously a lot of friction between the PGA Tour and the LIV Tour and what is happening with some of the other tours such as the European and Challenge Tours is they are somewhat being absorbed by the PGA Tour. So you could end up spending a lot of money playing on what could quickly become a very second tier tour.
“Europe has been a primary leader previously but probably in the last two or three years has kind of succumbed to the PGA Tour. The prizemoney is a fraction of the PGA Tour. So if I am going to spend 20K to 30K on qualifying schools I need to be sure it is worth it. However Europe is still an option.
“Japan has always been appealing to me. I love the culture, the country, the people and the golf courses are spectacular. You play world class courses every week and the money’s good. I have spoken to David Smail and Michael Hendry and both of them have loved their time there. So that may well be my next focus.
“Things are very unpredictable at the moment giving what is going on between the PGA Tour and LIV. In saying that I feel like golf is being watched and observed by more spectators than ever so it is a good thing. I think the long term outlook for golf is brilliant but we just don’t know what that looks like yet.”
We concluded with Toomey’s real number one highlight. Wasn’t your real highlight getting married?
“Of course. Outside of the golf, 2022 has been exceptional, getting married to Kayla in March, then buying our first home in Tauranga which we move into in January. I feel very lucky.”
Toomey is clearly a mature, well grounded positive young man who enjoys his life as a golfer.
Golfer Pacific writer Neville Idour caught up with eight New Zealand professionals at The Hills Invitational Pro-Am in December. Neville asked them about how they performed in 2022 and what their thoughts were heading into 2023. There were some very interesting replies.
By Neville Idour
Gareth Paddison is always happy to play The Hills Pro-Am and was happy to chat about life since ceasing the touring professional grind. He reflected on 2022.
“It has been a great year for me,’’ Paddison said.
“Covid forced me to make that decision to stop playing full time and look at coaching. The NZPGA offered some of the tour players a full month coaching course which has been amazing. It has given me a new lease on life and also that security I did not have as a player. There were some good weeks but not enough to sustain playing full time and get ahead in life or feeling that security.
“So for me it has been a very good change in direction. Of course I have a wonderful supportive partner Christin who has helped me in making that decision. So 2022 has seen progress moneywise. I have made good headway into my mortgage which I probably couldn’t have done if I was still playing full time. They say money doesn’t make you happy … but … it has given me options.
“For me I think it has made me happier in the sense that I feel more comfortable. I haven’t got credit card debt now. Some of the costs I had I didn’t realise the stress I was under until the stress goes away … then look back and think I haven’t got those overheads
anymore which is a great feeling. Now with coaching it keeps me in the game. I play every weekend with a couple of students that I teach so I’m not totally out of the game.”
What does 2023 hold for Paddison?
“Golf-wise I want to play five events on the Australasian PGA Tour. I will have to apply for invites to all of them, including the New Zealand Open and NZPGA because my ranking isn’t high enough. I have played every New Zealand Open since 1999 so it would be really good to get an invite to it. I may be able to get into a couple of lesser events through my NZPGA category.”
After that?
“After five events, if I keep my card, I will play the bigger events at the end of the year in Australia, and if I don’t keep my card that is telling me I am going to coach. Whatever happens it is a win win. I get to play a little bit of competition, see how my game is and if I can keep my card. If I can’t keep my card I know where my game is at and I can coach which I am more than happy to do.
“I don’t really miss the grind of practice which is telling me it is a good opportunity to stay coaching, away from the grind and play events like this (The Hills Pro-Am) and the occasional pro-am here and there.”
On that note we wish Gareth well for the 2023 year.
good iron play and coming in from the fairway. With the flags tucked away you really have to control your ball well. With the greens a little faster, it would make it really tough if you were in the wrong spots on or around the greens.”
In addition to that Laguna National experience, Fox played in Singapore in 2011, finishing tied 17th at Singapore Island Country Club in the third edition of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, won by Hideki Matsuyama.
el the world and compete in so many different places, so to tick off a new country and a new venue is very exciting.
“After last year’s success, I’m really keen to kick on and see what the coming year brings. I feel really good about my game and hopefully I can give my best showing for the fans in Singapore.
“I know there’s a big expat community of New Zealanders in Singapore, and it would be great to see them at Laguna National.”
Masters from 2002 to 2007.
Patrick Bowers, executive championship director, Singapore Classic, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with the DP World Tour on their long-awaited return to the country in staging the Singapore Classic.
“The excitement of a fresh new event committed through 2025, but at the same time rooted in the heritage which the tour enjoys in the nation, is invigorating.
Ryan Fox will be on the hunt for more glory when he tees off in this month’s Singapore Classic at Laguna National Golf Resort Club as the DP World Tour returns to Singapore for the first time since 2014.
Almost four years after enjoying a gentle stroll around Laguna National’s Classic Course, the top New Zealand golfer will be aiming to tame “The Beast” when he returns to the venue for the inaugural Singapore Classic from February 9-12.
It was in March, 2019, that the high-flying Kiwi stopped off in Singapore en route to the Maybank Championship in
Kuala Lumpur, squeezing in 18 holes on the Classic Course.
After firing a stress-free three-under-par 69, Fox predicted the course would offer a stern test for a high calibre professional event.
“My first impressions of the golf course were that it was a really good test of golf that I believe would stand up very well for a tournament,’’ Fox said.
“On the day we played we had some relatively friendly pin positions. But I could see the course playing tough when set up in tournament conditions.
“The sloping greens are a great defence of the course and they put a premium on
This month will be Fox’s first competitive appearance as a professional on Singaporean soil. And he’ll be arriving in good spirits having enjoyed a banner year in 2022, finishing a career-high second on the DP World Tour rankings.
The Kiwi won twice, taking his tally of victories to three, also recording four runner-up finishes and four further top10s across the season – moving to a career-high 23rd in world rankings.
“I’m really looking forward to returning to Singapore to play this year’s Singapore Classic,” said 32-year-old.
“One of the great things about the DP World Tour is the opportunity we get to trav-
Based on his memories from 2019, Fox may well adopt a slightly more conservative approach for the $US2 million tournament, taking fewer drivers off the tee.
“On a second go around, I think I would play a bit more conservatively at a few holes to take some of the trouble out of play,” said the son of legendary All Black fly-half Grant Fox, part of the winning team in the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.
The Singapore Classic is a new addition to the DP World Tour’s global schedule for 2023.
A facility member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, Laguna National previously hosted the Singapore
“I personally recall the excitement of Colin Montgomerie thrilling crowds by winning in commanding style, Nick Dougherty earning his inaugural tour victory here, and the milestones of witnessing the tour’s first winner from China and India in Zhang Lianwei and Arjun Atwal. Now we turn our attention to beginning a new era.”
The 2006 edition of the Singapore Masters, also held at Laguna National, was the scene of one of the most memorable moments in the country’s golfing history, when home favourite Mardan Mamat lifted the trophy, finishing one stroke ahead of England’s Dougherty.
Ohope
This year, there were several golf clubs that dropped down the rankings. However, Christchurch Golf Club was the biggest climber, rising 7 positions to the 15th spot. It was noted the conditioning and the work having been done on the golf course assisted in this significant rise.
The rankings were compiled from the results of twenty one rankers submitting their top 12 courses in the North and South Islands. The ranking panel has nearly 800 years of combined golf experience, with rankers from Invercargill through to north Auckland, with a diverse mix consisting of professional players, experienced amateur players, golf industry professionals and some club players with extensive playing experience here in New Zealand and internationally.
was a total of 35 points. The points awarded were totalled and then divided by the numbers of rankers so the average was calculated, thus giving the overall result. This is the sixth time that NZPGA professional Andrew Whiley from Dunedin has coordinated the rankings. Rankings were previously conducted in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 & 2020.
As we head into 2023, it is important and timely to recognise some of New Zealand’s great golf courses -- ones that each of us should play if we get the opportunity.
So, which golf courses have you played? And where should your next golfing road trip planning take you and your friends?
Tara Iti at Mangawhai in Northland ranks as the best golf course in New Zealand, based on the results.
Yes, the golf course is private, but it is truly something special and if you are ever given the opportunity to play there, then you should jump at it. The setting, the layout and how the course plays, is definitely unique and memorable. Right from the time you drive through the gates, through to holing your final putt on the 18th green, it is absolutely magical.
Te Arai Links, which is south of Mangawhai, wasn’t in the ratings this year as it is so new. However, the rankers that have played the South Course, are all raving about it, with some believing it is better than Tara Iti with its views, use of the landscape and some outstanding holes. Plus, the 19th hole is pretty fabulous.
The Queenstown pair of Jacks Point and The Hills were in the second and third spots in the ratings with only .06 of a point separating them. Interestingly, the No 2 ranked Jacks Point down through to Kauri Cliffs at No 9, were separated by less than a point, which shows how close the quality of these golf courses are.
A new entrant into the top 10 was the new Millbrook Coronet course at No 7 while the Millbrook Remarkables course was ranked at 10. Cape Kid-
nappers in Hawke’s Bay was five ranking slots higher than its sister course Kauri Cliffs in the Bay of Islands while Kinloch, in Taupo, pipped its local rival Wairakei by three slots. Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club in Wellington rose one slot to take No 6 on the rankings.
The previous New Zealand top 40 golf rankings were compiled in April 2020. Therefore, this is the first ranking conducted with the new revamped Royal Auckland included along with the new courses Millbrook Coronet Course and Tieke Golf Estate (Hamilton). Te Puke, in the Bay of Plenty, which hosted the New Zealand PGA Championships in 2021, also entered the rankings along with Waipu (Northland) and
This year, those who submitted were Phil Aicken, Leo Barber, Graeme Barbara, Beauden Barrett, Robyn Boniface, Barry Brown, Hamish Campbell, Andrew Clements, Blair Dibley, Michael Glading, Simon Forshaw, Tony Houpt, Denise Langdon, Dave Mangan, Willie Moore, Grant Moorhead, Alan Rose, Duncan Simpson, John Spraggs, Doug White and Fraser Wilkin.
The ranking system is based on seven criteria which covers the key factors that are essential in good golf course design, which are important to the golfers that play these golf courses. The criteria are risk/reward, playability, layout, design, scenic values, conditioning and ambience. A maximum of five points was awarded per category thus, the maximum any course could receive
Once again, as in previous rankings, there are some hidden gems that were mentioned by some rankers, but which didn’t quite make the final top 40. They included such courses as Waihi, Rangatira, Waverley and Roxburgh Golf Clubs, all of which have some great features that make them fantastic places to stop and play a round. Tokarahi and Kawhia Golf Club’s were mentioned as being memorable nine-hole courses and Waverley, Millbrook and Tara Iti were all noted for their great 19th hole hospitality. Waipu and the Manawatu Golf Clubs were highlighted by respondents for their exceptional catering and food on offer. So, the challenge for those of you who love golf, is to set a goal to try to play as many of the top 40 courses that you haven’t yet played on this year’s list. Find the time to seek out and play those hidden gems; make a point of getting out there in our beautiful country and see if you agree with the ranking scores. Again, as it’s been mentioned before, it’s not just about playing the famous or big name courses, but it’s about being able to enjoy our unique and amazing courses that have something to offer everyone.
New Zealand’s top 40 courses as rated by 21 highly experienced New Zealand golfing personnel. The rankings were compiled from the results of twenty one rankers submitting their top 12 courses in the North and
South Islands. The ranking panel has nearly 800 years of combined golf experience, with rankers from Invercargill through to north Auckland, with a diverse mix consisting of professional players, experienced amateur players, golf indus-
try professionals and some club players with extensive playing experience here in New Zealand and internationally.
This year, those who submitted were Phil Aicken, Leo Barber, Graeme Barbara, Beauden Barrett, Robyn Boniface, Barry
Brown, Hamish Campbell, Andrew Clements, Blair Dibley, Michael Glading, Simon Forshaw, Tony Houpt, Denise Langdon, Dave Mangan, Willie Moore, Grant Moorhead, Alan Rose, Duncan Simpson, John Spraggs, Doug White and Fraser Wilkin.
Canterbury amateur Kazuma Kobori confirmed his potential as a future star with a stunning win in the Australian Amateur Golf Championship at the New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney.
Kobori was always close to the lead with rounds of 69, 65, 73 and 66 for 15 under par and victory by two strokes.
The 21-year-old was born in Japan and emigrated with his family to Christchurch when he was five. His final round included six birdies, an eagle and two bogeys. He had opened up a three shot lead when he birdied the 16th. However, a bogey on the difficult 17th after missing the green, left an opening for Taishi Moto (Japan) to eagle No 18. It was not
to be and Kobori sealed the deal with a superb wedge into the par five 18th for a birdie and what was his biggest amateur win. After his win he was swamped by his fellow Kiwis and doused with water to celebrate.
Said Kobori: “I was hoping to win, not get drenched, but really appreciated their support. After the bogey on the
17th my only danger was Moto chipping in on 18. He gave it a very good nudge as my heart skipped a few beats.”
Kobori won a professional tournament – the NZ PGA – four years ago and has been on the radar ever since, but has been pushed aside somewhat by the feats of his elder sister, Momoka, who is headed to the Ladies’ European Tour this year.
Waahi Taakaro Golf Club in Nelson is revelling in its Christmas present – a new bridge across the Maitai River – which marks a major step forward in its recovery from a devastating flood.
The temporary scaffold bridge replaced a wooden one washed away in August’s one in 100-year flood which significantly damaged the nine-hole golf course owned by Nelson City Council.
The flood also left unusable a footbridge, a bike/walk track around the course and a new pump track just months after a new recreation hub at the course was opened.
The course was closed to the public for two months to allow the clean-up to proceed and the club was forced to cancel or postpone events and use other courses in the region.
The bridge – which opened just before Christmas on December 21 – al-
lows golfers and electric carts to more easily access the course in all weather. For the previous four months golfers had to either wade or drive across a concrete ford, which was only passable at low river flow.
The bridge also means all of the golf course, which twice crosses the river, has now reopened in time for the busy summer season.
And golfers couldn’t be happier, with usage since Christmas returning to normal levels and the condition of the picturesque parkland course attracting plenty of positive feedback from visitors and locals alike.
A massive clean-up effort by contractors and Waahi Taakaro Golf Club members has got the course mostly restored, with just minor work – including resowing several fairways -needed to get it back to its best.
Golf club manager Peter Watson said it was a huge relief to see the bridge opened before Christmas and he thanked the council and contractors for getting the job done.
“The last four months have been a challenge but everyone has rallied around and worked hard to get the golf course back operating normally,” Watson said.
What a year of weather for the Whangamata Golf Club on the Cormandel Peninsula. While not alone in its weather woes it certainly has taken its toll in 2022 on one of New Zealand’s finest country courses.
Whangamata has two courses, the 18-hole Titoki and the nine-hole Williamson.
Titoki, while a relatively short par 70, is a gem of a course. Its rating, considering its length is high, this is mainly because of the Wentworth River. This volatile stream and its feeding creeks effects 15 of the holes and if you can’t get the ball airborne, you’ll suffer.
This year the weather gods have not been kind, sending vast amounts of water down the Wentworth Valley and as a result many of the course bridges, already nearing their use by date, have been hammered. Damaged in many cases beyond repair.
Insurance has saved the club in the interim, but the weather is getting worse and the bridges are only just hanging on.
Something must be done and soon. Enter The Masters raffle.
In association with Elite Golf Tours, Whangamata Golf Club has put together arguably one of the greatest golf prizes you could ever win.
The Master’s Magnolia Experience is an exclusive and rare golfing thrill. The winner will travel to Atlanta in the United States in April, 2024, attend Thursday’s pre-Mas-
“Our golfers are delighted they no longer have to bring their gumboots or load trailers to get themselves and their gear across the river.’’
Watson said the course was a popular community asset with almost 20,000 rounds played a year, which is forecast to increase once the hub infrastructure is rebuilt which will allow more events to be based there.
The club, which was established in 1975 and currently has 243 members, manages the course and golf shop on a day to day basis on behalf of the council.
ters welcome and briefing and be on course Saturday and Sunday as the best in the world hunt down the famous Green Jacket.
The total prize package is valued at $22,000. Tickets are $50 each and are limited to just 2000. Sound like you? If so, you can purchase tickets at both courses, Titoki or Williamson or if you can’t make it to beautiful Whangamata, you can buy online at www.whangamatgolf.net.nz.
The Golf Genius app is proving to be a wonderful asset in the administration and running of any golf event for those clubs and organisations utilising it.
Whether it be a small club event or a major open event, once in place it can be rolled out subsequently with ease saving huge amounts of time and number of people required to run the tournament.
Australian Peter Shaw, the director of sales for the APAC region (Australia, New Zealand and Asia) for Golf Genius was at The Hills Pro-Am assisting The Hills general manager Craig Palmer and seeing how successful it is. It was a good opportunity for Golfer Pacific to get the lowdown on the Golf Genius story and experience why it is aptly named.
So how did it all start?
Shaw explains: “It all started about eight years ago. I was running some corporate and pro-am events myself and I found Golf Genius because I wanted a better system. I contacted Craig Higgs who is the managing director now and is based in the UK. So we worked together to get it working for my events. After a couple of years other people in Australia wanted to do it. I was promoting it and the opportunity came up to work for Golf Genius.”
So who started Golf Genius?
“A chap named Mike Zisman started it and Craig was the first international employee. Zisman has over 40 years history in Enterprise Software and has worked for IBM and other companies. So he is the leading force having created this based on a problem scheduling a buddy trip with all his mates. He decided to build the software. There was a young guy at the time, Alex Tandrau. He was in Germany and wrote the first code for the scheduling called Golf Trip Genius. Alex who was the first employee still works for the company 14 years later. He is vice president of engineering now as we have developed.
“So it is a product that has gone from scheduling buddy trips to handling absolutely everything there is from clubs, social clubs to associations and most recently we helped Golf Australia run the Australian Open. In the USA we work with the PGA and the USGA and run majors. We did the PGA Championship and the PGA Senior Championship. Without being
arrogant we feel we do it better than anyone else having 14 years of history building and continually developing the product. In two years time there will be 200 to 400 product enhancements. We do about six product releases a year to meet the needs of what a club like The Hills might want, or a golf association, for example.
“The biggest thing for us is we have more than 100 developers which is more than any other business in golf.”
Developers, what does that mean?
“These are the guys behind the product. They write the codes for the software that may be required. A recent one was how we scored college golf in the USA. They wanted it done differently. There are so many complexities within the golf industry and Golf Genius has done exceptionally well to meet those needs, but we are always learning. What we are doing for the USGA can be rolled out anywhere. We are working in England and Singapore.”
Many people think Golf Genius is just live scoring. That could not be further from the reality. Shaw pulls no punches.
“It is way more than that. It is complete tournament management. The fans want to see what is happening in any event whether it be a club match, inter district or whatever. So we provide all the information for the event from start to finish.”
Who are you working with in New Zealand?
“We are working with The Hills, Tara Iti and Millbrook doing all their events. Many clubs are interested but we have to get the message out that this is a different system that adds to what clubs are already doing. We are not trying to replace Dot Golf (software provider for Golf New Zealand) by any means. Dot Golf is the system that clubs know and use daily. What we are trying to do is say there is another product out there that adds a lot of bells and whistles and a lot of engagement when you are doing special events like proams and club championships. My focus is to work with New Zealand clubs.”
We asked Shaw where he is based.
“I am based on the Gold Coast. I’m originally from Sydney and moved there 20 years ago. I played a little bit of golf on tour and then ran events and taught so I have kind of come at it from a different angle now in administration.”
So did your hope of working with Golf New Zealand and Dot Golf fall over?
“We have been talking to Golf New Zealand and the PGA on and off for a number of years. They have just merged and that has put a bit of a halt to things. We like to work with the national association but the complexity here is that Dot Golf is owned by Golf NZ. So they have their own product and that is going to be their number one choice. But we think we add a lot and it would be nice at some point to be integrated to a degree where we can use the best of both worlds and they can leverage some of what we do to improve some of their events.”
We chatted with Dean Murphy the chief executive of Golf New Zealand and asked what the likelihood of a partnership with Golf Genius was.
Murphy said: “Dot Golf is working with Golf Genius to investigate areas where we might be able to work together in markets around the world. Each company has a lot to offer and we are exploring how we might be able to work together on many fronts. At the same time Dot Golf is also significantly investing into its software platform including tournament management. While Dot Golf already runs tournament software solutions for club events right through to professional events our rapid expansion and customer demand is driving increased need to expand our offering in this area.
“Dot Golf was established in 1998 as a provider of software and IT (information technology) solutions for golf associations and clubs. It became the official technology provider to Golf New Zealand in 1999 and created the world’s first national centralised handicapping system in 2001.”
In 2015 the software systems were developed to allow for international expansion. In 2019 Dot Golf became the official handicap and technology partner for England and Wales Golf and Golf Ireland. Scottish Golf came on board in January this year and further international expansion is scheduled for 2024 and 2025.
About three years ago Golf Genius extended its tournament coverage product to another area of golf as Shaw relates.
“We released a product for golf shops where we streamlined what the head pro or director of golf can do. Con-
trolling demo clubs, customer orders and such like. So that was our second software product. The pro will have all his demo clubs listed and when someone tries a driver it can be attached to their profile. Reminders can be sent. One of the problems a pro can have is losing demo clubs if they are not returned. All orders are put on line and also tracking club repairs which no one has mastered. We say what can we do and the pro can tell us, and we will try to oblige.
“Recently in the USA, September I think, we released a product for coaches called Coach 360. So it will allow them to use it for scheduling, payments, lockers, data, communications. It is taking what a lot of apps already do and aggregating it all into one. We think it can be a real game changer because it gives a student that connection with their coach. We will look at bringing it out in the latter half of 2023 to the golf pros in Australia, England and internationally. We will localise it for each market. These are exciting times, however the hard part is breaking into new markets. Getting people to understand we are not an enemy but we are trying to work together with organisations.
“Quite simply it is another product and if it is done right it adds to the members’ experience, the pros job and what they can do. Here at The Hills they use it all the time. We were at Millbrook this morning and they also use it all the time. They love it and have done hundreds of events. It is all about finding people who don’t look at something and say this is what we always do. In any market the established product is just that. So we come into a new market as we have expanded globally and we do tend to become the enemy instead of that’s a good product, let’s work together. That is our hope in all markets especially New Zealand. Being based in Australia I have spent plenty of time here (NZ) over the years. Aussies and Kiwis fought together so why can’t we work together. That is kind of where we want to be.”
So how does Golf New Zealand fit in all of this?
“A lot of that revolves around what Golf New Zealand see in the future for us. Whether they want to do something officially or not we will keep working with the clubs. That is what we want the market to know. We
are just a phone call or zoom meeting away and now the borders are open we are just a hop, skip and jump away and can come across to help clubs. Face to face meetings are so much more pleasant.”
As well as The Hills and Millbrook and Tara Iti they hope to add more marquee courses and clubs to its stable.
We discussed the LIV golf coverage. Shaw pointed out the league scenario LIV has and that any golf club could use them to run a league. So you could run four person teams every week throughout the year and you could score it through Golf Genius.
“Anyone can score stableford events but it is matchplay, round robins and other formats where clubs may want to make the change. We do it live, although we don’t have to. But scoring everything live is the key.”
From this writer’s experience in The Hills Pro-Am, Golf Genius is indeed aptly named. To be able to have all the individual and team scores immediately available on your mobile phone because each group entered their scores on the app when each hole was finished was eye opening. It was easy to see why the USGA PGA Championship and Australian Open are using Golf Genius.
As for clubs currently using Golf Genius along with Dot Golf the general comments in favour of Golf Genius especially for resorts and courses dealing with groups and many events was that for overall service of requirements it fitted the needs better at the time.
Shaw concluded on a positive note.
“It is always evolving. We are never sitting back. We just keep working and chipping away at all the golf associations. They might call me a pest but I think we are doing it for the right reasons which is to improve golf for the player.”
Despite high inflation and life returning back towards a semblance of normalcy post-covid, golf equipment sales remained healthy for most of 2022 in the United States which is always a strong pointer for the rest of the world.
Those are the headline findings from the Golf Datatech retail market share reports covering the United States sales through the month of November and total for golf balls and golf clubs.
In November of last year, every product category was down versus the same period in 2021, with total sales at -11 percent and the best performing catego-
ries being wedges (-3.1 percent), balls (-3.3 percent) and gloves (-4.9 percent).
On a year-to-date dollar basis, sales of gloves (+6.5 perent), balls (+3.6 percent) and wedges (+3.1 percent) are all higher than in 2021, while woods are down most significantly (-8.5 percent).
On a positive note, while total equipment sales were down 2.7 percent versus 2021, sales remained 40.1 percent ahead of pre-pandemic levels and all categories were up between 25 percent (shoes) and 61 percent (bags).
On the latest equipment sales numbers, Golf Datatech co-founder John Krzynowek said: “While 2022
sales won’t eclipse the all-time highs set in 2021, total golf equipment heads into the last month of the year in much better place than most would have expected early in the year.
“Even in the face of high inflation and life returning back toward the semblance of normalcy post-covid, golf equipment sales remained healthy for most of the year, although we’ve seen a definite softening in consumer demand as the 2022 golf season comes to a close.”
Golf Datatech’s latest Market Share Report is available at www.golfdatatech.com.
on the third day due to the severe heavy rain hitting the North Island, meaning Bateman slept with the lead two days in a row.
After carding 68 and 64 in the first two rounds, to be 12 under par for the tournament, he began the third and final round with a two-shot lead over the in-form Kazuma Kobori, who recently won the Australian Amateur.
The Wairarapa-based professional got off to the perfect start, opening with a birdie to extend his lead. He added two more at seven and eight, before uncharacteristically three-putting on nine to make what would be his first and only bogey of the day.
Tour title felt just as good as his first.
“It’s unreal. I’m absolutely stoked,’’ Bateman said.
“It’s been a long time between drinks … since I got over the line in a Charles Tour event. I’ve played a lot of them and had a lot of top 10s and fives and haven’t quite got the job done.
“There was a long putt on the last that I holed when I won the Hastings Open as an amateur. I thought of that on the last today, so it was nice to have that in the back of my mind standing over the putt. That’s the only thing I remember, I can’t actually remember back that far,” Bateman added with a laugh.
Victory in the Hastings Open was the second on New Zealand’s Charles Tour for Harry Bateman — albeit seven years apart. It was 2016 when Bateman scored his first Charles Tour win in the Harewood Open in Christchurch and last month he added his second when taking out the inaugural Hastings Open sponsored by Wallace Development.
Hastings is a course where Bateman has had success previously, taking out the Hastings Amateur in 2012 and 2013.
Bateman is one of the most consistent performers on the Charles Tour, sponsored by Jennian Homes, recording countless top 10s and top fives. His latest victory didn’t come without any adversity as play was abandoned
Bateman held his nerve coming home by making seven straight pars while everyone was throwing the kitchen sink at him. He stood on the 17th with a one-shot lead over amateurs Tyler Wood and James Hydes and hit a clutch green-side bunker shot and converted the four-foot putt for birdie, and walked to the 18th tee leading by two.
He was able to recall some of the winning feelings from the 18th he had as an amateur, hitting four solid shots to secure a par and get the job done.
Bateman said his second Charles
“It’s a mixture of relief and elation. I’m absolutely stoked.”
His victory is the perfect way to start his 2023 season on the Charles Tour, which has a new season-ending event, the Charles Tour Race to Tieke.
The leading 24 players on the Charles Tour standings automatically qualify for the season finale, held at Waikato’s marquee course, Tieke Estate.
James Hydes was victorious for the men’s amateur title in a playoff over his fellow Golf New Zealand national Academy teammate, Tyler Wood. Tara Raj won the women’s amateur title.
We love having groups come and play our course and offer a discount for 12 players or more. Give us a call to enquire about bringing your golfing buddies, or a ladies golf group, to Ohope Beach Golf Links ... and think about combining it with a round at one of our neighbours; Whakatane, Opotiki, Kawerau or Te Teko.
Acommunity-based social services organisation working with disabled and “at risk’’ youth and young adults in the Bay of Plenty has added golf to the array of sporting activities being offered to participants.
Tauranga-based charitable trust Youth Encounter offers a range of counselling, mentoring, leadership and personal development programmes for children, teenagers, and young adults aged between 8 and 24-years-old.
Youth Encounter participants include people with physical and mental disabilities, at risk youth, through to referrals from government agencies (Youth Justice, Oranga Tamariki), police, schools and whanau.
The service provides a range of physical activity-based options for young people to take part in –ranging from dirt bike riding and mountain biking, through to surfing and wakeboarding, fishing, skateboarding, basketball, beach walks, and now Youth Encounter is adding golfing options to its menu of sporting participation opportunities.
Youth Encounter general manager Tracey Christian said that since initially launching the golf option last year, the organisation’s 12 employees had all played the sport while simultaneously teaching golf’s fundamentals to participants.
After learning the basics of golf, Youth Encounter participants then progress to the fairways and greens of Te Puke Golf Club. With golf now firmly entrenched in Youth Encounter’s activity repertoire, the organisation is currently building a driving range at its 5.8-hectare rural property just south of Te Puke.
“The mix of physical activity with the sociable aspects of golf means the sport very much fits in with the personal development ethos Youth Encounter has structured its model around,” said Christian.
“Golf has also been highly cost effective for us in terms of purchasing the basic equipment such as clubs, balls, and bags required to get our youngsters into the sport, with a significant amount of equipment having been donated through the Te Puke Golf Club.
“We’ve found that once our rangatahi understand how easy it is to learn the basics of golf, many are keen to then set personal targets – like hitting the ball further than they did last time, hitting it straighter than they did last time, and even scoring their first par.
“Golf is so flexible in the individual personal development targets that can be tailor-made to each and every player, that the sport really resonates with our youngsters who come into our participation programmes with varying degrees of physical abilities.”
Luke Landon, a young man who has Down Syndrome, is one of those whose personality has blossomed under Youth Encounter’s mentoring programme, using golf as the activity. A year ago, Luke was nervously hitting a few balls onto the side of the chipping green at Te Puke Golf Club. Now under the enthusiastic and caring tutelage of Youth Encounter mentor and instructor Ethan Milsom, 25-year-old Luke is confident enough to complete nine holes of golf at the course – parking up the cart and now walking the fairways.
Milsom, a 15-handicapper at Te Puke Golf Club, and three other Youth Encounter mentors are regularly seen around the course with their prodigies –whose confidence and love for the sport can clearly be seen building round by round.
Milsom said: “To see the smiles and shine in their eyes is so rewarding. Golf has given them a direction and purpose to work toward, and we look forward to continuing to growing player numbers as awareness of the programme spreads throughout the wider Bay of Plenty region.”
Golf New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty regional support manager Mark Webb said it was heartening to see another player dynamic coming into the sport at a time when cultural diversity was becoming ever more evident on the greens and fairways across the Bay of Plenty’s golf courses, and indeed throughout New Zealand.
Webb said: “Youth Encounter’s guiding principles very much align with Golf New Zealand’s ethos – that golf is all about having fun, while simultaneously underpinning both mental and physical exercise in a relaxing and safe environment.
“Everyone involved with Youth Encounter are grateful to the team at Te Puke Golf Club for its continued support of the initiative and helping grow player participation numbers.”
The Don Manning Championship charity golf tournament in Blenheim will return, “bigger and better” in 2023, says organiser Jeremy Manning.
The inaugural pre-Christmas event, which was staged at the Blenheim Golf Club course at Pollard Park last December, was hailed an “immediate success” by Manning.
Thirty-six players, dressed in old school golfing attire, vied for a series of sponsored prizes. The proceeds from the event, totalling $7500, went to Mike King’s Gumboot Friday charity.
King, a former comedian, is a mental health advocate and Gumboot Friday is one of his promotions to help raise funds.
Manning, a former Marlborough rugby personality, who went on to play for Irish province Munster against the All Blacks and latterly helped the Fijian Sevens’ team claim an historic Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro, is keen to continue with the tournament, with some innovations.
A new date has been set, December 22, 2023 -- a Friday to honour the Gumboot Friday theme. This year Jeremy plans to have a few celebrity guests take part,
plus a live auction, dinner and live music. He also hopes to introduce some more unique playing challenges and themed holes next year.
Manning’s grandfather Don Manning was a life member of the Blenheim club and Jeremy, now based in the United Arab Emirates, said he came up with the
concept a couple of weeks before the event.
“It started as a social catch-up,’’ Jeremy Manning began to explain.
“I planned to play a few rounds with some mates when I got back to New Zealand but found there wasn’t time to fit it all in … then I thought why not put together something that 36 players can take part in at the same time and use it as a fundraiser,” he said.
“I am a big advocate of what Mike King is doing so it just sort of felt right … then support came flooding in.
“I talked to several local businesses who were all keen to help … they were amazing, as were the committee at the Blenheim Golf Club who waived all the green fees once they knew that it was a charity event.”
The inaugural tournament’s primary sponsors were: Hunting and Fishing Marlborough, Mitre 10, Mitchell Sports Power, Thomas’s, The Wellness Station, Simon Pratt Construction, RV Electrical, Meaters of Marlborough, Biddy Kate’s, The Rock, Sky NZ, Hynds Pipe Systems Blenheim, Jeff Fyfe and Eden Orchards.
Sir Bob Charles will make a welcome surprise comeback at the St Clair Legends Pro-Am at St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin on Wednesday, February 8.
The $12,500 event is part of the New Zealand PGA and Australian PGA Legends Series five-tournament swing in the South Island. The other four events at Hanmer (February 4), Rangiora (February 7), North Otago (February 9) and Tokorahi (February 11) all have $12,500 prizemoney. Charles will only play the St Clair event.
For Charles, St Clair holds special memories having first played in Dunedin there at the 1953 New Zealand
Open as a teenager. Eighteen years later he won the then prestigious St Clair Charity Classic in 1971 which attracted world class fields for several years. So to return to St Clair 70 years after his first experience there is pretty special. In fact it is 10 years since his last competitive outing in a seniors’ event in Switzerland.
We asked Charles if there was any particular reason for his decision to play at St Clair.
“Patrick Moore, the professional at St Clair, invited me to play so I accepted for two main reasons. It would be an opportunity to promote my book (Sir Bob Charles -The Biography) and also promote the game of golf for seniors and juniors.”
Charles will run a putting clinic for juniors and Moore
is excited at the prospect of hosting him. Charles, of course, has always waxed enthusiastically about the game of golf and did again.
“Golf is a game for life. As long as you have an arm you can play golf. I played with world war hero, the legless Douglas Bader at Sunningdale in the UK some years ago and that was some experience. I have also played with one armed and blind golfers.”
Charles, 86, still plays to a high standard from the white tees or the equivalent. He plays regularly and can shoot par or close to it.
As he said: “Dad played until he was 90 years old. I want to play until I am 100.”
Local Omanu member Hayden White playing in the 2023 Golf New Zealand Men’s Mid Amateur has won the 2023 title and his place on the Neil Woodbury Trophy. With a one shot lead going into the 3rd and final round recently, it was arguably matchplay against Richard Wright (Matamata) along with Matt Cormack (Remuera) who was 5 places back overnight.
Hayden held his nerve and despite 3 bogies on the front nine, also carded 3 birdies to turn all square. Richard also turned square with the card. The players traded the lead spot on the opening holes of the back nine but then bogies on the 17th and 18th, where Hayden birded and made par respectively, the win with a 3 shot-margin was his. Hayden’s three rounds 67, 68 and 72.
Matt Cormack carded an even 72 round and come in 3rd place with an
overall score of 212. One shot back was Brad Winger from Remuera (213) with another local Simon Wright in 5th place - total of 217.
Best nett was awarded to Robert Greer (Paraparaumu) and the Stableford winner Justin Margan, yet another local from Omanu.
2021 winner Hitomi Nishio from Ttirangi - with an 11 shot lead going into her final round ended up with a ‘fright’ after a serious chase by Angela Gerken (Timaru) who shot the women’s best round of the day , a-one over par, 73.
Angela, despite the challenge eventually lost by one shot.
Hitomi’s rounds 73 and 69 with an ‘out of character’ 81 today, total 223 - vs Angela’s steady 76, 75, 73 - and a finish with 224. What could have been for the Aorangi representative?
3rd place honours to Heather Keefe (Rotorua) who finished with 230, 4th
place to Vaha Fabiano (North Shore), 4 shots back on 234.
Best nett for the women was awarded to Shelley McElroy (Rotorua) with the top Stableford prize claimed by April Everitt (Omaha).
Final accolades must be given to Tracy Bary, in contention overnight,
reflecting on her round released she had miscounted one hole. Long after scores had been posted. Sadly that meant a DQ for her. Golf, a sport that is largely self-policing, relies on players to be honest - top marks to Tracy for her honesty when realising she had simply counted wrong.
The famous IGANZ Trans Tasman Clash (New Zealand Long Blacks vs Aussie Long Ballers) has been famous since December 2017 when the two teams took to the tee for the inaugural national teams event. The Darrren Wise Stingray (trophy) is a heavy set and stunning masterpiece that represents the mutual waters between the two countries. The TTC has been through any challenging times such as the major bush fires in 2019 (pushing the event into 2020) and most recently, with the global pandemic closing boarders and pausing all events. Fast track to December 2022 and we are back on track. The Trans Tasman Clash took place in Port Douglas, at the Mirage Country Club along side a very special event with Survivor Golf. The teams were delighted to see that they made the news on arrival and with this the atmosphere was electric. Turning up the heat for the locals floodlights were transported in for the first night event and the party at the tee was alive before the grid was clear with the fantastic support of our
Survivor Golf crew who were amazing. Both teams under pressure to deliver the fastest and most high-perfoming teams event ever with a win or lose point rather than a score system. The pace was crazy and the grid workers were delivering like never before to ensure our goal was met. The Aussie Long Ballers seemed to be taking the lead in the first round keeping the men in Black (who were one man down due to Covid) on the balls of their feet. Mr George Wardell (Captain for the New Zealand Long Blacks TTC 2022) had the
crowd going wild with his BOMBS that ultimately took the New Zealand Long Blacks to Victory. George kept delivering, with his team Nick Hanna, Sam Jones and Alex Lunn also delivering big numbers to take a 6-4 win over the Aussie Long Ballers. Veteran, Jason Atkins from the Aussie Long Ballers certainly got the crowd cheering with his stand out personality that is aka ‘The JA Affect’, this is where Jason takes his attention away from the tee and into the crowd. Fellow team members Steffan Scutti (Captain of the Aussie Long
Ballers - TTC 2022), Karl Peters, Paul Mews and Ex New Zealand Long BlackIain Dick, brought the heat every round with great showmanship that made this TTC one of the best yet.
The Trans Tasman Clash win 2022 has placed the New Zealand Long Blacks in a third consecutive win against the Aussie Long Ballers which also nominates them for another Halberg (team of the year). Both teams celebrate the launch of the XDL Virtual Grid and landmarking sports history yet again.
The wait is over! XDL software is officially ready to drive the sport of Longest and Fastest hitters to a Golf Ball (But this ain’t Golf). The motivation to grow the game has been a tough one for Olna Ford who set out in 2016 to grow the sports awareness and opportunities for the players. Olna is the designer of the XDL Grid and the idea to have a virtual platform seemed more obvious during the global pandemic which is when Olna decided to partner with OPTISHOT. XDL Software will be our training tool, one that will be used to increase participation for our sport globally and will be used as an essential educational platform. XDL Software trailers will be available for purchase from 18th February 2023
with interest for these on the table already.
The XDL Software trailer is set to entertain, grow the sport and do good in the community . As XDL is the NSO for the sport there is 128 trailers expected to be on road throughout New Zealand, that’s an allocation of 8 per region. XDL Australia will mimic NZ with the two national teams (New Zealand Long Blacks and Aussie Long Ballers) at the forefront of media activity. Media released on the 02.12.22 in Port Douglas during the Trans-Tasman Clash which got people excited about the developments in the sport and the opportunities for the players.
The year 2023 represents NEW growth in the sports business for both New Zealand, Australia and over 30
countries that XDL will be affiliated with. The sport of BIG HITTERS got officially listed as high-performance sport in 2020, thanks to the dedication, investment and the tunnel-vision mentality of founder and NSO Olna Ford, who gives thanks to the New Zealand Prime Minister, Sports Minister and Sports Authorities for approving the sport of XDL. With Intellectual Property Ownership around many of the NEW business products, and sports league, Olna is motivated to make 2023 one of the most rewarding for business and therefore for the players. This sport is only going to grow and XDL is focused on the foundation work for the NEXT GENERATION of players.
Perched between the magnificent Southern Alps and the roaring Canterbury plains, discover Fable Terrace Downs Resort. Classic high-country style meets luxury living, giving you a getaway unlike anything you’ve experienced. Designed with ultimate comfort and relaxation in mind, the resort offers guests a reason to escape the ordinary.
Situated just 1 hour from Christchurch in the heart of the Canterbury high country, enjoy one of New Zealand’s most unique golfing landscapes. Designed by Sid Puddicombe, the 18-hole, par 72 championship course is 6,406m long and boasts breathtaking scenery. The Parkland-style front 9 course is sheltered with a ‘Woodland’ feel, while the links-style back 9 course has a Scottish influence with its open and tranquil setting.
The high country setting means that the changeable weather patterns can add to the drama of a round, views of the neighbouring mountain ranges and river canyons mean a camera is an essential piece of equipment in your golf bag.
The Clubhouse at Fable Terrace Downs Resort provides golfers supreme comfort and convenience both before and after a round. The golf shop stocks a variety of apparel and golfing accessories to restock things you may have forgotten, or help create a memory of your visit.
After your round, take a shower in the luxuriously appointed changing facility then head upstairs to admire the mountain vistas whilst enjoying the high country food menu or a refreshing drink. The Clubhouse has taken a passionate approach to elevate locally sourced produce and creative cuisine, head chef Arvind Kumar and his team take you on a jour-
ney through the flavours of the Canterbury region. Beyond golf, a myriad of activities is at your doorstep from archery to clay bird shooting, walking trails, hunting, fishing, tennis courts and the natural wonders of the region. The ever-changing landscape
acts as the perfect playground for visitors of all ages and fitness levels and makes Fable Terrace Downs Resort a captivating year-round holiday destination for thrill-seekers and those who enjoy more laidback pursuits.
Callaway Golf, an industry leader in golf equipment design, performance, and innovation, officially announced their new Paradym Family of Woods and Irons.
Designed for a complete shift in performance from unparalleled distance, forgiveness, and all-new product constructions, Paradym golf clubs will be available at retailers across Australia and New Zealand on February 24th.
CALLAWAY PARADYM DRIVERS
driver to utilise Callaway’s industry-leading face cup technology. The face cup is paired with a powerful, forged titanium face, a combination that provides higher energy transfer to the ball than a standard driver face insert.
Three models are available: Paradym is suited to a wide range of players, with Callaway’s best combination of distance, forgiveness, and adjustability. Paradym X is best suited for players who want exceptional forgiveness and a slight draw bias, and Paradym Triple Diamond is ideally suited for better players who want to work the ball.
CALLAWAY PARADYM FAIRWAY WOODS
X will fit players looking for our most forgiving shape with a high launch and a slight draw bias. And Paradym Triple Diamond is for stronger players who are looking for a penetrating ball flight with lower spin.
CALLAWAY PARADYM IRONS
and improve speed on mis-hits. Two models are available: Paradym is designed for golfers who are looking for a players’ distance iron with a combination of consistently fast ball speeds, refined shaping, and premium forging. Paradym X is for players who are looking for an iron that’s incredibly long with premium forged feel.
An industry-first 360 Carbon Chassis eliminates titanium from the body, so engineers can push weight and stability to the limit. The 360 Carbon Chassis promotes unprecedented weight redistribution for maximised distance, with a Triaxial Carbon crown and Forged Carbon sole that are 44% lighter than a titanium chassis. This massive weight savings is repositioned both forward to enhance ball speed, and toward the back of the clubhead for increased forgiveness.
To further increase ball speeds, the Company’s industry-leading A.I.-designed Jailbreak system enhances stability for faster ball speeds, while an all-new A.I. face optimisation enhances speed, launch, spin, and now downrange dispersion. Paradym is the first
This completely new construction eliminates weight from the body and repositions it for unprecedented gains in ball speed and MOI. The A.I.-designed Jailbreak Batwing Structure is pushed to the perimeter to stiffen the body, while allowing the face to flex for high ball speeds. Plus, every model has been uniquely designed with a specific player in mind to fully maximise their performance.
Three models are available: Paradym features progressive shaping, and it’s the most robust offering that fits a wide range of player types. Paradym
A first in forging, the Paradym Shift Construction is designed to amplify speed and feel. Callaway’s industry-leading A.I. face technology is applied to a high-strength Forged 455 Face Cup, creating their most powerful forged iron face ever. Each face is uniquely optimised for more speed, higher launch, and increased spin consistency. The all-new Hollow Body design features Speed Frame construction for added stiffness to the body and support for the Forged 455 Face Cup. This unique construction is the catalyst that stabilises a thinner face for incredibly fast ball speeds.
The forged face and patented Urethane Microspheres deliver the ultra-soft feel and premium sound that discerning players demand, and internal tungsten weights are placed pre cisely to enhance launch conditions
The Callaway REVA Golf Ball is engineered for women who want to improve their distance, ball flight and consistency. To promote easy launch and more forgiveness, we’ve leveraged an oversized construction that conforms to the rules of golf. Our oversized core and low spin characteristics are also designed for longer, more accurate shots. Try the REVA if you’re looking to hit better shots that fly on a straighter line.
Easy to launch and more forgiving
Promotes higher ball flight for increased distance, and more forgiveness for better accuracy, all from an oversized construction that conforms to the rules of golf.
Long and straight
Our oversized core and low spin profile are specifically designed for women to maximize distance and consistency on the course.
Our longest ball with soft feel and greenside control product
ERC Soft is our longest golf ball with soft feel, and for 2023 we’ve introduced technologies that promote a new
level of complete performance. Leading with the cover, we’ve created an all- new GRIP Urethane Coating System that provides even more greenside spin. The unique cover is paired with an all-new HyperElastic SoftFast core that increase ball speed, while maintaining soft feel through the bag.
These enhanced design features are especially suited for women who want to optimise their performance on the course. Our new technologies properly complement each other, delivering soft feel through the bag, incredible distance with the driver, and added spin for greenside control with your wedges.
New grip urethane coating for increased greenside spin
This coating system features high-elongation paint for increased control on approach shots and short game shots.
More ball speed and soft feel from new hyper elastic SoftFast core
Optimised for faster driver speed and soft feel around the green.
Hybrid cover provides exceptional feel, control
The first hybrid designed with Callaway’s A.I.-designed Jailbreak with Batwing Technology for high ball speeds. The Jailbreak Structure, a Tungsten Speed Cartridge and an A.I.-designed 455 Face Cup are all implemented for maximum distance. A Cutwave Sole design helps to improve the club’s performance through the turf, making this Callaway’s most versatile hybrid ever made. Two models are available: Paradym is for golfers who want a mid-sized, wood-shaped hybrid that’s long with excellent versatility and control, while Paradym X is built for maximum forgiveness and versatility.
For further information Official Callaway Golf Site | Golf Clubs | Golf
The cover al lows us to cre ate a versatile, multi-material construction. This is how we com bine maximised distance from high launch and low spin, with soft feel and durability.
High speed mantle for enhanced ball speed and control
Creates more efficient energy transfer between the layers for more ball speed and provides more wedge spin around the green.
New Triple Track Dagger technology for advanced alignment
Our new Triple Track Dagger lines are prominently featured on ERC Soft to help you find the right alignment for every putt.
637 Marshland Rd.
New Members and Green fee players welcome 9 holes $10.00
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 straight forward layout. The 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.
New members welcome in the following categories:
Full, 9 Holes, mid week and Junior membership
There is also an Associate membership which provides players with a handicap. Associate members pay green fees.
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 & 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.
Hotline: 03 323-7678 or club house 03 323- 8641
Phone: 03 323-8641
Email: evergladescgc@xtra.co.nz
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.
The course is closed to Green fee players Tuesday 9.30 am to 12.30 pm and Saturdays 11.am to 3.30pm
Pay for 5 games and receive the 6th game free
The course is open every day except Tuesdays from 9.30am to 12.30pm and Saturdays 11am to 3.30pm.
Details are available for both at the club house phone 323 8641 or the Secretary phone 323 7678
Email: evergladescgc@xtra.co.nz
AUCKLAND
CLARK’S BEACH - THE KRILETICH TROPHY
The Kriletich Trophy was played recently. The competition being the Men’s Pennants vs the Club Members. The club prevailed this year and added some new reserves to our Pennant teams! It just goes to show the talent at the club is getting better.
Bernie, Tony, Shane, Henry and Kelvin.
The best part was that the clubhouse vibe and atmosphere was friendly and enjoyable for a warm Sunday afternoon!
The Kriletich Trophy was donated over 20 years from our Life Members and brothers, Bob & Tony Kriletich.
TARANAKI
INGLEWOOD GC - LADIES
WEEKEND OPENING DAY - 2BBB
The Winners of the Ladies Weekend Opening Day were:
Maree Messenger & Debbie Masters with a nett 60.
The runners up were: Josie Keegan & Margaret Wright.
WELLINGTON
BOULCOTTS FARM HERITAGE GOLF CLUB
New World Hutt City Open Champions, played recently.
Men’s Jordan Burgess and Ladies’ Alanah Braybrook.
NOW COMES WITH 15% TIGHTER DISPERSION
ADJUSTABLE PERIMETER WEIGHTING
INDUSTRY FIRST 360° CARBON CHASSIS
FORGED TITANIUM A.I. FACE WITH JAILBREAK A.I.
The industry’s first 360° Carbon Chassis redistributes weight to maximise speed in the front and forgiveness in the back. The result is an exceptionally long driver that now delivers 15% tighter downrange dispersion.* A true Paradym shift has finally eliminated the tradeoff between distance and forgiveness.
THE NEW
IN PERFORMANCE
