Sir Bob Charles’ comeback a roaring success

By Neville Idour

Sir Bob Charles’ comeback in the Legends Pro-Am at St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin last month was a roaring success.

Okay he didn’t win or shoot the lights out but he had no problem beating his age and many others in the field with a score of 78. Conditions were testing with wind and colder temperatures.

His bogeys tended to come on the more difficult and, in some cases, longer holes. For instance hole No 3 is a long undulating par four which for shorter hitters plays like a par five, as does No 12, which in this writer’s opinion is the most difficult on the course with a long uphill climb.

However, his birdie on the par five 10th would have been satisfying playing to a shallow green. He admitted the conditions were testing and his four three putts were uncharacteristic. It was his first competitive tournament for 10 years and he still enjoys just be- ing out there.

Harewood professional Craig Mitchell fired a 66 to win by one shot from highly rated Australians Brad Burns and Andre Stolz while another Australian, Paul Powell, with 69 was fourth. There was little sign Mitchell would win after pars on the first six holes. He then took off with birdies on 7, 9, 11, a bogey on 12, eagle on 14 a par 5 which plays short, a birdie on 15, a bogey on 16, then the winning birdie on 18.

Speaking with tournament director, St Clair professional Patrick Moore, revealed a delighted host.

“I am really chuffed. Having Bob was amazing in every way. We had a full field and at least 200 spectators on course,’’ Moore said.

“The 44 man field contained 22 Australians, two Canadians and one from the USA showing the popularity of the New Zealand legends tour with overseas players. The Q and A we had with Bob in the packed clubhouse after- wards was just brilliant and he was so obliging with everything.”

One of the highlights was when he had a chipping and putting session with several juniors who were in awe of Charles.

Charles was thoroughly pleased with the day.

“It was a successful day and I think everyone there enjoyed themselves,’’ Charles said.

“I believe all the sponsors were pleased and are on board for next year. The course looks great, especially now with the trees that were removed opening up the course and the magnificent views even further than previously. As for the greens they were in excellent condition and well paced.’’

So where to next year? Moore said they would like to consolidate with another similar event.

“It has been so long since Dunedin hosted a PGA event, let’s get this in place. We learned a few things but maybe we can look at a two-dayer in 2025.”

Just quietly Moore left the impression a Charles Tour event would be the ultimate. That is another story.