Golfer Pacific NZ – August 2023

Placing through the green feels like cheating

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

Ifeel like I have been cheating lately.

In recent weeks we have had placing through the green because of the very wet conditions. Placing through the green means you can have a preferred lie anywhere on the course, except if your ball is in a hazard or a bunker.

As a consequence when I have hit the ball into the rough, I have often been able to place the ball on a nice piece of grass.

I feel like I am cheating, even though I am not.

As a consequence of having placing through the green and being able to place the ball on a nice piece of grass in the rough, I have been able to use my driver because the ball is sitting up al-

most like it is on a tee. That makes me feel like I am cheating, even though I am not.

I understand why we have placing through the green. But it still feels like cheating.

The rough at my home course is long. Finding the ball is often a task in itself.

But I will be delighted when placing through the green is removed. That will mean the course is no longer so wet and the game no longer such a slog.

I often tire of a New Zealand winter because of the difficulties it poses for golf. It is not long before I am yearning for warmer weather, some run on the fairway and not having to rug up in wet weather clothing.

I often wish I could afford to live the New Zealand winter on the Gold Coast in Queensland. Be

wary of the negativity as I am writing this column on a wet and cold miserable day.

Oddly enough I will be in Geraldton, Western Australia, for a fortnight this month. The average high temperature for Geraldton in August is 20C. Can’t wait to get there and enjoy some warmth.

Another oddly enough is that a group of members from my club were headed for the United States for a golf trip during the same period. They were going to Arizona where temperatures had been in the 40s. That might be over-doing it in escaping the New Zealand winter.

But they will be playing some top courses, including the Stadium Course which is the home of the Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour.

It’s a real golf trip. They are playing 10 rounds in seven days and some are taking a holiday afterwards when they only play two rounds in four days in Hawaii.

My trip to Geraldton is for family reasons. I have a daughter and grandchildren there who we haven’t seen since before covid.

It will be good to see them but make no mistake the golf clubs will be in tow.

And that’s a good thing about golf. You can take your clubs on almost any trip.

One more oddly enough. My golf club has reciprocal rights with the Geraldton Golf Club. I wonder who arranged that? I will give you a clue. I am the only one that has used those reciprocal rights.

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From fundraiser tournament to British Masters’ winner — Daniel Hillier

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor Golfer Pacific

Ican remember the time a fundraiser tournament was held for Wellington golfer Daniel Hillier while he was making his mark as an amateur player.

It was in 2018 at Manor Park Golf Club in Wellington and I was fortunate to be in attendance.

I was amazed at the generosity of those who took part.

For example, the winning foursome of the tournament — an ambrose event — won a four new golf bags.

Each player had already paid $75 for the privilege of playing but instead of keeping the bags they donated them back to the tournament as auction items. That was a good on you guys moment.

But their generosity did not end there. One of the winning team members subsequently bid on the bags. Another good on you moment.

The auction was the main revenue earner and with rounds of golf at Kinloch in Taupo included in the items a very impressive total of more than $13,000 was raised.

Earlier in the day a lady had made a special trip to the course to make a sizeable donation, even though she wasn’t playing. It was just another example of how generous people can be.

Hillier was humbled by the support.

Five years later all those people who supported that fundraising event would have been as proud as Punch when Hillier won the British Masters in England last month.

This was Hillier’s first win in his first year on the DP World Tour and was scored at the iconic venue of The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, a former Ryder Cup venue.

Hillier, 24, said after the win that it would take some time for that sort of detail to sink in.

“I think it’s going to take me a while to process to be honest,” Hillier said.

Early in the final round it seemed Hillier was merely hanging on for a top 10 finish until a remarkable three holes where he went eagle, birdie and eagle on holes 15, 16 and 17, and suddenly find himself in the lead.

“Early on in the day, was not feeling it, at all,” Hillier continued.

“A little bit uncomfortable with the driver. Didn’t really (have) very many chances, but obviously knew that there’s some chances coming in. I didn’t think I would take them that well but yeah, obviously pretty ecstatic.”

Hillier admitted his attention switched to the leaderboard as he approached the 18th hole where he got away with par after hitting his approach shot through the back of the green.

Ironically the ball finished right next to the British Masters’ trophy which had been placed there immediately behind the 18th green.

“Not going to lie,” Hillier said.

“I was looking at the leaderboard and seeing my name

up there and thinking about what it would be like to finish it off. I guess in those moments you’ve just got to remind yourself that you’ve got a job to do.

“I was in a pretty tricky spot there on the last but pretty happy I was able to finish it well with a nice putt.”

The win capped off some good form which included a third in Germany the week before and a fifth in The Netherlands in May.

“Over the moon, really at a loss for words,” Hillier said.

“I was playing pretty well coming into the week, and you know, with the conditions we had, I knew it was going to be a bit of a grind.

“I just keep telling myself the whole week, just hang in there.

Hillier’s breakthrough win

By Neville Idour

It has taken Daniel Hillier little time in his rookie year on the DP World Tour to make his mark big time.

A fifth at the Dutch Open, then an oh so close third at the BMW International in Germany was followed by a momentous win in one of the tour’s main events, the British Masters.

Sadly, since the so called partnership with the dominant PGA Tour, the British Masters no longer attracts the strength of field it did formerly. Justin Rose, with a world ranking of 31, was by far the highest ranked

along with three other lower ranked top 100 players.

However ranked 265th, Hillier was not expected to win, let alone so effectively at 10 under par on the challenging layout at The Belfry. Closest to him were two players on eight under and Rose on seven under.

Beginning the final round on four under he was three shots behind the leaders. A superb final round of six under par saw him sail past them for a two shot win.

He scored birdies on three and nine with a bogey on six the only hiccup. It was his storming five under finish with eagle on 15, birdie on 16 and another stunning

Got pretty tough at times out there, but just managed to keep myself in it. Wasn’t feeling it today.”

And those last few holes?

“I don’t know, hit a switch, or I don’t know what happened, but yeah, those last few holes, going to take a while to process I think.”

Hillier became the third New Zealander to win the British Masters following on from Bob Charles in 1972 and Greg Turner in 1997.

Hillier, in reference to a question about Charles, said: “Yeah, that’s pretty amazing. Obviously he’s a New Zealand golfing hero. That’s pretty cool to be on the same trophy as him.”

The win opens new doors for his golfing future including a start in the end of season DP World Tour Championship and possibly gaining a start on the PGA Tour in the United States.

“I wasn’t thinking about that but certainly changes the outlook from what it was maybe four weeks ago.

“I didn’t get off to the best start this season and it was a bit of a grind early on. I think I’m finally starting to find my stride, and it’s cool to have that opportunity to play in the final event (of the season) and obviously as you said to try and get that PGA Tour card.”

The British Masters’ win was worth 547,411 euros. That converts to about $NZ970,000.

Hillier had also won sums of $154,000 and $116,000 from third and fifth placings in Germany and The Netherlands. That made for a total of $1.24 million in the space of five weeks.

eagle on 17 that added the coup de gras.

The overriding factor in his win was excellent course management resulting in progressively better scoring each round. His four rounds were par, -1, -3, -6. His birdies and eagles were well spread while there were no specific trip up holes with him bogeying a hole only once.

His winnings of $NZ1.2 million from the three events have him well set up for the Race to Dubai, which is the DP World Tour’s season-long competition, and a possible tilt at the PGA Tour in the United States.

Daniel Hillier of Wellington in action on the final day of the British Masters in England which he went on to win after a brilliant final four holes. Photo credit: Andrew Redington/Getty Images.

Brent Paterson of Auckland takes out Senior Amateur in England

championship.

Foster, meanwhile, added the women’s trophy to consecutive wins in the 2016 and 2017 English Senior Amateur Championship.

Paterson was also making his championship debut.

“It’s crazy,” he said.

“I played with some good golfers this week but I like being in that white hot competition.

“It’s just really exciting. You don’t get many of these chances in your life to win big events like this.”

Paterson’s wife Susan, was caddying for him for only the fourth time.

“It was such a great thrill for both of us,” Paterson added.

“I’ve met quite a number of the members and the whole town has a lovely feel to it. We’ve loved being here and for us to win makes it extra special.”

to Woodhall Spa she would be standing with the trophy at the end of the week.

“It’s amazing,” the 59-year-old said.

“My aim really for the week was to make the first cut, and then to do well enough to make the second cut. I’m thrilled. I can’t believe it. It’s beyond my wildest dreams.”

Foster went head-to-head in the final round with Gole, the number one senior player on the world amateur golf rankings at 244th.

She led Gole by two at the start of the day. That lead evaporated on the opening hole. Lying 150 yards from the flag, the Australian’s six iron approach found the bottom of the cup for an eagle.

“At the start of the day, I thought to myself I’ve had three good rounds so far, am I going to be able to keep it going for another round?” said Foster who is a retired policewoman.

Surreal was how Brent Paterson of New Zealand described his win in the R&A Senior Amateur in England last month.

Paterson won by five shots over Englishman John Kemp after the Kiwi finished on a total of eight-under-par 283 thanks to rounds of 73, 69, 68 and 73.

The Senior Amateur was played in conjunction with the Women’s Senior Amateur which was won by Englishwoman Jackie Foster.

Foster bettered Australian Nadene Gole and fellow Englishwoman Emma Brown by two shots with a sixover-par tally of 297 (76, 73, 72 and 76).

Paterson, 62, who is from the Royal Auckland and Grange Golf Club, is the first New Zealander to win the prestigious trophy since the inaugural 1969

Paterson joins the great Sir Bob Charles as an R&A winner. The left-hander won The Open in 1963, the only New Zealander to win the Claret Jug.

“I played with him this year in the New Zealand Seniors,” Paterson said.

“I was playing very well and he asked me how old I was. I told him 62, and he said, too bad, you’re too old for the tour. It was a great compliment, so for me to join him as an R&A champion is a bit surreal.

“So many good friends advised me to come and play this and I’m glad I did. I’m here now and I’ve got the trophy.”

Foster didn’t have as far to travel as Paterson. A member of Bishop Stortford Golf Club in Hertfordshire, she never dreamt when traveling the 113 miles

Cambridge Golf Club

The Cambridge Golf Club has a range of facilities for the use of members and their guests.

GOLF PRACTICE AREAS

Cambridge Golf Club has two dedicated practice areas. We have a driving range with target greens - buckets of balls may be purchased from the Pro Shop. The separate practice fairway includes a green with chipping and bunker practice areas.

BAR AND LOUNGE

The Club has a large lounge, suitable for functions and corporate entertainment and a fully stocked bar. Weather permitting, you can sit out on the balcony overlooking the 18th green. Resident caterers, Paynters Catering, provide a wide range of hot and cold food. The bar and catering facilities are open each day except Monday and Friday.

GOLF CARTS

The Club has seven carts that can be rented through the Pro Shop. Visitors are welcome to bring their own carts onto the course but in wet conditions please check with the office prior to playing.

“I was steady over the front nine, going out in level par. I knew where I was against Nadene but at halfway my husband Ian, who caddied for me, said there was quite a gap between us and the rest of the field. So it was just a case of keep trying to make pars.

“I got really edgy at the end but it’s hard to win. This achievement has to be at the top of what I’ve done in golf. Four rounds over two tough golf courses is hard so to win is almost unbelievable. And to do it here is extra special.”

Extra special because Foster is a country member of Woodhall Spa. As for Paterson, he can’t wait to return next year for his second tilt at the Senior Amateur.

112 Tirau Road, Cambridge

|07 827 6381

Brent Paterson of New Zealand and Jackie Foster who won the R&A Senior Amateur and Women’s Senior Amateur titles at Woodhall Spa in England last month. Photo credit: The R&A.

Kaiapoi: Hickory sticks and sandy lies

Kaiapoi Golf Club in North Canterbury.

By Neville Idour

Founded in 1907, Kaiapoi Golf Club, situated a few kilometres north of Christchurch, calls itself the jewel of North Canterbury.

I am certainly not going argue the merits of that claim here. One thing that is clear when playing Kaiapoi is it has a character of its own which sets it apart from most courses in the region.

It was logical to dig a little deeper after a round and have a chat to the golf operations and administration manager Karen De Latour who has been in the role for just over a year.

She has considerable experience having worked for Canterbury Golf and previously at Hanmer Golf Club which was most enjoyable.

We asked how the club has progressed through the covid period.

“Membership has increased from around 280 when we went into the first covid lockdown and now it is up to around 460,” De Latour said.

“The club has been pro-active with marketing for members. We have developed a good relationship with Kaiapoi North School over the past year.

“Starting in September we will have five weekly sessions at the school on Fridays then on the sixth and final one they will be here at the course. Overall there will be 180 children so we are hoping to get some of them into junior programmes here.”

Another boost for the club is the Kaia-

poi Open on September 17.

“It fell away after the earthquakes but it was revived last year and it will again give the profile of the club a lift,” De Latour said.

“If he is not overseas Kazuma Kobori has said he will play.”

The Kaiapoi Open usually draws a strong field. Many talented players have graced the event, including Sir Bob Charles many years ago.

Members are well catered for with its café/restaurant which is only closed on Mondays. Evening meals are usually available Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

As for the course there has been upgrading over the past year. A lot of gardens and paths have been established plus a couple of ponds.

“We have a young greenkeeper Mitch Berry. He has been working hard with a team of volunteers doing some great things with the course.”

Originally more of a links layout it is now best described as a combination of links and parklands. With a sandy base, the course copes well during the winter months.

When the club celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2007 a detailed history of the club entitled Hickory Sticks and Sandy Links was produced in an excellent publication by Evan Thomson. It is a fine example of the community spirit that is a hallmark of the club.

In the beginning, 28 acres were leased from Horace Land with a right to purchase. This would prove beneficial for the

club in later years.

The land was cleared and a six-hole course was formed. Hickory days came to Kaiapoi with a few clubs in a slim canvas bag. A brassie, spoon, mashie, niblick and putter were enough clubs back then.

Preparing for Saturday golf was quite an exercise with sheep to be cleared away and the greens mowed with a push mower. Adjacent land became available and the course was re-sited . A small clubhouse, a cottage with a verandah, was erected near the site of the present entrance.

Subscriptions in 1911 were 10 shillings for men and five shillings for women. In 1924 the first paid greenkeeper, Joe Jowers was employed for the princely sum of one pound per week.

In 1931 the links course was expanded to nine holes. The club was in good heart with greenkeepers looking after the course admirably.

By 1952 the nine-hole course could not support any more members so membership was closed with a waiting list. The thought of 18 holes formed in the minds of some members such as Murray Stanley and Dick Frizzell.

Land was acquired and the new layout agreed upon. A huge amount of work over many years led to the course as we know it today being opened in 1969. Ian Cromb designed holes one to five and Frizzell six to 18.

Len and Nola Wyatt dedicated their lives to the care of the course from 1953 to 1975. Len’s efforts as greenkeeper were described as heroic especially during the transition from nine to 18 holes. He was self-taught by doing the job and became skilled and meticulous at his craft.

On the other hand Nola was the “afternoon tea lady” each Saturday. She would bake the scones at home. Then with the fruitcake and cheese on the carrier and the batched scones balanced on the handlebars of her bicycle, she pedalled to the clubhouse.

There she would make the tea as each four came in after nine holes. The men would enjoy their scone and jam, or fruitcake and cheese for two shillings each, thus were fortified to attack the second nine holes.

In 1970 “business” ladies were finally allowed to have tee times on Saturdays. This despite there having been lady members from the outset in 1907 when there were 12 men and nine women.

At the same time, because of the rising numbers using the course, it was realised a new clubhouse was needed. So in 1971 a sub-committee was formed to look at proposals, plans were drawn up and Williams Construction submitted a price of $59,739.

In 1975 the first ride-on greens’ mower was purchased so one man could mow the greens in two hours whereas previously it took three men about four hours.

There was a huge windstorm that year which caused havoc on the course. Trees snapped like matchsticks, others were uprooted crashing onto the course. There was a massive clean up of debris and there was no golf for six weeks.

Through the years the club has more than held its own on the golf course in competition, whether it be individuals, tournaments or interclub. Amelia Garvey, who is currently on the cusp of an LPGA Tour card, has Kaiapoi Golf Club as her home club where members follow her results.

The course itself is not long at 5113 metres from the white tees however its stroke rating seems very generous producing a handicap that says the course is not difficult.

Compared to other courses in the area which are supposedly more difficult, playing Kaiapoi gives the lie to that. In recent times the clearing of more than 600 trees has given a more links look to the course.

The course features undulating and at times tight fairways, requiring accurate tee shots. The rough, on occasions just off fairway, can be a challenge. The greens are excellent and varied in contours and size.

There are five par threes and three par fives. Don’t expect an easy ride on the par threes at 119, 148, 156, 159 and 171 metres. The par fives are not long but again there is sufficient challenge to require good course management.

The course features one double green and with the sandy base and computerised irrigation system it is one of the driest in Canterbury in winter.

The good news is it does not cost an arm and a leg to play. Just $25 for affiliated members and $30 for others. Nine-hole rates are $15 and $20. Limited number of carts are available at $20/$30. Push Trundlers are free. So why not play this jewel of North Canterbury if you have the opportunity.

Kaiapoi Golf Club.

Hickory golf comes to Southland

By Neville Idour

The revival of hickory golf in New Zealand is alive and flourishing.

Sir Bob Charles, a great advocate, won the 2023 New Zealand Hickory Open in Christchurch and the good news is hickory golf is going to be promoted in Southland

Wakatipu Junior Golf Club co-ordinator Simon Boland is the Golf New Zealand representative for the Hickory Golf Society. Boland is also the Southland Golf development manager so will

be supporting the growth of hickory golf in the wider Southland area.

Boland said: “I still have a lot to learn about the hickory golf story and its growth in New Zealand.

“There are many ways to play golf these days. Lots of people new to golf are looking for a different challenge to what we would perceive as our traditional golf.

“In reality traditional golf was hickory golf and many today are embracing it. I think it is exciting and that is why I

want to play and grow it in the region.

“It is easy to lose touch with the people and the game they played hundreds of years ago. Stalwarts of the game playing with hickory clubs today are still able to score well against those using all the modern technology. There is definitely a skill to it.”

Boland said there were already several playing hickory golf in the area.

“There are some golfers in Te Anau plus a few in Queenstown. The many nine-hole courses in Southland with

flat terrain are perfect to give it a go and have fun with the hickory clubs.

Ryan Cardno in Arrowtown has played hickory golf for a long time and I think the Arrowtown course is set up nicely for it.

“It is a form of the game that has appeal especially for those who love the history of golf and maybe pictured themselves playing back then. So my role will be to get the processes under way to bring back some of that history.”

Tees made out of gorse

Apair of golf friends are making tees out of gorse.

They are Koro Carman and Vaughan Hemara from the Rawene Golf Club in Northland.

The tees are made by Hemara on a lathe from the stems and offshoots of gorse.

Carman recalled the moment that sparked their innovative venture.

“It was October, 2021, and I was walking up the 13th fairway at the Kaikohe Golf Club, rummaging through my pocket for a Kurol (lozenge),” Carman said.

“When I pulled everything out and opened my hand I was surprised and shocked to see a palm full of plastic golf tees and tools.

“This was the moment that I started thinking about how we can remove plastic from the game of golf and what do we replace it with?”

The pair is now looking to upscale the business and have formed a business named

Green Waste Products New

Zealand.

At the core of Green Waste Products NZ’s vision, lies a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. By replacing plastic with New Zealand pest plant alternatives, the company seeks to minimise the ecologi-

cal footprints of the golf industry and to inspire a generation of planet ambassadors.

Carman added:  “It makes sense to utilise an under-utilised natural resource that currently covers 1.7 million acres or roughly five percent of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

“It’s not a bad plant, because

it’s a nursery plant for native species and it’s nitrogen fixing. The issue is that it has spread so fast and wide that it suffocates land use opportunities and it is costly to control, not to mention that the primary control method has a harmful impact on the environment and sometimes users.”

Green Waste Products NZ was one of 10 Maori startup businesses selected from around the country to participate in a three-month accelerator programme.

Green Waste Products NZ has launched a pledge me campaign https://lnkd.in/gTsYTm33 to raise funds to help support its endeavours for the next 12 months.

A handful of the tees made from gorse.

Vaughan Hemara (left) and Koro Carman show off their gorse-made golf tees.

News in brief from The Open

safe havens and his irons usually found the green. Bunkers were rarely a problem and his up and down from the bunker on the final hole said it all.

COURSE SETUPS CRUCIAL FOR A FAIR SHAKE

Brian Harman’s win demonstrated clearly the importance of a fair and well planned course setup for top tournament golf. Hoylake should be the benchmark as it was an ideal test of all abilities. The setup rewarded accuracy and common sense but punished poor or ambitious shots.

in a cast for a week.

The cast off he was able to play. “Once adrenaline set in I got away with it and I survived,’’ Kim said. Some survival at tied for second.

THE 18TH ECLIPSED THE 17TH

Many thought the short 17th would provide much of the drama down the closing stretch.

By Neville Idour

DRAMA AT THE 151ST OPEN

The 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake has come and gone amid much fanfare and expectation. So the question is did it deliver. The answer has to be yes on more than one front.

No one could begrudge the misguidedly unheralded left hander, 36-year-old Brian Harman his surprise win where he basically buried the opposition with his precise play in the final two rounds.

Afterall, his world ranking was 26 entering the tournament and he did finish tied sixth at the 2022 Open. This year his form leading up to it wasn’t too shabby either. Second at the Travellers, ninth at the Rocket Mortgage and 12th at the Scottish Open.

His opening round 67 left him one shot from the lead. A brilliant second round 65 had him five shots clear. As conditions became more challenging at the weekend his third round 69 saw him start the final round still five shots clear of the chasers who included Jon Rahm following his stunning third round 63.

As in the third round two early bogeys again gave thought he may have the wobbles. Apparently a spectator yelled to him in the second round he “didn’t have the bottle.”

That probably stirred him and he just knuckled down and restored his dominant position never giving a sniff to the field. The final six stroke margin was fully justified. Hot favourite Rory McIlroy played well but was never a threat. Jon Rahm left his run too late.

What stood out was Harman’s course management. His game was very much fairways and greens, never going for the risky option. As for his putting he was lethal, missing just one putt under 10 feet during all four rounds. He only had six bogeys in total. Day dropped 10 shots, Rahm nine shots, Straka 13, Grillo 11, McIlroy eight. Therein lies the answer to his accuracy.

Harman has two PGA Tour wins prior to this. They were the 2014 John Deere Classic and the 2017 Wells Fargo

Championship and this win may well be a springboard to more success.

With this win he joins a select group of three left-handed winners of The Open. Sir Bob Charles in 1963 and Phil Mikelson in 2013 are now joined by Harman in 2023.

As for the Australasian contingent of 12 players it was great to see Jason Day contending again after a return to form following his health battles in recent times. A first round 72 left him six behind the leader, however 67, 69 and 69 completed a fine recovery to finish tied for second. Cameron Smith and Adam Scott never really tamed the layout finishing tied 33rd. Min Woo lee was near the lead after two rounds but faded to finish T41st.

Kiwi Daniel Hillier was undone by the second nine in the first round where after a promising start he dropped six shots, four of them in the last three holes. A solid second round of two over par was not enough to make the cut.

Ryan Fox scored an almost disastrous 78 first round, following a promising two birdies in the first five holes. Nine dropped shots, including four on Nos 17 and 18, left him almost certain to miss the cut. He dug deep and an excellent five birdie second dig 67 saw him make the cut on the number with a superb birdie on 18 icing the cake. A third round 69 moved him up to 42nd. But the difficult conditions on the final day halted his advance with 74 and finishing 52nd, earning him $US44,100.

HARMAN BURIES THE DISTANCE DEBATE

The distance debate first reared its head at Hoylake in England in 1936.

Brian Harman, by his dissection of a challenging layout at Hoylake, gave an answer to the debate. Where are all the bombers? McIlroy, Rahm, DeChambeau and co were left in his wake eating the dust, or should I say almost choking on all the rain water.

For me he brought back memories of Bob Charles and his all round playing skills and superb putting. Harman showed a broad and complete set of skills and excellent course management. His tee shots invariably found

How many times, as conditions worsened, did we see Harman hitting to par fours from around 200 or considerably more yards after tee shots that were 240 yards or less. He rarely had bunker trouble unlike many other bigger hitters. Distance was far less important than accuracy. Harman ranked 144th in driving distance.

CADDY: ”THEY HAVE CREATED A MONSTROSITY”

Matthew Fitzpatrick’s caddie Billy Foster said before the first round began that the new 136-yard 17th hole, a par three, was “a monstrosity” and would cause problems. It is uphill with a small green and little margin for error. Coach Pete Cowan said “I hate it and it could ruin someone’s career if the wind affects the tee shot.

Travis Smyth wasn’t complaining after his ace at the hole. Brian Harman had no problems with par each round. Jason Day and Jon Rahm played it one under par for the tournament. Apparently the hole will be reconstructed but many members are not at all keen on the design.

TOM KIM DEFIED THE ODDS

Tom Kim, the 21-year-old Korean star who was off the pace, produced a strong finish to tie for second. But it was a stretch that he even made it to the first tee as he arrived at Hoylake on crutches. He had suffered a grade one ankle sprain a week before The Open at his accommodation and was

How wrong were they. Before the event, the 18th tee was moved to the right and back 50 yards to make for a long 609 yards. With an internal out of bounds and two fairway bunkers to avoid from the tee, a deep breath was a likely pre shot routine.

Then if that was negotiated the second to the green if they could reach it would be played over the corner with out of bounds, to a green protected by three bunkers and grandstands along both sides.

There was plenty of drama. Taichi Kho took the honours with a first round score of 10 after reaching the greenside bunker just nine yards from the pin. After that it was a horror. Three shots to get out into the rough. Back in the bunker then return to the rough. After a free drop he chipped on and two putted. He improved with bogey in his second round.

Justin Thomas managed a first round 82 which include a nine on the 18th. Phil Mickelson scored an eight in the first round then birdied it the next day. On the second day Tyrell Hatton dropped from top 10 to 39th after a nine. Kiwi Daniel Hillier managed a bogey then a birdie. Ryan Fox went eight, four, four and five.

On the positive side there were 92 birdies and five eagles during the first two rounds including a brilliant one from Cameron Smith who needed a birdie to make the cut. Not surprisingly Brian Harmon had no problems with four, three, five and five.

All of this seems to indicate it was a great risk/reward closing hole with drama always lurking.

Brian Harman is all smiles as he poses with the Claret Jug after his win in The Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, last month. Photo credit: Richard Heathcote, The R&A via Getty Images.

Brian Harman of the United States kisses the Claret Jug which is the trophy that goes to the winner of The Open Championship. Harman won by six shots at Royal Liverpool Golf Club in Hoylake, England, last month. Photo credit: Charlie Crowhurst, The R&A via Getty Images.

THE OPEN LEADERBOARD AND PRIZEMONEY

Bob Charles: Looking back 60 years

By Neville Idour

The Open Championship last month marked 60 years since Sir Bob Charles’ legendary win in 1963 at Royal Lytham and St Annes Golf Club in England.

This indelible memory was appropriately recalled in the July newsletter of the Christchurch Golf Club. Charles joined the club in 1956, has been a member since then spanning 69 years and is the club’s patron.

Looking back Charles said: “My open win at Lytham was life changing and elevated me to the status of major champion.

“One crystal clear memory from 60 years ago is my putting during the tournament. I was confident through all six rounds in my trusty Bullseye putter. My putting won the tournament for me and broke the spirit of my opponent in the playoff, Phil Rodgers.

“A 36 hole playoff after playing 72 holes in four days may seem like hard work for most players (especially today) but for me it was a walk in the park. The other memory that I have is of the great Jack Nicklaus finishing five, five on the last two holes. For Jack I am sure he regards the 1963 open as the one that got away.”

For Charles he said he would have been overjoyed if either Ryan Fox or Daniel Hillier had ended his record as the only New Zealand winner of The Open.

“I would be delighted if a second New Zealander could win The Open. The sooner the better.”

It was not to be despite some fine play from both, especially Fox. For any readers who want to experience many of the memories you can do so at the Christchurch Golf Club where his winning set of clubs are on display in the very special Charles’ gallery upstairs in the magnificent clubhouse.

Gulf Harbour Country Club closed after financial struggles

One of New Zealand’s top golf courses closed last month.

The Gulf Harbour Country Club, which hosted two New Zealand Opens in 2005 and 2006, was shut down because it was struggling financially, the club’s director Wayne Bailey said.

The golf course was opened in 1997 and was described on its website as “a wonderful jewel in the Hauraki Gulf. Located only 45 minutes from Auckland and well worth the visit.

“We have a world-class golf course and club facilities, where the pleasure of relaxing in the Country Club is only matched by the challenge of the tees and greens.”

An email to members about the closure read:

“Members,

“After two years of unsuccessfully looking for ways to make the running of the club financially viable the Gulf Harbour Country Club will close with immediate effect.

“Unfortunately the club continues to lose money. It is appreciated that many of you have absorbed higher fees in recent times, however notwithstanding this, costs continue to outrun revenue.

“In addition to this the club requires significant capital investment. As many of you will be aware the club has had very little investment in it since it was built 25 years ago. The lack of investment is directly linked to the lack of return.

“In the case of the clubhouse, which is failing, this would most likely result in a complete rebuild and while a new building would be somewhat smaller, the cost is prohibitive.

“As stated above we have looked at many ways to

make the club even modestly viable.

“The course is generous in land area and the most likely route to success was to sell off surplus land in order to be able to reinvest in the course. The nature of the course layout meant that this was only possible with the acquisition of other neighbouring land as well.

“Negotiations to date have meant that this is not only unviable but ultimately a worse outcome than the status quo. Thus we have no option but to cease operations.

“Yours faithfully

“Wayne Bailey “Director.”

The Gulf Harbour Country Club.

Dean Murphy last month finished up after 16 years as chief executive of Golf New Zealand. During that time Dean contributed a column for Golfer Pacific for several years and this is his farewell column.

Reflecting on 16 years with Golf New Zealand

By Dean Murphy Former Chief Executive Golf New Zealand

As I write this I have a range of mixed emotions as I conclude my time with Golf New Zealand.  While I’m excited for what’s next, I also know that my time at Golf New Zealand will in many ways be the very best work years of my life.

Thinking back to when I first started at Golf New Zealand (or New Zealand Golf as it was known then), it was such a different organisation.

I clearly remember the excitement I had prior to starting – I accepted the job without knowing the salary details and did so all on the fact that the job description had the golf silver fern printed on the back of it.

I was so proud to be going to work for a national sporting body, and that pride has remained with me and front of mind throughout my time with this wonderful organisation.

As I look back, it is amazing to me how much the organisation has changed. On my first day we had 12 people and a mandatory half hour stop for morning tea which was a condition of the recently minted amalgamation between women’s and men’s golf.

These days we are five times bigger in terms of turnover and we are a group of 80-odd people who are undertaking pieces of work that we couldn’t have imagined 16 years ago.

It’s a change that has been an amazing ride, and I know Bill MacGowan, who thankfully employed me, would be so proud of where we have got to. When I think about moments that have made me proud over the past 16 years, there is a lot to draw on.

Some of my favourite memories will be:

* The world-renowned Love Golf campaign and the Ko goes pro video that started it all.

* Establishing the New Zealand Women’s Open when no one thought we could, and then bringing a LPGA event to New Zealand.

* Launching The Charles Tour and then partnering with engineering designers MTL to secure the future of the New Zealand Open at Millbrook.

* Dreaming up so many new initiatives such as Flexiclub, She Loves Golf, Futures, Junior Tiger, Make Time Play 9 – the list goes on.

* Establishing the New Zealand Golf Hall of Fame and the incredible new Golf NZ brand.

* Driving the sport’s first partnership project which is being admired around the world including the unique PGA partnership and the wonderful New Zealand Māori Golf partnership.

* Instigating the Women and Girls’ charter, Our Ambition for Women and Girls, and Our Inclusion Charter.

* Leading our sectors’ response to the challenges we faced during the covid-19 pandemic.

* Perhaps most significantly, merging the DotGolf and Golf NZ websites into one website and then negotiating the 100 percent purchase of DotGolf and growing the business into a hugely successful international operation.

Last but not least, having an armchair ride to watch a very special New Zealander win major championships and Olympic Games. It has been a rare privilege to be inside the ropes with Lydia Ko as she has conquered the world – all the while ensuring she kept connected to her Kiwi roots and the people who supported her development.

While reflecting on these things, most of all, I’m gen-

uinely proud to be leaving the organisation in its best possible shape. We have never been stronger in terms of playing numbers, and the organisation has never had a stronger financial base. The organisation is now perfectly placed for a new leader to take it forward to new heights.

While it’s fun to look back at all we’ve done, the key thing that has made all this possible is the people who have worked here. Golf New Zealand is a special organisation that is driven by special people.

Since announcing my resignation four months ago, I have been inundated with messages from staff members (past and present), and people across the New Zealand and international sporting world.

What has been totally consistent in the messages I’ve received is the high regard in which our organisation is held, and the admiration held for our people and our culture.

There is no question the successes we have enjoyed has been driven by amazing people who have worked under a shared culture. It is a privilege to work in sport and it is so pleasing to me that our people are known for their outstanding work and a culture that always sees them go above and beyond to achieve great things.

It has been an extraordinary privilege to be part of the Golf New Zealand family for so long. The game of golf and this organisation will always have a very special place in my heart. Golf truly enriches lives and I know it will continue to do so for me for many years to come.

Footnote: Dean has accepted a position as board member of Parkland Products which is the exclusive New Zealand distributor of Toro mowing and turf renovation equipment, Ventrac tractors and Yamaha golf carts.

New chief executive for Golf NZ announced

industries and has a reputation for building trusting relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, Golf New Zealand said.

Latch is a passionate golfer and a member of Waitemata Golf Club in Auckland.

Golf New Zealand said he understood the unique dynamics of membership-based sport and is connected with the golf community through his previous work, where Sportsinc produced various golf shows, such as The ING Golf Show, Golf World, and UBS Golf Club.

“I am rapt to be joining the Golf New Zealand – Korowha Aotearoa whanau. As a passionate golfer, leading a sport I love and have played for many years is a privilege.

“Golf plays a critical role in the health

and well-being of its participants and brings communities together. I’m eager to contribute to the growth and development of the sport at all levels through an agreed strategic plan while having some fun along the way.”

Golf New Zealand – Korowha Aotearoa has announced the appointment of Jeff Latch as its new chief executive.

Latch has been one of New Zealand’s leading executives in sports broadcasting. His background includes 30 years of experience in senior leadership roles, including at Spark Sport, Television NZ, Sports Inc and Touchdown Television.

In addition to his wealth of experience and strategic leadership skills, he also brings a vast national and international network in the sports and broadcasting

Golf New Zealand chariman Michael Smith said: “Jeff is a proven chief executive, which can be difficult to find in sport.

“His ability to develop strong relationships with key stakeholders and communities and his passion for golf appealed to the Golf New Zealand board. We believe Jeff is the best person to capitalise on the growing popularity of golf in Aotearoa.”

Latch said he was humbled and excited about the opportunity this role presents. He was enthusiastic that with the dedicated team at Golf New Zealand – Korowha Aotearoa, golf will continue to grow from strength to strength.

Jeff Latch, who has been appointed chief executive of Golf New Zealand.

New Zealanders well involved in Patsy Hankins Trophy in Spain

Apower-packed Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation team, captained by New Zealander Liz McKinnon, has been confirmed for the third edition of the Patsy Hankins Trophy.

Featuring six players from the top 50 in the world amateur golf rankings and eight from the top 80, McKinnon’s Asia-Pacific line-up will be cautiously optimistic about their prospects as they prepare to take on their European counterparts at Spain’s La Manga Club from August 3-5.

“We’re pleased to have been able to put together such a strong team,” said McKinnon, who is a non-playing captain at the Solheim Cup-style matchplay event.

“With two players from Australia, Japan and Korea and one each from Chinese Taipei, India, Indonesia, New Zealand, Singapore and Thailand, we have a fabulous representation of our region.”

Currently sixth in the world rankins, Korean Kim Min-sol is the highest ranked player in the team.

Also in the top 80 are New Zealand’s Fiona Xu (17), Japan’s Mizuki Hashimoto (28), Korean Park Ye-ji (32), Chinese Taipei’s Tiffany Huang Ting-hsuan (37), Australian Maddison Hinson-Tolchard (44), Indian Avani

Prashanth (79) and Singapore’s Shannon Tan (80).

Completing a formidable team are Australian Caitlin Peirce (104), Japan’s Nanako Inagaki (108), Thai Rina Tatematsu (143) and Indonesian Elaine Widjaja (373).

McKinnon said a sign of the growing strength and development of women’s golf in the region is the fact that this is the first time players from India, Indonesia and Singapore have been selected for the Patsy Hankins Trophy team.

“We are fortunate to have so many outstanding players in the Asia-Pacific at this time,” said McKinnon, adding that team selection was based on a combination of factors, led by the world golf rankings and player performances at February’s Queen Sirikit Cup and the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific in March.

The two most notable absentees from the Asia-Pacific team that will travel to Spain are Japan’s Saki Baba, second in the world rankings, and Thai Eila Galitsky, winner of the Asia-Pacific Amateur in Singapore. Both have other commitments the week of the Patsy Hankins Trophy.

For McKinnon, though, the focus of her attention is now on the pairings for the foursomes and four-ball

at La Manga.

“We’re lucky in that we have so many fantastic combinations from which to choose. In the coming weeks we’ll be weighing up all the options,” said McKinnon, a former Ladies’ European Tour player who’s been a stalwart at Golf New Zealand for the past 14 years.

At La Manga, the Asia-Pacific team will be bidding to maintain its 100 percent record in the event, having won in Portugal in 2016 and Qatar in 2018, the last occasion the Patsy Hankins Trophy was staged.

Major championship winners Yuka Saso and Patty Tavatanakit along with Atthaya Thitikul, winner of the inaugural Asia-Pacifica Amateur who rose to number one in the  women’s world rankings last year, were all part of the 2018 team.

Asia-Pacific Team for Patsy Hankins Trophy: Mizuki Hashimoto (Japan); Maddison Hinson-Tolchard (Australia); Huang Ting-hsuan (Chinese Taipei); Nanako Inagaki (Japan); Kim Min-sol (Korea); Park Ye-ji (Korea); Caitlin Peirce (Australia); Avani Prashanth (India); Shannon Tan (Singapore); Rina Tatematsu (Thailand); Elaine Widjaja (Indonesia); Fiona Xu (New Zealand).

Ko, Alker and Fox made life members of PGA

The Professional Golfers’ Association of New Zealand has announced its members voted unanimously at their recent annual meeting to award Lydia Ko, Steven Alker and Ryan Fox with the organisation’s highest honour, life membership of the New Zealand PGA.

PGA of New Zealand chairman Phil Ellison said he was grateful for the commitment and passion Ko, Alker and Fox have displayed to reach the pinnacle of the sport while being fantastic New Zealand ambassadors that inspire current and future generations of Kiwi golfers.

“I am delighted to announce that the organisation has awarded these three life membership of the PGA of New Zealand,” Ellison said.

“This award recognises not only the incredible and unique performances that all three recipients achieved last year (with Alker being No 1 on the PGA Tour Champions, Ko reaching the number one ranking on the LPGA Tour and Fox finishing the DP World Tour in number two position), but also the amazing role models

all three have shown throughout their careers – both on and off the course.

“They epitomise all that is good in the game of golf and all three are welcome additions to our select group of life time members.

“All three players have been inspired and coached to the pinnacle of their game by fellow PGA members, who all work tirelessly in their coaching profession, imparting their own knowledge and skills to players at all levels, on an ongoing basis.

“Lydia has been the consummate professional for many years, having turned pro at such a young age, holding the number one spot in the world in 2015 at aged 17, and then returning to the top again last year.

“Her performances, determination and honesty are so genuine, and we are proud she is a Kiwi who flies the flag for not only New Zealand but for female athletes all around the globe.

“Steve’s rise to fame has come late in his professional career, and much can be

read online about his journey, but he optimises the Kiwi “can-do, never give up” attitude.

“Watching him lift the 2022 Charles Schwab Cup on the PGA Tour Champions last year was a very proud moment for everyone at the New Zealand PGA. And then to have him return to play the New Zealand Open earlier this year was a real treat for golf fans throughout the country.

“With his recent major championship performances, Ryan Fox is now cementing his place in the top ranks of the golfing world. It’s great to see him starting to fulfill his potential on the world stage and we are excited to watch his career blossom over the next few years.”

Ko expressed her pleasure at this award, saying that “even though I don’t get to go home very often, I always keep New Zealand close to my heart and proudly play under the flag. So, to become a life member of the NZPGA is a huge honour, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.”

Alker commented: “I am very honoured to be inducted as a life member of the New Zealand PGA. The PGA has always given me opportunities and been supportive of my playing career, and for that I am extremely grateful.”

Fox said: “To have the support of my fellow PGA members in New Zealand is a something I am very proud of.

“Growing up, watching, and hearing the stories of some of New Zealand’s great professionals like Sir Bob Charles, Frank Nobilo and Michael Campbell I was really inspired to push as hard as I could to reach the top. And I hope that my performances and results can help the next wave of golfers in New Zealand take their game to the highest level on the world stage” added Fox.

Ko, Alker and Fox join fellow Life Members Sir Bob Charles, Michael Campbell, Frank Nobilo, Allan McKay, Geoff Smart, Gillian Bannan, Dennis J Clark, Dennis M Clark, Terry Kelso, Richard Ellis, John Lister and Bob McDonald.

The amazing record of 65-year-old Bernhard Langer

Bernhard Langer just continues to amaze.

The German golfer last month won the United States Senior Open for the second time. He had won the same event 13 years earlier.

He also became the oldest US Senior Open winner at age 65.

But that’s not even half the story.

His latest win in the US Senior Open at Wisconsin was his 46th on the PGA Tour Champions, which is for players aged 50 and older.

Langer had previously been tied with Hale Irwin at 45 for most wins on the seniors’ tour.

The win also extended his record as the oldest winner on the PGA seniors’ tour. He had already achieved that feat four times previously and now he has done it fives time at 65 years, 10 months and five days.

But wait. There’s still more.

The US Senior Open win was his 12th in seniors’ major championships. The next highest totals are nine by Gary Player and eight by Jack Nicklaus.

Langer is himself amazed by his

feats.

“Having won more majors on this tour than anybody, even Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Gary Player, you name them all, that’s incredible,” Langer said.

“Now to add one more at age – I’m almost 66. My caddie just told me the average age of the US Senior Open winner is 52, and here I am at (nearly)  66.

“So the odds were definitely stacked against me, but I don’t always go by odds and what’s written on paper.

“The golf ball doesn’t know how old we are, and we do the best we can.”

The US Senior Open win was his second for this season and therefore marked the 11th straight season with more than one win on the PGA Tour Champions, which ties the feat of Irwin.

The 13 years between US Open titles for Langer is also a record for multiple-time winners of the event. Kenny Perry waited four years between championships.

Players of Langer’s age are not supposed to win. Irwin was 61 when he

produced the last of his 45 senior victories. Until Langer came along, the oldest to win on the senior tour was Scott Hoch, at 63 years and five months.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m very, very happy,” Langer said.

“Never thought it would happen at a US Senior Open, but I’m very thrilled that the record of 46 wins happened this week.

“It’s certainly one of the greatest tournaments we ever compete in, and to beat this field, where everybody was here, especially (Steve) Stricker and (Jerry) Kelly on their home grounds, is a very special feeling. Very grateful.”

Langer closed with a one-under par 70 that largely was mistake-free until the closing holes. He completed 72 holes in seven-under 277. Stricker, seeking a third straight major championship this season, shot a two-under 69, while Kelly posted an even-par 71.

At the end of play on day three, Langer leading by two, Kelly sensed the task ahead for both Stricker and himself was ominous.

“You know he’s going to be tough,”

Kelly said.

“He’s smelling 46 right now.”

Langer was asked how long he could keep going, and he cited aches and pains that weren’t there a decade ago.

“I’ve got two bad knees, for those of you who don’t know, and it hurts bending down and staying down,” he said.

“When I have dinner and I sit for an hour or something and get up, it’s hard to get up. That’s just been that way for a number of years.

“But I’ve got good news. I have my mother that’s going to be 100 on August 4th, so I think I have good genes. Hopefully I’ll be around a few more years.”

Footnote: New Zealanders Steve Alker and Michael Campbell both played the US Senior Open.

Campbell missed the cut with rounds of 77 and 76 to finish 11 over par. Nine over par made the cut.

Alker finished a creditable sixth with rounds of 75, 73, 70 and 65. His 65 was the best of the day in the fourth round.

Bernhard Langer holds aloft the trophy after winning the United States Senior Open. It was his 46th win on the PGA Tour Champions. Photo credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images).

Bernhard Langer on his way to victory in the United States Senior Open in Wisnconsin. Photo credit: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images.

The merger — what’s cooking

By Neville Idour

What have we learned since the shock announcement in June of the merger between the Saudi Arabian  public investment fund and the PGA and DP World Tours?

Not much.

In all the swathes of words since then it seems there may be much more to flow under the bridge, especially as the US Senate has been involved. One important development was the removal of the “no poaching clause” as part of the PGA Tour’s framework deal.

The clause was to prevent poaching of players by either the PGA Tour or LIV Golf as they tried to work together. However after discussions with the US Justice Department over its concerns that “it could break federal law on the integrity of labour markets”, the clause was dropped. In plain language it amounted to restraint of trade.

The PGA Tour said: “The framework agreement sets the stage for an exciting future for professional golf that re-establishes competition at the highest levels of the sport and creates the biggest stage for everyone — players, sponsors and fans.”

In plain language they hope things can return to normal, as was the case before they decided to treat LIV as an enemy and all players will again be able to compete together.

The ground could still be shaky as the US Justice Department and US Senate released some suggested proposals for the future of golf. One of these was, and forgive any laughter, that Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy be LIV Golf captains. McIlroy said: “I would rather retire.”

The framework agreement between the three entities will see their for-profit assets combined into what is tentatively called NewCo. The public investment fund would make a minority investment into the new entity. It is reported to be the exclusive initial investor of billions of dollars.

The agreement also outlines that PGA Tour’s Jay Monahan  will be the chief executive while investment fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan will be chairman of

the board of directors. A chief executive is usually subservient to a board and its chairman.

The PGA Tour would at all times maintain a controlling voting interest while the investment fund would continue to hold a non-controlling voting interest. The two parties will work in good faith to enter into definitive agreements. They will also co-operate and use best efforts to secure world ranking recognition for LIV events and players under the criteria for considering LIV’s pending application for world ranking points.

The agreement would also provide an unspecified path back to the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour for the 2024 season for players who violated rules by joining LIV Golf.

PGA Tour’s Jimmy Dunne, one of the brokers for the deal, has said Monahan will decide LIV Golf’s future and can disband it if he wants to. There is no way Monahan will relinquish control of the PGA Tour. Furthermore, PGA Tour players will have a say on the mechanism for allowing LIV players back -- including any sanctions (punishment). A panel would evaluate the terms.

Dunne added that the LIV players who wanted back would go through a process and suspension and would have to be willing to incur any penalty before they are fully welcome back.

So why the complete about face of Monahan and the PGA Tour?

For so long Monahan completely ignored any communication from LIV which was asking to sit down and discuss working together.

Suddenly that all changed. Why?

Before the first US Senate hearing the PGA Tour chief operating officer Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne said that the PGA Tour could not compete with LIV and the Saudi investment fund’s financial power. The tour simply had to try and join forces. Dunne said: “If LIV takes five players a year for five years they can gut us.”

Of course what they did not say was it was their decision to treat LIV as an enemy and compete with it. LIV’s original ideas were eminently discussable and workable and all the subsequent angst

and mega millions of dollars showered to combat LIV could have been avoided.

So what have the reactions been to the merger bombshell?

There was an angry response from shocked players on the PGA Tour particularly.

Here is a small sampling.

Collin Morikawa: “I love finding out morning news on Twitter.”

Ben An: “It’s a big loss for those who defended the tour for the last two years.”

Wesley Bryan: “You all should be ashamed and have a lot of questions to answer. I feel betrayed and will not be able to trust anyone within the corporate structure of the PGA Tour for a very long time.”

Where will he be in the washup? It appears that the PGA Tour plans are for Norman’s chief executive role to be ended if the agreement is concluded. Price confirmed he would be out of a job.

According to the framework agreement documents he would be re-assigned to an advisory role determined by investment fund when the PGA Tour becomes the manager of the LIV Tour. It sounds like a job to this writer.

But can we believe Price , or anyone else at this stage?

McIlroy has made his feelings clear. “I hate LIV. I hope it goes away and I fully expect it to.”

No wonder there were calls for Monahan to resign.

Xander Schaufelle was left questioning the decision.

“What does loyalty mean these days?”

The lack of transparency disappointed him and he said there was a sense of betrayal among many players who had rejected LIV overtures out of loyalty or morality. However he admitted the new entity would be stronger with the best players from all three tours competing.

Another strange upshot is the thought that players who stayed loyal to the PGA Tour should receive financial payouts for either refusing a LIV offer or simply staying loyal. You could argue that just as the players who joined LIV made their decision, those who stayed loyal made their decision. So why hold the hand out?

There were many positive vibes, none more so than Phil Mickelson who simply said: “Awesome day today.”

Rory McIlroy was another who was blindsided, particularly after assuming a spokesman role  against LIV early in the piece. McIlroy found out after the event but speaks well of his arranged meeting with Al-Rumayyan in Dubai at the end of 2022.

It was very cordial and constructive as they talked of the need for compromise to benefit all of the game’s stakeholders. McIlroy described Rumayyin as an impressive man who is an avid golfer.

What about LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman? How can we forget him?

But will it? Speaking to Alan Shipnuck of the FirePit Collective, a high ranking LIV executive, describes LIV as “Al Rumayyan’s baby” and it is hard to imagine he would let it disintegrate so quickly after all the effort he put into it. Now every big name on the PGA Tour will get an offer — except McIlroy. No one wants him on their team.

Norman was busy after the announcement advising LIV Golf staff that the league wasn’t going anywhere. He said: “LIV is and will continue to be a standalone enterprise. Our business model will not change. We changed history and we’re not going anywhere.”

He confirmed there would be no changes to current operations, the 2024 schedule is nearly finalised and planning was underway for 2025.

Then came the closer.

“LIV is a stand alone entity and will continue to be that moving forward, and that comes right from the top.”

Norman then explained who is really calling the shots going forward —Yasir Al-Rumayyan. And as for all of the PGA Tour big names Monahan, Dunne and Herlihy,  Rumayyan is now their boss. Monahan now reports to Rumayyan.

There could well be more issues to sort out before the December 31 deadline although if agreed an extension can be made. What happens next? Will this crazy drama continue? Time will tell. Could it be that  Rumayyan holds the cards?

After Monahan’s ongoing manifestations would that be the worst thing?

By Neville Idour

Sweden’s 24-year-old Linn Grant sure knows how to light up the women’s game.

In 2022 she was the first female to win a mixed event on the DP World Tour -- by nine shots at the Volvo Scandinavian.

Roll forward to 2023 and the Dana

Open in Ohio, only her fourth start in the United States.

What does she do? Blitzes a strong field to score a three shot win from the fast finishing US Open winner Allisen Corpuz.

Grant’s golf was breathtaking at times with rounds of 64, 69, 62 and 68. Her sensational 62 gave her a six shot lead into the final round and she was

never challenged. Because of her vaccination status she had been unable to play in the United States until restrictions were lifted in May. Hence her appearances on the LPGA Tour have been few.

After her victory she said in her own unique way: “I have imagined this day so many times in so many ways in my mind.

Linn Grant’s first win on the LPGA Tour Inside the PGA Tour money chest

By Neville Idour

The PGA Tour in the United States, fronted by chief executive Jay Monahan, is a $US1.6 billion business, or was, at the end of the 2021 tax year (December 31), according to the tax return filed on November 11, 2022. This represented a huge increase of 37 percent over the previous year.

The 2020 year yielded revenue of $US1,161,283,176. The 2021 year $US1,586,051,200. This was in line with the increase in popularity of golf

during the pandemic. Net assets were $US1253 billion, up from $1191 billion. Total assets were $4534 billion, including securities investments of $2828 billion. Savings and temporary cash investments were $223,556,454.

The majority of the $1.6 billion came from tournament revenue of $660 million, all media rights $634m, tournament players clubs $142 million, corporate licensing $65 million and investments $21 million.

Travel costs for the tour staff were a

staggering $23,822,913. However, with Monahan always flying on private jets for his personal and business travel, that figures.

Probably even more impressive was his salary, an eye watering $13.9 million. Not too bad when you add the travel and, no doubt, all the other expense perks that go with the job. Easy to see why he would not have time to even acknowledge a request from Greg Norman.

Compare that to the US president

“Just being here, I’m just speechless. At the same time I feel familiar with the setting for some reason. It is just so much fun.”

This was her ninth win as a professional. No doubt we can look forward to many more as her career blossoms further.

We will profile this delightful personality in a future issue.

Joe Biden who receives a pittance of $664,224 per year. Monahan earns that much in less than 18 days. When you consider the organisations they each lead and the stark difference in importance and the number of people they are responsible for, you could easily mount a case to swap salaries. Is there anyone out there who would like to sponsor a PGA Tour event? If so at last report it will cost you at least $US7million no doubt depending on the stature of the event.

Rising star Corpuz wins US Open

Hawaiian rising star Allisen Corpuz left the world’s best LPGA women in her wake as she stamped her mark on the world scene with an unrelenting performance to win the Women’s US Open at Pebble Beach in California.  To say it was an upset does not take account of her fourth and 15th at her two previous major starts this year. Plus her 2022 rookie year featured many solid top 30s and top 10 finishes and coming into the US Open 29th in the world meant she was well equipped to be a force. Her rounds of 69, 70, 71 and 69 always kept her close to or in the lead. Beginning the final round trailing by one shot she took control on the final nine with birdies on 10, 14 and 15 to win by three shots from the fast finishing Charley Hull who

had the day’s best round of 66. The challenging Pebble Beach layout caught out many of the world’s top ranked players.

Lydia Ko was never in the hunt after a first round 76, then 71, 74 and 75 to finish 33rd on nine over par, 18 shots adrift of Corpuz. Fellow Kiwi Amelia Garvey found the going tough missing the cut on nine over as did US star Lexi Thompson. World number one Jin Young Ko missed the cut on seven over and Ariya Jutanugarn on 10 over.

An indication of the course difficulty was the number of dropped shots. Corpuz had eight bogeys while second placed Hull had 12. In the final round alone Korda dropped 10 shots against two birdies. Overall Lydia Ko dropped an unheard of 21 shots against her 13 birdies.

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Volunteer-run community golf club devastated by fire celebrates 100 years of sporting heritage

hole golf course at Belleknowes Hill.

The site suggested was on the west side of the croquet lawn at the junction of the Roslyn cable tramway and the electric tramway to Maori Hill.

Most of the foundation members lived near the course and enthusiastically attacked the job of improving the condition of the area. With the close co-operation of the Dunedin City Council’s reserves’ department, it was not long before something more like a golf course and less like an overgrown paddock began to emerge.

A little-known fact about Belleknowes is that it had its own professional.

Mr A Fox, unfortunately no relation to Ryan, came to New Zealand from Scotland in 1914, and from the time of the World War I was professional at St Clair Golf Club. He was appointed professional at Belleknowes in 1923.

He gave the royal and ancient game a rest at the age of 71 after 22 years at the club.

test cricketer, were also members for many years.

There are lots of stories about the heydays when there were 72 competitors in the men’s field and early tee off players had to stop after nine holes to wait for others to get through before they played the second nine.

During this wait time, cards were played, and drinks consumed. After the game more cards and bingo were played in the nineteenth hole until the wee small hours.

For many years, Belleknowes was a focus for the locals and a source of community engagement.

Belleknowes offers a nine-hole course that plays on a Friday morning, keeping that social connection, for those who are retired.

Dunedin’s Belleknowes Golf Club –known as the country club in the heart of the city – is celebrating its centenary this year over the Labour Day weekend of October 20-21.

It is a golf club which has risen from the ashes … literally.

On a snowy night in June, 2021, our clubrooms burnt to the ground along with trophies, photos, honours’ boards and all our historical records.

Ironically, about a week before the fire, several members were working on the course when it started to rain, so they adjourned to the clubhouse and proceeded to get all the records, and photos from storage in the clubhouse

and sort through them.

After a couple of hours, they put the paraphernalia back very carefully for safe keeping in the clubhouse. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

The past two years have seen a concerted effort to reconstruct as much information as possible on the club’s history from various sources.

A little bit of information about our unique nine-hole club:

Dunedin City Council records show that on May 25,1923, Mr M B McKenzie, on behalf of several golfing friends, requested the council’s reserves’ committee to allocate a portion of the town belt to permit them to construct a nine-

One of the main characteristics of Belleknowes is that all the members co-operate to promote, develop and support the welfare of the club. There is also a strong and growing green fee crowd from university students, locals, and out-of-town visitors.

Now in 2023, the maintenance and development of the course is done by members. Each week there is a group of volunteers who turn up in an unpaid capacity to work on the course.

Over the years the club has gradually acquired the equipment for fairway and green management, but all the course maintenance is volunteer. In addition, supporting the local community, the ladies’ club run the twilight and 14-hole competitions.

This is achieved with a great deal of banter and good humour, along with, of course, the occasional glass of wine or beer.

Belleknowes has seen a few characters over the years.

Patsy Cotter, at the ripe age of 94, is still a full member and last year won the Rosebowl and her section in the club championships.

The late Ralph Hotere was a member for quite a few years as were Ben and Simon Gallie. Ben is now the pro at Millbrook and Simon is also a very tidy golfer.

The late Ewen Ansell, a well-known Dunedin sportsman, was a member up until his death and was invaluable with his fundraising efforts.

Ian Payne, who played Plunket Shield cricket and Alex Moir, a New Zealand

The weekend ladies’ group play on Saturday mornings at 8.30am, while the men’s group tees off at noon.  The new clubrooms are due to be completed shortly. Gordon Wilson, who is overseeing the new build, and John Romerill, who has project managed the build, have worked tirelessly to ensure the clubrooms represent the old and new Belleknowes, and something we can all be proud of leading into the next 100 years.

The course has also been redesigned to protect the new clubhouse and ensure the safety of players -- resulting in a new second hole that is arguably one of the most beautiful and challenging par three holes in New Zealand.

We hope to get a good crowd at Labour weekend to celebrate this unique golf club and its 100-year milestone. To register please contact the club via email - belleknowesgolfclub@gmail. com - or go to our Facebook page.

The new No 2 hole at Belleknowes.

Golf Club former president and previous women’s club captain Jan Owen looks back on the Otago club’s colourful 100-year history, and forward to the upcoming centenary celebrations.

The new clubhouse at Belleknowes Golf Club in Dunedin.

Patsy Cotter, who remains a full member at Belleknowes at age 94.

Ambitious plans for a tourist resort with hotels, a spa, swimming and hot pools, a country club, golf school and apartments at Pegasus Golf Club in North Canterbury by Sports and Education Corporation, a company owned by Auckland businessman Sam Huo, has recently taken a significant step forward.

Last month a memorandum of understanding of joint venture investment was

agreed between New Zealand’s Pegasus Golf SEC Group and Hong Kong’s Yellow River Global Capital during an official signing ceremony held at the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise’s offices in Christchurch.

The proposed investment of $100 million is a significant boost for the region’s visitor industry as it recovers post covid and would see the Mapleham area surrounding the Pegasus golf course devel-

By Neville Idour

Communication has always been vital for good relationships. It is no different on the PGA Tour.

Unfortunately since the day Greg Norman first approached Jay Monahan for a time to sit down and talk about the LIV Golf initial proposal and how to fit it into the golf calendar, communication has been totally lacking on many fronts.

PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan has been front and dead centre in alienating many players on the PGA Tour amongst others.

“Listen to the players for once” has been the cry.

Paul Azinger, after his 13 years on the players’ advisory council, described it as “a colossal waste of time” while on air for Golf Channel’s television coverage of the Sony Open.

Monahan’s amateurish efforts to combat or kill LIV Golf have not won universal acclaim. On the contrary they have alienated many players and fans. As if to confirm Azinger’s comments, members of the players’ advisory council said they were not consulted before changes were made to have elevated and designated events. Of course the changes have been welcomed by some of the top players but Ryan Armour who is below the top few slammed the new designated events saying the bulk of players were unhappy and with good reason.

Armour is a long time member of the 16-player advisory council but said their opinions are not considered with just a select few top players who sit on the PGA Tour policy board holding all the power.

He also slammed the limited player numbers in no cut events as they will erode opportunities for all players below that level.

Armour said: “We need to rewrite our mission statement and omit creating playing opportunities for its members.’’

oped as a major resort. The planned new tourist development would be aimed at both staying guests and day visitors.

SEC brought the course and club facilities on 80 hectares in 2018. It has an 18-hole course, driving range, practice greens, shop, restaurant and bar, tennis court and gymnasium.

The Pegasus championship golf course hosts major tournaments such as the New Zealand PGA and the New Zealand

Then he added that they just defecated on everything former PGA chief executive Deane Beman stood for.

Players who cannot get into designated events are still expected to front for all the pro-ams, charity visits, hospital visits and sponsor events, but aren’t good enough for the designated events.

Kevin Steelman believes it is jeopardising the integrity of golf.

“The depth is astronomically higher than it has ever been. There is no difference between 49th and 51st ranking,” Steelman said.

Rory McIlroy said there were some angry players after the changes. He said everyone seems to want to see a cut most of the time. He also said at a players’ meeting they were blindsided by the mandatory clause for 16 events.

Players’ advisory council member Mackenzie Hughes said concerns about the plan were raised at an advisory council meeting earlier in the year. A month later the decision was made and Mackenzie only found out on Twitter.

“Our opinion didn’t matter,” Hughes said.

James Hahn, in his 11th year on the PGA Tour, said about the changes: “I hate them.”

He said it was all about the money. More guaranteed money being funnelled to the top players.

“It is very hypocritical.”

Hughes was also strongly against the new player impact programme which funnelled $US100 million to select few players based on their popularity in certain areas, but not golf performance.

He was the only one of the four player directors on the PGA Tour policy board to vote against raising the player impact programme. Next year it is reduced to $US50 million and will go to 10 players.

Hughes said they were just funnelling money to a small group because they were demanding it. Ridicu-

Women’s Open. It is part of Pegasus, a master-planned town in North Canterbury, which now has a population of over 3000.

Over the course of seven years, with the unwavering support and co-operation from local government and various stakeholders, the Pegasus Golf & Sport Club has evolved into Christchurch’s premier championship level golf club and an emerging tourist destination.

Ambitious plans for tourist resort as Pegasus in North Canterbury Players’ opinions do not matter, it seems

lous to think Tiger Woods won it the first two years after just six starts in two seasons.

“I could never have imagined someone could make more money for just being popular rather than how good a player they are,’’ Hughes said.

“He is not even ranked in the top 1000. We are now getting a great divide between the elevated events and non elevated and the players on each tour.”

Jordan Spieth said the grind of the schedule was affecting his golf “playing way too much golf leading into The Masters. I was mentally fatigued having to play eight out of 10 weeks.”

The other big criticism is that non designated events and especially the northern hemisphere autumn events will likely feature few, if any, top ranked players, therefore affecting the value for sponsors.

Lee Westwood, Richard Bland and Eddie Pepperell have all questioned the fallout the elevated and designated events will have on the DP World Tour.

They all feel the chances of seeing the top players on the DP World Tour, apart from the big money co-sanctioned events, are unlikely. As I highlight in another story this is a reality. Also they say the strategic alliance with the PGA Tour is not working.

Westwood warned DP World Tour chief executive Keith Pelley and other board members for months that getting into bed with the PGA Tour was a mistake. As he said: “They (PGA Tour) have always been bullies.”

Westwood is among a group of players who believe the DP World Tour should have accepted a reported $US1 billion offer from Golf Saudi in 2021 which could have elevated the tour to a contender with, rather than a feeder, for the PGA Tour.

Of course the other Monahan blinder was the way the three-way merger was handled and not communicated. But that is another story.

Asia-Pacific should be very proud, says Martin Slumbers

Martin Slumbers has hailed the remarkable impact of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC).

Speaking at his annual pre-Open Championship press conference, The R&A’s chief executive described as extraordinary the fact that 18 players in the starting line-up at Royal Liverpool Golf Club last month had progressed from the AAC.

Created in 2009, the AAC was established to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region, including New Zealand which has hosted the tournament in the past. The champion receives an invitation to compete in The Open and Masters Tour-

nament, while the runner(s)-up gain a place in final qualifying for The Open.

What no-one dared to predict at the championship’s launch 14 years ago was that success would come quite so quickly, highlighted by the victory of Australian Cameron Smith in the 150th edition of The Open Championship at St Andrews in Scotland last year.

Smith, who appeared in the AAC in 2011 and 2012, finished 33rd at The Open last month at Hoylake in England, where he was accompanied by 17 other players for whom the AAC proved to be an important stepping stone.

Asked how he quantified the success of ventures in

which The R&A invests, Slumbers said: “At the end of the day, the real driver is how many people are playing golf … and how many elite amateurs are coming through and winning major championships.

“I think the Asia-Pacific should be very proud. In 14 years, 18 people are in the field of one of the best four championships in the world. Extraordinary.

“We are really focused on the global picture and working to strengthen areas of weakness, and especially the pathways for the most talented players to progress through all levels of the game.”

The 14th edition of the AAC will be held at Royal Melbourne Golf Club from October 26-29.

Golf perceived to be wasteful with water

Golf needs to speak up on sustainability and communicate positive case studies and stories.

That’s the conclusion of a new social listening study commissioned by Swiss agrochemical company Syngenta that reveals the full extent of golf’s negative reputation across social media.

Golf & Social Media: Sustainability is a snapshot report helping clubs and courses understand what is being said about golf on social media – and how best to respond.

The study found that golf is widely perceived to be wasteful with water

and bad for the environment.

The industry is also facing increasing questions from detractors about its sustainability credentials, especially in times of drought, with some social media campaigns even calling for golf to be banned.

Mark Birchmore, global head of marketing, turf and landscape at Syngenta, and an executive member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation, said: “This study highlights a major challenge for the industry: there is strong negative sentiment across social media in relation to golf and sustainability.

“However, there are a wealth of case studies that demonstrate golf courses’ sustainability credentials. These compelling examples serve as proof of the industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

“It is important that golf courses, and the industry, now communicate these stories to change perceptions,” added Birchmore, who commissioned the report.

Data for the report was provided by Ipsos, with 16.1 million mentions of golf on social media in the United States and United Kingdom analysed

over a three-year period (2019-2022).

Claire Martin of Ipsos said: “The negative image of golf is a common theme throughout the study. During droughts, people are especially vocal in their opposition to golf courses using water for irrigation. It is seen as bad for the environment and communities.

“Detractors also accuse golf courses of privatising large green areas. There are calls for the repurposing of golf courses from developing the land for housing to meet the needs of growing urban populations to making golf courses nature reserves.”

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Surge in custom fitting of golf clubs, says study

In the post-pandemic golf world that has seen a surge in participation and newcomers to the game, custom fitting of golf clubs continues to gain in popularity as a new study shows that golfers are highly satisfied with their fitting experience, across almost every fitting channel.

Golf Datatech, a leading independent objective market research firm for retail sales, consumer, and trade trends in the golf industry, has introduced the ninth edition of its exclusive report on the evolution of custom fitting golf equipment in the United States.

“If you ask any PGA professional or instructor, they will tell you that custom fitting is an important element of game improvement in golfers of all levels,” said John Krzynowek, partner at Golf Datatech.

“When we started analysing this category in 2001 there was a very different methodology for being fit, without any launch monitors or hard data. Over 20 years later our study shows that golfers are more satisfied than ever with their custom fitting experience, both on and off the course, and they are recognising

the positive game improvement that comes from properly fitted equipment,” he added.

Cheryl Anderson, a PGA of America member, director of instruction at the Mike Bender Golf Academy in Lake Mary, Florida and Golf Digest top 50 best teacher in America, said: “Being custom fit for golf clubs is integral to a comprehensive game improvement programme. When you combine properly fit equipment with professional instruction, you’re definitely on your way to better golf.”

The ninth edition of the evolution of custom fitting golf equipment in the United States takes an in-depth look at every aspect of fitting, including insights into perceptions of fittings in drivers, fairways, hybrids, wedges, irons, putters, and golf balls, as well as attitudes about various shaft and grip options.

This 200-plus page report analyses responses from close to 1500 total respondents, of which 77 percent have been fit for at some point during their golfing lives.

“The overwhelming majority of golfers

who have been custom fit in the past, want to be custom fit in the future, as they’ve seen their game improve,” said Krzynowek.

“This is vitally important to the industry and the intersection of fitting and equipment sales, as recurring customers present the foundation of the club buying/ fitting population,” he added.

Golf Datatech estimates well over half of all driver and iron sales include custom fitting, with some of the leading brands fitting substantially higher percentages than that.

And, while golf ball fitting experiences remains far less common than those for drivers and irons, most golfers believe they’d be better off if they could get their golf balls fit to their game, just like clubs.

Beyond analysing those that have been fit, the report continues to suggest that golfers who have never been fit have what could best be described as an inferiority complex, and frequently believe they are not good enough to benefit.

“Given the overwhelming satisfaction of golfers who recognise performance

gains from custom fitting, the industry can do a better job in promoting the experience, both on and off course, and sway those players who have never been fit for their equipment” said Krzynowek.

“Custom fitting is good for golfers and good for business, and it is as important to the game as any one piece of equipment.”

Other key topics covered in the study include:

* Perceptions of golfers regarding the top brands of clubs and balls for fitting, and which brands are leaders in fitting.

* Satisfaction levels by retail channel (green grass, off course, specialty stores, sporting ghoods, etc).

* Satisfaction levels of the leading national fitters, specifically which retailers are doing the best job fitting.

* In-depth cross tabs showing how the various market segments view the fitting process.

For more information on Golf Datatech’s Evolution of Custom Fitting Golf Equipment in the United States report, visit: www.golfdatatech.com.

GOLF NEWS

Canterbury golfer Kazuma Kobori has qualified for the US Amateur  to be played at Colorado Golf Club from August 14-20.

This will be the most significant event in his career to date. He will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Danny Lee who won in 2008.

Kobori has been playing in the United States and has some consistent results leading to qualification with a score of nine under par.

His latest event saw him finish eighth on seven under par.

The US Amateur has 312 in the field. Two rounds of

strokeplay sort out the top 64 who go on to play the 18-hole knockout matchplay over five days with the final played over 36 holes.

Kazuma Kobori in US Amateur Parkland celebrates latest board appointment

Parkland Products Ltd is pleased to announce that Dean Murphy, current CEO of Golf NZ, has joined the company’s board.

Parkland Managing Director, Chris Todd says that the company is readying for an exciting period of business growth – one that he is confident Dean will make a significant contribution to.

Until this month, Dean has been the Group Chief Executive of Golf New Zea-

land – a role he has held for over 14 years. He is the longest-serving and recognised as one of the most successful sports administrators in New Zealand, with a massive list of achievements.

During his tenure, Dean grew golf participation considerably and the sport is now in excellent shape. Most importantly, he leaves Golf New Zealand in the strongest financial condition it has ever known.

Dean also steered the challenging merger of PGA and Golf NZ, as well as the development and world-wide growth of DotGolf, Golf NZs digital services business which has excellent prospects globally.

For his part, Dean is ready for taking his career to the next level and sees his directorship of Parkland being an important component. He explained: “Over the past 15 years, I’ve learnt a good deal about Parkland Products.

I’ve always greatly admired their people and the way they do business. I’m looking forward to contributing to the future of the organisation.”

Parkland is the exclusive NZ distributor of TORO mowing and turf renovation equipment, Ventrac tractors and Yamaha golf carts.

For further information, please contact Chris Todd on 09 414-4790 or email chris@parkland.co.nz.

The National Association of Left-handed Golfers of New Zealand (NALGNZ)

The National Association of Left-handed Golfers of New Zealand (NALGNZ) is a decades-old society that aims to promote left-handers in a sport whose sinistral figures don’t always reflect those of everyday society.

It is difficult to place a figure on the percentage of left-handed golfers, but we are certainly a minority in every club. Unlike many years ago access to equipment and coaching was an obstacle, now, we have greater access through online trading and golf warehouses.

The NALGNZ was established in 1976

resulting in an organisation with hundreds of members who enjoy the camaraderie and opportunity the Association provides.

Throughout the year there are over 22 Leftie Tournaments held throughout New Zealand, some of these events being run for over 50 years. Many of these Tournaments conduct a separate division for right-handed spouse or partner making it a friendly affair.

Lifelong friends have been made at these Tournaments.

Each year we conduct a National Cham-

pionship and coming up in 2024 is Feilding with Napier in 2025. Then it is back down in the South Island. These Tournaments not only attract members from NZ but also overseas players.

Many NZ members also play in the Annual Australian Championships, this year at Tweed Heads. Then there are the World Championships, next year Da Nang in Vietnam.

We would be delighted to hear from any leftie golfer wishing to join our existing membership.

Today members pay an annual fee for

the privilege of being part of a society that prioritizes this camaraderie over competitiveness. For only $30 per year, you receive regular newsletters which keep you up to date with future tournaments and leftie tributes and news.

Our website www.nalg.co.nz is regularly updated where it is easy to download an enrolment to the Association, email or write to The Secretary NALGNZ 138 White Street, Rangiora, 7400 or email: nalgnz@ xtra.co.nz

Don’t hesitate, please join us soon!

WHAT’S NEW

New G Le3 family custom-engineered, custom-made for women

With women’s golf participation at an all-time high, PING introduced the G Le3 family today, continuing its industry-leading commitment to bringing women golfers lightweight, score-lowering technology engineered and custom-made exclusively for their games. The complete line of clubs is available for custom fittings and pre-order at authorized PING golf shops around the world beginning today.

“Our on-going commitment to engineering lightweight, easy-to-hit, premium clubs for women is rooted in PING’s long history of supporting women’s golf, dating back to the early 1970s. It started with my grandparents, Karsten and Louise Solheim, and continues today with the Solheim Cup and other game-growing initiatives,” said PING Executive Vice President Stacey Pauwels, who oversees the development of PING products made exclusively for women.

“The G Le3 family offers a full set of performance-engineered, custom-made clubs that deliver added distance, unmatched forgiveness, a confidence-inspiring look and a pleasing sound,” Pauwels said. “In developing the line, we also made proper gapping a top priority to help ensure women get the best results from their set. That starts by visiting an authorized PING fitting specialist to determine the ideal set make-up and specifications, based largely on the player’s swing speed. We’re confident when custom-fit to the correct set configuration, women will see tremendous benefits from every club in their bag.

“We’re excited to bring this game-enjoyment technology to women, and with the rapid expansion of the women’s game, including unprecedented popularity with a new generation of

golfers, we look forward to helping them lower their scores and have more fun on the course.”

An Identity All Its Own

Along with its score-lowering technology, the G Le3 family is distinguished by a sophisticated color combination of navy, gold and silver accents, creating a premium and high-performance appeal for women serious about having fun on the course.

Driver Optimized for Swing Speeds of 80 mph or Less

The high-MOI G Le3 driver is designed and custom-built with lightweight shafts and grips to help slower-swing-speed women golfers enjoy higher-launching, longer-flying tee shots that find the fairway. To accomplish that, PING’s engineers developed a 460cc titanium head with a forged face maximized to get the best results from swing speeds of 80 mph or less.

Key attributes like center of gravity and moment of inertia are optimized in large part by a high-density fixed weight in the back. The low, back, and slightly heel side CG position helps deliver faster ball speeds and higher launch with tighter dispersion and the fairway-finding forgiveness PING drivers are known for.

For added speed, crown turbulators and a Vortec cavity ensure aerodynamic advantages and efficiencies to make the G Le3 PING’s longest driver for women to date, providing distance gains of nearly four yards for the average target golfer.

The lightweight, Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel allows the 11.5⁰ loft to be adjusted plus or minus 1.5⁰ and up to 3⁰ flatter to dial in the player’s ideal ball flight.

Long and Reliable Fairway Woods

Engineered with an emphasis on more ball speed and high launch, the

stainless-steel G Le3 heads combine with a maraging steel Face Wrap to optimize flexing while reducing spin, making each loft a reliable and consistent choice from anywhere on the course, including the tee box. A lower, more forward center of gravity better aligns with the force line to deliver 7.5 yards more distance than its predecessor.

The face profile is designed with Spinsistency, a variable roll radius innovation that better accommodates mishits, especially those low on the face that now perform better due to the more consistent spin results and higher ball speeds.

Available in 3, 5, 7 and 9 woods, the high-MOI fairway woods are adjustable for loft and lie through the Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel, giving fitters and golfers another lever to dial in optimal results.

Lightweight, Easy-to-Swing Irons

Continuing the success of previous generations of PING’s women’s line, the G Le3 is designed as an iron/hybrid combo solution, allowing golfers to create the ideal set make up with optimal gapping to help ensure success with every swing.

In the stainless-steel irons, more ball speed is achieved through a lower CG position and custom-engineered lofts, producing measurable and predictable distance gains throughout the set. The forgiveness found in every PING iron is achieved through a thinner face that positions mass low and to the perimeter. High-density heel and toe weights contribute to the added forgiveness and allow for light swingweights, making them easier to swing.

Available in 6 through 9 iron with three wedge options (PW, UW, SW), the G Le3 irons and wedges also benefit from a metal-wood style face structure

and a multi-material PurFlex cavity badge, contributing to more consistent face flexing along with a soft, pleasing feel and sound. New bounce profiles improve turf interaction and impact consistency to minimize shots that come up short.

For bunker shots, PING engineers applied the proven design attributes of the iconic EYE2 sand wedge while ensuring a modern-day appeal in the G Le3 version. Its slimmer hosel, wider sole and more traditional head shape combined with fully machined grooves help take the fear out of one of the most intimidating shots in golf. In PING player tests, women showed significant improvement in proximity to the hole and more importantly, shots not left in the bunker, putting the G Le3 sand wedge in game-changing territory. For added control, the pitching and U wedges also feature fully machined grooves.

Gap-filling Hybrids

The transition from an iron to a hybrid is made easier through a new length progression. Each of the four hybrid options is ¼ inch longer to provide more consistent gapping with each club. Available in 4, 5, 6 and 7, the G Le3 hybrids are sized and shaped to inspire confidence while delivering the distance and high launch that brings more greens within any player’s reach. Like the fairway woods, they also rely on the distance-delivering properties of a maraging steel face, flexing at a faster rate to provide higher-launching, longer-carrying results. Its dual-roll face profile is optimized to the target swing speed, providing consistent spin, especially higher on the face. A three-dot alignment aid on the crown, with the middle dot slightly larger, makes set up easy and gets shots started on-line.

Lighter Shafts and Grips Lower Overall Weight

PING’s proprietary ULT250 Lite and Ultra Lite premium graphite shafts are standard throughout the G Le3 metal woods and irons to bring down the overall club weight while helping generate more clubhead speed and higher launch. The Lamkin ST Soft Grip is available in two sizes (Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”).

New Putter Design Honors Louise Solheim

In developing the G Le3 putter series, technology and player model preference were the guiding factors, resulting in four distinct designs, each inspired by PING’s long-standing reputation as a leader in putter design and performance.

All four models are engineered with a white, two-piece Pebax elastomer insert consisting of a soft front with PLD-inspired shallow grooves and a firmer back to ensure the optimal combination of feel, forgiveness and distance control.

The iconic Anser design offers the standard-setting performance that’s made it the winningest putter in history. Along with a full-face insert, it features a sight line in the cavity floor for alignment assistance.

A new design pays tribute to Louise Solheim. Known simply as “Louise”, it’s a mid-mallet that borrows its shape and weighting properties from the tour-proven PING DS72 but differs with a mid-slant hosel and parallel tip shaft to best fit a strong stroke type. It also offers the full-face insert and a confidence-inspiring sight line on the cavity floor to aid in alignment.

To further advance its high-MOI, easyto-align mallet designs, PING’s putter designers evolved two popular and proven models – the Fetch and Ketsch.

The Fetch has a full-face insert and best fits a straight stroke with its double-bend shaft. The slate PVD finish contrasts with the white insert and ball-width alignment lines to make setup simple. A convenient and unique ball pick-up feature for gimmes also fits the size of the hole for retrieving holed putts without bending over.

The Ketsch G continues PING’s strategy of offering women a premium multi-material, maximum-forgiveness design. Like previous Ketsch models, it combines a fully machined 6061 aluminum body with a stainless-steel soleplate to maximize the moment of inertia and position the center of gravity for more accuracy and consistency. Its ball-width insert matches up with alignment cues on top of the putter and centers on a top line that extends to the back of the putter.

All four putter models are built with the new G Le3-specific, pistol-style PP59 grip, distinguished by an updated PU wrap that provides a superior feel and premium look.

G LE3 CLUB SPECIFICATIONS:

G Le3 Driver

Multi-material construction: Cast Ti 8-1-1 body, forged T9S+ face, lightweight aluminum/thermoplastic adjustable hosel

Loft: 11.5⁰ (adjustable +- 1.5⁰)

Head weight: 190g

Head volume: 460 cc

Std. length: 44.75”

Avg. lie angle: 58.5⁰

Std. swingweight: C2

Stock grip: Lamkin ST Soft Grip (Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”)

Shaft options: PING ULT250D (Lite and Ultra Lite flexes)

G Le3 Fairway Woods

Multi-material construction: 17-4

stainless steel body, maraging steel face, lightweight aluminum/thermo-

Callaway CB Wedge

VERSATILITY HAS NEVER PLAYED EASIER

Maximum forgiveness with enhanced feel and aggressive spin.

The new Callaway CB Wedge is built to deliver short game forgiveness with incredible spin and feel. From player-friendly shaping, premium feel technologies, and the most aggressive groove in golf, this profile is designed for players who want maximum confidence from their short game.

Confidence and Forgiveness

from Player-Friendly Shaping and Design

The cavity back design delivers a friendlier shape at address to benefit playability on all types of wedge shots. The larger head size and grooves across the face add confidence at address.

On the sole, a pre-worn leading-edge acts like a skid plate to avoid digging, and it’s paired with higher bounce for even more forgiveness.

Premium Feel from Game

Changing Construction

Callaway CB is the first Callaway Wedge to feature our Ure-

plastic adjustable hosel

Lofts (adjustable up to +-1.5⁰): 3W (18⁰), 5W (21⁰), 7W (24⁰), 9W (28⁰)

Std. lengths: 3W (42.5”), 5W (42”), 7W (41.5”), 9W (41”)

Std. lie angles: 3W (57.0⁰) 5W (57.5⁰)

7W (58⁰) 9W (58.5⁰)

Std. swingweight: C1

Stock grip: Lamkin ST Soft Grip (Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”)

Shaft options: PING ULT250F (Lite and Ultra Lite flexes)

G Le3 Irons

Multi-material construction: 17-4 stainless steel head, tungsten toe/ shaft weights, aluminum/thermoplastic composite badge, HydroPearl 2.0 finish

Available 6-9, PW, UW, SW, in 10 color codes (lie angle). Black color code is standard.

Std. length/loft: 6i (37.13”/25⁰), 7i (36.5”/29.5⁰), 8i (36”/35⁰), 9i (35.5”/41⁰), PW (35”/46⁰), UW (35”/52⁰), SW (34.5”/56⁰),

Std. swingweight: 6i (C1), 7i (C2), 8i (C2), 9i (C2.5), PW (C4), UW (C5), SW (C6),

Stock grip: Lamkin ST Soft Grip (Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”)

Shaft options: PING ULT250i (Lite and Ultra Lite flexes)

G Le3 Hybrids

Multi-material construction: 17-4 stainless steel head, maraging steel face

Lofts: 4H (22⁰), 5H (26⁰), 6H (30⁰), 7H (34⁰)

Std. lengths: 4H (39.25”), 5H (38.75”), 6H (38.25”), 7H (37.75”)

Std. swingweight: C0

Stock grip: Lamkin ST Soft Grip (Red -1/32”, Aqua -1/64”)

Shaft options: PING ULT 250H (Lite and Ultra Lite flexes)

G Le3 Putters

Anser

Putter Type: Blade

Materials: 17-4 stainless steel body, dual-durometer PEBAX insert

Finish: Platinum plating

Std. length: 33”

Lie angle: 20⁰ +-4⁰

Loft: 3⁰ +3⁰/-2⁰

Head Weight: 345g

Stroke Type: Slight Arc

Louise

Putter Type: Mid Mallet

Materials: 17-4 stainless steel body, dual-durometer PEBAX insert

Finish: Platinum plating

Std. length: 33”

Lie angle: 20⁰ +-4⁰

Loft: 3⁰ +3⁰/-2⁰

Head Weight: 350g

Stroke Type: Strong Arc

Fetch

Putter Type: Mid Mallet

Materials: 17-4 stainless steel body, dual-durometer PEBAX insert

Finish: Slate PVD

Std. length: 33”

Lie angle: 20⁰ +-2⁰

Loft: 3⁰ +-2⁰

Head Weight: 355g

Stroke Type: Straight

Ketsch G

Putter Type: Mallet

Materials: Machined 6061 aluminum body, stainless steel soleplate, dual-durometer PEBAX insert

Finish: Anodized Deep Sea

Std. length: 33”

Lie angle: 20⁰ +-2⁰

Loft: 3⁰ +-2⁰

For further information

Contact Sport Network ( find their 0800 number from Previous

Head Weight: 360g

Stroke Type: Straight (Slight Arc optional)

Get custom fitted today. For your nearest Ping dealer contact Sports Network Ltd 0508 776 786.

thane Microspheres. They’re strategically placed behind the striking area of the face to enhance feel and sound, making the Callaway CB an incredible feeling cavity back wedge.

Aggressive Spin & Enhanced Control from Jaws Grooves

Featuring Jaws grooves, the most aggressive groove in golf, Callaway CB is an absolute Spin Machine. These grooves have been treated with a face blast to enhance surface roughness on the face, helping to provide spin on short shots around the green. These grooves extend

across the face to enable groove to ball contact at every impact location.

*full face grooves on 54°- 60°

Premium Shafts and Grips

The True Temper Elevate 95 is the stock steel shaft, while graphite options are available from Project X Catalyst in 65g, and UST F1 in a WMS flex. We have partnered with Golf Pride to develop a special wedge grip that is longer than normal. This longer grip allows players the option to choke down on the club for enhanced distance control.

LONG DRIVE

Wiistream and Xtreme Drivers League

al sport, is an ideal match for our services. With their passionate team and our expertise, we believe this collaboration has all the ingredients for a successful venture.” - Patrick Magee, CEO of Wiistream.

Sport just got more exciting with the partnership of Wiistream and Xtreme Drivers League. The high performance sport of XDL is about to soar worldwide with the expertise of Wiistream, leaders in OTT streaming solutions. From XDL headquarters in Auckland, New Zealand, to Wiistream HQ in Cork, Ireland. The media management merger was an obvious choice as the sport of fastest, longest drivers to a Golf ball (XDL aint Golf) needed an international media platform (not social media) to elevate the presence of the sport globally.

Partnering with XDL is a strategic move for Wiistream, as it aligns perfectly with our mission as an OTT platform provider. Wiistream offers an affordable and user-friendly white-label streaming solution to help emerging professional sport associations, leagues, conferences, and youth sports with content distribution, audience interaction, and revenue generation. XDL, being an exciting emerging profession-

Founder and owner of XDL, Olna Ford has been investing in the sport since 2016 with the mission to create a separate sports environment for high-performance athletes that represent Xtreme Drivers League. XDL is at the forefront of the sport with 34 events completed in 8 countries, two national teams formed, IP ownership around the sport and teams, owner of 8 major events for XDL, the biggest purse paid out in Long Drive history, and in 2020, XDL was listed by sports authorities as the first National Sports Organisation in the world for both amateur and professional leagues.

The media merger comes at the most perfect time for the sport as XDL is about to launch its 3 year growth plan which includes developments in real estate for the sport working with local partners. XDL’S mission is to be the most watched and participated sport on the planet by 2025 and Wiistream represents the opportunity for this. XDL TV will be a safe, desirable and sophisticated channel for host countries.

2024 represents the beginning of NEW business for the sport of XDL worldwide with club event qualifiers, off the grid events, and regional growth plans implemented for all host countries. XDL is announcing its real estate sector landmarking the sports grounds for training and competition in New Zealand, Australia then the rest of the world. DRIVEPODS is a New Zealand company formed specifically to design and build XDL commercial real estate which include, participation and clubfitting trailers, drivepods for training and rehabilitation for athletes, XDL tee boxes and designs around international competition zones for major events such as the Trans Tasman Clash, Global Infinity Series and the Pacific Rim Series (The 3 most prominant events for XDL sport). The plans to keep these major events in the Pacific are underway with talks of these major events being sold to ensure the sport continues to thrive.

Onekaka Links Golf Club

AN AMAZING GOLFING EXPERIENCE AT ONEKAKA IN GOLDEN BAY

With stunning vistas and memorable golf and hospitality, it’s a day you won’t forget.

The Links Course is not long, but rarely conquered. It comprises one par 5, eight par 4 and nine par 3 holes, including two double greens and a triple green via major elevation changes, with ocean, ponds, cliffs, penal bunkering or roughs encircling the greens. The Mountain Course is a significantly more difficult challenge and not for the faint hearted.

Visit www.onekakalinks.com for a course guide also incorporating drone

footage of the course and testimonials of visiting players. We also have a Facebook page which is regularly updated. The green fee of $60 per head for 18 holes for a minimum of four players covers:

* Exclusive use – no other players on the course that day

* Golf cart and electric trundlers, laser distance finder

* A course guide – the course designer and club champion

* Hosted free drinks and snacks after the round

Although a private course, it’s open to visitors 364 days a year. However, to enable hosting arrangements bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance to chris@widespread.co.nz

“Golden Bay is full of amazing things to see and I just discovered another. If you play golf, Onekaka Links is a must visit. I have played golf all around the world and Onekaka gave me more fun and challenging shots than most courses that have hosted major championships. Your host Chris Castle with great imagination has created a wonderful course on a spectacular property. Thank you Chris, for a day to remember.”

- Kindest Regards, Bill Mackenzie (PGA Professional, St. Andrews East Golf Club, Canada)

“Onekaka Links is one of the most special New Zealand golf experiences one could have - it really is a must play for anyone who loves dramatic golf and out

of the box thinking. You have three or four green-sites that would rival the very best in New Zealand. I will be sending more people your way for sure.

You really chose all the best green sites to maximize your property. Your green in the far coastal corner of the property does this so well. The triple green with the bunker and lower green level and water hazard. It is the interest you created that is so much fun. Onekaka can’t fit inside a box and it should not be contained by the world’s idea of a routing and par. It is just an awesome place to play golf.

You and Richard Barham have done such an amazing job with your property - really impressive stuff. If you ever end up doing that new green we discussed

drop a me line and I may try to volunteer some shovel time for you if the timing works!

Thank you again and it was so kind of you to host me there. “

- CJ Kreuscher, Director of Agronomy for Te Arai Links and the original Superintendent of Tara iti, who recently played both courses.

“Great day out at the Onekaka Links in Golden Bay. Stunning scenery. Some exciting holes and wonderful hospitality. It’s a very unique offering but lots of fun and risk and reward. Wonderful hospitality from President Chris Castle and Club Captain Linda Sanders. Highly recommended. “

- Barry Johnston, Wanaka

Destination Queenstown

THE GOLF MECCA

GOLF COURSES IN QUEENSTOWN

Queenstown is home to some of the most spectacular golf courses in New Zealand.

Several golf courses, all within a 25 minute drive, appeal to every level of golfer –whether it's the lush immaculately groomed greens of a resort course or a simple fairway with rugged mountain peaks as a backdrop. The golf clubs and golf courses in Queenstown all offer spectacular scenery and varying par levels and difficulty. There is a course whether you are a serious golfer or just starting out.

BOOKING A GOLF HOLIDAY TO QUEENSTOWN?

We recommend: www.abovepargolf.com.au www.golfencounters.co.nz www.parnz.co.nz

QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB (KELVIN HEIGHTS)

• Blue 6102m

• White 5839m

• Gold 5104m

• Red 4100m

EVER seen a post-card of Queenstown? If so then it has probably been taken from the top of Skyline Gondola and has the Queenstown Golf Club in it! This picturesque golf club offers not only stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu but is an exciting and challenging golf experience. Located just 20 minutes from Queenstown, or 5 minutes by water taxi, this is one of New Zealand’s iconic golf clubs which is a ‘must play’ for all golfers visiting the region. The Course is surrounded by Lake Wakatipu and cradled by stunning mountain ranges so every tee and green has a view which makes it hard to keep your head down! Signature hole’s take on a whole new level at the Queenstown golf club especially the 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 14th and 17th which could be signature holes on any course.

With a proud and loyal membership, Queenstown golf club has a long history and welcomes visitors yearround. Equipped with 40 modern motorised carts, a PGA Professional, Pro shop, 7 day a week Café specialising in home-made faire and fully licenced Bar ensures all your golfing needs are met and exceeded.

The signature hole and probably one of the more scenic photographs on a New Zealand golf course would be the par 4 5th that curves left around the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu to an elevated green. Driving line is key as an over aggressive line combined with a miss-timed drive will see you ending up in the drink, however, the hole sets up for a right to left shaped drive which will carve yardage off your approach shot.

The facilities are excellent, carts and club hire available from the pro shop.

» www.queenstowngolf.co.nz

» Email: proshop@queenstowngolf.

co.nz

» Phone: 03-442 9169

CROMWELL GOLF CLUB

• Black 6462m

• Blue 6234m

• White 5844m

• Yellow 5204m

• Red 4468m

THE Cromwell Golf Course is a sand based, links style course located further from the sea than any other in New Zealand. Its fairways follow the natural lie of the land and features a sandy, wasteland feel, rough with patches of marram grass and large undulating greens.

The course has 5 tee locations ranging from beginner to championship providing a real challenge for all levels of golfer and was rated inside the top 30 NZ courses in NZ Golf Magazine’s 2019 rankings. The Cromwell course hosts the New Zealand Open final qualifying event annually. Course facilities include a full length driving range and large multi-tier putting and chipping green, on-site PGA Professional, fully stocked pro-shop along with electric cart, trundle, and club hire.

Situated on the 45th parallel, the inland location and surrounding mountains creates a microclimate nearing semi-arid. With less than 400mm (<15 inches) of evenly spread rain and 2200 hours of sunshine per year, golf can be played comfortably year-round with dry underfoot conditions. In winter a crisp white frost usually ensures a brilliantly sunny day in which to enjoy a round of golf on a course maintained to a consistently high standard. The golf course is in the centre of the town, which in turn is surrounded by vine yards and orchards. This is the centre of the world renown Central Otago Pinot Noir producing locations of Bannockburn, Bendigo and Lowburn so wine tasting opportunities are numerous. The town is also located adjacent to Lake Dunstan and the junction of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers.

» www.cromwellgolf.co.nz

» Cromwell 9310, New Zealand

» Phone: 03 445 0165

WANAKA GOLF CLUB

Blue 5770m

White 5484m

Yellow 5029m

A one hour scenic drive from Queenstown, the township of Wanaka is a stunning and tranquil holiday destination in the heart of the Queenstown Lakes region. Perched above the picturesque township is the lovely Wanaka golf club; the biggest club in the South Island with over 1300 members. Host to the NZ Mixed foursomes, the NZ Women’s and Men’s Seniors events. Wanaka Golf Club boasts a well maintained, charming and challenging layout, with magnificent views.

Measuring 5770m (blues) and 5484m (whites) the course isn’t long by modern standards, but careful course management and the ability to shape your shots is important if you want to score well. The small greens and natural contours of the land also present their own challenge, so playing safe to the middle of the greens is recommended. It’s also important to try and keep your eye on the ball, as the spectacular views across the town and lake to Mount Aspiring National Park are some of the best in New Zealand, and can certainly add an extra distraction to your game. The two nines are very different. The front-nine, which was established in the 1930s, features an undulating layout with small greens nestled amongst the rolling terrain. The back nine, which was added across the road in 1967, is much longer and slightly flatter—but no less spectacular. The club continues to progress significantly with capital improvements and course upgrades, making it one of the most scenic and playable courses around.

The club features all the usual facilities you’d expect from a quality golf club, including club and cart hire, fully-stocked pro shop, recently upgraded practice range facility and a café and bar.

Also view the new pitch ‘n putt 5 hole course, a new addition to Wanaka’s course offerings.

» www.wanakagolf.co.nz

» Email: pro@wanakagolf.co.nz

» Phone: +64 3 443 7888

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

WAIKATO THE WAIKATO AGE GROUP CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Waikato Age Group Championships played at the very well presented Cambridge Golf Club recently.

Played in some changing weather across the 2 days with the players having to contend with sun, wind and rain especially on Sunday with 3 seasons in one day.

The winners.

Pictured Left to Right:

U14 Boys Winner - Oscar Guo (Remuera) 151

U16 Girls Winner - Grace Kim (North Shore) 147

U14 Girls Winner - JuWon Kim (Pupuke) 145

BAY OF PLENTY

BOP GOLF 2023 HANDICAP

PENNANTS WINNERS

BOP Golf 2023 Handicap Pennants Winners played recently at Taupo Golf club.

Laing Trophy - Mount Maunganui GC defeated Turangi.

Plate Winners - Taupo GC defeated Opotiki.

MANAWATU-WHANGANUI

MANAWATU WANGANUIPRESIDENT’S TROPHY

The 2023 President’s Trophy season was played recently, with the final between trophy holders Taihape; and Waimarino at Rangitikei Golf Club.

Waimarino who won the trophy for the first time in a tight match, 6.5 to 5.5. The final was played in good spirit in windy and cold conditions.

WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON GOLF - SHANDON DUNCAN CUP CHAMPIONS

Shandon recently repeated their 2022 success, winning the 76th version for the title of Wellington’s premier Men’s champion.

Shandon earned their spot in the final by beating the round robin winners Boulcott’s Farm 9.5 - 5.5 at Miramar GC. Judgeford won their match against Paraparaumu Beach 9 -6 to then line up against Boulcott’s Farm for the other spot in the final.

The following week at Manor Park GC, Boulcott held a small advantage late in the day after having won the morning

foursomes 3 - 2. This disappeared in the final couple of singles games to leave the scores tied at 7.5 all.

Jayden Ford and EJ Nicholson then teed off in a sudden death playoff. EJ holed from 10ft for birdie on the 1st hole, with Jayden holing from 4ft. On the 2nd EJ two putted from 50ft for the half. Back to the first and EJ holed again from 12ft for birdie, Jayden followed him in again from 4ft. Back to the 2nd which would be the 4th and final playoff hole in approaching darkness. With EJ on the fringe 30 ft away, and Jayden long of the green on a down slope in the rough, with very little green to work with. Jayden proceeded to hole a miracle pitch shot, and EJ’s putt slid past, to see Judgeford into the final.

On a beautiful winter’s day at Royal Wellington GC, the Dion Bennett captained Judgeford team were rightly full of confidence as they teed off against the perrenial contenders and 16 times champion Shandon. With the top foursomes match a clear advantage to Judgeford and games 2 and 3 to Shandon, the 4 and 5 games would look to give a possible lead going into the afternoon singles. Those 2 games came home in a win and a half for Shandon to give the Petone team a 2 point advantage, 3.5 - 1.5 at lunch.

As expected of a good team, lead by an inspirational player at the top Judgeford came out strong and closed the overall match up around the front 9. Shandon’s experience began to show through the middle of the round and with Andrew Drummond coming back from 4 down late in his match for a half and Shandon securing 3 of the bottom 4 points, it was left to captain Ryan Fahey to turn his match and be 1 up with 1 to go, ensuring

the 1/2 point that meant Shandon had secured the 8 points for victory, eventually winning 9.5 - 5.5.

MANOR PARK 2023 LANSDOWNE CHAMPIONS

TASMAN AIRPORT EXPANSION THREATENS GOLF COURSE OPERATIONS IN NELSON

The number of people highly annoyed by airport noise is expected to increase by almost 200% when a new runway extension is built.

The proposed plan changes would allow Nelson airport to extend its runway by 370m into the Nelson Golf Course. On top of that, a further 36 houses would be exposed to the highest levels of noise, with the airport required to insulate windows in a bid to help lessen the impact on residents.

low-emissions aircraft,” he said.

“Expert advisors tell us these aircraft are likely to require longer take-off and landing facilities than we currently provide.”

Under the proposed changes, noise contours would be changed to “more accurately reflect the expected future level of noise generated by the airport”, commercial manager Simon Barr said. The number of people impacted by the highest level of noise – 65 decibels or louder – would increase by 36.

The number of people “highly annoyed” compared to current noise levels was also expected to increase from 173 to 509.

The Manor Park Lansdowne team have been crowned Women’s premier champions for 2023.

Coming into the playoffs in 4th qualifying spot, Manor Park were too good for Royal wellington in the semi final.

On into the final at the great links, Paraparaumu Beach, and in a match that was close all afternoon the Caitlin Hildyard captianed side came home winners over Boulcott’s Farm 5 - 4, who had reached the final by upsetting Shandon in their semi final, finally getting home in a playoff after a late round fightback to draw even in normal time.

Boulcott secured a 2 - 1 advantage in the teamball points, but the Manor Park no.5 and no.6, Robyn Chambers and Maree Gates secured their 2 singles points and the teamball early, to provide the advantage. It was left to Wendy Rhodes in the deciding sinlges point with the scores locked 4 all, coming home a 2up winner to secure the title, in the trophies 50th year of competition.

However, the period allowed to make submissions on the changes has been questioned by some who say there’s not enough time for the public to fully understand and respond to the complicated documents.

The council publicly notified the airport’s application to amend its current designations on Saturday, June 10. The consultation period runs until 4pm on July 10.

Any plan to extend the runway would require further resource consent applications at the time.

Nelson Airport chief executive Mark Thompson said the application aimed to protect and provide for the airport’s current and future operations, including the ability to extend the runway within the next 10 to 15 years, by ensuring appropriate land designations and zoning were in place.

“Our runway is among the shortest in the world catering for ATR aircraft and is expected to be too short for future

CANTERBURY CANTERBURY GOLF-TOBY RICHARDS TROPHY & CRESSWELL CUP

The Toby Richards Trophy and Cresswell Cup matches were played at Kaiapoi Golf Club recentlyin fine, cool conditions with the course in great order considering the recent rain.

The Cresswell Cup match was between Avondale (Winner of Metropolitan A) and Pegasus Gold (Winner of Templeton Cup) with the Avondale team above of, from left Andrew Falck, Craig Gault, Steve Collier, Gary Holt, Hamish Ross, Marthy

Bantilan, Richard Blight and Emerson Jones defeating Pegasus’s Mike Clapham, Kevin Shiel, John Woods, Cam Waghorn, Royce Ellis, Andy Jones, Tom Hobson and Graeme Reed comfortably 7.5-.5. The Toby Richards Trophy match be-

tween Harewood (Winner of Metropolitan B) and Tai Tapu (Winner of Patterson Cup) was closely fought before Tai Tapu’s, team of, from left Sean Spencer, Frank Tabley, Jeff Cairns, Jason Blair, Scott Ward, Derek Watson, Dave Crosby

and Tony Thorpe defeated Harewood’s Hamish Stewart, Baden Foster, Dave Carroll, Glenn Bunting, Chris Straker, Dan Sullivan, Charlie Su and Les Keys 4.5-3.5, making it the third successive year Tai Tapu have won the event.

CANTERBURY GOLF- ASHBY BERGH TROPHY & MCGUIRE HENDON CUP

The annual Ashby Bergh Trophy and McGuire Hendon Cup matches were played at Rangiora Golf Course played recently in damp, wintery conditions.

3 FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP DEALS

The Ashby Bergh Trophy match was between Tai Tapu (Canterbury Central Patterson Cup Winner) and Pegasus Gold (Canterbury North Templeton Cup Winner) with the Pegasus Gold team of, from left Andy Jones, John Woods, Mike Clapham, Cam Waghorn, Tom Hobson and Royce Ellis defeating Tai Tapu’s Jason Blair, Sean Spencer, Derek Watson, Tony Thorpe, Frank Tabley and Jeff Cairns in a tight match 3.5-2.5, with three matches being decided on the final two holes.

The McGuire Hendon Cup match between Hororata (Canterbury Central Patterson Cup Runner-up) and Pegasus Black (Canterbury North Templeton Cup Runner-up) was also another close match before Hororata’s team of, from left Allan Wall, Martin Wills, Daryl McCaughan, Andrew Kenworthy, Gavin Thomas and Spencer Deverall defeated Pegasus’ Black’s Jason Gwatkin, Joshua Gwatkin, Tyler Gwatkin, Jamie Buchan and Blake Buchan 3.5-2.5.

Pegasus did well to get close after having to default a match.

SCARGILL - CANTERBURY NORTH WOMEN’S INTERCLUB CHAMPIONS

The Final round of Canterbury North Women’s Interclub competition was played at Hawarden recently in cool, overcast conditions in what turned out to be a thrilling finish to what had been a very close competition all season.

The fortunes of the top four teams changed markedly as results were finalised, with the leading Culverden team being convicingly beaten by fourth placed Scargill 4-0, and Hanmer Springs defeating Amberley 3-1 to set up a sudden playoff between Scargill and Hanmer Springs as they finished level on 15 points each.

The play-off responsibility fell on the shoulders of the teams No.1’s, Scargill’s Ingrid Cadenhead and Hanmer Spring’s Nicky West to decide the final outcome and it was Ingrid who rolled in a crucial 12 foot putt on the first play-off hole to seal the win for her delighted Scargill team, from left, Janet Murray, Jo Sampson, Ingrid and Jan Moir.

The Scargill ladies are definitely on a roll as they are the current Boyle Cup holders after defeating Cheviot last month, and will be looking forward to their first challenge at home against Bottle Lake on 29 June.

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND

AORANGI GOLF -TINWALD WIN WOMEN’S WEEKEND PENNANTS

The Aorangi Weekend Pennant final was played between Tinwald and Pleasant Point 2 at the Geraldine Golf Club on Sunday 25 June. After a cold start the sun came out later in the day making pleasant playing conditions. Tinwald won the match 7 1/2 to 1 1/2

Results: Tinwald beat Pleasant Point 2 - 7 1 1/2

Singles (Tinwald names first)

Elizabeth Collins beat Bev Green 6/5

Sue Newman beat Michelle Bower 1 up

Leen Bell was 2 up when Judith Rees withdrew injured (8th hole)

Emily Wilson lost to Judy Hamer 3/2

Fourball

Collins and Newman beat Green and Bower 6/5

Bell and Wilson halved with Judith Rees and Judy Hamer

Photo: The winning team

Tinwald - from left

Sue Newman, Leen Bell, Emily Wilson, Elizabeth Collins

AORANGI GOLF - GERALDINE TAKE OUT THE SILVER PENNANTS TITLE FOR 2023

Gleniti Golf Club hosted the finals of Sil-

ver Pennants for 2023 in fair conditions.

Timaru/Temuka and Geraldine both made their way to the final after impressive seasons. Timaru/Temuka lead from the start of the season, but Geraldine was steady and defeated the composite side in the final round to claim the top seed and put the defending champions on watch.

The top match between two Aorangi stalwarts went the distance with Ginny Bolderston narrowly prevailing over Lynda Brown who played impressively given her recent time off. Morna Hogan and Jenny Kellahan showed their class and previous representative experience

as they halved their match in the second spot, however Geraldine managed to claim the fourball on the last hole to make it 4 - 1 out of the top bracket in Geraldine’s favour. This meant they only needed 1.5 more points for the title and with strong wins to Heather Oldfield and Colleen Gibbs, plus their fourball, this was secured with the final result of 9 - 1 in Geraldine’s favour. Although the points appear one-sided, it was a lot closer than this indicated.

Pictured left to right: Colleen Gibbs, Jenny Kellahan, Ginny Bolderston, Heather Oldfield.