Golfer Pacific NZ – September 2023

Australia to come under the same computer system as New Zealand

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

Good news.

Next year you should be able to travel to Australia and have a golf card printed out with your name and handicap on it.

Australia and New Zealand presently do not have compatible computer golf scoring systems and therefore when we are visiting Australia -- and Australians visiting New Zealand -- you have to obtain a blank scorecard and calculate your handicap manually from you handicap index.

That’s fine up to a point. For example you cannot put in your card in for handicapping purposes at your Australian venue.

You can instead send a copy of your card to your home club in New Zealand but that also

comes with shortcomings.

Your home club in New Zealand needs to the know the stroke and slope ratings of the course you played, which tees your played from and your total score.

But your home club cannot enter the scores for each hole, which is a problem.

For example, if you had a score of 10 on a hole it would not be recognised and therefore could not be cut back to your lowest nett score for zero stableford points as would happen normally.

When I was playing in Western Australia last month I was playing in strokeplay events and therefore had to play out each hole. It made me wonder if I did have a 10 on a hole it would not be recognised.

Something similar happened to a friend when we played in Geelong, Victoria, in March.

The friend scored a hole in

one and was keen to get his card recorded on the New Zealand computer system to show the hole in one.

He sent off his card to our New Zealand home club but once again only the score total for the round could be recorded. Scores for individual holes could not.

That was a big disappointment for my friend.

But all that should come to an end next year.

It was announced last month that one of the two world golf governing bodies The R&A had formed a 50 percent partnership with Golf New Zealand in DotGolf, which is New Zealand’s golf computer system.

In the press release it was stated: “The DotGolf technology is already used by national associations in New Zealand, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with

Australia taking it up from 2024.”

I asked DotGolf chief executive Dean Murphy, who recently stood down as chief executive of Golf New Zealand, if that meant New Zealanders visiting Australia -- and vice versa -- could have a golf card printed out with their name on it and a handicap given according to the course you are playing.

The answer was in the affirmative.

“Yes, it the short answer,’’ Murphy said.

“Next year you will be able to enter your cards in Aussie and have them on your record here – i.e fully transportable cross border.

“We are doing this already in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and will roll out in Aussie/ NZ next year when Australia update their system.”

Whoopee, was my reaction.

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Stunning win for Kazuma Kobori in the United States

By Neville Idour

Canterbury golfer Kazuma Kobori stunned the world’s best amateurs with a sensational win at the 121st Western Amateur Championships in the United States.

First played in 1899, the Western Amateur is the world’s third oldest amateur championship after the British Amateur which started in 1885 and the United States Amateur which began in 1895.

The Western Amateur, played at North Shore Country Club in Glenview, Illinois, is renowned for being the toughest test in amateur golf.

A total of 156 players from across the world faced four rounds of strokeplay followed by matchplay for the top 16 players and four wins to emerge the ultimate winner. Past champions include Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods.

Kobori, 21, recorded rounds of 69, 69, 72 and 65 to be tied ninth in the top 16 to progress. His final round was crucial as with nine holes left he was three shots outside the top 16. However a stunning five birdies in the last seven holes, including 17 and 18, saw him into the matchplay.

Kobori’s first match was a nerve tingler with it requiring two extra holes before Kobori prevailed. He then won his quarter final two up and enjoyed a short 6 and 5 win in the semi final against US Mid Amateur champion Matthew McLean of Northern Ireland.

He was able to get some rest and felt great in the afternoon, while his final opponent would take an hour longer for his semi final win.

His opponent was Christiaan Maas (South Africa) and this first ever final between two southern hemisphere players was gripping and not decided until the final green.

On the first hole Kobori looked sure to go one up when Maas’s second shot found hedges left of the green. He then punched his third into a bunker then holed for a miracle birdie but Kobori responded with a 25 foot curling birdie to match it.

“I had a weird feeling he was going to hole it,” recalled Kobori, whose sister Momoka is well-performed women’s player in her own right.

“Christian played unbelievably. If he beat me with unbelievable golf shots I could live with it, but I knew

I had to play my game and give it my all.’’

Kobori then went two up after winning the third and fourth holes, before Maas came back to lead by one after the 10th. Kobori evened after a brilliant up and down birdie from a deep bunker on No 12. Still, even after the 16th, Maas’s tee shot on 17 came to rest behind a tree allowing Kobori to go one up with a regulation par.

Standing on the 18th tee, Kobori saw the green surrounded by fans and proceeded to provide a final highlight for the throng.

Finding the fairway, his lofted wedge shot into the green left him a 15 foot putt for birdie and the win.

“I gave it a shot and it started to dribble towards the hole,’’ Kobori said.

“It stayed on line and a foot from the hole I knew it was going in. To win a tournament that I only thought I could be a small part of is an incredible feeling” said Kobori.

Kobori walked the putt into the hole and pumped his fist in the air, joining 2008 winner Danny Lee as the second Kiwi to win the George R. Thorne Trophy.

There were three other New Zealanders in the field. Jimmy Zheng finished tied 7th, one shot ahead of Kobori in the strokeplay, a fine effort. He defeated Caden Fioroni (San Diego) easily in the round of 16 matchplay 6 and 5, but was outplayed in the quarter final 5 & 4. Jayden Ford and Sam Jones both scored 143 for two rounds, missing out on the first cut for the top 50 by just a shot.

With this win Kobori vaulted to the top of the elite amateur cup standings after leading in to his win with a seventh in the Southern Amateur and 20th at the Pacific Coast Amateur.

“I missed every cut in the series last year but made every cut this year and to finish it off with a win is incredible.”

He also has earned an exemption into the PGA Tour’s Bermuda Championship from November 9-12 plus two Korn Ferry events next season.

Kobori misses out by one shot

By Neville Idour

Kazuma Kobori missed out by just one shot on an opportunity to create history at the United States’ Amateur Championship.

The huge field of 332 played two rounds of strokeplay to decide the 64

players to play in the matchplay section of the tournament.

The first round at the 7368-yard Cherry Hills in Colorado saw him bogey two of the first four holes before recovering to even par. However, a bogey on 18 left him one over par and off the pace.

The second round at the monstrous

7642-yard Colorado Golf Club saw him play excellent golf for 13 holes to be one shot inside the cut line. Unfortunately bogeys on the 14th, a massive 514-yard par four, and another on the 462-yard 16th, proved his undoing. Needing a birdie on 18 to make the cut he could only manage par.

After his win at the Western Amateur (7193 yards), where he made the matchplay with late birdies, the fine lines between glory and missing the boat were starkly evident. Overall his campaign in the US has been a considerable success and his progress to a professional career is beckoning.

It’s a big trophy but it’s a big tournament. Canterbury golfer Kazuma Kobori struggles a little to hold the trophy after winning the Western Amateur Championship in the United States last month. Photo credit: Western Association.

Sir Bob Charles and a slice of his health regime

join Masterton Golf Club until you were 15.

“A friend and I went through Wairarapa College together. We were both in the first 11 cricket team. On the 14th March 1951 I was able to join the club. The first handicap I had was 10 and within a few weeks I was down to three. I got on a plus handicap when I was 17. Plus three was my lowest as an amateur.”

Interestingly, Charles plays tennis right-handed while with two handed sports like cricket and golf he is left-handed although he reasons quite differently and I will not try to explain it here. Suffice to say he sees it from a right perspective.

Charles said: “I have always been lean and I think golf is one of the healthiest sports you can play. An 18-hole round can be a nine or 10 kilometre walk. I am convinced that having spent so much time on a golf course and walking 18 holes at least five days a week is healthy exercise.

“Walking on grass you are cushioned. I didn’t give any thought to spending time in a gym working with machines. When I was about 13 or 14 I got a chest expander for my birthday. That was my introduction to body building.

By Neville Idour

Golfer Pacific was pleased to spend time with the iconic Sir Bob Charles, arguably New Zealand’s greatest golfer talking about life and health.

He believes his healthy lifestyle has stood him in good stead during his 87 years. So much so that he still plays regularly both with a set of hickory clubs, dating back to the beginnings of golf, and with a modern set.

Performance-wise he loses little with the hickory clubs despite the latest technology that goes into a modern set of clubs. He still comfortably beats his age in scoring. In fact on a recent visit to family in the United Kingdom he shot a 69 at Royal Wimbledon, amazingly one under par. Elsewhere in this issue we look at his UK trip in greater detail.

His parents were keen golfers which he says was a good start for a healthy lifestyle.

“Dad got down to a two handicap and was also a good cricketer while mum was a good rifle shot,’’ Charles recalled.

“They both loved their tennis when I was small living in Martinborough (in the Wairarapa). Tennis and cricket were my other two main sports. I was an opening batsman and leg spin bowler, a bit of an allrounder. I played rugby until an injury, when I was 12, ended that.

“We moved to Greytown, then to Masterton until I was 20. We were less than a mile from the golf club so I was able to play a lot. Back then you could not

“In 1972, when I was still playing the US PGA Tour, my best friend over the years, Gary Player and I were staying together in New York and he said let’s go for a run. So I did a little jogging. Gary was the epitome of health as far as exercise was concerned. He does 200 pushups every day before breakfast, that sort of thing. My motto with exercise has always been moderation. I continued a jogging programme on Gary’s advice.

“In the UK we would play tournaments at Turnberry in Scotland where the hotel is on the golf course and there is a lighthouse on the ninth hole. So two or three times a week during a tournament we would run out to the lighthouse and back, about an eight kilometre run. Gary got me very conscious of a healthy lifestyle.

“When senior golf came along at age 50 a big hospital in Los Angeles set up at an event and did free health checks. Took your blood pressure and gave you every kind of physical test.”

Then the hospital decided to put a huge truck at events with treadmills, cycles, weights and other fitness aids for players to use.

“So I religiously used that facility and I would spend about 30 minutes using it, generally after a round, unlike these days where some guys might go into the gym for about an hour working out before they play. So this went on for many years on tour. The other good thing about the trucks was they were staffed with physiotherapists and masseurs who would treat any niggles you might have.

What about other health regimes?

“I enjoyed swimming and used hot tubs and saunas which are good for relaxation after doing my exercises. I generally used the same programme of

exercise each time. Everything I did was in moderation including meals.

So what about diet?

“Gary Player has been a big influence. Alcohol is definitely in moderation and preferably in the evening during a meal with friends. I try not to drink alone. My wife Verity does not drink alcohol.’’

Of course, Charles has never smoked.

How about food and supplements?

“I started with a multi vitamin then got into reading and I have been taking Deer Velvet for over 40 years. It is good for tendons, ligaments and cartilage. It certainly has been for me. The only drug I have ever used was probably a steroid for tennis elbow to enable me to continue competing. Now I have been having problems with arthritis in my hands and could hardly grip the golf club at the end of last year. However I was prescribed an anti inflammatory which helped me quickly and after a month I have weaned myself down to two a week.

“As for food I think nutrition is very important. Moderation with red meat and I like to eat a lot of vegetables and fruit. I also have oatmeal porridge with flaxseed oil and seeds like pumpkin. I am also fond of nuts, particularly almonds and cashews. Manuka honey is another favourite. If you are good to your body, it will be good to you back. I try to avoid fried food and barbeques.

“In the end I think golf is an incredibly healthy exercise when I think of all the miles I have walked around the world playing golf chasing after a little white ball. For me, exercise, healthy lifestyle and good nutrition has been the elixir for longevity.”

Sir Bob Charles and and great friend Gary Player from South Africa.

Sir Bob Charles and his wife Verity.

Sir Bob shoots 69 in the UK

he and wife Verity was to visit family in Wimbledon where his daughter Beverly lives.

However there was a second reason he explained.

“It was a good opportunity to escape the New Zealand winter and get some nice warmer weather where I could play golf,’’ Sir Bob recalled.

“I don’t play winter golf in New Zealand now, so it was great to get away for five weeks and play five rounds of golf. I would like to have got in more but the weather wasn’t great and I didn’t have a car.”

Another bonus for Sir Bob was he caught up with good friend Gary Player.

“We had a lovely round at the Edinburgh course at Wentworth with my daughter and a lady friend from Canada which we had played before and know quite well.

most expensive clubs to join in the UK.”

Apparently it is currently at least 200,000 pounds to join, then around 25,000 pounds annually.

The following week Charles played Beaverbrook, a Tom Watson design, another course with a 200,000 pounds joining fee. It is named after Lord Beaverbrook, as the land was formerly his estate, Beaverbrook was a member of parliament during the second world war and was tasked by Winston Churchill to speed up the production of the spitfire fighter planes which he did very successfully. Much of the club’s apparel has spitfire logos and the scorecard also sports a spitfire.

almost 10 years.’’

By Neville Idour

Sir Bob Charles, on a recent visit with family in England, not only found time for some golf but shot a remarkable 69 at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.

Charles, 87, said the main purpose for

“It was my first round of golf in over two months. I shot 76 and Gary shot 78. I was happy with that and it was a great get together as I hadn’t seen Gary in 12 months.”

“The following week I played Queenwood in Surrey, a relatively new course with a lot of heather and gorse. I shot 74 from the white tees at 5930 yards. The Queenwood Club is probably one of the

Turning back to the golf, Charles said he was just one over par with six holes to go and finished six over par with 79, his poorest score over there. His final two rounds were both at Royal Wimbledon where his daughter and wife’s nephew are members. It is a 6067-yard course.

Charles continued: “I was four over par playing 18, then holed a wedge shot from 100 yards for a two and a 72, resulting in a kiss for the golf ball.

“My second round was my best round and that was exciting because I had 15 pars, two birdies and one bogey for a 69. That is the first time I have broken 70 in

Four of the par fours he couldn’t reach in two shots making it a real challenge to get down in two more shots for par. One of the par threes was 202 yards and required a five wood shot which Ianded on the green, but three putted for a bogey.

“I only had 28 putts and was holing pretty much everything inside 15 feet.”

Charles said he was putting as well as ever.

Charles watched The Open on television and understandably he was thrilled to see left hander Brian Harman from the United States win. Harman became just the third left-hander to win The Open following Sir Bob in 1963 and Phil Mickelson in 2013.

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.

Sir Bob Charles shows his golf ball after scoring an eagle at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club in England in July.

The Beaverbrook Golf Club scorecard with a picture of a spitfire on the left-hand side.

Do we need a ball for the pros and a ball for the rest of us?

By Neville Idour

Golf’s governing bodies have finally made a decision about the bifurcation (dividing something into two parts) of the golf ball.

It means elite golfers and recreational golfers will be using different balls from January, 2026, should it be approved by the world’s PGA tours.

A new model local rule will allow competition organisers to enforce it to ensure the players are using the balls that go a shorter distance than current models available.

The aim is to reduce the distance of the longest hitters by 14-15 yards, on average to 317 yards, with a three yard variance.

Apparently there has been a four percent year over year increase in hitting distances across all seven tours analysed. The model local rule is a specific one that tournament organisers can choose to use or not to use.

The R&A and United States Golf Association say the increased distances being hit are threatening golf’s future and the various playing skills that should determine success.

Add to this the move towards lengthening courses which adds to the cost and also the time to play a round. R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers maintains they have worked closely with the golf industry and listened to the feedback provided. But have they really listened, as we will see later?

The question has to be asked, have they listened to the players? It is difficult to find any players in favour or anyone other than the decision makers for that matter. Let us look at some of the comments on what has been a contentious issue boiling under the surface for some years.

One of the more rational and thinking players Adam Scott, who is chairman of the players’ advisory council. He said there would be a lot of opposition from players.

“I’m not sure throwing a blanket on the golf ball is the way to do it,’’ Scott said.

“I don’t like bifurcating either. The ball is the ball, but the driver went from the hardest club to hit to the most forgiving. I want to see better evidence for making a drastic change now after listening to the decision makers and representatives from Bridgestone, Titleist and Callaway. The penalty for missing a driver isn’t high enough now, at the top level. Maybe address that first.”

Brian Harman said he was sceptical about whether reducing the distance the golf balls travel in elite golf would benefit shorter hitters.

Said Harman: “There hasn’t been any change or golf course design that’s helped a shorter hitter in 30 years.”

The backlash has come from players and manufacturers alike.

Bryson DeChambeau described it as “atrocious and will work against bigger hitters. It is the most unimaginative, uninspiring thing you could do.”

Jon Rahm, another of the more rational thinkers, questioned why the focus is on changing the ball, when course design could be the answer.

“The USGA are hyper focussed on making professional golf a little more difficult than it already is. There is plenty more they could do to make it more difficult, like course setup and design.”

Taylormade has questioned the move and is seeking feedback it can present to the governing bodies.

Titleist said: “The plans are a solution in search of a problem. One of golf’s unifying appeals is that everyone plays by the same set of rules, the same courses and with the same equipment.

“Bifurcation will divide golf between elite and recreational play, add confusion and break the link that is part of the game’s enduring fabric.” Telling words indeed.

Bridgestone is concerned the change could confuse and dampen the enthusiasm of millions of new participants to golf.

Think of the many professionals who happily give golf balls to eager fans and volunteers. Will they need to carry the balls recreational golfers use as well as the “pro” balls.

Rickie Fowler doesn’t like bifurcation at all. He said: “Why can’t we just freeze it where we are. The game has never been in a better place.”

Sam Burns said what’s best for the game is what is happening now as the game is in a strong place.

Scottie Scheffler said golf course designs and re-designs are likely having a bigger impact than technology and the golf ball. Courses taking out trees and the usual natural obstacles to big hitting has helped golfers smash the ball into bigger landing areas.

Said Scheffler: “Look at Hilton Head and Colonial that have stood the test of time. They are placement golf courses. Look at The Players (Sawgrass), players can’t overpower it. It is more about design than the golf ball.”

Look at Augusta National where they keep moving tee boxes back to stop players overpowering the course. Why not make subtle changes to provide more challenges from tee to green?

Bubba Watson was blunt and made some telling points.

“I don’t like it,’’ Watson said.

“Commercialism is paying all these bills for the USGA and others, and now you are asking them to spend millions of dollars to change a ball or design a new one and other things. Just because

you hit it further doesn’t mean it goes straighter.”

He said other sports celebrate excellence and pushing the envelope. Why limit golfers?

“The sport is at an all time high, so don’t mess with it. Let’s just keep it growing. That’s my short answer.”

Rory McIlroy is against the change calling the R&A and USGA distance insights’ report a huge waste of time and money.

“They are trying to change something that relates to 0.1 percent of golfers,’’ McIlroy said.

Justin Thomas agreed it was not necessary to change the ball. Lee Westwood said golf was in a good place.

“Why panic. I think it’s exciting to watch right now. I don’t see the problem,” Thomas said.

Nick Faldo suggested in 2020 a change in the driver face.

“There might be some serious mishits,’’ Faldo said.

“There would be a real sweet spot whereas now it is a sweet face.”

Ernie Els sees changes in course conditions as the answer.

“Golf courses don’t need to be longer. Make the tour rough knee high and the fairways firm and fast which is fair for all.”

Administrators Mike Davis and Fred Ridley both express concerns about the ongoing lengthening of courses to combat distance without saying outright that bifurcation is the answer.

Interestingly the PGA Tour has said it will not accept bifurcation. Nor at a recent meeting of the world’s various PGA tours, including New Zealand, was there a mood for acceptance.

In fact with what appears to be all of the PGA Tours unified against the move currently, the R&A and USGA need to open their ears and really listen to all the stakeholders of golf. They are saying maintain the status quo, get much more data and feedback from these stakeholders before contemplating any change.

As for those in favour of a rollback Tiger Woods has expressed his agreement as has Patrick Cantlay who said: “The ball needs to go shorter. They can’t keep moving the tees back.”

Jack Nicklaus raised the issue in the 1970s and Gary Player said: “If we don’t do something the ball goes 500 yards. Cut the ball back 50 yards for pros, not for members. Let members play with anything and keep the long putter against their chest. They are two different games.”

They certainly will be if we listen to him. Paul McGinley is another to be in favour of the rollback.

So what do we make of all these reactions?

There is no doubt the bifurcation of the golf ball decision has not met with significant approval. The consensus is very much against the move and many of the reasons given make very good sense.

Titleist’s comments about division that will be created are hard to argue against. The suggestions to maybe limit the ball distances and the clubhead horsepower to the current standards possibly makes good sense.

Of course the obvious move for golf courses hosting the world’s best to make is to cease the obsession with combating length. Rather, why not shorten the length and create more difficulty tee to green thereby giving the shorter hitters a more even playing field.

Narrower fairways and deeper second cut rough will penalise the wayward drives along with strategic bunkering. There are already many short driveable par fours on the tours that are setup as risk/reward holes which are no easy beats.

By taking this approach smashing the ball will no longer be the number one go to. The obsession with par, aka the United States Open, needs to go. The score will be the score and a more even playing field will result for the longer or shorter hitters.

To conclude I will defer to Sir Bob Charles. He plays with his modern set and his hickory set of clubs. His modern top brand big headed driver only delivers 10 percent more length than his small headed hickory driver. So where is the problem? It isn’t either the ball or the club.

As some players have said the increases in physical stature, strength and fitness are the main reasons for the increasing distances. What do readers think? We welcome your comments.

Stop Press: The latest development has seen the world alliance of PGAs send a memorandum to the USGA signed by nine PGAs, calling for the ruling bodies (USGA and R&A) to pause and reconsider the unintended consequences of the proposed change.

“We fear that the proposed changes could seriously interrupt the current momentum in the game and be damaging and detrimental in the long run.

“We are also very aware of sets of data that conflict with the R&A and USGA materials ... we ask that the R&A and USGA extend the consultation period to allow a review of the conflicting data being presented, and also for more data to be gathered to prove or disprove if change is required.”

With all that in mind it could be a lengthy never ending process. As they say, watch this space.

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Waimairi Golf Club thriving after rebuild

By Neville Idour

Waimairi Beach Golf Club in Christchurch, which was devastated by the earthquakes in 2010-11, has re emerged almost unrecognisable as a modern thriving place to enjoy both golf and social interaction.

The rebuilding of the course was a huge undertaking along with the resiting of the wonderfully appointed new clubhouse, pro shop and restaurant/café.

The current golf boom has not bypassed Waimairi with strong membership growth ongoing. However it has reached a point where the membership must be protected from saturation. So the numbers are going to be managed at around 730.

We spoke with Kristine Kerr of Kura Golf Course Design who was tasked with the design and rebuild of the course. We asked how her involvement came about.

“The 2010 earthquake caused some course damage then in 2011 the clubhouse was damaged beyond repair,’’ Kerr said.

“The golf contractor and I approached them with a concept to re-lay the course and put the clubhouse in a more central position so we could reconfigure the course around it. We also spoke to hydrologists about liquefaction and what it causes to ground levels.

“We would raise the golf features, particularly the greens and tees and also the fairways. Then leave the low areas as waste and wetlands so they

could be sacrificial in the event of another earthquake.

“Because there were beautiful sandy soils we were able to re-route the course quite easily and affordably by moving the dirt just once. So we were able to build the 13 holes in record time of about a year. The whole process was quite seamless.

“So in making a presentation to the members at the AGM I think all who attended were in favour and we were able to get on to it quite quickly. Nine holes were kept open the entire time.

“We finished 13 new holes with five remaining. Over the next two seasons we did two more holes.”

At that point Kerr felt that the members just wanted 18 holes to play and the re-design of the remaining three wasn’t that important as long as they were repaired and playable. The manager at the time of the work was excel-

lent to work with.

The end result is a links’ style layout, which although not long, has enough challenges to keep any golfer aware of the importance of good course management. An excellent variety of lengths and design together with some ominous obstacles to avoid, such as the wetland areas, hazards and well placed bunkers, make for an interesting round. There are four tee blocks. The longest is 5,693 metres and the shortest just 3005 metres, perfect for learners.

The variety in design is quite striking. Some of the standout holes are No 2, a par four of 325 metres from the white tees which features a fairly sharp dogleg left with bunkers each side of the green. Hole six is another par four of 346 metres with fairway bunkering left to avoid and a large bunker partially protecting the green.

The 13th, a 414 metre par five, is a

triple dogleg, initially significantly right, requiring good positioning of the tee shot. Then it gently doglegs left before finishing with another gentle dogleg right to the green which has a large bunker protecting the left half of the green. A very clever layout that will retain your attention.

The 17th is a not inconsiderable 158 metre par three to a slightly raised green with water to clear and/or avoid.

The closing 18th hole, a par five, is the longest hole at 457 metres from the blue tees and the second longest by a metre at 426 metres from the white tees. It is a nice finishing hole with very gentle twists, a couple of bunkers off the fairway and some gnarly rough on the right approaching the green. All in all a course to be enjoyed no matter the standard of golf.

With a driving range and two practice putting greens, players are well served before play. Green fees for 18 holes are $45 affiliated or $70 not. Carts are $40 for visitors. The club professional Andy Sams offers a wide range of golf gear in the pro shop and does individual and group coaching sessions.

The club is also known, especially locally for its hospitality. The excellent clubhouse café is open to the general public and is usually abuzz with those enjoying their coffee and food along with panoramic views of the course. The facilities at Waimairi are perfect for functions, conferences or meetings. Yes Waimairi is certainly thriving.

Another view of the newly constructed Waimairi Golf Club in Christchurch.

One of the new holes at the Waimairi Golf Club in Christchurch.

The new clubhouse at the Waimairi Golf Club in Christchurch.

Where has your game gone Lydia? NEWS

until late 2016, then it was Gary Gilchrist followed by Ted Oh.

ty time together. Her best finish in seven events since then has been 33rd.

die relationships. Thirteen caddies in 10 years says something about them.

By Neville Idour

Ihave held off till the final major championship of the year had finished in the hope that Lydia Ko would rediscover her mojo at the Women’s Open in England.

Unfortunately, that was not to be. Despite managing eight birdies in the first two rounds, usually enough to make the cut for Ko, 12 dropped shots ensured she missed another cut.

At the previous major, the Evian Championship in France, the scene of one of her two major titles, she began with a hiss and a roar with a flawless five-birdie first round to be in second place.

Four bogeys and a triple in the second round killed that although she made the cut. A five over final round left her at the tail of the field. This is the first season she has gone without a major top 10 finish.

After her stunning 21 under par win to start the year at the Saudi International, it seems like a complete mystery that her form could disappear so much, so quickly.

She followed that with a sixth in Thailand. But apart from two third placings at Aramco Team Series events her finishes have been 31st, 34th, 80th, 43rd, 33rd, 82nd, 57th, 33rd, 65th, 61st and 89th.

Certainly not vintage Ko, despite when being questioned before the Open, she said her game was coming together with her swing coach Ted Oh.

Strange when her game through 2021 and 2022 with Sean Foley and her win first-up in 2023 suggested her game was very much together during her time with Foley who took her from outside the top 50 to number one again. In 2022 she produced 13 top five finishes including three wins. Simply outstanding. So, her split with Foley early this year for “logistical” reasons raises so many questions.

Her list of coaches is illuminating. Guy Wilson, who set her on the way nicely in New Zealand, David Leadbetter, who was with her through most of her PGA wins,

Oh took her through 10 events with just one top 10 then finally a win at the Mediheal Championship and his curriculum vitae says “he single-handedly helped her capture the 2018 event.”

His other claim to fame was that he removed David Leadbetter’s A-Swing loop at the top of her back swing. Clearly, Oh was not the answer as her form fell away again hence what followed was more coaches with David Whelan and Jorge Parada briefly used. Her dark years were 2018 and 2019 as her ranking dropped out of the top 50.

With Ko’s game needing a major rethink Foley was asked to help and the results were almost immediate as he rebuilt her game.

Ko said: “When I first met Sean, I was in a place where I didn’t have confidence in myself and my game. Over the past two years he has helped me evolve as a better player and person. Our time together was full of learning and laughter. Sean will always be a close friend.”

Foley, unlike many coaches didn’t rip her game apart. He helped her find her swing again and bring enjoyment in the process back to where it used to be.

Her successes in 2022 validated his work with her. As for Foley he speaks glowingly of Lydia and their time together. He even admitted that when he started with Ko “I was at a cross roads in my career. After 13 years working on the PGA Tour having accomplished much, trying to be a husband and father but not present in either, how could I feel so empty. Next day I get a phone call from Lydia. As we began to work I started to remember why I started to do this for a living in the first place. I develop as I develop others.”

It would be illuminating to know why and how “logistics” have ended the arrangement.

After all, Ryan Fox still retains his New Zealand coach Marcus Wheelhouse with no hint of distance an insurmountable problem. So, what now for Ko?

In May she was asked how her game was and revealed she had gone back to Oh and they were putting in some quali-

The ultimate proof that Ko’s trademark game has almost disappeared is in comparing her statistics for 2022 and 2023 so far.

Under Foley in 22 events in 2022 she ranked first in six of the 15 relevant stats and top 10 in four others.

After 11 events in 2023 she has only two top 10 stats and one top 30. She still holds her own in putting although from first in putts per green in regulation and second in putting average in 2022 this year it is 10th and fifth.

Key stats for driving accuracy, greens in regulation, sand saves and scoring Average are all significantly worse. Her scoring average per round last year of 68.99 was first whereas in 2023 at 71.68 she is 65th. That represents a difference of almost 11 shots over a four round event.

The other significant common factor in timing with her loss of form is the caddie train. Her first loss of form period was marked by the change of both coach and caddie and the advent of Oh. Her caddie train is breathtakingly long. She is said to be volatile with her caddies. In her rookie year she had seven caddies, Henderson, Lubin, Wallington, Kay, Jojola, Cowan and Johnson. Since then no caddie has lasted more than two years.

Many fine caddies are amongst the procession of Jason Hamilton, Gary Matthews, Peter Godfrey, Jonny Scott, Derek Kistler and recently announced by Ko’s sister and manager Sura, David Jones.

Jones in fact caddied for her at the 2021 Lotte Championship where Ko won by seven shots. He has caddied for several winners on tours including major winners.

The change came as a shock after Kistler had been on her bag for most of 2021 and all of her brilliant 2022 season. So why the change? No reason was given. Jones has not been able to assist a form reversal so far.

Some of her former caddies have said they were disappointed or frustrated with their treatment by Ko or her team. Matthews told golf magazine Golf World that Ko needed to wake up with her cad-

Ko has not explained why but said she values the communication and chemistry with them. Jason Hamilton is a standout having been with her for 10 of her 15 LPGA wins. Why the many changes? Is it her personality or looking for improvement and perfection or even a lack of confidence?

Despite the ups and downs Ko’s overall consistency has been special with finishes in the top 10 in more than 40 percent of her starts on the LPGA Tour.

However, one has to ask has she fulfilled her remarkable potential. The constant changes in coaches and caddies have surely not been conducive to a constantly settled environment.

What might she have achieved if she had only had three coaches on her curriculum vitae — Guy Wilson, David Leadbetter and Sean Foley. Maybe the two slumps in form would have been avoided. Some golf “experts” do not like Leadbetter, but I will not cast judgement as Ko’s record until his sacking was superb.

So what next for Ko? Maybe it is time for another phone call to Sean Foley or as she said a year or so ago will she retire when she is about 27 years old to pursue other interests?  She is 26.

Postscript: At the recent Canadian Open, Ko again was off the pace. She made the cut but was back in the field at two over par.

However her third round may well have been her worst as a professional at 10 over par. A birdie on the first hole was followed by four consecutive bogeys and a double bogey from the third hole then five more bogeys on the back nine.

Her final round one over par was much better but still left her solo last of those that made the cut.

Her tournament stats were so unlike her. Twenty six fairways hit, just 38 greens in regulation and one sand save from seven.

Ko, at her best, would be a great loss to the women’s game if this form continues unabated.

Golf participation continues to surge worldwide

World golf governing body The R&A last month announced new global participation figures that show an additional 10 million adult golfers are playing the sport worldwide since 2016.

According to new research undertaken by The R&A, there are now 39.6 million on-course golfers (9 and 18 hole) in R&A affiliated markets, which does not include the United States. The figure also does not include people who go to a driving range or play par three courses.

The research figures indicate that the growth trend began before the onset of covid-19 and continued during the pandemic – up 34 percent from 29.6 million on-course golfers in 2016. The sport has since continued to increase in popularity post-pandemic, up 15 percent from 34.5 million on-course players in 2020.

The data is provided in a new global golf participation report, which for the first time, collectively measures The R&A’s affiliated markets in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania.

The report also highlights that 61.2 million adults (outside the USA and Mexico) engage with the sport in some format, which is the first time an es-

timate has been made beyond oncourse activity to include alternative-only formats, such as par three golf, indoor simulator golf and driving range use.

Phil Anderton, chief development officer at The R&A, said: “Golf’s popularity has surged in recent years, which is reflected in a notable increase in the number of people playing the sport in

both traditional on-course and alternative formats.

“It is significant that 10 million more golfers are playing on the course since 2016, but it is also important that millions of others are engaged in golf through many other alternative formats, such as driving ranges, which are so vital to the growth of the sport.

“It also underlines why effective

and impactful participation programmes are important for encouraging more people into the sport and retaining them in greater numbers. We are working closely with our affiliated national federations and stakeholders within golf to sustain this momentum.

We thank them for their efforts as we aim to ensure that golf is thriving for years to come.”

The top five on-course adult golfer markets outside the United States overall in 2023 are in Japan (8.1 million), Canada (5.6 million), Republic of Korea (5.4 million), England (3.4 million) and Germany (2.1 million).

Asia is the leading region for people engaging with golf among R&A affiliated regions, with total adult engagement of 22.5 million. Europe is next highest with 21.1 million adult engagement.

Women make up almost a quarter of adult registered golfers in R&A affiliated markets worldwide, demonstrating the positive impact of initiatives focused on promoting greater diversity and inclusivity in golf.

The R&A is continuing its commitment to invest £200 million over 10 years in developing golf, including sustained work to encourage participation by promoting the health benefits of the sport through a global campaign.

Golf participation is surging around the world, according to a report from The R&A. Photo credit: The R&A.

R&A and Golf NZ link with DotGolf

World golf governing body The R&A and Golf New Zealand are forming a partnership in the international golf technology solutions provider DotGolf.

The New Zealand-based company was formed in 1999 and is a Ieading provider of technology solutions for golf clubs and organisations.

The new strategic partnership will see The R&A and Golf New Zealand each take a 50 percent equity stake in DotGolf.  Murray Ward will continue in his role as chairman of DotGolf, with The R&A and Golf New Zealand both having two directors on its board.  Recently resigned chief executive of Golf

New Zealand, Dean Murphy will become chief executive of DotGolf.

The DotGolf technology is already used by national associations in New Zealand, England,  Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with Australia taking it up from 2024. The joint investment by the two organisations in DotGolf aims to help the company, which employs 25 staff and is headquartered in Auckland, enhance the suite of technology products it offers and develop new technology platforms that can help attract more people into golf. The partnership will also develop multi-lingual solutions along with other tools for the utilisation of data and monitoring.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We have a long-term vision for how golf can thrive in the future and a large part of that is based on embracing technological solutions that can bring more people into the game and enhance services to golfers. Golf is a global sport and we believe DotGolf has huge potential to deliver cutting edge platforms and solutions to the industry.”

Michael Smith, chairman of Golf New Zealand, said: “DotGolf has been a fantastic success story, and we are very proud of our people and the progress we have made in New Zealand and international markets. We are delighted

to now partner with The R&A to support the future growth of DotGolf. We believe The R&A is the ideal partner given our strong alignment in values, and our shared ambition to support the growth of golf.”

While DotGolf offers platforms to help clubs and national associations administer handicaps under the world handicap system, which is jointly governed worldwide by The R&A and USGolf Association), all accredited independent software vendors will continue to have unfettered access to world handicap system, which will remain platform agnostic.

Tee times filling up as players register for next year’s Māori golf open

Championship, the event’s youth and masters divisions next year are being held at the Te Marua Golf Club, while the competition’s men’s and women’s grades will take to the fairways of Shandon Golf Club.

Playing numbers are limited to the first 300 registrations, with entries closing on December 15. On offer to the winner of the men’s senior grade is an automatic entry to the New Zealand Open in Queenstown.

The New Zealand Māori Golf National Championship was first played in 1932. Previous winners of the Māori golf title include such high-profile players as Michael Campbell and Phil Tataurangi, who both went on to successfully play professional golf on the global stage after winning the New Zealand trophy.

Interest is growing for participation at the 2024 New Zealand Māori Golf National Championship being played in the Wellington in the second week of January – with a quarter of the available spots already booked out.

Played over five days from January 8-12, the New Zealand Māori Golf National Championship embraces multiple matchplay and stableford competition formats across various age and gender groups – allowing participation by players of all abilities, from semi-social golfers through to professionals.

Because of the sheer volume of participants who sign up annually to the New Zealand Māori Golf National

Māori Golf National Championship facilitator and New Zealand Golf Māori development manager Aroha Tito said she confidently expected the event’s playing register to be fully booked out before Christmas – with the final remaining spots being forecast to be snapped up once players confirmed their holiday plans in the lead up to the event.

Said Tito: “The Māori Golf National Championship is not only a chance for New Zealand’s best Māori golfers to compete at a high standard amongst their peers, but also the opportunity for friends and whānau to catch up on the fairways for a spot of healthy fun-filled rivalry. And of course, the after match gatherings are a legendary part of the camaraderie that players come back for year after year.”

Entries for the 2024 New Zealand Māori Golf Nation-

al Championship are $200 for rangatahi players, $285 for kaumatua playing at Te Marua, and $320 per person for those playing at Shandon. Registration can be completed through the Golf NZ Tournament page www.golf. co.nz/national-championships.

Michael Campell, another New Zealand Maori Open winner.

Phil Tautarangi who is a previous winner of the New Zealand Maori National Open.

Hollywood star Kathryn Newton to help promote golf

Hollywood actress Kathryn Newton will use her star power to support The R&A’s drive to make more people aware of the benefits of playing golf and inspire new audiences to take up the sport as a global development ambassador.

Newton, 26, has previously starred in Big Little Lies, The Society, Golden Globe and BAFTA award-winning Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and returned to big screens around the world in Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Having amassed 2.4 million followers on social media, Newton will use these platforms to post about her love for golf and what she enjoys most about the sport in order to encourage fans to pick up a golf club for the first time through The R&A’s recently launched development initiative golf.golf.

Newton, who started playing golf aged four, competing at the age of eight and now plays

off a handicap of four, said: “I love playing golf and really want to show everyone why it’s such a good sport so that we can get them playing too.

Golf is a chance to be outside, spend time with friends and be active. There are so many great things about the sport and I can’t wait to share them

with my audiences.”

Phil Anderton, chief development officer at The R&A, said: “Golf has experienced a surge of interest with partic-

ipation rising worldwide and so we need to capitalise on this opportunity for the sport by continuing the momentum.

“It is why we are working closely with Kathryn and our other ambassadors to position golf to millions of people as a fun activity that can be enjoyed by everyone, while debunking some of the unhelpful perceptions that exist.

“Kathryn is an avid golfer who is enthusiastic about getting more people into golf and we are grateful for her commitment towards supporting our aim of ensuring golf is thriving 50 years from now.”

Newton joins major champion Michelle Wie West, football superstar Gareth Bale and global music sensation Niall Horan as global development ambassadors appointed by The R&A to utilise the power of influencers from the sports and entertainment industries to broaden golf’s appeal and image.

Up to six guests offered modern, three bedroom home on edge of picturesque Morrinsville Golf Club only 90 minutes from Auckland, New Zealand. Another 12 courses within 30 minutes’ drive. Two bathrooms, Sky TV, spa pool. $250 per night (two guests) – minimum six nights. Additional guests $50.00pn. One golf cart included, additional by arrangement. Discounted golf fees (TBA).

Available from approx. December 20, 2023 to January 31, 2024. Other dates could be considered.

Inquiries to: Dennis Trotter trot@actrix.co.nz | +(64) 21 900 028

Hollywood actress Kathryn Newton who plays off a four handicap and has been appointed a global development ambassador for The R&A. Photo credit: The R&A.

Enjoy a holiday at the home of the

“Sleepy Golfer”

By Neville Idour

LA GOLF — PUSHING THE ENVELOPE

LA Golf is an equipment company that is making waves on the golf scene with its innovative shaft manufacture.

The Beverly Hills company entered the market in 2021. Founder Reed Dickens’ company Marucci Sports had produced the number one bat in baseball, shocking the industry.

Dickens’ pro player attitude attracted several PGA Tour players. One of them was Bryson DeChambeau looking at design for his own shaft. Dustin Johnson and Michelle Wie West are also involved as partners and board members. LA Golf shafts have been used by Sergio Garcia, Tommy Fleetwood, Tom Kim and Rickie Fowler.

Their approach to putters is shaking tradition. Asked why putters are made from solid steel and flat faces Dickens said there was no reason. So they have made the first ever carbon putter.

Their gen 2 carbon putters feature a shaft that is torsionally stable to reduce club head twisting at impact. The anti vibration material gives a very soft feel. The putter face features descending loft technology which makes the ball roll immediately, whereas on a flat face the ball skips and skids off it. The face is curved from top to bottom.

LA Golf is also about to launch a premium four-piece ball as it looks to make a big impression on the golf equipment market.

DECHAMBEAU CHANGES TO KRANK DRIVER

At the Greenbrier LIV event in August, Bryson DeChambeau shot 68, 61 and an almost unbelievable 58. All with his new Krank Formula Fire LD driver on board. Gone were his Cobra followed by TaylorMade. Krank is best known for the 20 Long Drive Championships won.

DeChambeau’s driver is set to six degrees of loft, has a Project X T1100 shaft, 46 inches long. He said: “It is the best driver I have had in the last five years.”  Why? Foregiveness and durability seem to be the keys and the loft manages the spin rate. The head, a handmade forged face cup is made from durable hardened beta titanium. The face, unlike most drivers, is made to withstand blows of more than 175mph. In the past DeChambeau has often cracked the face of his drivers. He has often said he wants to find a driver that will find the fairway even when he hits it off centre. (Wouldn’t we all?) After using the Krank at Greenbrier DeChambeau said: “It isn’t necessarily my swing. Hit it on the toe, on the heel and everything comes back down the middle of the fairway, so it is pick up the tee and let’s go.”

The company owner Lance Reader is a former long drive professional who was sick of breaking drivers, so he decided to make one.

“We are 100 maybe 1,000 times more durable,’’ Reader said.

Reader knew of DeChambeau’s issues knowing he could help, but waited till he was contacted late in July. A driver was sent to try and the rest is history.

It was love at first sight and virtually days later came that 61 and 58. DeChambeau wanted to know why the Krank had 60 percent less curve on the ball flight than any other driver he had tested.

Reader’s reply was: “Our drivers are extremely straight hitting because they have very little body and face deformation on impact.”

As DeChambeau said even though he wasn’t swinging his best “it shows how important equipment is. In fact equipment contracts now aren’t necessarily as important as the prizemoney.”

It is probably a mark of the man that DeChambeau is happy to play with Krank without any big money deal. His priority is the clubs not the money. Krank has a great deal and what an irony … the affectionately known “mad scientist” playing with a Krank.

NEW ZEALAND OPEN VOLUNTEER UPDATE

New Zealand bank SBS Bank has extended its sponsorship of the  New Zealand Open volunteer programme for a further two years.

The number of volunteer registrations already received has been overwhelming. Together with individual registrations and the adopt-a-hole,  club numbers had surpassed 450 by mid-August.

A total of 500 is expected to be the ultimate number required so the simple message is if you haven’t registered don’t delay as you may miss out. Anyone who is thinking of doing it for the first time, don’t hesitate. It is a great experience and volunteers are well looked after with nice gear and excellent food.        ST CLAIR MAKING

CHANGES

St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin continues to thrive.

Very strong increased membership numbers are nearing 900, a huge lift from before covid-19.

The upstairs lounge bar renovations are complete while the pro shop now has a simulator operating which is providing club professional Patrick Moore a welcome indoor coaching facility. As golf shops go it would be difficult to find a better stocked one.

On course, a re-shaping of one of the best holes is in the planning stages. The par four third hole has been an ongoing problem with big hitters pulling tee shots out of bounds onto the road and ending up on properties on the far side.

Kristine Kerr of Kura Golf Course Design has been engaged to produce a refined detailed plan for the club’s board to seek costs. Generally the plan involves re-aligning the fairway to encourage play to the right side of the fairway which is away from the road.

Planting of trees along the left side together with bunkers, and removing some trees to the right should do the trick. It will change the character of this undulat-

ing hole, but in this writer’s (ex member) opinion not for the worse. It will add an extra strategic approach to the tee shot.

MEAT THE NEED FUNDRAISER MEETS THE NEED

A story that appeared in the Timaru Courier newspaper is worth relating.

The Meat The Need charity hosted its first regional golf day fundraiser recently at the Waimate Golf Club. A farmer-led initiative it raised much needed funds for foodbanks in South Canterbury.

Twenty teams totalling 80 players competed in the popular ambrose format. The winning team was Barry Matthews’  Rats Team from North Otago. More than 25 sponsors were involved contributing  with hole sponsorships, prizes and auction items. The top auction came from John and Cara Gregan with an On-Farm Airbnb stay.

The fun-filled day far exceeded expectations, raising an amazing total of 11,308 mince meals for distribution to Waimate and Timaru food banks.

GOLF SIMULATOR AT TIMARU SCHOOL

Another Timaru Courier story related that Mountain View High School in Timaru has installed a golf simulator in a most progressive approach to providing the best active options for students. It stemmed from an approach to staff by pupils asking if the school could include golf as a sporting option.

School principal Kenny Diamond said this was an opportunity to get pupils out in the fresh air playing golf. Parents were advised and 12 pupils showed interest. So the simulator was chosen because of ease of use and being weatherproof and because it was less challenging for beginners.

However, cost looked like it would stymie the project until a Queenstown man sold his to them for a bargain price because it would not fit in his house.

The school hopes to eventually have it available for local people to enjoy. A year nine pupil on a nine  handicap has been playing since she was a six-year-old.

Kashvi Panghal and her younger sister

are both keen golfers and are pleased they can play the simulator when the weather is wet.

CELINE BOUTIER CLAIMS FIRST MAJOR AT HOME — AND THEN WINS AGAIN NEXT START

French woman Celine Boutier, one of the elite LPGA Tour players without a major win, achieved that goal on home ground in the Evian Championship in July.

She didn’t just win but ran away with a six shot margin from Canadian Brooke Henderson. On the final day it was a onehorse race as she scored a three under par to match or better her closest pursuers to finish at 14 under for the tournament.

Then to show that was no flash in the pan she went back to back with another convincing win in the Scottish Open. Following a six under par third round she began the final round three shots up.

Patty Tavatanakit closed to within one shot after five holes but Boutier birdied to lead by three after nine. A run of six  birdies in seven holes took A Lim Kim to within two shots.

Boutier was ahead by one shot after 16 but a long birdie on 17 and a par on 18 saw her home by two shots. Ranking third in the world now she is the form player currently.

RYDER CUP INTRIGUE

Zach Johnson will have named his United States’ team for the Ryder Cup by the time this is read.

Johnson had more than hinted that Brooks Koepka had done enough to make the team. Bryson DeChambeau after his great run of form with a fourth at the PGA Championship, second  at LIV Golf Valderama, 20th at the US Open and his sensational win at the Greenbrier seemed to also have done enough.

He and Scottie Scheffler were a good partnership last time out. Dustin Johnson, who was the best scorer for the US last time, may also have made it as a captain’s pick.

Heartland rural golf club raises $21,000 for cancer society at charity tournament

By Scott Cordes, Golf New Zealand public relations & communications manager

Golfers from across the mid-Northland region turned out in their droves to support Hikurangi Golf Club’s annual Daffodil Day tournament recently — raising $21,000 for the New Zealand Cancer Society in the process.

A packed field of some 144 golfers took part in the fund-raising 18-hole event, now in its 19th year, which has raised a stunning $293,056 for the Northland branch of the New Zealand Cancer Society over its history.

Golfing foursome teams came from across the mid-Northland area to participate in the fun-filled tournament, including handy fairway hitters from the northern Wairoa, Northland, Paparoa, Waiotira, Ngunguru, Whangaroa and The Pines golf clubs, all joined by a strong contingent from the home club.

Hikurangi Golf Club president Felice Croft said she was amazed at the support from the region’s golfing community, and by the dozens of local companies,  along with club members who contributed a huge array of prizes, and

took part in the fairway fun. The winning team, whose prize was a fishing/ diving day trip from Tutukaka, comprised avid Northland golfers Bernie Reti, Will Noah, Nic Bean, and Myles Ferris.

Said Croft: “It’s really heartening to see such fantastic support from the region’s golfing community for an event organised by volunteers at a heartland New Zealand golf club run by volunteers who are so passionate about the course and their local community.

“Not only is the tournament a great day out on the course with friends, but it’s also helping fund an important charity to continue its research, treatment, and support work within Northland. The Daffodil Day tournament really unites the spirits of our members, and shows what a little ole’ country golf club can achieve.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we have done -- this year, and in fact every year -- and we’ll be doing it all again next year.”

In addition to generating proceeds through participation fees, other fundraising activities held on the course during the day’s play ranged from traditional sausage sizzles and a chipping competition, through to whisky tasting. The tournament was organised by dedicated Hikurangi Golf Club member Michelle Boyce-Bacon who joined the club two years ago after participating in a She Loves Golf programme specifically designed to encourage novice women golfers into the game.

Enjoying the whisky tasting stop during the day - Northland golfing community personalities, from left Cory Hitchen, Kyle Kisson, and David Mullan.

The cart crew, from left Mike Glavish, Darrell Hamilton, Brittany Glavish, and Jordan Robinson, who play out of the Northland Golf Club.

The boys from Waiotira Golf Club enjoying a day out in the sunthine, from left Stu Jessop, Paul McDowell, Grant Woolhouse, and John Munn.

Zack Swanwick leads Taradale school to victory

Zack Swanwick led Taradale High School of Napier to victory in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Final at Pleasant Point Golf Club in South Canterbury.

Swanwick, along with Kayla Van De Ven, and William Rollings, combined for a team score of four-under par to beat pre-tournament favourites King’s College of Auckland by six shots, with Swanwick taking out the individual honours with rounds of 68 and 69.

Van De Ven was equally as impressive, shooting two counting scores of her own with rounds of 70 and 73, finishing in a tie for

fourth.

The Taradale trio are all members of Napier Golf Club, which has only re-opened for play in early August following the devastation of cyclone Gabrielle.

Swanwick was proud of the team considering the difficulties the region had suffered.

“Napier Golf Course has only just re-opened again, and that’s the course we are all members of,’’ Swanick said.

“It’s been tough because we haven’t had a course to practice at, but that doesn’t matter, as we are all out there doing our best.”

Swanwick trailed Kings College’s Ryan Xie on the individual

standings after the first day and got off to a challenging start, going out in one over par.

However, his golfing pedigree was on full display over the closing nine, making four birdies and a bogey to beat Xie by a couple of shots.

Van De Ven also stepped up, trading three birdies with three bogeys and a double to bring Taradale High School home comfortably.

Kings’ College took home the silver medal, while bronze was shared between Christchurch’s Burnside High School and Auckland’s Pinehurst School.

Golf conference returning to Christchurch

By Neville Idour

Exciting news for the Christchurch conference and hospitality scene has been announced by the New Zealand Golf Industry Council (NZGIC).

The first and very successful 2022

Golf Matters conference held at the Christchurch Convention Centre (Te Pae) was so well received it is intended that it will return to the same venue for 2024. The provisional dates are August 5-7.

A total of 330 delegates attended last

year and there was much great feedback about all aspects of the event, especially including the venue.

With covid-19 now in the background the potential for a much larger attendance is now the aim. The NZGIC chairman Richard Nauck has confirmed that

both Tourism New Zealand and Christchurch New Zealand have pledged the same level of financial support.

The intention is that the 2024 event will be bigger, better, more exciting and with much greater attendance numbers.

The Napier school of Taradale High won the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Championship in South Canterbury last month. From left to right are team manager Simon Rutherford, Kayla Van De Ven, Zack Swanwick and William Rollings.

Australia added to Asian Tour qualifying school schedule

The highly anticipated 2024 Asian Tour qualifying school is set to be held across six different venues in three countries over a span of five months, starting this month.

Apart from its regular destination in Thailand, the Asian Tour qualifying school will also be staged in the United States for the second straight year and is set to make a welcome return to Australia following a 17-year lapse.

The first stage of the qualifying school will consist of six events, with the first to be played in Victoria at the Mt Derrimut Golf & Community Club in from September 26-29, while the Soboba Springs Golf Club in California will host the next stop from November 7-10.

Thailand, which has such a strong association with the qualifying school, will stage the ensuing events, at Grand Prix Golf Club, Kanchanaburi, from December 1215, and Pattana Sports Resort, Chonburi, from Decem-

ber 19-22.

The final two first stage qualifiers will be played simultaneously from January 9-12 at the Phoenix Gold Golf Bangkok and Grand Prix Golf Club.

Each event will be played over four rounds, with the top-placed finishers earning places in the final qualifying stage to be played in Thailand from January 16-20.

The top 35 will earn their cards for the 2024 Asian Tour season with the venue for the final qualifying stage to be announced in due course.

Cho Minn Thant, chief executive of the Asian Tour, said: “The Asian Tour added a new qualifying school site in the United States for the first time last year and we received immediate interest with the site filling up in a matter of days. It made complete sense to look at other regions from which we typically see a large number of entrants. Australia was the natural candidate.

“A first stage qualifying event being played in Aus-

tralia reflects increased interest in the Asian Tour and our need to broaden qualifying school’s reach. It also demonstrates the strong bond we have always enjoyed with Australia’s talent pool year in and year out. This way we can help lessen the burden if travelling for stage one.”

The final qualifying stage will be played over five rounds. The top 140 players (and ties) after 36 holes will progress to rounds three and four. The top 70 players (and ties) after 72 holes will play in the decisive final round, which will be held on January 20. At the conclusion of 90 holes, the top 35 will be ranked accordingly for the 2024 season.

Many of the Asian Tour’s most successful golfers have ascended through the qualifying school including Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee (1999) and Kiradech Aphibarnrat (2009), Australian Scott Hend (2007), and American John Catlin (2018).

Canterbury golf in great heart

By Neville Idour

The 2023 Canterbury Golf awards held at the Christchurch Golf Club revealed that golf in the province is in great heart.

More than 100 people enjoyed the celebration of golfers, administrators and volunteers who earned their awards through their outstanding golf or unstinting service.

One of the highlights was the enlightening discussion with former Crusader rugby player and All Black Andy Ellis who had several pearls of wisdom for young golfers and athletes in general.

The first awards were for juniors. Promising junior girl was 14-year-old Lexi Thompson-Hall (Clearwater) who played for the Canterbury senior team. Promising junior boy was Etienne Collier (Avondale). Girls’ junior golfer of the year was 13-year old Vanessa Lim (Russley). Boys’ junior golfer of the year was 15-year-old Cooper Moore (Clearwater).

The Vardon Trophy for the best scoring

average throughout the season went to Cooper Moore. His 18 rounds averaged 70.17. He first played golf when he was aged four.

Trainee greenkeeper of the year was Mitchell Berry (Kaiapoi) while Steve Hill (Hanmer) received the services to greenkeeping award. Administrator of the year was Aimee Smith (Bottle Lake) and the volunteer was Raylene Adler (Templeton).

The service award for golfing achievement went to Andrew Green. Mike Taylor, Kerry Chuck and Ian MacGillivray won service awards for contributions as Canterbury managers/selectors in recent years. Two distinguished service awards for their contributions to the game were given to Jason Sincock (Amuri) and Debbie Scott (Harewood).

Rare and special awards in Canterbury Golf history are life memberships. This year there were two. Peter MacDonald (Russley) received his for 13 years of service in virtually every aspect of administration including as president. John

Thompson has been on Canterbury Golf management and executive for 26 years.

Finally the golfer of the year awards concluded the evening. Not surprisingly Kazuma Kobori (Rangiora) won the men’s

award for the fifth consecutive year, and spoke to the audience on zoom from the United States as he built up towarda the US Amateur Championships. Women’s golfer of the year was Alisia Ren (Russley).

Ready to make some noise and create a difference for the sport of Xtreme Drivers. The slow and bumpy start to 2023 created a shift of focus for the emerging sport. XDL was officially recognised during the pandemic, so XDL founder, and NSO for the sport Olna Ford’s focus is to remain privately funded, “ The New Zealand economy has been hit hard from both the pandemic and floods, so our sport is looking to do business with locals to support our growth, rather than ask for funding.” says Olna.

Xtreme Drivers League has recently announced XDL TV with Wii Stream and over the next 3 years is set to grow the sports participation worldwide. This September, DRIVEPODS will start the build of the first 3 club fitting

and participation trailers, which are destined for the Trans Tasman Clash. First trailer owned privately with number 2 & 3 trailers owned by the New Zealand Long Blacks and Aussie Long Ballers. XDL business partners’ products and services will be implemented in all plans for the sport both locally and abroad and are set to support the golf industry organically whilst growing revenues for clubs who promote the big hitters. The New Zealand Long Blacks and Aussie Long Ballers are at the forefront of all XDL promotions and media worldwide. The 2024 season will be the start of a new chapter for XDL with Club qualifiers, regional championships, real estate, virtual training and competitions, XDL products and services

and jobs in the sport. The two national teams and XDL champions are the stars of the show so expect to see special events and merchandise showcasing our athletes, XDL celebrities.

Let’s keep you excited and introduce you all to the versatile XDL DRIVEPOD which will be out on the roads promoting the sport of Xtreme Drivers and promoting Golf. This idea was first spoken about in 2017 by founder of XDL, Olna Ford, given the need for club fitting at the tee. In 2020 during the pandemic the XDL Grid with OPTISHOT Golf Simulation was designed by Olna and with this the XDL trailer was drawn up.

Olna had a vision to take the sport virtually onroad and so the participation trailer became a talking point.

Opening up conversations with two

avid golfers Corey and Richard, Olna allowed her ideas to fly and the DRIVEPOD vision came to life. With Corey and Richard’s expertise in-built, we are officially ready to launch the DRIVEPOD for onroad participation. XDL and DRIVEPODS have got the ball rolling to grow both the sport of long drive and golf in the community and with 128 trailers planned (8 per region/state) of NZ & AU, one can say that Xtreme Drivers League and Golf will be partying at the tee together.

Revolutionising XDL and golf accessibility

1. Pod #1: Measuring 6 x 4 meters, this compact simulator ensures an unrestricted driving experience. It is perfect for individual enthusiasts, golf professionals, and training sessions. With no council consent required, it can be effortlessly placed in multiple locations throughout New Zealand.

evolutionizing XDL & GOLF Accessibility

rself yearning for the perfect golfing or long drive experience, right at your er, Drivepods Limited, have just the solution for you!

Have you ever found yourself yearning for the perfect golfing or long drive experience, right at your fingertips? Look no further, Drivepods Limited, have just the solution for you!

Drivepods Limited was founded with a simple yet remarkable vision - to bring the joy of golfing and Driving straight to your doorstep. With their innovative service, they provide avid golfers, drive enthusiasts, and beginners alike in New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific with the incredible opportunity to practice their swings and perfect their game, right from the comfort of their own homes or practice facilities.

ounded with a simple yet remarkable vision - to bring the joy of golfing and Driving With their innovative service, they provide avid golfers, drive enthusiasts, and ealand, Australia and the Pacific with the incredible opportunity to practice their game, right from the comfort of their own homes or practice facilities

e behind this exciting venture, believed that golf and driving should be affordable ll He recognized the need to eliminate barriers and make the sport more inclusive, o embrace the game of golf and hone their skills in order to become better players epods Limited, they understand that not everyone has the luxury of living within urses or drive spaces That's where their ingenious idea of portable golf & drive ese state-of-the-art pods can be easily set up anywhere, allowing you to enjoy an erience without ever leaving your premises Imagine practicing your swing in your ur technique in the park, or even challenging your friends to a friendly Driving ! Drivepods Limited empowers you to take control of your golfing journey, le relishing the beautiful outdoors at the same time But Drivepods Limited isn't t's about fostering a vibrant golf and long drive community Through their y aim to inspire and empower individuals to embrace the game, connect with fellow ly grow golf and long drive throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific So, ed golfer or a determined long driver looking to refine your skills or a beginner ble way to get into the game, Drivepods Limited has got you covered raints of traditional golfing and hello to an exciting new era of limitless possibilities the Drivepods Limited community today, and embark on a golfing adventure like no and drive your way to greatness, all from the comfort of your own turf!

Richard, the driving force behind this exciting venture, believed that golf and driving should be affordable and easily accessible to all. He recognized the need to eliminate barriers and make the sport more inclusive, encouraging individuals to embrace the game of golf and hone their skills in order to become better players and long drivers. At Drivepods Limited, they understand that not everyone has the luxury of living within close proximity to golf cours-

es or drive spaces. That’s where their ingenious idea of portable golf & drive pods comes into play! These state-of-the-art pods can be easily set up anywhere, allowing you to enjoy an immersive golf/drive experience without ever leaving your premises. Imagine practicing your swing in your backyard, fine-tuning your technique in the park, or even challenging your friends to a friendly Driving competition at the beach! Drivepods Limited empowers you to take control of your golfing journey, enhancing your skills while relishing the beautiful outdoors at the same time. But Drivepods Limited isn’t just about convenience; it’s about fostering a vibrant golf and long drive community. Through their innovative approach, they aim to inspire and empower individuals to embrace the game, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and ultimately grow golf and long drive throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific.

So, whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a determined long driver looking to refine your skills or a beginner seeking a fun and accessible way to get into the game, Drivepods Limited has got you covered.

Say goodbye to the constraints of traditional golfing and hello to an exciting new era of limitless possibilities.

Join Corey, Richard, and the Drivepods Limited community today, and embark on a golfing adventure like no other. Get ready to swing and drive your way to greatness, all from the comfort of your own turf!

Drivepod Options

2. Pod #2: Slightly larger at 8 x 4 meters, Pod #2 is designed to accommodate custom fitting or additional retail activities while maintaining ample space for practice. It maintains the same internal height range as Pod #1 and comes with a weather-protected entry deck and stairs.

3. Pod #3: Our largest offering, measuring 12 x 4 meters, Pod #3 features simulators at both ends, making it ideal for commercial use. With an internal height of 2.9 meters, it provides a spacious and immersive golfing experience. Depending on the location and use, Pod #3 may require council consent and on-site construction.

Included Features

All Drivepods come fully equipped and ready to use. The following features are included:

* Complete structure, including floor, walls, and cladding.

* Insulation for optimal temperature control.

* Roofing designed for weather protection.

* 1-2 double-glazed windows (varies based on pod size).

* 1 Double-glazed ranch slider door for easy entry.

* Overhang on the front of the pod for added weather pro-

tection.

Drivepod Options

* Entry deck and stairs for convenient access.

* Feature screens at both ends of the deck for a touch of elegance.

tunity to play and practice on the go.

1 Pod #1: Measuring 6 x 4 meters, this compact simulator ensures an unrestricted driving experience It is perfect for individual enthusiasts, golf professionals, and training sessions With no council consent required, it can be effortlessly placed in multiple locations throughout New Zealand

* Lighting, power points, and a caravan plug for power connection.

2 Pod #2: Slightly larger at 8 x 4 meters, Pod #2 is designed to accommodate custom fitting or additional retail activities while maintaining ample space for practice It maintains the same internal height range as Pod #1 and comes with a weather-protected entry deck and stairs

* Soft padding for protection from the simulator screen and drive zone.

3 Pod #3: Our largest offering, measuring 12 x 4 meters, Pod #3 features simulators at both ends, making it ideal for commercial use With an internal height of 2 9 meters, it provides a spacious and immersive golfing experience Depending on the location and use, Pod #3 may require council consent and on-site construction

Drivepod Trailers

Drivepods have also developed golf trailer simulators, whether you are a beginner or experienced player, you can have the flexibility to play anywhere, anytime.

The trailers are also a great way for generating revenue, for events or for hire.

Drivepods have two options available, one to be used for training and the other for merchandise/fitting.

1. Simulator Trailer: A trailer equipped with a simulator, providing golfers the oppor-

2. Fitting Trailer: A trailer designed for gear and custom fitting services, perfect for events and exhibitions. Drivepods represent a groundbreaking innovation in the world of golf/drive simulators. With their versatility, portability, and immersive design, they offer an exceptional golfing and drive experience to both players and professionals. Whether for personal use, practice facilities, or commercial ventures, Drivepods open up endless possibilities in the golf and long drive industry. We look forward to discussing the potential implementation of Drivepods in your facility or business. Please feel free to reach out for further information

Directors

Corey - 022 352 3121 Rich - 021 996 261

Driving Business with Xtreme Drivers League www.xdlworldwide.com

The sport of Xtreme Drivers League is officially listed as high-performance sport with XDL recognised as the National Sports Organisation for both Long Drive and XDL. XDL athletes place their spines and bodies under xtreme pressure to produce the longest and fastest drive distances and speeds in the world, making them more prone to injury. The rapid tension and motion under time pressures present the need to relax not just the muscles but equally the skeletal system. Founder and Owner of Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) comes from a background in health and fitness

and understands the overall mind/ body, performance recovery benefits of spa pools and heat/water therapy. XDL has a 3 year growth plan for the sport which is underway. The focus for most athletes is on training , yet XDL is stern about promoting recovery to its athletes and trainers as a fundamental tool to grow the best drivers in the world.

XDL is proud to be partnering with New Zealand (family owned) ECO SPAS who understands our mission and owners Coral, Tony are excited to be part of our sport business plans. XDL is motivated to grow regional and state participation in the sport, throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. Every XDL DRIVE training facility will include an ECO SPA as part of the recovery of mind/body focus.. XDL is focused on taking New Zealand to the world and wants the best in the business, and has found this with ECO

SPAS.

If you are looking for an energy efficient New Zealand made spa pool, ECO SPAS can help, they deliver high-quality and energy-efficient spas. The Eco Spa is portable and manufactured right here in New Zealand specifically for NZ homeowners, renters and businesses, plus all the parts we use to manufacture our energy-efficient spas are sourced in NZ. Our world record breakers will love these on the tee with the 2024 season scheduled to have a pop up recovery zone on site. These ECO SPA beauties can be powered up at our events and are transportable to any location XDL

ventures. Our crews are encouraging our champions to contact ECO SPAS and get ahead of the game with their very only ECO SPA at home. With XDL championships nearing it’s time make sure your performance training includes your recovery plan (every drive session).

Driving business and sports performance with ECO SPAS LONG DRIVE

XDL drives more than sport with ECO SPAS. We are on a mission to prevent injuries and create the best high-performance drivers in the world. Thank you, Coral, Tony and the ECO SPA family for supporting sport in New Zealand. Sales - contact ECO SPAS at www. ecospas.co.nz and mention XDL.

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

The Lodge at Ōnekaka Links

Ōnekaka Links Golf Lodge offers the only onsite stay and play opportunity in the upper South Island and one of a very few in New Zealand

Located only metres from the water’s edge, it

Ōnekaka Link

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND

WOMEN’S WEEKEND 18 HOLE

PENNANT - KAITAIA

Team members were: Kerry Rolleston; Flo Smith; Ellen Wright, and Lynn Masters.

WAIKATO

THE 2023 PRO-DRIVE GOLF WAIKATO MEN’S MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIP

hole event. It was well received and it is very likely that we’ll continue with this format.

Stephen Sandford from Pirongia Golf Club AND who also happens to work as the Golf Develpment Officer at Waikato Golf Association, took out the best gross scores of the day with solid rounds of 72, 71 for a total of 143 overall. The Winners Tray already has pride of place here in the WGA offices. The next best gross was Scott Thrupp from RAGGC with a 145 combined score. Michael Bone, from Waitakere was this years Nett winner with scores of 71, 68 for a score of 139! The 2nd place Nett with a combined score of 147 was Corey Natusch from Horsham Downs.

of golf for the combined team of Waiterimu/Morrinsville. These ladies were on fire with a winning team score of 116! Sharryn Hazelwood with 18 points, Eileen Bateup with 23 points, Jennie Brown with 18 points, Leanne McGergor 16 points, Jill Wilson 22 points and Gaye Johns finishing off the tally with 19 points! This is the first time on the winners podium for this team! Fantastic team effort. Unfortunately for Ngahinepouri who missed out by 5 team points finishing with 111 points, Putaruru taking the 3rd spot with 106 points and finally Te Awamutu with 99 points on the day.

A stunning day at Waikare Golf Club for the 2023 Pro-Drive Golf Waikato Men’s Masters Championship!

This year the format was a shotgun start at 7:45 am for round 1 of the 36-

GOLF

THE 2023 WILLS CUP/JUG CUP COMPETITION -WAIKATO

The Jug competition was won with a team score of 122 by the Tahuna ladies team. Debbie Carney, a late replacement entry, took 21 points, Joanne Pritchard with 20 and Pam Haakma with the best scoring individual of the day with 25 points helped her team to secure the win by a substantial 8 points margin over Horsham Downs at 114 points. Jill Hows impressed with 22 points, Janice van Lierop and Janice Kowalski both with 17 points for Tahuna. Matamata finished in 3rd place with 108 points and PioPio Aria round with 86 team points.

The 2023 Wills Cup/Jug Cup Competition was held on Friday, 4th August at Ngaruawahia Golf Club. Ladies arrived to a frosty start causing a 10 minute delay but the weather gods were shining down and the day morphed into something spectacular! Our Wills Cup teams were lined up going off the 1st tee and the Jug teams off the 10th tee. It was a solid day

EGMONT CHAMPS - TARANAKI GOLF

Jordan Anderson was the recent winner of the Egmont Champs played at Stratford GC in bitter conditions shooting a tidy 3 under 69. Holly Winter from Kaitake lead the way in the Women’s trialists shooting 78.

Leading Scores:

Ben Joseph 73

Andrew Searle 74

Aarun Langton 75

Dean Baldock 75

James Smithson 75

Keenan Membery 75

Jamie Anderson 76

Steven McIntosh 76

Alex Lundt 76

Brett Strange 76

MANAWATU - WHANGANUI GOLF NEWS

In a fitting celebration of Hugh Glendinning’s contributions to Manawatu Wanganui Golf, the life member presented a trophy donated by his father to the Buckley Captains side at Palmerston North Golf Club recently.

Hugh’s contributions to Manawatu Wanganui Golf cannot be understated. He became a board member in 2011 and immediately took on the role of Treasurer before becoming the Chairman in 2017. He was instrumental in the partnership agreement between Golf New Zealand and Manawatu Wanganui.

It was appropriate that 84 players made up 21 teams from 15 golf clubs across the region, highlighting the impact Hugh has had in Manawatu Wanganui.

Buckley Captains combined for 145 stableford points, finishing ahead of Palmerston North Golf Club, who finished second, with Taihape Golf Club wrapping up third.

RESULTS FROM RANGITIKEI GOLF

CLUB

Saturday 5th August - Competition Stableford:

Richard Holden 39pts, Geoff Ingram & Jullian Elliott 36pts, Tamati Anaru & Kees Elkerbout 35pts, Bill Ward, Scott Ewens & Lynne McDonald 33pts, Ron Harris & Joe Ferrier 32pts, Neville Berendt 31pts.

Twos: Geoff Ingram 3rd, & Tamati Anaru 5th.

Closest to the Pin on 12th: Tamati Anaru

Wednesday 26th July - Comp is Stableford:

Julian Elliott & Garry Edwards 36pts, Cynthia Luckham & Bryan Northcott 35pts, Roy Brider 32pts, Dan Scotson & Clive Robinson 30pts.

Twos: Jullian Elliott - 12th.

Saturday 29th July - Competition is

Medal:

Seniors:

Sean Khov nett 72, Ken Boyle net 73, Geoff Ingram net 74, Ron Harris nett 75, Richard Norton & Mike Hill nett 76, Tamati Anaru & Phil Wood nett 77.

Juniors:

Noel Crocker nett 71, Simon Mitchell, Dan Scotson, & Clive Robinson nett 73, Chris Duffy net 74, John Luckham, Joseph Tapper & Marcus Anderson nett 76.

Twos: Mike Hill, & Joe Ferrier - 3rd & Alan Wix - 12th.

Closest to Pin on 3rd: Scott Ewens

Lucky Draw: Alan Wix.

Wednesday 5th July - Competition Stableford:

Bryan Northcott 37pts, Pat Pearce & Alan Wix 35pts, Anna Cullen, Clive Robinson & Chris Duffy 34pts, Lynne McDonald, Bruce Kinloch & Geoff Ingram 33pts, Neville Berendt 32pts, Stella Berendt & Cynthia Luckham 31pts.

No Twos:

Lucky Draw: John Luckham

Saturday 8th July - Competition Medal: Lynne McDonald nett 72, Pete Masters nett 73, Roger Perkins & Chris Duffy nett 74, Tim Wales nett 76, Richard Holden nett 77, Joseph Tapper & Greg Baker nett 78.

No Twos:

Closest to Pin on 12th: Roger Perkins

Lucky Draw: Sean Khov

Wednesday 28th June - Competition

Stableford:

Virginia Ryan & Geoff Ingram 36pts, Stew de Burgh & Lynne McDonald 35pts, Alan Wix, Neville Berendt & Ron Harris 34pts, Kelvin Burt, Simon Mitchell & Steve Ryan 33pts, Chris Duffy, Pat Pearce, Wallace Miller & Willy Doughty 32pts.

Twos: Neville Berendt & Ron Harris3rd.

Lucky Draw: Stella Berendt

Saturday 1st July, Competition Par: Richard Norton & Greg Baker +1, Roger Perkins sq, Joe Yorke -1, Sean Khov & Alan Wix -2, John Luckham -3, Graeme Stephens, Scott Ewens & Chris Duffy -4, Clive Robinson & Liz Kinloch -5.

Fowler Homes Twos: Nil

Lucky Draw: Stella Berendt

Wednesday 19th July - Comp is Stableford:

– NOW

Bruce Kinloch, Pat McCarthy & Kevin Taylor 37pts, Virginia Ryan & Chris Duffy

35pts, Alan Wix, Lynne McDonald, Varina Mitchell, Geoff Ingram, & Ken Bayne 34pts, Neil Atkins &Karen Yorke 33pts, Bryan Northcott & Clive Robinson 32pts, Simon Mitchell 31pts.

Twos: Chris Duffy - 3rd & Pat McCarthy 12th.

Lucky Draw: Wallace Miller

Saturday 22nd July - Comp is Par:

Seniors:

Roger Perkins +3, Scott Ewens +1

Pete Marsters & Kelvin Burt -1

Juniors:

Varina Mitchell +4, Neville Berendt +2,

Liz Kinloch & Stew de Burgh +1, Simon Mitchell sq, Joseph Tapper, Cynthia Luckham, Wendal Marsters & Stella Berendt -1, Greg Baker, Noel Crocker & Jay Jay Thompson -2.

Twos: Roger Perkins 3rd & Phil Wood 16th

Lucky Draw: Richard Holden

WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON MASTERS DEFEAT OTAGO

Wellington Men’s Masters played Otago in this annual fixture, at the Chisholm Links in Dunedin, coming away with a good 9 - 7 win over a very capable Otago side, the last team to beat Wellington at

this level (in 2021 at PBGC in the Freyberg Interprovincial)

On the great landscape that is Chisholm, and with only one player having seen the course previously, the capital side came a way with a 4.5 - 3.5 win on Saturday, repeated on Sunday for the overall win.

All players contributed a result over the match, highlights being Jonno Cane and EJ Nicholson with two wins each and John Potts debut, securing a 1up win on Sunday which would guarantee overall victory. Mahal Pearce, the 2003 NZ Open champion filled in on Sunday for an injured player - great to have the Otago General Manager out on course showing his class.

WELLINGTON GOLF - MENS’ INTERCLUB

Boulcotts Farm Heritage Golf Club Golf Club -Wrapped up Interclub for 2023’s Mens Interclub Championship recently. The grade champions, the champion team MVPs, and the overall Champion Club (Mahunga) and overall MVPs - Steve Thomson (Shandon), Mark Bowden (BFHGC) and Aaron Moy (Otaki). Also well done to the winning team on the day(BFHGC) and winning pair (Darren Milburn and Mike Soulsby, Shandon).

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND

OTAGO GC CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF OTAGO

Otago Golf Club are the Champions

of Otago after winning the team’s gross event, with Chisolm Links winning the nett.

Otago Golf Club are the Champions of Otago after winning the team’s gross event,

with Chisolm Links winning the nett. 25 clubs from across Otago were welcomed by sunshine on Sunday 13 August, and the Balmacewen course played well given the wet weather the region has had in recent weeks.

The gross division was closely contested – highlighted by Otago Golf Club team captain Brandon Hodgson look of surprise when they were announced as the winners with a combined 86 Stableford points. Hodgson led with 36, John Gilmore recorded 24, and Chris Pearse-Smith finished with 26 to get the popular club over the line.

They beat Wanaka by a single point following Hamish Ireland’s 39 points along with Huw Davies’s 22 and 12-year-old youngster Raphael Anderson’s 24 points.

Third place was St Clair GC.

Winners of the Nett section were Chisholm Links – Harold Spronker lead the way with 37 points, Neville Findlay 35, and Senior Club Champion, Blair Liffiton, 29, for team total of 101.

Just as was in the gross section, it was a one-shot win over Lawrance GC team of, Mark Cameron 35 points, Ryan Banks 33 and another young players in the field in 12-year-old Ben Brown 32, for total of 100 points.

THE INAUGURAL AORANGI MATCHPLAY

The inaugural Aorangi Matchplay was held at Geraldine Golf Club on Sunday July 30.

Another stern frost met players which saw times delayed to 10.00am. In order to get the 36 holes necessary to play, matches went out in twosomes under sunny skies with next to no wind around. The results of the morning matches are below:

Men’s Championship

Damian Rodgers beat Alex Kelliher (20 holes)

Travis Cook beat Dave Morrison (2/1)

Women’s Championship

Ginny Bolderston beat Jennifer Shepherd (2/1)

Deanna Matthews beat Angela Gerken (2up)

Men’s Masters Championship

Matt Morrison beat Nigel Heney (2/1)

John McBeath beat Hamish Niles (1up)

Men’s Plate

Michael Anderson beat Logan Middlemas (5/4)

Marcus Tessier beat Aiman Muner (1up)

Women’s Plate

Trish Crump beat Shelley Flintoft (1up)

Men’s Masters Plate

Shane Moore beat John Smitheram (4/3)

Regan Stills beat Terry Kingsbury (5/4)

The feature match of the morning was definitely in the Men’s Championship between Alex Kelliher and Damian Rodgers which needed extra holes to be decided. Both players calmly parred the first hole before Damian pounced on the par 5 second with a birdie to claim the match. He met Travis in the final who took down Dave Morrison in a tight match. In the Women’s two tight matches decided our finalists with Ginny Bolderston and Deanna Matthews winning on the seventeenth

and eighteenth respectively. In the Men’s Masters, Matt Morrison stood up and beat one of Aorangi’s best players in nigel Heney on the seventeenth hole whilst John McBeath showed his class in taking down Hamish Niles on the eighteenth. A quick lunch and turnaround and our players were back out and competing for the crown Matchplay title in Aorangi. The results from the finals are below:

Men’s Championship

Travis Cook beat Damian Rodgers (4/2)

Women’s Championship

Ginny Bolderston beat Deanna Matthews (2/1)

Men’s Masters Championship

Matt Morrison beat John McBeath (4/3)

Men’s Plate

Marcus Tessier beat Michael Anderson (5/4)

Women’s Plate

Jessie Mercer beat Trish Crump (1up)

Men’s Masters Plate

Regan Stills beat Shane Moore (6/5)