Golfer Pacific NZ – July 2024

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Scottie Scheffler shuffles up six wins so far this year

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

You have to admire Scottie Scheffler.

Last month he racked up his sixth win of the year on the PGA Tour when beating Tom Kim in a playoff at the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in the north eastern American state of Connecticut. It was just the sixth time in the history of the PGA Tour that a player has won six times before the end of June.

The other five are basically a list of golf legends. They are Arnold Palmer, who achieved the feat twice in 1960 and 1962, along with Jimmy Demaret (1940), Byron Nelson (1945), Ben Hogan (1946) and Sam Snead (1950).

One of Scheffler’s earlier wins this year was the US Masters at Augusta National in Georgia in April when he scored by a commanding four shots.  Scheffler had won the same tournament in 2022 and those two wins represent his wins in major championships. He also has two seconds in majors.

In total, Scheffler has won 12 times since he joined the PGA Tour in 2020. His prize winnings are a whopping $US70 million.

It was recently suggested that Scheffler’s dominance was due in part to a lack of depth on the PGA Tour because of the presence of rival league, LIV Golf.

The obvious LIV Golf example is Bryson DeChambeau.

The week before the Travelers Championship, DeChambeau had won the US Open at Pine-

hurst No 2 in North Carolina. Scheffler finished 41st.

Another LIV Golf example is Jon Rahm who is the winner of two majors.

But to suggest the PGA Tour lacks depth is drawing a long bow — a very long bow.

Anyway, who cares if DeChambeau and Rahm are not playing the PGA Tour? They opted for the hundreds of millions of dollars that LIV Golf was offering and they knew there would be consequences. That was their choice.

What amazes me about Scheffler is the accurate length of his approach shots. If he does miss left or right, the ball is often pin high and still a reasonable chance of a one putt.

I also admired Scheffler’s tenacity in the PGA Championship

in Kentucky. Scheffler finished eighth after suffering the harrowing experience of being arrested on the morning of the second day of tournament.

He was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer and three misdemeanours of third degree criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding traffic signals from an officer directing traffic.

The charges were subsequently dropped 12 days later.

I also like the fact Scheffler has a bit of a flaw in that he often shuffles his feet, usually when using the driver. If he was a 12-year-old learning the game, coaches would be telling him to stop to doing so. No coach would suggest that today.

Keep it up, Scott Alexander Scheffler.

The agony and ecstasy of the US Open

By Paul Gueorgieff

There was only one shot in it but it only magnified the difference between the elation of victory and the dismay of defeat.

Bryson DeChambeau went into the final round of the United States Open at Pinehurst No 2 in North Carolina last month with a three-shot lead but that advantage was well and truly gone when Rory McIlroy birdied the 13th hole.

At that point McIlroy had taken the lead by two and it seemed the Northern Irishman was on target to finally end the 10-year drought since his previous win in a major championship.

But that lead was reduced to one when DeChambeau, playing in the group behind McIlroy, also birdied the 13th and the drama continued through to the last putt on the last hole.

McIlroy bogeyed three of the last four holes and twice he missed short putts. On the 16th he let a putt of less than three feet slide by and it was the same disastrous story on the 18th when a four-footer failed to drop.

DeChambeau came to the last needing a par for victory but was in trouble immediately. His tee shot went under a tree and near a tree root.  He had little option but to punch out and the ball went into a bunker near the green which left him about 50 metres to the pin. A playoff looked very much on the cards if DeChambeau could at least salvage a bogey.

But no. DeChambeau played what he later described as the shot of his career when the bunker shot finished four feet from the hole.

The tension rung around the golfing world as DeChambeau lined up the putt and he jumped for joy as the ball went in the hole.

At the other end of the emotional scale was the disappointment on McIlroy’s face as he watched television coverage from the scoring room.

McIlroy was distraught and left the course without talking to the news media. DeChambeau talked to anyone.

It was classic stuff. McIlroy and DeChambeau are two of the biggest names in golf, two of the biggest hitters in the game and there was perhaps some rivalry in that McIlroy had been a strong opponent of the Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf and DeChambeau

was a LIV Golf convert.

There was criticism in some quarters of McIlroy’s quick departure. He would the next day say it was probably the toughest day of his career and vowed to come back stronger.

“Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest I’ve had in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer,” McIlroy said.

“Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now. I think we can all agree on that.

“As I reflect on my week, I’ll rue a few things over the course of the tournament, mostly the 2 missed putts on 16 and 18 on the final day. But, as I always try to do, I’ll look at the positives of the week that far outweigh the negatives.

“As I said at the start of the tournament, I feel closer to winning my next major championship than I ever have. The one word that I would describe my career as is resilient. I’ve shown my resilience over and over again in the last 17 years and I will again.

DeChambeau was ecstatic as he recalled his bunker shot.

“That bunker shot was the shot of my life,’’ DeChambeau said at his subsequent press conference.

“I’ll forever be thankful that I’ve got longer wedges so I can hit it further, get it up there next to the hole,’’ he added with a big smile.

It was the 30-year-old Texan’s second win in a major.

The first came in the 2020 US Open at Winged Foot in

New York and he had just recently experienced the agony of finishing second in a major when runner-up to Xander Schauffele in the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky in May.

“As much as it is heartbreaking for some people, it was heartbreak for me at the PGA,’’ DeChambeau recalled.

“I really wanted this one.”

DeChambeau said he had grown as a golfer.

“I’ve realised that there’s a lot more to life than just golf. Treating others, yourself first and foremost, respecting yourself is super important to being able treat others with respect as well.

“That’s one of the big things I have learned. I’m not perfect. I’m human. Everyone’s human. Certainly those low moments have helped establish a new mind frame of who I am, what’s expected, what I can do and what I want to do in life.”

Chambeau also had some kind words for McIlroy.

“Rory is one of the best to ever play. Being able to fight against a great like that is pretty special.

“For him to miss that putt, I’d never wish it on anybody.”

DeChambeau’s winning score was six under par and he was one of just eight players to finish under par at the end of four rounds. The winner’s purse was worth $US4.3 million.

New Zealand’s Ryan Fox finished 56th with a score of 12 over par. He earned $US44,545 which is nearly $NZ73,000.

Bryson DeChambeau proudly holds his US Open trophy. It was his second win in the event following his success at Winged Foot in New York in 2020. Photo credit: US Open.

DeChambeau’s thrilling US Open win

By Neville Idour

If the PGA Championship was dramatic, the US Open was all of that plus thrilling, enthralling, frustrating and nail biting, especially down the home stretch.

It was grand theatre at its finest. The common denominator in both events was the charismatic Bryson DeChambeau who had the fans with him in both major championships.

The memories of the likewise charismatic and popular Payne Stewart were always evident as DeChambeau endeared himself to the fans when he interacted with them in like manner.

His warm references to Stewart’s influence in his aftermatch comments were humbling and endearing. It was a much deserved win after his second in the PGA Championship when he made a special effort to warmly congratulate winner Xander Schauffele. He left the putting green with a wry smile when he knew Schauffele had won.

No such response from Rory McIlroy who watched on television DeChambeau’s sensational recovery from a shocker tee shot on the 18th for a par to deny McIlroy a playoff, if not a win. One could feel for McIlroy and his disappointment but his face as DeChambeau’s putt dropped and fast exit to his vehicle said it all. There was no speaking to eager reporters either.

However it was DeChambeau who gave plaudits to McIlroy saying: “Rory is one of the best ever players. Being able to fight against him is pretty special. For him to miss that last putt I’d never wish that on anybody. He’ll win multiple more majors. There’s no doubt. That fire in him is going to continue to grow.

“I have nothing but respect for how he plays the game because when he is climbing up the leaderboard, he was two ahead and I was like uh-oh, uh-oh. But luckily things went my way today.

It’s unbelievable.”

His comments about McIlroy were gracious and appropriate as the Northern Irishman had a fine tournament and standing on the 15th tee looked imperious with every post a winner. However as they say, it isn’t over until it is. The three bogey finish from that point could only be put down to the mental pressure.

Starting the final round with a three shot lead DeChambeau seemed out of sync with his tee shots. Perhaps that had something to do with him having to change the driver head with his spare during his warmup. His driver head had flattened so he had to make a last minute change. Probably not the ideal situation.

For the first few holes he was constantly scrambling with at times testing putts for par plus a bogey on hole four. He watched his lead evaporate as McIlroy went on the charge with four birdies in five holes from nine to 13 to take a two shot lead. DeChambeau said later he knew he had to birdie 13 and keep his cool. He did, although a bogey on 15 looked to be crucial with McIlroy having a 75 centimetre par putt on 16 and a one shot lead. He missed it and repeated the miss on 18 leaving the door open for the superb winning par by DeChambeau.

No one could begrudge DeChambeau his win as he was almost constantly scrambling from the inverted saucer greens and rarely sank any long putts. Conversely McIlroy sank several lengthy putts. However it was the two almost gimmes he missed on 16 and 18 that proved the difference. The pressure of the situation clearly affected his equilibrium.

The emotion as DeChambeau let it loose on 18 was euphoric as the fans enjoyed the moment with him as he almost mimicked Payne Stewart. Following his heartfelt words at the presenta-

tion he mingled with the fans at length allowing them to handle the trophy. As is now a part of his on course persona, and long may it last, he was always happy to interact with the fans. There was an extremely nice moment when he was walking to the 11th tee and noticed a young lad in a wheelchair. Even knowing his lead had disappeared he stopped and took the time to sign his cap and say a few words.

It is difficult to remember another course where so many apparently good shots landing safely in the heart of greens would somehow find enough slope to roll off the green, sometimes into bunkers, leaving challenging recovery shots to make par or better. It was a case of finding the right spot on the green and in many cases that was a small target.

There was so much quality golf to enjoy throughout. For two rounds Ludvig Aberg enthralled with his fluent almost pinpoint play to look a potential winner. One pundit predicts he will be number one soon. There might be a couple of players who will dispute that. This time he inexplicably unravelled somewhat with two triple bogeys plus several bogeys in the last two rounds to finish 12th.

Tony Finau was right in the mix until his bogey on 12 and a disastrous triple on 13 in the third round. A strong final round saw him finish third. France’s Matthieu Pavon was a surprise contender for some time finishing fifth. Pre-tournament favourite Scottie Scheffler was never a threat just

Major winners so far this year

making the cut to finish 41st, just his second finish outside the top 10 this year. Tiger Woods said beforehand his “body was strong enough to win the US Open. It was just a matter of doing it.” No one would disagree with that little revelation.

The highlight of the second round was probably Italy’s Francesco Molinari’s hole in one on his final hole, the 195 yard par three ninth, to make the cut. That was not the only ace as Austria’s Sepp Straka also made one on the ninth in the second round. Not forgetting Kiwi Ryan Fox. He would have had satisfaction and some disappointment. Satisfaction for making the cut on plus five and having an excellent final round 71. Disappointment with a five-hole six dropped shots horror stretch from 11 to 15 in the third round that cost him a much higher finish than 56th.

Through all the drama, great shots, meltdowns and the challenging course the abiding memory for this scribe will be the final hole and DeChambeau’s remarkable par. In the waste area left off the tee, under a tree with restricted backswing, it looked to have bogey, at least, written all over it. Got it onto the fairway and found a bunker some 50 metres from the green with his second shot. A marvellous bunker shot to four feet and hey presto, victory. With that he has five more years of starts in all majors plus he leaps from 38th to 10th in the world rankings … not high enough?

Winners of the first three men’s major championships this year are:-

US Masters at Augusta National in Georgia in April: Scottie Scheffler with a score of 11 under par.

PGA Championship at Valhalla in Kentucky in May: Xander Schauffele with a score of 21 under par.

US Open at Pinehurst No 2 in North Carolina in June: Bryson DeChambeau with a score of six under par.

The fourth major is The Open Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland from July 18-21.

UNITED STATES OPEN LEADERBOARD AND PRIZE MONEY

McIlroy left; Norman stayed … and faced the music

By Neville Idour

The drama of the US Open did not end with the last putt.

No, we were treated, if that is the right word, to Rory McIlroy watching in the scorers’ hut DeChambeau playing his long 50 metre bunker shot on the 18th. His face reflected keen interest probably thinking it was headed for a playoff, until the shot landed four feet from the hole. No one had got up and down from there all week.

As the putt sank, the slumped, disgusted looking McIlroy quickly stood and exited with his caddie straight to their courtesy vehicle, avoiding the news media, and was taking off at Pinehurst Airport as DeChambeau was beginning his celebrations.

Understandably, DeChambeau asked where McIlroy was, having been in the same situation at the PGA Championship. Nevertheless, DeChambeau graciously lauded McIlroy as the superb golfer he is in his speech.

We can certainly understand McIlroy’s devastation and wish to “get away as quickly as possible.” But was the getting away the right thing to do? Many say no but one pundit actually congratulated him for removing himself.

Sure he posted on social media on the Monday night saying first that: “Yesterday was probably the toughest

day in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.”

Then he said: “I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now.”

Those latter words would have had much more effect had he stopped and just said them and nothing more to media as he left. Surely his $US2.32m runner-up prize was some consolation.

There have been other shock meltdowns in majors and the one that immediately springs to mind is Greg Norman’s closing 78 at the 1996 Masters after having a six shot lead in the final round. Norman frittered away his lead as final round playing partner Nick Faldo watched him eventually finish third to lose by five shots to Faldo. This writer had the privilege/agony to watch the drama unfold. I will never forget seeing Norman slump to his knees, head in hands after yet another bad shot, then on the 15th green slumped on his back in despair.

But through it all came a shining light of what sport and sportsmanship is all about. On the 18th Norman accepted his fate beautifully as he embraced Faldo, congratulating him in a lingering clash, with Faldo also consoling Norman.

Many people today choose to ignore Norman’s better qualities. Always gracious in defeat or victory he stayed to speak to reporters and own his failings.

“I screwed up,’’ Norman said at the time. “It’s all

on me, but losing the Masters is not the end of the world. I let this one get away but I still have a pretty good life. I’ll wake up tomorrow still breathing, I hope.”

Despite him being perceived by some as brash and polarising one has to wonder if that is in fact mostly in the eyes of those people who view him as an easy tall poppy target. He certainly showed an admirable sense of perspective that life was still great.

McIlroy’s behaviour was in stark contrast to Norman’s who he has disparaged on more than one occasion in recent times. McIlroy has many likeable qualities but one of them does not seem to be maturity in some areas of life. One can only think that Jack Nicklaus would be unimpressed by his behaviour. He won 18 majors but had more practice coming second 19 times, handling them with impeccable grace. He learned from his father “make them feel like you are happy for them even if you aren’t.”

So we can only hope that McIlroy learns from this latest faux pas and thinks of the other player as well as himself, even look to DeChambeau as an excellent example. He has made a rod for his back he may have to bear next time he fronts the media face to face. We can only hope they give him some respect and do not labour their questioning. On the other hand McIlroy needs to be contrite and up front to regain any respect he may have lost with fans in general.

Amy Yang prevails in a major at 75th attempt

Amy Yang from South Korea won her first major championship at her 75th attempt when taking out the $US10 million Women’s PGA Championship in the United States last month.

That was the longest wait for a maiden win in a major since Angela Stanford won the 2018 Evian Championship in France at her 76th attempt.

Yang, 34, led by two shots going into the final round at Sahalee Country Club in Seattle, Washington, and a par round of 72 was enough for her to increase her winning margin to three.

“I’ve lost the words right now,” said a teary Yang on the final green after a champagne shower for the ages.

“It’s all the hard work our team did together, and I’m so grateful for that. All four rounds, it was tough out there, but I just trusted what I prepared, and just I did my best all week.”

Yang began the final day at seven under par with a two-shot lead over Lauren Hartlage and Miyu Yamashita.

That lead was increased to three shots with a birdie on the first hole but Hartlage and Ya-

mashita both birdied the second hole to once again sit two behind Yang.

Yang’s lead was cut to just one when she bogeyed the par four third but that’s as close it got.

Yang chipped in for birdie on the par three fifth hole to get back to eight under par, making another birdie on the difficult par four eighth hole to get to nine under.

And when Hartlage double bogeyed holes seven and eight and Yamashita also made a double of her own on eight, Yang was all alone at the front of the pack.

Yang had a double bogey on No 17 after hitting her tee shot into water but it mattered little as she had a lead of three coming to the last which she parred and take home the winner’s purse of $US1.56 million.

Yang added afterwards: “I always wanted to win a major, and I came close several times, and I started doubting myself if I ever going to win a major before I retire because I’ve been on tour quite a while.

“I am so grateful and very, very happy to win a major.”

Equal second at four under par were two-time major champion Jin Young Ko, Japan’s Miyu

Yamashita and the previous week’s LPGA Classic champion Lilia Vu.

New Zealand’s Lydia Ko finished 46th.

Lexi Thompson, who announced at the US Women’s Open that she’d be stepping away from professional golf at the end of the 2024 season, finished in a tie for ninth at one under.

Amy Yang during the final round of the Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Washington last month. Photo credit: Steph Chambers/Getty Images.

Amy Yang of South Korea holds the massive trophy after her win in the $US10 million Women’s PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish in Seattle, Washington, last month. Photo credit: David Cannon/Getty Images.

It’s all go for the 2025 NZ Hickory Open

By Neville Idour

The 2025 New Zealand Hickory Open is all go with the tournament committee having released all details well in advance of the Sunday, February 2, 2025 date.

This fourth event will once again be played on Shirley Links at the Christchurch Golf Club. It is presented by Oxford Group and the New Zealand Society of Hickory Golf and will again be hosted by Sir Bob Charles who is hoping to be fit enough to compete.

Sir Bob is currently recovering from a nasty achilles’ injury which has meant no golf in recent months. Once again traditional golf attire is encouraged with prizes for the best dressed man and woman. Professionals or amateurs can enter with all players playing

off the same tees for the Open. However,  ladies’ tees will be used for those wishing to play for best nett.

Entry fee for the open singles is $70 and for the open foursomes also $70. Club hire will be available for $60 per day. The Sunday celebration two-course dinner and presentation costs $80. Once again a significant international field is expected and therefore a full programme of events will be available.

There is an exciting optional progamme of hickory events leading up to the New Zealand Hickory Open. Beginning on the Thursday there is the nine-hole Harry Vardon Hickory competition with an entry fee of $25, followed by the presentations.

On Friday, January 31, the international clashes feature. Australia and New Zealand teams compete for the Anzac Flask. The Japan Cup is contested by New

Zealand and Japan. Also up for grabs is the Southshore Jug a New Zealand regional competition of combined nine holes foursomes and singles. With the presentation and two-course dinner to follow the cost is $140.

On Saturday the 18 hole Foursomes Hickory Championship is played and on Sunday the 18 hole singles strokeplay for the NZ Hickory Open Championship will bring the week to a crescendo. The prizegiving and celebration dinner will no doubt be a festive occasion full of banter and memory and a fitting end to a special few days.

To enter, players should contact the tournament secretary Rick Vincent on 03 385 9506 or email admin@christchurchgolf.co.nz. For those travelling, accommodation advice is available.

Amelia Garvey enhances LPGA prospects with second on Epson Tour

By Neville Idour

Amelia Garvey has produced her best effort of the year to date with an important tie for second on the Epson Tour in the United States.

It came in the $US200,000 Firekeepers’ Casino Hotel Championship in the upper mid-west state of  Michigan. Garvey, from Kaiapoi in Canterbury, was in a

four-way tie for second which was worth $US13,273. That’s more than $NZ21,000.

The second placing has rocketed Garvey up to 37th from 135th on the Race

For The LPGA Tour Card, where the top 25 is the goal. Fellow Kiwi, Aucklander Fiona Xu, is leading the race with a healthy margin despite missing the cut in Michigan.

For Garvey it was an encouraging effort with rounds of 73, 68 and 70. She came

so close after a final round birdie on 17 left her one shot behind ultimate winner

Cassie Porter from Australia. Porter bogeyed 18 but unfortunately Garvey’s chip for par just lipped out to miss out on a tournament playoff.

Treacherous winds, intermittent rain and a demanding course proved a real challenge. Despite that Garvey was understandably upbeat.

“I think last week (making the cut at the United States Open) was a big confidence booster,’’ Garvey said.

“I proved to myself I can compete against the best players in the world as well as out here. I finished second here last year. I really like the course as it fits my eye pretty well. I have put in a lot of work over the last few weeks and it seems it may have paid off a little this week.”

Linn Grant does it again in stunning circumstances

By Neville Idour

Swedish golf star Linn Grant, surely one of the most likeable and delightful professionals on the planet, achieved the unthinkable at the Scandinavian Mixed Open on the DP World Tour.

Grant started her final round a massive 11 shots behind the leader and fellow Swede, Sebastian Soderberg who had an eight-shot lead on the closest chasers.

Grant’s win last month was one for the ages. She was the

first woman to win a European Tour title when she won this same Scandinavian event in 2022.

So now she has done it twice and on her hometown course it merely added to the almost fairytale scenario.

The drama was palpable as the final few holes unfolded, especially the extraordinary threeshot swing on the 18th hole.

Grant was on fire early playing flawless golf and had six birdies after 10 holes but was still five shots behind Soderberg. Howev-

er, Soderberg was several holes behind Grant and he completed the first nine holes one over par. While he was looking fairly safe with pars on 10,11 and 12, Grant had missed the green on 18 finding the rough on a slight up slope a few feet from the green.

This left a very tricky up and down for par. No problem as she made nice contact and watched the ball run briskly on line, hit the flagstick and drop for birdie. On 17 under par she was now just three shots in arrears and with more than an hour to wait

until play ended.

So the drama unfolded as Soderberg bogeyed 13 and 15 to only lead by one shot and clearly affected by the pressure. Regaining some composure, he parred 16 and 17 and found the fairway on 18.

Only needing par for the win his second shot settled awkwardly in the greenside bunker. He came out leaving what looked like an easy two putt for a tie and a chance to win with a great putt from 15 feet. His putt left him an 18-inch tap in to ensure a playoff.

Staggeringly he pushed it on the right edge and it rolled round the edge and out for double bogey, leaving Grant the winner.

Apparently it was the biggest ever comeback on the European Tour. However as is the mark of Grant as a person there was no euphoria when she realised she had won. I cannot remember a winner as self oblivious after a win.

Her first comments were all about her fellow countryman’s feelings saying: “I just can’t imagine how Sebastion must be feeling after that,” shaking her head in empathy and then lost for words for a few moments.

“I just tried to go out today and give myself an opportunity. I didn’t even think I had a chance of winning. Eleven shots is a huge gap, so I wanted to go out, have fun and make as many birdies as possible … and enjoy it with my brother on the bag

and being at home. It turned out an incredible day.”

For Soderberg it was definitely one that got away. For his first 50 holes he was 21 under par. His final 22 holes he played five over par. An incredible turnaround.

For Grant it was consistency, especially the bogey free final round.

Grant has played most LPGA Tour events this year with just the one missed cut at the United States Open. In 12 events she had just one top 10 finish but just two outside the top 29.  With this win her world ranking has crept up to 27 from 32.

Apparently, you have to win an LPGA Tour event to get a decent boost in the rankings.

Linn Grant celebrates chipping in on the 18th hole in the final round of the Scandinavian Mixed in Helsingborg, Sweden, last month. Photo credit: Luke Walker/Getty Images.

Linn Grant, of Sweden, holds the winner’s trophy after taking out the Scandinavian Mixed at Vasatorps Golfklubb in Helsingborg, Sweden, last month. Photo credit Luke Walker/Getty Images

Superb Sir Bob Charles golf centre opens in Christchurch

By Neville Idour

The state of the art Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre opening at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch last month was a resounding success with hundreds of enthusiasts attending. Families and young and old were able to enjoy sampling the facilities on offer. The complimentary barbecue, inflatable driving range for children and putting competitions were popular.

The architecturally designed centre features a 340 metre dual ended driving range with 32 bays all equipped with

TrackMan range technology to provide all the information on every shot. Eighteen bays are covered and 14 are on grass. There is a wonderful 3500 square metre putting green which is one of largest in the southern hemisphere. Also to complete the picture is a short game and chipping area with bunkers. Rare TrackMan PuttView technology is available at the PuttView Indoor facility. The driving range is open to all, those looking for fun to serious golfers and professionals. The putting green likewise can be enjoyed for a small cost.

Annual memberships are available for $950, much like a golf club membership which give all year access to all facilities.

The facility is the idea of Todd Heller of Heller Golf and one of New Zealand’s most successful businessmen. Input from Geoff and David Saunders saw the initial thought manifest itself into a magnificent world class golf centre. Appropriately it was given the name of New Zealand’s greatest golfer Bob Charles who was at the opening. Charles expressed his thoughts saying: “What a wonderful facility and so proud to have my name on it. So nice to see so many out enjoying themselves.”

We spoke with leading coach Auckland’s Marcus Wheelhouse who coaches Ryan Fox. He is director of instruction for the centre. He said: “I will be getting a team of professional coaches together and at this stage intend to travel here twice a month for coaching. It is going to be great for the development of our talented golfers.”

The large putting green at the Sir Bob Charles golf centre.

The grass area of the Sir Bob Charles golf centre at Clearwater Golf Club in Christchurch.

Another area of the Sir Bob Charles golf centre.

WORK SMARTER

Have your team work smarter, learn up-to-date skills.

TRAIN AN APPRENTICE

ALREADY HAVE THE EXPERIENCE?

GROW YOUR BUSINESS THROUGH TRAINING

Help them learn the skills and become qualified.

Get skills recognised with a formal qualification.

ARCHITECTURAL ALUMINIUM JOINERY

BRICK AND BLOCK LAYING

CARPENTRY

CONCRETE

EXTERIOR PLASTERING

FLOORING

FRAME AND TRUSS FABRICATION

GLASS AND GLAZING

Training an apprentice is an investment in your business and the industry.

INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION

JOINERY

KITCHEN AND BATHROOM DESIGN

PAINTING AND DECORATING

RESIN FLOORING

STONEMASONRY

SUPERVISOR

TILING

The difficult task of compiling a book about the best golf courses in New Zealand

By Michael Donaldson

Asking a group of golfers to name the best golf courses in New Zealand will always spark heated debate. And it was no different when myself and co-author Phil Hamilton wrote the just-released Sweet Spot — 36 Iconic Golf Courses that Celebrate the Best of New Zealand.

Whether you love a golf course or not can depend on so many things — the weather, your score, your playing partners, how much it cost …

So, trying to pick just 36 golf courses as representative of New Zealand was something of a mission for us. After all, that represents only 10 percent of all the courses in the country.

It took a lot of travel, consultation, reading of online golf course reviews and lively debate. The outcome is that some well-loved courses are not featured, but we believe we’ve created a balanced list of geographically spread courses that respects the difference between, for example, Waitara and Wairakei, Ahipara and Arrowtown.

As renowned touring professional-turned architect Greg Turner notes in his foreword of the book: “The essence of golf here still lies in the character of the more utilitarian courses, of the understated and unassuming nature that predominates. In Sweet Spot, the authors have done a great job of providing an informative stroll around New Zealand’s golf landscape, and, when coupled with such insightful photography and historical context, the outcome is a real treat.”

Some background to the project might be helpful.

Phil and I have known each other for more than 20 years. We were both sports journalists and first worked together at the Australian Associated Press in Sydney in the early 2000s.

Our office had a great crew of golfers and we played all over Sydney and further afield.  Later we both ended up

in Auckland, working for New Zealand news website Stuff, and joined Titirangi, before Phil and his family headed “home” to Christchurch.

Phil is a golf architecture guru and history buff. Sometime ago, in what seems like the deep past, before covid, Phil called me with an idea: “How about writing a book on the 50 best-designed golf courses in New Zealand?”

I’d previously written a book, published by Penguin Random House, called Country Courses. It was a project I inherited from the late Phil Leishman, who started it before he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

I went to some fascinating — and outrageous (looking at you Ringa Ringa Heights) — spots around the country but time restraints and budget meant we squeezed in only 18 courses from Phil’s original shortlist of around 30. I’d always wanted to do something more substantial but the 50 best-designed courses? I wasn’t sure. It might be a bit arcane and appeal to only a

small set of golf tragics.

Another friend, Jeremy, is in the publishing business, and I’d worked with him on other books I’d done including Out Of The Rough, the Steve Williams story that I co-authored with the great caddie, and Lydia Ko — Portrait of Teen Golf Sensation.

Jeremy pointed us in the direction of golf as viewed through the lens of New Zealand landscape; surely, we had golf courses in New Zealand that you wouldn’t find anywhere else in the world, he suggested — courses that are uniquely ours, that represent golf as it’s enjoyed here.

Have we landed on a definitive list? I’m not sure. The project took so long to gestate, and then photograph, thanks to covid lockdowns at the start. The delays meant that Te Arai Links, north of Auckland, was practically started and finished in the time we took to get the book produced! Such is life. Te Arai is a magic place, but we couldn’t squeeze it in because of

the sheer logistics involved in writing, photographing, designing and printing such a beautiful book.

We debated long and hard, consulted widely, and played numerous rounds as we created our final list of 36 golf courses that were both well-designed but also distinctively New Zealand in their landscape, history and — for want of a better word — spirit.

After all, golf is the only sport where the fields of play can vary so much — from the sand dunes of linksland, to courses carved through forests — or in the case of a course like Waitakere in Auckland, carved from native bush in a regional park. So, it made sense to celebrate what is unique, and special, about the playing fields found in New Zealand.

I live in Auckland and Phil is in Christchurch, so we split the book into two halves defined by our respective islands and decided on the most appropriate of golf numbers, 18, as the number of courses to include from each island.

Cromwell Golf Club which also features in the book Sweet Spot — 36 Iconic Golf Courses that Celebrate the Best of New Zealand. Photo credit: Arno Gasteiger.

90 Mile Beach golf course in Northland which features in the book Sweet Spot — 36 Iconic Golf Courses that Celebrate the Best of New Zealand. Photo credit: Arno Gasteiger.

It was Jeremy who came up with the brilliant idea of putting them into two volumes, North & South, and putting them inside a slipcase.

And huge credit to designers Alan Deare and Dave McDonald of Area Design for the idea of cutting out a golf-ball like hole in the slipcase and creating the fluorescent yellow and green “dimpled” covers.

For the task of photographing these courses, we wanted a specialist landscape photographer. Arno Gasteiger came to this project knowing little about golf but with an eye for what makes New Zealand’s land and light so special.

For anyone looking for those spectacular drone shots so often used to depict golf courses in the twenty-first century, you won’t find many in Sweet Spot. We wanted to capture the look and feel of the course, and the land, as the player sees it.

In the end our chosen 36 courses are ones we’d play again and again, and happily recommend to others. One thing

we did was stick to 18-hole courses and one of our future jobs might be to find the best nine-hole courses in New Zealand, starting with Takaka at the top of the South Island and Mahia in Hawke’s Bay.

We think we’ve captured the essence of the golfing experience in New Zealand, which is far more than just the handful of elite courses that get highlighted in the international media.

As Phil observes, thanks to the wall-towall coverage of the PGA Tour, we’ve been infected with the American “disease” that equates conditioning and difficulty with quality. This means the best of our courses are assumed to be the marquee courses, which is not always the case.

In fact, as Greg Turner noted, it’s the access and affordability that make golf special here, with most regions having at least one course that stands out — although it’s often not the first one that comes to mind.

We don’t care much for difficulty or resistance to scoring, which is used to de-

termine most top 40, 50 or 100 lists. Difficulty is among the worst ways to judge a course. Any mug can make a course hard -- just lengthen, tighten and sprinkle liberally with hazards.

Our litmus test was to find courses that were both challenging and fun. Courses with interesting holes that require some thinking about the best way to play — that offer choices, options, shortcuts, dangerous routes, safe paths . . . allowing you to get from here to there based on your ability.

Views are always nice but not necessarily essential. We are huge fans of a walkable course — courses where you move naturally from the green on one hole to the tee area on the next. There are one or two exceptions in this book but, by and large, all are great walking experiences.

Sure, good conditioning is nice (and that doesn’t mean green and lush), but it’s not critical — some of our favourite courses are decidedly scruffy. But what they have in common is that they repre-

sent the spectrum of golf in New Zealand and have a unique quality that you can only find here in Aotearoa.

For both of us, this project was born out of an unrelenting love of golf. We can talk about golf, and golf courses, for as long as it takes to play a round, and then over a few beers afterwards.

We’ve played golf all over New Zealand and the world — most of it averagely — with self-taught swings and a pair of mid-teen handicaps. With writing backgrounds and a golf addiction unrelated to our abilities, we were mad enough to put our money where our mouths were — literally — as we’re self-publishing this book, which is an expensive task!

But for the price of a dozen Titleist Pro V1 golf balls you can enjoy the fruits of our labour and have a box-set book that will last a lot longer than that box of balls. We hope you find inspiration in our selections and in Arno’s wonderful photography, which captures the heart and soul of the land on which we play this game.

https://sweetspotgolfbook.com

The Roxburgh Golf Club. Photo credit: Arno Gasteiger.

Waitara Golf Club in Taranaki. Photo credit: Arno Gasteiger.

Ben Campbell loving the LIV life

By Neville Idour

Queenstown golf professional

Ben Campbell has been enjoying his time with the controversial LIV Golf tour this year as reserve.  He has been in action twice in addition to pro-ams. As replacement for an injured Cameron Smith he played well to finish mid-field then most recently replaced Jon Rahm for the final round in Houston and scored a five under par round, easily the best for the team and one the best of the day.

Asked about the LIV tour Campbell said: “I have been loving it. There have

been some really cool events. Adelaide was incredible with amazing crowds. I have really enjoyed my time. The guys are really well looked after. One of the things I have been loving is the number of young children coming to the events with the music playing and things like that.

“Normally parents are worried about the kids screaming during someone’s backswing but with the music going it doesn’t really matter, people making noises, because it just gets drowned out. So definitely that has been something I have really liked, because if we can get more kids playing the game then it has got to be a good thing.”

Is it a more relaxed atmosphere?

“Yes, a lot more relaxed, quite a fun time. If you look at Adelaide and other earlier events there are probably a lot of non golfers coming. Here in New Zealand covid brought about a massive influx of golfers including a lot of young people. So if it helps people stay in the game that’s good.”

Tell us how being a reserve on LIV works?

“I have been a reserve for all events so far this year. Nashville is my next event starting June 21st.  Every week each team captain puts in his team and there are three reserves on site for each event so if a team member gets

injured, a reserve steps in. For example in Miami I played for Cam Smith the last two days after he got food poisoning. The reserves are on standby for any of the 13 teams.”

Apart from LIV where is your focus?

“I am playing the full Asian Tour and we have the International Series coming up. I am sitting 10th on the order of merit for that series. The winner of that series gets a full LIV card. Then later in the year there is the LIV promotions event so I have got a couple of chances to get my card for LIV and that is my goal. We are well looked after so it’s great.

“One of the things that surprised me is just how hard the guys out there are working. You look at Phil Mickelson who is coming to the end of his career, but he still works so hard. He is always practicing. Bryson DeChambeau is renowned for being a hard worker. Even some of the others I thought would have been taking it a bit easier are often the first guys in the gym.”

What about the sceptics out there calling it exhibition golf?

“It is not the case at all. They are all working very hard. I see the big names all the time. We go to dinners regularly. It is a pretty tight group out there. Obviously a lot of them took some big risks leaving where they were, but everyone

becomes part of the family and looks after each other.

“That is another thing that has surprised me. Everyone has been so friendly and helpful and checks in to make sure you are doing okay. It’s been great. I have learned some good lessons and been around some of the best players in the world each event. You know, you pick up on things here and there.”

What about the team aspect and camaraderie?

“Professional golf can be weird if you are not having a good week. You are sort of out of it. But with the team aspect guys have got to grind the full week, and you see that after the second round because in the final (third) round all four scores count for the team. So if someone is having a bad week they are out there after two rounds on the driving range or the putting green trying to find something so they don’t let the team down on the last day which is really cool.”

Life on the LIV tour is certainly agreeing with Campbell who is very upbeat about the future which is looking to be full of opportunity for him. It is also good to have him give a clear first hand view of the LIV golf phenomenon and expose the untrue views and opinions for what they are.

Ben Campbell. This photo was after he won the 2018 New Zealand PGA Championship in Palmerston North.

Prestigious Country Club Living at its Best

The first houses at The Greens, Fairview Estate are now complete, available for viewing and ready to move in.

The Greens is the latest residential subdivision at Fairview Estate and features 25 architecturally designed, freehold, townhouses with off-street parking – perfect for motorhomes or caravans – making it an ideal base for lifestyle and retirement adventures.

Fairview Estate has an outstanding café/ restaurant with indoor and outdoor bars, as well as a Country Club which boasts a wealth of facilities that currently includes a health studio, tennis courts, golf course, and an indoor

pool and spa complex for sport, fitness, and socialising. This is community living at its best.

Centrally located in the sunny Bay of Plenty, Katikati is a thriving hub with supermarkets, a medical center, library, and all levels of schooling.

With house and land packages all including Country Club membership, the remaining high-quality packages won’t last long so get in touch and chat to our expert team today.

Aberdeen Lane and Prestwick Lanes - off Sharp Road, Katikati

Our annual golf getaway takes us to the winterless north to take on the Waitangi Golf Club and Kauri Cliffs. The weekend -- in the magical destination of Paihia -- will live long in the memory.

Kauri Cliffs and Waitangi make for a superb golfing weekend

By Peter Thornton

My alarm sounds off at 5.58am. There is no hitting the snooze button this morning. The day we have been talking about for months has finally arrived.

We are heading north on our annual golf boys’ trip to take on the challenge of the Waitangi Golf Club and the world famous Kauri Cliffs. As the lads all pile into the car and settle in for the three-hour journey north, the anticipation and excitement levels are at fever pitch.

This time the line-up includes my father Richard Thornton, an old rugby mate Simon ‘Blocka’ Roche and James

Dunlop who is making his long-awaited debut in the battle for the beers and toasties.

The first thing to settle is who was playing with whom and how many shots were being given. We are all enthusiastic amateurs – ranging from handicaps of 18-20 – and like most golfers, believe we can be much better than that.

The format is simple – we play matchplay in teams with the best ball winning the hole. The winners have the privilege of being shouted the after-match and most importantly take the bragging rights.

After a fair amount of haggling, it’s decided that dad and Jimmy would

team up on day one with Jimmy getting five shots.

Heading north, the Brynderwyns are out of action after the flooding last year, so we drove the scenic route via the Twin Discovery Highway, taking in the stunning views along Lang’s Beach and Waipu Cove.

When we arrive in Paihia, it is like we are in a different country. As we pull into the Waitangi Golf Club, it is warm and there is a gentle breeze with a backdrop of endless ocean and blue skies.

“It’s an easy walking course”

There are nerves on the first tee, but we get off to a solid start with all four drives in the fairway.

Blocka and I get off to a fast start when I make a couple of pars to start the day, we are three up after three holes and feeling good.

Waitangi is steeped in history. It was formed in 1932 when the Governor General of New Zealand, Lord Bledisloe and Lady Bledisloe, impressed by the site’s historical importance purchased the 506-hectare Waitangi Estate. They then generously gifted the entire estate back to the nation for the Waitangi Trust Board to manage.

Much of the original golf course design from Mr W A Kiely remains the same.  It is a quintessential Kiwi club course layout. It’s forgiving, full of character and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable round of golf.

The whole group warms to the task at the par three sixth, one of the standout holes from the front nine. A Titirangi-like 160m par three where you need to carry the bush and there isn’t a lot of margin for error.

Dad and Jimmy come back into the match on the par three ninth where

James hits his three wood to about 20 feet and makes his par and we take a two up lead into the turn.

The best part of the course awaits at the start of the back nine where the holes hug a majestic piece of coastline with views you can almost touch.

The par five 11th is the signature hole on the course. The panoramic view from the tee box is stunning and it takes three good shots to find the green in regulation. Standing on the green, hearing the gentle lapping of the ocean on the rocks behind, it’s a good feeling to be away and enjoying the Northland sunshine.

Moments later, Blocka hits his ball out of bounds, but takes a drop and holes a putt from 40 feet for bogey. When Blocka and I par the 12th, we are four up again and in control.

Jimmy helps stage a mini comeback with par on 13 but when I get up and down from the bunker on the 15th for par we are dormy three. Any faint hopes of a miracle turnaround end when Blocka makes par on 16 and we claim a 3 and 2 win.

One of the best things about this part of the world is the people. They are friendly without fault. The Waitangi catering team wait for us to finish our round to make sure we can have our beers and toasties. It’s that sort of gesture that makes this place special and makes you feel welcome.

Merle Tipene, the affable club secretary, joins us for the after match and dad has had a couple of beers by now and is waxing lyrical. He tells our new mate that Waitangi is a “lovely easy walking course” which prompts a swift response from the lads who point out he spent the past four hours cruising around the layout in a golf cart.

From left to right Simon Roche, Richard Thornton, Peter Thornton and James Dunlop had an unforgettable golf trip to Northland.

The heart of Paihia

There is plenty of laughter and banter as we head down the road and check into the Kingsgate Hotel in the heart of Paihia. With a view that takes in the Paihia Harbour and across the way to Russell, it is a great setting and the ideal place to host a golfing trip. The rooms are modern and generous in size.

There is nothing better than being able to walk to dinner. And on night one we were hosted by the Crafty Local, a two-minute stroll down the road. I lived in Ireland for a few years, and we would frequent the local pub, so this experience brings back good memories.

If someone had told me that my favourite craft beers from around the country would be on tap in a place like Paihia I wouldn’t have believed them – but this place, has it all and a great menu to match.

From Garage Project to Fortune Favours to Parrotdog to the local McLeods – there are a surplus of options, and they are all good. In the background, a live band is beginning their set, and the Hurricanes edge the Chiefs in the Super Rugby. It’s the end of day one and we are full and content.

We are ready for the challenge of a lifetime in the morning.

“You come for the challenge, and you don’t leave disappointed”

I have unfinished business at Kauri Cliffs. I played here many years ago on a work trip and played like a complete donkey. It was frustrating to play like that at one of the best golf courses in the world.

But not today, I tell myself. Today will be different, I tell myself. I shrug off a disrupted night’s sleep with a hearty breakfast at Kingsgate and we toss the coin for teams. It flips up ‘Heads’ and Jimmy and I are taking on the strong favourites, Blocka and dad.

After a 45-minute drive north – with

Jimmy, an amateur rally driver, getting all sorts of driving advice from my father that he never asked for – we pull up outside the gates to Kauri Cliffs.

It’s cool as we warm up on the driving range and the wind is growing in strength as we stand on the first tee. We are ready to go but we need a moment.

Life is short. These are the moments you have to savour. I look at my dad and my mates who I have known for most of my life, and I am grateful to share this special experience with them.

Jimmy and I worked on the Golf Show on Sky Sport television for years and we dreamed about coming to play courses like this together.

Playing here is a truly once in a lifetime experience. Kauri Cliffs is world class in every sense of the word; from the welcome at your car to the staff cleaning your golf clubs at the turn to forgetting your golf shoes and them providing you with a pair of Footjoy’s before you hit the pro shop.

It is such a majestic place and every hole on the David Harman-designed layout frames up like a masterful work of art. And the conditioning, you have to play here to appreciate how good it is.

We get off to a slow start as we are a bit too keen on this hallowed turf, but we are soon underway.

One of the best moments arrives early in the round at the par four fifth, which is a truly breathtaking hole. Blocka played the hole like a pro with some impressive ball striking and is in the box seat. That is until I make a 40-foot putt for par from across the slope which is met with a Tiger-like fist pump.

There is more to celebrate two holes later when I make another 15-footer for par that sees us halve the hole with dad who makes par, and we stay at three up.

My putter is hot and I am seeing the lines of the greens clearly. I feel like if I can get on the putting surface then I have a good chance I will make my putt.

The momentum continues on the par four ninth with the best moment of the

round. Into the wind I hit a nine iron to pin high and make a fast-breaking putt across the slope for birdie. The running high five slash cuddle celebration is over the top, but we go with it, and we are five up over our lunchtime wrap.

The lads stage a comeback of sorts –Blocka continues to hit fairways in nonchalant fashion – and dad makes his presence felt with a par on the 10th.

But it is short lived when Jimmy hits a couple of golden three wood shots on 11 and 12 -- he plays some of his best golf in the toughest conditions.

The par four 13th is playing across wind and when I manage to hit the green in two, we are able to close out for a convincing 7 and 5 win. That shot will stay with me.

Looking down to Matauri Bay I don’t think there is a better view from a golf course anywhere in the country – and if there is, it probably belongs to Kauri’s sister property at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay.

Both of those courses hosted The Kiwi Challenge in 2009 with some of the world’s best and it would be great to see a tournament of some note back here.

By now the course is playing tough. The wind is up and I can’t back up the big moments from the front nine. We finish the day with a three-hole challenge for $10 each buy in. It results in all sorts of banter and brilliant golf. Blocka edged Jimmy in a playoff on the putting green.

Sitting on the clubhouse patio sipping on a couple of cold Hazy IPA beers, looking out to that incredible view, Kauri Cliffs has once again delivered an unforgettable experience.

I am happy to be here with my good mates and I will talk about this place forever.

I also cannot wait for another chance to come back here and try to put together that complete round. But that is for another day.

As we drive out of the gates, all of the boys feel the same way. “Man, I would love to play there again”. It is hard to beat

the quality of golf and views Northland has offered over the past two days.

“Refreshing

Rascals and Reprobates since 1827”

We’ve been advised to catch the 6.30pm ferry across to Russell for dinner at the famed Duke of Marlborough. It’s a cool way to get out for a meal, catching a boat across the harbour and there is a beautiful moon rising to mark the occasion.

The iconic Bay of Island Hotel was established in 1827 and the walls and décor are lined with history that feels like you are going back in time.

The Duke famously held the first liquor licence in New Zealand and is still just as popular today, almost 200 years later. It’s Saturday night and it feels like everyone in town is here.

The tagline of The Duke is Refreshing Rascals and Reprobates since 1827 and that seems like a fitting theme.

We are shown to a table with an ocean view and the cuisine is perfect from start to finish.

The plates from the sharing menu keep coming and each one is as good as the last. From the oyster tempura to the slowcooked lamb shoulder to the grass-fed short rib and the baked yoghurt cheesecake for dessert, there is something for everyone and we leave for the boat full and merry.

Back at the Kingsgate we don’t want to go home and find time to for one more competition.

We get on the table tennis table and Jimmy is pretty much unbeatable, deflecting shots with a boyish grin throughout. We put down the paddles and call it a night.

Our time in Northland could not have been better and we are grateful for the experience that will live long in the memory.

A special thanks to Esme Sutton at Northland Inc (Regional Tourist Organisation) for coordinating our golf trip and making it such a special experience.

An aerial and majestic view of Kauri Cliffs. Photo credit: Nick Wall/AirSwing Media.

The main lodge at Kauri Cliffs and the finishing 18th hole. Photo credit: Nick Wall/AirSwing Media.

Peter Thornton teeing off at the par five fourth hole at Kauri Cliffs. It is one of the best holes on the front nine.

Simon ‘Blocka’ Roche makes a putt from 40 feet to win the hole on the par five 11th.

The views at Kauri Cliffs are among the best from any golf course in the country.

No letup from Korda

By Neville Idour

Despite her par three horror killing her United States’ Women’s Open tilt we make no apology for a further piece on the best golfer on the planet, Nelly Korda, after her sixth win in seven events at the Americas Open last month. Her extraordinary record preceding the US Women’s Open this year starkly highlights in flashing lights the complete imbalance between the men’s and women’s games financially. Not that Korda is complaining. What she

would like to see is more recognition and profile for the women’s game — and why not?

The women’s game has the player it needs but doesn’t receive the kudos due on many fronts. Television coverage is a poor second in resources compared to the men. There are never-ending advertisements during the LPGA coverage with sometimes only two or three shots between ads. Then there are fewer cameras on course.

The final round of the Americas Open  event went down to the wire with two of the nicest women, Korda

and Hannah Green, locked together playing the 18th. Korda started the day two shots ahead but three bogeys by the sixth hole left her trailing. A bogey to Green saw them locked at 11under par starting the final nine. They traded shot for shot with birdies to both on 10,13 and 15. The 18th saw Green find the rough bringing a bogey, handing the title to Korda who made par.

Korda said: “I had to fight really hard on the back nine, but it was just amazing to share the stage with Hannah.”

With this win Korda achieved several milestones. She was the first player

since Inbee Park in 2013 to record six wins in a season — and the season isn’t at the halfway mark. She ties Annika Sorenstam as the fastest player to win six times in an LPGA season since 1980 (eighth start). Korda is the first American to win at least six times in an LPGA season since Beth Daniel in 1990. She is the fourth player in LPGA history to win six times before June 1 and she surpasses Stacy Lewis, Betty Jameson and Rosie Jones in all-time LPGA Tour wins by an American (13) since 1980. What next? The mind boggles.

Prizemoney gulf between men and women

The gulf in prizemoney between the PGA Tour and the LPGA Tour is farcical.

The women are the poor relation relatively speaking. Nelly Korda, with six wins in-

cluding a major championship, has amassed $US2,943,708 in prizemoney. I am sure she is not complaining. Let’s remember she didn’t even play in February.

Her total career earnings have

now reached $US11,880,981. However, it seems incongruous that Xander Schauffele could bury Korda’s season’s earnings with the $US3.3 million he won for his PGA Cham-

pionship victory. Even more incongruous is Scottie Scheffler’s winnings for a slightly less impressive season thus far, a whopping $US18,693,235.

So we can see clearly with

this, plus the other areas of difference, that the women travel second and in some cases third class as professional golfers. It would be nice to see some areas given a lift.

World news in brief

By Neville Idour

Lexi Thompson calls time on her career

One of the most popular players in women’s professional golf, Lexi Thompson, has announced her retirement from full time professional golf at the end of this season.

While this will have come as a surprise to many at 29 years of age, while she is playing as well as ever, she is happy and comfortable with her decision. She will be able to enjoy more time with family and loved ones, she said. Thompson has also confirmed her final tournament. She will compete in the Grant Thornton Invitational, a mixed pairs’ event at Tiburon Golf Club in Florida from December 13-15. Featuring 16 PGA Tour professionals and 16 LPGA professionals, she will team up for the second time with Rickie Fowler.

In a later issue we will profile this outstanding young lady and her successful career.

Peter Oosterhuis dies aged 75

Popular commentator and talented golfer Peter Oosterhuis died on May 2. Born in London, he played the European circuit from 1969-74 and topped the order of merit from 1971-74. He won 10 times there including finishing runner-up twice at the British Open. A move to the United States and the PGA Tour only yielded one win, the 1981 Canadian Open.

After retiring in 1994 he moved to commentating and covered the PGA Tour for Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and the British Open for the BBC. He had two years with Golf Channel, then CBS, until early Alzheimers disease forced him to leave that work. Ko and Kobori for the Olympics

The women’s field for the Olympic Games has been finalised and New Zealand will be represented by Lydia Ko, 17th world ranked, and Momoka Kobori, 293rd. World golf rankings are used for selection. Countries are allowed up to two representatives unless they have more than two in the

top 15 in which case they can send up to four players.

This year is the first time since 2016 that no country will send four players. The United States and South Korea will each send three. Amy Yang’s decisive Women’s PGA victory earned her a place as her world ranking leaped from 25th to fifth.

New Zealand Open volunteers on track

Volunteers’ manager Benn Ashford has been waxing lyrical about the New Zealand Open’s army of volunteers during the recent national volunteers’ week. He is thankful to the 350 volunteers who have already registered for the 104th 2025 New Zealand Open.

He said: “We are well on our way to the target of 520 and all who have registered are guaranteed a role. It is great to see so many familiar names and with almost 25 percent first timers it is fantastic to see so many new names.”

Next month we will go one on one with Benn and check out this self confessed golf tragic.

PGA Tour/Saudi PIF deal not close

That is according to PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan in a memo released. The tour’s board met in New York in early June. Rory McIlroy joined by video although he considered flying to New York midway through the Memorial Tournament such was the importance. Some emerging noises hinted at an agreed deal a week or so later, but it was just hot air.

That was so wide of the mark as Monahan made the groundbreaking clarification that while some headway had been made the finishing post was not close. McIlroy clearly made the right call.

Woods gets special exemptions

In the same memo we get to the important bit. Tiger Woods, now ranked 849th in the world, has received a  exemption category from the PGA Tour. Created exclusively for him it will allow him to play in all “signature’’ events from the 2025 season. His only other date he has this year is at Royal Troon in Scotland for The Open. He said:

“Even if I win The Open I don’t think I’ll be in the playoffs.

It is relevant that he has not had a top 20 in a major since winning the 2019 US Masters, having made five cuts and missed five. He is a shadow of 2019. Former coach Hank Haney said: “Tiger’s swing looks really good but golf might just be too hard to play once in a while at this level.” The Open Championship at Royal Troon will be fascinating on several levels.

Wanaka schoolboy’s sportmanship recognised

Sixteen-year-old Monty Brown, a Mount Aspiring College pupil in Queenstown, visited the New Zealand Open and tried his hand at the Craigs Investment Partners “Closest To The Pin Charity Fundraiser” on the Remarkables 14th hole. Spectators had the chance to win $5000 each day from 125 metres.

Monty’s shot on the Saturday was 83cm from the pin and the best until beaten in the last 10 minutes. He showed great sportsmanship in the way he accepted defeat and impressed the local Craigs team so much that they sponsored a new set of Ping clubs valued at $5000 for Monty. It was a generous joining of forces with Craigs, Ping and the Wanaka Golf Club.

Monty said: “I am blown away by their generosity. I have been playing for two years and want to get my handicap down to single figures and these will help me.”

Money list is an eye opener

It sure is. Amidst all the vitriol directed at LIV and its players, the 2024 money list to date reveals eight of the top 12 are PGA Tour players. Scheffler is leader by a country mile with $US27,696,858. Xander Schauffele is next with $12,636,360. LIV’s Joaquin Neimann is third at $12,281,848. Bryson DeChambeau fourth $11,359,667. PGA Tour players fill six of the next eight places. LIV players pad out the top 20.

Rory and Erica call off divorce

McIlroy and Erica Stoll met in 2012 during the Ryder Cup and eventually married in 2017 before 200 guests. Stoll was a regular at many of his victories

and their first child Poppy was born in August, 2020. McIlroy had filed for divorce after winning the Wells Fargo.

The good news is the divorce petition was dismissed and McIlroy said:

“Over the past weeks Erica and I have realised that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.”

All golf fans will wish them well.

USGA moves in the best direction

The United States Golf Association, which the PGA Tour is an offshoot of, is taking the high road for the betterment of men’s golf.

It is taking a unification approach to LIV Golf players. It has confirmed it is very seriously considering a bespoke qualifying pathway for LIV players. With no world ranking points the pathways to the majors are very limited. LIV withdrew its application earlier in the year after the many rebuffs.

John Bodenhamer, the USGA championship officer, said he and his peers are looking at all options, including a qualifying system especially for LIV golfers.

“We have watched what is happening in professional golf and seen a lot of good players go to LIV. I think it is reasonable that we would create a pathway that we could get those great players and give them an opportunity to be unified again. So yes, I think we are looking very seriously at that.”

Richard Lee’s impressive resume

Richard Lee’s debut in the Seniors US Open reveals a fine career resume. He has been playing since he was 12. He won the New Zealand Amateur and represented Auckland and New Zealand at the 2007 World Cup. He won the 2005 Thailand Open. He shot a course record 62 at Royal Melbourne in the Heineken Open. He was the first New Zealander to shoot 59 in a pro tournament. He was twice the New Zealand PGA order of merit winner.

A professional for 26 years he played more than 50 events on the European Tour, played the Australasian Tour for 18 years, the Asian Tour for eight years and the Japan Tour for nine years.

Driving 6,000 ft

above sea level in Mexico

Our national Champion and New Zealand Long Black - Nick Hanna and Asian Champion and Aussie Long Baller Steffan Scutti are DRIVING high 6’000 ft above sea level in LeonMexico. Nick Is the current XDL - North Island Men’s Open Champion (NZ) and New Zealand XDL Champion. Steffan is the current and 1st title holder for Asia Long Drive (Men’s Open) Champion which took place in Phuket, Thailand. Continued thanks to International Long Drive Magazine and the sponsors for making this incredible event in Leon possible. Top players from around the world

will be competing to DRIVE a world record. The hospitality is heartfelt and very generous with our players being treated like royalty. Players will be greeted by their personal drivers and luxurious hotels await their arrival. Meanwhile fans and team members are truly hyped for our national representatives so the heat downunder will be felt and the Mexican wave will be transcending to the Pacific. The DRIVES are expected to be off the charts and the excitement is hyping up fans with flags already flying high. The Golden Gal to Long Drive in NZ, National Women’s Champ, Queen’s Honour rep-

resentative, Asian Long Drive (Women’s) Champion, and New Zealand Long Black - Phillis Meti is also competing. Phillis known for her 4 x World Record DRIVES is already a crowd favourite and has been in the USA training and competing this year.

Billboards are gracing the roads and buildings in Leon, Mexico, in promotion of this great sporting event for Long Drive. The media is geared up to interview the international players with Nick Hanna from New Zealand being one of the first to arrive. This event is set to be one of the most exciting and memorable yet. “The pandemic has taken a toll on

the sport downunder with a huge loss of sponsors, so it’s a real blessing to have our national representatives take to the stage”, says Olna Ford, founder and owner of XDL, the New Zealand Long Blacks and Aussie Long Ballers.

Olna is sending a BIG thank you to Luis Kuronya, for the continued support throughout the years. Getting ready to scream for our nations and wishing Nick Hanna, Steffan Scutti and Phillis Meti the BEST of DRIVES as they venture to the tee with high expectations to DRIVE the Long One to take the win.

Nick Hanna - North Island Champion, New Zealand Champion 2023 & New Zealand Long Black Asia Long Drive Champions Steffan Scutti & Phillis Meti

Onekakā Links Golf Club

AMAZING GOLFING EXPERIENCE AT ONEKAKĀ 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 Face-

book page which is regularly updated. The green fee of $75 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

* Provision of two free golf balls per player

* 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, Onekakā Links is a must visit. I have played golf all around the world and Onekakā 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)

“Onekakā 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. Onekakā 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 Onekakā 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

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

AUCKLAND

REMUERA HAS WON THE MIDWEEK 18 HOLE WOMEN’S INTERCLUB COMPETITION

Remuera has won the Midweek 18 Hole

NORTHLAND

NORTHLAND GOLF 9 HOLE

PENNANTS RESULTS

Women’s winners – Whangarei Golf Club Denby team #1 won with 232 points.

Runners up with 231 points was Northland Golf Club team #2

Men’s winners – Mangawhai Golf Club team #4 won with 162 points

Runners up with 160 points was Mangawhai Golf Club team #3

Women’s Interclub Competition played recently at Windross Farm. In a nail-biting three-way match play final against two formidable teams from Royal Auckland and Grange, Remuera ladies triumphed with closely fought matches.

TE AWAMUTU, 2024 MEN’S HANDICAP MATCHPLAY PENNANTS WINNERS

Te Awamutu #2 team were the winners of the 2024 Men’s Handicap Matchplay Pennants Grand-Final against Waihi #2, on Sunday, 16th June, at Morrinsville Golf Club.

Te Awamutu #2 started strong in the morning foursomes by winning 2 out of 3 matches to take a narrow lead into the afternoon singles.

Pictured Left/Right: Howard Wynyard, Anthony Morris, Ivan Riggar, Jason

Healey, Rodney Morkell, Dave Ferguson.

With Murray Fraser winning the battle of the number 1’s to have the score back to 2-2 it looked like a close finish was on the cards.

Te Awamutu #2 team held there nerve to win 3.5 points out of a possible 4 in the afternoon singles to take an unassailable lead with only 1 match left.

Final score for the 2024 Grand-Final was 5.5-3.5 to Te Awamutu #2.

From all the team at Waikato Golf a big congratulations to Te Awamutu #2 for winning the 2024 Men’s Handicap Matchplay Grand-Final.

BAY OF PLENTY

THE LITTLE GOLF COURSE THAT COULD

By Shaun Fay

It’s been a tough few years for the little golf course that could. Whangamata’s Williamson Golf Course. Opened on December 22, 1968, it fast become a major town attraction both for play and social events. The club flourished for many years, long after the Titoki- the main course opened in ’82 and those club rooms have many stories to tell. However, times were changing, and trouble was on the way. The big sections on the fringe of the course were being divided and de-

veloped. While the club was covered by insurance, several of the new builds were young families and the idea of little Johnny on the trampoline dodging Callaway’s didn’t appeal. The members of course rebelled with “The course was there first”. But the danger was obvious and changes had to be made.

It was decided to shorten some of the par 4’s and create a special 9-hole, par 3 course. At the same time many of those trees planted in 1968 were nearing the end of their life and becoming dangerous. Add on a clubrooms that was well past its prime and Williamson was a long way from its glory days.

Then it started to rain. Whangamata’s storm water drainage problem is well documented, but the course for several years copped it more than most. Major earthworks were required which meant further disruption and frustration for members. But, golf courses are always a work in progress, golfers simply borrow the course and it’s the long game not the short game that has to be con-

Williamson Beer Garden

sidered. The foresight of long-gone committees and the relentless devotion of volunteers has slowly turned the course around and now with the towns ageing population and time poor workers this little golf course is fast reinventing itself. The option of a 1.5-to-2-hour game, a totally reinvented clubrooms, updated tee booking technology and a much safer course is proving increasingly attractive. Even some of those moaning members are even beginning to smile. With spring and summer not that far off, the club is set to become the new spot for fun with the outdoor beer garden ready to welcome all. Congratulations Williamson Golf Course and may you have another wonderful 75 years.

Make a booking at www.whangamatagolf.net.nz

HAWKE’S BAY

HAWKES BAY GOLF CORONATION CUP FOR 2024

The finals weekend for the Coronation Cup for 2024 took place recently at Onga Onga Golf Club. It saw Wairoa, Puketiritiri, Pongaroa & Dannevirke seek to get their name on the Coronation Cup for 2024.

Thank you to Onga Onga for hosting it was a fantastic weekend with the course presented in fantastic condition.

It was a great weekend of golf played by all the teams with it being a very tight finish on Sunday.

The overall results came back to a countback on games for 2024 with Wairoa, Puketiritiri & Pongaroa all having 2 wins meaning a countback on games.

Congratulations to Wairoa who came away with a 1 game lead taking out the

Coronation Cup for 2024.

Overall standings:

1st: Wairoa 4pts (21.0 games)

2nd: Pongaroa 4pts (20.0 games)

3rd: Puketiritiri 4pts (18.5 games)

4th: Dannevirke 0pts (12.5 games)

Thank you to all clubs for participating this season it was great to have everyone play this season back at its normal time of year after the disruption of Cyclone Gabrielle last season.

TARANAKI

TARANAKI GOLF

Urenui were recent winners of the Women’s Weekend Pennants at Te Ngutu for the first time! Manukorihi were second and New Plymouth third.

INGLEWOOD MEN’S CLUB CHAMPS FINAL

The final of the men’s club champs were played recently in good conditions. The results were as follows:

Senior:

Ben Joseph beat Paul Urbahn 6/5

Intermediate:

Shaun Hitchcock beat Trev Schroder 6/5

Junior: David O’Sullivan beat Chris Hill 5/4

Limit:

Jamie Brocklehurst beat Derek Miles 3/2

MANAWATU-WHANGANUI

MONDAY PENNANTS

Manawatu Wanganui Golf - Monday Pennants was played recently at Rangitikei Golf club.

Marton beat Eketahuna to win the Teams Challenge Shield and Manawatu beat Rangatira Blue for third Place.

The Jean Whitehead Shield for finishing first in Division 1 was won by Rangatira Blue.

The Bessie Fullerton Smith Shield for first in Division 2 was won by Manawatu.

WELLINGTON

WELLINGTON GOLF

Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, 2024 Women’s 9 Hole Interclub Champions, and to Waikanae Golf Club winners of the field day, PBGC’s Teegan and Joanne (winning pair) and Trish from Masterton GC, grade MVP.

Played at Royal Wellington Golf Club great hosts to the 92 players on a superb winters day.

CANTERBURY

CANTERBURY 4BBB CHAMPIONSHIP

The 2024 Canterbury 4BBB Championships were played at Coringa Golf Club recently in cool conditions with the course in great order.

Due again to the popularity of the event, a ballot was required to identify the top 50 men’s pairs and 14 Women’s pairs to compete in the Championship and the scoring reflected in the high calibre of players.

Highlights on the day were a hole in one from Clearwater’s Rachel Eder on hole no. 5 (Rachel’s second in the past three Canterbury 4BBB events), an indi-

vidual eight under round of 65 from Bottle Lake’s Mitchell Redmayne, a seven under 66 from Clearwater’s Sam McGill and net 64 round from Russley’s Cicy Chen. Men’s 4BBB Division

1st Gross - Mitchell Redmayne & Alfie Bell … 60

2nd Gross - Sam McGill & Seb May … 64

1st Net - Tim Leonard & Cameron Grant … 66 on countback

2nd Net - James Walker & Phillip Walker … 66 on countback from Mac Mitchell & James Barclay

Women’s 4BBB Division

1st Gross - Lexi Thomson-Hall & Rachel Eder … 68

2nd Gross - Lannie Inoue & Sally Rossiter … 70

1st Net - Cicy Chen & Olivia Guan … 59

2nd Net - Monica Park & Mihee Woo … 68 on countback from Adrrienne Shadbolt & Helen Burne, Susanah Kim & Mikyoung Son

MEN’S CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The annual Men’s Champions of Champions event was held recently at Rangiora Golf Club in mild, calm conditions and the course in great order, with representatives from 28 Canterbury Clubs competing.

The event offers the opportunity for clubs’ Senior, Intermediate, and Junior champions to compete against other club’s respective champions individually, and in a teams’ net and gross stableford format.

In the Teams Gross Stableford, Clearwater claimed victory with a combined score of 92 points with Harewood finishing second with 84 points. The Clearwater team pictured below are Cooper Moore and Steve McCormick, (Chris Reid absent).

In the Teams Net Stableford event, Burnham won with a combined score of 107 points with Templeton finishing second on 104. The Burnham team were Dave Kirton, Campbell McKellar and Peter Taylor. Dave is pictured below with the trophy.

In the individual competitions, the Senior Gross Stableford competition was won for the second consecutive year by Cooper Moore who shot a 5 under 67 to record 41 points and claim victory. This was exactly the same score that won him the title last year at Pegasus. Gwyn Williams from Amberley won the Intermediate title with 33 points while Stuart Turner from Waitikiri won the Junior title with 26 points. Stuart, Cooper and Gwyn are pictured above right.

In the Individual net stableford categories, the senior title was claimed by Craig Dickinson from Rangiora with 39 points, Allan Hanton from Hawarden won the Intermediate section with 38 points and Harrison Lund from Pegasus took out the Junior title with 39 points.

CANTERBURY NORTH WOMEN’S

INTERCLUB

The Final round of Canterbury North Women’s Interclub was played at Hanmer Springs recently in cool, overcast conditions and the course in great order. Going into the Final Round Scargill led the team standings by just 1 point from their nearest rival Hanmer Springs who had the bye and were unable to add to their total. With both Hawarden and Cheviot next on 12 games, Scargill only needed to win two games in their final match against Culverden to safely secure their second successive title.

They managed to do that comfortably winning 3.5-1.5 with Emma Macfarlane defeating Ju Lucas 5/4, Marianne McLean defeating Tammy Bunt 7/6 and Jo Butler

defeating Eleanor Youngman 5/4, while Nic Fairbairn halved her match with Sue Satterthwaite at the top of the order.

The successful Scargill team of, above from left Marianne McLean, Nic Fairbairn, Emma Macfarlane, and Jo Butler are pictured above. The other Scargill players absent from todays match, but very much involved were Janet Murray, Jan Moir and Caroline Murray.

OTAGO/SOUTHLAND

AORANGI WOMEN’S STYLEMASTER

Fourteen clubs competed in the Aorangi Women’s Stylemaster competition held

at Waimate Golf Club on June 20th in very damp conditions.

Two pairs from each club played a foursomes competition, with the team with the best combined net score winning the Stylemaster Tray. The Timaru team finished with a net score of 154.5. Runner Up - Lower Waitaki 158 - Dawn Plew & Hayley Roache (77) & Sandra McGookin & Shirley Elliott (81) Timaru Team

Miranda Woodall & Raelene Bleeker (78.5 nett) plus Chris Turnbull & Jude McKenzie (76) = 154.5

Stylemaster Winner Photo from leftChris Turnbull, Jude McKenzie, Miranda Woodall Raelene Bleeker