pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz
The world’s No 1 rated golf course is ... ?
By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ
This is the world’s number one ranked golf course. That’s what I heard while watching a golf tournament on television last month.
My first reaction was what did you say?
About 15 minutes later the comment was repeated. This is the world’s number one ranked golf course, the television commentator said.
This time my reaction was said who?
I was not questioning that the golf course was a very good golf course. I was perhaps questioning myself as I had hardly heard
of the golf course previously. And for it to be claimed as the world’s number one came as a complete surprise.
So what was the golf course? Was it in the United States? Was it in Europe? Was it in Asia? Was it in the Middle East? Was it in Australia? Was it in New Zealand?
No more mucking around. It was in Northern Ireland. It was the Royal County Down Golf Club which hosted the Irish Open last month.
I know that golf course ratings are simply someone’s opinion and one person’s world top 10 could be completely different to another person’s world top 10. With that in mind, it makes
golf course ratings pointless. But then again if someone rated my golf course in Wellington as the best in the world, I would say, without doubt, factually correct. Not that I am biased.
To be fair, it is nice to have golf course ratings. Some courses are simply better than many others and sometimes it is interesting to read who is rated above others and create some debate.
My golf course is very similar to the best in the world. Each of the 18 holes have a starting position that we call the tee ground, just like the best in the world.
Our green keepers have thankfully cut some grass to
show the way to where to the hit the ball. We call it the fairway, just like the best in the world.
Unfortunately we have trees, water, bunkers, penalty areas and a horrible place called out of bounds, just like the best in the world.
At the end of each hole the green keepers have been at it again. They have cut a very nice piece of grass which we call the green, just like the best in the world.
The green keepers have also cut a hole in the green which we aim to hit the ball in to but it is far too small, just like the best in the world.
It’s all happening for Lydia Ko
By Paul Gueorgieff Editor Golfer Pacific NZ
It’s all been a bit hard to believe for the last couple of months, admits Lydia Ko.
In a stretch of less than seven weeks the New Zealand golf star racked up wins at the Olympic Games, the Women’s Open in Scotland, a Ladies’ Professional Golfers’ Association (LPGA) event in the United States and induction into the LPGA’s hall of fame.
The latest of those wins came at the $US2 million Queen City Championship at TPC River’s Bend in Maineville, Ohio, in the United States last month.
Reflecting on that outstanding streak of top form, Ko used a word that means like a dream, not seeming real.
“It’s been pretty surreal,” Ko said at her press conference after the Queen City Championship.
Ko said gaining the one additional win needed for entry into the LPGA’s hall of fame had played on her mind constantly.
“I think the closer you get, I think in ways doubts come into your mind and you never know like, oh, what if I am that one point away and it never happens,’’ she continued.
“For the most part I think I was able to handle the situation pretty well.
“Never in a million years would I have guessed that I now would’ve gone into the hall of fame through winning the gold in Paris and then winning my first major since 2016 at the AIG Women’s Open.”
Ko said her form in Europe, which included a solid ninth in
the Scottish Open, was a game changer.
“The European swing was some of the best golf I had played. I was very grateful for that span of weeks.”
Ko was at her very best form in the Queen City Championship. She carded only one bogey in the four rounds, hit 51 of 56 fairways for scores of 67, 66, 69 and 63. That made for a total of 23 under par which was the second best of her career.
“I played really solid on the first day and just kept giving myself a lot of good opportunities. Even though there are some tougher holes out here at TPC River’s Bend I felt really comfortable out there.”
Ko went into the final round
two shots behind the leader Jeeno Thitikul of Thailand and even surprised herself at what she accomplished.
“I wanted to post a good score today to kind of give myself a good run at it. I wouldn’t have guessed coming into today that I was going to shoot nine under. To be able to do that is definitely a cool way to cap off this week.”
A reporter said Ko made it look easy.
“I don’t think it’s ever easy. You know, you could win by 10 strokes and still never feel like it was an easy round. I know that I’m playing alongside the best female golfers and I’ve just got to focus until that last putt drops on the last hole.
“I just want to give it my all.
that we’ve heard for a really long time, teen phenomenon. I mean, she’s so impressive. I’ve been able to play alongside her the last three years she’s been on tour. She hits the ball a long way and she has such good composure out there.
“I remember in Arkansas we played the first round or the second round together and she gave me a hug and said something along the lines of I know it hasn’t been the way that I wanted to end last year, my season but you’re somebody I really look up to.
“That meant a lot to me. We’re still competing and still hoping that I’m going to be the one that’s hoisting the trophy, and as competitors for her to say something like that, it means a lot.”
Ko, 27, has previously said she would retire at the age of 30. Those thoughts are now on hold.
My ball striking has been a part of my game that I feel like has improved a lot and something that I’m more and more comfortable with, especially coming down the stretch when there are big things on the line.
“For that to be better I think that takes a little stress off my short game. It goes hand in hand, because when your ball striking is good you feel like you’re not putting or chipping as well. I think I would rather that way around than feeling stressed to make up and down on half of the holes that I play.”
Ko paid compliments to Thitikul who held second.
“I knew she was young, but she’s so mature. She’s a name
“I don’t know when that moment is right now. I enjoyed these past three weeks and it was great being home and not to live out of my suitcase. While I’m competitively playing it’s good to have goals. The career grand slam seems too far out there, but what has happened the past couple months have been that extent of craziness I guess.
“So I just wanted to set a goal that was something that I can work towards and whether that’s happens or not isn’t as important. It’s just more the drive for me to keep wanting to put myself in contention and hopefully be the one holding the trophy at the end of the week more and more after this week as well.”
Lydia Ko on her way to victory in the United States last month. This was her third win in two months following victory at the Olympic Games in Paris and the Women’s Open in Scotland. Photo credit: Emily Carman of Getty Images and the LPGA.
Harry Hillier to play 2025 Korn Ferry Tour
Bay of Plenty golfer Harry Hillier has been confirmed for the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour in the United States.
Hillier gained a spot on the tour by finishing within the top 10 on the 2024 PGA Tour Americas. He finished seventh.
The 25-year-old’s breakthrough moment came in May when he posted the first sub60 score in PGA Tour Americas history to win the Inter Rapidísimo Golf Championship in Bogota in Colombia.
His 13-under par 59 in the second round propelled him
to a 26-under par total and an eight-stroke victory, the largest winning margin on tour this season.
The third-year pro, who is no relation to Wellington golfer Daniel Hillier, played collegiately at the University of Kansas, where he was teammates with his older brother Charlie who was a Korn Ferry Tour member this season. Reflecting on the feat, Hillier said: “Breaking 60 was pretty special, and to do it in a win makes it even better. I’ve been building towards this all year, so to secure a Korn Ferry spot feels amazing.”
A staggering $US62 million for Scheffler in 2024
Mind boggling.
Those two words aptly describe the prize money won by Scottie Scheffler on the PGA Tour this year.
The 28-year-old American racked up his seventh win on the PGA Tour for the 2023-24 season when taking out the Tour Championship at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, last month.
With the win came a whopping first prize of $US25 million. That’s $40 million in New Zealand dollars.
The win was Scheffler’s seventh on the PGA Tour for the season and took his total earnings to $US62 million or nearly $NZ100 million.
Those numbers are simply staggering and it must be remembered that Scheffler posted an eighth win for the year when taking out the gold medal at the Olympic Games in France in August which carried no prize money whatsoever.
Scheffler is now rightly being compared with the seemingly incomparable Tiger Woods who was the previous player to win seven times on the PGA Tour in a year.
That was in 2007 but Woods has won more. He won eight times in both 1999 and 2006 and racked up a remarkable nine wins in 2000.
For your information, the record for the most wins on the PGA Tour in a year belongs to Byron Nelson. He won 18 times in 1945, of which 11 were in a row. But it has to be said most of his main rivals were on military leave.
Back to Scheffler. Amongst his wins this year was The Masters at Augusta National in April which was his second win in that tournament following victory in 2022. Those two wins represent his two wins in major championships.
Oddly enough his win at East Lake came with some relief. He had come into the same tournament in the previous two years as the leading player but had
to settle with second in 2022 and sixth last year.
That frustration is due in part that each time he has started the tournament at 10 under par while others are staggered from eight under par through to even par, depending on their qualifying order.
In reference to those two previous years, Scheffler said after last month’s win: “It definitely leaves a bad taste in your mouth at the end of the year, especially when I start with the lead.”
It may have been an outstanding year for Scheffler but he showed he was a mere human when he shanked a shot on the eighth hole on the final day at East Lake.
Early in the final round he had built a lead of seven but that had dwindled to two after his sand shot on No 8 went at right-angles. Yes, a shank.
The resulting bogey, allowed Collin Morikawa to pull within two shots. That’s when Scheffler’s caddie, Ted Scott, stepped in with a simple reminder.
“Just remember who you are,” Scott said. “You’re Scottie Scheffler.”
Scheffler responded by striping a four iron tee shot to within three feet on the ninth hole, the first of three consecutive birdies that put him five ahead.
Then an eagle at the 14th hole, where Scheffler hit a seven iron to 16 feet, made the final four holes the coronation that Scheffler’s season deserved.
If you disregard his 10-under par start, Scheffler did not actually post the lowest score of the tournament.
That honour went to Morikawa who had a four-round total of 262 with rounds of 66, 63, 67 and 66.
The second best score, once again disregarding the staggered start scores, was Sahith Theegala. He rounds of 67, 66, 66 and 64 for a total of 263. This was made all the more meritorious by the fact that he called a two shot penalty on himself on the third day when grazing the sand
in a bunker on his backswing.
Scheffler had the third-best score of 264 with rounds of 65, 66, 66 and 67.
Scheffler said improved putting was one of the main keys to his successes of 2024.
“Last year I was playing good golf and I wasn’t able to make the key putts at the right time, and this year I was,” Scheffler said.
“That’s really just the difference.”
“I’m proud of the results. It’s something I try not to focus too much on, but at the end of the day, being able to win tournaments is a great feeling, and it’s what we work towards, and to be able to have as many wins as I have this year is really special.”
It was a year that included a birth of a child and an arrest. The latter came at The Players’ Championship when he became held up in traffic following an accident near the golf course. He was arrested for allegedly breaking traffic rules but was subsequently cleared of those charges.
Scheffler is not one to get carried away
with technology. Warming up before the third round of the Tour Championship, he was the only player on the practice range without a launch monitor sitting next to him. He uses a practice club with the same instructional grip that is often given to beginners, and he inspects the clubface, ensuring it’s square, before each practice shot.
Scheffler said the staggered start of the Tour Championships puts on the pressure.
“I should win the tournament if I’m starting ahead of people. That’s how I feel,” Scheffler said.
“So maybe the last couple years I’ve put too much pressure on myself to perform … but this year I did a good job of just staying in it mentally and keeping my head down.”
The Olympics may not count towards his PGA Tour win total this season, but it was amongst his most impressive feats of the year. His Sunday 62 included a 29 on his final nine to make up a large deficit and win the gold medal.
Harry Hillier, from Bay of Plenty, with his trophy after winning in South America in May when he included a 13-under par 59 which was a record in the history of the PGA Tour Americas. Photo credit: PGA Tour Americas.
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Ho hum FedEx Cup finale
By Neville Idour
Something is missing on the PGA Tour. That is the overriding feeling after watching some of the FedEx Cup Championship where Scottie Scheffler proved a worthy winner after a dream season.
But, oh, what a colourless four rounds. Watching Scheffler sinking some great putts after similarly great approach shots on the final nine holes and barely raising a flicker of acknowledgement to the surprisingly thin spectator gatherings made for a deflated viewing experience.
Scheffler and Xander Schauffele simply reinforced their ability to take the fans out of the experience. Maybe Scheffler was thinking of his $US25 million windfall.
Oh for a Bryson DeChambeau and
Rory McIlroy final pairing to attract the fans and bring them along for the ride. One could only wonder where were all the fans as this was the big finale.
The numbers were sparse compared to the major events during the season. In fact it is probably sacrilege to suggest the LIV golf finale seemed to have more spectators and certainly generated much more life, fan involvement and excitement as Jon Rahm held off his challengers.
Back to Scheffler’s money pot. He said: “We’ve put in a lot of work and right now I’m just tired and I really don’t know how to put this into words. But it’s a pretty special feeling to be finally holding the trophy. It always comes back to my faith.”
Maybe these facts might help. He earned a staggering $US62,228,357 on the PGA Tour this year. That is an average of $3.3million per tournament, $830,000 per round, $12,000 per shot
and an eye watering $3000 per minute spent on course.
He was 258 under par for the season with a stroke average of 67.9 per round. Maybe it isn’t surprising that Scheffler strongly advocates that any LIV golfer who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour again should have to pay heavy money penalties.
None of this seems to have excited the absent fans and viewers. I have been unable to find any record of on course crowd numbers for the finale but to the naked eye they were lacking. Viewer numbers certainly mirrored that.
The Tour Championship continued the ongoing decline with numbers down 13 percent on 2023 when Viktor Hovland won. Earlier in the year the 3M Open was 21 percent down and the CJ Cup Byron Nelson was 24 percent down on 2023. This has been the story all year.
Perhaps the FedEx Cup needs to shelve the silly final format of a staggered starting score. Surely the winner should be decided after the points accrued over the season schedule. Maybe to add some spice offer double points for the final event, but even that is somewhat contrived.
So one can only wonder what 2025 will reveal. Something has to happen especially with the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) talks which seem to be going nowhere. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan has spoken at length but it only produced a lot of hot air and nothing tangible. Monahan will want to retain a stranglehold and get rid of Greg Norman and that may be the problem. However, it is difficult to imagine PIF governor Yasir Al Rumayyan allowing that to happen.
We shall just have to wait and see.
Golf courses at or near playing capacity, says survey
Golf is a bit unusual in that the dream scenario for many serious players is having your favourite course, grass freshly cut and no other players on the property. That’s a fantasy not well-aligned to the success of the business.
The reality is that a greater number of golfers have played more rounds over the past several years and this means, broadly speaking, golf courses in America and around the world are busier than ever.
After all, while there are about four million fewer golfers in the United States today as there were during the high-water mark in 2003, there are also about 2000 fewer golf facilities than two decades ago.
In a recent survey of golf course operators, almost two-thirds indicated they were at or near playing capacity.
Now it’s important to define what exactly capacity constitutes.
It doesn’t mean that daily tee sheets are completely full.
In this context, the National Golf Foundation (NGF)
in the United States is defining capacity as how much more play a facility can handle before it begins to have a negative effect on business – whether that’s due to staffing challenges or an overtaxed golf course that leads to poorer playing conditions and less satisfied customers.
There’s a tipping point in almost all businesses between increased demand and being able to deliver a quality product. The hotel business has similarities to golf with room availability and guest capacity. Hotels being at capacity doesn’t necessarily mean all their rooms are sold out. The same is true with golf and tee times.
Private clubs, which account for approximately one-quarter of overall US golf supply, are more likely to indicate they’re at or close to capacity because of their need to meet members’ higher expectations of service. But almost 60 percent of public operators in the NGF survey suggested they’re around that subjective threshold.
The by-product of increased golf engagement is that facility financial health measures remain up significantly compared to recent pre-pandemic years. Overall,
participation and play surges dating back to 2020 have been a significant positive for the golf course business.
On a national level in the US, year-to-date play continues to trend ahead of 2023, when there were more rounds played at US golf courses than any other year in history.
Perhaps not surprisingly, more than half of golfers indicated in a recent study that those coveted weekend rounds are a lot or a little more challenging to book than they were in recent years.
What’s encouraging is that greater work flexibility seems to be helping increase opportunity. More than 40 percent of golfers suggest rounds on weekday mornings or afternoons are at least a little easier to book, in part likely due to hybrid work schedules and work-fromhome options.
So, does golf have a potential capacity problem? It depends where you are and who you ask, but with total play at or close to record levels with no signs of declining demand, there’s a reason new course development – while still limited – is at its highest level in a decade.
Josh Geary racks up win No 9 on the Charles Tour
Josh Geary became the most successful player in the history of New Zealand’s Charles Tour when he won the Mount Open in Tauranga.
Geary’s performance at the Mount Maunganui course last month was a masterclass as he came from behind on the final day to surpass 54-hole leader Robby Turnbull in a thrilling head-to-head battle and post his 9th win on the Charles Tour, sponsored by Jennian Homes.
Turnbull, who led through three rounds, showcased his immense potential throughout the tournament. His ability to push Geary to the limit confirmed that he is
one of New Zealand’s brightest young talents. However, Geary’s experience and skill shone through in the final round, where he mounted a comeback to secure the win.
The course provided a tough test from day one. Playing firm and fast, it presented some of the most challenging conditions the competitors have faced in recent years. The speed of the greens and the firmness of the fairways pushed the field to their limits. However, a bit of rain midway through the event softened the course, making conditions slightly more manageable.
Despite the softened conditions, the overall scores
were significantly higher than last year’s, with Geary’s score coming in 12 strokes above the previous year’s tournament.
The tournament, sponsored by Christies Flooring, also welcomed back Kazuma Kobori, who returned to the Charles Tour after competing internationally. Kobori, preparing for the next phase of his career on the DP World Tour, was a welcome presence at the event.
Additionally, the Mount Open served as valuable preparation for Jayden Ford and Robby Turnbull, both of whom are set to compete in the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) this month.
Geary wins Tauranga Open for a fifth time
Josh Geary defended his title at the Tauranga Open when finishing with a total score of 21 under par at the Tauranga Golf Club last month.
This marked Geary’s fifth win at the event and his 10th career victory on the Charles Tour, extending his record as the most successful player in the tour’s history.
Other notable players in contention included Tyler Wood, James Hyde, and Kit Bittle, though none were able to challenge for the lead in the final round. This victory takes Geary’s total to
The final round turned into a two-player battle between Geary and leading amateur Jayden Ford, with Geary birding three of the first four holes. Ford, meanwhile, bogeyed the opening hole, making it difficult to mount a comeback.
10 Charles Tour titles, further solidifying his position as the tour’s most decorated player.
Geary said: “It’s good to win here a few years in a row, and to do it in front of my kids, family, and some old friends has been great.”
Josh Geary poses with his trophy after winning the Christies’ Flooring Mount Open at Mount Maunganui in Tauranga last month. Photo credit: BW Media.
Christchurch and Auckland golfers take out under-19 titles at NZ Age Group Championships
Yuki Miya from Christchurch and Emma Zheng from Auckland were the male and female winners in the under-19 division of the New Zealand Age Group Championships in New Plymouth last month.
Miya delivered an impressive nine under par performance with the final round played in strong winds. Miya finished seven shots ahead of fellow Christchurch golfer Alfie Bell. Miya began the final round with a comfortable lead and following birdies at holes two, three, four and seven stretched his advantage to 10 shots at the turn. Despite a stretch of four consecutive bogeys as
the wind picked up, Miya maintained control and cruised to victory, closing with an even par 72.
Reflecting on his first national age group title, Miya said: “To do it comfortably in my last year is special. Keeping the ball in play was key -- I wasn’t hitting my driver well, but I stayed between the tree lines and gave myself chances on the greens.”
Zheng, meanwhile, maintained a steady performance in the final round to finish with a three-shot victory. Entering the back nine with a comfortable lead, she navigated the gusty conditions with patience.
“This year has been really good for me,’’ Zheng said afterwards.
“The wind was challenging, but I stayed patient and finished it off.”
Despite some struggles with her iron play, Zheng’s short game, particularly her bunker shots, kept her score together.
“My driver was solid, but I found five bunkers today. Thankfully, I was able to get up and down.”
The boys’ under-16 division provided the day’s closest contest. Australian visitor Harry Gourlay posted an eagle on the 18th to set the clubhouse lead, but Kiwi Ishan Shah responded with birdies
on 16 and 18 to secure a one shot win.
“That putt on 18 was really scary,” Shah admitted. “I knew I had to finish strong after seeing Harry’s eagle on 16, and I’m glad I trusted myself.”
In the girls’ under 16 division, Pupuke Golf Club’s Teresa Wang played nearly flawless golf to capture the title, finishing five shots ahead of Japan’s Lannie Inoue. Wang carded 16 pars and capped her round with a birdie on the final hole.
Said Wang: “I haven’t been playing well recently, so it feels great to perform like this. Staying steady and having a strong mindset were key to my turnaround this week.”
Emma Zheng from Auckland following her win in the female under-19 division of the New Zealand Age Group Championships in New Plymouth last month. Photo credit: BW Media.
Teresa Wang, from the Pupuke Golf Club on the North Shore in Auckland, with her trophy after winning the girls’ under-16 title at the New Zealand Age Group Championships in New Plymouth last month. Photo credit: BW Media.
Yuki Miya from Christchurch poses with his trophy after winning the under-19 division of the New Zealand Age Group Championships in New Plymouth last month. Photo credit: BW Media.
Ishaan Shah from the Remuera Golf Club in Auckland after his win in the boys’ under-16 division of the New Zealand Age Group Championships at New Plymouth last month.
Photo credit: BW Media.
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“It was so much more than a job; it was my life”
By Peter Thornton
Leo Barber is a legend of the Wellington golf scene. For the past 18 years, he’s been the face of the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club as its superintendent and general manager. Barber has left his post to start a new job with PGG Wrightson Turf servicing turf managers in the Wellington region and growing business abroad. We sat down with him to reflect on his remarkable legacy at the “spiritual home of New Zealand golf”.
You were at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club for 18 years, what are some of your memories of your first day in the job?
I started at Paraparaumu Beach during a period where it’s fair to say, the club was going through a low ebb in its storied history. The course had lost its way a little, not in terms of its wonderful routing but it felt unloved, and the purity of its links character seemed cluttered with softish surfaces, rouge grasses and exotic vegetation choking its dunes. The club was enduring financial stress having taken on
capital projects combined with declining membership and those members didn’t seem that proud or affectionate for both their course and their club. I, on the other hand, only saw opportunity. Lots of the issues with some patience and a good plan were fixable. I also remember thinking what wonderful land it was for golf. You got a real sense that this property was special. It was just time to get to work.
What did you love about being part of the green staff and getting this course in top condition?
As members embraced the vision of improvement, it was really energising to know they were appreciative and coming along with us. You just had this sense with every little project undertaken that you were creating work that was valued and felt special. Some of the work was really just basic greenkeeping done with care and some of it was restoring lost beauty for example refurbishing the bunkers or revealing a beautiful dune that had been sitting under self-seeded pines and creating a vista. It was important to return pride into everything we did, both on course
and off.
When did you progress into the role of general manager at Paraparaumu Beach and what was that change and challenge like?
The club underwent a full restructure in 2006 and that included some changes at board level and a real return to disciplined management. We had an interim manager who stepped in and overhauled a lot of the processes and took the first steps to addressing things like debt which was really restricting the club. Following an unsuccessful recruitment for a permanent manager, I was approached to see if I was interested in transferring some of the skills that were achieving results on the course, into a joint role including the general management. This was not a direction I ever saw my career taking but I also looked at it with the view of protecting the gains we were making on and off course and perhaps learning some new skills which could prolong my longevity or give me options later in my career. Those early years were really tough as I got to grips with what is a really challenging role and as someone that loves leading from the front in a hands-on capacity, learning to manage my time and the course by delegation from an office.
Paraparaumu Beach is rightfully known as one of the best golf courses in the country – what makes it special for you?
Firstly, it is great land for golf. Sandy undulating soils, perfectly scaled dunes and wonderfully natural vegetation. Secondly, the Alex Russell routing has created the perfect design for interesting golf. It has a great mix of long and short holes, clever greens complexes and really strategic options on your shot making. It also has such wonderful history and as someone that grew up down the road and attended so many of those opens during the 80s, 90s and early 2000s, you can’t help but feel you are walking in the footsteps of greatness. Champions at PB tend to be the best player rather than the luckiest.
You have made some significant change to the course – restoring
it to a true links layout – you must be proud of what you’ve made over time?
I think the whole team is proud and a big part of my approach to the restoration was engendering a sense of pride into each and everything we approached. It was also laying out a vision and taking a consistent approach to tasks. I documented everything we did and it’s nice to look back with some before and after pictures because memories tend to be reasonably shallow in golf clubs and just as Churchill once famously said, “sometimes you have to look back in order to see forward.” What are some of your proudest moments or achievements at PBGC over the past 18 years?
Helping to bring that pride back to the club that had lost a little of it’s lustre. I loved developing staff and creating teams. The numerous course improvements were really satisfying and just removing the clutter without changing Russell’s routing. We were regular hosts of New Zealand amateur premier events and during my time we hosted the New Zealand men’s and women’s amateur, six New Zealand men’s and women’s strokeplays, two New Zealand men’s seniors, two Interprovincial Championships (one male and one combined) and a Freyberg. I loved hosting guests from all over the world, many of whom became close
Paraparaumu Beach Golf general manager Leo Barber out on the course with his dog Humphrey.
Before and after photos of the fifth hole at Paraparaumu Beach.
friends. I was fortunate to play with the Prime Minister John Key, Steve Williams and Sir Bob Charles among some notables. I hosted the chairman of Augusta National, Dr Fred Ridley and the secretary of the R&A Peter Dawson. I was invited to speak at conferences both in New Zealand and abroad and always enjoyed the opportunity to tell the Paraparaumu
Beach story. We took previously contracted services for golf and food and beverage in-house and really improved our delivery off course including a total refurbishment of the clubhouse. Retiring over a million dollars of legacy debt recently we also achieved cash surpluses every year for the past 18. There was also membership growth to over 1000 which was a historical high from a low of 650 following the 2008 global financial crisis. Maintaining, and even in some instances, improving our course ranking (both local and international) in an era where many new golf courses were constructed and all with a maintenance budget that was modest at best.
What advice would you offer any upand-coming golf club managers in New Zealand?
Approach it for career reasons and not lifestyle! It’s a tough gig. Build networks to assist decision making and problem solving. Be present -- ultimately people want to touch, feel and talk to you. Have a strong vision and engender passion into staff and members. Try and be proactive and not reactive – easier said than done! Learn to say no but also learn how to accept praise as well as criticism. What will you miss about being the manager of this place? I guess ultimately it is the people I will miss the most. Often, we focus on that
handful of difficult members that aren’t necessarily coming through the gates of the club for rest and recreation, but the club is full of so many great people with excellent spirit. I’ve shared incredible moments with so many members whether it’s been just a close chat in the lounge, or an unexpected interaction where they might have been sharing some praise. Also, perversely, I’ve shared some very special moments during times of illness, end of life or the tears of grown adults when they come to the end of their playing days. Over the course of 18 years, I’ve welcomed a lot of staff and seen their development, but I’ve also farewelled many and that’s really hard, particularly when they almost feel like family to you.
Although comfortable in what’s been achieved and reconciled with stepping away, I will miss having direct influence through a role that for me was so much more than a job, it was my life.
What are you looking forward to about your new role with PGG Wrightson Turf?
It’s a newly created role and was really developed with my interests at its centre. I’m a real people’s person and I’m looking forward to the relationship building
that will form the foundations of future business. I’m passionate about Wellington and looking forward to servicing their turf managers. There is an international component to the role, and I am looking forward to developing business up in the Middle East as well as assisting the distribution of our seed into Australia. PGGW has a world leading breeding programme for turf specific grasses and I’m excited to share that story.
You are a proud Wellingtonian and proud of the Kapiti Coast, you must be looking forward to coming back to Paraparaumu Beach just as a golfer and enjoy a place that is very close to your heart?
It’s one of those sad aspects of the job that whilst often it’s golf that gets you interested in the career, it then becomes work, and you feel less inclined to return on your free time to engage in the pursuit. I played a lot of golf in those early years but sadly the last five or six years I’ve only been getting out 15-20 times a year as I sought out a few other interests just for some balance. I’ve got two boys that have taken up the game and I’m excited to continue to stay connected with PBGC and to get back out on the links for some “hassle free” golf!
Jim James, Leo Barber and Augusta National general manager and chairman Dr Fred Ridley at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club in 2017.
A grand aerial view of Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, north of Wellington.
A happy team. From left to right Leo Barber, Fintan Copper, Harry Middleton, Daniel Dexter and Luke Cardno.
Warkworth an attractive challenge
By Neville Idour
Arecent visit on our North Island road trip took us to the Warkworth Golf Club and what a delight it was.
It may not currently rank in New Zealand’s top 60 courses but many would dispute that assessment. Warkworth punches above it’s weight in every way and in fact is one of the oldest courses in the country.
Situated less than an hour from Auckland it provides players with a challenge amongst the rolling fairways and views to be enjoyed. There are ponds, trees and exotic bird life to add to the variety of the course. Many visitors rate it one of the best rural courses in New Zealand.
Holiday makers in the area should not miss this gem. A stay in the area allows the enjoyment of restaurants, wineries, nurseries, pottery and art shops and more, not to forget Matakana nearby.
So when did it all begin? During 1908 a young Dr Malcolm Morrison returned from his studies in Edinburgh,
Scotland, newly qualified. However he was smitten with a Scottish disease called “golf”. He generated enough enthusiasm in the Morrison family for the subtle attractions of golf. It was not long before the first nine holes were opened on Woodcocks Road.
Back then golf clubs would have been scarce as hen’s teeth. No problem. They made their own clubs, using Puriri or Miro for the wood head and Ti-tree or Tanekaha for the shaft.
In 1925 the first set of club rules were drawn up, presented to the Incorporated Society and thus became a registered golf club. A few years on members decided it was time to own their own property so around 1933 an 88 acre block of land on Matakana Road was purchased for 880 pounds ($17,600).
The wilderness of swamp, gorse and ti-tree was transformed into the nucleus of the fine course it is today. Thanks of course to the countless hours of voluntary labour and materials. All done on a shoestring budget.
Initially the new (present) course opened in 1935 with nine holes and
was subsequently increased to 12 holes. For the clubhouse a bach was moved in two sections onto the land. Of course this bore no resemblance to the magnificent clubhouse enjoyed by members today.
The development of the last six holes was slowed by World War II and the tragic deaths of two of the club’s oldest and most revered members. While burning gorse in 1943 they both died in the fire. A brass Memorial Plaque in the clubhouse commemorates Ross Pulham and Selwyn Morrison.
The course is beautifully groomed and the gently rolling landscape is a delightful walk. The greens are excellent in quality and condition and the water feature adds to the whole experience. There are three tees. Blue 5715 metres, white 5386 metres and red 4965 metres.
Interestingly each nine kicks off with a par five. At 456 and 467 metres they present a testing start to one and 10. In fact 11 is also a par five and from hole eight to 11, therefore there are three par fives in four holes. With five par threes and five par fives the par is 72.
Two of the more difficult holes are the short 294 metre fifth, a par four and the 376 metre 14th, a par four.
The club is certainly pro active with a detailed strategic plan laid out for 2024 to 2027 covering all aspects of the club and it’s operations. The course itself receives intense scrutiny in every way for maintenance and enhancement. Player safety is a factor along with tree and shrub plantings, installing course enhancing structures such as shelters and a gazebo, drainage and extending pathways.
Affiliated green fees are $60, non affiliated are $65. Carts are $40 for members and $55 for visitors. Trundlers are $5 and hire clubs $20.
An indication of the club’s popularity is their annual Women’s Spring Pairs event in October was fully booked weeks ahead of the playing date. The clubhouse restaurant is also a busy and popular watering and grazing hole that gets great reviews. It is no surprise then to find that Trip Advisor gives Warkworth GC a five star rating.
One of the attractive sights at Warkworth golf course.
Looking out from the clubhouse at Warkworth.
Another stunning view at Warkworth.
Inside the clubhouse at Warkworth.
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Vietnam to host next year’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific
Next year’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) will be in Vietnam.
This will be the first time that country has hosted the tournament which will be held from March 6-9 at the Hoiana Shores Golf Club.
The tournament has launched the careers of three major champions, Yuka Saso, Patty Tavatanakit and Ayaka Furue and former world No 1 Jeeno Thitikul.
The Hoiana Shores golf course is set against a spectacular coast line and breathtaking unspoiled natural terrain, offering majestic views of the Eastern Sea and Cham Islands and is renowned for its testing back nine where the sea breeze and bunkers kick in.
Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said, “The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship provides
leading women’s amateur golfers with a world-class platform to compete at some of the most renowned golf courses in the region.
“Golf in Vietnam has grown significantly in recent years and we are looking forward to taking the championship there for the first time. Hoiana Shores Golf Club promises to be a fantastic venue and an excellent test of golf for the players.
“I am looking forward to seeing who emerges from the field to win the championship and earn the three major championship exemptions on offer.”
Taimur Hassan Amin, chairman of the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation, commented, “We’re delighted that the seventh edition of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship is to be held in Vietnam for the first time at the
spectacular Hoiana Shores Golf Club.
“Vietnam is one of the fastest growing golfing markets in the world and the staging of the WAAP there will certainly help to accelerate the game’s growth in the country.
“Thank you to our partners at The R&A and the Vietnam Golf Association as well as the management at Hoiana Shores for their support. With the region’s finest women golfers showcasing their talent at this stunning venue,
Past champions
Year Host club
it promises to be a memorable week.”
The tournament’s winner will be invited to compete in three major championships, including the Women’s Open, Evian Championship and the Chevron Championship.
In addition, they will also be invited to the Hana Financial Group Championship, ISPS Handa Australian Open, The 122nd Women’s Amateur Championship and, by tradition, the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Champion
2018 Sentosa GC, Singapore Atthaya Thitikul (THA)
2019 The Royal GC, Japan Yuka Yasuda (JPN)
2020 (not contested)
2021 Abu Dhabi GC, UAE Mizuki Hashimoto (JPN)
2022 Siam CC, Thailand Ting-Hsuan Huang (CTE)
2023 Singapore Island CC, Singapore Eila Galitsky (THA)
2024 Siam CC, Thailand Chun-Wei Wu (TPE)
Three million more adults playing golf, says The R&A
World golf governing body The R&A has announced new participation figures that show an increase of more than three million adult golfers playing the sport.
According to new research undertaken by The R&A, there are now 42.7 million on-course golfers (9 and 18hole) in R&A affiliated markets, which are outside the United States and Mexico.
The research figures for 2023 indicate a growth of 3.1 million on-course golfers since 2022. The growth trend began before the onset of covid-19 and is now accelerating faster than the 2020-2022 pandemic period when there was an average of 2.5 million new on-course golfers per annum. The sport continues to increase in popularity, now up 44 percent from 29.6 million on-course players in 2016.
The new data is provided by national federations in The R&A’s affiliated markets in Asia, Africa, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania, which includes New Zealand.
The research also shows that 62.3 million adults (outside the USA and Mexico) consume the sport in some format, an increase of 1.1 million since 2022. It is just the second time an estimate has been made beyond
on-course activity to include alternative-only formats, such as pitch and putt, indoor simulator golf and driving range use.
Phil Anderton, chief development officer at The R&A, said, “Golf’s popularity continues to grow with a significant increase in the number of people playing the sport both on and off the course.
“There are now 13 million more golfers playing on the course since 2016 in R&A affiliated markets, while there are also millions of others enjoying alternative formats of golf, such as driving ranges, adventure golf and simulator golf, which are vital to the growth of the sport.
“New golfer participation programmes with appealing propositions, promotion and imagery are important for encouraging more people into the sport and retaining them in greater numbers. This is why we continue to work collaboratively with our affiliated national federations and stakeholders to build on this momentum and ensure golf continues to thrive.”
The top five on-course adult golfer markets overall reported are in: Japan (11.4 million), Republic of Korea (8.7 million), Canada (6.3 million), England (4.2 million) and Germany (2.4 million).
Asia is the leading region for people engaging with
golf among R&A affiliated regions, with total adult engagement in golf of 26.2 million. Europe is next highest with 19.7 million adults having some form of golf engagement.
The number of adult registered golfers (those members of a golf club within their national association or affiliated through a direct subscription) increased from eight million in 2022 to 8.2 million in 2023, with an overall growth of 10 percent since 2020. Registered women golfers have grown from 1.5 million in 2020 to 1.6 million in 2023.
There was a decrease in those adults who only played formats other than 9 or 18-hole golf – 21.6 million in 2022 to 19.6 million in 2023 – but this is likely to positively reflect on those moving instead to full-length on-course golf. The percentage of golfers only using alternative formats that are women did grow from 47 percent in 2022 to 52 percent in 2023, specifically in key golfing markets.
The R&A is continuing its commitment to invest £200 million over 10 years (2017-2026) in developing golf, including sustained work to encourage participation through various initiatives.
The book about a tour caddy
Why so few female caddies on the DP World Tour?
That is one question raised in a recently published book, titled The Secret Tour Caddy. It’s about an unnamed caddy who spent a year on both the PGA Tour in the United States and DP World Tour in Europe.
The answer to the question was simply because it was not an obvious career path for females. In his time on tours, the caddy said the number of females caddying on all the world’s golf tours is increasing and should continue to do so.
Of the world’s best players who is the nicest person? He says “Tommy Fleetwood by a mile.”
How many players you’ve worked with would you describe as genuine friends? Most tour caddies will say they are friendly with everyone even after being
fired.
“For me only a select few would be genuine friends,” the caddy said.
The scope is wide. “Incredible friendships, treated like family and being included on amazing family holidays.”
Do some players look down on caddies and not treat them with respect? “Yes, but only some from certain geographical areas. They tend to have a chip on their shoulder called entitlement. Players from my neck of the woods don’t seem to have that problem.’’
Have you witnessed any tour players cheating? “Personally no, but they will try to use the rules to their advantage, such as getting favourable drops. I don’t agree with mic’ing up all players and caddies. We don’t need that.”
What’s the difference between the top profession-
als and those making up the numbers?
“The top players accept adversity. No one is entitled to that lucky bounce. The minute you think you are better than your fellows you will fail. I don’t think golf fans or some aspiring professionals realise how much work goes on behind the scenes. Four or five hours every day.”
Players and caddies aren’t allowed to bet on tournaments they are involved in?
“For very good reason. We know so much about the game, players and courses it would be open season for us. So there are sophisticated systems in place to ensure we don’t bet, so we don’t.”
What percentage of DP World Tour caddies would like to be on LIV Golf?
“One hundred percent would. Daft question.”
$20 million man says nothing again
By Neville Idour
It is always good to have a chuckle over some Earth shattering goings on that are hard to take seriously. So here goes. Don’t laugh too loud.
The $US20 million man, PGA Tour com-
missioner Jay Monahan, has spoken at some length about the over a year old framework agreement with LIV’s Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Monahan, who appears to think the golf world begins and ends with his PGA Tour,
has a goal in mind. See if you can spot it.
He said their ongoing (never ending) talks are progressing. But where we may ask. He insists there is no deadline for a concluded deal but the two parties are positioned to give fans and players what they want.
“When you look at where we are today we are both in a position to bring the best players in the world back together. I think that is a good and aspirational goal,” Monahan said.
More empty words followed with no apparent end in sight.
“We are moving in the right direction. We have the right people at the table with the right mindset. I see that in all conversations on both sides. That creates optimism about the future and our ability to come together. (Uh oh) But at the same time these conversations are complex. (And another doosey) They are going to take time. They have taken time and they will continue to take time.”
Then came the Monahan Cassius Clay commercial. “Ultimately the PGA Tour is the greatest tour in the world and we are
going to focus on the things we control. It is the right time to be having these conversations, not only for the PGA Tour but for the game (nice to know). That’s why we have committed ourselves to those conversations. Striking an agreement is a priority that is increasing and is stronger than ever.”
That was that and he was unable to disclose any further details or specifics (were there any?). He did, however, brush aside any talk of a pathway for LIV golfers to return to the PGA Tour. Probably the only thing of substance revealed in that extraordinary diatribe. Could anyone discern from that what goal he had in mind? It is so easy to see why so many players and others feel it is time for Monahan to go. His dismissive attitude from the beginning has been the prime cause of the current malaise so that is not an unreasonable assertion. It would be easy to imagine Monahan in politics, not the sport of golf. He simply comes across as a square peg trying to fit in a round hole. Ouch! It is painful for the world of golf.
News in brief
By Neville Idour
Pro golf in downward spiral
Noted golf correspondent Alan Shipnuck has pulled no punches describing golf’s current malaise. He said it threatened to turn into mutually assured destruction. The PGA Tour has been hugely devalued by the loss of so many key players and personalities and the plunging television ratings reflect that.
A deal may not be a magical cure all, as many fans have basically switched off watching golf. The tour wars couldn’t have been worse timed for the PGA Tour especially with a glaring personality deficit in freefall. Greg Norman, Payne Stewart, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els all added something for the fans over a period of 25 years. Where are their modern equivalents now? It is hard to think of one PGA Tour player who moves the ratings’ needle with gusto.
Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Cameron Smith, Tyrell Hatton, Phil Mickelson and so on. LIV has all the spicy personalities and gallery stimulators. Whereas the PGA Tour is dominated by low key mainly nice guys and players with no connection with the gallery or desire for it.
DeChambeau has more subscribers than PGA Tour
Bryson DeChambeau has not just had a great year on course but has also shone off course. Amazingly his You Tube channel has 1.5 million subscribers which has overtaken the PGA Tour. His numbers have increased hugely in 2024 with his engaging content a big factor. His Break 50 series, where he plays alongside famous personalities, is very popular. Back in May his numbers were just over 600,000.
“You Tube has been a great platform to help people understand who I am a little better,’’ DeChambeau said.
“The series is a lot of fun, keeps my brain fresh and is entertainment. Being able to entertain the fans is the most important thing I think.”
LIV players eligible for US Ryder Cup team
In a significant move the PGA of America, which presides over the Ryder Cup for the United States team, made the decision to ensure that the US team has access to all the best American players. Effective immediately the decision means LIV players can feature in 2025 at Bethpage in New York if they qualify or are picked by captain Keegan Bradley. “I’m going to have the 12 best players,” said Bradley.
Interestingly the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan was reported to be at PGA of America headquarters at the time.
Some
want no deal — McIlroy
Rory McIlroy sees a couple of stumbling blocks to the deal between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund. He said the Department of Justice investigation and the desires of the players could be pivotal to the outcome.
“I would say maybe half the players on both LIV and the PGA Tour want a deal done and half don’t. Because like anything everyone’s looking out for themselves and their best interests. However the hurdle of the Department of Justice will require all parties to be rowing in the same direction.” Has the DP World Tour shot itself in the foot again?
The DP World Tour seems to be making a habit of questionable decision making, none of which enhance the tour’s standing or strength. The latest is it’s outright rejection of a hugely generous proposal from LIV Golf. LIV Golf offered to clear the fines owed to the circuit by its players and allow them to compete in events without penalty.
LIV also offered a six million pounds settlement fee to put towards purses on the DP World Tour plus assurances that future LIV Golf tournaments would not clash with the biggest DP World Tour events. Also there would be an exemption category for DP World Tour players to compete in the Internation-
al Series events on the Asian Tour. To no avail as the DP World Tour said no thanks.
Thirty seven driver golf clubs tested
The testing of 37 2024 drivers produced interesting results for distance off the tee. The difference between the top performer the Callaway Paradym Smoke Ai Triple Diamond and last place Krank Formula Fire Pro was 15.58 yards was quite significant. However between the top 10 it was a negligible 2.31 yards, the top 20 just 5.05 yards and top 30 less than 8 yards.
Callaway had 1 & 3. TaylorMade 2, Titleist 4 & 5, Ping 6 & 7, Wilson 8, Srixon 9 and Cobra 10. Amongst the top 20 the main concern for a person is the ability to hit straight and accurate tee shots as length is similar. LIV Golf 2024 money list
Jon Rahm’s $US34,754,488 was somewhat dwarfed by Scottie Scheffler’s PGA Tour money chest figure but never the less was pretty good pickings. Joaquin Niemann was second with $28,544,167. Sergio Garcia scored $13,634,643. Bryson DeChambeau was 15th with $6,274,167. Kiwi Danny Lee was 34th with $3,061,833 and Queenstown’s Ben Campbell, who was a reserve in 2024 getting one start, earned $187,167.
Furious Rahm shoots down ‘unhappy’ claims
In an exclusive interview with the New York Post newspaper Jon Rahm shot down claims from an unnamed tour insider that he was dealing with deep regret over his decision to join LIV. The insider further said he was 100 percent positive that if Rahm could give his money back to the Saudis and come back to the PGA Tour he couldn’t write the cheque fast enough.
Rahm retorted: “There’s zero validity to any of that. I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know why they need to say some of us are unhappy when we are not. It is frustrating that they claim there is a source and there is zero truth. I’m very happy with my
decision and very, very eager for the future of my team and the league. Being in charge of a team now is something incredible.”
McIlory sounds a warning to the PGA Tour
Rory McIlroy has not minced words in his warning to the PGA Tour. He said “speed up negotiations with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) or risk losing the sovereign wealth funds investment altogether.” He said time is running out to strike a deal and anyone who cares about golf would be frustrated.
“I think if it doesn’t happen soon PIF and the Saudis are going to have to look at alternative options. I’d say that’s the next step if something doesn’t get done.”
Probably timely words after the meaningless announcement from Jay Monahan.
The match made for TV Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka are all set to face Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler in the 10th made for TV event, The Match, in Las Vegas in mid-December. This is a popular entertainment golf exhibition series held twice a year.
DeChambeau, Koepka and McIlroy have previous experience in The Match but this will be Scheffler’s debut in the series. The LIV versus PGA Tour aspect will no doubt add some spice to the viewing experience.
Tom Kim critical of home crowd at Presidents’ Cup
After being whitewashed 5-0 in the first round of the Presidents’ Cup, Tom Kim criticised the Canadian crowd for not doing enough to help his International team as the United States team cruised into a commanding lead. After he and Sungjae Im had lost 3&2 to Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley he said: “I think it was a little too quiet today being on home soil. I wish they would have helped us out a bit more especially here in Canada. I know how much they love golf. I’m definitely expecting the crowds to be louder and to be on our side.”
GOLF NEWS
Jon Rahm’s stellar first LIV year
By Neville Idour
Jon Rahm has shown he has lost none of his ability with a stellar first year on the LIV Tour. His consistency has been impressive.
In the final event for 2024, at Bolingbrook Golf Club, Chicago, his closing round of 66 was good enough to seal the season points’ title and the $US18 million bonus.
He did miss two short birdie putts
on the back nine which kept challengers Joaquin Niemann and Sergio Garcia in the hunt. However, he drained a 12 foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to provide a three shot cushion going into the 18th where he sealed the deal after a thrilling battle.
Rahm and Niemann have been the standout players all year so it was a fitting finale that they should finish first and second on the day and overall.
Niemann has played some of the best golf of his life this year and his results have shown that. For Rahm this was his second LIV win adding to his win in England the previous month, to sandwich a playoff loss to Brooks Koepka.
Rahm has set the benchmark all year. He has finished top 10 in every event and shot only two rounds over par. His statistics are also impressive. He finished first in greens in regulation
with 72.22 percent, first in scrambling with 93.33 percent and was second in fairways hit with 73.8percent. He was top 10 for driving and putting. Someone may have to shoot the lights out to beat him in 2025.
There are still some critics who say Rahm is regretting his move to LIV. He vehemently denies that and questions where such thoughts come from. His results tend to give a clear answer to the opinions.
President’s Cup imbalanced lineups
The PGA Tour controlled President’s Cup featured two teams about as lopsided in rankings as one could imagine. Banning LIV players from competing did not help the Internationals at all which
of course suited the PGA Tour hierarchy.
As I write this only the singles remain and it seems unlikely the Internationals can come from 11-7 down to snatch a miracle win. Howev-
er it must be said that many of the matches were close with single hole margins, so the Internationals did very well when we consider the world rankings.
The USA had the world 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13, 14, 19, 22, 23 and 25th ranked players, a total of 149. Line those up with the Internationals at 7, 18, 21, 24, 33, 34, 37, 40, 41, 44, 45, 49 and 61st ranked players, a total of 413.
So it certainly didn’t look like an even contest. Despite that the crowds on the later days were large and enthusiastic. Maybe there is some life in the dog yet.
Four Kiwis for Asia-Pacific Amateur in Japan
New Zealand will have four representatives at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) in Japan in October.
They are Josh Bai, Jayden Ford, Robby Turnbull and Cooper Moore. They gained invitations courtesy of their world amateur golf rankings. Bai was ranked at 177, Ford at 211, Turnbull at 410 and Moore at 603. The event was established in 2009 to further develop amateur golf in the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s tournament, from October 3-5, is being played at Taiheiyo Club’s famous Gotemba
course with the winner earning starts at the 2025 Masters Tournament and The Open Championship in Wales. The runner(s)-up also receive an invite to The Open qualifying series for their chance to play golf’s most historic major.
Following his naming in this month’s Junior Presidents Cup, Bai will lead the Kiwi contingent, with number one ranked New Zealander Zack Swanick unavailable to attend due to his United States college commitments.
With several players moving into the professional ranks at the end of 2023 only Bai and Ford have played in an AAC before, with Turnbull and Moore making their debuts in Japan.
Just nine days after the AAC, the Asia-Pacific Amateur Teams’ Championship will be played, where teams from the region come together to contest for the Nomura Cup.
Bai, Ford and Turnbull will make up the three-man New Zealand team. This year’s event will be held on the Vinpearl Golf Hai Phong, Hai Phong, Vietnam, from October 15-18.
Golf New Zealand high performance manager Gregg Thorpe said both events
would provide great opportunities for the players to test themselves against their Asia-Pacific peers.
“Some great players have played in these tournaments as young emerging talent and have progressed to winning on the professional stage,’’ Thorpe said.
“It’s an ideal opportunity for our players to measure themselves against their Asia-Pacific peers at a similar stage in their development.”
The Nomura Cup is held once every two years and is rotated in the Asia-Pacific region. It was first held in the Philippines in 1963 and New Zealand was a winner in 1995 when the tournament was held at the Russley Golf Club in Christchurch.
Conducted by the APGC with the support of The R&A, each team consists of three male players (previously four), contesting 18 holes of strokeplay for four days. In each round, the lowest two individual scores make up the team score for the round.
The four-day (72-hole) total is the team’s score for the championship. The winning team receives the Nomura Cup, which was named after Shun Nomura, the former vice-president of the Japan Golf Association, who donated the cup.
LONG DRIVE
2024 Asia Long Drive Championship
2024 Asia Long Drive Championship | Nov 14-16, 2024
Phuket, Thailand — The Asia Long Drive Association (ALDA) is thrilled to announce the 2024 Asia Long Drive Championship, which will take place from November 14-16, 2024, at the Phuket Airpark in Thailand. This year’s event marks a groundbreaking moment as it will be the first time a long drive competition is held at an airport, utilizing the runway as the competition grid. All players will challenge the impressive 600-yard runway, adding a unique twist to the championship.
This prestigious competition invites top long drive athletes from across Asia and the Asia-Pacific region to compete for the title of 2024 Asia Long Drive Champion.
Competition Divisions:
* Open Division (Minimum Drive: 280 yards)
* Women’s Division (Minimum Drive:
240 yards)
* Masters Division (Men 45+, Minimum Drive: 260 yards)
With a total prize pool of $35,000 USD, competitors in each division will battle for both cash rewards and the honor of being crowned the Asia Long Drive Champion.
The event promises exciting rounds of qualification, with the final showdown to be held on November 16, 2024, broadcast live to golf fans around the world through ALDA’s official YouTube channel.
Champions of Asia Long Drive Championship 2022
Registration Opens September 20, 2024
The registration period will open on
TSeptember 20, 2024, and runs until October 30, 2024. Participants must be registered ALDA members and meet the minimum drive requirements for their respective divisions. Players are encouraged to secure their spot early, as the number of spots is limited.
To register and get more information, visit the official ALDA website at www.asialongdrive.com.
Event Schedule:
* November 13, 2024: Player check-in & Welcome Gala Dinner (19:00)
* November 14-15, 2024: Qualification rounds (08:00-17:00)
* November 16, 2024: Finals (LIVE, 14:00-17:30)
* November 17, 2024: Reserved for weather delays
For more information on the event, including full rules and registration details, visit www.asialongdrive.com.
About the Asia Long Drive Association (ALDA)
ALDA is dedicated to promoting long drive competitions across Asia, bringing together the top athletes in the sport for competitive and exhilarating events.
Celebrating the past, present and future
he most anticipated announcement is about to be made which will see the sport of long and fast hitters taking to the tee on their off days. Founder of Xtreme Drivers League, Olna Ford has recently won her 3rd International Business Award as a Global Leader who is paving the way for the sport of Xtreme Drivers. She has paid out the
largest purse in the history of the sport on a trailer event that was held at Mission Hills - China. The first person to run an International Long Drive Event at this prestigious Golf Course. Celebrating over 8 years of investing in the sport Olna announced in February that the famous Trans Tasman Clash would take to the skies and tee it up at Parakai Airport with the
reveal of some major developments. The teams this year will represent the Past, Present and Future players of the sport with special entry via our International Scouts. XDL is leading the way for future generations to come and this December we will see why the sport of Xtreme Drivers is about to soar. #GolfJustGotLoud
“Players will take on the challenge of the impressive 600-yard runway at Phuket Airpark.”
Paradise Coast Golf Classic
Ed Askew is a Whangamata golfer and huge supporter of local events. He is also the main coordinator of Whangamata’s Golf Master events. The ladies in October and the mens in November. These events sell out every year and the organisation required is massive. “It’s a huge job for everyone in-
volved-sponsors, volunteers, staff but it’s estimated to bring in over $200,000 to the town and that’s a huge boost for local business heading into summer,” said Ed.
Last year Ed played in the inaugral Paradise Coast Golf Classic. “I loved it- the chance to play three very different courses close to home made it so easy. Plus the tournament is very compimentary to our Masters, I’ll be in again this year.”
Bayleys Paradise Coast Golf Classic is played over three local courses on The Coromandel- Pauanui Lakes Resort, Tairua and Whangamata. All courses are within a short drive from each other and offer a diverse range of challenges. There’s the long Lakes Resort course, the tight and tidy Tairua with its legendary ladies morning tea and of course the highly regarded Whangamata Course with its infamous water holes.
“As a tournament organiser myself and knowing what’s involved, it’s wonderful to see them going again. I remember at last years prize giving, the orgainsers saying how much they learned the first year and how they’ll use that knowledge to grow the event. Good luck with it in 2024 and I’m hoping those Tairua Ladies have their famous scones ready for me”.
Bayleys Paradise Coast Golf Classic, $10,000 in prizes, restricted to just 140 players, Handicap Max men
27- women 40. Gross, net, stableford and Twos. The Bayleys Paradise Coast Golf Classic: Nov 29 to Dec 1.
To enter: www.paradisecoastgolfclassic.co.nz
Inquiries to Shaun Fay - Marketing and PR 0279317157
Left: Ed Askew.
Morning Tea Tairua. From left: Margaret Wallace and Judie Rutherford.
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
Seniors and masters tournament for 2024 Seniors Golf winner
NORTH HARBOUR
WAIKATO
verall nett winner - Mike Parsons 60+ seniors gross winnerWayne Flintham
Masters gross winner - Scott Johnson Seniors gross winner - Andrew McGavin
ndrew McGiven (Walton Golf Club) for winner of the Seniors Division at the recent Muriwai Masters.
With superb rounds of 72-73 to beat Roy Hollick by 1 shot.
MANAWATU -WHANGANUI
New District Stroke Play Champions for 2024 Crowned
Marton Golf Club’s Rhys Harold braved not only some very heavy winds on 36 holes, but a comitted pack who were not far off coming into the 3rd round. Kingston Taylor-Voyle of Taranaki’s Manukorihi Golf Club was leading after 36 holes and was looking in good form. Kingston has a good track record at the Feilding Golf Club winning the Manawatu Wanganui Age Groups earlier in the year. This will have given him some confidence heading into the 3rd round. Maraenui Golf Clubs Richard Ratima was also looking in good form and has a lot of tournament experience playing against Manawatu Wanganui competitors. Local and the 2024 Wanganui Open Champion Anthony Ilton-Maher no doubt felt like that if he stayed close enough after the 2nd round then he’d have a fighting chance. It was at the Wanganui Open where Rhys, Anthony and Regan McConaghty fought in a 19th and 20th play off hole to determine the winner, with Anthony nudging them both out on
the 20th hole. The three of them will have been pretty confident that if they were there or there abouts near the end then they were in for a chance. Rhys managed to hold his nerve in testing conditions on Sunday winning by a comfortable 4 shots over 2nd place Richard Ratima and 3rd place Kingston Taylor-Voyle. Rhys Harold said “I am stoked to come away with the win, espe-
cially in a pretty strong field. Was good to have 3 solid rounds with no major mistakes. I have been going through a couple of swing changes the last few weeks so they’re starting to feel comfortable now. I just hit the ball solid the whole weekend which was needed since the course was wet. Shot shaping also helped a lot in the wind. Holed a few long putts too which helped. My
game plan for the weekend was to be aggressive on the gettable holes, miss it in the right spots if needed and make no doubles or worse”
Women’s trophy winner was Kayla Van De Ven from the Napier Golf Club. It was a fantastic weekend for Kayla as she also won the Feilding Open trophy on the Saturday taking away 2 trophies for the weekend. A very successful outing for Kayla.
“I’m feeling pretty proud after winning the tournament as I went into the weekend just wanting to have a good time and play some good golf at a course I love. My short game worked well for me and I found myself leaving my approaches short throughout the weekend but made up for it with my chipping and putting. My Game plan was to just have some fun. I knew there was a chance I could win the tournaments but all I wanted was to reconnect with the other Juniors in Manawatu and to be able to continue to grow my game.
Kayla is one of the top ju-
nior players in the Hawkes Bay District and will no doubt be representing them at the Junior Interprovincials and ‘Toro’ Interprovincials in the coming months.
Sophie Yu from the North Shore who also played at the National Age Groups alongside Kayla during the week decided to make her way to Feilding for the tournament also. Sophie placing 2nd with Lisa Herbert of the Feilding Golf Club placing 4th.
For what may be the first time, the District Stroke Play was open to PGA members. James Malone from the Hawera Golf Club, Reuben McNamara from Feilding and Tara Raj who now resides at the Napier Golf Club entered the field. It was great to see them play and be amongst the field of aspiring golfers and also be able to get into some competitive golf. All 3 players were eligible for prize money but not the trophy. Tara Raj reigned supreme in the prize money list claiming 1st place shooting an even par to secure a victory.
Wellington Masters win Stu Smith Quad
The Wellington Masters Men’s team were successful in defending their title in the Stu Smith Memorial Masters quad, held at the Waverley GC in Taranaki.
With a close and well constructed win over Taranaki in round one, 4.5 - 3.5, followed by a good 6 - 2 win over Manwatu/ wanganui on Saturday afternoon, Wellington were in the box seat for Sunday morn-
ing’s rnd 3 match against Hawkes Bay. In a close encounter that saw the match sit with a half point advantge to either side at various points within the round, a massive electrical storm that
rendered the course unplayable and dangerous, late in the round, meant the match wasn’t completed with a 4 all draw being the result, which was the on course position of play also.
Clean sweep for Canterbury in Ashburton
It was a clean sweep for the Canterbury team in the 2024 edition of the annual Canterbury vs Aorangi fixture played at Ashburton recently with the Men’s, Women’s, and Masters teams getting the win. It was largely one-way traffic in the men’s event with Aorangi naming a relatively young side promoting 4 u19 players into their senior team for the event. Canterbury meanwhile named a strong side which included 4 players on debut playing in the 5-8 spots with Cam Grant, Drew Butcher, Adam Winter and Aaron Neil all making
their maiden Canterbury appearance. The morning round saw the team come away with 7 wins and just one defeat with Cooper Moore winning 7/6 at number 1 followed by 6/5 wins by both Reid Hilton and Sam McGill. The afternoon followed a similar pattern with 7 wins and one defeat leading to an eventual convincing 14-2 scoreline overall with all players recording a win on the day. (Pictured below Yuki Miya.)
The ladies event was also largely straightforward with 10 players doing battle in this division. This included Lannie Inoue, Shontalia William, and Eva Yin all making their Canterbury senior debut. In the morning the Canterbury women came away with 8.5 points from 10 with Lannie getting an impressive 6/5 first-up victory at the top of the order and Zaria Bourne recording a big 8/7 win at number 6. In the afternoon, Rachel Eder cruised to her second 5/3 victory of the day with Junie Chang also recording a big 7/5 win playing in the number 7 position as the team again took 8.5 points to wrap up an overall 17-3 scoreline and retain the Templer trophy.
Finally in what was perhaps predicted to be the most evenly matched division the Masters Men lived up to the billing. With 3 players on debut, Canterbury were keen to wrestle back the bragging rights having gone down the last couple of years, and would have been pleased to do just that. In the morning all three debut players in Glen Coughlan, Mike Boshoff, Kieran Sharvin all got wins alongside Jonathan Stieller to round off a perfect start
at the bottom of the order. Aorangi took their share of wins through the middle however but with number 1 Andrew Green narrowly winning for Canterbury at the top this was enough to give the men a tight 6-4 advantage at the halfway point. The afternoon was also close with Aaron Forsyth getting a good 6/5 win as well as Andrew Green’s 5/4 alongside a few other narrow wins meant the team again just prevailed 5.5-4.5 leading to a final team score win of 11.5-8.5. (Pictured below Andrew Green.)
Canterbury Golf 9 Hole Tournament
The Annual Canterbury Golf 9 Hole Tournament was played at Rangiora Golf Club recently in mild and sunny, spring conditions.
With the course in great order 40 competitors enjoyed the day and posted some excellent stableford results as follows:
Grade 1
1st - Christine Lake, Russley ... 24 pts on countback
2nd - Gaye Harry, Templeton ... 24 pts
3rd - Sandy McCrone, Russley ... 21 pts on countback from Glenys Panfilow, Waimairi Beach and Barb Sheriff, Kaiapoi.
Grade 2
1st - Kath Winter, Ellesmere ...
24 pts
2nd - Laurie Gould, Tai Tapu ... 23 pts,
3rd - Diane Gebbie, Tai Tapu ... 21 pts
Gleniti One has won the Aorangi Nine Hole Pennant title for 2024. The final round was held recently in very excellent conditions at the Pleasant Point Golf Club. 11 Teams of 4 competed for this title and have across four different rounds at Geraldine, Timaru & Temuka and today at Pleasant Point Golf Club. Some good golf was played over the 4 rounds with teams made up of 4 ladies and they played stableford rounds with 3 of the 4 scores counting each week.
The teams went into the final round with only 1-2 points between them and it was anyone’s guess who would take home the trophy. In the end Gleniti One regined supreme narrowly edging Geraldien by two points and Timaru by three points.
The top four, Gleniti 1 - 214 points
Geraldine - 212 points
Timaru 1 - 211 points
Temuka 1 - 205 points
Overall Trophy Winner - Christine Lake, on countback.
The winning Team was - Karen Treloar, Sandy Ward, Margaret Hayes (C), Sharon Morton, Sue Reddington.
Men’s Pennants Final
The Men’s Pennants finals took place at Gleniti Golf Club recently. The day saw the Patterson, Alexander and Moyes grade in action as they not only battled each other, but they battled the clock to ensure they could beat the impeding ominous weather scheduled to come through that evening.
The Gleniti layout was well prepared and in good condition especially given the weather that swept through on Friday and Saturday. Always a tricky course, Gleniti puts a premium on accuracy off the tee and avoiding the white pegs at all costs.
In the Patterson grade, the big-hitting and low-handicapped Rakaia team took on Pleasant Point with both teams hungry for the title. Expectations were that this would be a close one and it appeared to be this with the top half of the order with Jeremy Duckmanton and Ryan
Cockburn winning their matches for Rakaia whilst Steve Pilcher and Ray Malcolm took the points for Point. However, crucially, Point managed to claim both of these fourballs and with Peter Clemens winning along with Ian McEwen and Alan Hobson halving, Point had enough points to claim the chocolates already. In the end, the final result was 13 - 5 as Pleasant Point became champions for Patterson in 2024! Winners pictured below left.
The Alexander grade which commenced off the tenth tee, Pleasant Point took on Ashburton in what was predicted to be another tight affair. However, Pleasant Point was clearly inspired and motivated to close this out. In what was a dominant showing, Steve Le Lievre, Michael Ford, Jeff Shaw, Darrell Milne, Jeff Paul and Stephen Ballantyne were the six men tasked with victory and each of them achieved this along with their respective fourballs
to claim an 18 - 0 victory. A truly impressive day in South Canterbury for these lads who became champions for Alexander in 2024 and immortalized Pleasant Point in the process! Winners pictured below left.
In the Moyes Final, Pleasant Point had no opportunity to clean sweep the day as this final saw Rakaia take on Tinwald. Starting at the top of the order, Tinwald was strong and claimed to wins to Shane Webster and Lyndon Moore to show positive signs. However, Rakaia stepped up and managed to claim the other four singles matches with wins to John Cockburn, Joe Lepaio, John Stara and Reon Hoare leaving the singles matches 8 - 4 and meaning Rakaia would only need one Fourball to take them across the line. They did better than this and swept the fourballs to escalate their total to 14 points against Tinwald’s 4 and with this, became the Moyes Champions for 2024! Winners pictured below.
