Golfer Pacific NZ – December 2024

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Tyrrell, keep your toys in the cot

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

What do you make of Tyrrell Hatton’s antics on the golf course?

They really annoy me.

The Englishman is easily the most animated player on the DP World Tour but his constant blaming of everything but himself for a missed putt or an off-target shot is tedious.

Hatton recently went a step further when he snapped a club in frustration but I find him simply childish with his finger pointing, foul language and the mentality that he does nothing wrong.

A DP World Tour commentator

recently also became annoyed by Hatton when he banged the ground with his putter as if a bump in the green had sent his putt off line.

The commentator condemned Hatton by saying that golfers are now allowed to tap down any perceived bumps before making a putt. The commentator basically said don’t be such an idiot, Tyrrell.

And the truth of the matter was there was probably no bump for Tyrrell to tap down.

I also tire of commentators having to apologise for players using foul language. It is presumed players are fined for using foul language but clearly the fines are of no consequence to

players who earn millions of dollars.

Some people would say that it is characters like Hatton who bring some emotion to the game.

I would prefer not to have that kind of emotion on display.

For example it is a pleasure watching the likes of our own Ryan Fox. He does not muck around and when he does hit a bad shot he simply accepts it and then gets on with it.

Ryan knows it was a bad shot but he also knows it was not the first time he has hit a bad shot and it will not be the last time he hits a bad shot.

Other players like Fox, to mention a couple, are Adam Scott

and Dustin Johnson.  They are simply a pleasure to watch. Yes, they are disappointed when they hit a bad shot but they do not throw the toys out of the cot.

While I am having a whinge, we are this month carrying a story saying that the line on a ball is not a great help for putting — in fact, the story says, that it is more of a distraction, especially for long putts.

I never use a line on a ball and get frustrated at the likes of Padraig Harrington who takes for ages to make a putt, including adjusting the line on the ball by a millimetre and then adjusting it by another millimetre. I am almost happy when he misses.

A $US1 million prize after finishing second

It was the most disappointing way to win $US1 million.

New Zealand golfer Steve Alker was on the verge of winning the last tournament of the season on the PGA Tour Champions in the United States when he had it snatched away from him on the 18th green.

Alker had clawed his way to share the lead with one hole remaining in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship at the Phoenix Country Club in Arizona.

Victory looked his when he hit his second shot on the par five to just off the back of the green while the other co-leader, Bernhard Langer, was 30 feet from the pin for three.

An up and down by Alker and a twoputt by Langer would give Alker victory.

But it didn’t quite work that way.

Alker’s chip finished eight feet short and Langer still needed to hole his 30-footer to give him any chance of victory.

But hole it he did and Langer jumped for joy.

Alker now had to hole his eight footer to force a playoff. He had the advan-

tage that Langer’s put was on a similar line but Alker left it short.

Langer’s win was simply an extension of his outstanding golfing career, especially on the PGA Tour Champions which is for golfers aged 50 or older.

The win was the 67-year-old German’s 47th on the Champions Tour. Langer had already surpassed Hale Irwin’s previous record of 45 wins when he notched his 46th win in 2023.

Langer, in one of golf’s most amazing streaks, has won at least once every year for the past 18 seasons on the Champions Tour.

The winner’s prize in Arizona was $US528,000 while Alker pocketed $US276,000 for equal second with Richard Green of Australia.

But there was a $US1 million bonus for Alker. The Charles Schwab Cup Championship was the last of the season-long Charles Schwab Cup and his second placing in Arizona saw him take out the season title, edging past Ernie Els who finished 35th in Arizona.

Alker racked up five second placings

in 2024 to go with a victory in Hawaii in January.

It was the second time the Hamilton golfer had won the season prize following victory in 2022. He is the seventh player to win more than one Charles Schwab Cup.

Alker admitted his Charles Schwab Cup win was bitter-sweet.

“Obviously I would like to win today but Bernhard, we’re going to give a hand for Bernhard – he’s incredible, he really is.

“Just competing with Bernhard and everybody out here on the Champions Tour —  it’s just made me a better player. I’m very grateful for that.”

Langer was over the moon.

“Was that exciting, or what? Unbelievable,” Langer said.

“I can’t describe it. I’m very grateful, very blessed.”

Langer credited the win to a torrid week with the putter. An adjustment he made earlier in the week to move slightly farther from the ball standing over his putts paid handsomely. He

rolled in a 50-footer for birdie at No 2 and made putts of 20 feet and 18 feet on his next two holes, a blistering start.

Only a six-foot miss at the birdie-friendly par four fifth hole kept Langer from making birdies at his first six holes, and he quickly built a four-shot lead. When he made yet another birdie from 25 feet at the ninth to go out in six under par 30, Langer stretched his lead to five.

“When we arrived here on Monday, I mentioned to (caddie) Terry that we hadn’t won this year, and we’ve only got one more chance,” said Langer, who missed three months early in the season after a February 2 surgery to repair his left Achilles tendon, which he tore playing pickleball.

“This was the least likely one to win, because I’ve just never done very well here for some reason.

But I had one of the best putting weeks of my life.”

Alker needs to win the Charles Schwab Cup (just) four more times to equal Langer’s six wins.

A thumbs up from Hamilton golfer Steve Alker after he last month won the season-long Charles Schwab Cup on the over 50-year-olds PGA Tour Champions in the United States. Photo credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images.

Bernhard Langer (left) of Germany and New Zealand’s Steve Alker with their trophies after the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Arizona in the United States last month. Photo credit: Christian Petersen/Getty Images.

Ben Campbell hoping to make the most of home course advantage

Ben Campbell is looking to make the most of his home course advantage when the New Zealand Open returns to Queenstown next year.

The former Wairarapa golfer hopes his intimate knowledge of the two Millbrook Resort courses will give him the edge to claim the championship.

Campbell, who plies his trade across the Asian Tour and LIV Tour, has played some of his best golf at the New Zealand Open in recent years but has yet to see his name on the trophy.

He said he’s hoping to lean on his past experiences and local knowledge

to gain a competitive edge over the rest of the field.

“It’s great having the New Zealand Open here in Queenstown,’’ Campbell said.

“It’s my home, and it’s a real honour to be able to play in an internationally recognised event on my home course.

“I’ve gone really close on a few occasions, which has really helped push my game, mentally and technically, to the next level. It’s now about preparation and leaning on my knowledge of the course to hopefully be in the running once again.”

Campbell was part of the dramatic three-way playoff in 2017 when eventual winner Michael Hendry became the first Kiwi in 14 years to claim the title. Since then, international players have dominated the top spot on the leaderboard, a streak that Campbell is looking to break.

“There is always a good local crowd out supporting me and I am really looking forward to teeing it up again next year,’’ he said.

“The goal is to have my name as the next Kiwi on the trophy and I will be doing everything I can to make that happen.”

Tournament director Michael Glading believes Campbell has the talent and experience to be the next New

Zealand Open champion, and is excited to see him attack the championship courses at Millbrook Resort come February.

“Ben is a fantastic ambassador not only for Queenstown but for the New Zealand Open,’’ Glading said.

“He is always promoting the region and our event wherever he goes. To have him committed to the event is a real plus for us as an exciting player who will  no doubt have a huge amount of local support.”

The 104th New Zealand Open, founded in 1907, will be played from  February 27–March 2.

The New Zealand Open is the only national open in world golf played in a pro-am format and is a co-sanctioned event on the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour schedules. It also has a partnership agreement with the Japan Golf Tour.

A professional field will play the first two rounds alternately at Millbrook Resort’s Coronet and Remarkables courses. The final two rounds will be played on a composite course including holes from both courses.

The tournament also hosts 156 amateur players, each partnering with a professional in a two-man best-ball event, competing for the NZ Pro-Am Championship.

Ben Campbell poses with the trophy after winning the International Series Morocco at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in June. Photo credit: Asian Tour.

Takahiro Hataji returning to defend his New Zealand Open crown

Takahiro Hataji, winner of the 103rd New Zealand Open, will return to the fairways of Millbrook Resort in a bid to retain his crown next year.

Hataji created history with his win earlier this year, becoming the first player from Japan to win the New Zealand Open in its 103-year history. He held off a persistent stream of challengers on the final day with his bogey-free round of four under 67 to win by a single stroke.

Since then, Hataji has stamped his mark on the golf scene winning both the Kansai Open in May and the Tokai Classic in September, his first wins on the Japan Golf Tour. His 2024 record of playing on the Japan Tour is very impressive and has seen him break into the top 200 of the world rankings.

Hataji obviously has fond memories of his time at Millbrook Resort and is looking forward to walking the fairways where he celebrated his first professional victory.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Queenstown for the New Zealand Open next year,” he said.

“Millbrook Resort holds a special place in my heart, and

I’m looking forward to reliving the memories and seeing some of the fans who were there during that final round.

“Yes, my aim is to try and win the tournament again, I would love to have my name on the trophy back-to-back. Playing in Queenstown is pretty magical, so hopefully, the memories help me push on and I progress up the leaderboard.”

Tournament director Michael Glading is delighted that Hataji has confirmed he will return to Queenstown and has been following his progress throughout the year.

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming Takahiro back to Millbrook Resort next year,” Glading said.

“It’s great to see him continue to play some great golf including picking up two more victories in Japan throughout the year.”

The 104th New Zealand Open will tee off at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from February 27-March 2.

Takahiro Hitaji of Japan proudly holds aloft the Brodie Breeze trophy after winning the New Zealand Open at Millbrook this year. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

The running of the New Zealand Open each year requires a huge amount of input and organisation from a large number of volunteers. Several leaders are required for the oversight of the various roles and different aspects of the tournament. There are already 450 volunteers registered for next year’s tournament in Queenstown from February 27-March 2 and volunteer manager Benn Ashford introduces some of the managers.

Introducing some of the New Zealand Open volunteer managers

BENN ASHFORD

Volunteer & caddie manager

For those who do not know me, I will be returning as your volunteer manager for the tournament.

I first attended the New Zealand Open as a volunteer in 2017 before taking on the head marshal position for a few years. I also own and operate Front 9 Golf - running tournaments and organising golf tours and holidays throughout New Zealand.

Transport manager

I am delighted to say that Chrissy will be returning as transport manager for the third time.

Chrissy, who organises several tournaments and looks after the membership at Manawatu Golf Club, had been volunteering at the tournament for a number of years before seamlessly stepping into the transport role for the 2023 tournament.

LYNDA BIXLEY

Volunteer headquarters

For those of you who have volunteered previously, I’m pleased to say that you’ll be greeted by a familiar face when arriving at Volunteer headquarters.

Officially now a local having made the move south -- and an Arrowtown Golf Club member -I am thrilled that Lynda Bixley is on board and will be managing the volunteer HQ again for the 2025 tournament.

Scoring coordinator

After a successful first year as scoring coordinator, I am happy to announce that Sarah will continue the role for the 2025 tournament.

A keen golfer herself, Sarah also works at the St Clair Golf Club in Dunedin.  Exciting developments for Sarah and the scoring team this year as we look to go digital.

Head marshal

I’m excited to announce that Mark will be stepping into the head marshal role.

With a strong sporting background, plus many years of playing and following golf, Mark volunteered at this year’s tournament across a host of roles throughout the week.

CHRISSY ROSE

SARAH KENNELLY

MARK ASHFORD

Choi and Moore win women’s and men’s titles at New Zealand Amateur

Auckland’s Titirangi Golf Club witnessed an unforgettable display of resilience as Eunseo Choi and Cooper Moore emerged as champions of the men’s and women’s New Zealand Amateur Championships.

Both players demonstrated incredible skill and determination throughout the intense finals, securing their places in New Zealand’s golfing history.

CHOI COMPLETES HISTORIC DOUBLE

Choi, 18, made history by capturing the women’s title, adding it to her New Zealand Women’s Strokeplay Championship win from earlier this year. This remarkable accomplishment solidifies her place as New Zealand’s leading female amateur golfer.

Choi qualified second in the strokeplay section of the New Zealand Am-

ateur with rounds of 71 and 75, trailing Yoonae Jong, who held the top qualifying spot after a memorable hole in one on the fourth hole during her second round.

Both players advanced to the 36-hole final, where Choi took an early lead and never looked back. She carried a two up lead into the afternoon round and continued to apply pressure, ultimately sealing her victory with a birdie on the 31st hole to win by 6 and 5.

Reflecting on her performance, Choi expressed her excitement, saying: “I won both the New Zealand Strokeplay and New Zealand Amateur this year, so I feel really great. Apparently, Lydia [Ko] didn’t get the two in one year, so I’m hoping I’m the only one in New Zealand history.”

Choi attributed her success to her

tage after Moore’s three putt. However, Moore’s resilience shone through. Determined not to give up, he responded with birdies on the 30th and 31st holes, narrowing the gap to just one down. Riding this momentum, Moore won the 33rd and 34th holes, pulling ahead to a one up lead in a stunning turnaround. Turnbull fought back on the 35th hole, making a birdie to square the match, setting up a dramatic finish on the 36th.

On the final hole, Turnbull’s drive landed in the greenside bunker, while Moore executed a perfect approach shot, landing his ball three feet from the pin for what would be the winning shot. Moore described the scene: “I had 92 metres in and knew it was going to spin back ... I realised it was close when everyone started clapping.”

After the victory, Moore admitted to being a bit surprised by his comeback.

“I’m kind of shocked a little bit. Being three down with seven to go, I didn’t really expect it, but I just kept on pushing to see what would happen, and yeah, it feels great.”

ability to “read the flow of the game” and remain composed, adding that her competitive mindset kept her fighting throughout the tournament. She also praised Titirangi Golf Club for its pristine course conditions and extended her gratitude to the greens staff for their work.

MOORE’S

REMARKABLE COMEBACK

The men’s final was a thrilling battle of two young talents, with 16-year-old Moore staging an incredible comeback to defeat 17-year-old Robby Turnbull on the final hole. The match remained tightly contested in the morning, with neither player able to secure more than a one-hole lead. Turnbull entered the afternoon round with a one up lead, and by the 11th hole, he had built a seemingly comfortable three up advan-

He said he drew on past experiences for motivation, recalling similar situations where he managed to fight his way back into contention.

Moore’s hunger for victory drove him throughout the tournament, where he had also won previous matches on the 19th and 18th holes. This victory marked his first major win since the New Zealand Age Group Championships in 2022, a moment he’d been eagerly awaiting after a recent playoff loss at the Canterbury Matchplay.

PRESTIGIOUS RETURN TO TITIRANGI

The New Zealand Amateur Championship returned to Titirangi Golf Club for the first time since 2015, bringing back a premier event to one of the country’s finest courses. Known for its Dr Alister MacKenzie design, Titirangi offered a challenging yet inspiring backdrop for New Zealand’s top amateur golfers.

Eunseo Choi and Cooper Moore pose with their trophies after winning the women’s and men’s New Zealand Amateur Championships.

Photo credit: BW Media.

Liz McKinnon racks up win No 10 at World Speedgolf Championships

New Zealand speedgolfers showcased their dominance on the global stage at the 2024 World Speedgolf Championships held at the stunning Seven Hundred Club in Tochigi, Japan, on November 14-15.

Liz McKinnon led the charge, extending her unprecedented unbeaten streak to 10 years by claiming gold in the women’s division, and picking up another gold in the team’s event with Amy Linton.

The 14-strong Kiwi contingent excelled across the board, delivering exceptional results in individual and team events. With record-breaking female participation at this year’s event and remarkable team success, New Zealand reaffirmed its status as a global speedgolf powerhouse.

NEW ZEALAND’S KEY RESULTS

WOMEN’S INDIVIDUAL:

* Liz McKinnon: Gold medal. Continuing her decade of dominance, Liz shot rounds of 77 in 55 minutes 22 seconds and 72 in 55 minutes 39 seconds, showcasing unmatched precision and endurance.

* Amy Linton: 5th place. Amy delivered an impressive performance with rounds of 79 in 61 minutes 26 seconds and 75 in 62 minutes 39 seconds.

MEN’S INDIVIDUAL:

* Bernie Smith: Silver medal. Scores of 74 in 46 minutes 49 seconds and 75 in 42 minutes 49 seconds.

* Robin Smith: Bronze medal. Scores of 75 in 43 minutes 24 seconds and 76 in 44 minutes 26 seconds.

* Jamie Reid: 4th place. Scores of 75 in 45 minutes 3 seconds and 75 in 46 minutes 19 seconds, showing incredible resilience despite competing with a torn ACL.

* Brad Hayward: 5th place. Scores of 77 in 47 minutes 57 seconds and 70 in 46 minutes 39 seconds, completing a Kiwi sweep of the top five.

SENIOR MEN’S INDIVIDUAL:

* Damian Mills: Silver medal. Scores of 82 in 51 minutes 7 seconds and 74 in 49 minutes 20 seconds.

TEAM EVENTS:

Women’s teams:

* Liz McKinnon & Amy Linton: Gold medal. A combined score of 77 in 51 minutes.

Senior men’s teams:

* Damian Mills & Greg Anderson: Bronze medal. Scored 81 in 48 minutes 57 seconds.

* Peter Sharlott & John Farron: 4th place. Scored 87 in 58 minutes 20 seconds.

Men’s Teams:

* Bernie Smith & Craig Russell: Silver medal. Scored

77 in 39 minutes 7 seconds.

* Jamie Reid & Robin Smith: 4th place. Scored 80 in 40 minutes 15 seconds.

* Brad Hayward & Brad Dippie: 6th place. Scored 79 in 42 minutes 29 seconds.

Liz McKinnon reflects on an unbeaten decade

After her historic victory, Liz McKinnon shared her thoughts:

On the challenge: “The training over the last year has paid off, and getting the win is just the icing on the cake. While I wasn’t entirely stoked with my running, I was really happy with my golf scores. The course was challenging, with over 180 metres of elevation and spongey grass, but that’s what makes speedgolf so rewarding.”

On the podium moment: “It’s probably the closest I’ll ever feel to being an athlete. Being on the podium was pretty cool, but the highlight was the 14 women competing—the most we’ve ever had. It was incredible to meet and compete against all the top women from around the world.”

On the team’s performance: “While some of the guys might have been disappointed with their individual results, having a second, third, fourth and fifth in the men’s division shows how strong speedgolf is in New Zealand. There were some really gutsy performances, especially Jamie Reid competing with a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament).”

Looking ahead

The speedgolf summer series is the perfect opportunity for fans and aspiring players to experience the sport firsthand, with events in Northland, Taranaki, and Wellington leading up to the New Zealand Speedgolf Open in April 2025. With the World Championships returning to New Zealand in 2026, the stage is set for even greater moments in speedgolf on home soil.

Get involved

Encouraging others to try speedgolf, McKinnon said:

“While the New Zealand team showed great running and scoring skills, speedgolf can simply be golf at pace. The summer is a great opportunity to jog nine holes before work—get out there and give it a go.”

A legacy of excellence

Golf New Zealand chief executive Jeff Latch praised the team’s achievements:

“Liz McKinnon’s decade-long unbeaten streak is nothing short of extraordinary. The entire team has done New Zealand proud, with results that show our strength across the board. We can’t wait to host the world in 2026.”

New Zealand’s exceptional results highlight its position as a global speedgolf leader, inspiring future athletes and elevating the sport to new heights.

New Zealand speedgolfer Liz McKinnon who racked up her 10th win at the world championships in Japan last month.

Ko adds to her many awards

Another award for Lydia Ko. The Ladies’ Professional Golf Association (LPGA) last month announced Ko was the recipient of the 2024 Heather Farr Perseverance Award and Ally Ewing was the winner of the 2024 Founders Award.

Both awards are voted on by the LPGA membership.

LPGA players’ president Vicki Goetze-Ackerman said: “Both Lydia and Ally have demonstrated not only a love for the game of golf, but also a spirit of gratitude in all that they do.

“They have served as role models for their peers, both on and off the golf course, and gained the respect of so many through their actions. Their impact on the LPGA and golf community is unmatched and we are excited to celebrate their tremendous careers.”

The Heather Farr award honours a LPGA Tour player who, through her hard work, dedication and love of the game of golf, has demonstrated determination, perseverance and spirit in fulfilling her goals as a player.

Ko, who this year entered the LPGA hall of fame, began her journey on the LPGA Tour in 2012, win-

ning the Canadian Women’s Open as an amateur. She successfully defended her title in 2013 while still an amateur and was granted LPGA membership for the following season.

Since then she has won an additional 21 times, including three major championship titles, and represented New Zealand in the Olympic women’s golf competition three times, earning a medal in each appearance: 2016 Rio de Janeiro (silver medal), 2020 Tokyo (bronze) and 2024 Paris (gold).

Entering her 2024 season, Ko needed two points to meet the minimum point threshold of 27 points to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame. Following her win at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions and her first place finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she reached the threshold and became the youngest player to be inducted under its current criteria. She followed up her gold medal with an additional two wins this season, including the Women’s Open in Scotland.

Ko has earned numerous LPGA awards including the Louise Suggs Rolex rookie of the year honours (2014), Rolex player of the year (2015, 2022), the Founders Award (2021), Vare Trophy, (2021, 2022) and now, the Heather Farr Perseverance Award.

She is the fifth player to receive both the Founders and Heather Farr Perseverance Awards, following Heather Farr, Shelley Hamlin, Lorie Kane and Lorena Ochoa.

Established in 1994, the Heather Farr Perseverance Award honours LPGA Tour player Heather Farr, who died on November 20, 1993, following a four-and-ahalf-year battle with breast cancer. Previous winners of this award include Farr, Lorie Kane, Nancy Scranton, Brandi Burton, Kris Tschetter, Kim Williams, Beth Daniel, Se Ri Pak, Leta Lindley, Sophie Gustafson, Lisa Ferrero, Stephanie Meadow, Ariya Jutanugarn, Tiffany Joh, Jessica Korda, Suzann Pettersen, Madelene Sagstrom, Elizabeth Nagel and Jane Park.

Said Ko: “Words cannot describe how immensely grateful I am to receive this award from my peers.

“There have been countless hours of time and hard work to get to where I am in my career now, but I would be nowhere without the many people that supported, encouraged and believed in me at every stage.

“This year has been incredible in so many ways and it is a time that I will always cherish, so to receive an award of this significance at the end of my 2024 season is truly special.”

Fiji Golf Week or The Natadola Bay Fiji Classic in 2025?

Get ready to tee off in paradise! Voyages.golf is excited to invite you to the fourth annual Fiji Golf Week and the brand-new Natadola Bay Fiji Golf Classic, taking place back-to-back in September 2025. This is your chance to experience world-class golf, luxurious accommodation, and breathtaking island scenery, all in one unforgettable trip & everything taken care of.

Event Highlights:

• Fiji Golf Week: Enjoy a week spent relaxing in Denarau with three rounds at Denarau Golf Club and one round at Natadola Bay Championship Golf Club. Enjoy the camaraderie of meeting other golfers from New Zealand and Australia, with the backdrop of the Pacific everywhere you look.

• Natadola Bay Fiji Golf Classic: Test your skills on one of the Pacific’s most challenging and scenic courses. This competition draws top amateur players from around the region, offering a unique challenge against the backdrop of Fiji’s beautiful coral coast.

Special Offer: Double the Events, Double the Rewards For golfers looking to make the most of their Fiji experience, Voyages.golf is offering an exclusive bonus: sign up for both events and receive a complimentary room upgrade at the luxurious 5-star Intercontinental Resort Fiji. This beachfront haven offers premium amenities, stunning views, and a truly relaxing escape after each day’s play.

The Finer Details:

Who is welcome?

Singles, couples, friends & club golfers are welcome. These are amateur tournaments focussed on relaxation, camaraderie and having a good time with your loved ones.

Do you have reviews?

Absolutely, see our verified reviews at www.voyages.golf/testimonials. All reviews are generated by Trustpilot & completely independent. Trustpilot is the world’s leading independent review platform.

What are the dates?

Fiji Golf Week is first, taking place 05 – 11 September. The Natadola Bay Fiji Golf Classic is 11 – 16 September 2025.

Are buggies included?

Yes, buggies are included in all rounds. Range balls are also included so you can warm up prior to your round.

Can I bring a group from my club?

Absolutely, if you want to join with members from your club, we’ll provide a custom golf shirt for your group (minimum 8 from a club) for free so you can represent your club!

Can I stay longer?

Absolutely, Voyages.golf offers multi-night cruises, extra nights at the Resort, and intra-island stays in Fiji.

How do I book?

Book quickly online at www.voyages.golf/golf-week-booking, or if you have a question, email the team at res@voyages.golf.

Slow play: Harming golf’s entertainment value

By Neville Idour

England star Charley Hull, never afraid to call a spade a spade, has struck a much needed nerve in her blunt assessment of slow players and what should be done to address the problem.

It all blew up after her recent runner up finish to Nelly Korda at the Annika tournament in Florida in the United States.

Hull, one of the fastest players on the LPGA Tour, was increasingly annoyed by dithering players who were responsible for play spilling over into following days despite there being no loss of play or time.

Consequently her Saturday third round group with Korda finished in near darkness after an excruciating five hours 38 minutes.

After finishing on the Sunday she said: “It was crazy. I’m ruthless. If you get a bad timing it should be a two shot penalty each time. If you get a third you lose your tour card instantly.

“That would hurry them up as they won’t want to lose their card. That would kill slow play … but that won’t happen. I feel sorry for the fans how slow it is. Yesterday was ridiculous. People fart around too much. We play a fourball at home on a hard course in no more than four hours.”

Korda, Lexi Thompson and Lydia Ko

also offered their thoughts after Hull’s expressions.

Korda said: “I think it is a pretty big issue. It is not good for the fans. I would be very, very annoyed watching for nearly six hours. It drags the game down and needs to change.” She would like to see more rules’ officials monitoring the pace of play. “Players need to be penalised.”

Thompson likewise agreed rounds are taking too long and thinks the problem is getting worse.

“It is definitely an issue,’’ Thompson said.

“Rounds should take no more than four and a half hours in a threesome. You are going to hit a good shot or a bad shot. Might as well not take that much time. It’s just a game. Do your routine, commit and hit. Something needs to be done.”

Ko, however, offered a variety of reasons for justifying slow play.

“The golf course was tough and some players were trying to get their card or make the CME Globe. I think everybody is doing their best. I don’t think one way is going to instantly make a round 30 minutes faster.”

Ko’s comments should not surprise as she is certainly not one of the brisker players.

Just to illustrate Hull’s sensible solu-

tion Spaniard Carlotta Ciganda, who is known as the human weather delay because of her glacial pace of play was handed a $US1000 fine for each of her bad times. However had she been given penalty shots instead she would not have qualified for the season ending bank busting $US11 million CME Globe finale where she will receive $US55,000 minimum for just competing.

So players on both men’s and women’s tours know they can get away with slow play with at worst a tiny blip in their bank balance which is zilch deterrent. Yes, the power brokers do nothing to change the scenario, in fact the PGA Tour is doing the opposite.

Unbelievably the PGA Tour is proposing a reduction in the penalties for slow play. The rules committee is recommending several changes to the pace of play policy, including reducing the fine for ‘bad times’ from $US50,000 to $US10,000 and reducing ‘excessive shot time’ fines from $10,000 to $5,000. The only positive is the creation of a new average stroke time (AST) policy where the fine for 10 ASTs will rise from $20,000 to $50,000. Keep in mind a $20,000 fine is something like 0.02 percent of Scottie Scheffler’s earnings this year.

It is hard to believe the PGA people making these decisions are paid

millions of dollars when clearly they should not be paid millions of dollars. Slow play has been like a terminal disease on golf for years at every level so “lets make the punishment more lenient than it already is.” What a poor message that sends to club golfers everywhere. They say it is to get in synch with the DP World Tour and the major championships, but who believes that. Is player power part of the problem. With LIV now a big player some of the PGA Tours big names are now having far too much to say about too many issues. Consequently are Jay Monahan and his cohorts living in a state of constant angst that some decision they make might lead to Rory McIlroy and/ or Scottie Scheffler calling Greg Norman to see what deal they can get.

Apparently the last time a slow play penalty was struck on the PGA Tour was for the team of Brian Campbell and Miguel Angel Carballo at the 2017 Zurich Classic. For an individual it was in 1995. So the bottom lines in all of this are firstly, as Hull contends, a two shot penalty for a bad time must be a priority and secondly, is that likely to happen? Probably not until we see a pig flying by. Finally a memo to Jay Monahan. “I will make that decision for 10 percent of your salary.

How far is that good walk spoiled?

By Neville Idour

Around of golf is a good walk spoiled. Isn’t that the way the saying goes?

But is it true and how far do we actually walk in an 18-hole round? This writer would, from experience, contend the saying should be a round of golf is a good walk enhanced. Obviously there are many variables and therefore no definitive distance so to speak.

Let us use an 18-hole round for the purpose of this discussion. The playing length of the course from say the blue or second longest tee is a good base figure to build on as you will usually walk past that tee even if you are playing from the front tee block. From here we add the distances from the greens to the next tees. This can vary hugely from a tight

not overlong layout to a modern resort or championship course where many players will use motorised golf carts as walking is out of the question for many older players.

So the variables begin with the tee shot. A mixture of good and army golf, searching for balls, pacing round on the greens with long putts, then long walks to the next tee on some holes can sometimes double the playing length of a course. You may be playing with a group and spend some time helping to look for lost balls.

Courses in Christchurch involve a variety of overall ground covered in a round. This writer’s first club membership was with Avondale in Christchurch. At around 5300 metres it is not overlong. However the advantage for walking is being a tight layout, the distances from green to tee

are generally quite short and sometimes adjacent. On the other hand a course like Christchurch Golf Club (Shirley) or Clearwater will present several long walks between greens and tees. At both of these courses you could probably walk twice the playing length.

A couple of overseas studies were quite revealing. In 2018 an experiment was conducted at Royal County Down Championship links. Tracking devices were provided for each player. The playing length was 6800 yards (6276 metres) or 3.9 miles. The shortest distance walked by obviously a very good golfer was 5.7 miles and the longest was 7.8 miles (say no more), double the scorecard length.

Another extensive study was carried out by Inside Golf in Australia. More than 1000 rounds on various courses by both

Line or no line on the

By Neville Idour

Is it an advantage to have a line on your golf ball to help you line up your putt or not?

Sounds vaguely similar to the flagstick in or flagstick out conundrum.

Well, the statistics are in and they showed that leaving the flag in was statistically the better option, but in the case of a line on the ball they have show that not using a line for putting is the better option.

How often have we watched a player such as Padraig Harrington or Carlotta Ciganda, two of the slowest players take an age over lining up their putts and almost turn into a pillar of salt standing over the ball before contact. Putting guru Dave Stockton in his book “Unconscious Putting” never once mentions using a line on the ball to assist lining up the putt’s direction nor do his balls have a line on them. He advocates no line.

Stockton was an accomplished multiple major winner during his career who knows well his subject. Having shared his knowledge with, assisted and taught the likes of Phil Mickelson, Annika Sorenstam, Yani Tseng, Adam

Scott, Justin Rose, Matt Kuchar, J B Holmes, Martin Laird, Hunter Mahan, Michelle Wie and Rory McIlroy with putting, amongst others, his book makes fascinating reading.

Stockton emphasises a relaxed approach with feel and speed the key factors in harmony with reading the line of the shot using a spot a few feet forward of the ball. In 1972 on the PGA Tour, Stockton played in excess of 950 holes without a three putt. Extraordinary. Then at the US Open which followed:  “I had 10 three putts and a four putt. You aren’t going to make them all.”

As if to endorse Stockton’s view My Golf Spy recently ran some extensive tests comparing results of putting with or without using a line on the ball. Interestingly 70 percent of the testers used a line on the ball when putting.

The results were not overwhelming, just decisive. From five feet the testers with a line required two fewer putts. However from 10 and 20 feet the unmarked balls took significantly fewer putts to complete. Testers mentioned that from 10 and 20 feet their focus on the line

sexes of different ages and standards, armed with measuring devices recording actual distances walked were carried out. The average distance walked was 77 percent more than the scorecard. So given the average course length of around 6000 yards (5538 metres) golfers would walk about 10,600 yards (9785 metres) or just over six miles.

So whatever way you look at it you cannot dispute that in terms of exercise an 18-hole round of golf is definitely a good walk and if the course has significant undulations, it is a very good walk….and if the golfer smells the roses on the way and appreciates the design, layout and often exquisite beauty of the environment, he or she is a winner all the way.

ball?

impacted the pace of the putt. It was noticeable from greater distances that distance control was worse when balls were marked with a line which proved a distraction.

So what can we take for this information? Using the line from longer distances will do little more than use time and possibly annoy your faster playing partners.

And the bottom line? The tests revealed that marking the golf ball with a line provides absolutely no statistical advantage over an unmarked ball.

As they say, to each his own. No matter what the stats show, players will still ignore them and do what they have always done. If that works well and no undue extra time is taken no one should complain.

This writer, I must admit used to use a line on the ball, but after reading Stockton’s book I no longer do so and it has been like a breath of fresh air. The alignment marks on the putter head are far more effective and conducive to concentration without distraction. It also speeds up the process and has increased the strike rate. Try it, you might like it?

PGA Tour a “tough place’’ for Ryan Fox

By Neville Idour

The euphoria, glitz and glamour of gaining your card for the PGA Tour in the United States can wear off pretty quickly when reality hits.

Just ask New Zealand’s Ryan Fox and other “outsiders like Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre and Poland’s Adrian Meronk (now with LIV).”

Fox, 37, in a frank interview with golf website Bunkered’s Michael McEwan admitted he had found the PGA Tour a tough place to play in 2024. In 20 starts he made the cut in 13, finishing 109th in the FedEx Cup standings. There were just three top 10s including his best finish of fourth in the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Not being part of the elevated elite event fields meant he was playing in the regular events where he was often one of the highest world ranked players in the field. Consequently with not enough top 10 finishes and some missed cuts his world ranking has been on a steady downward path, despite being one of very few players to make the cut in all four majors.

He played five DP World Tour events, making four cuts with a best finish

of 14th. At time of writing Fox was ranked 80th after starting the year in 32nd place.

Fox admitted: “It has been a bit more of a grind than I expected. On the road for 30 weeks. Home after the Wyndham Championship, I’ve only had four weeks at home this year. So it has been very tough.

“We didn’t have a base in the US and the depth of competition felt a lot stronger than I expected. It was a big change being a 37-year-old rookie on the PGA Tour. While I had things sorted everything was new.

“Long practise rounds on Tuesday were important to figure out the courses which most of the players would have played several times previously. I felt like I was playing catch up a lot of the year.’’

Fox’s comments echo those of Robert MacIntyre who has many times spoken about the challenge of swapping one side of the Atlantic Ocean for the other. They played together at the Myrtle Beach Classic where their familiarity paid dividends in good finishes.

Walking down the first hole of the Myrtle Beach Classic MacIntyre said: “It’s great to play with someone I can have a chat and  a laugh with.”

Fox agreed: “Same for me. We know each other well and both finished in the top 10. He had a break at home and that kind of refreshed him. Everyone does their own thing there, I don’t know why. It just feels more lonely over there and I think we both kind of struggled with that.

“I travel with my family so there isn’t that loneliness off the course, but I found it quite hard to make friends. I think the European guys kind of bonded together a bit there. Steve Alker now enjoying his time on the Champi-

ons Tour said exactly the same thing of his time on the PGA Tour. It was lonely and not a place where he made friends.”

So Fox will thoroughly enjoy some down time back home in Auckland where he will be close to the ocean which satisfies his love of boating and fishing. The Bay of Islands is the family’s favourite place and the fishing is as good as it gets.

“Times like these New Zealand is the best place in the world.”

Yes, time to stoke the fire for 2025.

By Neville Idour

TKiwis close but no cigar

he final weekend last month saw several Kiwis shine on the international golf circuits without nailing a win. Probably closest to the cigar was Michael Hendry who was tied for the lead with eight holes remaining at the Casio World Open in Japan. However a bogey and a birdie allowed two players to edge ahead of him with birdies. This moved him up to 26th on the money list.

Ben Campbell’s excellent attempt to defend his 2023 Hong Kong Open title was probably the most significant result. Although never threatening, ultimate winner Patrick Reed, whose 59 third round

By Neville Idour

Tstreeted the field, closed with 65 in round four and a three shot win. Campbell has closed the gap on John Catlin who leads the International Series rankings for that place on LIV Golf at stake. Campbell will be looking to head him off with solid form in the final two events. The Qatar event is concluding as this edition wraps up.

Lydia Ko’s stunning bogey free final round nine-birdie 63 at the CME Group Tour Championship catapulted her into third place, two shots ahead of overall CME Globe winner Nelly Korda, but five shots behind winner Jeeno Thitikul. Ko had rounds of 67, 74, 67 and 63. Her renegade second round where she birdied the first hole then could only disturb par

with three bogeys thereafter ultimately was the difference between contending and not.

Several Kiwis played the Australian PGA Championship with Nick Voke the best performed with rounds of 68, 72 and 65 to finish eighth in a tournament shortened by the weather to three rounds. His bogey-free seven birdie final round rocketed him up the leaderboard. Kazuma Kobori with 69, 68 and 69 finished 15th while the more favoured Daniel Hillier faded in the final round from 15th to finish 43rd. Most attention for New Zealand’s golfers will now turn to the Australasian Tour where the schedule is certainly not lacking in quality competition and events.

Ryder Cup: To pay or not to pay

he PGA of America has stirred up a hornet’s nest with it’s reported plan to pay the 12 Ryder Cup United States players a total of $US5.04 million ($NZ8.6 million).

That equates to $US394,000 ($NZ677,000) each. It has taken 97 years for greed to overtake the honour of playing in this iconic world leading sporting

encounter where just to be involved always seemed to outway any thoughts of money, money, money.

The Patrick Cantlays of the golf world will no doubt be thrilled at the prospect. Not to say they didn’t already get paid. US players already receive $US200,000 to donate to a charity of their choice. The rub is the money is paid directly into each player’s bank account and whether the money ends up with a good cause is

up to each individual. While the decision has not yet been ratified by the board it is expected to be rubber stamped after the new PGA chief executive is announced.

Who can forget the action by Cantlay in Rome of not wearing a Team USA cap in protest at not earning a cent. Cantlay strongly denied he was protesting. Xander Schaufele’s father Stefan told newspaper The Times that players “should have a share of the profits.” Interestingly all 24 players at the President’s Cup received a stipend of $US250,000 and were not required to disclose what they did with the funds.

It is unlikely the Europeans will follow suit especially after comments from players.

Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has slammed players chasing the money.

“I don’t like it. I think it is a shame that this money which goes back into grass roots level has players looking for their piece of the pie,’’ McGinley said.

“Boy, are they not getting paid enough money now with all that is going on in the game. Players, me included, get so much value out of being a Ryder Cup player. Players I have talked to are not interested in having any money, because they know that over here the profits go back into the European Tour and they play for more prizemoney down the line.”

Several players, including Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, have voiced their disapproval of this proposed departure from the norm. McIlroy probably summed up their feelings best of all.

“Personally, I would pay for the privilege to play in the Ryder Cup,’’ McIlroy said.

“The two purest forms of competition in golf right now are the Ryder Cup and the Olympics and it is partly because of the purity of no money being involved. I don’t think any of the 24 players need that $400,000. Every two years there are 104 weeks and you can play 103 of them and get paid.”

All kudos to McIlroy who gets the point. If this goes ahead we can look forward to the magic of the Ryder Cup being slowly sucked dry and the dynamic being diluted. Instead of the history and the pure unadulterated competition the conversation is likely to transfer to the financial imbalance and everything that is doing to the event.

Surely these multi-millionaires don’t need pocket money for motivation to compete. What a turnoff. As McIlroy said participating is a privilege therefore players should be honoured to be included rather than holding the event to ransom. That should never happen. Who will lose out most — the fans.

Merger talks progress to where?

By Neville Idour

The so called ongoing merger talks between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund are like the question “how long is a piece of string?”

Ongoing, protracted, never ending, progressing, complicated, complex  are just some of the words we constantly hear bandied about regarding the proposed merger discussions.

All we seem to have had so far are rare platitudes and meaningless hot air from the parties, particularly PGA boss Jay Monahan. The frustrating lack of detail suggests the end is not in sight. We go back to June, 2023, when Monahan and Yasir Al-Rumayyan shook hands on a deal, but forward movement since then has been glacial, to put it mildly.

So when the almost incongruous pairing of the two at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with Dean Burmester and Billy Horschel earlier this year was revealed one might have thought here we go, there must be something in the wind. Especially as they projected a cordial relationship with all the goings on in a friendly round of golf. Handshakes, male hugs, a fist bump and some laughs.

Unfortunately no. The wind has remained unadulterated. One of the sticking points maybe the various PGA Tour players who want any LIV players that are part of any deal to be sanctioned or fined. A good example is the aforementioned Horschel who said before the Dunhill Links: “I still hold a few grudges, but I have moved on from that. But for things to heal, you have to move on to really come together. But I know some players probably still hold grudges.”

Maybe it isn’t all doom and gloom. Daniel Van Otterdijk, the chief communications officer at the Dubai-based logistics company DP World,  offered some thoughts in an interview with Gulf News, claiming a deal could be done in six months. He is

a seasoned specialist in communications who has a bachelor of science  in science from Victoria University in Wellington. A Dutch national he spent 12 years in New Zealand and the last 18 years in the United Kingdom. He worked in various markets and industries such as energy, oil and gas, medical, retail and technology prior to joining DP World.

His opinion is that the upshot of all the drawn out negotiations will be a full year of top level golf with each of the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf having their own place in the world calendar.

“I can see a calendar from January to December where there is a prominent place for each tour, but there will be overlaps,” Van Otterdijk said.

“A guy like Tommy Fleetwood could say I want to keep my PGA Tour card, but also play events on the DP World and LIV Golf tours as well. I’m confident there will be a year long calendar with about 60 events with players looking to play about 25 to gather points needed.”

He certainly makes a lot of sense describing a new future for golf. He also feels that LIV Golf will ditch the current league format but continue to be a team based competition to offer a varied format within the year long calendar.

However, all that being said, LIV Golf is pressing on with a full 2025 schedule to be announced shortly. The LIV team bosses are looking for new signings before the 2025 season starts in February.

Jon Rahm has said he has six or seven targets in mind for his Legion X11, while other teams need to replace relegated or out of contract players. LIV’s partnership with the Asian Tour and the International Series has been a huge boost in the region. The player who tops the International Series order of merit gains a spot on LIV. Currently John Catlin has a handy lead over New Zealander Ben Campbell. Catlin says it is his priority.

“Having experienced LIV events, they are really cool. We are well looked after playing in that calibre of field.” Sentiments that Campbell also agrees with. So solutions may look simple to the mind but the reality may be a minefield of red tape when you think of qualifying for the majors, world ranking points, prizemoney, sponsors, venues and more no doubt. Yes the time has come for the heads to start banging together in earnest putting aside pet grievances and making decisions that will allow golf to put united feet forward for the betterment of the great game and all it’s adherents.

And lo and behold, Donald Trump has said he could solve the impasse in 15 minutes if he got Monahan and Al-Rumayyan together. Well, forget Donald Trump. The Sun newspaper has broken the news that negotiations between them have been concluded and golf’s civil war is over.

However another news outlet, Front Office Sports, says there are plenty of details to be ironed out before official confirmation is announced. The so called deal involves the Saudi PIF paying $US1.25 billion to become part of the PGA Tour circuit. That money will give the Saudi Public Investment Fund an 11 percent share in the tour. In return they will get two places on the PGA Tour board including the post of chairman. The Saudi PIF has assets of $US903 billion so the money will hardly be missed.

The deal still needs approval by PGA players but they are expected to agree. Trump has said golf needs one primary tour and it is terrible that some LIV players are shut out of competing in majors. “I think I could certainly help. We should have one primary tour with all the best players competing.”

The intrigue will continue it would seem and we will just have to wait to see if a trump card can be played to end the apparent stalemate — or has it already happened as outlined.

Fourteen-year-old wins twice in a row on China LPGA Tour

Chinese teenage amateur sensation Zhou Shiyuan last month won her second straight China LPGA Tour title, creating more golfing history in the process.

In front of her hometown fans, the 14-year-old belied her tender years to defeat professional Michelle Zhang Yunxuan at the second hole of a sudden-death play-off in the Kove China Sports Lottery Chongqing Women’s Open.

With the victory, Zhou becomes the youngest player to record two wins on the China LPGA Tour. She’s also the first amateur to win back-toback since Yin Xiaowen in 2021.

Following her maiden China LPGA Tour triumph at the previous month’s Zhangjiagang Shuangshan Challenge, Zhou rose to 121st in the world amateur golf rankings, making her the leading Chinese amateur

in the standings. With her latest success, she’ll be close to breaking into the world’s top 100.

Starting the final day in Chongqing one stroke off the lead, Zhou closed with an even

par 72 over the King Run Nanshan Golf Club course to finish on five-under 211, deadlocked

with overnight co-leader Zhang (73).

At the first play-off hole, the 525-yard 18th, both players made par. At the second time of asking, it was Zhou who prevailed after a brilliant pitch from 98 yards spun back to within 12 inches of the cup for a tap in birdie.

After watching Zhang’s 25-footer for a four graze the hole, Zhou duly converted her short winning putt.

“I am proud of myself with this win as a Chongqing local player after a long day. That was the best shot that I hit,” said Zhou of her approach on the second play-off hole.

“This win is not easy. I tempered my expectations on the back nine where Michelle (Zhang) made three birdies. I wasn’t stressed. After my first win in Shuangshan, I have plenty self-confidence.”

Zhou Shiyuan, the 14-year-old who won twice in a row on the China LPGA Tour.

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News in brief

By Neville Idour

PGA TOUR BECOMING A CLOSED SHOP, SAYS KISNER

Four-time PGA Tour winner Kevin Kisner suggested the PGA Tour is becoming an increasingly “closed shop” in the wake of the changes that have been made. He says it will be harder than ever for those who lose their playing privileges to find a way back.

WENTWORTH NOT FOR SALE

A report that the famous Wentworth Club in England is being sold to the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been categorically denied by the club. “It is not for sale.” Thai-Chinese investment company, Reignwood Group said there were no plans to sell the iconic club.

Nike in dire straits

After Nike’s 27-year love affair with Tiger Woods ended, the company finds itself having lost $US28 billion in its shareholder value. The breakup has been tough for both parties as Woods’ Sun Day Red brand is in lead balloon territory. Nike’s sales are expected to decline 4-6 percent in the coming fiscal year as it focuses on a $US2 billion cost cutting campaign. Nike has been forced to drastically look at less expensive price points for it’s products and embark on a multiyear reset of the business. The feeling is there will be no quick rebound for Nike’s earnings.

WOOD’S SUN DAY RED A TURNOFF

Tiger Wood’s new Sun Day Red product brand is facing rampant criticism because of the expensive prices, disappointing quality, complex logo and failing to deliver on the many extravagant claims.

Consider this diatribe the brand claims. “Every seam, every stitch, every fold of Sun Day Red is sewn with the meticulousness, care, and unwavering focus that has defined Tiger Woods’ legendary career.”

But wait, there is more.

“When you wear these clothes you wear the confidence to compete, both on and off the course.

(What are we competing for off course?)

“You carry the legacy of a champion. You become part of the SUN DAY RED story.”

Yeah right.

As if to add to the ongoing criticism of every move the brand makes the recent launch of the Camo Collection continued the farce with the claims “this innovative take works on and off course and serves as a symbol of excellence, commitment and determination.”

Cringeworthy, extraordinary gobbledegook that has been greeted by fans as “overpriced and made with cheap material.”

Some of the prices are eye watering, such as a ball marker priced at $US50.

What a joke when you can get a ball marker at Augusta National for less than $US10. The Sun Day Red brand comes under the TaylorMade umbrella. Will they be having second thoughts?

Woods and Nike are both riding lead balloons and are in dire need of inflated balloons to elevate their plunging fortunes. Wood’s financial greed may be coming back to haunt him.

DP WORLD TOUR CHANGES

The European Open which lost it’s sponsor Porsche for the 2024 event because LIV players Paul Casey and Martin Kaymer were banned does not appear on the 2025 schedule for the first time since 1978. Porsche had been the sponsor since 2015.

It would appear that along with the European Open, the Scandinavian Mixed, the ISPS Handa Championship and the Jonsson Workwear Open will not be played in 2025. Negotiations are continuing to extend the places of the Qatar Masters and the Andalucia Masters for the 2025 schedule.

EXCITING 2025 FOR LIV

New venues, new signings and revamped teams means exciting times in 2025 for LIV Golf. They will play in South Korea for the first time at the Jack Nicklaus Club near Seoul in May, a DP World Tour venue. Adelaide, Singapore and Hong Kong again feature, while a brand new event is dialled in for Indianapolis in August.

The only problem they have is the Andalucia layout at Valderama still staging the July 11-13 event just one week before The Open Championship in Northern Ireland. While Valderama is world class it is a completely opposite test to the harsh links of Royal Portrush. Some of the LIV roster are unhappy about it as none of them truly contended this year without links preparation. Cameron Smith said it is probably not the best prep. “Definitely something we spoke about, but LIV are well aware of it,” said Smith.

Jon Rahm felt the same and hopes it can be solved in 2026 although he admits “It is not as easy as it sounds to say let’s do it.”

So LIV players could well be disadvantaged again in 2025.

DP WORLD TOUR VIEWERSHIP SPIKES

Going against the trend in the United States, the nine tournament final swing on the DP World Tour saw the average peak viewership on Sky Sports increase by 13 percent over 2023. This has been in complete contrast to the falling ratings at the President’s Cup, the PGA Tour playoffs and the FedEx Cup fall Series. The Procore Championship in September averaged 69,000, down 75 percent on 2023. Conversely the DP World Tour increases are across the board. The Alfred Dunhill links was 60 percent up, the BMW PGA playoff saw a 65 percent rise. The Open De France peak increase was a staggering 126 percent while the Andalucia Masters was up 14 percent. In person

attendances were also noticeably up with sellout days.

REVAMP SAVES MOORE PARK GOLF COURSE

A ground breaking initiative by Golf Australia, PGA of Australia, Golf NSW and Moore Park Golf Club has saved Australia’s busiest public golf course  Moore Park from being converted into other uses. The golf club has been a key community asset for 111 years.

The proposal features three kilometres of running, walking and cycling paths, athletics precinct, adventure and nature playgrounds, a footy field, skate park, BMX track, fitness trail and dog park, BBQ and picnic facilities, together with a reduced 18-hole par 68 golf course and high tech driving range, plus mini golf course, practice putting green and practice chipping area. There will also be a 500 space car park cleverly built into the landscape.

This will be a remarkable project and a win, win for all. This writer well remembers filling in time on the excellent two tier practice range many years ago waiting for a flight home and marvelling at the facility then.

TOP TOUR MONEY EARNERS TO DATE

For all the talk and bluster about LIV prizemoney the top five money earners on the PGA Tour amassed over $US80 million while LIV’s top five amassed $US70 million. Scottie Scheffler was the PGA top earner with $29,228,357 ($62 million after his bonus). Xander Schaufele was second with $18,385,320.

Jon Rahm topped LIV with $16,754,488 ($34 million after his bonus). Joaquin Niemann was second with $16,544,167.  Nelly Korda heads the LPGA Tour with $3,676,930, a pittance compared to the men despite the best record. Lydia Ko was fifth with $2,606,755. The Champions Tour leader was Ernie Els with $2,289,476. The Korn Ferry leader was Matt McCarty with $1,001,602.

Korda has since been eclipsed by Jeeno Thitikul who won $4 million for winning the season ending CME Globe Championship.

MERONK: PGA TOUR A RAT RACE

Poland’s Adrian Meronk claimed his LIV Golf move was because the PGA Tour is a rat race. He earned his card for 2024 after finishing in the top 10 on the DP World Tour. The 31-year-old said he got a scare that motivated him to join LIV.

“If I had played in America and based myself there I think I would have been so lonely and miserable,” he told Golf News.

“I talked to Nicolas Colsaerts who said he felt so lonely and didn’t enjoy it when he started playing on the PGA Tour. I was a bit scared of that even though I wanted to play there.”

“Joining LIV Golf meant I could stay in Dubai which I like, and play fewer tournaments. I was exhausted last year after playing 27 times. I think it was a great decision and financially beneficial. It has given me so much life and enjoyment. It is so much better for the well being of my family. It is like a rat race on the PGA Tour -- everybody is looking after themselves and nobody talks to you.’’

He also feels it will help his Ryder Cup hopes.

KJELDSON CALLS TIME ON TOUR

Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen, one of the nice guys, played his final DP World Tour event, the Genesis Championship in South Korea where he finished 27th. He turned professional in 1995, keeping his DP World Tour card every year since 1998. He will be 50 next year so after 27 years he will turn his attention to senior tour golf.

He is the fourth player to surpass 700 starts on the European Tour. He won four times and banked over 16.6 million euros. He made 480 cuts in 712 tournaments.

“I haven’t kept my card this year for the first time so I’ve got about five months to get ready physically and mentally for seniors. It has been incredible. My message to the guys playing on the DP World Tour is this is an amazing tour. Look after it, enjoy it and take good care of this wonderful tour. It’s a fantastic way to make your living.”

Golf growing at record levels in the United States

The National Golf Foundation’s (NGF) latest research on golf participation trends in the United States reveals that interest in the game is continuing to grow at record levels, with 2024 on track to be the fifth consecutive year where more than 500 million rounds of golf will be played across its 50 states.

The NGF revealed that 26.6 million golfers played on a course in 2023 and an additional 18.4 million played at a location with a simulator or at an entertainment

venue such as Topgolf.

Golfers in the 18-34 age group are now the largest group of on-course players, at an estimated 6.3 million.

These rising figures are widely credited to how younger players are engaging with golf in new ways as social media, new apparel trends, YouTubers and other content creators inspire a new wave of golfers.

Topgolf and other simulator venues have also driven younger players to

the course in record numbers. In 2023, 5.4 million people in the 18-34 age category participated in solely off-course golf activities.

The NGF also reports that a record number of 3.4 million people played on a golf course for the first time in 2023.

Among young people who aren’t actively playing golf, seven million are “very interested’’ in taking up the game.

Female interest in the game is also on the rise. In 2023, 26 percent of on-course

golfers were women. Approximately seven million women and girls played on a golf course in 2023, the highest level of participation since 2006.

Golf course accessibility is also a major factor in driving participation for 18-34-year-olds.

The NGF reports that 75 percent of US golf courses are public, which is an important factor for younger golfers as they are more likely to play public venues than they are at private clubs.

HANOI A WORLD CLASS GOLF DESTINATION

By Warwick Neilson

In the context of history, three decades is a mere heartbeat but still time for the unimaginable to happen e.g. consider the technologies which have increasingly consumed our lives since, say, 1993! That was also the same year that Vietnam’s bustling capital, Hanoi, acquired its first golf course, albeit located some 46kms to the West of the city centre. In fact, it was the game’s sole venue in the entire North until 1998 and indeed one of only a handful of courses which existed nationally prior to the new millennium. While the exact date when, what is now the Lakeside course at BRG Kings Island, opened for play is somewhat unclear, its American designer/builder Robert McFarland would’ve had little notion that his visionary, if not risky, initiative would be the genesis of what would subsequently evolve!

In 2023, Hanoi was awarded The

World’s Best Golf City Destination by World Golf Awards. https:// worldgolfawards.com/

In the decade since my first ‘exploratory’ visit here (2014), Hanoi has further emerged as a modern, buoyant commercial centre thus being a crisp reflection of Vietnam’s burgeoning economy (World Bank data). While most Hanoians will have benefitted from the ensuing lift in standards of living, there have no doubt been attendant growing pains and despite massive investment in transport infrastructure, getting around is still challenging. Importantly though, Hanoi still retains its vibrancy. It is a city rich in history, culture and colour, the focal point of which is the ‘Old Quarter.’ With its founding going back to the 14th century, and the architectural influence of the French colonists very evident, this lattice work of 36 streets is a must visit. The many boutique hotels are great value and its cornucopia of eat-

eries will tease your palate at modest cost. While the paradoxes, contrasts, cacophony of sounds, conflicting aromas, and not least, the traffic, may be unsettling to some, The Old Quarter is Hanoi’s soul, even its pulse. A stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake on a Friday evening - for the entertainment - or Sunday morning – for your psyche, is a visitor essential.

Meanwhile, golf courses have been built and lots of them! Defining Hanoi geographically in golf course terms is arbitrary as there are actually only two clubs located in the city per se - Long Bien, a 27 hole public facility and Van Tri G.C which is exclusively private. However within an c100km radius from the Old Quarter, and as at 1st Oct 2024, there were 21 clubs offering 30 ‘operational’ 18 hole equivalents - c85 in the entire country. Also, there were at a least two other new projects due for completion by years end and many of the existing clubs have plans for

expansion to 36 holes. Furthermore, various sources report innumerable ‘greenfield’ developments, both within the North and nationally, are at various stages from conception to construction.

But it’s not just the growth in golf course numbers that’s impressive. It’s also the consistent standard of excellence on show, in terms of both presentation and design. Many of the worlds marquee names are represented – Nicklaus, Norman, Faldo etc. The integrated facilities are also of a commensurate quality. Some are beyond belief. Oh and importantly, many of the courses are floodlit for night play! Perhaps it’s no surprise then that Hanoi was bestowed with the aforementioned accolade, although it’s unclear what geographical parameters were used. Regardless, from my observations, I’d probably concur with the judges. Here is a close up view of a selection of old and new.

BRG Kings Island – Lakeside Course

Any golf holiday to Hanoi should include a visit to the BRG Kings Island. About an hour’s drive from the Old Quarter takes you to the edge of Lake Dong Mo from where you are delivered by an efficiently dispatched five minute boat ride to three excellent but differing championship standard 18 hole courses. As alluded to in the introduction, Lakeside was the first built in the North so has some historical significance. By virtue of its age it’s also more of a classic design than that of the younger Mountain View and Kings courses. Smaller greens are one point of difference but the Lakeside’s maturity is also strikingly evident by the abundance of large trees that surround each hole, amongst which appear to be species of towering Eucalypts. In fact, without any visual references to contrary, you could be easily forgiven for thinking you were on a golf course somewhere in Queensland. As the name suggests, quite a number of

holes skirt Ho Dong Mo but the fairways offer generous width and there’s plenty of ‘bail out’ room. If you play smart and choose the right tee markers you will stay dry and a good score is achievable. Holes 9, 17 and 18 are my stand outs from an attractive but deceptively challenging layout. Should you wish to return to the ‘island’ – actually it isn’t an island, rather a 350Ha peninsula which is best accessed by boat – the Mountain View course (opened in 2004) offers a design perfectly fitting the natural rolling parkland landscape, occasionally kissing the lake margins, but blessed with omnipresent mountain vistas, while the Nicklaus designed Kings layout (2018) with its modern motifs offers a test of golf at another level. Regardless of what course you choose, you will enjoy the peaceful environment. A departing photo of the lake with the stunning backdrop of the Ba Vi Mountains will be an appropriate souvenir.

Skylake Golf Club – Sky Course

My initial introduction to Skylake was in 2014 when it comprised only 18 holes – the very picturesque Lake Course. At that time the Sky course was still being coaxed into shape, subsequently opening within 12 months. Around nine years on, it has the appearance of golf course mature beyond its years. It also offers a contrast to its older sibling with its tropical forest ‘jungle’ like framework. However the dramatic peripheral mountainous landforms, which are have a stronger visual presence when navigating the Lake 18, still make cameo appearances here but mostly from higher ground. While many of the holes do feature elevated greens, some with testing ‘turtleback’ contouring, the putting surfaces were very acceptable. The Korean designer (the resort is Korean owned and it’s a busy place!) has however, been very obliging with fairway width and with five

tee positions (5600 -7300yds) offered, all abilities are catered for. There’s variety a plenty within the 18 hole configuration incorporating some decent elevation changes and pronounced doglegs. An, often concealed, assortment of ornamental lakes, ponds and creeks lie in wait too. Overall, despite one or two curiosities, it’s a very good design. The clubhouse, which commands views mostly over the Lake course, is pleasingly well appointed, deceptively spacious and thoughtfully organised. The resort also offers a range of additional amenities and leisure activities aimed primarily at the family or group market and there is accommodation available on site including some villas and a 5 star Wyndham branded hotel. For most though, a very manageable 38km each way journey from their Old Quarter hotel will be the preferred option.

Thanh Lanh Valley Golf Club & Resort

Opening in Nov 2021, Thanh Lanh is one of the ‘new kids on the block’ and already asserting its presence. A pleasant 63km journey North into Vinh Phuc Province lands you in a valley under the gaze of the Tam Dao Mountains and a golf resort in a setting of breath taking beauty. While the superb Faldo designed golf course forms the centre piece, the resort also offers facilities to match including a clubhouse of tasteful yet functional design and exquisite craftsmanship (Best Clubhouse -2024 Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards). The landscaping too is perfectly complementary! The 18 hole layout nestles between the fringe of the Tam Dao National Park and Lake Thanh Lanh with several holes cleverly jutting into the water in an unusual claw shape. At the bottom end of the course where the land elevates, some spectacular 360 panoramas are

offered including back across the lake to the clubhouse. While water comes into play on eight or nine holes it somehow doesn’t feel too intimidating. However a signature trait of Faldo’s design strategy is playing tricks with your perception of distance and here is no exception. Sir Nick’s design team have done an excellent job here delivering a golf course which will examine your skills but is still fun to play. Depending on which of the four tee positions you choose it can be resort friendly or pro-am ready. There are so many outstanding holes at Thanh Lanh it’s unjust to single any out but the par three 4th and splendid par 5 18th come to mind. Aside from the magnificent ‘clubhouse’ the ambitious development promises to deliver a 5 Star hotel (under construction) and over 700 villas etc. All this wrapped in a stunning environment and, with its own Temple!

Royal Golf Club – Queens Course

While this golf resort in Ninh Binh Province is, in this geographical context, right at the Southern extremity of the Hanoi’s jurisdiction, it’s of sufficient significance to demand inclusion in this review. The 111km road trip along the Cao Bai Expressway (SH1) brings you to the site occupied a millennia ago by the ancient capital and residence of Kings, Hoa Lu, hence the ‘Royal’ epithet. The town of Hao Lu still exists today but 25kms to the North. Brushing the edge of Lake Yen Thanh and in the shadow of the pre historic Tam Diep Mountains co-exist two excellent golf courses of genuine appeal but remarkable contrast. The Kings course (opened Jan 2009) which is of a traditional verdant parkland style and the Queens, which has been voted as ‘Best New Course’ in the 2024 Vietnam Golf & Leisure Awards. To achieve this, the Nicklaus Design company has expertly woven 18 holes through, around, over and under some amazing topography. There are places, especially within the front nine, where it seems like you’re on another planet! You feel a sense of isolation amongst the myriad of ancient

limestone shards and outcrops which define many holes. Although there is more open space on the back nine the typical Nicklaus design hallmark of smallish well-guarded greens are there to greet you e.g. the signature par 4 13th. This golf course is also a prime example of how the natural environment can be both preserved and enhanced by responsible design. I enjoyed my visit to Royal, the golf experience and the relaxed atmosphere of the place. I should’ve spent the night there - there are villas and a 37 room hotel on site - and played the Kings too. A ‘Princess’ course is also on the master plan.

BRG Legend Valley Country Club – South Course

Also to the South of the city, but only 60kms away, just reaching into the eco-tourism province of Ha Nam, is another newbie and what a delight it is too, visually and strategically. Opening mid 2023, the South Course, the first 18 completed of the planned 36 hole complex, occupies an old quarry and manoeuvres its way around a cluster of limestone ‘mountains, a familiar landform of the region. Again, the cre-

ative handiwork of Team Nicklaus (they enjoy a large footprint in Vietnam) impresses. The way they’ve worked with the challenging natural topography and geology to bring a first class golf course to fruition is remarkable. Yes there are valleys. There are valleys within valleys, there are natural amphitheatres, sheer rock faces, lakes, streams. It’s all here and cleverly connected by a labyrinthine network of cart paths which

represent some feat of construction. The hole by hole diversity offered is a key feature e.g. The daunting uphill par five 5th is followed by a spectacular but intimidating par three then some relief follows with a short well bunkered par 4. Although water comes into play on 13 holes, it’s manageable. It doesn’t overwhelm, well perhaps with the exception of the par 3s! You also get plenty of width off the tee but the shorter the

hole, the smaller and more heavily protected the green. At the time of my visit, the rather grand integrated clubhouse and 200 room hotel were in the final stages of completion but the temporary facilities were more than adequate. The North course is due for completion late 2025. If time permits you could also include BRG Legend Hill (40mins North of Hanoi) in your schedule. It too is well worth a visit.

Stone Highland Golf Club

The North Eastern province of Bac Giang is rated as one of Vietnam’s fastest growing and most economical ly robust regions and in which golf is playing an increasingly important role. With Corn Hill being the latest facility to join the established Amber Hills GC, it’s another new development which may be stealing provincial honours? And, it’s one of the most remarkable golf courses I’ve ever played. Remark able for no other reason than where it’s been built. Just celebrating its first birthday, Stone Highland is aptly named - oxygen required! Carved out of a rocky pinkish yellow geological prominence the first nine holes wind up, around, and back down its flanks with the more ‘user friendly’ second nine circling its perimeter. Measuring 157mts from the lowest point of the course to the highest, the elevation changes between and within many holes are a key feature of the clev er but testing design. It is some feat of engineering and construction! It’s easy to allow the jaw dropping pan oramic vistas to blur the focus the golf challenge demands. At first at tempt, the White tees (5988 yds) are a sensible option. 5392 off the Reds is probably wiser. For a course of its youth, it’s maturing nicely and will only get better. A further 18 holes is on the way too. The other striking fea ture of this latest Truong An Company project is the clubhouse. The owner wanted a ‘period’ design reflecting the traditions and early history the game. and in its

if not somewhat florid. The interior is equally opulent with

Pheonix Golf Resort – Champions Course

This 54 hole resort has had something of a reputation ever since the gates opened in 2005 - then with only the ‘Pheonix’ course available. The Dragon and Champions layouts followed in 2007 and this scenic stage in Hoa Binh province was primed to deliver one of the best golf facilities in Vietnam?? Overlooked on previous visits but now my curiosity need satisfying. After escaping the dusty, busy roads of Hoa Binh City, a few kms of serene countryside hints as to what soon unfolds. A landscape dramatic as you could find. Often referred to Ha Long Bay on land, lush verdant vegetation blanketed just about every square metre of the place aside from the sheer limestone faces of the towering prehistoric landforms and a few small lakes and streams. If Steven Spielberg ever decides to make a sequel to, or remake of, Jurassic Park, here is the perfect location. All three courses, although the work of three different designers, share much the same topographic characteristics. The Champions course was reputedly the best having hosted an Asian PGA Tour event soon after it opened. Nudging

7500yds off the Black tees it is certainly the longest. Off the Whites, it still presents a challenge and it’s enjoyable to play. There are some very good holes here. Although Mother Nature did most of the work, the par five, 7th is a masterstroke of visualisation. The 4th 17th and 18th also impressed. The fairways are generously wide and greens were very acceptable. But, there is a niggle. The property looked tired and in need of some love. Some investment. The monolithic clubhouse is just too imposing and characterless. It looks incongruous as does the adjacent hotel. But they were clearly designed to cater for a specific market for whom they probably serve very well. I’m pleased my curiosity was satisfied.

scale,

and stately locker rooms. A beer and toasted sandwich (with fries) seemed

sibling, Stone Valley G C, back down in Ha Nam Province is also impressive.

Trang An – Champions Course & Pines Course

We’ve all heard the expression ‘a Hidden Gem’ and probably used it ourselves - a café or perhaps a golf course? Returning to Ninh Binh Province, I found one! It was a bit of an effort getting there but well worth it! (NB: The soon to open new expressway will reduce the 2hr+ drive time considerably) What lies beyond the comparatively modest main entrance is truly amazing. Opening in 2015, Trang An is a privately owned outdoor recreational development

wrapped around the Western shore line of Lake Dong Chuong. It comprises two excellent 18 hole golf courses, several accommodation options including a camping ground, water activities, even an electric Go Kart track etc, complemented by various support buildings including a ‘form and function’ satisfying clubhouse. All this set harmoniously in a superbly landscaped botanical wonderland.

Golfers are offered a choice of the softly undulating, well configured par

72 ‘Champions’ course, and the par three ‘Pines’ course (opened in 2019) - the best par 3 track I have ever seen. No debate. It’s compelling. The Thai designer expertly integrated most of the 18 holes within an old pine forest resulting is some serious elevational changes but facilitating some stunning views. The daunting but spectacular 16th hole, playing from 267 to 120 yds, depending on your tee selection, was voted the country’s ‘Best Par Three’ (2024 Vietnam Golf & Lei-

sure Awards) and who could argue?!. While ‘island’ greens are now becoming somewhat clichéd, the concluding hole with its eye catching back drop was a fitting finish. Four tee positions on each hole of both courses offer a challenge and enjoyable golf experience to players of all skill levels. With an overnight stay, you could (should) play both. As a bonus, the intoxication of your visual senses and the soothing relaxed vibe that pervades will make your visit indelibly memorable.

Things You Need to Know

GETTING THERE:

There are no direct flights from NZ to Vietnam but there are ‘one stop’ options via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore (a one night stopover may be necessary). Vietnam Airlines also operate direct flights to HCMC (Saigon) and Hanoi from Melbourne and Sydney. Check with your travel agent. BEST TIME TO VISIT:

You can pretty much play golf all year round in Hanoi and neighbouring provinces but each season has its pros and cons. During the warmer, moist summers (May – August) i.e. the low season, hotel rates are typically lower and many clubs offer green fee promotions etc however, August /early Sept is usually annual course maintenance programme time e.g. green coring. Mid Autumn/Win-

ter (about Nov to Feb ) offers more comfortable weather but it’s also high season so you will pay more. Dec/Jan can also be quite cool and overcast but dry! I prefer the ‘shoulder’ season (mid Sept – Oct) as you can get the best of both worlds with a bit of luck. Springtime (March to early May) is much the same. However, these are generalisations and the seasons do variously overlap!

PLAYING GOLF:

Avoid weekends! Tee time options will be fewer and green fees will be significantly higher. Early AM tee times are best but most courses are now floodlit so evening golf is a good option. NOTE: with rare exceptions, carts are compulsory. So are caddies. They are typically well trained and most do a great job.

Tips are expected. Your golf tour operator should advise you accordingly.

PLANNING AND BOOKING YOUR TRIP:

It is strongly advised that you use the services of a reputable local inbound golf tourism operator. They can organise your itinerary to suit and negotiate preferential room rates with a selection of hotels, manage your golf bookings, and most importantly, arrange your transportation, including airport transfers. I’ve used Vietnam Luxury Golf Tours https://www.vietnamgolftrip. com/ for most of my visits to Vietnam and highly recommend them. They will tailor an itinerary for singles, couples and groups. Ask for a quote. There are also a few NZ based outbound golf tour

operators with Vietnam experience who may be worth contacting e.g. Golf Encounters. https://www.golfencounters.co.nz/

When planning your itinerary, consider staying a few nights in places where two or more golf clubs are located e.g. Royal and Trang An –both in Ninh Binh. This will alleviate the need for long daily commutes from Hanoi.

MONEY:

It is essential to have some local currency i.e. Dong (VND). Many small businesses e.g. street food vendors operate on a cash only basis and all tipping is in cash –although a service charge system exists at most hotels and some restaurants. It is best to change most of your NZD once you are there to get the best rates.

LONG DRIVE

Asia Long Drive Championship

PHUKET, THAILAND –NOVEMBER 16, 2024

Tomohiro Toyonaga made history on November 16, 2024, by becoming the first Japanese athlete to claim victory at the Asia Long Drive Championship. His remarkable performance, highlighted by a jaw-dropping 387-yard drive, earned him the title of Asia’s Long Drive Champion, cementing his place in the region’s golf history.

In a thrilling final, Toyonaga faced off against Kyota Koido, who finished in second place after a hard-fought contest in the fourth round. Naoto Misumi, who had previously triumphed at the 2024 ULD (Ultimate Long Drive) World Championship in September, rounded out the podium in third place. Misumi’s impressive performance followed his record-setting fifth consecutive win in the Japan Long Drive Championship.

Defending champion Steffan Scutti from Australia was eliminated in the quarterfinals by Hong Kong’s Zensen Hu, who advanced to the semifinals in a highly competitive field. This

year’s championship saw elite athletes from across the region competing for the prestigious title, and the competition proved to be one of the most challenging and exciting in Asia Long Drive history.

HISTORIC CHAMPIONSHIP IN THAILAND

The 2024 Asia Long Drive Championship was held from November 14 to 16 at Phuket Air Park in Thailand, marking a significant milestone for the

sport in the region. In a groundbreaking move, the event was staged on a 660-yard airport runway, offering athletes a unique and challenging venue to showcase their power and precision. This innovative location provided a dramatic backdrop for the competition, with athletes from nine countries and regions—including Thailand, Japan, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and Hong Kong—battling for supremacy in the long drive event.

With a total of 24 elite longdrive athletes vying for the title, the competition demonstrated the growing popularity and skill level of the sport in Asia. The athletes competed in a series of rounds, each testing their strength, technique, and mental focus, with the 387-yard mark set by Toyonaga becoming the longest drive of the event.

ABOUT TOMOHIRO TOYONAGA

Tomohiro Toyonaga, 37, hails from Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. A passionate golfer since the age

of 15, Toyonaga began his professional training at the Grandage Golf Club in Nara Prefecture after graduating from high school. Throughout his career, he has consistently excelled in distance, stating, “I’ve never lost to anyone in terms of distance.” Despite facing challenges in his career, including struggles with approach shots, Toyonaga transitioned to becoming a golf instructor, where he continued to nurture his love for the sport.

His win at the 2024 Asia Long Drive Championship is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to the game, as he now holds the distinction of being Asia’s Long Drive Champion.

BUILDING THE FUTURE OF LONG DRIVE IN ASIA-PACIFIC

The Asia Long Drive Association (ALDA) is committed to elevating the sport of long drive across the Asia-Pacific region. As part of its vision for the next decade, ALDA is actively working to establish a robust competition structure that includes regional tour events and a series of championship tournaments. This initiative aims to transform long drive into a fully professional sport, providing athletes with a clear pathway for growth and development while increasing the sport’s visibility and appeal across the region. Through strategic partnerships and innovative event planning, ALDA seeks to inspire a new generation of long drive athletes and bring global attention to the immense talent within Asia-Pacific. The success of the 2024 Asia Long Drive Championship underscores the potential of the sport and ALDA’s dedication to its future.

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

Champions of the 2024

Auckland Provincial Match Play!

In a thrilling finish, Chloe So from Pakuranga Golf Club captured the Women’s title, edging out Queenie Lang on the 18th hole with a clutch, monster putt to win 2-up!

On the Men’s side, Victor Chua shone on home soil at Whitford Park Golf Club, defeating 2023 Stroke Play Champion Josh Bai 3&2 to claim the title!

Champion of Champions Winners 2024

Recently 66 players from around the Waikato Region teed it up at Waihi Golf Club to test themselves not only around a tough Waihi track, but against all the other club champions hoping to be crowned the 2024 Champion of Champions.

Winners on the day pictured above: Left to right: Senior Men’s Champion Stephen Sandford (Pirongia Golf Club) winning scores 76-73, 149 total to win by 1 shot over Stuart Baird (Waitomo) and

Ben Slaven (Walton Golf Club). This is the 2nd year in a row that Stephen has won the Senior Men’s Champion of Champions.

Intermediate Men’s Champion Andrew Keenan (Waihi Golf Club) scores 81-81, 162 total to win by 3 shots over Don Sharp (Walton Golf Club)

Junior Men’s Champion Jim Tauroa (Putaruru Golf Club) winning score 86-93 , 179 total to win by 3 shots over Donald Mackay (Waihi Golf Club).

2024 Men’s Champion of Champions Champion of Champions

Bay of Plenty Men club champions took part in their respective Champion of Champions events held recently at ohopebeachgolflinks.

Results of Champions of Champions 2024.

Senior - Jordan Anderson

Intermediate - John Hight (pictured)

(pictured)

Junior- Cory Symes

Vin Young Trophy - Westown (pictured) Best Nets were seniors, Tony HardyIntermediate, Brian Reed - Juniors, Cory Symes.

Wellington Golf Total Golf Maitai Masters

2024 TRENTHAM CAMP MENS OPEN WINNER SAM MARSTERS

Sarah Monaghan for winning the shootout recently with Lyle Griffiths giving her a good run for her

money in second and Karen Delehanty coming third with a very impressive round!

Connor Winter has defended his Total Golf Maitai Masters title, winning the annual 27-hole tour-

nament at the sunny Waahi Taakaro Golf Course played recently by three shots.

Playing off a +2 handicap – the lowest in the 70-strong field – the Nelson club member posted a tidy one under par 71 for the first 18 holes before sealing the deal with a hard-working 40 on the final nine.

His total of 111 in ideal golfing conditions on a course in excellent shape shaded his fellow Nelson colleague and rep player Ben Crawford who finished second on 114 (74 + 40) with Waahi Taakaro’s top player James Campion back in third on 119 (79 + 40).

Winter’s win mirrored his first one last year when he won by two shots. Again he started strongly to lead his rivals, shrugged off a late triple bogey before grinding out the victory over the last nine as the wind got up and fatigue set in.

The other big winner on the day was Waahi Taakaro’s Gareth Edwards who not only won the cup for the best gross in the junior grade but he also took out the major prize as the overall net winner

in his first season of competitive golf. Playing off an 18 handicap, he shot 89 and 44 for a total of 133 (89 + 44) and a net 106 (71 + 35) to top the field.

Others notable efforts came from Golden Downs’ Jeremy Hancock who won the senior net with a score of 109 (70 + 39) , while Phil Hawke (Picton) and tournament director Peter Watson (Waahi Taakaro ) shared the intermediate grade honours with Hawke winning the cup for the best gross with a total of 125 (85 + 40) Watson taking the net with 108 (71 + 37).

Picton’s Iain Berrie took the gross prize in the junior division after totalling 139 (88 + 51), while Morgan Thorn (Totaradale) came in with the best net of 108 (72 + 36).

Again the condition of the course –which has made an amazing recovery after suffering devastating damage in the floods of 2022 and 2023 – was widely praised by the players.

2024 Canterbury Match Play Summary

The 2024 edition of the Canterbury Match Play took place over the long weekend at Pegasus Golf Club. With the extremely heavy rain experienced overnight, unfortunately the decision was made to cancel Saturday’s qualifying round play. With an improved forecast, the tournament was to continue on directly to Sunday’s Round of 16 matches with the seedings and match up’s for those completely based on the player’s handicap index.

As Sunday dawned the weather thankfully was much improved and with the course draining well, play was able to commence as scheduled with the Men’s & Women’s divisions teeing off the number 1 tee, and the Masters and U19 Men starting off tee 6. As expected, the top seeds in the Men’s division proceeded in rather straightforward fashion with Sam McGill(1) winning 7&6, Cooper Moore (3) 8&6, and Yuki Miya (2) 6&4. In the women’s division, the top 3 seeded players had BYE’s which gave them the morning off. After some competitive matches some of the perhaps favourites were defeated with Lexi-Thomson Hall overcoming Auckland’s Cassi Luo in a playoff hole and Vanessa Lim beating Canterbury Rep Rachel Eder 3&2.

In the Masters, again the “favourites” came through relatively strongly with the top 4 seeds all progressing through to the quarters. Lin Wang (12) and Paul Fitzsimmons (10) perhaps with the upset wins beating their opponents 4&3 and 3&1 respectively. In the U19 Men, the results went as per the seeding with the top 8 seeds all progressing after some close matches in what was a very evenly contested division. Onto the Sunday afternoon quarterfinals the tournament went then with a round that saw many close matches, with 4 matches going to play-off holes! In the Men’s division, Kan Katano got up on the 19th after a cracker match against Dan Laughton, with Cooper Moore and Sam McGill meanwhile also progressing. In perhaps the upset result, Scott Manyweathers overcame second seed Yuki Miya 3&2 to progress to the semi-finals. In the women’s division, all of the top 3

seeds entered the event, however only one of them would progress through to the semifinals. Lexi Thomson-Hall had another strong round overcoming third seed Queenie Lang 5&4 while Eva Yin managed to upset Alisia Ren (2) in a thrilling contest that was settled on the 21st hole. Canterbury teammates Zaria Bourne and Lannie Inoue were the other two players to advance.

In the Masters there were three very tight matches, firstly Michael Bailey overcame Lin Wang on the last to win 1up, while Paul Fitzsimmons beat the number 2 seed James Howard in a play-off hole. The closest match however was between Alisdair Reid and Kieran Sharvin, which needed 5 play-off holes to separate the two men, with Reid eventually winning out. Top seed Leon Yee also progressed winning 3&2. In the u19 Men’s division, all matches finished within the 18 holes with the biggest wins going to Jonathan Fry and Mitchell Redmayne who both won 4&3. James Mordaunt produced a battling performance to bounce back from being well behind to eventually defeat Uny Shao 2 up. Louis Edwards also

in the u19 Men, Louis Edwards took on Jono Fry with Mitchell Redmayne facing James Mordaunt in the other. Both matches were extremely tight and went to the 18th, Louis Edwards managing to stay in front and win his match 1Up. In the Mordaunt vs Redmayne match, some consistent play from Mordaunt saw him hold a 2 hole victory with three to play, but a spirited comeback from Redmayne saw him fight back for a 1up win.

So, onto the finals we went. The Men’s event saw Canterbury and Clearwater teammates Sam McGill and Cooper Moore faceoff, in the ladies Lannie Inoue took on Lexi-Thomson Hall, the Masters it was Alisdair Reid taking on Michael Bailey and in the u19’s Mitchell Redmayne playing Louis Edwards.

progressed.

With a big Day 1 completed the players took a well earnt rest and returned for a big Day 2 teeing off from 7.30am. The men’s semi-finals saw Cooper Moore take on Scott Manyweathers, and in the other Sam McGill taking on Kan Katano. The latter match going all the way and then onto a play-off hole with McGill getting the win. The Moore v Manyweathers contest was again hard fought but Moore eventually got the nod winning 1up. In the women’s division, Lannie Inoue took on Zaria Bourne while Eva Yin faced off with Lexi Thomson-Hall. Inoue managed to get the win 2&1 in a tight contest, while Thomson-Hall’s tournament play-off success continued as she defeated Eva Yin on the 19th.

In the Masters, Leon Yee faced 4th seed Michael Bailey while Alisdair Reid took on Paul Fitzsimmons, after both players came away with play-off wins on Saturday afternoon. In the former match, Michael Bailey got the win by the close 2&1 margin, while the other match went the distance with Reid managing to hold his nerve and win 2up. Finally,

The Men’s match was a game of high, high quality Golf. Tight for the most part, Moore managed to get his nose ahead leading by 3 with 5 to play. However, McGill showed his grit winning 15, 16 and 18 to force a play-off. On the 19th both players were strong off the tee but with a rare mistake by Moore on his shot into the green finding the hazard it opened the door for McGill who duly found the green going on to birdy and win his first Canterbury Match Play title. In the women’s, as she had done all weekend Lexi Thomson-Hall fought hard all round staying within touching distance of Lannie Inoue, however it was not to be and Lannie proved to good closing out the match on the 16th by the margin of 3&2 to claim her maiden Canterbury Match Play crown. The Masters final was again a very close match going all the way to the last green. However, it was Michael Bailey who got the job done winning 2up sinking a long putt to sign off in style and write his name on the Masters trophy. Finally, in the u19 Men’s, Mitchell Redmayne continued on from his strong finish in the semi-finals and established a healthy lead over Louis Edwards early on. He was able to maintain this and went on to win 6&5 for his first Canterbury Match Play title.

Canterbury Central Masters Final Woodward CupStan Rich Salver Winner

The Central Canterbury Masters Final was played at Tai Tapu Golf Club recently in perfect weather and the course in superb condition.

Tai Tapu played against Hororata Black, with the result coming down to the last hole before the Tai Tapu team of, from

left Scott Ward, Jason Blair (Captain), Ricky Hetherington, Paul Howley, Damian Hanrahan, Derek Watson and Murray Chapman won 5 ½ - 3 ½ against a very gallant Horota side of Al Sime, Dan Reardon, Shane Prendergast, Barry Marshall, James Perkins and Andrew Kenworthy.

The Stan Rich Salver winner for the best individual performance in the competition was presented to Clearwater’s Sam McGill who won 8 of his 9

round-robin matches.

The recent Canterbury Match Play Men’s Champion is pictured with the Salver.

2024 Junior Foursomes Interclub

The fourth and final round of the 2024 Junior Foursomes competition was played at Weedons Country Club recently.

This competition is played over 4 weeks and is considered the first step on the pathway to interclub competition golf that progresses through the ranks to Woodward and Pollock Cups. The players range in handicaps from single figures to participants playing on the maximum handicaps as their journey in golf is just starting. Each week the players have a different stableford competition including 2Ball Best Ball, Foursomes, Canadian Foursomes and an Ambrose. This com-

petition has seen some big names of Canterbury Golf including Cooper Moore, Seb May, Amelia Garvey and Alisia Ren playing in it.

The 9 Hole competition welcomed the return of Christchurch after a hiatus. Their manager and junior convenor, Murray Turnbull, is to be commended for his work in re-establishing the Christchurch club junior programme and it was fitting that Christchurch excelled to win this competition. Second placed team Waimairi Beach made a courageous challenge at Weedons but the points differential from earlier rounds proved to be too big a hurdle. For Waimairi Beach,

Kanchana Kah had her best-ever 9 holes with 25 stableford points on her own. Over the competition the Christchurch team have used seven players all making their debuts for their club.

Pictured above left are the top two teams, Waimairi Beach and Christchurch (including manager Murray) with their medals.

The 18 Hole competition was very close, only 9 points separating the top three teams before the final round. The Bottle Lake team of Jonathan Zhou, Hayne Kingi, Alex Kimber and Min Min Young were too strong and further extended their lead with 88 points on the final day. Futures

Canterbury and Waimairi both scored 84 points to finish second and third respectively.

Pictured above are all the players in the 18 Hole competition with the Bottle Lake team proudly showing off the trophy. Canterbury Golf are most grateful to sponsor MTF Carlton Corner who contribute alot to our junior golf development plan, the host clubs for the competition Russley, Bottle Lake, Waimairi Beach and Weedons, and the junior convenors and managers who have been very supportive of the 2024 competition. Now we await who from this year’s competition will go on to represent Canterbury and beyond.

Southland Women’s Seniors Tournament

Southland Women’s Seniors Tournament was run at the Queens Park Golf Club recently. FULL RESULTS:

Divison 1 Results Division 2 Results Trophies

0-26.0

26.1-40.4

50+ Nett: Raewyn King 74

1st Nett Lynette Chambers 97-24-73 on c/b Janet Mauheni 108-36-72 60+ Nett: Lynette Chambers, Robyn Boniface

2nd Nett Robyn Boniface 75-2-73 on c/b

Raewyn King 104-30-74 Linda Suddaby 73

3rd Nett Frances Bell 98-24-74 Susan Racz 107-28-79

4th Nett Lenore Harvey 97-19-76 Janet Pope 120-39-81 on c/b

5th Nett Sandra Young 92-15-77 Norma Mathieson 117-36-81

1st Stb Sally Pullar 39

Gloria Sinclair 37

2nd Stb Linda Suddaby 37 Julie Fleury 32

3rd Stb Nikki Hume 35 Sue Hogan 31

4th Stb Jo Raines 34 Jude Kamaru 30

5th Stb Noako Anderson 32 on c/b Nicola Duffy 30

Nearest Pin 12

Nearest Pin 17

60+ Stb Riversdale Cup: Sally Pullar 39

70+ Nett Mclean Salver: Janet Mauheni 72

70+ Stb Mary Webb: Gloria Sinclair 37

Best Nett Over Field Cullen Cup: Janet Mauheni 72

Twos: 0-27. Robyn Boniface 28-41. Sue Hogan

Longest Putt 15: Nikki Hume

Robyn Boniface x3 Sally Pullar

Longest Putt 18: Jude Kamaru Sandra Young

Nikki Hume