Golfer Pacific NZ – January 2025

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

The constant problem of unrepaired divots

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

Last month I organised the repair of divots at my golf course.

It was a bigger task that I had imagined.

I had done a similar task a couple of years earlier. It involved nine people and took about two hours.

Last month we had 15 volunteers and it took 3-1/2 hours. It was a huge job and initially I couldn’t understand why it was a bigger job than the previous occasion.

It wasn’t until later that I realised that on the first occasion it was only the repair of divots on the tee grounds.

Last month it was the whole golf course.

We split into two groups. One group did the first nine holes, the second group did the second nine holes. Each group had a greenkeeper’s cart that carried the sand for the group and each person had a bucket to carry their own sand.

We spread across the fairway and simply filled in each divot with sand and tried to keep out of the way of golfers which, as it turned out, was a very busy Monday morning.

The main reason I organised the divot repairs was I had become frustrated about the number of unrepaired divots around the course.

We get a ton of green fee players at that time of the year and I am sure they are the main culprits — although not totally.

Members can be just as bad. Seeing unrepaired divots is so frustrating that I sometimes wish we didn’t allow green fee players. Unfortunately, however, green fee players are vital to the economy of the club and good for the growth of the sport.

And of course I am myself a green fee player when I am visiting another club.

So, anyhow, a good job was done last month. Sorry, a great job.

But then came the nuisance factor. A few days later when I played my next round of golf I kept coming across unrepaired divots. More green free players — and probably members — not repairing divots. They simply don’t care. I wish had cameras around the course to catch the

culprits.

The same applies to bunkers. Once again the frustration is high when I see unraked bunkers, especially when no effort has been made whatsoever.

I remember going into a bunker at a golf course on the Gold Coast in Queensland some years ago. The bunker was a complete mess.

I played my shot and then spent about three of four minutes raking the bunker. A couple of holes later I was passing the same bunker and saw a guy play several shots in the bunker, step out of the bunker and started to walk away.

I shouted out him to rake the bunker and he sheepishly went back and did so. I was pleased I told him off.

Steven Alker racks up first win on the Legends Tour

Steven Alker fired six birdies and didn’t drop a shot in the final round to beat James Kingston by one stroke with an excellent threeround total of 17 under par at the  Mexico Senior Open on the Legends Tour.

The Legends Tour is mainly played in Europe but in November it headed to the south of North America to play at the Punta Mita Golf Club in Mexico.

Kingston, from South Africa, had teed off four shots behind Alker, who held the joint lead with Simon Khan heading into the closing 18 holes. But the South African shot a wonderful 63 – the best score of the week by three shots – to take the lead and post the clubhouse target of 16 under par. Alker was one behind and still had four holes left to play and he rose to the challenge with a par, birdie, birdie and par finish to seal the one-shot victory.

Earlier in the day, Alker had made a positive start by picking up shots at the second, fourth and ninth holes to edge into the solo lead before Kingston emerged as his main rival with a magnificent run around the turn.  Kingston was one under par for the day when he played four holes from the eighth in five under, including an eagle at the 11th. He reeled off another three red numbers in a row from the

15th to give himself hope of a fourth Legends Tour title, before Alker overtook him with birdies at 16 and 17 and closed it out with a par at the last.

Said Alker: “It feels fantastic. I knew there were some chances, and the wind was down today, so I knew I had to go and make some birdies. I putted

very well all day. I think that’s the big thing that kind of got me through today.

“I didn’t realise he (Kingston) shot that low, but I saw it coming and I saw the leaderboard at the 16th green. I made birdie there and we were tied, so I knew I still had to make some birdies

coming in. And then just two nice shots on 18 to get it done.

“It’s special to come down here and see so many old faces I used to play with and still compete with them. That’s the great thing about the tour – we’re out here still playing and competing. So yeah, it’s fantastic. And what a spot. Punta Mita has been amazing.”

Alker came into the tournament in excellent form, having finished tied second in the previous week’s Charles Schwab Cup Championship to seal the PGA Champions Tour’s order of merit for a second time in three years.

He’s become a prolific winner in senior golf with eight Champions Tour titles since November, 2021, including a major, and he can now add a first Legends Tour win to his curriculum vitae.

The Mexico Senior Open carried a purse of $US450,000. The winner’s purse is not declared on the Legends Tour website but the winners of professional golf tournaments typically receive 15-18 percent of the total purse. Working on 15 percent that would represent $US67,500 in Alker’s case. In New Zealand dollars that would be nearly $115,000.

Steven Alker poses with his wife Tanya together with Jean Van de Velde of France and Fernando Lemmen Meyer, president Federation Mexico Golf after winning the Mexico Senior Open 2024 at Punta Mita Golf Club in November 17. Photo credit: Phil Inglis/Getty Images.

Alker confirms he will again play the New Zealand Open

Steven Alker has confirmed he will return to Queenstown once again in an attempt to claim the New Zealand Open.

The open, presented by Sky Sport, will be held at Millbrook Resort from February 27-March 2 and Alker’s objective is clear – to see his name on the Brodie Breeze trophy alongside some of the country’s greatest golfers including Sir Bob Charles, Greg Turner and Michael Campbell.

Alker won the leading amateur division at the 1989 New Zealand Open when Greg Turner won his first title and has finished runner-up in the 2001 and 2002 events alongside Michael Campbell.

“Absolutely, the aim is to be holding the trophy come the end of the tournament next year,’’ said Alker who for a second time won the season-long Charles Schwab Cup on the PGA Tour

Champions in November.

“To win the New Zealand Open is something I have always wanted to achieve and I feel that my game is in a great place in terms of consistency and performance under pressure.

“There are some great names on that trophy and I would love to see my name on there too. I have watched a few other Kiwis get the chance to lift the trophy, I hope that 2025 is my turn.”

Speaking about returning to Millbrook Resort, Alker is looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and having local support behind him once again.

“It’s always great to have a crowd of friends, family and supporters following me during the tournament. Locals come out in force for us Kiwis and it really does make a difference.”

New Zealand Open tournament di-

rector Michael Glading is delighted to have Alker as part of the field next year and commends his commitment to the event.

“Having Steven play is a real delight for both us who organise the event and the spectators who come to watch the tournament,’’ Glading said.

“He is a great ambassador for New Zealand and for our tournament, and we love having him as part of the event.

“His level of performance year after year really is something to behold. Not only has he won the Charles Schwab Cup in two of the last three seasons on the PGA Tour Champions, but he was also runner-up in 2023, proving that he really is one of the very best and most consistent players on the tour.”

The 104th New Zealand Open is one of New Zealand’s leading sporting events with a long and prestigious history.

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 New Zealand Open champion will be the leading player after 72 holes of stroke play.

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.

New horizons for Amelia Garvey

By Neville Idour

After three years on the Epson Tour, trying to gain her card for the LPGA Tour and narrowly missing out, Canterbury professional Amelia Garvey, along with caddie and cousin Jamie Tipper, decided on a complete change of challenge.

So following the Epson Tour season it was decided to head to Morocco in north Africa  and the Ladies’ European Tour qualifying school at Royal Golf Marrakech.

Firstly, however, she had to play pre qualifying over three rounds. This was no cakewalk as it was played on four courses with 65 players on each course and 23 players would progress from each course to the main Q school the following week. Garvey won her event at the Rotana Golf Club on nine under par for the three rounds.

The main Q school was played over five rounds and Garvey would finish a fourth. The top 20 and ties gained their cards.

A modest 750 euros ($NZ1400) pocket money was hers as a result. She had rounds of 69, 73, 69, 67 and 65 to finish 20 under par. The big bonus was that her top five finish has pretty much guaranteed her entry into all the Golf Saudi International Ladies’ events which carry the biggest prizemoney for the women. The five events offer a total of 10 million euros in prize money.

After three rounds she was well placed but with work to do to clinch her card. She began the fourth round with a birdie on one, an eagle on the par five fourth and four more birdies to take much of the pressure off. So it proved with a scintillating final round eight under par 65. A feature was her play on the par fives which she mastered all week. She played the five holes in six under par, including another eagle on the fourth hole.

In fact, over the eight rounds she

was 26 under par on the par fives. Overall she was 29 under par and shot four eagles and 37 birdies with no over par rounds. To say she was excited for 2025 would be stating the obvious.

After her round she said: “I’m feeling good as it was a pretty stress free round for me today. I just wanted to post a low number and actually try and chase the lead down.

“I really love this course and it suits my game, so I’m really proud of the way I finished the five days here. Jamie is the reason why I’m here. I’ve struggled on the Epson Tour the last few years to get my LPGA card, so I just wanted to change it up a little bit.

“He’s (Jamie) been out here this year (Europe) and he said I really think you will like it out here. It was really nice to have him on the bag this week and have a comfortable familiar face. He’s

done a really good job.”

It will not surprise to see Garvey on the leaderboards in Europe as the courses should suit her game and the variety of courses and countries will ensure there is never a dull moment.

Garvey’s power is more effective in Europe as the courses there reward length more than in the United States where they pretty much only reward straight hitting. So often you have to lay up on the par fives because of the threats of water and out of bounds, thus nullifying the ability to reach the greens in two shots and score eagles.

This does not mean an end to her United States involvement as the top 10 on the Ladies’ European Tour (LET) order of merit go straight into the final stage of the LPGA Q school. That will be a goal. Also she plans to still use her Epson Tour status in 2025 and play

some events there.

Tipper said: “It’s going to be a very busy year with lots of time on planes and seeing new places, which has put a big smile on our faces. The LET is a great tour and it is televised on Sky Sport. The people who run the tour and players are all great. It’s like a big travelling family. I’ve had so much fun this summer and I know Amelia will love it.”

Another positive for Garvey and Kiwi fans is that she will join fellow Cantabrian Momoka Kobori on the tour. Fellow Kiwi Wenyung Keh was also in the field and finished two shots outside gaining her full card, however it was good enough to secure secondary status which should give her some starts. It looks like an exciting 2025 in prospect for the Ladies’ European Tour with up to three Kiwis in action any given week.

Canterbury golfer Amelia Garvey who has gained her card to play on the Ladies’ European Tour this year.

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A visit to paradise

Taking on two best kept secrets, the Ōhope Beach Links and Whakatāne Golf Club.

By Peter Thornton

There is no feeling quite like playing a golf course for the first time. The anticipation, the uncertainty of how a hole plays, and the chance to make your debut a memorable one.

According to Golf New Zealand, there are 396 courses across Aotearoa and by a rough count, I reckon I have played around 100 of them. So, I always jump at the opportunity to play a new course.   I have been writing these golf features for three years, and after heading away with the lads a couple of times a year, my wife Katie suggested it was time for the family to come. Fair enough.

On an overcast Auckland morning, we packed the car with our three kids and enough gear to last the entire summer holiday for a four-day trip. Travelling in tow were good family friends, the Brookbanks, who I have known for around 30 years and have three kids the same age.

Arriving at Ōhope Beach was a special feeling. That first view of the white-sand beach takes your breath away. It is 11km of untouched coastline and it’s easy to see why this place has been voted the best beach in Aotearoa for the past three years by New Zealand Herald readers.

Both families were straight into the super warm ocean

for a swim before we headed out for dinner at The Comm in Whakatāne. It’s a relaxed and spacious pub that serves quality burgers, fish and chips and the like. I settled in with a Good George Beer Tasting Rack of five brews, and a chicken burger as we plan the next few days.

Great expectations

On our itinerary were two of New Zealand’s hidden gems – the Ōhope Beach Links and the Whakatāne Golf Club. Two courses that are contrasting in character but are both so special.

It had been three months since my last game of golf –after a break to run the Auckland half marathon – so I was hoping to be inspired by these beautiful surrounds and find some magic.

Chris – a quality sportsman who hates to lose at anything –had played a handful of times in the past few years and his clubs were straight out of the 1990s so he trumped me for excuses.

With the sun rising over a beautiful setting, we arrived at the Ōhope Beach Links full of plenty of nervous excitement.  The format was simple. We played off the stick in matchplay with the loser buying the beers.

As we lined up on the first tee, New Zealand reggae band’s L.A.B’s anthem Take It Away was playing in the pro shop. They are one of my favourite bands and hail from the Bay of Plenty. They sound like this place; relaxed, upbeat and happy.

My expectations for Ōhope Beach are high and it doesn’t

disappoint. One of New Zealand’s golfing greats Greg Turner describes this as one of the best links courses in the country.

“Seaside terrain as dramatic as anything in the British Isles and the views are exceptional,” says the former New Zealand Open champion and world class golf course designer.

“If there’s a better value links experience anywhere, I haven’t found it!”

Turner is right. At $70 for affiliated golfers, Ōhope Beach is a must play course. It’s a brilliant blend of stunning coastal views, challenging winds, and natural sand dunes.

The club’s manager Darrin Hannah is an affable bloke. He says the layout demands accuracy and strategic shot placement, especially on the greens.

“For first-time players, focus on course management over distance. Pay attention to wind

conditions, as they can significantly affect your shots, and avoid being too aggressive on the greens,” Hannah said.

The course officially opened on April 13, 1975, and will celebrate its 50th anniversary this year. It has come a long way from its humble beginnings where it’s membership of 68, enjoyed the “rough and ready” nine-hole layout.

A sign of a good course is one where you could pick multiple signature holes.

At Ōhope Beach Links, there are many holes with incredible views that will live long in the memory.

It is a short course at 5437 metres from the green (middle) tees, but the size and subtle slopes on the greens make it a real challenge. When the wind gets up, it has some teeth.

I get off to a ropey start and Chris is one-up after four

holes. I find some much-needed confidence to win five holes in a row heading into the turn. My best shot comes on the par four seventh where I hit a rescue up and over the trees and water to find the green, and make par.

Chris makes many good bogeys on the back nine to keep it a tight match, but when I make a putt for bogey on the par three 14th, it’s enough for a 6 and 5 win.

By now, it’s a hot day and it’s always nice when a good mate is shouting the beers.

The Kiwi capital of New Zealand

During our time in Ōhope Beach we stayed at the Beachpoint Apartments. This place is perfect for a golfing getaway or a family retreat. The generous two-bedroom apartments on the beach provide plenty of space to relax and our kids lived in the heated pool downstairs.

The Ōhope Beach Links is on an incredible piece of land. On one side is the Pacific Ocean, on the other is Ohiwa Harbour.

The opening hole at Ohope Beach Links.

The par four 18th and clubhouse of the Ōhope Beach Links. It’s a great challenge to finish your round.

You’ll never grow tired of the panoramic view of Ōhope Beach below with the rumbling of the ocean as a constant acoustic. Whakatāne is the Kiwi capital of New Zealand, and as you put your head on your pillow you could hear kiwi chatting in the surrounding native bush.

On Friday afternoon we ventured to Julian’s Berry Farm and Café. This place is a great escape and a haven for families.

We could have stayed here all day. The animal farm, playground, and the mini golf course make it a one-stop destination where the kids are constantly entertained. And that is not to mention the café, the pick-yourown berries, and the famous real fruit ice creams.

My three-year-old Toby loves two things more than anything in the world: ice cream and mini golf. He was in his happy place.

To cap off a special day we headed to the Fisherman’s Wharf for dinner. This place is at another level, overlooking the scenic Ohiwa Harbour. Many of the patrons did a double take at our six rowdy kids pouring into the restaurant, but we made our way to a remote table to leave them be.

The seared fish of the day

(snapper) was fresh off the boat. It fell apart in flakes on your fork on a bed of carrot and ginger mash. It was beautifully prepared food to cap day one.

Only a surfer knows the feeling

Saturday morning was family time. We began with a stroll down the road to a popular local spot, MOXI’s Café. They do a ripper of a cooked breakfast to set up the day. The kids had their own table and couldn’t believe their eyes when their pancakes came out stacked with ice cream and strawberries.

Today was a big day – the kids were learning to surf on Ōhope Beach. Ollie, who runs the Salt Spray Surf School, is a legend. He did a superb job of keeping the kids engaged and having fun.

Seeing my girls stand up on a surfboard as they cruised into the beach was one of the highlights of our time in Whakatāne. You couldn’t wipe the smile off their faces.

Later that afternoon we were hosted by Takutai Adventures who boast a great array of fishing rods, stand up paddle boards and e-scooters to explore the estuary or neighbourhood.

OHOPE BEACH GOLF LINKS

BAY OF PLENTY

Phone: +64 7-312 4486

Email: office@ohopegolf.nz Website: www.ohopegolf.co.nz

COURSE LENGTHS

Blue: Blue 5761 - Par 71

Green: 5437 - Par 71

White: 5012 - Par 72

Only a 200 metre walk from our apartments is the local village full of shops, restaurants and cafés.

Every night we brought our families together for dinner.

On Saturday night we visited a local Mexican place called Cadera which was packed and full of energy. You soon see why; this place serves quality food and has a chilled-out vibe.

Listening to the sound of laughter from our kids, with a table full of Mexican food, and the beers flowing, it’s a moment where you wish you could just stop time.

A rematch for the ages

The final morning of the trip, Chris and I were ready for our rematch at the Whakatāne Golf Club.

I have great memories of this course. When I was working for Golf New Zealand as it’s media manager, Whakatāne hosted the women’s Interprovincial tournament in 2011.

It was extra special that year as a young Lydia Ko was in her prime as an amateur. Auckland took on North Harbour in the final with Ko meeting her teenage rival, Cecilia Cho. Ko won that

COURSE INFORMATION

duel, but Auckland took home the trophy winning 4-1 for it’s 20th Interprovincial crown. By that stage, we all knew that Ko was something special and on her way to greatness.

Now 13 years later I am back and hoping to finish the trip on a high note.

Lee-Anne Clark-McGregor, the club manager, offered this advice ahead of the round: “Be careful or you’ll get hooked and want to come and play here every week.”

She was right. Whakatāne is a beautifully presented course with immaculate greens. Its conditioning is why it’s a regular host of national and regional tournaments.

The course is a par 70 and plays at just over 6000 metres from the back tees. She’s a good challenge. At Ōhope Beach you are often playing driver – nine iron into many of the par fours, around Whakatāne, I was wearing a hole in my rescue club with my approach shots.

I make a nice start with pars on the opening two holes. Chris stays in touch with some quality shot-making through the front nine and I’m one up by the time we hit the turn.

Green Fees: 18H $70 NZG affiliated, $80 non-affiliated, $90 international visitor, $55 member-guest/local resident, $40 BOP passport, $25 EBOP passport, $25 NZG affiliated juniors, $30 nonaffiliated juniors

9H $40 NZG affiliated, $50 non-affiliated, $50 international visitor, $35 member-guest/local resident, $25 BOP/EBOP passport, $20 NZG affiliated juniors, $25 non-affiliated juniors

Electric Cart: $45 (18 Holes) and $30 (10 Holes)

Club Hire: Full Set including trundler: $40 (18 Holes) and $25 (9 Holes)

Trundler: $5 per Round

Clubhouse: Available for Weddings, Private Events and Corporate Functions.

How to get there: from Whakatane Airport: 40 minutes by car. From Tauranga 1 Hour 15 mins by car, From Rotorua 1 hour 15 mins by car.

I haven’t broken 90 in a couple of years and when I make three pars in a row on the back nine, I might be half a chance. We play solidly coming home, with nothing more than a bogey between us on the final four holes. I sign for an 89 and he cards 99, and I hold on for the win.

This trip could be a turning point for Chris who has played some solid golf on his return to the game.  It’s been another good day and a fitting end to a remarkable holiday. Over our final beer, we are planning our return trip.

There are many things that make Whakatāne and Ōhope Beach a magical destination. The beautiful scenery, the unbelievable beach, the restaurants and world-class golf.

But most of all it is the people. The locals pride themselves on being friendly and great hosts. They make you feel at home and like their paradise is yours to enjoy for a few days.

A special thanks to Anna Williams at the Whakatāne District Council for her support in coordinating this story.

For more information visit: https://www.whakatane.com/

A spectacular aerial view of the Whakatāne Golf Club.

The par four 15th at the Whakatāne Golf Club which measures 342 metres from the white tees.

Auckland, North Harbour win Interprovincial titles

Two of New Zealand’s provincial golfing powerhouses prevailed again at the Interprovincials hosted by Canterbury last month.

Auckland men won their second consecutive title in their third straight final against Bay of Plenty (BOP), establishing themselves as New Zealand’s top golfing province once again. Meanwhile, an inspired young North Harbour outfit upset the most successful women’s province in the competition’s history, defeating Auckland to lift the women’s trophy.

All 15 provinces flocked to the immaculate Russley and Harewood golf clubs at the beginning of the week for seven round robin matches across the two courses. Once the top four men’s and women’s sides were found on the Friday afternoon after pool play, Russley Golf Club held the semi-finals and finals in front of a sizeable home crowd who were supporting one of the amateur game’s most treasured events.

In the first men’s semi-final, the hosts Canterbury took on Bay Of Plenty but were eventually outclassed, falling to a 4-1 loss with New Zealand Amateur champion Cooper Moore the only player to notch a victory for Canterbury. In the other semi-final, Auckland beat  Wellington 3.5-1.5 to set up a third straight final rematch against Bay Of

Plenty.

Bay Of Plenty got off to a flying start against the defending champions with Francis Lockwood and Kevin Bang in the  No 4 and 3 matches getting 5 and 4 and 4 and 3 victories respectively. However, Auckland No 5 Steven Van Heerden was too strong in his match winning 3 and 1 with New Zealand Strokeplay champion Robby Turnbull squaring the ledger with an impressive 5 and 4 win of his own, leaving it down to the No 1s to decide the title.

After losing to Mitchell Kale at Omanu Golf Club in the 2022 final, Auckland’s Joshua Bai got his revenge, beating Kale 3 and 1 to seal another victory for the city of sails and player of the tournament honours for winning six matches and halving two.

Meanwhile, North Harbour went one better than last year’s effort, lifting the women’s trophy after a tense final day which went down to the wire.

North Harbour beat Wellington in the first semi-final but needed extra holes to book it’s place in the final.

With scores level 2.5 a piece, the two No 5s, who halved, went out for a sudden death playoff to decide who would progress, with North Harbour’s Olivia Yoon prevailing on the second extra hole.

North Harbour played their Auckland counterparts in a battle of the bridge final, after Auckland beat Canterbury 3 - 2 in the other semi-final.

The final was close all afternoon.

Auckland’s No 5 Cherry Lee beat Yoon one up while the two No 4s Gabriela He (Auckland) and Sarah Li (North

Harbour) halved, leaving it to the top order to decide who would take home the spoils.

North Harbour’s top three proved too strong, with Sophie Yu winning 6 and 4, Teresa Wang winning 4 and 3, and Juwon Kim getting over the line one up.

It’s all smiles for North Auckland’s winning interprovincial team. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

Auckland’s interprovincial team celebrates victory. Photo credit: Golf New Zealand.

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Cape Kidnappers turns 20; Tom Doak celebrates with bespoke renovations

When Cape Kidnappers Golf Club debuted over the high season of 2004-2005, the Tom Doak design was immediately hailed as a modern masterpiece.

Its cliff-top setting, more than 150 metres above Hawke’s Bay, the architect’s melding of heathland and links features, were unlike anything in the golfing world.

That’s true still today — perhaps

more true than ever, as Cape Kidnappers and Doak have finalised a series of collaborative renovations to mark the resort track’s 20th anniversary.

During the covid-19 pandemic, Doak directed a complete re-grassing of every fairway and green, restoring the bounce and roll that make Doak’s bold features work.

Just in time for high season, which began last month in the southern hemi-

sphere, Doak advised ownership on a range of projects, from the strategic trimming of manuka and kanuka trees, to the expert camouflaging of new cart paths.

Ray Geffre, director of golf at Cape Kidnappers and its sister course Kauri Cliffs in Northland, said: “I don’t know how often golf courses go back to the original architect for approval and advice when it comes to renovations, but we do this with Doak all the time.

“Tom doesn’t do this sort of work for just anyone; he’s never been busier, all over the world.

“But he clearly has a soft spot for this place, maybe because this was his first overseas project. And the terrain is unforgettable. For our part, we are very careful about how the design and this environment are preserved. So we have never hesitated to contact Tom and ask what do you think or how do we work together to get this done in the best way possible? No matter where he is, Tom has never failed to respond.”

As a result, the 18 holes at Cape Kidnappers have never looked or played better. Yet Doak himself believes his first Kiwi design, routinely ranked among the world’s top 100 courses, remains distinct and oddly misunderstood.

Doak explained.

“There is nothing quite like it in golf; it just sits so high above the water,”

Doak said.

“This is a course fairly ranked among the top 50 in the world, but I’ve found people have difficulty classifying Cape Kidnappers in their own minds — because it’s so different and distinct from anything else … there is nothing comparable in terms of setting and scale. It really does stand alone and may always stand alone. I do have a soft spot for it.”

The latest round of improvements proved both aesthetic and practical. Most of the tree work involved trimming back the manuka and kanuka trees that occupy the deep ravines between holes. At the signature 15th — a par five called Pirate’s Plank — rampant tree growth had obscured the unique, intimidating sight lines of this fairway, which plays down a finger of ridge to a cliff-edge green.

Geffre said: “Today, it plays like a plank again.”

At the par three eighth (named Backstop), shots across a gully were beginning to be affected by the manuka and kanuka growing there.

Geffre: “Tom actually likes the trees at eight. He said something to the effect of where else in the world do you tee off over trees?

“We are trying to find a balance, and this is a situation where the trees get the nod to stay — but the height

Another stunning photo of Cape Kidnappers. Photo credit: Cape Kidnappers.

must be maintained. In general, we were concerned that several holes were playing more like a parkland course, and Tom shared that concern.”

The Cape Kidnappers peninsula extends 10 kilometres from the southeastern extremity of Hawke’s Bay into the south Pacific. The golf course and adja-

cent lodge, Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, occupy a 6000-acre property ringed by more than 10 kilometres of protective fencing — meaning the barrier extends nearly as far below ground as above it, to protect endangered species from predators.

As a result, golfers are treated to flora

privately owned and funded wildlife restoration project of its kind in New Zealand. Geffre: “We take our environmental bona fides very seriously here but we also want to preserve Tom’s course design, the long views of these cliffs, and out over Hawke’s Bay. It’s a balance.”

Holes 7-10 were the subject of considerably more delicate and diverse tree work. Removal of the mighty cypress that towered beside the ninth green was removed, due to a combination of old age and disease. Doak replaced this non-native species with cavernous grass bunker. He also okayed removal of several non-native grandfather pines on the par four 10th.

Even the new cart path between seven and eight tees got the Doak stamp of approval.

and fauna unlike any in world golf. Guests at The Farm can partake of Kiwi Discovery walks, Hanging Rock Gorge and all manner of bird tours — the tip of Cape Kidnappers is home to the world’s largest gannet colony. These examples of naturalistic sights and activities only scratch the surface: The Cape Sanctuary is the largest

“We had decided to go full path on that stretch because it could become impassable or dangerous in wet conditions,’’ Geffre said.

“We went to Tom on that and told him, look, we know you don’t like paths, but we have to do this. He knows every inch of this place and sure enough, we identified a route behind some manuka, then hid the rest behind the seventh green.”

The Cape Kidnappers golf course that sits 150 metres above Hawke’s Bay.

TTransgender issue resolved by LPGA Tour

By Neville Idour

The transgender issue is one of the biggest controversies the LPGA Tour has had to deal with in recent years because of the participation of Hailey Davidson in women’s events, including winning an event on a United States women’s development tour.

Until 2010 the LPGA Tour explicitly restricted membership to players who were “female at birth” However it removed that following a challenge in court by 57-year-old transgender golfer Lana Lawless who argued that the policy was discriminatory.

However popular LPGA player Amy Olson was unimpressed and since 2019 has been looking into the controversial policy and recently signed a letter along with around 275 fellow players calling on the LPGA Tour to tighten up guidelines.

Olson claimed the guidelines had been loosened in recent years because of the threat of legal action.

“The issue has been there for 14 years since we changed our policy. We want it to be female at birth

and you are female. Male at birth and you are male,’’ Olson said.

“Current players need their interests safeguarded as do those who created the LPGA Tour originally. Women started the LPGA Tour, a group called the 13 founders. They built this tour from the ground up going in their loaded vehicles from golf course to golf course, giving clinics and building public interest.

“Women did that for women. So it isn’t right to have what they’ve worked for hijacked by men who feel that they are  women and have a distinct competitive advantage over us. It’s just not fair.”

Olson said the only safe way was to ban male born golfers completely.

“They can play on the male tours. A lot of people have talked about a transgender league and if people want to fund and start one up that’s fantastic.”

The upshot of all of this is the tour has listened and a competitive fairness gender policy will take effect from the start of the 2025 season. From then a player must be female at birth or have transitioned to female before going through male puberty to take

part in LPGA or USGA governed events.

Said LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan: “This will preserve the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.

United States Golf Association chief executive Mike Whan said “We tried not to get into politics. We simply said where do we believe somebody medically would have a competitive advantage in the field. We needed to draw a line.”

Not surprisingly the aforementioned Davidson is not impressed and made a series of posts on Instagram.

The transgender Scottish-born golfer, who had earned an Epson Tour card after narrowly missing out on an LPGA card at q-school posted: “What a great birthday present for 2024. Having the greatest achievement I’ve earned in my life taken away from me. Can’t say I didn’t see this coming. Banned from the Epson and LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay neutral thanks for nothing. This happened because of all of your silence.”

Davidson may have missed the point.

R&A outlines fair competition policy

he R&A, one of golf’s governing bodies, has introduced a fair competition policy to determine the eligibility of transgender athletes to compete in its professional and elite amateur championships.

The policy, which is virtually the same as introduced by the United States Golf Association, has been developed following extensive consultation over the last year with medical and scientific experts who have reviewed the best available research on transgender participation in high performance sport.

The evidence shows that golf is a gender-affected sport in which male puberty confers a performance advantage.

From the start of this year, a golfer entering female professional and elite amateur championships organised by The R&A must have been female at birth or transitioned to female before the onset of male puberty to be eligible to compete. Players assigned male at birth and who have experienced male puberty are ineligible to compete in these events, but can

enter male professional and elite amateur championships organised by The R&A.

These requirements will not apply at a recreational level where the sport supports inclusivity through the world handicap system, which enables golfers worldwide to play and compete together on a fair and equitable basis regardless of age, ability, background or gender.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, said: “We have carefully reviewed the best available medical and scientific advice relating to participation in elite and scratch level golf competitions by transgender athletes and decided that updating our entry conditions to preserve fairness in our female professional and elite amateur championships is the right thing to do.

“While we believe that golf should be open to all and are committed to developing the sport, we recognise that we have a duty to ensure that in our elite competitions players can compete fairly and equally.”

The R&A has also developed guidance which has been provided to its affiliated national federations as they establish appropriate policies for their own com-

petitions and those of their member golf clubs in their own individual countries, where gender recognition and transition may be subject to different approaches.

By Neville Idour

TGreedies get their dosh

he Patrick Cantlays of this world will be delighted when they receive their $US500,000 financial package for the privilege of playing for the United States Ryder Cup team.

Yes, the PGA of America board met recently and caved in to the pressure. They will send all 12 players and the captain the package. Previously, since 1999 each player received $US200,000 to forward to a charity of their choice. Under the new agreement that figure increases to $US300,000. How-

ever, starting at Bethpage in 2025, every player will also receive a salary of $US200,000, thus breaking the tradition existing from the first event in 1927.

The PGA of America said “no player asked to be compensated” and “we are grateful to the many players and captains through the years who have so passionately represented our country.”

However this decision has not been greeted with any approval by many. Ironically the current US captain Keegan Bradley has said he will be giving his entire sum to charity.

Days before the PGA announcement it was reported by Sports Illustrated and British newspaper The Telegraph that 12 former Ryder Cup captains had signed a letter to the PGA of America asking that they pull back on plans to pay players.

One ex-US captain said: “This was done with the idea that you should play for your country without reaping financial rewards. We are trying to honour those who came before us and honour the Ryder Cup. We just wanted to show support.”

He then said if the entire amounts

went to charity they would be in favour of the change.

Calls for players to be compensated have been around publicly since 1999 when US captain Ben Crenshaw helped prevent a possible player boycott by introducing the charitable concept. However this has not stopped the cries of a number of Ryder Cup stars through the years who felt they should reap some of the tens of millions of dollars profits.

For the European Ryder Cup golfers there is still no indication they will follow suit. Rory McIlroy has said “I would pay for the privilege of representing Europe.”

LIV/DP World Tour merger gaining traction

By Neville Idour

Englishman Richard Bland, who had to wait for his 478th DP World Tour event for his first win on the tour, has joined the growing number of people favouring a merger between LIV and the DP World Tour. DP should also ditch its agreement with the PGA Tour thus leaving the PGA Tour to itself. Bland said they should have done it three years ago. Doing it now will create a lucrative worldwide schedule.

“The DP World Tour has been a world tour for the

last 35 years and LIV is a world tour,’’ Bland said.

“Yes we play 50 percent in the USA but the rest are around the world. It makes perfect sense. Hopefully they make the right decision.”

Bland’s major gripe is around the November 2020 “strategic alliance” the Wentworth headquarters agreed with the PGA Tour, particularly allowing the top 10 players every year on the Race To Dubai points list to earn a full card on the PGA Tour.

“To give away your 10 best players every year is the worst thing you can do. I still can’t believe they have done it. It just weakens the tour. All they will do is

play the minimum events here now.

“They could have built the tour around the Hojgaards, Tom McKibbin and others. They were the future of the tour and now they have been given away.”

However, Bland will not lose any sleep over the outcome as his career winds down. With two PGA Champions Tour titles in 2024, including the US Senior Open under his belt, plus enjoying competing with the likes of Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson De Chambeau and Dustin Johnson for one more year in 2025 he is one happy chappie.

Shin and Johnston take women’s and men’s titles at Australian Open

It was a return to the winners’ circle for Jiyai Shin at the Australian Open in Melbourne while Ryggs Johnston became the first American in eight years to win the men’s title of the same tournament.

Shin, the relentless 36-yearold South Korean, won her second Patricia Bridges Bowl by two shots, adding to her 2013 open win and penning another entry to her list of more than 60 worldwide victories despite a late charge from two-time defending champion Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa.

Home hope Hannah Green’s chances unravelling early as she went the wrong way and

Shin surged ahead.

A punched chip-in for eagle from 102 metres out of a sandy lie at the par four fourth hole from Shin was a sign of things to come as Australian hope Hannah Green, who started in second, and Buhai struggled to keep pace.

“It’s like a gift for me,” Shin said of the shot as she cradled the trophy.

Green admitted she was impacted by her fellow major champion’s hot start.

“I just felt like I didn’t have the lucky break in a sense, like when you’re not playing good you don’t get those things,” Green said.

“And when you are playing good you get the right bounces … when she came out blazing I was obviously tough on myself and that just made the situations even worse. Because I’ve been close so many times, I wanted it even more so this year.”

Perhaps feeling as though she was playing for second as Shin roared forward, Green made a disastrous triple bogey at the seventh and struggled to return to the fray as Shin continued to press and Buhai did her best to match her.

Johnston, meanwhile, became the first American cham-

pion since Jordan Spieth who claimed his second title in 2016, joined an illustrious list of compatriots that includes Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gene Sarazen.

Johnston, with scores of 65, 68, 68 and 68, was a threeshot winner at 18 under par, with West Australian Curtis Luck runner-up after a final round four under 68, which secured him a berth at The Open Championship next year alongside the champion and third-placed Marc Leishman.

Luck held the lead late in his round, however after three weeks of consecutive golf, lat-

er admitted he was running out of steam, and bogeys at 17 and 18 ensued.

Having not won a fourround event since his high school days, Johnston gained his DP World Tour status just weeks beforehand through qualifying school, and has now solidified his position.

“Getting a win and hopefully getting into more tournaments and just knowing that I’ve secured pretty legit status now, it’s great,” the 24-yearold said who is named after the Mel Gibson character Martin Riggs from the Lethal Weapon movies.

The moment of delight for Jiyai Shin of South Korea after her win in the women’s Australian Open in Melbourne last month. Photo credit: PGA of Australia.

Ryggs Johnston of the United States with his trophies after winning the Australian Open in Melbourne last month. Photo credit: PGA of Australia.

Pro golf’s big dilemma

By Neville Idour

The much vaunted PGA v LIV madefor-TV showdown was apparently little more than a snooze fest. Any competition was over early as Rory McIlroy began birdie, birdie, par and eagle. The result proved nothing but, if anything, the event highlighted elite golf’s growing problems.

There wasn’t even much banter despite the presence of Bryson DeChambeau who is now probably golf’s leading personality with his enormous following on YouTube.

There was little chemistry on display. Scottie Scheffler is not known for embracing the fans. Even DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka were lacking chemistry. Charles Barclay on the broadcast crew tried to liven things up with some one liners and a plea for the PGA Tour and LIV

to merge. Also criticising the PGA Tour’s decision to reduce available cards from 125 to 100.

This so called showdown highlighted a stark reality professional golf will continue to have unless players recognise it. Beyond their golf skill most of  the world’s best players are not that entertaining.  Would the joining of the PGA Tour and LIV into one integrated circuit be better than the two watered down versions?

Further, is the PGA Tour TV product a little archaic with 54 minutes of commercials in three hours of often bland coverage? If fans want to sit through that, the golf had better be engrossing. The showdown with four of the best players on the planet could not achieve that, with many commercials and boring discussion. It is no wonder TV viewership figures of the PGA Tour continue to diminish. Watching

golf on fast forward playback is the only answer to avoiding commercials and Pagrick Cantlay-like pre-shot routines. So what needs to happen to redress professional golf’s problems?

We can’t expect all players to become DeChambeau like entertainers but a good start would be getting the best players back together as often as possible. Then the TV coverage needs a shot in the arm with incisive commentary and informative graphics on screen and a much wider selection of golfers to watch. I know it will annoy the anti LIV brigade but the LIV TV coverage leaves the PGA Tour coverage amongst others comatose. That is why the PGA Tour coverage has copied some of LIV’s innovations.

The DP World Tour has ongoing interaction with players on course as does LIV. This should be a feature and increased.

Pace of play should also be non negotiable and the rules strictly enforced. The pre-shot routines of some players, male and female, are agonising to watch. A blitz on the offenders with one shot penalties would work wonders.

Finally, apart from the majors, the Ryder Cup and maybe the Olympics is must not miss viewing. Steeped in history the money is irrelevant because of how much they mean for both players and fans. Perhaps it is time for the leaders of golf’s main tours such as PGA, DP World, Japan, Asia and LIV  to get together and come up with say 24 big events per year, in effect creating a genuine world wide circuit which would include the majors. Me thinks haven’t we heard something like that thought before … a quiet whisper says Greg Norman … and wouldn’t that put the cat among the pigeons?

Niemann’s International Series success

Chilean golfer Joaquin Niemann completed arguably the finest season of his career by winning the $US5 million  Saudi International following a memorable play-off victory, filled with drama, against Cam Smith and Caleb Surratt.

Niemann made a brilliant birdie, off the back of an exquisite lob shot to a foot, on the second play-off hole to triumph at Riyadh Golf Club in Saudi Arabia, after both Smith and Surrat missed theirs from close range.

The victory, worth $US1 million, also saw him claim The International Series rankings, after an incredibly close finish to the race.

Niemann, Surratt and Smith all birdied the first hole of the play-off – the par-four 18th.

Shortly before that, Niemann and Surratt, paired in the last group, both unexpectedly bogeyed the last to fall back into a tie with Smith on 21-under.

Niemann, the leader at the start of the day by one, closed with a four under par 67, Surratt shot a 66 while Smith, seemingly out of the running playing in the sixth from last group, stormed through with a 62.

It was a thrilling finish to the season-ending event on the Asian Tour and The International Series, which is also the most lucrative event of the season.

“I enjoy being in that position, but there’s times that it takes a little bit longer. It was a good day. Caleb and me, we played great,” said Niemann.

“Never thought we were go-

ing to be in a play-off with Cam Smith. He was early. An hour before us when he was done. I thought we were going to stay away from 21-under, but you never know in golf.”

He got off to the perfect start with birdies on the first three holes and appeared on course for the win before dropping a shot on 14. On the 18th he found trouble off the tee and hacked his second out of some small trees and into the fairway before missing a tricky five-footer for the outright win.

Surrat made bogey after pushing his tee shot into the lake on the right. It was a calamitous finish in contrast to Smith who made birdie there.

His success meant American Peter Uihlein and Ben

Campbell from New Zealand finished second and third on The International Rankings, respectively.

Joaquin Niemann with the trophies for the Saudi International and the International Series rankings after winning both at Riyadh Golf Club. in Saudi Arabia. Photo credit: Asian Tour.

Karrie Webb honoured by Royal and Ancient Golf Club

Karrie Webb, one of golf’s great champions, has accepted an invitation to become an honorary member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Scotland.

Webb, a world golf hall of fame member, received the invitation in recognition of her successful playing career and the substantial contribution she has made in helping to develop the next generation of professional golfers.

The Australian completed the super career grand slam – winning each of the five major championships in women’s golf – when she claimed the Women’s Open in 2002, after also winning the championship on her debut in 1995 at Woburn, and going wire-towire for victory in 1997 at Sunningdale.

Webb holds the record for the most Women’s Open victories jointly with Sherri Steinhauer. She also holds the record for the lowest winning total by a champion of 269 in 1997, a score equalled by Karen Stupples in 2004. Webb has finished in the top five on eight occasions, more than any other player in the championship’s history.

Among her 57 professional wins worldwide, Webb has recorded seven major championship victories. She was the Ladies’ European Tour rookie of the year in 1995. Then in 1996 she went on to be the LPGA rookie of the year, finishing top of the money list and

becoming the first LPGA player to win $US1 million in a season.

“It is a privilege to be made an honorary member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews and I am humbled to be joining such an esteemed group of golfers on the honorary membership roll,” said Webb last month.

“Simply put, I love golf and to be connected with a club which holds so much history and also shares my passion for the development of the sport is something I am very proud of. This year I had the chance to see first-hand the investment of The R&A into women’s golf when I played in St Andrews at the  Women’s Open.

“It has always been an incredibly special championship to me but to see how it has evolved under the auspices of The R&A for the benefit of the players was something that I was truly impressed by.”

Webb has proudly represented her country, competing for Australia in the Queen Sirikit Cup on three occasions (1992, 1993 and 1994), the Espirito Santo Trophy in 1994 and the 2005 Women’s World Cup.

In 2000 she missed out on the opportunity to become the first women to earn $US2 million in a season opting instead to be a torch-bearer at the Olympic Games in Sydney. Last year she was the captain of Australia’s Olympic golf team in Paris.

Widely considered to be one of Australia’s greatest golfers, alongside five-time Open champion Peter Thomson and Greg Norman, Webb was awarded the Dawn Fraser award, the highest accolade in Australian sport, in 2000.

In 2010 she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for service to golf and to the community as a benefactor and supporter of a range of health and disability organisations. In 2018 she was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to golf as a player at the elite level, to the development of female golfers, as a mentor and role model, and through charitable and community organisations.

Dedicated to charitable work, Webb founded the Karrie Webb Series and scholarship alongside Golf Australia. Each year Webb mentors the top two Australian women amateur players. Past recipients of the Karrie Webb Series and scholarship include Minjee Lee and Hannah Green, who both went on to become major champions.

Other honorary members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews include Dame Laura Davies, Ernie Els, Pádraig Harrington, Paul Lawrie, Catriona Matthew, Rory McIlroy, Nick Price, Belle Robertson, Annika Sörenstam and Tiger Woods.

Norman makes way for new chief executive

By Neville Idour

The news that LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman is to be replaced, while not unexpected, will be good news to all his haters.

However, the not so good news is that he isn’t going anywhere. His replacement is reported to be Scott O’Neill who is chief executive of British entertainment company Merlin.

Norman’s contract runs until after the 2025 season but he is quite comfortable with the change. He told Wish TV in the United States:  “I’ve seen it (LIV) come

from a business model on paper, to giving birth on the golf course, to where it is today.

“Is there going to be a new CEO? Yes there will be and I’m fine with that. Will I always have a place and be involved with LIV in some capacity? Yes I will. Because of the impact that has been created in the game of golf by LIV, I’ve had a small, small piece of that, which I’m proud of.”

Norman has maintained a staunch defence of the upstart LIV Golf circuit throughout the frequent hostility, especially from the PGA Tour and certain players. Through it all Norman maintains LIV

Golf’s emergence has been a positive for the elite men’s game. For someone who has and is accused of having some hate/ grudge against the PGA Tour his next comment gives the lie to that.

“Competition was a great thing for the PGA Tour. Now they have an injection from Strategic Sports Group of $US1.5 billion. Great for the PGA Tour. Wonderful.

“In the first couple of years everybody was lambasting us and now they are trying to follow us.”

He admitted there have been setbacks including not being able to secure a net-

work TV deal in the United States.

“The US has been a tough market to penetrate because we have had a lot of head winds. But now people are understanding the product. We want to co-exist within the golf ecosystem, which we are showing everybody.”

There is no doubt hostilities against LIV have cooled somewhat in some quarters in recent times, although the so called merger is still in no man’s land. The LIV/ PGA match involving Scheffler, McIlroy, De Chambeau and Koepka is evidence of that cooling and most welcome.

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

Monahan — the $US23 million millstone

By Neville Idour

Arecent My Golf Spy story starkly highlighted the ongoing problems the PGA Tour has at present.  It all begins at the top with the $US23 million man Jay Monahan. His 2023 tax return revealed this staggering figure made up of a base salary of $1,887,096, bonuses and incentives of $12.1 million, retirement benefits of $2.5 million and long term incentives of $6.7 million. This treasure chest came on top of his paltry earnings of $18.4 million in 2022. A rise of $4.6 million. These figures defy belief. On top of

By Neville Idour

Wthat his right-hand man Ron Price made $13 million in 2023. To put these figures into perspective and show how sickening they are the Korn Ferry Tour, which is the feeder to the PGA Tour, sports a season long purse total of about $US22 million. Yes that’s right. More than 20 events. Nice work if you can get it.

The tours revenue and asset sales of $4.33 billion are dwarfed by other sports leagues such as the National Football League’s $20 billion whose chief executive earns $64 million.

The PGA Tour has battles on many fronts. Several of its former best players are now with LIV. The framework

agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund reached 18 months ago is still comatose. The TV ratings have been mainly spiralling downwards as the PGA Tour tries to embellish the product. Add to these a commissioner Monahan who could run a successful clinic in poor or non communication and how to intensify public relation nightmares. You can imagine colleges running business classes on how not to, based on the Monahan way.

It all goes back to when the LIV idea was born and Greg Norman tried manfully to get a hearing with Monahan with a view to working out a programme in

harmony with the PGA Tour.

But Monahan didn’t acknowledge any of Norman’s approaches. So he essentially cooked his own goose and can fairly be held responsible for the PGA Tour’s woes. Eight years in the job and with his product getting worse with money his only weapon who could agree that he is worth every cent of $23 million.

The tour is shrinking field sizes to create two tiers, the elite and the also rans, plus it has plans to slash its budget by tens of millions in the near future. Maybe it should start the shrinkage with Monahan’s pot of gold.

Brooks and Bryson buddies now

ho would have guessed? Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau have put behind them the niggles and digs of the past. Speaking to media ahead of their “showdown” with Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy their comments certainly made for good listening. The LIV Golf environment clearly had a role to play.

DeChambeau spoke first.

“I’ve always had respect for Brooks and what he’s done with the many majors and tour events he has won. It’s been quite impressive. Obviously early on we didn’t really understand each other. It was pretty rocky relationship.” It all goes back to the Dubai Desert Classic in 2019

when Koepka singled out DeChambeau for slow play. DeChambeau then poked fun at Koepka’s abdominal muscles in January, 2020. The jibes kept coming but the LIV connection brought peace.

As DeChambeau pointed out: “We had our spats, but we realised when we both went to LIV, we had quite a few things in common. Kind of like stepbrothers in a sense and we’ve developed a pretty solid relationship and have good respect for each other now.”

Koepka not only agreed but accepted some of the blame.

“Obviously we have come a long way. Going to LIV, honestly, I think was a big moment, even just for us. We

were communicating a lot more and our conversation became a lot more open. I’m the first person to admit I can be a bit stubborn.

“Look we all get older and mature a little bit, and then you realise, hey, Bryson’s a good dude. I think he is severely misunderstood and I think the world is actually starting to really see who Bryson is, which is cool. I admit I was wrong with what my original thoughts were.”

Then speaking about the “grudge” match with Scheffler and McIlroy, Koepka backed his partner.

“I truly think you have the biggest figure in golf in Bryson and then one of the golfers with the most majors. So we have got a lot going on our side. We want to win.”

Golf numbers continue to soar in Australia

Golf in Australia is riding a wave of unprecedented growth, celebrating its fifth consecutive year of club membership growth and a record amount of people playing golf with 3.8 million adult Australians playing golf in 2023-24. The figures were revealed in the annual participation report released last month. From traditional courses to driving ranges, simulators and minigolf, this marks a nine percent year-on-year rise, solidifying golf’s place as one of the na-

tion’s most loved and accessible sports, with a remarkable 19 percent of adult Australians hitting a golf ball in 2023-24.

Golf club membership has also soared, growing by 5.6 percent to reach 459,143 members in 2023-24—an impressive 19 percent growth over the past five years. Junior participation has been a standout success, with junior membership skyrocketing by 33.4 percent, driven by a 37.3 percent increase among boys and a 13.8 percent increase among girls, reflecting the sport’s

growing appeal to younger generations.

Women’s and girls participation continues its steady climb, with a 3.2 percent rise in membership.

Golf Australia’s chief executive James Sutherland said: “Golf is one of Australia’s biggest participation sports.

“With unprecedented participation growth over the last five years, our sport continues to evolve with new formats and entertainment options that provide new opportunities to welcome people to

the game. Golf has never been more fun and accessible, and truly is a sport for all.

“We’ve seen a 19 percent growth in golf members across Australia the past five years, but the figures released today tell us that members are only a fraction of those who are picking up a golf club.

“While traditional on-course play remains strong, the numbers also reveal growth in off-course offerings like driving ranges, indoor golf and mini-golf. This reflects golf’s increasingly broad appeal.

News in brief

By Neville Idour

LIV TV deal close for 2025

The Sports Business Journal has reported that a significant TV agreement with LIV Golf is close for the 2025 season with high level discussions in progress with Fox Sports to showcase LIV events on the United States network.

Greg Norman admitted in October that one of LIV’s shortcomings has been the failure to land a major TV deal.

“We are falling short due to the headwinds in not getting a TV deal. That creates uncertainty in the market place say some companies, so let’s see what happens.

“That rolls into sponsorship and we have many big corporations talking to us that would be very keen to come on.”

A deal with Fox would be a significant victory as Fox talked with LIV after its inception in 2022 and seems suited for LIV given it has no PGA Tour contract.

Another indicator is that new LIV chief executive Scott O’Neil played with two key figures in the Showdown ProAm. He teed it up with Alan Gold, the head of sports media at CAA Evolution, a leading sports media advisory practice which focusses on negotiation of media deals and other related activities.

Jordan Bazant, the vice president and head of business development at Fox Sports, was the other key figure. A further positive is the LIV schedule for 2025 wraps up in August, at least a month earlier than 2024 in Dallas, late September. This would suit Fox Sports as its college football and NFL coverage ramps up shortly after. Montgomerie slams US Ryder Cup pay deal

Hardly surprising that Colin Montgomerie would be unimpressed with the United States Golf Association’s decision to pay the US team to play in the next Ryder Cup. Montgomerie joins former US captains who have lobbied for the decision to be reversed.

According to a report on golf news website Bunkered, Montgomerie who led Europe to Ryder Cup victory in 2010, said: “We are talking about that evil word money. It can destroy many things. I think golf has been part of that. You can’t have a competition where one team is being paid and the other isn’t. My god, I would have paid to play in it (as Rory McIlroy said) to have the honour to play in the Ryder Cup, never mind wanting money. There is something a little awry and it leaves a sour taste. The money could have been used for grass roots golf, ladies golf, junior golf or golf in schools. That is what I was hoping the money would go to as opposed to making the wealthy wealthier.”

Monty also opined on the eligibility of LIV golfers such as Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton making Luke Donald’s

team for next year. “We need them. They are great players and they bring passion, so all European fans will be hoping they are in the team.

Reed against Ryder Cup pay

Patrick Reed, of the nickname Captain America, has voiced his opposition to paying United States Ryder Cup players. He was one of the most passionate players in the Ryder Cup in recent times. He feels they shouldn’t need money to encourage them to play.

He said: “In the past when I was part of the Ryder Cup none of the players or caddies talked about getting paid or not. All we cared about was playing for our country against Europe and hopefully winning or retaining the cup.

Charley Hull slams slow play

Outspoken Englishwomen Charley Hull wants to see the worst offenders of slow play hit with tough penalties. She said in the lead up to the LPGA Tour Championship: “I’m quite ruthless. If you get three bad timings it’s a two shot penalty. If you get three lots of them you lose your card instantly. Major champions Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson have also called for tougher punishments.

The problem surfaced at the LET Open De Espana when Spaniard Carlotta Ciganda, known as the human weather delay, took about two minutes to play a low punch shot, backing off three times. She is notorious as a slow player and was hit with several thousand dollars worth of slow play fines this season.

She once had an LPGA matchplay victory on the 18th hole overturned after being assessed penalty shots for exceeding her allotted time for total strokes taken on that finishing hole.

2024 Rolex LPGA Tour winners

Nelly Korda won the Rolex player of the year and the Rolex Annika major award for her seven tour victories. Lydia Ko was awarded the Heather Farr perseverance award and recognised for her hard work, determination, dedication and perseverance.

Ally Ewing secured the Founders award, voted by her peers on tour, for exemplifying the spirit, ideals and values of the LPGA. Mao Saigo won rookie of the year for her seven top 10s in 29 starts. Ayaka Furue won the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average for the season.

Tiger’s Sunday red shoes — more gobbledegook

As if the diatribe accompanying the Tiger Woods Sunday Red brand of clothing and equipment wasn’t enough, the Sunday Red Shoes diatribe has possibly gone one better — or should that be worse?

Try this. “We needed to build a shoe fuelled by the unique insights only someone with 40 million steps, 15 majors and 82 career wins can bring. With

Tiger’s direct input Sun Day Red built the Pioneer Cypress from the ground up and from the inside out.”

Oh please, is that for real? But wait there’s more.

“The shoe features a sleek 6mm heel to toe drop allowing the golfer to leverage the power of ground force while not sacrificing support. The Tiger Stripe deboss treatment in the heel pays homage to Tiger’s greatness.”

There is more but that is enough. The price? A very reasonable $US250 ($NZ442) with a limited edition model at $US275 ($NZ486) and they include a shoe bag and insoles.

From nine under to even par in seven holes

That was the fate of 25-year-old Australian Jordan Doull during the first round of the Victorian PGA Championship. He qualified for the Australasian Tour 2024-25 season through Q school. In the first round he got off to a hot start with nine birdies after 11 holes including a 29 first nine. The wheels then fell off big time. From the 12th hole he went on a run of bogey, par, double bogey, quadruple bogey, bogey, par, bogey. Ouch. Hero World Challenge sponsor speaks out

Dr Pawan Munjal, the executive chairman of Hero MotoCorp, sponsors of Tiger Woods Hero World Challenge, speaking next to Woods, made it clear men’s golf is not benefitting from the current ongoing impasse.

Munjal said that the uncertainty over the direction of the men’s elite game because of the protracted talks between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is causing damage both on and off the course.

He said: “Very simply, the game is not benefitting, the players are not benefitting (He probably misses the mark financially as PGA Tour players have benefitted enormously from the huge money increases on their tour thanks to LIV.) Maybe some on tour. What has to happen is everyone gets back together and the game moves on, the sponsors move on.

“There is confusion for the sponsors as well right now, what to do, where to go, how to look at the future. The future is uncertain which is not a good thing.”

Could this be a warning shot for the PGA Tour in particular? Is he considering taking their money elsewhere? They already sponsor the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and Hero Indian Open. NZ Hickory Open set to go

The 2025 Fourth New Zealand Hickory Open, to be played at the Christchurch Golf Club on the unique 18hole hickory layout, is all set to go from Thursday, January 30 to Sunday, February 2. The various events are all encompassing with the individual and international pairs competitions. So far they are expecting at least 25

Australians, eight Japanese and two Chinese players plus possibly some North Americans. There is still plenty of time to enter and represent New Zealand in this unique tournament hosted by New Zealand’s greatest golfer Sir Bob Charles.

Thursday features the local Harry Vardon competition. Friday it is international day for the Anzac Flask between Australia and New Zealand  and also the Japan Cup for Japan and New Zealand. The Southshore Jug is also up for grabs in a regional teams competition. Saturday features the 18hole New Zealand Hickory Foursomes Championships. Sunday is the big finale with the 18-hole individual New Zealand Hickory Open Strokeplay Championship which Sir Bob Charles will again compete for.

The tournament is open to all golfers with or without a hickory handicap. There is much apres-golf activity with two dinners during the event. Any enquiries and entries should be directed to Rick Vincent, phone 64 3 3859506 or email: admin@christchurchgolf.co.nz . Before Tiger there was Greg Iconic former Golf Channel and now LIV analyst David Feherty has dared to upset the anti Greg Norman faction with some bold claims. In a recent interview with National Club Golfer he called The Shark (Norman) the “Tiger Woods before Tiger Woods.” Feherty opined: “His fingerprints are all over this and always will be. People forget at times that before Tiger there was Greg who brought that level of fitness. He won more than 100 tournaments worldwide. He was the most recognisable personality on the planet for a long time, with his long blond hair and swashbuckling moves on the golf course. He’s an amazing character, larger than life and if he does take a different position within the organisation (LIV Golf) his influence is always going to be felt no matter where he is in the organisation.”

His 331 weeks at number one in the world golf rankings was no mean feat. 10 DP World Tour players earn PGA Tour cards

Here are the 10 top DP World Tour players who earned their 2025 PGA Tour cards. None of them are yet household names and some you may be unaware of. Here is the list with their world rankings.

Thriston Lawrence 47, Rasmus Hojgaard 58, Thorbjorn Olesen 70, Matteo Manassero 87, Niklas Norgaard 89, Paul Waring 105, Jesper Svensson 108, Tom McKibbin 111, Rikuya Hoshino 132, Antoine Rozner 154.

If this represents the best players on the DP World Tour it certainly confirms its diminishing place as just a feeder to the PGA Tour which is quite sad. It is easy to see how a partnership with LIV Golf might be better for golf than a LIV/ PGA deal.

Drivepods XDL South Island Champs and playoff for New Zealand title 2024

The DRIVEPODS XDL South Island Champs 2024, held at the picturesque Nelson Golf Club, brought together New Zealand’s premier Long Drive talent for a thrilling playoff to determine the XDL New Zealand Title winners. This event was a testament to the athletes’ grit, power, and precision, setting the stage for their representation on the international stage in 2025.

Masters Division: Consistency Meets Power

In the Masters division, Grieg Mooney clinched the South Island Title with a remarkable 288-meter drive, showcasing his prowess in the sport. Andrew Storm

secured second place with a 274-meter drive, while Mike Cruickshank took third with a 266-meter effort. Mooney’s consistent performance under pressure earned him the XDL Masters New Zealand Champion title for 2024.

Men’s Open: A Battle for the Ages

The Men’s Open division was fiercely contested. Chris Charlton emerged victorious with a 305-meter drive, securing the South Island Title. George Wardell closely followed, achieving a 301-meter drive to take second place. In a playoff for third, Nick Hanna delivered an impressive 307-meter drive. Wardell also recorded the longest drive of the day with a 329-me-

ter shot, earning him the South Island Longest Drive honor and the XDL Men’s Open Champion title for 2024.

Behind the Scenes: A Collective Effort

The success of the event was due to the dedication of the XDL crew and supporting partners. Phillis Meti managed operations for both the North and South Island grids with exceptional efficiency. Grid workers and volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly, embodying teamwork and dedication. Special thanks to Dayman’s for transporting the XDL crews across Nelson, Speedy Signs Nelson for their prompt and quality event signage and The Golf Warehouse for sponsoring the balls that made every drive possible. Wireless Rentals keeping communications flowing on the grid with operations.

A Championship to Remember

As the sun set on Nelson Golf Club, the champions stood tall:

* George Wardell: XDL Men’s Open Champion 2024

* Grieg Mooney: XDL Masters New Zealand Champion 2024

These athletes now set their sights on the international stage, poised to represent New Zealand with pride and determination. The DRIVEPODS XDL South Island Champs reinforced why Long Drive is among the most exhilarating sports globally. Congratulations to all participants, and here’s to another year of driving beyond the tee!

For more information about Xtreme Drivers League and upcoming events, please visit: www.xdlworldwide.com

XDL - The North Island Championships

In the high-octane world of Long Drive, the Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) has been a driving force for nearly a decade, fostering talent and innovation in the sport. Celebrating its 9th anniversary, XDL’s commitment to players and their aspirations culminated in a spectacular showdown for the New Zealand Title in 2024. This year, the DRIVEPODS XDL North Island Champs vs South Island Champs was not just a competition—it was a testament to perseverance, passion, and the unyielding spirit of New Zealand. A Celebration of Excellence

Founder and trailblazer Olna Ford, fresh off her fifth International Business Award win, orchestrated the North Island and South Island Champs. The decision to schedule the events later in the year allowed New Zealand’s finest to compete internationally, returning with invaluable experience and a renewed hunger for victory.

The North Island Champs, held on December 8 at the Pupuke Golf Club, was a day to remember. With challenging winds testing every competitor, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Special announcements added to the

celebration, including Monica Chau being named a New Zealand Long Black (Ladies) alongside Chris Charlton (Men’s). The introduction of “Ladies On The Tee” events for 2025 promised a bright future for women in Long Drive.

Showcasing Talent Across Generations

The event wasn’t just about the seasoned players. The kids’ “Give-It-A-Go” session showcased a promising new generation, including sons of competitors who could soon follow in their parents’ footsteps. It was a heartwarming reminder that the future of Long Drive is in capable hands.

The day’s entertainment was topnotch, with Ben Lummis commanding the microphone as MC and Red Bull’s

Miles energizing the crowd from the DJ zone. Sustainability took center stage, with Power Vault’s solar sheets powering the event and Fruit Guys delivering fresh produce for the attendees.

The

Battle on the Tee

The Men’s Open and Masters events were nothing short of electrifying, with players battling fierce headwinds. Regulars on the tee, including Paul West, Nick Hanna, Grieg Mooney, George Wardell, Alex Lunn, and Andrew Storm, lived up to their reputations, thrilling the crowd with each swing. Newcomer Dylan Pettersson turned heads with his fearless performance, claiming second place in the Men’s Open. Andrew Goedeke secured third, while George Wardell triumphed as the winner, also achieving the longest drive of the

day. In the Masters category, Andrew Strom took first place, with his son Seth winning the Juniors division—a proud moment for Team Strom. Paul West, captain of the New Zealand Long Blacks, secured second place, and Mike Cruickshank rounded out the top three, earning a spot in the South Island Champs.

Partners Driving the Vision

Mercedes Benz North Shore has been DRIVING founder Olna and players since 2016. Host venue Pupuke Golf Club provided continued support with the grid being the main focus. Design 11 is Olna’s go to for all design requirements including drafting and installation of our champions on the promotional vehicles. Wireless rentals, keeping our crew connected and Power Vault powering up the day.

Looking Ahead

As the DRIVEPODS XDL North Island Champs merge with the South Island Champs, anticipation builds for the ultimate showdown—the crowning of the New Zealand Title winner. With a legacy of nearly a decade and a future brimming with promise, XDL continues to redefine what it means to drive beyond the tee.

For more information about Xtreme Drivers League and upcoming events, please visit: www.xdlworldwide.com

Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is proud to announce that its founder, Olna Ford, has been named Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024

Xtreme Drivers League (XDL) is proud to announce that its founder, Olna Ford, has been named Most Innovative Sports Business Founder 2024 by the prestigious APAC Insider Business Awards. Adding to her growing list of accolades, Olna celebrates this achievement by appearing on the cover of the International Awards Magazine.

This landmark moment coincides with Olna’s 40th event milestone, encompassing a mix of hosted, sponsored, and special events designed to elevate Xtreme Driving and its athletes. This recognition

marks her fifth International Business Award since 2023, showcasing her tireless efforts and visionary leadership in the global sports industry.

Additionally, Xtreme Drivers League has been awarded Best Sporting League 2024, securing a consecutive win for its exceptional contributions to high-performance sports.

Following a challenging post-pandemic recovery, Olna has been steering XDL towards dynamic growth, launching new initiatives and events aimed at increasing awareness and participation in Xtreme

Driving. With a deep respect for fostering partnerships with golf clubs, Olna is expanding XDL into new environments, blending tradition with innovation to drive the sport forward.

XDL is a movement in high-performance sport, pushing boundaries and inspiring a new generation of athletes and enthusiasts.

For more information about Xtreme Drivers League and upcoming events, please visit: www.xdlworldwide.com

West Coast Challenge 2025 Course Review

The West Coast has a long golfing history and is proud to offer the West Coast Golf Challenge, a great experience for both local golfers and friends from ‘away’ – which is every part of the world that is not on ‘The Coast’.

March 4th – March 7th 2025 will be the 11th edition of the West Coast Golf Challenge.

GOLF EVENT

It is a great opportunity to combine four rounds of golf on four quite different courses with the chance to experience some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

The four hosting clubs are Westport on their Kawatiri links at Carters’ Beach, Reefton on their Glenburnie course, Hokitika on their links course at Mahinapua, and Greymouth on their course at Kaiata.

Greymouth Golf Club

Tlocated on Golf Links Road approximately 6km east of Greymouth town centre.

The course is acknowledged as having the best manicured fairways of the 18 hole courses on the West Coast, and while not long at about 5600 metres it provides an interesting test of golf.

The Club’s main tournaments are held from January to March with the Coastwide Honda Westland Classic in mid February and one leg of the four course challenge early March.

Hole No 8 is the club’s signature hole. While not long, the 329 metre par 4 dogleg left has an out-of -bounds on the left. There are also two strategically positioned mature kahikatea to manoeuvre past in the fairway. Sir Bob Charles has described this hole as one of his top 18

Hokitika Golf Club

Play on one of New Zealand’s few true links courses at Hokitika on the West Coast of the South Island. Just 3 minutes south of Hokitika, (first turn right over

the Hokitika River bridge), Mahinapua Links is the only golf course in New Zealand with outstanding views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, Mt Tasman and the majestic Southern Alps.

If you are staying in Hokitika, or just passing through, enjoy our legendary hospitality and join us during our weekend club days, or if you prefer, simply play at a time to suit yourself.

The links are open from dawn to dusk, 365 days a year and bookings are not required. Greens fees on this unique links are a modest $25 for all players except students under 18 for which the green fee is $5. If you have not come prepared, hire clubs are available from Heritage Highway Motels (ph 03755 8098) right next to the northern approach to the Hokitika River bridge.

Enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Tasman Sea on a delightful links course set in the heart of scenic Westland. Contact the Hokitika Golf Club

Reefton Golf Club

The club began playing on this course, the Glenburnie course, in 1960, having been previously sited at Waitahu and prior to that, in the centre of the Reefton Race Course. The course has twelve holes, with holes 1-6 also being holes 13-18, although with different tees. Course is a par 72 and 5511 meters. Green fee players and visitors most welcome to play and enjoy the views. Green fees are set at $20/day.

Club days are Sundays. The course is open all day, every day, with the greens mown twice weekly. Although there is a small club membership of 40 the high standard of the course is completely achieved through voluntary contributions of time. We have two main tournaments each year, the first at Queen’s Birthday weekend and the second being the Inangahua open which is held in November each year and over 2 days, each of 18 holes. Club members are proud to be part of the West Coast Golf challenge. Golf Course is set on the banks of the Inangahua River and is the centre for farming, gold, coal and forestry. The town of Reefton has a population of about 1000 people, with some very good accommodation in hotels and motels. Any more info on Reefton golf please contact the club on 03 7328 575 (clubhouse) or 0273100500 Murray Rennie); or email reeftongolf@gmail.com as clubhouse is only manned on Sundays.

Westport Golf Club

The Westport Golf Club – is a beautiful seaside “links with trees” course of some 5600 metres. Near the village of Carters Beach some 4km only from Westport, this 18 hole gem is a pitching wedge, maybe 9 iron from the Tasman Sea.All the while surrounded by the Paparoa Mountain Range and National Park. An overview of the course can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIWt7SQ7J_0&feature=youtu.be

Slick and firm greens await visitors who can join club day matches – Tuesday vets (no restriction on age), Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. Green fees are only $30 and group discount by arrangement. All club day matches tee off at 11.30am, followed by hospitality hour. For further information please email our Secretary at joyboy6@hotmail.com.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

Results from the Harbour Men’s Champ of Champs Auckland Women’s Masters Champions!

SENIOR CHAMPION:

Haki Heke from South Head - Gross 145

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPION:

Brad Anderson from North ShoreScore 67

JUNIOR CHAMPION:

Chen Yi from Wainui - Score 71

TEAMS CHAMPIONS:

Waitakere Golf Club - Score 194

Mike Alley, Rex Gilbert, Steve Gay

uckland Women’s Masters Champions was played at Howick Golf Club.

36-Hole Winner – Brigit Holford Trophy: Jeanne Cho (Royal Auckland and

Grange Golf Club)

18-Hole Winner – Kaye Carrol Plate: Helen Li (Howick Golf Club)

9-Hole Stableford Champion: Anna Masefield (Remuera Golf Club)

BAY OF PLENTY

Waikato Golf - Blake Novak Mitchell Kale from Tauranga GC

was recently

at the recent Eagles Society awards dinner.

Bay no.1 Mitchell Kale from Tauranga GC who has been selected to join the Golf NZ National Academy (Phase 3 of the Talent Development Programme).

Mitch will head across the Tasman in January to compete at the Master of the Amateurs, Australian Amateur, NSW Amateur and Avondale Amateur.

Blake Novak (Stewart Alexander)

named Eagles Player of the Year

Taranaki Golf The Arnold Palmer Teams Championship

Aston Queripel, Murphy Longworth, Dylan Smith and Ethan Hollard for taking out the Arnold Palmer Teams Championship played recently in howling winds at New Plymouth G.C

They were 6 shots ahead of Hawera who took out second place, a huge effort

from all of the players in extremely windy conditions.

Divan Denton & Jackson Moorhead had the lowest gross scores of the day with 79, Coben Rhodes had a net 70, Lukie Rowson 73. Hannah Armstrong had 36 stableford points and Cohen Robins had an eagle on the 18th.

Jayden Ford and Sam Marsters announce their Professional careers.

Judgeford Golf Club The Canterbury Golf Women’s Ringers Tournament

It was a great day to wind down before Xmas and thank our staff and volunteers for all their incredible efforts over 2024. 9 holes of ambrose followed by a delicious meal at Flighty’s Cafe.

Congrats to the winners, team MIFI (Murray, Ian, Frank, Ian)

The Canterbury Golf Women’s Ringers Tournament was held at Waitikiri Golf Club recently in fine conditions and the course in great order, which was reflected in some great scores.

The 18 Hole competition was won by Lincoln’s Evelyn Boath and Judy Campbell with 76 stableford points (Pictured right),

from Bottle Lake’s Debbie Monkman and Anna Webster (73 points). In third position was Waitikiri’s Chris Marple and Marge Wong with 71 points.

The 9 Hole competition was won by Ellesmere’s Gill Taylor with 21 points, from Kaiapoi’s Barb Sheriff with 20 points and third on 19 points was Waitikiri’s Melanie Sanders on 19 points.

Canterbury Golf: The 2024 Pollock Cup Final

The 2024 Pollock Cup Finals Day took place recently with a modified finals day format that saw both the semi-final round and the final played on the same day. The neutral

venue of Rangiora Golf Club played hosts with the course in fine condition for the occasion.

In semi-final one, defending champions Waimairi Beach took on a strong Russley outfit who

had progressed through the regular season undefeated with 4 wins and one draw. The match featured many close encounters with the battle of the ones going to the last with Russley’s Alisia

Ren eventually winning out over her Canterbury teammate Zaria Bourne 1up. Likewise, the match between Vanessa Lim (Russley) and Deanna Mathews (Waimairi Beach) also went the way of Russley 1up while Russley’s Emma Lewis claimed a good 2/1 win at the bottom over the experienced Lyn Robertson. Junie Chang and Alice Fry also contributed wins with just Angela Gerkin getting a point on the board for Waimairi with the final score finishing at 5-1.

In the other semi-final Christchurch took on Clearwater in the battle of the 2nd and 3rd place qualifiers respectively. It was Christchurch’s bottom of the order that got them off to a strong start with both Mel Brew and Rachel Cox winning their matches 4&3. Virgina Fass claimed a good 1up win for Clearwater alongside number 1 Lexi Thomson-Hall halving with Olive Tapu. However, with Christchurch’s Mel Newburn and Eva Yin both winning 2 up that was enough

for Christchurch to prevail 4.51.5.

So onto the final we went with perhaps fittingly the teams who finished 1st and 2nd in the regular season making the final. There were some interesting match up’s across the board however it was Russley’s lower order that did the early damage with both Emma Lewis and Jessie Mercer winning 5&4 and 5&3 respectively. Merle Barley Salver winner Nicola Webb then claimed a strong 5&4 win for Christchurch to half the deficit however with the inform Junie Chang winning her match for Russley 3&2 over Mel Newburn and Vanessa Lim winning 4&2, Russley had an uncatchable lead. Olive Tapu did finish strong for Christchurch however winning her match at number one 2up over Canterbury teammate Alisia Ren, but the final score finished 4-2 in Russley’s favour, a first Pollock victory for the club since 2019.

Pictured below left to right: Emma Lewis, Alice Fry, Alisia Ren, Junie Chang, Vanessa Lim, Jessie Mercer, Kara Campbell, (Manager). Absent – Subin Bae

Aorangi Golf: Penney Pennants

Gleniti Golf Club, Timaru were the recent winners taking out the Penney Pennants final over Grande Vue!

Southland Champion of Championship 2024