The game for anyone and everyone

By Michaela Pointon

Canterbury Golf also has community programmes such as the ‘Golf in Schools and Futures’ programme, which introduces young children to the sport.

“There are currently around 500 young kids in the programme in the region. The programme helps elite golf talents mature and come up in the ranks,” says Mike.

Canterbury Golf was established in 1941 and has been running for over 81 years. They support 37 affiliate clubs in the Canterbury region with almost 13,000 members.

Canterbury Golf implements and manages many competitions and tournaments to ensure golfers of all ages, genders and playing ability have a positive experience with the game of golf.

Through the commitment of both their volunteers and paid employees, Canterbury Golf has built a strong reputation alongside the clubs they represent.

Interim general manager of Canterbury Golf, Mike Godinet, says “Golfing is a game for life. Whether you are six or ninety-six you can play together.”

He says the game is for everyone and people at all stages can play together no matter their level of golfing experience.

Canterbury Golf has weekly inter-club competitions and the communities range from the North of Canterbury through to the Selwyn district.

The organisation has programmes such as the Canterbury Golf Talent Development Programme, a regional programme to support the development of young players to realise their potential.

This programme bridges the gap from community style playing of the sport to high performance and lays the foundation for success. This includes four different key stages for members to develop their skills.

As well as supporting the up-and-coming golfers, there is support offered to those who already play at a professional level.

Distinguished players from the Canterbury region have accomplished remarkable achievements globally. Momoka Kobori is currently playing on the Ladies European Tour and Amelia Garvey is another extraordinary local player playing on the Epson Tour which is the secondary LPGA tour.

Kazuma Kabori is matching his sister’s achievements, he recently won the Australian Amateur Championship, only the third New Zealander to ever achieve this.

Interestingly, Mike says there has been a 30 percent increase in interest in people playing golf during the last three years.

“Covid has brought people to the golf course mainly over the last [few] years.”

He says the clubs have done a ‘good job’ at making the game attractive to many people and families during a time where the need for social distancing was important.

When asked about the future for Canterbury Golf, Mike expresses it’s going to be, “Pretty rosy!” he laughs. He is excited about the future of golf for young and more experienced players of the sport he is passionate about.

He says they face challenges when it comes to receiving enough funding for the organisation to support clubs in the best way possible.

“Funding is a necessity to provide a framework for those who want to strive for higher honours in the sport, as well as being able to continue to run quality [golfing] events throughout the community.”

If you are based in the centre of Canterbury in Christchurch and want to join a club, Central Hagley Golf Course might be for you. Established in 1873 Hagley is Canterbury’s oldest golf club. There are a variety of memberships available for this club if you want to get involved.

If you live further out of town and the city centre, clubs such as the gorgeous Rangiora or Hamner Springs Golf clubs may be the place for you to experience golf.

If you’re looking for a new adventure or new sport to participate in, get some friends along to a golf club to play a round together.

No matter what level of expertise you are in golf, anyone can play and enjoy the fresh air with friends or family.

Canterbury Golf supports the golf industry and the development of their game. They are members of the Golf Managers Association and the Golf Industry Council in New Zealand. To find out more about Canterbury Golf, make sure to visit their website at canterburygolf. co.nz for more information. There is lots of information available for any keen and interested golfers who want to be part of the fabulous community within the golfing world. CT

Canterbury Golf

375 McLeans Island Road

Harewood 8545

Christchurch (03) 359 4000 info@canterburygolf.co.nz www.canterburygolf.co.nz

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