Golfer Pacific NZ – December 2025

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Who cares about LIV Golf, or should that be LXXII Golf?

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

Is LIV Golf going to change its name to LXXII Golf?

That’s a question I have with the announcement that LIV Golf is shifting from tournaments with three rounds of golf to tournaments with four rounds.

Part of the reason LIV Golf was so named was because LIV are the Roman numerals for the number 54 — and that is the number of holes in three rounds of golf.

The number of holes in four rounds of golf is 72 and the Roman numerals for 72 are LXXII.

But the main question is do you care? For me not in the slightest.

LIV Golf started in October, 2021, and not once has it inter-

ested me. I am not absolutely sure why but part of the reason might be that LIV Golf is not on New Zealand television as is the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.

But I am not sure that is the real reason.

When it comes to likes of the PGA Tour in the United States and DP World Tour in Europe, players have to earn their right to play. They are highly competitive golf circuits and it’s survival of the fittest. Perform and you’ll survive. Don’t perform and you are gone.

On the LIV Golf tour you have to be purchased. You don’t have to be the best in world. You just have to be the best who agrees to be purchased.

I don’t have a problem with

those who play LIV Golf. A number of them would never earn the money they are paid by LIV Golf on other professional golf circuits.

But I wonder if some others miss the top level competition of the likes of the PGA Tour and DP World Tour? There are good players on LIV Golf but does it remain a meaningless competition? Even if the likes of Scottie Scheffler or Rory McIlroy joined LIV, I still doubt if my interest would be stirred.

Whoever is the top player on LIV Golf and whoever is the top player on the PGA Tour or the DP World Tour, who would you consider is the world’s top player? It surely wouldn’t be the LIV Golf player because that is for players who have agreed to be

purchased. The PGA Tour and the DP World Tour are for players who are good enough to have qualified for that tour and that’s the key difference.

Imagine if I was offered $US100 million to play on the LIV Golf tour. After much consideration, perhaps 10 seconds, I would probably except it.

But would it increase your interest in LIV Golf? Of course not, not in the slightest.

But imagine if I earned the right to play on the PGA Tour or the DP World Tour, that would be a whole different ball game.  The headline would read: Manor Park member from Wellington on 13 handicap earns the right to play one the world’s great golf circuits.

Hillier, Alker, Campbell and Kobori confirmed for NZ Open

Daniel Hillier, Steve Alker, Ben Campbell and Kazuma Kobori have been confirmed as starters for next year’s New Zealand Open.

Hillier has performed well on the DP World Tour in Europe this year including a runner-up finish at the Dubai Desert Classic last January and finishing 18th on the Race to Dubai season rankings.

The Wellingtonian said: “The New Zealand Open is always a highlight of the season.

“No matter where we are in the world or how busy the schedule gets, I always make time to come home and play this event. Competing in front of a home crowd, with family and friends around, is something you just can’t replicate. Winning the New Zealand Open is a massive goal for me.”

Steven Alker has been in top form on the PGA Tour Champions in the United States.

He won twice on the seniors’ tour this year to take his winning tally to 10 on the tour for over 50-yearolds and bank more than $21 million in prize money.

The Hamiltonian said: “It’s always a privilege to come home and play in the New Zealand Open. This event means a lot to all of us who’ve represented New Zealand around the world. It would mean the world to me to lift that trophy in front of my friends and family.”

Ben Campbell, previously from Wairarapa, will be a local favourite now that he resides in Queenstown.

Campbell has come tantalisingly close to lifting the Brodie Breeze Trophy on multiple occasions.

“The New Zealand Open is the one we all want to win,” said Campbell.

“I’ve had a few really good runs at it, and I’d love nothing more than to get across the line. Millbrook Resort is my home course, and the team always delivers a world class event. Playing in front of the home crowd gives me that extra bit of drive.”

Kazuma Kobori also confirms his return after a remarkable first two seasons as a professional — winning three times in the 2024-25 season to claim the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia order of merit, and then delivering a superb rookie campaign on the DP World Tour that earned him a place at the season-ending DP World Tour Championship. Now firmly established among the world’s top 200, Kobori arrives in career-best form.

“Coming back to play the New Zealand Open is always special,” said Kobori.

“I love being home, playing in front of our supporters, and competing alongside so many of New Zea-

land’s best golfers. It’s a tournament I’ve dreamed of winning for a long time, and I can’t wait to be back at Millbrook.”

Tournament director Michael Glading said:  “We’re proud to see so many of New Zealand’s top players making their way to Queenstown for the tournament. While we are an internationally recognised event that is followed all around the world, having our best players on display — flying the flag and making their mark on the tournament’s history — is what it’s all about.”

The 105th New Zealand Open will be held at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown from February 26-March 1.

The tournament is one of New Zealand’s leading sporting events with a long and prestigious history. It was founded in 1907.

The New Zealand Open is the only national open

in world golf played in a pro-am format, is a co-sanctioned event on the PGA Tour of Australasia and Asian Tour schedules and 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.

For the second year in succession, the leading not already exempt player at the end of the New Zealand Open will earn the right to play at The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale in 2026 via The Open qualifying series.

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

Next year’s New Zealand Open looking a winner

By Neville Idour

New Zealand Open chairman John Hart is confident we are in for an outstanding 2026 event at Millbrook, near Queenstown, with a top class field.

The event will again be televised to the golf world by Sky Television and have a $2 million prize pool with the winner again securing a prized place in The Open Championship.

Hart is expecting possibly the strongest ever presence of Japanese and Asian players. Tournament director Michael Glading has been busy recently in Japan and Asia working on that. Hart also said there are discussions with LIV Golf players who would add quality to the field. However one of the most im-

portant factors will be the presence of all of New Zealand’s best with the only exception being Ryan Fox.

The last New Zealand winner was Michael Hendry in 2017 when Ben Campbell was runner-up. Campbell will be keen to go one better while Daniel Hiller and Kazuma Kobori will hope their excellent DP World Tour form will translate to a strong Millbrook performance.

The economic impact of the New Zealand Open will again be huge if the 2025 event is anything to go by. There was a huge increase in spectators of 48 per cent to 34,199. This produced $12.36 million impact for New Zealand and a huge boost of $23.34 million for Queenstown.  There were 1,114 international people and 74 per cent of spectators

came from outside the Queenstown area.

The event was televised to 90 countries and drew high praise from the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia for its results and providing a top class experience for the professionals and the amateur pro-am players.

New Zealand tourism and hospitality minister Louise Upston said: “We are proud to support world class events like this through the major events’ fund. They attract international visitors and contribute to the local and national economy, as well as strengthening our reputation on the world stage.”

John Hart had the final say.

“We are proud to have built an event that is raising the bar for sporting events

in our country and at the same time attracting high value visitors. The support we receive from our partner sponsors, international players, pro-am players and spectators is amazing.”

It has been a wonderful journey for the New Zealand Open since its rejuvenation at The Hills. The main players involved, the late Sir Michael Hill, John Hart, Michael Glading and in later years Millbrook Resort and the late Eichi Ishii have certainly been responsible for something very special on the international golfing calendar. Add to that one of the world’s leading tourist destinations.

So don’t wait. Make your travel and accommodation arrangements without delay. Be there for an iconic experience.

Ben Campbell. Photo credit: Photosport.nz.

Daniel Hillier. Photo credit: Photosport.nz.

Kazuma Kobori. Photo credit: Photosport.nz.

Steven Alker. Photo credit: Photosport.nz.

Two amazing finals at the New Zealand Amateur in Invercargill

The country’s top amateur golfers battled brutal Southland conditions and fierce competition with the 122nd New Zealand Amateur Championship at the Invercargill Golf Club last month delivering two deserving champions, Tauranga’s Mitch Kale and Pakuranga’s Chloe So, after a thrilling final day.

After two gruelling qualifying rounds played in cold, windy and rain-soaked conditions, the men’s field was whittled down to 32 and the women’s to 16. Both cut lines were decided by playoffs, the men’s  needing to be completed the following morning after heavy rain forced play to be suspended late on the Thursday. From there, the week shifted into classic knockout golf, with tension, talent, and plenty of local support carrying the players through the rounds of 32, 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and the finals.

The championship matches teed off on Sunday morning under drizzly skies

and freezing six degree centigrade temperatures, but despite the chill, the golf was a great standard all week. Kale and So both made fast starts to their respective finals, before Isaac Steel (Tieke Golf Club) and Teresa Wang (Pupuke Golf Club) fought back strongly to level the matches by the lunch break.

In the men’s final, Kale finally claimed the 122nd New Zealand Amateur Championship title, outlasting Steel in a thrilling back and forth battle that went the full 36 holes. It marks Kale’s third appearance in the New Zealand Amateur final and his first time lifting the historic trophy after coming up just short in his two previous attempts.

Said Kale: “It feels pretty good to sneak over the line this time. It was looking pretty dicey there for a while, so it’s pretty cool to get it done. Really, really satisfying, I’m definitely going to enjoy this one.”

Steel, a member of Golf New Zealand’s development squad, can take

plenty from his impressive run, navigating a tough draw that included fellow squad mates Ryan Xie and George Hodgson.

The women’s final produced one of the most gripping finishes in recent memory.

So and Wang went toe to toe through the afternoon session, with So narrowly missing a putt to win on the 36th hole. Wang calmly rolled in a five-footer to force extra holes, sending the match to a playoff 37th hole and then beyond.

After three tense playoff holes, the contest was finally decided on the 40th, where Wang’s long birdie attempt raced past the hole and her return putt slid by, leaving So to tap in for par and secure the 2025 New Zealand Women’s Amateur Championship, her first national title.

So capped a stellar run that included consecutive Charles Tour women’s amateur wins at Mount Maunganui

and Taranaki, and currently sits third on the Golf New Zealand order of merit.

Said So: “I’m feeling shocked and also quite tired — I didn’t really expect to play more than 36 holes today. I tried not to get too far ahead of myself, trusted the process, and just had a lot of fun.”

Reflecting on the week, Dave Mangan, general manager of championships and golf operations at Golf New Zealand, praised both the course and the competitors.

“It’s been a great week down south. The club and course have been amazing,’’ Mangan said.

“To think a storm ripped through here last week, you wouldn’t really know. The effort the green staff have put in has been fantastic. And the finals were so gripping, to think one went all 36 holes and the other 40 showed how tight they were. Each match could have easily gone either way.”

Mitch Kale from Tauranga poses with the trophy after winning the New Zealand Amateur in Invercargill last month in a final that went to 36 holes. Photo credit: Simon Watts (BW Media).

Chloe So from Pakuranga in Auckland with her trophy after winning the New Zealand Amateur in Invercargill last month. The final went to an incredible 40 holes. Photo credit: Simon Watts (BW Media).

There is nothing like that feeling right before heading away for a golf trip. Whether that is with a car full of lads or the family for a much-anticipated break, it’s a unique moment in time.  This year has been a special one for getting around the country to visit some incredible places and some amazing golf courses. Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton reflects on his five favourite places he visited in 2025.

Five of the best from 2025

1. Queenstown

Queenstown is Aotearoa’s must-visit destination and for good reason.  It’s a winter wonderland with our best skiing slopes and it’s famous for being an adventure tourism paradise, it’s a hotspot of bars and restaurants and boasts some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

A trip to Central Otago feels like a sojourn into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Stepping off the plane to that irrepressible view of The Remarkables mountain range, it’s like you have landed in a different country.

Walking around the shores of Lake Whakatipu on a balmy evening with a Patagonia ice cream for dessert, is living your best life.  You can take in the postcard-like-panorama out to Cecil and Walter Peaks, with street entertainers proving a background acoustic, while your kids run riot on the shore and the playground.

Queenstown has also become our mecca for golf. The annual host of the New Zealand Open, Queenstown boasts a plethora of world-class courses that people come from all over the world to experience.

Favourite course:  Jack’s Point. This design is a masterpiece on a truly breathtaking property.

Favourite hole: The par four sixth. It is an awesome short par four that is full of risk and reward. This is the best stretch of the course; from the par five fifth to the par four ninth there are uninterrupted and unbelievable views of Lake Whakatipu and clever design from John Darby to match.

Notable mention: Arrowtown Golf Club. This place is a hidden gem beneath the Crown Range. It is probably the most affordable course in the area and is a great layout, full of character.

Best place to stay: Sherwood Apartments. This place just feels like home

can you say about this place? The David Harman-designed layout is an incredible course and one of our best. It should be on everyone’s bucket list.

Favourite hole: The par five fourth. It’s a long hole that is as beautiful as it is brutal. When you reach the green there is an incredible view down to the surf breaking in the distance.

Notable mention: Waitangi Golf Club, a great club atmosphere and a stretch of holes along the coast that are great fun.

Best place to stay: Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands. Amazing location. Great rooms and a stunning view across the Paihia Harbour. The buffet breakfast is perfect for a golf trip.

Best tourism activity: Flying Kiwi Parasail, Paihia. Soaring thousands of feet in the air above the world was surreal.

3. Wellington

There is nothing like the feeling of coming home. After living in Wellington for three years there is so much about the capital that feels like we belong here.

The hustle and bustle of walking down Cuba Street with street performers as a background acoustic, running around the Wellington waterfront on a crisp and clear winter’s morning or taking in the view from the top of the Cable Car. I could go on.

There are a million parts of this city that I love, but the best thing about living here was always the people. The community in Wellington is unlike any place in Aotearoa.

and there was heaps of space for a family of five. The breakfast menu was something special.

Best tourism activity:  The TSS Earnslaw and Walter Peak Farm experience. This is an awesome day out with the family full of history, farm animals and beautiful scenery.

Best place for dinner: A tie between Winnie’s Pizza Restaurant in Queenstown – the best gourmet pizza you will eat - and the special vibe of the Postmasters Kitchen + Bar in Arrowtown.

Best free / cheap activity: Walking along the banks of the Arrowtown river in the sunshine with a Patagonia ice cream. This place is like going back in time.

2. Northland

They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result.

After experiencing the trip-of-a-lifetime to Northland last year, we decided to do it all again in the hope that history would repeat itself.  It couldn’t be just as good second time around, could it?  The short answer to that is yes. Absolutely.

A trip to the winterless north for golf never disappoints. The world-renowned Kauri Cliffs rightfully claims the headlines in this part of the world and playing here is an experience that never gets old. The championship course, the flawless conditioning and the views to die for.

But there is more on offer. We played Waitangi Golf Club and the Bay of Islands Golf Club which were both special in their own right. Waitangi is superb value for money and offers a great experience. While Bay of Islands is a cool adventure. It’s an undulating layout with tricky doglegs and slopes and it has humbled many good players. Favourite course:  Kauri Cliffs. What

Best place for dinner: The Duke in Russell – this place is a must visit for all visitors to the region. It’s one of the oldest establishments in New Zealand and it’s a memorable experience.

Best free / cheap activity: Waking up and running from our hotel in Waitangi to Paihia and back with the sun coming up. It was stunning.

It broke our hearts to leave so it’s always a special feeling stepping out onto the windswept tarmac to be back in good company and drinking great beer.   We had a midwinter break to the capital and the weather was perfect. You really can’t beat this place when the sun is out and the wind drops away. The golf venues were two of the best – Royal Wellington Golf Club and Paraparaumu Beach.

Royal Wellington will be an awesome host to the Women’s Asia-Pacific Amateur in February where the best up and coming talent from around the region

The beautiful par four 15th at Jack’s Point is a great hole. It’s only 280m off the white tees but is fraught with danger.

The beautiful par five 18th at Kauri Cliffs. It measures 458m from the white tees. Photo credit: Nick Wall/AirSwing Media.

will converge on the capital.   Paraparaumu Beach is a one of a kind. The best links course in the country that is always different every time you play it. The undulations on the fairways, the subtle slopes on the greens and the dramatic drops off on the playing surfaces, it’s a masterpiece from start to finish.

Favourite course:  Paraparaumu Beach. The 12-time New Zealand Open course is a brilliant design from Alex Russell.

Favourite hole: The par four 13th. A long and straight par four where a par is always a score to be proud of.

Notable mention: Royal Wellington Golf Club. This is the sort of course you would love to be a member at. Superb conditioning, a great test and an incredible atmosphere.

Best place to stay: QT Wellington. It’s right in the heart of the city, opposite Te Papa National Museum so you can walk around town and to dinner.  The hotel is home to New Zealand’s largest privately owned art collection and the rooms are a good size and modern.

Best tourism activity: Wellington Zoo. Our family loved getting up close and personal with the animals.

Best place for dinner: Mr Go’s in Hannah’s Laneway. Try the gua bao (steamed bun) the Kung Pao cauliflower, Taiwanese popcorn chicken, and cream cheese wontons.

Best free / cheap activity:  The hustle and bustle of Cuba Street. Make a visit to Duck Island for an ice cream, it is awesome.

4. Bay of Plenty - Pāpāmoa

It’s hard to beat Pāpāmoa for a summer holiday.  When we pulled into Tasman Holiday Parks on Pāpāmoa Beach, a hush of awe settled over everyone. Our villa sat beside a sparkling pool and spa

complex, with the ocean thundering just beyond the dunes.

Breathing in that salty air felt like instant stress relief. Pāpāmoa Beach is easily one of the country’s most stunning stretches of sand.

There are so many things to do in the region, and it is also home to some brilliant golf courses.

This is a trip that will stay with our family for a long time.

Favourite course:  Mount Maunganui Golf Club. It’s always in great condition and a good test.

Favourite hole: The par five sixth. It’s a tight driving hole. The shape of hole runs right to left then left to right and uphill to the green.

Notable mention: Ōmokoroa Golf Club – a humble and beautiful coastal course and Summerhill Golf Club, one of the best nine-hole courses going around.

Best place to stay:  Tasman Holiday Parks on Pāpāmoa Beach. It is an amazing place right next to the beach and the campground staff have plenty of activities lined up to keep the families entertained. The villas here are brand new and world class.

Best tourism activity: Big Kanu Glowworm Tour with Waimarino Kayak Tours at McLaren Falls Park. It’s an adventure into the unknown that your kids will love every minute of. Special mention of the iconic Mount Hot Pools.

Best place for dinner: Dinner at Rita’s in Mount Maunganui was magic. Detroit-style pizza done to perfection. Add truffle fries, a frosty pint of Dawn Daze IPA, and it was a special evening.

Best free / cheap activity: Walking around Mount Maunganui first thing in the morning. It is the heartbeat of the region and a beautiful spot.

attracted plenty of attention since opening in late 2021.

The Waikato well and truly delivered. For families, golfers, adventurers, or anyone chasing a memorable slice of Aotearoa – the grass really is greener here and the best thing was it is right on our doorstep.

Favourite course: Tieke Golf Estate. This place is a new addition to Waikato, and it has elevated the region to become a world-class gold destination. I can’t wait to play it again.

Favourite hole: The par four 10th. This is a great risk and reward par four, right alongside the clubhouse and entrance where you have a great chance to make birdie.

Notable mention:  Hamilton Golf Club – the host of many national tournaments over the years, it is always in superb condition.

5. Hamilton and Waikato

The grass is greener in the Waikato. Hamilton and the Waikato often get a hard time, but I don’t get it. It’s a brilliant place to live and raise kids, and it’s also a great place to visit.

We’ve done a few trips around the country, and my four days in Waikato are right up there with our best experiences in Aotearoa.

We packed the car with our three kids and far too much gear, buzzing with excitement to explore. The kids couldn’t wait for Hobbiton™ Movie Set, Hamilton Zoo, and staying in two quality hotels. They each carry a travel journal and soak up every moment.

For me, it’s a golf trip as well – with rounds at Hamilton Golf Club and the new Tieke Golf Estate.

I was intrigued by Tieke Golf Estate. It’s a brilliant championship course that has

Best place to stay:  A tie between KOSH Apartments in the city and Hidden Lake Hotel and Apartments in Cambridge.  Both offered heaps of space for the family to relax and unwind after a day of activities around the region.

Best tourism activity: Hobbiton™ Movie Set. Seeing this place with your own eyes is surreal and it is just as magical as Peter Jackson’s movies. Special mention here to Camjet. It’s an adrenaline packed and fun way to see the Waikato River.

Best place for dinner: Alpino in Cambridge. The ambience was warm and elegant, the food top-tier and there’s a lively atmosphere on a Saturday evening. It was a close call. The brunch at Hayes Common was a perfect welcome. Eggs benedict on rosti and a mango smoothie that was delicious.

Best free / cheap activity: Run / walk around the lake in Hamilton or alongside the Waikato River. Hamilton has an abundance of parks and playgrounds and walkways that are a great asset all year round.

Nga Tokotoru – the stunning fourth hole at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club. It measures 392m and it’s a good test. Photo credit: Robinson Studios.

It’s hard to beat the coastal Bay of Plenty over the summer holidays, and Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton discovered it’s also a brilliant golf destination, with the likes of Mount Maunganui, Ōmokoroa and Summerhill Estate Golf Club in Pāpāmoa all nearby.

Summer swings and salty air: A family golf trip to the Bay of Plenty

There are holidays you remember for a week, maybe a year—and then there are holidays that stay with you far longer. Our trip to Tauranga over Labour weekend last month was one of those.

It was a family golf getaway that turned into an adventure we’ll never forget, and one that confirmed what we’d long suspected: the Bay of Plenty is absolute paradise in summer.

It started with the usual family chaos — bags piled high, kids arguing over snacks and movies and my golf clubs barely fitting in the back.

But the moment we pulled into Tasman Holiday Parks on Pāpāmoa Beach, a hush of awe settled over everyone. Our villa sat beside a sparkling pool and spa complex, with the ocean thundering just beyond the dunes.

Breathing in that salty air felt like instant stress relief. Pāpāmoa Beach is easily one of the country’s most stunning stretches of sand.

The girls were fizzing over their bunk room with a smart TV, while Toby, our happy go lucky kid, just grinned at everything. Within minutes, they’d vanished to the pool — a theme that would repeat all weekend. From scavenger hunts to lolly scrambles to donkey rides and outdoor movies, the campground team do a fantastic job of keeping the experience lively.

The first lunch at The Island set the tone. The kids ran riot in the playground before devouring fish and chips and Coke Spiders, while my wife and I savoured chicken burgers and a couple of Dawn Daze Hazy IPAs brewed on site.

Sunshine, cold beer and good food— it was the perfect start.

Summerhill Estate — golf with a view

It’s always good to get straight into the action. Toby and I headed for the golf course, while the girls hit the shops. Our first round was at Summerhill Estate Golf Course, tucked in the

rolling hills above Pāpāmoa.

I have great memories of learning the game with my old man around 40 years ago on beach holidays. It’s nice to have my boy Toby with me to help drive the cart and have a few swings and putts. You never know where this moment will lead. I hope he will grow to love the game like I do.

Irish professional Padraig Harrington once said: “If you want to teach your kids to play golf, take them somewhere relaxed.” Summerhill fits that perfectly. Wide open spaces, rural charm and sea views that make every tee box feel like a lookout.

The course, established over 30 years ago and lovingly developed by the Procter family, has that blend of quality and accessibility that’s rare.

It’s New Zealand affiliated but unpretentious — a course that welcomes all comers. Tonia Procter greeted us with genuine warmth, setting the tone for what golf should always feel like.

The layout is deceptively tricky, with undulating fairways and narrow greens that can humble even a single-figure player.

The condition of the course was superb, and the holes flowed naturally across the land. The par five eighth

hole, sweeping down and then uphill with the bay in the distance, makes you pause for a moment.

I chipped in on the ninth and we toasted our round with a beer and lemonade in the rustic clubhouse. If I lived in the bay, I’d be here every week.

Dinner that evening was at The Yard, a lively cluster of food trucks in Pāpāmoa. It has a special vibe.

Acoustic tunes, kids playing cornhole and the smell of curry drifting through the air — it was classic Kiwi summer. We tucked into spicy red duck curry while the kids demolished a plate of dumplings with churros for dessert.

Life was good.

Day two: Family time around the mount

Day two dawned crisp and clear — perfect weather for exploring the region.   We started with a walk around Mount Maunganui, with a coffee in hand.

Even at 9am the boulevard was alive with joggers and families starting the weekend the right way. The mount isn’t just an icon; it’s the beating heart of the bay, rich with Māori history that locals are proud to share.

Breakfast at Beach Hut Café was a

Magical spot. Tasman Holiday Parks on Pāpāmoa Beach has to be one of the best campgrounds in the country.

A stunning view of the Summerhill Estate golf course in Pāpāmoa. Photo credit Jereme Aubertin-Summerhill.

hit. The kids were quiet when their plate of waffles arrived while I tackled a perfect eggs benedict, yolk spilling over crisp hash sticks, chased with a tropical smoothie. It was simple pleasures, done right.

Next up was a scenic cruise with Kewpie Cruises around Tauranga Harbour. Sun on our faces, sea breeze in our hair (the kids always remind me I don’t have any hair), and a skipper full of stories — shipwrecks, legends and local characters.

The kids leaned over the rails hoping for dolphins -- no luck on this occasion, but they loved getting up on the bow and seeing the captain steer the ship. It’s a cool family experience and always nice to be out on the water.

Back on shore, Copenhagen Cones was calling our name. The queue snaked out the door — which is always a good sign — and the scoops were as big as the kids’ heads.

We crossed the road to take in the Mount Hot Pools, tucked at the base of the maunga.

My wife’s family have been coming here since she was a kid, so the nostalgia hit hard. The geothermally heated salt water worked wonders after golf and our morning walk, though Toby barely paused long enough to notice — he must’ve gone down the kids’ slide a hundred times.

That evening, dinner at Rita’s was my favourite meal of the trip.

Detroit-style pizza done to perfection — crispy, cheesy and just great food. The kids shared a classic cheese, while we could not have been happier with our

BBQ Chicken version topped with fried chicken, pickled onion, chives, sesame seeds, and covered in BBQ sauce.

Add truffle fries, a frosty pint of Dawn Daze IPA, and the hum of summer chatter around us — it was a magic evening.  We got out just in time to get the kids home to bed.

Day three – Mount Maunganui Golf Club

Our second round of golf took us to the storied Mount Maunganui Golf Club.

For me, this place carries some history. Back in my Golf New Zealand days, I helped run the New Zealand Amateur here — one of the most memorable tournaments was when sisters Munchin and Wenyung Keh faced off in the final.

Two siblings, battling it out for the national title. Munchin won on the 36th hole, and it is a moment that is unlikely to ever happen again.

The course remains one of the best-run in the country. I know the manager Michael Williams, from his Manawatu Golf Club days and he’s doing a great job here.

The mount hums with life, and its new Dunes Driving Range and sprawling putting green are world-class additions. It’s little wonder why it’s such a popular stop on the Golf New Zealand’s Charles Tour. I joined three locals on the tee — all single-figure players and they could not have been better company. They welcomed me in, full of banter and encouragement. That’s the thing about golf — it has a great ability to bring people togeth-

er to share the love of the game.

The mount course is pure joy to play. Manicured fairways, tight greens and Mauao itself looming as a landmark in the background. Even though the course had been recently cored in preparation for the summer rush, it was still in fantastic shape.

The par four seventh and par four 16th were both great holes (stroke two and one respectively) — both tough, strategic holes where a par is a good score every day.  The par threes demand precision; miss long or

short and you’ll be scrambling.

You can see how tough this place would be when the greens are running firm and fast.  If you’re looking for a great place for a hit this summer holiday in the Bay of Plenty, then you have to experience the mount for yourself.

After the round, I ducked into Yuki Sushi, a bustling little spot in Mount Maunganui perfect for refuelling. Trays of fresh sushi rolled past as locals popped in for lunch. Nothing fancy, just delicious food.

The Mount Maunganui clubhouse with Mount Maunganui, officially known by its Māori name Mauao, in the background.

GOLF NEWS

Smallgusta Miniature Golf

After two serious rounds, it was time for some family golf—Smallgusta Mini Golf. Toby was in his element: mini putt and ice cream, his two loves. And the girls had many holes to celebrate.

The mini golf course Smallgusta is a play on the famed name of Augusta National and is New Zealand’s first 1:10 scale course. It has become a destination with the Ōropi Hot Pools, licensed café and you can even stay on site in the four-bedroom house. It would be a super fun break with some good

view Takeaways — fresh snapper, golden and crisp, the kind of meal that just belongs at the beach.

Then came something special: the Big Kanu Glowworm Tour with Waimarino Kayak Tours at McLaren Falls Park. This would become the kids’ most treasured memory from our trip.

It was late in the day, but we were determined to push through for this experience.

We got a little lost getting there, but as the sun set over the calm lake, it felt like the world slowed down. Tiffany, our guide, was warm and welcoming to our tired kids which made a huge difference.

We paddled quietly into the dusk, the kids taking it all in.  Then came the moment that silenced everyone — glowworms lighting up the canyon walls like constellations.

mates.

Legend has it that former top New Zealand professional golfer Phil Tataurangi holds the course record at seven-under for nine holes — a target that would take some beating.

That night, back at our villa, we tucked into fish and chips from Ocean-

Reflected in the still water, it felt as though we were floating between two galaxies. Māori stories of the glowworms added to the magic, and we could have stayed there for an age. It was too much excitement for Toby who fell asleep right there in the boat.

By the time we drove home, two of our three kids were fully asleep within minutes. It had been a day to remember.

The mini golf course ‘Smallgusta’ is a play on the famed name of Augusta National and is New Zealand’s first 1 to 10 scale course.

Day four: Ōmokoroa — A hidden gem by the sea

Our final stop was the Omokoroa Golf Club, and what a gem it turned out to be.

Tucked along the edge of Tauranga Harbour, it’s down-to-earth, scenic and full of local pride.

Hidden gem is an overused term in these sorts of stories, but this place is well deserving of its reputation as a place you have to experience.

I met a lovely chap in the pro shop who was known by everyone. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday and was still playing regularly off a 17 handicap. Remarkable.

There are about 400 golf courses in Aotearoa, and I’ve played around 100 of them and I am excited to add Ōmokoroa to the list.

The course winds through native bush and beside the water, offering postcard views on every other hole.

I teed off early with an old mate, Mark Webb, a former Golf New Zealand colleague and all-round good guy. We hadn’t played together in years, and this round reminded me why golf is special — it reconnects you with great mates or as Mark says it gives you time “to enjoy the space between the shots”.

From the blue tees, the course measures 5804 metres, with variety and challenge throughout.

The par four third is the hardest — trees left, water right and it will punish any shots that are wayward.

The par three fourth plays shorter but demands accuracy, while the 11th, 169 metres to a two-tiered green flanked by bunkers, is another good test.

There are some really cool holes

around the Ōmokoroa Harbour – the seventh and eighth are both tight and a great test in the windy conditions. Local pro Kieran Muir helped redesign the green at the eighth into a two-tier special, and Black Cap cricketer Trent Boult lives locally and loves his home course. Mark, despite not playing in six months,

cruised to an 82, chipping in for birdie on No 10. I scrambled for par on the last to sign for a 90 and it had been a great day with an old mate.

We wrapped up with coffee and cheese scones at The Caddy Shack, swapping stories while Katie and the kids arrived ready for the drive home.

The club is in a transition phase with a new clubhouse under construction, but the atmosphere is unbeatable: relaxed, welcoming, and full of local spirit. A perfect way to wrap up our Bay of Plenty golf tour.

The final morning

It was hard to pack up and leave Pāpāmoa. We came down with some high hopes for golf and family activities and it exceeded all expectations. We found so much more: a place that blends nature, adventure, family and leisure into a holiday that is both diverse and beautiful. This was a trip for the books. For my wife it was a walk down memory lane and it was more than that. It was our family forging our own memories and creating another special chapter in our story.  We’ll be back. The mount isn’t just a destination anymore. It’s a summer paradise that we fell in love with – our kids are already asking if we can go back there every year.

A special thanks to Carole Peters, the marketing executive at Tourism Bay of Plenty, for her help in coordinating this story.

Paddling at sunset. The Big Kanu Glowworm Tour with Waimarino Kayak Tours at McLaren Falls Park is a special experience.

Mark Webb has been the regional manager for Bay of Plenty Golf for Golf New Zealand for the past 12 years. The local is proud of what his region offers and loves making a difference to his golf community. It’s a challenging but rewarding role. Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton sat down with Mark for a chat about his role, his background and what makes the Bay of Plenty a special destination for a golf trip.

“Remember to cherish the space between the shots”

You are the regional manager for Bay of Plenty (and now Manawatu-Wanganui and Tairawhiti) with Golf New Zealand, what does your role involve?

My role is to support clubs, facilities and stakeholders –which means working with club managers, boards and committees with topics like

governance, constitutions, policies and procedures, succession planning, recruitment, health and safety, retention, marketing and promotion, wellbeing and usually not anything to actually do with the game.

What do you love about your role? What are some of the challenges?

The people I work with, from

the paid staff through to the many volunteers who willingly give up their time to manage and support the game. It always amazes me in New Zealand sport just how generous people are with their time to support sports like golf to help others have opportunities and build their club. The challenge is often a small number of people that these people work with – the time and energy taken up dealing with the negativity. A recent conference speaker highlighted the need to manage for the majority, the happy.

What is your background and how do those skills help you in this role?

I have a varied background with starting as a policeman a while back – think the 1981 Springbok tour, the Rainbow Warrior and the Queen Street riot then I went into sales and management and the last 20 plus years have been spent in sport, initially cricket with Bay of Plenty Cricket with three cricket coaching stints overseas and Golf New Zealand for the last 12 years. I believe you are uniquely prepared for the role you are in now with each previous experience adding to your skills.

Where do you play golf, handicap and what do you love about the game?

At present I am not getting the opportunity to play as much as I would like to due to

other commitments, I know people think that working in golf all you do is play.

My handicap is 14. I had to look that up and my last round was April – I love the space between the shots enjoying the environment and the company and the golf will do what the golf will do. I have fond memories of a five-hour round of golf where the opportunity to sit on a chair, look at the view and chat with a mate at each hole was the highlight.

What makes the Bay of Plenty a special destination for golf?

The variety and, in a large number of cases, the ease of access to our courses, we can access boutique nine-hole courses with everything in between right through to the Wairakei and Kinloch experiences.

You are usually no more than one-two hours away from a course that would love to show you what they offer. Be brave and pick a course, any course and experience their uniqueness it may be the course, the environment or the people you won’t be disappointed.

What are your top five courses and your favourite holes at each?

You are really backing me into a corner here – with a total of 29 course experiences available I could easily find a case for all of them. However,

if you must:

1. Ohope Beach Golf Links –not a hole but the view from the fourth tee.

2. Wairakei Golf & Sanctuary –the wildlife.

3. Summerhill Estate Golf Course – the par five eighth and the views from the green.

4. Tauranga Golf Club – the view from our office overlooking the first tee, the coffee from the café.

5. Mount Maunganui Golf Club – the 18 holes on their new amazing practice green. To the other 24 courses, I apologise – love you all. What makes it a special place for a golf trip with attractions off the course?

The Bay is easy to get around, there are plenty of accommodation offerings across the whole district and a wide variety of hospitality to suit all. But importantly in winter there is no need to tuck your pants into your socks because most courses drain well and are dry underfoot.

What advice do you have for an 18-handicapper taking on the courses in the Bay?

Enjoy the company and the scenery. Let the golf do what it does, remember the good shots and don’t just dwell on the not so good ones and remember to cherish the space between the shots.

Bay of Plenty Golf regional manager Mark Webb at Ohope Beach Links.

LIV Golf expanding to 72 holes

LIV Golf has announced that beginning in 2026, all events will be played over 72 holes, “marking the next chapter of LIV Golf’s mission to grow and celebrate the sport for a new era of players and fans around the world”.

Since its inception, LIV Golf events have featured a three-day 54-hole competition, playing the majority of events from Friday through Sunday. In 2026, all events will be played over four days, generally beginning on Thursday of event weeks (Wednesday, February 4 for LIV Golf Riyadh).

The same team and individual competition format will remain core to the LIV Golf league.

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil said: “As we enter our fourth season as a league, the move to 72 holes marks a pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our league, challenges our elite field of players and delivers more of the world class golf, energy, innovation and access that our global audience wants.

“We’re seeing upward momentum and traction from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis, and that heightened in-

terest opens the door to add another day of golf while benefiting our fans, players, marketing partners and our global media partners.

“The most successful leagues around the world – IPL (Indian Premier League, cricket), EPL (English Premier League, soccer), NBA (National Basketball Association, North America), MLB (Major League Baseball, North America), NFL (National Football League, United States) – continue to innovate and evolve their product, and as an emerging league, we are no different.

“LIV Golf will always have an eye towards progress that acts in the best interest of LIV Golf and in the best interest of the sport.”

For each regular season event, the individual competition will be decided over 72 holes of strokeplay, while the team competition will continue to run concurrently, with each team’s cumulative individual strokeplay scores determining the team’s result.

Central to LIV Golf’s identity and offering, the shotgun starts remain, ensuring the condensed, faster-paced event experience. The format for the season-ending

team championship will be announced at a later date.

LIV Golf player Jon Rahm said: “This is a win for the league, and the players. LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and we want every opportunity to compete at the highest level and to perfect our craft. Moving to 72 holes is the logical next step that strengthens the competition, tests us more fully and if the growing galleries from last season are any indication, delivers more of what the fans want.”

Another player Bryson DeChambeau said: “Everyone wants to see the best players in the world competing against each other, especially in the majors, and for the good of the game, we need a path forward. By moving to 72 holes, LIV Golf is taking a proactive step to align with the historic format recognised globally. This is a fantastic evolution of the LIV Golf product, showing how our league listens and adapts to create the best possible experience.”

Dustin Johnson, another player, added: “I think it’s a great move for the league and I’m excited for it. Playing 72 holes just feels a little more like the big tour-

naments we’ve all grown up playing. I’ve always liked the grind of four rounds – it gives the best players a chance to rise to the top. LIV Golf has been a great experience from the start, and I think this makes it even better for the fans and for us out there competing.”

Thursdays will deliver the same fan experience which has become synonymous to LIV Golf events: a presentation of golf, entertainment and culture. Music, family-friendly fan zones, local food and beverage offerings will be present throughout each day. Live concerts remain central to LIV Golf’s DNA and select events will feature additional live performances on Thursdays.

In 2026, LIV Golf’s global schedule expands to 10 countries across five continents, with 11 of the league’s 14 events already announced. With events already staged in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America – and now extending to Africa – the league continues to deliver on its mission to bring elite competition and world class fan experiences to audiences around the globe.

PGA Tour should fear LIV Golf

By Neville Idour

LIV Golf won’t survive. It won’t gain any traction against the established PGA Tour.”

Such were some of the many predictions when LIV Golf first reared its head.

Where are those predictions today?

Recent announcements of changes by LIV Golf for the 2026 season would indicate LIV is here to not only stay but become a real threat to the dominance of the PGA Tour.

Let’s face it, there are many in the golf industry who would love that. The change to a 72-hole format for 2026 is a huge step to recognition from the official world golf rankings  to give LIV Golf players deserved world ranking points.

If they do receive this, certain players are more likely to join LIV golf. Xander Schaufelle is an excellent example as his father has claimed that the main reason his son didn’t join LIV was because of the lack of world ranking points.

Liv Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil said: “We are seeing upward momentum from Hong Kong to Adelaide to Indianapolis and that heightened interest opens the door to add another day of golf.

“This marks a  pivotal new chapter for LIV Golf that strengthens our league and challenges our elite field of players.”

The team competition will remain unaltered. Shotgun starts will remain. However further changes are expected to

their format ahead of the 2026 season.

So what do the players think of the move? Jon Rahm who has always proposed it said: “This is a win for the league and the players. LIV Golf is a player’s league. We are competitors to the core and moving to 72 holes is the next logical step to test us more fully. The growing galleries from last season probably indicate this is what the fans want.”

Bryson DeChambeau added: “Everyone wants to see the best players competing against each other, especially in the majors, for the good of the game. This shows how LIV Golf listens and adapts. This is a fantastic move.”

Joaquin Niemann said: “Moving to 72 holes means more competition which is what we want. I’m excited for it.”

Said Dustin Johnson: “It’s a great move. I’ve always liked the grind of four rounds –it gives the best players a chance to rise to the top. LIV Golf has been a great experience from the start and I think this makes it even better for the fans and for us.”

The 2025 season was the best yet with record attendances, partnership revenues and television audiences. The global audience reached new highs with nearly 90 per cent year over year growth since the partnership with Fox Sports. This lifted live viewership in the USA alongside global broadcast reach to almost 900 million households across more than 200 countries.

It is interesting to go back to 2022 and an interview Greg Norman had with the newspaper New York Post. Norman highlighted how the PGA Tour made a fatal mistake which opened the door for LIV to flourish.

“We will immediately focus on a market the PGA Tour has ignored. They are not playing regularly in New York, New Jersey, Chicago or Boston which is insane. So we wanted to make sure that we brought our product to this market.”

Some of the best old traditional golf courses are situated in the north east of the United States and neglecting that area was “criminal” according to one source. So Norman led the move to hold events in Chicago, New Jersey and Boston in the last few years.

Another factor playing in LIV’s favour is their relationship with the burgeoning influence of the Asian Tour which is flexing its muscles on the international scene.

Asian Tour chief executive Cho Minn Thant is now a key influencer in men’s professional golf. He has been involved in the launching of the International Series which features nine events on the Asian Tour yearly schedule. The Asian Tour is halfway through a 10 year deal with Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund the Public Investment Fund which was funding the International Series initially when there was not a lot of local sponsorship. They have title sponsors and present-

ing sponsors now. The Asian Tour would ideally like the balance to be one third International Series and two thirds regu lar events. The earning power of players has improved since pre-covid times. Six tieth on the order of merit used to earn $US55,000. Now it is $US115,000. Two players from the International Series rankings now earn a place on LIV Golf.

Surviving covid was difficult. Thant said: “We did have to make a change. Either work with the DP World Tour and the PGA Tour more closely for their support, or do something com pletely new and work with PIF. I’m glad we made the right choice and I think the players truly agree with us.

So it can only be healthy for the In ternational golf scene to have another strong player, the Asian Tour making it’s presence felt along with LIV Golf. Much as it will stick in the craw of Greg Norman’s many detractors (some might read haters), his vision for an in ternational golf tour and LIV Golf could play out just as he planned in the next few years. Especially if they succeed in gaining world ranking points which is looking increasingly likely.

Whatever the outcomes and while he may no longer be LIV Golf chief exec utive, Norman will always be remem bered as the driving force to establish the fledgling LIV Golf Tour. We live in interesting times for golf.

Preventing handicap manipulation: Is there an answer?

By Neville Idour

Who hasn’t played in a four person ambrose competition, thought their four had played well and scored stableford points in the low 60s, only to find they aren’t within a bull’s roar of winning, as the winners have scored 56 followed closely by several others?

All sorts of ramifications can come into play apart from all four playing above their ability.

It is so easy for a player or players to bloat their handicaps by three or four shots in the weeks leading into an event with a few ``poor’’ casual rounds. So it really piqued my interest reading two diverse opinions by two writers for British magazine Golf

Monthly.

One writer said: “You can’t manipulate your handicap if you put in a card every round.” I disagree.

The other writer opined: “Handicaps should be decided in competition circumstances.” I agree.

It is fascinating to consider the two sets of reasonings. The first one says it is the fairest and most accurate way to see the true ability level of a player. The other says we should get rid of general play or casual rounds because there is too much uncertainty. The way you play non competition rounds is not the same as you play in competition club day, medal, tournament or stableford rounds.

I have always maintained only vari-

ous competition rounds should count for a handicap. It is simple logic because in competition we all are giving of our best in considering or playing each shot. Conversely in social golf with mates you may play gimmes, try miracle shots you would never experiment with in competition and just enjoy a fun day, without the high concentration level of competition.

So eliminating the casual 18-hole bash with your mates will result in a more genuine handicap. I have personally always felt that only competition rounds should count for a handicap once said handicap has been established. This would certainly go a long way to eliminating manipulation and burglars. Higher handicappers are

obviously favoured by the current system as their scores can wildly fluctuate. A player on a 30 handicap can still be capable of the occasional excellent round playing to the level of an 18 or 20 handicapper. Conversely they can also have blowouts where they might shoot like a 40 handicapper.

So to eliminate the wild fluctuations a handicap should be based on say the best three of the last 10 rounds or the best five of the last 20 rounds. This would certainly make for more even playing fields and go a long way to eliminating any ‘criminal’ activity.

If any readers have any other suggestions send your thoughts to golferpacific.co.nz

The enigma that is Patrick

By Neville Idour

Captain America, as he is known from his Ryder Cup success, Patrick Reed has been a polarising figure on the golf scene for much of his career.

Reed has been a scapegoat for some time and a target especially from Europeans with cheating allegations and his playing the villain at the Ryder Cup, much to their angst.

However, maybe it is time to give him some kudos for his positive contribution to the world golf scene. I can well remember when he first appeared on the PGA Tour as a young player with a petite wife caddying for him. It was quite incongruous to watch this small yet happy looking woman labouring alongside her husband with this huge golf bag over her slight frame. It looked like a poignant labour of love.

Reed has been front page news again recently with the Ryder Cup because of his absence from the team.

United States captain Keegan Bradley did not see fit to include Reed as a captain’s pick and while we will never know, many felt that may well have been the difference in the USA’s loss.

Of course, Reed himself watching on from afar, said he felt he could have played a part for the team — and why not?

He is a proven winner and performer at the Ryder Cup. His experience and ability would have been invaluable. So his non selection by Bradley came back and bit the USA on their backside.

However Reed’s comments on the Ryder Cup were almost entirely directed at the fiasco caused by the unruly fans.

“The way the fans acted in New York was uncalled for,’’ Reed said.

“It’s embarrassing as an American. You don’t do that. You don’t act that way and say those things. It’s supposed to be a gentleman’s game. It’s just appalling.

“As a dad it’s a lot harder. I feel that the world we live in these days has these negative attitudes, always try-

ing to bring people down and attack people rather than build everyone up. It’s confusing to me why.

“So for me, talking to my kiddos, it’s hey look at the positives.  If we are living and doing things the right way, that’s all you can do. I feel people need to take a hard look in the mirror and take a step back. The number of suicides, mental health issues and things like that from all the verbal abuse, social media and in person are so uncalled for.”

Reed’s words certainly struck a cord. He felt people need to be accountable and to hold other people to be more accountable. He intimated that he is affected by the barbs directed at him and his family who he felt don’t deserve it. It’s like Reed has been permanently written off. The media rarely report on Reed positively.

“They say a lot of stuff, it’s all false” Reed said about the cheating rumours.

“I would happily deal with them personally. It crosses the line when they affect my family.”

Whatever he has or hasn’t done Reed said the treatment has even affected his children.

“My kids have been bullied at school, which is uncalled for. Why bring them into it? It’s no fun dealing with that stuff. Thankfully I have an amazing support team and family.

“The kind of person I am on and off the golf course has not been portrayed very well in the media throughout my career. All you can do is do everything the right way, living the right way. Everyone I play with in pro-ams and people I meet say you are nothing like what the media portrays you as.”

Because of these interactions and as long as they continue he remains hopeful that at some point it will turn around.

On a more positive note is Reed’s role as a genuine global golfer and loyal supporter of the DP World Tour and this year the Asian Tour. He has certainly set a lead for his fellow Americans who stay cocooned on the PGA Tour and rarely venture outside

Reed

it. For them there is no need with all the money available.

Reed is satisfying the expectations of many golf fans who want to see quality international fields. He has been a supporter of the DP World Tour for some years and this year is no exception. The Asian Tour has benefitted this year as well with three appearances. As of early November, Reed had played in 31 events around the world, including his LIV schedule. By season end he will have played 10 times on the DP World Tour.

As for LIV, Reed is happy there.

“I really enjoy being on LIV. It’s a great place to play and an awesome format. I love the team aspect. My whole dream has always been to be a worldwide player and to grow the game worldwide. To do that you have to play worldwide.”

He has made it clear he will continue committing to playing on the DP World Tour.

“I’m still a full member and an honorary lifetime member. I talked to them when I joined LIV and they were in full support of me coming and playing, even when I was on the PGA Tour. The cool thing is the friendly banter and the football chants. Some of them are so funny and witty. Hopefully we can figure it out between all the tours because the fans want all the top players playing together.”

Interestingly both Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player are admirers of Reed and his golfing ability stemming back to his Masters win in 2018. Player has huge respect for Reed saying: “I thought that Reed showed tremendous courage throughout the week.’’

Meanwhile, Nicklaus said: “He’s a good player and every time I have met him he’s had nothing but a smile on his face, a good firm handshake and a pleasant thing to say. So I’ll judge him on what I’ve seen.”

Perhaps it is time for the media and fans to take Reed as he is, captain America, a true competitor on the golf course, rather than harbour preconceived thoughts from the past.

Lorena Ochoa becomes honorary member of The R&A Golf Club

GOLF NEWS

Lorena Ochoa has accepted an invitation to become an honorary member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in Scotland.

Ochoa, a World Golf hall of fame member inducted in 2017, has been recognised for her outstanding playing career and contribution to the sport since her retirement.

Widely regarded as the greatest Mexican player of all time and one of the most talented players ever to grace the women’s professional game, Ochoa claimed two major championship titles and 27 LPGA victories in a decorated career.

She won her first major championship at St Andrews in 2007 at the age of 25 by triumphing in the Women’s Open, the first time the championship was held at the home of golf.

Amazingly, the Guadalajara-born player had recorded 11 top 10s in her previous 14 major championship appearances, including two runner-up finishes, before breaking through at St Andrews. Ochoa opened with a 67 and led the championship wire-to-wire from the ninth hole of her opening round to eventually win by four strokes.

Ochoa recorded a remarkable 21 wins between 2006 and 2008, including a second major title at The Chevron Championship in the United States in 2008. The former University of Arizona student held the world number one

spot for just over three years consecutively from 2007 to 2010, a LPGA Tour record of 158 weeks. She was the first Mexican golfer of any gender to hold the number one ranking.

“It is a privilege to be made an honorary member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews,” said Ochoa, 44, who this week attended the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship at PGA Riviera Maya in Mexico in support of the region’s talent.

“St Andrews holds a special place in my

heart after my victory there in 2007 and I am proud to now join an esteemed group of honorary members at a club which holds so much history and prestige.

“I loved my time playing at the top level and continue to enjoy promoting golf so more people can enjoy this wonderful sport.”

Ochoa announced her early retirement from the sport at the age of 28 in 2010 to focus on family and her new charity foundation while still holding the world number one spot.

The Lorena Ochoa Golf Foundation aims to impart life lessons about education and family values. The foundation helps 29 schools in 12 different states in Mexico and in 2024 a total of 13,000 children were assisted by offering them scholarships to provide each with a better future.

Dennis Watson, the captain of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, said: “I would like to congratulate Lorena on becoming an honorary member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

“Lorena enjoyed a wonderful career, winning two major championships and reaching world number one, and I’m sure her achievements on the course were an inspiration to many players. Lorena has since made great strides off the course through the work of her foundation, encouraging more people into golf from different backgrounds.

“We welcome Lorena into our membership and look forward to seeing her in St Andrews in the future, a venue where she so famously won in 2007.”

Other honorary members of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews include: Dame Laura Davies, Ernie Els, Sir Nick Faldo, Pádraig Harrington, Sandy Lyle, Catriona Matthew, Rory McIlroy, Jack Nicklaus, Renee Powell, Belle Robertson, Annika Sörenstam, Tom Watson, Karrie Webb and Tiger Woods.

Lorena Ochoa pictured with Mexican players (from left to right) Paloma Ibarra, Susana Olivares, Maria Garcia and Regina Roldan Arista at PGA Riviera Maya in Mexico ahead of the fifth staging of the Women’s Amateur Latin America championship. Photo credit: The R&A.

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World news in brief

By Neville Idour

Team wants Luke Donald for 2027 Ryder Cup

Tommy Fleetwood has made it clear that all of this year’s winning Ryder Cup team want Luke Donald to remain as captain for the 2027 edition of the cup.

Fleetwood said: “He’s been an unbelievable captain and leader. Watching how Luke, a very close friend, has grown as a leader from captain in Rome (2023) to the leader he is now is amazing. I feel the story has still got a little bit to go. But it’s completely his choice.

“I think we were unbelievably well prepared for Bethpage Black (in New York). We were confident as a team.”

Having won with Donald as captain in Rome and New York it is hardly surprising that the team want him to stay on.

Fleetwood added: “I felt that Saturday evening at the course (at Bethpage) was the most special atmosphere I have ever seen.’’

McKibbin’s LIV move the right one, says McGinley European Ryder Cup legend Paul McGinley says rising star Tom McKibbin has made the right career choice moving to LIV Golf. McGinley believes LIV Golf now provides a better opportunity

for young players to progress.

“I think going to LIV has benefitted his career because he’s playing more regularly with better players. Always important for a young player’s progress.

“He is also fortunate to be in a team with Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton to help him. Not being banned he will be able to play many DP World Tour events in addition to the LIV schedule. So he is playing as much golf as he would have staying on the PGA Tour.

“It certainly would not surprise if other up and coming European players follow in his footsteps this (northern hemisphere) winter.’’

DeChambeau compares rollback ball

Significant differences in distance were the result of Bryson DeChambeau’s drives with his current golf ball and the so-called rollback ball.

The rollback ball refers to the proposed rule change in golf that will limit how far golf balls can be hit, particularly for professional and elite players.

With the rollback ball, DChambeau  smoked it 315 yards carry at ball speed of 187 mph with his driver.

With his current ball he hit his driver a little skinny and it carried 331 yards with a ball speed of 192 mph.

DeChambeau said: “Were they saying

it would be 10/11 yard difference? Nah, it’s 15/20. If I had hit that one good it is probably 25. I don’t like it.”

On the other hand Rory McIlroy firmly believes that the golf ball rollback will be positive for the game.

“I don’t understand the anger about it. It will make no difference to the average golfer. It will put golf back on a path of sustainability and bring back certain skills in the pro game that have been lost in the last two decades.”

Add to this the fact some of the great old traditional courses were becoming obsolete because of the distances players are hitting the ball and you have a strong argument for the rollback ball.

Lexi Thompson honoured with Dow Award

The LPGA and sponsor Dow were proud to honour Lexi Thompson with the inaugural Dow Impact Award. She was the winner from a strong group which included sisters Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, Jennifer Kupcho, Gaby Lopez and Rose Zhang all prominent in philanthropic activities.

The award recognises the gold standard in professional sports for athletes who don’t just excell at their sport but also make extraordinary contributions to their communities.

Thompson is a more than worthy recipient fulfilling every aim of the

award. Thompson’s vast charitable work impacts young female golfers and veterans and supports breast cancer research through the Lexi Thompson Foundation.

Greg Norman: “I’d do it again”

Greg Norman recently opened up to Brad Clifton from Golf Digest on the abuse his players and he himself had to cop on LIV Golf.

First he said he “enjoyed his time on LIV” but it was hard and very draining and he was working 100 hour weeks.

Throughout his time as chief executive, Norman regularly defended the players that joined LIV, labelling the abuse as disgusting. What hurt him the most was the lack of understanding of why people would judge him and give him the abuse they did.

“I will happily sit down and talk about things. If I’m wrong I’ll admit it. But don’t judge me or what LIV is truly about.”

Some of the players reached out to Norman with appreciation. He mentioned in particular Phil Mickelson, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood.

So what is Norman up to now? He is working with the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games organising committee. In his new role he reiterated that if he was asked to do the LIV Golf thing again,

he’d do it “in a heartbeat.” But “I’d do it a little differently.”

LPGA’s landmark deal with Golf Saudi

A landmark deal for the LPGA with Golf Saudi will see the launch of a brand new tournament. Shadow Creek Golf Club in Las Vegas will host the Aramco Championship from March 30-April 5. It will be co- sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour (LET). It will be part of the LET’s five event PIF Global Series featuring 120 players and $US4 million prize money. This will make it the third highest non major championship purse for 2026. This will be the first LPGA event backed by the PIF (Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia) although LET has worked with Golf Saudi for several years. LPGA commissioner Craig Kessler said this will fit nicely into building the global schedule for the tour. It is a spectacular west coast setting in the United States and an iconic course. One has to ponder if there is a LIV Golf tour for women in the wind.

PGA Tour on the punishment trail again

PGA Tour players who want to play in the LIV Golf Promotions event in Florida from January 8-11, 2026, may face punishment despite there being no PGA Tour event that week. This qualifying school event was previously held in the middle

east of the United States in December. This will be the first in the USA.

The PGA has labelled LIV Promotions an “unauthorised event” due to LIV’s decision to hold the 72-hole event in Florida. Per the tour rules, players cannot be given release to play a conflicting event in the USA. This means sanctioning for any PGA Tour, Korn Ferry Tour or Champions Tour players who opt to play in the LIV qualifier. Two places will be up for grabs this year and $US1.5 million will be on the line.

…  but not the DP World Tour

Unlike the PGA Tour, the DP World Tour is unlikely to sanction any players who play in the LIV Promotions event. The DP World Tour spokesperson confirmed to Scottish golf magazine bunkered.co.uk that as long as there is no tournament clash, members will not be required to apply for a release to play the LIV event.

Any player who has won on the DP World Tour in 2024 and 2025 automatically qualifies for stage two of Promotions, as are the leading 10 available players from within the top 30 of the DP World Tour rankings.

Ryder Cup players from 2021 and 2025 can also go straight to stage two. It is illuminating that despite both tours being in the same position it is the DP World Tour that has adopted an inclusive approach.

This wise course can only have the benefits of stronger fields for some events on the tour, as has been the case.

Fleetwood:”Rather win The Open over the Masters’’ Winning a green jacket at Augusta is considered by many as the top golf achievement.

Not so for popular Englishman Tommy Fleetwood. Asked whether he would prefer to win The Open or The Masters his reply was unequivocal: “The Open. It’s not even close. The Masters would be second. The Open is amazing.

“I would rather win at Royal Birkdale than St Andrews as it’s my home course. But I won’t be picky.”

Well he is going to get that opportunity in 2026 as The Open goes to Birkdale for the 11th time.

LIV

Golf Adelaide world’s best again

For the third year in a row, LIV Golf Adelaide has once again been named the world’s best golf event, according to World Golf Awards, which is based on votes from golf professionals, media, and the public.

This highlights LIV Golf’s standing as a world class event experience and this tournament’s international impact, not to forget South Australia’s growing reputation for world class sport and entertainment.

In 2025 LIV Golf Adelaide welcomed another record breaking 102,000 fans. The Adelaide event is redefining how professional golf events are held and experienced and also providing a lead for other live events according to Ross Hallett, LIV’s executive vice president and head of events.

American golf fans support Reed

Following Patrick Reed’s expressions of disgust at the behaviour of unruly fans at the Ryder Cup many American golf fans have come out in united support of Reed.

Comments covered the full spectrum. Such as “On both counts he is 100 per cent correct.”

“Embarrassed to be an American that weekend. It’s not a New York problem. It’s the entire country’s problem, full of brainless ………! Immaturity through the roof.”

“We embarrassed ourselves as Americans. The US team members should have strongly admonished the crowds but they didn’t. I’m unsure the cup will ever be the same again.”

“It’s a black eye for American fans to the world.”

“Reed should have been picked based on his Ryder Cup record and his form heading into the event.”

“Reed is 100 per cent right.”  >>

GOLF NEWS

World news in brief

“US fans weren’t cheering for the US team, instead they were heckling/ cheering against Team Europe. It was awful.”

“Good for him (Reed). If fans want to be rowdy they can go to a football game. It was atrocious behaviour by a small minority and the paid first tee MC (emcee). Had Reed been selected he would have added value to the team.”

The wholehearted support must have felt unusual for Reed but would no doubt have been a filip to his feelings and confidence.

Bubba Watson’s unflattering accolade

In 2015, a poll by sports media company ESPN on the person each player would not help in a fight in the parking lot produced a surprising winner (loser).

Rory Sabatini and Robert Allenby were probably no surprise with nine per cent of the votes each. Meanwhile

Patrick Reed was second with 11 per cent. The winner, if that is the right word, was Bubba Watson with 23 per cent. No question Watson is the kind of player who can attract fans yet divides his fellow professionals.

He was never averse to strongly criticising his caddies or losing his cool with fans if they made too much noise

or getting frustrated with the course if he wasn’t playing well. However he took the news he was potentially the most unpopular player on the PGA Tour in remarkably good grace.

“I take it as I need to improve as a man. I take it with pride and I need to get better. I think I have gotten better. Obviously there is more room to improve, so hopefully it does. I’m glad it came out.”

Watson also revealed he had voted for himself anyway.

“I put my name on there, because I’m not going to call out anybody else. There’s nobody I dislike on tour.”

His attitude in response was commendable in its humility. It would be a fascinating to see the results of a similar poll carried out today with golf more divisive and the number of players who have been outspoken and affected their popularity.

Gary Player backtracks on claim to abolish Ryder Cup

Gary Player insists his recent comments to abolish the Ryder Cup were intended as a warning to organisers that fan behaviour is getting out of control. He said: “Recent media reports that stated I wish to see an end to the Ryder Cup couldn’t be further from the truth. I hold its organisers, the PGA of America and the Ryder Cup Europe

in the highest regard.

“My comments were intended to be a warning that if the recent behaviour in New York is allowed to continue or even escalate this great tournament would be at risk of ending.

“I love the Ryder Cup format and want to see it continue to grow in a manner that allows it to meet the needs of sponsors and partners.”

Player said he wants the Ryder Cup to be a permanent fixture and mentioned the thousands of supporters and workers at Bethpage Black who behaved admirably.

Schauffele roasts Jay Monahan

Former PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan isn’t one of Xander Schauffele’s favourite administrators.

Schauffele says that throughout the saga with LIV Golf and the “secret” merger that has never eventuated, Monahan didn’t face the music.

“He didn’t take a stand when anyone left or face the public. Historically in tough situations you need a strong leader who can make us feel better about what we are doing.

“We need someone to stand up and lead the charge, whatever direction we are going in and wear the hard shots. Whether I trust him or not doesn’t matter. There are about 250 guys on tour.”

So it is unlikely Schauffele will cry any tears over Monahan’s leaving, especially knowing how much money he took home in 2024 — and that is another story.

Only Scott Scheffler made more money than Monahan in 2024

It is hard to believe that only Scottie Scheffler took home more money than former PGA Tour chief executive Jay Monahan in 2024.  Scheffler won seven times that season to bank $US29 million plus change while Monahan was paid $US19 million plus. Xander Schauffele was next with $18 million. Rory McIlroy only won a paltry $10 million. Add Colin Morikawa’s $8 million to McIlroy’s and combined they still fell short Monahan.

Looking at LIV Golf players, only Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann took home more than Monahan. It is no surprise some players see LIV as an attractive option. Maybe there is a principle involved here, after all isn’t it the stars of the game like McIlroy, DeChambeau and Rahm amongst others who bring the fans and the dollars into the game?

Charity golf fundraiser

Forty seven years for a charity golf tournament is some achievement.

The most recent event was again held at the Queenstown Golf Club at

Email: info@australiangolfequipment.com.au www.stingergolf.com.au

Kelvin Heights. The latest event was rebranded as the Skyline Charity Golf Classic and doubled as a fundraiser for the Lakes District Hospital Foundation. Since 2016 the foundation has raised about $1.8 million.

$1.2 million of it has supported a CT (computed tomography) scanner and most of the balance has funded a family room to accommodate the families of out of town patients and nurse training. Skyline Enterprises has committed to the tournament until at least the 50th tournament in 2028. They think it is the longest single golf sponsorship in New Zealand and possibly the longest in sport.

Fuzzy Zoeller dies aged 74

Fuzzy Zoeller, who was known for his quick wit and laid back disposition, died in late November. He turned professional in 1973 and won his first title, the Andy Williams Invitational, in 1979. He then competed in his first Masters and won in the first sudden death playoff in tournament history with Ed Sneed and Tom Watson. No player since has won in their Masters debut.

A two time major winner, his other win came at the 1984 US Open where he beat Greg Norman in an 18 hole playoff by eight strokes with Norman waving the white towel as they reached the 18th.

Unfortunately after retiring his reputation was marred by perceived racially in-

sensitive remarks to reporters in regard to Tiger Woods’ 1997 Masters win.

“Tell him not to serve fried chicken or collard greens,” Zoeller said.

Speaking to Golf Digest in 2008 about his comments he said: “Terrible, the worst thing I’ve gone through in my entire life. I got death threats against me, Dianne and my kids and threats against the house. I received hundreds of terrible mostly anonymous letters and they are still coming, nine years later.

“I’ve cried many times and apologised countless times for words said in jest that aren’t a reflection of who I am. Many of my friends are people of colour who will attest to that.”

Zoeller won 19 times globally and played in three Ryder Cup teams.

Twenty-event PGA Tour is mooted

The latest upheaval to professional golf has just reared its head.

Yes, cutting the number of PGA Tour events on the calendar roughly in half to 20 events. This has posed lots of questions which we won’t go into here.

Harris English, not given to loose talk, asserted the tour was about to undergo a drastic transformation.

He said: “They want all the best players playing together more often. I think, maybe in 2027 they are going to have all the tournaments equal and the top players

playing every event.”

This will mean an end to the eight elevated events and regular events. It will be fascinating to see how this plays out if it happens. Which tournaments will be axed or retained? How many scorned sponsors will be cast aside or will decide we don’t need this?

Garvey ready for home time

Cantabrian Amelia Garvey has had an encouraging season on the world golf scene particularly with her move to the Ladies European Tour. Some consistent performances have seen her world ranking rise to 183. Her best finishes were a second at the recent Wistron Ladies Open and three thirds in a four week stretch mid year at the Irish Open, German Masters and Hulencourt Women’s Open.

Garvey said: “After 19 countries across five continents this year I’m definitely ready for some time back home. This game never ceases to amaze me with the opportunities it brings. The places and people I have met along the way this year have been the highlight over any success that I have had. I can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store for me.

“Thank you to everyone that has supported me along the way.”

Pegasus for sale

After the collapse of an ambitious de-

velopment projected to inject a one-off $75 million into the region and an ongoing annual visitor spend of $83 million, Pegasus Golf Club owner Sam Huo has again put the Canterbury property on the market. In July 2023 he signed a joint venture agreement with a Hong Kong company to invest $90 million into the project but it did not eventuate.

Late 2024 Huo put the entire property on the market but it did not sell. Now just the mortgaged land for the resort development is for sale by tender with a December 11 deadline.

The original project was to take up to 15 years to develop. The hotels, spa, swimming and hot pools, country club, golf school and apartments were to sit alongside the 18 hole Pegasus course. Resource consent approval was in place but Huo was unable to secure bank finance or overseas funding. It is a case of wait and see what happens next. Whatever happens we can only hope the outstanding Pegasus golf course is not affected in the long run.

Nelly Korda engaged

Nelly Korda announced her engagement to Casey Gunderson. Understandably there were many messages of support, none more pertinent than one by her sister Jessica who jokingly wrote: “Sorry boys, she’s off the market.”

Omanu Golf Club’s new experience

By Neville Idour

Omanu Golf Club in Mount Maunganui is known for its friendly atmosphere, quality golf course and warm welcome for all. It has recently added “The Omanu Golf Experience” to its offerings. It is a new state of the art driving range facility.

It features outdoor bays with radar-based sports technology sys-

tem Trackman technology together with an indoor simulator, thus providing all year round all weather facilities.

The club’s general manager Neil Weber said the club has the second most golf course in New Zealand for rounds played at about 73,000 and they were struggling to cater for any more people on the course.

A trip to the Remuera Golf Club was the catalyst for change. Weber said:

“A lot of people have simulators these days so we started thinking that way.”

Add to that new facility the results of a brainwave on the way home from Remuera.

“Why don’t we just hit off our balcony? Extend the balcony and hit balls down the first fairway at night. We put some lights up and here we are.”

“We see the new facilities as a basic avenue into the sport when maybe they can’t afford a full membership. Then as circumstances change they can switch over to a full membership.”

The club hopes to attract corporate events to the facility as well as families looking for an evening activity. Initial trial runs on Friday nights were well supported, with at least half of the people families with children.

Located at the east end of the Tauranga Airport runway, the club is 15 minutes from the Tauranga central business district. The club was established in 1971 and is a parkland layout with predominantly flat fairways and some undulations.

The course has been undergoing improvements since 2022. The first phase has been completed which includes new greens for holes five and 15 and a new tee complex on the 16th. Some fairway bunkering was added to the par five holes three and six. The

overall project, which includes building 10 new greens, is not due to finish until 2030.

But don’t be put off by the thought of disruption, this course and club is currently hugely popular and receives five star reviews from visitors.

There are three tees to choose from. The blue tees play to 6015 metres, the whites stretch to 5721 metres and the yellow tees to 5206 metres . There are some challenging doglegs, particularly the third, a lengthy par five with a narrow hazard along the right hand side. Thirteen is an even longer par five. The fairways are better than greens on some courses. However, the rough is not so generous and neither it should be. Landscaping along the pathways adds to the appeal.

As for the facilities they are top notch. The clubhouse provides lovely views over the golf course and of Mount Maunganui. The clubhouse can seat 120 with three separate outdoor balconies, so is the perfect spot for functions and gatherings. The café, bar and pro shop are open seven days a week. Golf carts, trundlers and clubs are available to hire while affiliated green fees are $70 and non affiliated are $80. So if you are in Tauranga why not check out Omanu, you won’t be disappointed.

The clubhouse at Omanu Golf Club in Tauranga.

The rest area at the fifth tee of the Omanu Golf Club in Tauranga.

Canterbury junior golf booming

By Steph Peplow and Neville Idour

Junior golf in Canterbury is in very good heart with youngsters flocking to the game.

The four year cycle of the “Canterbury Golf Young People in Golf Plan” came to the end in September after seeing significant growth in playing numbers. A 121 per cent overall increase in junior memberships was staggering with an increase of almost 700 juniors taking the total memberships to 1269 in Canterbury.

The on-flow effect has seen larger numbers participating in junior events

By Neville Idour

One hole in one is a 12,500 to one achievement.

How about three holes in one in a month? Unlikely yes, impossible no.

Lyn Parry, a sprightly looking 74-year-old, achieved this 1.195 trillion to one feat in Devon, England. The first two came at her home club Downes Crediton and the third at Tiverton Golf Club. Parry only started playing golf 16 years ago, aged 58.

The first one came on the club’s Annual General Meeting day so her popularity was sky high as everyone indulged in their free drink. It was a fine day and Parry did not see the ball go in on the third hole but thought it was close. Then when she couldn’t see the ball, she thought it must have gone off the back. But no, there it was in the hole.

Sixteen days later on ladies’ day they did see the ball go in on the 13th.

and learning to play programmes as part of a structured pathway which takes into account different abilities and motivations of young people and how they wish to enjoy their golf.

Canterbury Golf general manager Blair Minton was delighted with the results.

Minton said: “We were aiming to offer a pathway for any young person who wants to play golf by providing programmes for all levels plus learning and playing formats. This pathway gives those taking their first swings and those with more experience or ambition the opportunity to develop

through event series such as our junior opens, while at the same time enjoying many of our great Canterbury Golf courses.”

Along with the increased numbers there has also been an impressive lowering of junior playing handicaps. In 2021 there were around 160 on a handicap of 36 or lower. In 2025 there are now 540 golfers in that range. This includes 91 on handicaps under 10, many of whom are now representing their clubs in both junior and senior competitions. A huge increase on the 31 under 10 in 2021.

Everywhere you look including the

various statistics tells a story of positive gains in Canterbury. The management and delivery of the various programmes designed to reduce any barriers, is providing an attractive and inviting shop window for the game and all participating clubs.

The results from Canterbury Golf’s junior initiatives are there for all to see on the tournament scene with several juniors making their mark in provincial and national age group and open events. Not to mention the likes of Cooper Moore and Yuki Maya already winners on the professional Jennian Homes Charles Tour circuit.

The 1.195 trillion to one aces

“We all looked at each other saying has it really gone in? Lots of celebration and jumping and a photo …. and of course drinks for everyone again.”

Two weeks went by and she was at Tiverton on the 12th tee during a social round with three friends.

“I hit one and thought that felt nice. I saw it land and thought it might be close but reasoned it doesn’t happen in threes as that would be silly. But no, there it was, in the hole.”

Unfortunately there were no celebrations after the round as it was dark and no one wanted to stay. So that was that … “a bit naughty wasn’t it?”

However this unique

achievement wasn’t her first rodeo. In fact it took her overall tally to five aces in her 16 years in the game. She had scored two previous aces at her home course Downes Crediton.

For her age she is a more than useful golfer. Her handicap was 19.4 at the start of the northern hemisphere summer but her hat-trick of aces has seen that improve somewhat.

Parry said: “The gratifying thing is my handicap has come down by nearly seven shots … and I’m old. It shows you are never too old. It will probably go up again soon, but it has been a great year.”

So what about the future?

“I’m probably not going to get any better. The holes in one have come along a bit like buses, but for me it’s about having fun. We have a good club with a friendly atmosphere and I just want to enjoy my golf for as long as I can.”

Fine sentiments and all kudos to Lyn Parry.

Lyn Parry of England who scored three hole in ones in one month.

The Open worth $NZ650 million in economic benefit to Northern Ireland NEWS

The Open at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland this year generated more than £280 million ($NZ650 million) in economic benefit for Northern Ireland, according to independent research commissioned by The R&A and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Staging The 153rd Open provided a total economic impact of £89.2 million ($NZ207 million) to Northern Ireland, which has been calculated by an economic impact study conducted by the Sports Industry Research Centre at Sheffield Hallam University.

Furthermore, global exposure of the championship — through linear television, digital platforms and online media – produced £191 million in destination marketing benefit based on research carried out by YouGov.

The Open’s celebrated return to the iconic Causeway Coast attracted a record-breaking attendance of 278,000 –the largest championship held outside of St Andrews in Scotland and the biggest ever sporting event staged in Northern Ireland – surpassing the previous high mark of 237,750 set in 2019.

Mark Darbon, chief executive of one of golf’s two global governing bodies The R&A, said: “This remarkable economic benefit figure of more than £280 million

demonstrates the huge value The Open brings to the regions in which it is staged.

“As one of the world’s great sporting events it drives tourism, generates substantial additional income for local businesses and communities and attracts an international audience to watch the world’s best golfers compete at worldclass venues.

“We enjoyed a truly spectacular championship at Royal Portrush and relished the incredible passion and enthusiasm of the fans who created such a fantastic atmosphere. It was hugely appreciated by the players who were competing for the iconic Claret Jug, including home favourite Rory McIlroy and this year’s champion golfer (winner), Scottie Scheffler.

“We would like to thank the government and the local agencies in Northern Ireland together with the staff and members of Royal Portrush for their support in making The 153rd Open a huge success.”

The figures represent a significant increase on the total economic impact generated when The Open was last held at Royal Portrush in 2019 – almost double for Northern Ireland (2019: £45 million) and growth of 67 per cent for Causeway Coast and Glens (2019: £26.2 million).

Key drivers behind the rise in the total economic impact between 2019 and

2025 include the growth in fan attendance together with higher daily spending by spectators, which increased by 134 per cent nationally and 100 per cent regionally, and more visitors staying in commercial accommodation.

More than half of those who attended The 153rd Open (59.5%) travelled from outside of Northern Ireland, including England (17.3 per cent), the Republic of Ireland (16.7 per cent) and the United States (12.3 per cent). Most fans (62 per cent), particularly those from outside Northern Ireland (77 per cent), were attending The Open for the first time.

Northern Ireland economy minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: “I very much welcome the news that The 153rd Open generated £280m in economic benefit for the north. This is unprecedented and demonstrates the importance of hosting such events for our economy.

“The hosting of The 153rd Open here was a resounding success. We once again demonstrated our ability to host major events, strengthening our reputation across the world, including generating new tourism opportunities as our wonderful landscape was broadcast globally. It boosted local businesses and provided a platform for building relationships with investors, including an event in Derry

that I hosted to showcase the north west as a location for international expansion.

“I am proud of our role in delivering The 153rd Open. I would like to thank The R&A for again entrusting us with the championship, as well as Tourism Northern Ireland and all the partners and volunteers who helped deliver such an amazing event.  We look forward to The R&A returning for the next chapter soon.”

Ellvena Graham, chair of Tourism Northern Ireland, said: “We have always known that golf tourism is a key driver for the local economy and today’s economic impact figures are testament to that.

“Tourism Northern Ireland’s own research shows the benefits of The Open were widespread. Around 67 per cent of those who attended the championship extended their stay to visit other parts of the region, where they spent money and experienced our famous Giant Spirit welcome. Furthermore, golf clubs and local businesses reported a positive local economic impact.

“Indeed, while the Championship generated £280 million in combined economic and media benefit, marketing and communication activity undertaken by Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland delivered an additional £12.1 million in PR value. This ground-breaking event will undoubtedly raise our standing on the world stage”.

Golf Encounters Named New Zealand’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator for 2025

Award recognises outstanding service and excellence in golf travel experiences

Golf Encounters has been voted New Zealand’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator for 2025, an honour that reflects years of dedication to delivering world-class golf travel experiences. The award, based on client votes, was announced by the World Golf Awards.

This recognition highlights Golf Encounters’ ongoing commitment to personal service, seamless tour experiences, and strong partnerships with leading international golf destinations.

The accolade follows many years of consistent growth and exceptional client satisfaction, cementing the company’s reputation as a trusted leader in golf travel.

“We’re thrilled to receive this award,” said Peter Cox, Director of Golf Encounters.

“It’s a testament to our incredible team, our trusted hosts and partners, and the loyal clients who continue to travel with us. Their passion and support inspire us to deliver unforgettable golf experiences around the world.”

The World Golf Awards form part of the prestigious World Travel Awards

programme, celebrating excellence in golf tourism and hospitality. Winners are selected through a global public vote, reflecting genuine client satisfaction and industry recognition.

For over 20 years, Golf Encounters has been creating bespoke golf holidays across Australia, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. With carefully curated itineraries and expert hosts, the company has built a reputation for delivering tours that combine great golf with cultural discovery and exceptional service.

About Golf Encounters

Golf Encounters is New Zealand’s

leading outbound golf tour operator, offering expertly curated golf travel experiences around the world. The company prides itself on personal service, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for connecting golfers with the world’s best courses.

Learn more at: www.golfencounters. co.nz

Media Contact

Peter Cox Director, Travel Encounters Ltd t/a Golf Encounters

peter@golfencounters.co.nz

+64 (0)9 212 8757

www.golfencounters.co.nz

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FEATURE

VIETNAM’S STUNNING SOUTH CENTRAL COAST

FEATURING NHA TRANG, BINH TIEN AND QUY NHON

By Warwick Neilson

While Da Nang/Hoi An and Hanoi grab most of the attention and headlines, Vietnam is not just a ‘two trick pony’ when it comes to world class golf tourism. Bullet pointing a 300km stretch along its Southern Central coastline, from Binh Tien north to Quy Nhon, are five golf resorts offering 117 holes that would not be out of place in the aforementioned more celebrated locations.

The epicentre is Nha Trang. A modern, vibrant, and environmentally attractive city wrapped impressively around the crescent shaped bay bearing the same name. At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking of somewhere more exotic – on the Med perhaps – but the design and presentation of the public spaces, most notably between the sprawling golden beach and six lane boulevard, Tran Phu St, are as good as any where you will find on the planet. The panoramas

from the many sleek hotels which line up along the opposite side of Tran Phu are camera ready. Furthermore, the city’s civic pride remains evident behind the photogenic beachfront façade too where the ‘day to day’ business of life for its c 535,000 (numbers vary with source) inhabitants hums along, but at a less frenetic pace than that of Vietnam’s other major metropolitan centres.

By contrast however, at night, Nha Trang becomes a party town! It entertains, it assaults your senses. It is urban ‘Surround Sound’ to the max. You can’t get away from it. You embrace it, as most tourists do. And, Nha Trang is all about tourism!

It’s one of the country’s most popular destinations with visitor numbers (including domestic and international) anticipated to reach beyond 10 million in 2025. This is up a million from 2024 and optimistic expectations are for the growth curve to be exponential over

the foreseeable future. Fishing and aquaculture are also important contributors to the economy and it’s the country’s principal growing region for Mangoes. Nha Trang is also home to several important medical and marine sciences institutes.

The reasons for its popularity?

Primarily its location. A fortuitous alliance of divine providence and Mother Nature?! Nha Trang has indeed a fortunate geography. It is surrounded on three sides by mountain ranges and its fourth boundary constitutes the stunning Nha Trang Bay with its pristine golden beaches. The bay is also home to a group of 19 or so islands the largest of which, Hon Tre, we will visit shortly. This cluster of marine landforms have a shielding effect reducing the city’s exposure to the major weather events that maraud from the East and frequently take swipes at the country’s 3200 km coastline and inland. Consequently,

windsurfing, sailing and other aquatic activities thrive in the relatively sheltered waters. The weather is conducive too i.e. a relatively long dry season (Jan – Aug) with the wet (monsoon) season being liveable due to its daily predictability.

In addition to an eclectic choice of other natural and cultural attractions on offer e.g. the c1200 year old Po Nagay Temple, the region has been the beneficiary of massive corporate investment in tourism with companies like the Vinpearl (The Vin Group) leading the way. The Government has chipped in too with the upgrades and expansion of nearby Cam Ranh International airport - thus becoming the fourth largest in the country by passenger number. Cruise ships are also frequent visitors but there are restrictions currently as the port facilities are under going upgrades.

Ok so let’s go and play some golf!

Vinpearl Golf - Nha Trang

The name Vinpearl is almost synonymous with Nha Trang. It is omnipresent. So who are they, what are they? Vinpearl is the Leisure & Hospitality Division of the multifaceted Vin Group, one of largest companies in Vietnam. They own and operate 30 variously branded resort hotels throughout the country, many with integrated amusement and theme parks, while at five strategic locations, including the newly minted luxury facility at Cu Chi (near HCMC), premium resort quality golf courses are also a signature attraction. In Nha Trang, Vinpearl offer four resort (Hotel) options – one on the mainland and three Five Star properties on Hon Tre. The island is also home to the remarkable Vin Wonders, one of the largest theme parks in Vietnam - featuring a 120mt ferris wheel ! - and Vin Harbour, a multi level retail and entertainment complex. Oh, and yes, there is a golf course, a delightful one too! But the surprises come earlier.

To get to the island, a handy drive from the city takes you to a rather opulent reception centre, redolent of the grand old railway stations of times past, from where you can opt for a comfortable speed boat ride or experience the thrilling 2.6km gondola/cable car. Once ashore, a tuk tuk (large golf cart) completes the pleasant journey as you arrive at a functional clubhouse nestled within a thoughtfully land-

scaped tropical setting.

Opening in 2011, the course was chiselled out of an old quarry with numerous barge loads of sand and soil, bought over from the mainland for the IMG design team to sculpt into the finished shape albeit with unavoidable limitations. Three holes were built on land reclaimed from the sea.

The finished product is a 6200mt par 71 layout which certainly takes you on a journey. It meanders in all directions and transitions through constant elevation changes. Teasing views appear at almost every turn. The surrounding lush mature tropical vegetation and random geological forms give each hole its own distinct identity, all connected by corridors of multi coloured flowering Bougainvillea. The local fauna and abundance of bird life unobtrusively keep you company. While it might initially feel a little claustrophobic, the course is actually very ‘user friendly’ even for the most part time golfer. With surprisingly generous fairways and four tee positions available, players of all skill levels are catered for. it’s fun to play. Vinpearl know their market and while their golf courses can be bought up to championship standard if required, the ‘resort’ dollar is the company’s bread and butter. Resort is the key word. There’s something here for everyone, for all occasions and at all times. Remember to take your camera!

KN Links - Cam Ranh

With BRG Da Nang and The Bluffs at Ho Tram already being significant feathers tucked into his Akubra, Greg Norman’s next golf course design statement in Vietnam just reinforced his reputation as one of the best in the business. Opening in 2018, KN links quickly assumed its place amongst the country’s premier courses and by most ajudicators, has become a fixture in the Top 5.

Expertly woven into the dunescape of Cam Ranh Bay, 40 kms south of Nha Trang city and conveniently close to the airport, the 27 hole layout pitches and rolls back and forth in typical links fashion. You soon become aware that this is a serious golf course which, even off the white tees – the fourth of five tee positions – demands your full attention, despite the ambient distractions, if you aspire to a reasonable score.

While not always obvious when standing on the tee, the fairways are actually surprisingly roomy. They were also perfectly groomed (up

there with the best I’ve experienced) for precision iron play and the large undulating greens -several measuring over 40mts in length- provided deceptively inviting targets. Miss them and you have options. Once aboard however, clever pin placements and the typically grainy variably paced surfaces will invariably confound your attempts with putter. As expected, sand is ubiquitous. Bunkers and natural areas are vast and often seamlessly merge. They are to be avoided! Perfectly achievable if greed doesn’t blur your judgement. The influences of the great Alistair Mackenzie are very evident here.

It’s a not a pretty course. Links style courses seldom are. The visual appeal radiates out from the vistas of Cam Ranh Bay. Holes like the 3rd and 15th will leave indelible images. Just superb. The landscaping framing the entrance way to the property and accenting the magnificent clubhouse is also pleasing to the eye. As for the golfing experience here? It is first class.

The Anara Golf Resort – Binh Tien

This golf course has been described as a ‘hidden Emerald’ and justifyingly so. Sequestered away in the southern reaches of Cam Ranh Bay, it’s a 90 minute 80km drive from Nha Trang to get there but on the way you will also encounter some of the most captivating scenery Vietnam has to offer. The reputation Binh Tien itself has for its unspoiled environmental beauty is well deserved and no doubt a compelling reason to locate a luxury ‘biospheric’ resort here- the vision incorporating 5 Star hotels, villas and various amenities with an 18 hole golf course as its centrepiece. The Anara Binh Tien was thus conceived. The ambitious project occupies 200ha extending from the lower fringes of the mountainous Niu Chua National Park to Binh Tien Beach. American firm, GolfPlan, soon recognised the potential this inviting geographical transition offered and a configuration comprising two distinctly different nines subsequently evolved. The first assuming a strong connection with the dunes and the sea while the second nine gets its inspiration from

the more elevated forest margins and remarkable geological forms which literally crop up everywhere! While the golf course and stylish clubhouse became operational in early 2022, other key elements of the resort e.g. residential, remain a work in progress.

After playing a few holes it became clear that Golf Plan delivered! Ok, the presentation lacked a little ‘spit and polish’ and there was evidence dotted around of a turf issue, possibly salinity related, but the design is imaginative and fits well within its unique idyllic surroundings. There’s not really a ‘ho hum’ hole in the entire layout. The closing nine holes in particular are super impressive, none more so than the gorgeous ‘Signature’ par three 13th which takes your journey almost to the water’s edge. However if I was to quibble, allowing carts onto the many ultra-generously wide fairways would have saved time and energy thus making the experience even more enjoyable. A question lingered as we journeyed home – why was no one else playing there?

Diamond Bay Golf Resort – Nha Trang

Opening in 2010, Diamond Bay is not only the first golf course to be built in this part of Vietnam, but it’s probably one of the most under rated in the entire country. The reason perhaps is that’s also one of the most challenging! The pedigree of the designer may be a clue as to why. Andy Dye, nephew of the widely acclaimed Pete Dye, has stamped the family name all over this inviting but daunting 18 hole proposition.

Located a handy 15kms from the city centre, the moderately undulating 80 ha property extends out from densely forested mountains towards Nhu Tien beach and comprises the full resort combo of accommodation, private villas, integrated amenities- including a luxury clubhouse - and an ocean front driving range.

I first visited here in 2015 when it was ravaged by drought. It was hard to love. Ten years later and it’s almost unrecognisable. The dress code is now lush mature tropical. It’s a botanical wonderland. The landscaping, a per-

fect collaboration of nature and human artistry

Beneath its bewitching beauty however, lies is a golf course that is as demanding (of everything) as I’ve played. Five tee positions are offered and even off the whites (slope rating 139) at 6000yds - somehow though, it plays longer- you have work to do!. The layout mostly aligns with the prevailing wind so a succession of par fours can quickly become fives. Mr Dye has also creatively used the existing natural elements e.g. water, as well as some of his own making to keep you on the straight and narrow e.g. the intimidating but wonderful par four 17th The collection of par 3s, notably the 6thand 12th are delightful too - the latter, evidence that the designer does have a sense of humour. The smallish Dye ‘Signature’ contoured greens provide the final searching questions in the exam. Regardless of what grade you actually finish with, this place will have provided you with an enjoyable skill test in a sublime environment.

FLC Resort (Ocean Course) – Quy Nhon

For the final leg of this tour we head 210kms north to the coastal city of Quy Nhon and one very remarkable resort. The five hour drive featured the brand new very impressive 83 km Nha Trang -Van Phong expressway - a vital section of the new highway connecting Hanoi and HCMC. Our route also included the new 4km long Deo Ca twin tunnels. It was a fascinating journey offering a snapshot of many aspects of Vietnamese rural life - the villages, the subsistence agriculture, horticulture and aquaculture. The 2nd rice harvest (there are three annually) of year was also well underway. Quy Nhon has a similar population to Nha Trang and is also blessed with a swathe of perfect beaches but there are contrasts. While still very much a tourist hotspot, it seemed, on first take, less cosmopolitan with a more provincial charm. A further 20 kms away, over a causeway and on to the eastern side of the peninsula, The FCL resort consumes you!. FLC are similar to Vinpearl. A major investor and multi facility operator in tourism. Their Quy Nhon property is immense i.e. 1300ha, much of which lies adjacent to Nhon Ly beach. To detail its offering is beyond the scope of this story but essentially, two 5 Star hotels accommodating around 3500 guests, 500 villas, a safari park and, two 18 hole golf courses - the Nicklaus designed Ocean course opening in 2016 with the curiously named Mountain course (the design work of another US firm, Schmidt Curley) the

following year. Interestingly, our own Michael Campbell is/was a Brand Ambassador for the company. I took up the Team Nicklaus challenge and yes, it was certainly that but in more ways than one! First impressions underwhelm. Your attention being momentarily side tracked by the bland scruffy landscape but soon, all is revealed. The first nine winds, dips and rises through a mature plantation of Casuarina trees draped over a variably hilly terrain.

While the odd glimpse appears, any connection with the ‘Ocean’ is that of a passing acquaintance. Similarly, the relationship between the cart path and actual golf course would be best described as distant! Having to adhere to it left little time and even less energy to quickly appreciate just how well the design fits with the land forms. There are some excellent holes here despite the necessity of a few blind shots. It gets even better coming home. Sea views become omnipresent and spectacularly so too. e.g. the backdrop to the 13th and Signature 16th. The Casuarinas are ubiquitous but holes 10 -18 are noticeably more ‘links’ in character in keeping with the natural landforms. As you would expect the Nicklaus design team present you with a complete ‘though the bag’ test. You choose your tee position wisely. Superb, nicely presented golf course (pity about the cart paths) Superb resort too. The hotel, the views from my room, the other amenities, the service etc, all top notch. Should have stayed longer!

Things You Need to Know

Getting There: For Australian golfers it’s good news. Vietnam Airlines (VN) offer daily direct return flights from Sydney and Melbourne to HCMC (Saigon) and Hanoi and also direct flights (three days a week) to/from Perth to HCMC. Budget carrier, Vietjet (VJ) service Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane direct from HCMC ( but not Hanoi ). Both VN and VJ offer regular connecting flights from HCMC to Nha Trang (Cam Ranh), Da Nang and Quy Nhon (Phu Cat). From NZ there are no direct flights to Vietnam. VN offer a connecting service (in conjunction with Air NZ) to the direct flights out of Australia, as above, however an overnight stopover may be required. Alternatively, Malaysian Airlines (MA) have regular direct flights from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur (KL) from where budget operator Air Asia offers a direct service to Nha Trang. If you wish to stay with MA, there are connecting

flights from KL to HCMC and Hanoi –VN and VJ offer plenty of choices to get you to Nha Trang from either. There are other options to get to Vietnam e.g. with Singapore Airlines and China Southern (which also has a direct service to Nha Trang). Regardless, stopovers will likely be required somewhere. Check with your travel agent or online for schedules etc.

Best time to visit: The south central coast has two seasons – Dry (January to August) and Wet (Sept to December) However the wet (monsoon) season can be ok to visit as it usually rains at night or from mid afternoon and usually only for a short time. Of course, that is also the low season for tourism so hotels and golf fees are usually cheaper. Temps are fairly consistent throughout the year.

Playing Golf: Avoid weekends! Tee time options will be fewer and green

fees will be significantly higher. Early AM tee times are best but most courses are now floodlit so evening golf is a good option especially in the drier season - and it’s a little cooler at night too. Carts are compulsory and the hire cost is usually included in the green fee. Caddies too, are compulsory. They are typically friendly, well trained and most do a great job although their level of English is variable. Tipping them is very much expected, they usually earn it!, and it’s all part of the experience. Your local travel agent, or reception desk at each golf club will advise you on the going rates.

Planning and booking your trip: It is strongly advised that you use the services of a reputable local inbound golf tourism operator. They can organise your itinerary to suit and negotiate preferential room rates with a selection of hotels, manage your golf book-

ings, and most importantly, arrange your transportation, including airport transfers etc. Resources like Google and Trip Advisor will offer ratings and most of the top operators have a regular presence on social media e.g Facebook. (You are also welcome to contact the writer through this publication or on FB for recommendations)

Money: It is essential to have some local currency i.e. Dong (VND). Many small businesses e.g. street food vendors operate on a cash only basis and all tipping is in cash –although a service charge system exists at most hotels and some restaurants. It is best to change most of your AUD or NZD once you are there to get the best rates –local Money Exchanges (there’s plenty of them although not always obvious) are the best option. Airports all have currency dealers too and although convenient, you will pay more.

LONG DRIVE

XDL North Island Champs 2025 – A Weekend of Power & Unforgettable Moments in Kerikeri

Kerikeri was buzzing with energy as the XDL DRIVEPODS - North Island Championship 2025 brought together New Zealand’s top Long Drive athletes for a weekend of raw power, precision, and intense competition. From the moment the first drive flew down the fairway, it was clear that this wasn’t just a championship—it was a celebration of XDL’s growing legacy in New Zealand.

In the Men’s Open, the crowd watched in awe as Grieg Mooney unleashed a massive 345m drive to claim the North Island title. The tension was palpable as George Wardell and Kahu Tataurangi launched their own thunderous drives, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. Grieg’s consistency and skill carried over into the Men’s Masters, where he once again showed why he is regarded as one of New Zealand’s elite Long Drive athletes.

The Women’s Open was equally thrilling, with Hannah Jamieson claiming the North Island Champion title after a precise 237m drive. Lily Cawood finished just a metre behind, making it one of the closest contests of the weekend, while Samaria Pearson rounded out the podium. Despite a few competitors battling injuries, the determination and courage on display were nothing short

of inspiring, adding a layer of drama and respect to every drive. The excitement didn’t end there. The ultimate North vs South showdowns for the New Zealand titles brought the weekend to a spectacular climax:

* In the Women’s Open, Hannah Jamieson faced South Island Champion Katie Dixon. The tension built with every drive as the crowd cheered, and in the end, Katie’s flawless execution and composure under pressure earned her the New Zealand title.

* The Men’s showdown saw North Island Champion Grieg Mooney take on South Island Champion George Wardell. With the sun catching the ball mid-flight and spectators hold-

ing their breath, Grieg’s precision and raw power secured him the New Zealand titles in both the Men’s Open and Masters, solidifying his place as the nation’s top Long Drive athlete and a reason both of these gentlemen are New Zealand Long Blacks. Longest Drive of the weekend: George Wardell – 364m Behind the scenes, the seamless execution of the event was thanks to the tireless efforts of KeriKeri Golf Club Manager - Kevin and the XDL GRID team, led by Karma (our POWERHOUSE Builders). The weather played its part in making this event very enjoyable and the locals brought joy to the tee with gratitude felt by all.

Special thanks go to our sponsors — Drivepods, The Golf Warehouse, The Waterfront Suites – Paihia, 2Bots, The Music Workshop, Simply Nootropics,

Mercedes-Benz North Shore, Chutneys, and Pharmagenics — as well as the KeriKeri Golf Club team for providing a world-class venue and supporting an unforgettable weekend of competition.

The North Island Champs 2025 wasn’t just about distance; it was about grit, determination, and the spirit of Long Drive. From the thrill of the North vs South battles to the cheers of the crowd and the sight of drivers soaring down the fairway, the weekend captured the essence of XDL in New Zealand. It was a showcase of athleticism, community, and legacy— moments that will be remembered for years to come.

Juniors Shine at XDL Back-to-Back Championship Weekend in Kerikeri

Kerikeri was the place to be as the XDL back-to-back championship weekend delivered thrilling action and showcased the incredible talent of some exceptional New Zealand’s Juniors. The young superstars brought power, precision, and determination to every drive.

Krishnav Chand, 15, made the journey from Taranaki to take on local favourite Lucas Anderson, 17, who will move into the Open Division next year. In the Girls’ division, Auckland’s Skye Parata claimed a standout victory, demonstrating skill and composure beyond her years. Winning Drives - Lu-

cas (261 m) & Skye (185 m) Other Juniors were also impressed with their DRIVE and champion spirit. Braxton Birchall from Whangarei, whose dad was competing in the Open. Siblings Marshall and Jen Mooney, delivered memorable performances as they took to the tee for the first time with their dad New Zealand Long Black and National Champion giving them both tips on the tee. Local talent Quinn Anderson, Lucas’ brother, reinforced how XDL brings families together, proving that passion for the sport often runs in the genes. Krish-

nav Chand was named the first-ever New Zealand Long Black, marking him as one of the most promising stars in the Juniors division. With the 2026 season’s Regionals and Schools programs kicking off from February, these young athletes are set to inspire families and communities nationwide.

XDL Founder and New Zealand Long Blacks Owner, Olna Ford wishes to thank all the Juniors and the wonderful parents, your support and dedication is greatly appreciated.

The future of XDL is bright, and the Juniors are leading the way!

Building DREAMS & DRIVING it Home with Cambridge Homes Northland

The 2025 Cambridge Homes Northland Regional Championship was an incredible display of skill, power, and passion, bringing together the best Long Drive competitors from across New Zealand!

Thanks to Cambridge Homes Northland, our Title Sponsor, this event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also showcased the growth of XDL and its vision to create a national Long Drive movement. Competitors battled it out on the fairways, driving for distance, precision, and glory. The lovely response from locals was more than heartfelt. The invite to come back was voiced by many and we are truly inspired to bring this and many

other events to the Far North in 2026.

Special recognition goes to JW Plumbing, proud sponsor of the Longest Drive Trophy, and our other amazing partners – The Golf Warehouse, 2Bots, The Music Workshop, The Waterfront Suites - Laurence, and Kerikeri Golf Club – whose support brings these events to life.

Now, celebrating the champions who made this event unforgettable:

Longest Drive: George Wardell – 351m

Congratulations to all our winners –your incredible performances are helping build the legacy of Long Drive in New Zealand! Finally, a massive thank you to Cambridge Homes Te Awamutu and Auckland for joining the movement under one brand, helping XDL expand opportunities and create a lasting impact across the country. This championship

LONG DRIVE

was more than a competition – it was a celebration of talent, community, and the growth of a national Long Drive movement. Building DREAMS and DRIVING it Home with CAMBRIDGE HOMES NORTHLAND #XDL #NorthlandRegionalChampionship2025 #CambridgeHomesNorthland

Men’s Open: George Wardell – 336m Grieg Mooney – 247m Andrew Storm

Women’s Open: Katie Dixon – 264m

Samaria Pearson – 229m Lily Cawood

Men’s Masters: Grieg Mooney – 334m Andrew Storm – 303m

Barrie Diederiks

Onekakā Links Golf Club

Amazing golfing experience at Onekakā in Golden Bay

With stunning vistas and memorable golf and hospitality, it’s a day you won’t forget.

The Links Course is not long, but rarely conquered. It comprises one par 5, eight par 4 and nine par 3 holes, including two double greens and a triple green via major elevation changes, with ocean, ponds, cliffs, penal bunkering or roughs encircling the greens. The Mountain Course is a significantly more difficult challenge and not for the faint hearted. Visit www.onekakalinks.com for a course guide also incorporating drone footage of the course and testimonials of visiting players. We also have a Face-

book page which is regularly updated. The green fee of $75 per head for 18 holes for a minimum of four players covers:

* Exclusive use – no other players on the course that day

* Golf cart and electric trundlers, laser distance finder

* Provision of two free golf balls per player

* A course guide – the course designer and club champion

* Hosted free drinks and snacks after the round

Although a private course, it’s open to visitors 364 days a year. However, to enable hosting arrangements bookings must be made at least two weeks in advance to chris@widespread.co.nz

“Golden Bay is full of amazing things to see and I just discovered another. If you play golf, Onekakā Links is a must visit. I have played golf all around the world and Onekakā gave me more fun and challenging shots than most courses that have hosted major championships. Your host Chris Castle with great imagination has created a wonderful course on a spectacular property. Thank you Chris, for a day to remember.”

- Kindest Regards, Bill Mackenzie (PGA Professional, St. Andrews East Golf Club, Canada)

“Onekakā Links is one of the most special New Zealand golf experiences one could have - it really is a must play for anyone who loves dramatic golf and out

of the box thinking. You have three or four green-sites that would rival the very best in New Zealand. I will be sending more people your way for sure.

You really chose all the best green sites to maximize your property. Your green in the far coastal corner of the property does this so well. The triple green with the bunker and lower green level and water hazard. It is the interest you created that is so much fun. Onekakā can’t fit inside a box and it should not be contained by the world’s idea of a routing and par. It is just an awesome place to play golf.

You and Richard Barham have done such an amazing job with your property - really impressive stuff. If you ever end up doing that new green we discussed

drop a me line and I may try to volunteer some shovel time for you if the timing works!

Thank you again and it was so kind of you to host me there. “

- CJ Kreuscher, Director of Agronomy for Te Arai Links and the original Superintendent of Tara iti, who recently played both courses.

“Great day out at the Onekakā Links in Golden Bay. Stunning scenery. Some exciting holes and wonderful hospitality. It’s a very unique offering but lots of fun and risk and reward. Wonderful hospitality from President Chris Castle and Club Captain Linda Sanders. Highly recommended. “

- Barry Johnston, Wanaka

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

Men and Women’s Champions for 2025

Women’s CHAMPIONS for 2025

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Champions of Champions!

NEW CHAMPIONS have been crowned

Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 Champions of Champions!

Intermediate

Junior Andrew Blackmore - Tapora Golf Club

D Grade Tank Barber - Houhora Golf Club

Senior Joshua Beckham - The Pines Golf Club

Juvan Pou - Kaikohe Golf Club

SILVER - Kylie Jacoby Waipu Golf Club

BRONZE - Erin Gunson Waiotira Golf Club

SENIOR - Diane Wright Waipu Golf Club

ROSE BOWL - Northland Golf Club

2025 Harbour Champion of Champions 2025 Auckland Provincial Match Play –Champions Crowned

Nathan Mayes (Redwood Park) recently won the 2025 Harbour Champion of Champions, staging an impressive comeback with a final-round 66. Nathan finished 1 shot clear of the first-round leader - Huapai’s Keegan Jephson.

Played at Warkworth Golf Club. Wark-

worth players - Rod Laing, Gerald Brewer and Rhys Rhodes claimed the Teams Event, making full use of their local knowledge.

Individual Stableford winners were:

Senior: Alistair Davidson

Intermediate: Steve Nickson

Junior: Rod Laing

Recently played at Clarks Beach Golf Club for this year’s Auckland Provincial Match Play Championship!

Amy Tang claimed the Women’s title in dramatic fashion, winning on the 20th hole in an epic battle against Sophie Yu.

George Hodgson secured the Men’s title after a clutch victory on the 19th hole over Isaac Steel.

Both champions have earned entry into the Queensland Stroke Play along with $1,000 travel assistance to support their journey.

Taranaki Masters Results Manawatu Wanganui Golf Association – Champion of Champions

Brian Rowland recently won the 55+ division at the Taranaki Masters. The final round at his home course, Ngamotu, delivered rain, hail, wind, and sunshine – but Brian rose above the conditions to secure the win.

Wanganui turned on a beautiful day at the coastal golf course of Castlecliff. The field was not short of sunshine and you never would have known that there were gales the day previously. Castlecliff golf course was in fantastic condition and the club once again provided a great facility for a district event. The following results were determined at the end of the days play:

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

Men

Silver - Mike Atkins (Feilding GC)

Silver Net - Mana Horua (Linton GC)

Intermediate - Raana Settington (Rangatira GC)

Intermediate Net - Mike Fagan (Hawkestone GC)

Junior - Sam Nemani (Tawhero GC)

Junior Net - Dion Hawkins (Apiti GC)

Women

Silver Champion - Jodie Arnott (Castlecliff GC)

Silver Runner Up - Zara Lynch (Manawatu GC)

Net Silver Winner - Rachel Williams (Marton GC)

Bronze 1 Champion - Bron Bielby (Marton GC)

Bronze 1 Runner Up - Sally Dryland

(Pahiatua GC)

Net Bronze 1 Winner - Jackie Thompson (Taihape GC)

Bronze 2 Champion - Chris Skou (Marton GC)

Bronze 2 Runner Up - Eileen Gotlieb (Waimarino GC)

Net Bronze 2 Winner - Kelly Dalzell (Rangatira GC)

TEAM PLACINGS

Chamberlain Shield - Foxton GC (Anthony Ilton-Maher, Rhys Morgan, Reihana Tipiwai)

Chamberlain Shield Runners UpHawkestone GC (Rob Anderson, Mike Fagan, Matthew Carroll)

Net Team Winner - Hawkestone GC (Rob Anderson, Mike Fagan, Matthew Carroll) Net Team Runner Up - Foxton GC (Anthony Ilton-Maher, Rhys Morgan, Reihana Tipiwai)

Jenny Ritchie Shield Team Net - Marton GC (Rachel Williams, Bronwyn Bielby, Chris Skou)

Gross Stableford Rosebowl - Castlecliff GC (Jody Arnott, Winnie Clark, Lorette Heibner)

Gross Stableford Rosebowl Runner Up - Feilding GC (Von Walker, Rachel Rowe, Helen Dickins)

WELLINGTON TASMAN

Wellington Men’s 9 Hole District Champs Fico Finance Maitai Masters

Julian Howard was the winner of the Men’s 9 Hole district Champs.

Following on from last weeks participation in the Wellington Free Ambu-

lance event, Julian had another great outing around Royal Wellington Golf Club, scoring 24 points.

Nick Loach played like the professional he is to ease to a five-stroke win over defending champion Connor Winter in the Fico Finance Maitai Masters played recently Playing off a +4 handicap, Loach tamed an immaculate Waahi Taakaro course where he does much of his coaching with a clinical performance, finishing three-under par for the annual 27-hole tournament hosted by Waahi Taakaro Golf Club.

After a morning two-under 70 which contained three birdies and a solitary bogey, he snared another birdie in coming home in a back-nine 35 for an overall total of 105, the best winning score in many years.

Winter - who was gunning for three successive wins - made more birdies but also more bogies and a double to finish a creditable second after a 75 and 35 for a 110.

Emerging Nelson star Elijah Barney (78+39) was well back in third on 117 Loach was well satisfied with his performance which was marked by solid driving, particularly on the harder holes, and accurate iron play. And when he did miss the green, he got up and down when he needed to.

“I managed to leave the ball in the right places below the hole so didn’t have too many tricky downhill putts with the greens rolling so well.’’

He reserved most praise for the Mai-

tai Valley course - which plays almost 6000m off the blue tees - saying it was in the best condition he had ever seen and was a credit to greenkeeper James Dale and Waahi Taakaro club volunteers. It was a comment echoed by many of the 66 players in the field who came from as far afield as Hokitika and Marlborough.

The other big winner was Waahi Taakaro club member Phil Sellers who not only won the junior division cup with a gross total of 139 (89+50) but posted the best overall net of 104 to scoop the major tournament prize.

Former Waahi Taakaro club president Paul Tunnicliff also had a good day, winning the intermediate trophy with a typically tidy performance in totalling 133 (87+46).

Tournament director James Campion paid tribute to manager Tony Lewis for his work in attracting record sponsorship and to club members for their help in running the tournament.

A car put up by Dayman Motors for a hole in one on the par three 180m fifth hole was not struck, with no-one seriously threatening the hole. The Event thanked the following sponsors for their generous support: Fico Finance Property & Development Funding, Dayman Motors, McDonald’s, Pestells Rai Bacon Co, Placemakers, Tides Restaurant & Bar, Speedy Signs, Prince Albert Backpackers & Bar and The Turf Hotel.

Canterbury Interclub Finals Day: Harewood end a 37-year wait to claim the Woodward Cup

It has been close to four decades since the Harewood Golf Club lifted the sought-after Woodward Cup, but that drought ended at McLeans Island played recently. w The team claimed their first title since 1988. After finishing the regular season tied with Russley on match wins, the full extent of the competitions conditions of play was required with an initial look at the two team’s individual match wins, which was also tied, it then went to the outcome of the round robin match between the two teams, which unbelievably was also a tie! The conditions of play, the fourth placings divider condition was a coin toss, which Harewood managed to come out on the right side.

Harewood men came into the Finals Day with nothing to lose when they took on unbeaten defending champions and top seeds Clearwater. But the script didn’t go as many expected with the team taking the battle to the favourites from the outset with James Howard soon going 4Up in his match at the top of the order vs recent Match Play champion Sam McGill, with many of his other teammates also getting off to positive starts. Howard managed to hold off the expected late charge from McGill to win 3&1 with his Harewood playing partner Otis Holland also winning his match 6&5. Clearwater young guns did the job in their matches with Cooper Moore winning 4&3, James Mordaunt winning 5&3, and Brodie Ferguson winning 3&2. However, with Harewood’s Josh Smith and Cameron Powell winning their matches, combined with Sam McCarroll’s half they managed to get to the magic 4.5 points to claim a 4.5-3.5 upset victory. In the other semi-final between 2nd seeds Waitikiri and 3rd seeds Christchurch, this was an even tighter contest! The teams could not be separated after regulation with a 4-4 scoreline. Waitikiri’s points coming from the wins from Warrick Davey, Kieran Sharvin, and Nathan Arnott, alongside Brett Turner and Alex Kelliher’s halves. Meanwhile for Christchurch the wins came from Ethan Lam, Tim Leonard, and Jason Sincock as well as halves from Uny Shao and Harry Weeds. Onto a play-off the tie went, and it took a total of three holes to decide it. Played between Warrick Davey and Tom Lee, the match looked destined to

go Waitikiri’s way on the second play-off before Lee chipped in to progress the match to a third, where he was able to pull through to send Christchurch to the final.

It was the momentum that continued with Harewood continuing to play strongly and form narrow leads in most matches. An early dominant victory to Samuel Watkinson 7&6 over Mika Mac-

Donald got them an early point on the board, this was soon followed by wins to the Scott pairing of Scott Manyweathers and Scott Tobin. With three wins on the board and lead in several other matches it was looking very likely that the 37year wait for a Woodward title was on the cards, but as expected Christchurch were not prepared to roll over. Wins to Uny Shao and Ethan Lam kept them in the contest but with Cameron Powell then winning his match 3&2 they knew just a further half point was required to seal the deal. With both Josh Smith and James Howard respective matches all square they just needed a half in either of those matches, and that came when Josh Smith was able to roll in a short put on the 18th to confirm the win. The win marked Harewood’s third Woodward Cup victory in the cups history with previous wins in 1964 and again in 1988. Howard’s eventual half meaning the final result was a 5-3 victory, a memorable one in a competition which gets better and better each year.

The Blank Cup competition also included a double round day with their semi-finals taking place in the morning before their afternoon final. In the first match, defending Blank champions Avondale took on fourth seeds Templeton, while in the other contest Hororata took on Coringa. Of the four teams in the semi-finals, all but Templeton were competing for the opportunity to gain promotion into Woodward Cup in 2026 so there was plenty on the line. In the first match Avondale, perhaps as many predicted proved too strong for their Templeton opponents with their middle order doing the heavy lifting with

wins through positions 2-5 from Daniel Vesty, Mac Mitchell, Teariki Tangiiti, Riki Borrell, and Richard Sinclair. Templeton managed wins in the other three matches but a 5-3 scoreline was enough for Avondale to advance. In the match between Hororata and Coringa, it was a slightly more one-sided contest. Coringa were in control seemingly throughout with wins in the 1, 3,4,5 & 6 positions as well as half giving them a total of 5.5 points. Hororata’s Mark Weatherly, who had previous won the competition’s Individual salver award managed a win alongside his teammate Mike White and Al Sime’s half, but an eventual 5.52.5 scoreline saw Coringa advance to take on Avondale in the final. The final was a close fight with all but one match making the 15th hole and a total of 5 different 2 & 1 margins. Avondale’s top order gave them a good start winning in positions 1 through 3. Coringa’s middle order however contributed well winning 3 of the 4 matches, but with a win at the bottom to Avondale’s Nathan Andrews a total of 5 points was collected by the east-side men bettering Coringa’s 3 to claim their second successive Blank Cup trophy. They will be looking to finish their season on a high when they take on Waimairi Beach in a couple of weeks’ time in the Woodward Cup promotion/ relegation match.

2025 Blank Cup Champions – Avondale

The third interclub competition of the day saw the teams from Clearwater and Waitikiri meet to contest the Simon Cup final. Both sides came into the day off the back of narrow 4.5-3.5 victories in their respective semi-final matches, with Clearwater knocking over top seeds Waimairi Beach and Waitikiri overcoming Rangiora. When the two teams me earlier in the season it was Waitikitri who came out on top 5.5-2.5 so many would have expected them to start on the front foot. However, that wasn’t to be the case with Clearwater storming to leads in most matches. Oscar Cadenhead got Clearwater’s first point on the board wining comfortably 6 & 5 which was followed by wins at the 2, 3, and 4 positions. The matches

between the respective 5’s & 6’s were tight however and eventually finished in tie’s giving Waitikiri their first points. However, with wins again to Clearwater’s 7 and 8, an eventual 7-1 scoreline secured a convincing win to Clearwater. In somewhat of a silver lining for the Waitikiri team, with Clearwater already having a Blank team, they will get the opportunity to play the promotion/relegation match to try and make their way up a division, that match will be against Bottle Lake.

In the final match of the day the teams of Christchurch and Avondale competed for the Thompson MacDonald trophy. This competition consists of 6-person teams and normally operates under a home and away format in contrast to the above competitions. Christchurch especially had a keen interest in this match having dropped down a division last year they, knew if they could win this match they would secure automatic promotion back into Simon Cup for 2026. It was Christchurch who started the best lead by player manager Mark Dunn getting the first point on the board when he won 2/1, this was followed by further wins at the 4 and 5 positions by the exact same scoreline showing the close competition between the two opponents. Avondale then hit back with wins to Paul Costello and Glenn Willoughby to give them hope, however Christchurch held their nerve with number 1 Kevin Martin securing the decisive win 3 & 1 to confirm the title and the bounce back to Simon Cup.

2025 Woodward Cup Champions – Harewood Golf Club

2025 Simon Cup Champions – Clearwater

2025 Thompson MacDonald Trophy Champions – Christchurch

Aorangi Penny Salver Champions

Connor Howes, who has now etched his name onto the Vardon Trophy

It was a breakout year for young Connor Howes, who has now etched his name onto the Vardon Trophy. Consistency was key for Howes. He started the year off well at the Otago Strokeplay, finishing in fourth place with a three-round score of even par (213). Next up was the Dunedin Strokeplay at his home track, St Clair Golf Club. Howes shot rounds of 79, 68 to sit in a tie at the top with 2023 OOM winner, Phil Bungard. Howes would end up coming up just short in the playoff, meaning he would have to wait a little longer to get

his maiden Order of Merit event win. Howes finished off the first half of the season with another fourth-place finish at the Queenstown Open.

Howes’s form didn’t drop over the winter. When most golfers struggle with the soft, cooler conditions on the course, Howes only got better. He recorded 9 wins and 1 loss in the Metro pennant series, earning him the 2025 Most Valuable Player award by the Metropolitan Association.

The second half of the season kicked off the same way things ended for Howes before winter, a third-place finish at the Roxburgh Open on a score of three-under for two rounds (133). The consistent, steady golf turned into hot form for Howes, who finished with a 67 (three-under) at the Wanaka Open to finish in a tie for second. At the Cromwell Open, Howes opened with a bogey-free, five-under 67. He would go on to finish runner-up by 1 shot. The breakthrough came for Howes at the Otago Matchplay. Qualifying in 7th place, Howes would go on to win his first match on the 19th hole with a birdie. In the semi-final, he won 4/3, and in the final, he would go on to win 2/1 to claim his first Order of Merit title and lead the Order of Merit race for the first time.

Geraldine, Golf Club is the Aorangi 2025 Penney Salver Champions, with a 10–8 victory over Mayfield One in the final! Played recently at Ashburton Golf Club.

The Southland Women’s Seniors Tournament

The Southland Women’s Seniors Tournament was played recently at the Queens Park Golf Club .

FULL RESULTS:

1st Nett

2nd Nett

3rd Nett

4th Nett

5th Nett

6th Nett

7th nett

1st Stb

2nd Stb

3rd Stb

4th Stb

5th Stb

6th Stb

7th Stb

Dianne Cleland 92-23-69

Hoana Ayto 90-19-71

Teena McColl 83-9-74

Lenore Harvey 96-21-75

Sharon Faul 97-22-75

Dayna Kaio 90-15-75

Robyn Boniface 37

Sherryl Loney 35

Colleen Emmerson 34

Nikki Hume 33

Ali McCulloch 33

Marlene Muir 32

Longest Putt D1: Frances Bell

Nearest Pin D1: Judith Henderson

Sandra Speden 91-24-67

Susan Racz 100-26-74

Julie Fluery 110-36-74

Janet Mauheni 109-33-76

Pam Cracknell 100-24-76

Ann Carran 102-24-78

Faye Dudfield 104-25-79

Judith Russell 36

Sally Barrie 34

Linda Suddaby 33

Robyn Lindsay 32

Sharon Ferguson 30

Kerrie Gow 30

Lois Byars 30

Longest Putt D2: Judith Russell

Nearest Pin D2: Gail Clark

50+ Nett: Julie Fleury 110-36-74

60+ Nett: Sherryl Loney 94-21-73

60+ Stb Riversdale Cup: Susan Racz 34

Teena McColl 34

70+ Nett Mclean Salver:

Sandra Speden 91-27-67

70+ Stb Mary Webb:

Dianne Cleland 39

Best Nett Over Field Cullen Cup:

Sandra Speden 67

Twos

Sharon Faul, Robyn Boniface, Gail Clark