Golfer Pacific NZ – November 2021

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Daniel Hillier on the edge of making the European Tour INSIDE // 2022 CENTRAL OTAGO AUTUMN GOLF CLASSIC // HORORATA OVERCOMES DISASTERS

EDITORIAL

pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz

Bernhard Langer just keeps on keeping on

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By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

have written about this guy before but I am going to do so again because of his astonishing feats.

His name is Bernhard Langer.

Last month Langer became the oldest winner on the PGA Tour’s senior circuit when prevailing in a playoff of a $US2 million tournament in Virginia in the United States.

He was aged 64 years, one month and 27 days.

The previous oldest had been Scott Hoch who, in 2019, was aged 63 years, five months and four days when he won on what is now known as the PGA Tour Champions.

Langer’s win in Virginia was his first on the PGA Tour Champions for just over 18 months but he has been the standout

performer for more than a decade.

The PGA Tour Champions is for golfers aged 50 or older and the likes of Phil Mickelson are now playing it but Langer just keeps winning.

Langer has topped the prizemoney list on the PGA Tour Champions an amazing 10 times.

Following is that amazing list.

2008: $2 million (three wins).

2009: $2.1 million (four wins).

2010: $2.6 million (five wins).

2012: $2.1 million (two wins).

2013: $2.4 million (three wins).

2014: $3 million (five wins).

2015: $2.3 million (four wins).

2016: $3 million (five wins).

2017: $3.6 million (seven wins).

2018: $2.2 million (three wins).

They are mind-boggling figures but Langer has been a great golfer all of his career.

He has won The Masters

twice. The first of those wins was in 1985 when he won by two strokes over runners-up Seve Ballesteros, Raymond Floyd and Curtis Strange.

His second win in The Masters came in 1993 when he won by four shots.

Langer, from Germany, made his name on the European Tour before venturing to the United States and once again he was an amazingly dominant figure.

He has 42 wins on the European Tour which is the tour’s second highest total. He is three behind Hale Langer on 45 wins.

Langer’s list of achievements are just too many to record in this column but underline the phrase that golf is a game for life.

Another golfer making his mark on the PGA Tour Champions, to a lesser degree, is New Zealand’s own Steve Alker.

He turned 50 three months ago and has earned nearly $US600,000 in prizemoney from eight starts on the PGA Tour Champions with a best finish of third.

Alker, from Hamilton, is another long-time performer. He won the Fiji Open in 1995.

The following year he added the Tahiti and Queensland Opens and in 1997 he won the South Australia Open.

In 2009 he won the New Zealand PGA Championship in Christchurch when it was part of what is now called the Korn Ferry Tour, the second-top tour for men in the United States. Alker has also won three other Korn Ferry Tour equivalents.

In the year 2000 he won three times in Canada.

All those wins are not in the same ballpark as Langer but they remain an impressive record.

NEW ZEALAND EDITORIAL Paul Gueorgieff pgueorgieff@yahoo.co.nz Ph: 64 4 565 0385 Mob: 64 27 227 1038 SOUTH ISLAND EDITORIAL Neville Idour 0274771423 pmidour@hotmail.co.nz SALES & CLUB PACKAGE GOLF TRAILS & NOTICEBOARDS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 7 5504 6334 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 LAYOUT & DESIGN layout.golferpacificnz@gmail.com PUBLISHER Golfer Pacific NZ LTD PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand ACCOUNTS Leigh Smith smith.sun@bigpond.com SUBSCRIPTION $60.00 per annum including GST smith.sun@bigpond.com Ph: 0061 5575 7444 Mob: 0061 433 163 043 NEW ZEALAND MAIL ADDRESS PO Box 51338 Tawa, Wellington 5249, New Zealand COVER PHOTO: Wellington golfer Daniel Hillier who is on the brink of making the European Tour following a win in Spain last month.

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ew Zealand golfer Daniel Hillier needs another high finish on the Challenge Tour’s final event to ensure he makes his way onto the much richer European Tour.

Hillier, 23, won a Challenge Tour event in Spain last month to take his tour ranking to 18th.

The top 20-ranked players on the Challenge Tour gain entry to the European Tour.

The last event of the Challenge Tour is the Challenge Tour Grand Final at Mallorca in Spain from November 4-7.

Most tournaments on the Challenge Tour carry a purse of 200,000 euros which is about $NZ320,000.

On the European Tour the minimum purse is one million euros, or about $NZ1.6 million.

But many of the purses are much higher. For example the European Tour’s opening event in 2022 is the Abu Dhabi Championship in January. It carries prizemoney of $US8 million. That’s $NZ11 million.

Hillier’s win in the Challenge Tour Costa Brava in Spain last month was his first on the Challenge Tour.

He won by a shot with a score of 19

Daniel Hillier with his trophy after winning the New Zealand Supers 6s in Palmerston North last year. On the left is his partner Siobhan Weaver and on the right are his parents Karen and Nigel. Siobhan Weaver had been caddying for Daniel Hillier. Photo credit: BW Media.

under par. He had rounds of 71, 67, 62 and 65.

The Wellingtonian began the final round two shots behind the leader and got off to a good start with a birdie on the first hole.

He made a further four more birdies on the front nine but there was also

three bogeys.

On the back nine, Hillier made birdies at the 10th, 12th and 14th holes and soon walked to the 18th tee in a share of the lead with his playing partner, two-time Challenge Tour winner Marcus Helligkilde.

After hitting a stellar approach to six

feet on the par five last, Hillier held his nerve and drained the putt for victory.

Hillier was overcome with the win.

“I’m pretty overwhelmed at the moment to be honest,” he said.

“It’s been a pretty unreal week from the get-go. We had some tough conditions to battle with but I managed to battle through that and probably had the round of my life in round three (when he scored a nine under par 62).

“To follow that up today and to hole a nice put on the last is just unbelievable. I can’t really believe I’m standing here right now.’’

Hillier broke into tears as he continued.

“I’m shaking in my boots really, [the final putt] it was massive and just the fact that I’ve been over here since April away from family. I spent the first three months on my own and then my girlfriend came over and she’s been a massive help and has made everything a lot easier.

“It’s probably been one of the most mentally taxing years that I’ve ever had, so to get a win at the end of the season, I’m just more than grateful that I am standing here right now.”

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Hororata overcomes disasters with centenary to come

By Neville Idour

GOLF NEWS

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ororata Golf Club president Nicky Muir has been in the role for just 18 months and it has been a baptism by fire.

This year has seen the course ravaged by massive flooding and then a few months later by hurricane winds.

The club’s history indicates that the only result of these disasters would be recovery and progress. Let us take a brief look at the history.

Hororata, just 45 minutes from Christchurch, is one of the many wonderful country clubs dotted throughout New Zealand.

At an initial meeting on May 16, 1922, it was decided to form the Hororata Golf Club. Godfrey Hall offered the use of some land at Terrace Station where a fine nine-hole course was formed. The official opening was just a month later on June 17.

Back then the club could not afford a mower and so from Monday to Saturday players had to find a way to mow the fairways and greens before play could begin. Hall’s sheep were employed to both manure and keep the fairway grass down. Then on Saturdays members would mow the greens using their home hand pushed mowers. Can you imagine that today?

Things moved quickly in those days and only two weeks after opening it was decided a clubhouse was needed. With no bureaucracy such as resource management and building codes to impede progress, a spartan 20 by 8 feet building quickly took shape although with no floor as such. Yes , it was a case of heads down and bottoms up.

It was a big year in 1923. The club held its first ball, a grand affair where legend would have it, everyone “had an absolute ball.” The club also procured its first professional player Andy Shaw from the Hagley Golf Club. He had much success producing competitive players. Also in 1923 cups were purchased for the greens.

Then in 1924 it saw the club purchase a hand pushed lawnmower for seven pounds and five shillings (that’s about $15). Green fees were two shillings and by 1928 subscriptions were two pounds. The first interclub match was played against Ashburton.

In 1934 a floor was finally laid for the clubhouse as well as closing in the front of the naturally air-conditioned building. The club went into recess during World War 2 with the course being handed over to the army. The club almost did not recover but thanks to president W Stone and 10 members, life was again breathed into the club and in 1946 the show was on the road again. In 1955 a house over the road became the new clubhouse much to the delight of all. It had electricity… bliss.

The year 1966 would become significant in the club’s history. Always led by sound, dedicated and pragmatic men it is no surprise that in the first 44 years the club had just four presidents. Today the term for a president is usually for two years.

The club was sound financially and had outgrown the Terrace Station course which was far too small to cater for the growth. Nicky Muir’s father Toby Richards, S J Hunt, Dr Brownlee and R Reid were the committee that steered the establishment of a new course. So it was that the club would move from Hororata to the Glentunnel domain, a few miles away. The new course was modelled on a design by internationally acclaimed Pacific Golf’s golf course architect Commander Harris.

For three years the club had two courses. While the new nine-hole course was being constructed members could still play The Terrace. A huge number of plantings were carried out -- 1000 pines plus many natives, 50 rhododendrons and 150 azaleas. A new clubhouse was built and the official opening on April 18, 1970, attracted a gathering of 300 people.

Within 12 months memberships doubled to 220, a level that remains currently. Progress was rapid and in 1975 the course was extended to 12 holes and by 1979 it boasted 18 holes. Life member Tom Marsh, the club’s first permanent greenkeeper, was principally responsible for the design and modification of the second nine holes.

The course is very popular for green fee players and presents a real challenge with its variety and elevations along with various water hazards dotted around the layout. Get your distance short on shots to some greens at your peril.

Muir talks about the flooding and wind disasters.

“Actually there have been three if we count covid returning. Then the floods in late May and the windstorm later, so (she jokes) I don’t think the members will want me back. The floods were horrendous but it was not the first time the Selwyn river has ventured on to the course, but this was definitely one of the better ones.

“However, we received incredible support from the local community and “boosted sport crowdfunding’’ which was only launched in early July to help fund grass roots sport.”

The club took advantage of the platform along with the Hororata Community Trust. Within 48 hours $5000 was donated and after a week the target of $10,000 was achieved. Muir said: “It was an easy and safe way for people all over the country to support and connect with our campaign.”

“We had 200 volunteers on the first day of the cleanup, more than half not members. Our greenkeeper Andrew Bell oversaw operations and did a

Hororata Golf Club president Nicky Muir standing on the bridge of hole No 2.

fantastic job. It took a month to get nine holes up and running.

“The other nine wasn’t so bad and it was only about another week before the 18 were all go. The third green had over a foot of silt sitting on it. It was cleared by hand shovels onto tiny tractors and carted away as you couldn’t get big units on to the area.

“We have just bought $10,000 worth of soil for resoiling and grassing some of the fairways. We are doing them while golfers can still play as we don’t have huge traffic on the course.”

Muir tells about the two windy days.

“They took out many of the trees around the perimeter of the course but they fell on the course. So we had members-only working bees bringing in their chainsaws to cut logs for firewood which will cover the costs of what we lost in that storm. There are still plenty of trees as the course was built as a parkland setting.”

“As a reporter once remarked, the club doesn’t cry or rest on its laurels … or backsides. When things like this happen they just get stuck in and fix it.’’

Muir also remarked on the fact Bob Charles’ family was originally from the area and Bob had popped in to see how the club was doing from time to time.

Testament to the community spirit.

So how has covid affected the club?

“Not really, in fact after the first covid lockdown ended it went mad with green fee players,’’ Muir said.

Celebrating 50 years of great links golf!

Next month we celebrate our 50th anniversary and welcome all members, past and present, to join us from Friday 26th - Saturday 27th November for celebratory events and a tournament.

Call us on 07 312 4486 or you can find the registration form on our website www.ohope@golf.co.nz

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November 2021

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NEWS

From this ... to this “We have a cross section of members. It used to be farming based but that is gone. We just have a few farmers now. Three years ago we built a café at the end of the clubhouse and lease it. It is open daily just like a normal café. It was something of a gamble as it cost plenty to get it up and running but it is working really well.

“It is all about keeping a quality experience here and we have invested in a greens’ mower which the greenkeeper is rapt about. We also have a good strategic plan for the future.

“We are planning to build a cart shed to house 16 golf carts by the clubhouse. We only have four at present and there is a demand for them. We plan to raise the money first with a fundraising campaign and hope to have one built within three years. We have noticed younger people want carts as it reduces the time required to spend playing.”

The club has a centenary project to build a deck at the front of the clubhouse as the views are lovely. It will also have doors that can be thrown open to connect the

lounge to it. The club is also planning to modernise the constitution and the committee structure to be more efficient if the members approve.

In September, 2022, the club will celebrate 100 years with a centenary weekend. Muir: “It won’t be flamboyant. Two days of golf, food, cocktails and many stories no doubt from invited members and friends. We still have three members who were at the old course.”

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November 2021

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The Wombles giving to golf in Central Otago and beyond

By Neville Idour

GOLF NEWS

olf Club

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he Wombles are now in Queenstown.

But it is not The Wombles best known as characters from a children’s television series.

The Wombles Golfing Society was created by Stephen Brent, a member at The Hills Golf Club near Queenstown.

Brent got a group of his golfing buddies from The Hills and nearby Millbrook to climb on board last year after covid-19 broke out with the idea of supporting other clubs. He saw the need to get out and support some of the smaller clubs in the wider district.

Brent creates monthly events for the group to go along and play in the various club fields at some of the harder to reach clubs in Central Otago and even Southland. Usually about 20 players will join the group. They pay the normal green fees and after golf the clubs benefit further financially with the apres-ski spending at the 19th. Clubs such as Roxburgh and as far as south as Winton have benefited from their presence.

The group also raises money for the Wakatipu Junior Golf Club (WJGC) by every player contributing $10 to a fund each time they play. A total of $10,000 was raised last year for the juniors.

The Wombles do have a marquee event every year, known as the outhouse to the penthouse.

WJGC co-ordinator Simon Boland said: “It is one of the attractions for joining the Wombles.

“On day one they play at “Royal” Tarras Golf Club and on day two they play at The Hills followed by dinner at The Hills.”

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Brent added: “This is also a useful fundraiser and members sometimes make donations when they can’t play.”

Membership is growing and now has 93 members from all over New Zealand, paying an annual fee of $30 most of which goes towards the junior club.

Brent would like to see more people joining.

Boland said: “It is really all about going out and doing good deeds for the benefit of others. It is a great concept, all about giving which sums up Stephen’s (Brent} character.”

Brent: “For me it is all about hunting out clubs with smaller memberships and more remote clubs and supporting them. Some players would like to support junior golf but don’t know how.

“So this is a means to do that and have some fun playing golf at the same time. Also some of our members are not familiar with Saturday club comps so this a way for them to learn the ropes and enjoy club days.

“The great thing is the clubs really welcome us when we approach them to play in their Saturday competition with them. We always make sure we are mixed with the locals which helps spread the word about us.”

Interestingly Brent’s brother Jonathan has started a Wombles Canterbury group in Christchurch and already has 60 members. Their aim is to support the clubs at this stage.

The model is clearly successful and like the Wakatipu Junior Golf Club concept which is being taken up all over New Zealand, may be the catalyst for Wombles Golfing Societies throughout New Zealand.

21 January 2021 9x2

Stephen Brent, head of The Wombles Golf Society.

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November 2021

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Overseas-based Kiwis to play Asia-Pacific amateur tournaments

GOLF NEWS

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iwi golfers abroad have been called to fly the New Zealand flag at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship (AAC) and the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship (WAAP) this month.

Six New Zealand golfers that attend college in the United States have been given the opportunity to contest the AAC and WAAP championships due to the covid-19 and managed isolation and quarantine restrictions in New Zealand, leaving the higher-ranked New Zealander-based players

unable to attend.

Jimmy Zheng (Duke University) will play in his first AAC at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from November 3-6 and will be the lone Kiwi in the field.

Five women have also been selected to compete in the WAAP, held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club in the UAE capital.

Caitlin Maurice (Sacramento State), Caitlin Cotterill (Furman University), Belinda May (University of South Alabama), Shani White (University of Lou-

isiana-Monroe), and Bridget Connelly (Morehead State) will all get the opportunity to test their skills against the best in the Asia-Pacific region from November 10-13.

It’s unfortunate the Kiwi golfers residing in New Zealand that earned qualification through their world amateur golf ranking (WAGR) are unable to attend, but creates an excellent opportunity for those golfers abroad to compete against some of the world’s best.

The AAC was created in

2009 by the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the Masters Tournament, and The R&A to further develop amateur golf in the region. The champion receives an invitation to compete in the Masters Tournament and The Open, while the runner(s)-up gain a place in final qualifying for The Open.

This year, world No 1 amateur Keita Nakajima will be in attendance as well as twotime champion Yuxin Lin, who won one of his titles at Royal Wellington when the event

was staged in New Zealand.

The WAAP was first played in 2018 and was also developed by the APGC and The R&A to nurture talent and provide a pathway for the region’s elite women amateurs to the international stage and the opportunity to play in two Major golf championships.

The 2021 champion will earn starts in the Women’s Open in Britain and The Evian Championship in France and an invitation to play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Innovative event for Melbourne — could it be done in NZ?

By Neville Idour

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he Charles Tour has embraced the mixed men and women concept with much acclaim and success.

The Victorian Open introduced the same concept in Australia, again with popular reception.

Another variation on that will take place on the Melbourne sandbelt from December 20-23.

John Huggan, of Australian magazine Golf Digest, reported on the inaugural Sandbelt Invitational which will be played at four different courses. Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Peninsula Kingswood and Yarra Yarra all jumped at the chance to be involved. Two are amongst the world’s best golf courses and all four are amongst Australia’s best.

The tournament was the idea of former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy and former European Tour play-

er Mike Clayton. The event will have a strong mixed field of 60 professionals and amateurs and the hope is that it will become one of Australia’s biggest tournaments.

Ogilvy’s foundation has put $50,000 towards the purse which is yet to be finalised. Ogilvy and Clayton have been active in promoting a series of one-day mixed 18 hole events to offer promising young players competitive opportunities in these covid times. This concept was an almost natural progression.

However the event will be low key initially. No television coverage. No roped off fairways or scoreboards and probably not too many spectators. It is going to be about the fine venues and the golf.

Australians have for too long talked about the players who are not there for their bigger events. This is about the players who are there.

So in effect it is an extension of New Zealand’s Charles

Tour. How would that concept go here? The possibilities are endless. How about in Queenstown? The Hills, Millbrook, Jack’s Point, Arrowtown and Kelvin Heights to choose from.

How about Dunedin — St.Clair, Balmacewen (OtagoGC), Chisholm Links and Taieri, all totally different layouts. Christchurch: Terrace Downs, Clearwater, Shirley Links (Christchurch GC), Pegasus, Russley and Waitikiri to name a few. Wellington: Several courses in the Hutt Valley including Royal Wellington. Auckland: The possibilities are endless. I won’t go any further.

The obvious benefit for venues is they are only out of action to members and green fee players for one day because there are no elaborate infrastructures needed by the clubs. Sponsors should love it with exposure at four quality courses. Definitely food for thought.

NZ Amateur postponed to next year

T

he 119th New Zealand Amateur Championship has been postponed.

The tournament was due to be played at the Otago Golf Club from November 3-7 but will now be played at the same venue in late 2022.

Golf New Zealand said after exploring all avenues to deliver an event in 2021, it has been necessary to postpone the event due to the latest covid-19 outbreak in New Zealand.

The uncertainty surrounding alert levels, safe regional travel and the lockdown restrictions for Auckland, Northland and Waikato have led to a very low number of entries and there was a strong preference of the host venue to postpone to a time when they are able to properly host the championship.

This is the first time since the World War II that Golf New Zealand’s oldest championship, first played in 1893, has not been played.

The future event schedule for the

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championship will now be: * The 119th New Zealand Amateur Championship will be played at the Otago Golf Club in 2022 * The 120th New Zealand Amateur Championship will be played at the Hamilton Golf Club in 2023 * The 121st New Zealand Amateur Championship will be played at the Titirangi Golf Club in 2024 * The 122nd New Zealand Amateur Championship will be played at the Invercargill Golf Club in 2025 Golf New Zealand’s remaining 2021 events including the Pegasus Open, the Taranaki Open, the Freyberg Masters, the Men’s and Women’s Interprovincials and the New Zealand Age Group Championship are all currently scheduled to proceed as planned.

These events are however under constant review and regular updates will be provided.

November 2021

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GOLF NEWS

Amelia Garvey to play Symetra Tour in the United States

Change of venue for opening event of European Tour

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ew Zealand professional Amelia Garvey has fallen short of progressing through to the final stage of the LPGA Tour qualifying school but has gained status for next year on the LPGA Tour’s secondary circuit, the Symetra Tour.

Garvey, 21, finished in a share of 62nd place at even par of stage two of the qualifying series, three shots outside the top 45 and ties who progress through to the final qualifying series in December.

Although she has missed out on playing on the main tour next year, she’ll take up Symetra Tour status in 2022 and have a chance to work her way to the LPGA Tour that way.

Abu Dhabi added to Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific calendar N

ext year’s Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) championship will be staged at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in the United Arab Emirates from November 10-13.

Developed by The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC), the championship is returning to the international golf schedule for the first time since the global pandemic interrupted golf championships around the world.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive at The R&A, said: “After the disruption caused by the pandemic over the last 18 months we are excited to be staging the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship at such a fantastic venue.

“It is more important than ever to provide opportunities for elite women amateurs to compete in Asia-Pacific and we look forward to another thrilling championship in November.”

Taimur Hassan Amin, chairman of the APGC, said: “The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship has been a wonderful addition to the APGC’s golfing calendar and we very much look forward to welcoming it back to the schedule following last year’s postponement due to covid-19. Not only does the WAAP present our leading female players the chance to compete against their peers but it also acts as an inspiration for all up-and-coming golfers.

“This year’s historic win at the US Women’s Open by Yuka Saso, joint runner-up in the inaugural WAAP, served to underline the importance of this championship as a platform for the game’s development and rising talent in the region.”

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Shaikh Fahim Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), said: “As a member of the APGC we are delighted to welcome this prestigious championship to the UAE for the first time. It has given us great joy to see two major winners emerge from this championship and we look forward to hosting these talented amateurs at one of our finest courses. It is an honour to support the APGC and The R&A to advance our shared mission of driving golf’s growth and development.”

The Peter Harradine-designed course opened in 1998, complete with saltwater lakes, ornamental trees and palms along with lush playing surfaces, bold strategic bunkering and large greens.

Just three years after the inaugural WAAP, two players from that first field have gone on to the highest echelons of the sport by becoming major champions – 21-year-old Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand claimed victory at the ANA Inspiration in April and 19-year-old Yuka Saso won the US Women’s Open in June to become the first player from the Philippines, male or female, to win a major.

The WAAP was developed by The R&A and APGC to unearth emerging talent and provide a pathway for Asia’s elite women amateurs to the international stage. The winner earns invitations to play in the Women’s Open in Britain and The Evian Championship in France, as well as an invitation to participate in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

The 2021 WAAP will follow on from the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship, which is scheduled to take place at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club from November 3-6.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi golf course in Abu Dhabi which will host the opening event of the European Tour in January.

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new golf course has been added to the European Tour with the Abu Dhabi Championship to be held at Yas Links Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.

The 17th edition of the Abu Dhabi Championship will be held from January 20-23. The tournament has previously been held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

News of Yas Links Abu Dhabi’s addition to the European Tour schedule from 2022 onwards follows confirmation from the UAE authorities that people travelling to the Emirate no longer need to show a negative covid-19 test result to cross the border into the capital from Dubai.

International travellers are also set to benefit following changes to the Abu Dhabi green list in October, with fully vaccinated individuals not required to quarantine on arrival, regardless of nationality or where they have come from.

Abu Dhabi has also added 27 countries to its green list of travel, meaning that a total of 82 destinations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the United States and Israel, are exempt

November 2021

from quarantining regardless of their vaccination status.

“I am very proud of our team who have been hard at work over the past two years to successfully deliver a series of extensive on-course improvements at Yas Links Abu Dhabi,” said Mark Chapleski, president of Troon International which owns Yas Links.

“As the first true links-style course in the Middle East, its current playability is second to none and this is recognised globally thanks to its top 50 ranking on Golf Digest’s top 100 courses in the world.

“The course’s signature finishing holes on 16, 17 and 18 are regarded as one of the toughest trios in the UAE with the mangroves looming down the left of all three. It will be fascinating to see how the pros approach them in January next year.”

With authorities confirming that the covid-19 infection rate in the Emirate was just 0.2 percent of all recorded tests in September, and with cases continuing to fall in October, Abu Dhabi is expecting visitor numbers to increase significantly.

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Hong Kong Open postponed to next year T he Hong Kong Open, which was scheduled to take place at Hong Kong Golf Club at the end of November, has been postponed until next year.

A joint statement issued by the Hong Kong Golf Club and the Hong Kong Golf Association said: “In view of the global pandemic and the travel restrictions associated with it, the organisers of the 62nd Hong Kong Open have made the decision to postpone the tournament un-

til the new year and are reviewing suitable options for staging the event in early 2022.

“Hong Kong Golf Club and the Hong Kong Golf Association remain fully committed to the return of Hong Kong’s longest running professional sporting event as soon as conditions allow.

“Once again, we thank the Hong Kong golf community for its continued understanding and support. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Clarence Leung, captain of Hong Kong Golf Club, added: “As one of only two clubs in the world to have hosted the same tournament for more than 60 consecutive years, the club is extremely proud of the Hong Kong Open, its unique heritage and what it has done to put Hong Kong firmly on the global golfing map. We very much look forward to the championship’s return to Fanling.”

The 61st edition of the Hong Kong Open, which was staged in January 2020,

NEWS

saw Australia’s Wade Ormsby become a two-time winner on the Hong Kong Golf Club’s composite course, made up of the best holes from the New Course and Eden Course.

Former champions of the tournament, which contributes significantly to Hong Kong’s status as the events’ capital of Asia, include Greg Norman, Ian Woosnam, Tom Watson, Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose.

Lindberg’s love affair with New Zealand continues

By Neville Idour

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PGA player and major championship winner Pernilla Lindberg’s love affair with New Zealand shows no sign of wavering.

Lindberg, who was a popular if unnecessarily controversial player according to a nitpicking few, in the 2020 New Zealand Open, made a weekend trip to Washington DC to watch the All Blacks play the United States.

Lindberg said: “When I played in the New Zealand Open before covid arrived in February, 2020, I was for-

tunate enough to meet many of the All Blacks.

“Talk about some incredible athletes and just down to Earth fun guys to be around.”

She was paired with Beauden Barrett for the first two rounds of the New Zealand Open who told this reporter he was thoroughly enjoying the experience at the time.

Lindberg added: “Needless to say that was one of the most enjoyable weeks of our lives. So when we saw they were making the trip to the USA, of course we were really looking forward to coming up from Orlando to watch them live.”

“It was a weekend to remember getting to watch my first All Blacks’ game in person. I’m still on a high.”

“First time in New Zealand, in 2010, I went to a Crusaders game but had very little idea what rugby even was.

Since then I’ve been back to New Zealand multiple times and now call myself a big All Black fan and hoping I’ll get to another match in the future.”

Clearly there is much more to Lindberg than golf. Of course Pernilla and Daniel were married in Queenstown.

A love affair indeed.

SUMMER IN THE PARK!

18 hole Summer Membership $630 9 hole Summer Membership $350 Midweek Summer Membership $480

presents LADIES’ PAIRS STABLEFORDS Saturday 13th November

9am morning tea, 10am shotgun start, followed by Christmas lunch with prizegiving Includes 2’s, longest straightest drive, longest putt.

Now’s your chance to grab your partners.

ENTRY FEE: $25.00 per person Contacts: Judy Paterson 0211279757 | Wendy Bowden 0272729944 or email kaweraugolf@gmail.com

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Contact the office on 563 8558 ext 5 or office@manorparkgolf.co.nz to redeem

November 2021

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GOLF NEWS

Top golf broadcaster Renton Laidlaw dies

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enton Laidlaw, one of golf’s most respected broadcasters and journalists, has died at the age of 82.

With his distinctive Scottish lilt, Laidlaw’s voice became synonymous with golf for fans across the world.

With a career in golf commentary, presenting and journalistic reporting that spanned over 60 years, Laidlaw provided the narration for many of golf’s greatest moments.

For the best part of four decades, Edinburgh-born Laidlaw was a fixture in commentary booths and media centres across Asia and in Australia.

Martin Slumbers, chief executive of The R&A, paid affectionate tribute to one of golf’s most prominent and respected media personalities.

“We are all deeply saddened to hear of Renton’s passing and our thoughts are with his family and many friends at this sad time. Renton’s knowledge, insight, wit and wonderfully distinctive voice made him an immensely popular figure in golf and sport in general.

“He was admired by so many of us who grew up listening to his commentary or reading his reports from The Open and the other major championships.

“Renton made a remarkable contribution to golf over a long and successful career. He will be greatly missed by players and fans throughout the world and by his many friends in The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.”

Until its last publication in 2014, Laidlaw edited The

Waihi Golf Club is a wonderful par 72, 5685m golf course situated amongst beautiful lush green surroundings, overlooking the Waihi Township and surrounding farm land. The course is expertly maintained and managed and will be a challenge whatever your skill level.

R&A Golfer’s Handbook whilst also authoring many of his own books about the game.

After retiring in 2014, he was awarded the 2015 Masters Major Achievement Award in recognition of his coverage of Masters Tournaments, becoming the first non-American journalist to win the award.

This joined a significant list of awards received throughout his esteemed career, including the title as first European winner of The PGA of America Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism in 2003, and the 2012 PGA in Scotland Lifetime Achievement Award.

He was also recipient of the Jack Nicklaus Memorial Award for golfing journalism and earned further awards from The PGA and the PGAs of Europe.

WESTPORT

golf club Situated at Carters beach 7km’s south of Westport Playable all year round due to its sand base and provides a stern yet enjoyable test for golfers of all abilities A links course of 5617m for the Men and 5039m for the Ladies A warm welcome awaits you. Green Fees from $25

Marine Parade WESTPORT, Buller/Westland +64 (03) 789 8132

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November 2021

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November 2021

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GOLF EVENT 14

2022 Central Otago Autumn Golf Classic Course Review MONDAY 4 APRIL – FRIDAY 8 APRIL 2022

November 2021

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QUEENSTOWN GOLF CLUB (KELVIN HEIGHTS)

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Queenstown golf club has a long history and welcomes visitors yearround. Equipped with 40 modern motorised carts, a PGA Professional, Pro shop, 7 day a week Café specialising in home-made faire and fully licenced Bar ensures all your golfing needs are met and exceeded.

The signature hole and probably one of the more scenic photographs on a New Zealand golf course would be the par 4 5th that curves left around the shoreline of Lake Wakatipu to an elevated green. Driving line is key as an over aggressive line combined with a miss-timed drive will see you ending up in the drink, however, the hole sets up for a right to left shaped drive which will carve yardage off your approach shot.

The facilities are excellent, carts and club hire available from the pro shop.

Green fees range from $50-100 depending on seasons.

GOLF EVENT

• Blue 6102m • White 5839m • Ladies 5104m • Red 4100m EVER seen a post-card of Queenstown?

If so then it has probably been taken from the top of Skyline Gondola and has the Queenstown Golf Club in it!

This picturesque golf club offers not only stunning views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu but is an exciting and challenging golf experience. Located just 20 minutes from Queenstown, or 5 minutes by water taxi, this is one of New Zealand’s iconic golf clubs which is a ‘must play’ for all golfers visiting the region. The Course is surrounded by lake Wakatipu and cradled by stunning mountain ranges so every tee and green has a view which makes it hard to keep your head down! Signature hole’s take on a whole new level at the Queenstown golf club especially the 4th, 5th, 9th, 10th, 14th and 17th which could be signature holes on any course.

With a proud and loyal membership,

» www.queenstowngolf.co.nz » Email: proshop@queenstowngolf. co.nz » Phone: 03-442 9169

November 2021

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WANAKA GOLF CLUB GOLF EVENT

• Blue 5770m • White 5484m • Ladies 5029m A one hour scenic drive from Queenstown, the township of Wanaka is a stunning and tranquil holiday destination in the heart of the Queenstown Lakes region.

Perched above the picturesque township is the lovely Wanaka golf club, membership now over 1100, still the largest in South Island.

Host to the NZ Mixed foursomes, the NZ Women’s and Men’s Seniors events.

Wanaka Golf Club boasts a well maintained, charming and challenging layout, with magnificent views.

Measuring 5770m (blues) and 5484m (whites) the course isn’t long by modern standards, but careful course management and the ability to shape your shots is important if you want to score well.

The small greens and natural contours of the land also present their own challenge, so playing safe to the middle of the greens is recommended. It’s also important to try and keep your eye on the ball, as the spectacular views across the town and lake to Mount Aspiring National Park are some of the best in New Zealand, and can certainly add an extra distraction to your game.

The two nines are very different. The front-nine, which was established in the 1930s, features an undulating layout with small greens nestled amongst the rolling terrain. The back nine, which was added across the road in 1967, is much longer and slightly flatter—but no less spectacular.

The club continues to progress significantly with capital improvements and course upgrades, making it one of the most scenic and playable courses around.

The club features all the usual facilities you’d expect from a quality golf club, including club and cart hire, fully-stocked pro shop, recently upgraded practice range facility and a café and bar.

Now new at Wanaka - Pitch and Putt golf course constructed in 2021 as an addition to our quality practice facilities. » www.wanakagolf.co.nz » Email: wanaka@golf.co.nz » Phone: +64 3 443 7888

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CROMWELL GOLF CLUB GOLF EVENT

• Black 6462m • Blue 6234m • White 5844m • Yellow 5204m • Red 4468m THE Cromwell Golf Course is a sand based, links style course located further from the sea than any other in New Zealand. Its fairways follow the natural lie of the land and features a sandy, wasteland feel, rough with patches of marram grass and large undulating greens.

The course has 5 tee locations ranging from beginner to championship providing a real challenge for all levels of golfer and was rated inside the top 30 NZ courses in NZ Golf Magazine’s 2019 rankings.

The Cromwell course hosts the New Zealand Open final qualifying event annually.

Course facilities include a full length driving range and large multi-tier putting and chipping green, on-site PGA Professional, fully stocked pro-shop along with electric cart, trundle, and club hire.

Situated on the 45th parallel, the inland location and surrounding mountains creates a microclimate nearing semi-arid. With less than 400mm (<15 inches) of evenly spread rain and 2200 hours of sunshine per year, golf can be played comfortably year-round with dry underfoot conditions. In winter a crisp white frost usually ensures a brilliantly sunny day in which to enjoy a round of golf on a course maintained to a consistently high standard.

The golf course is in the centre of the town, which in turn is surrounded by vine yards and orchards. This is the centre of the world renown Central Otago Pinot Noir producing locations of Bannockburn, Bendigo and Lowburn so wine tasting opportunities are numerous. The town is also located adjacent to Lake Dunstan and the junction of the Clutha and Kawarau Rivers.

» www.cromwellgolf.co.nz » Cromwell 9310, New Zealand » Phone: 03 445 0165

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November 2021

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ALEXANDRA GOLF CLUB GOLF EVENT • Blue 6000m • White 5718m • Ladies 5179m Alexandra lies in the beautiful Manuherikia valley at the confluence of the Manuherikia and Clutha rivers. Surrounded by the high mountain ranges of the Old Man, Dunstan and Hawkduns, and with the barren Knobby Range as its background, this is a special part

of Central Otago featuring stunning scenery, great history as well as plenty of things to do for golfers and non golfers alike.

The pines bordering the golf course along State Highway 8 were originally planted to contain the desert sands that prevailed in the area.

Most find it hard to imagine that today’s stunning golf course could be created from such beginnings.

The course features a flat but undulating desert type terrain with fully irrigated fairways from tee to green.

Narrow fairways mean accuracy is of prime importance if you are to avoid the desert remnants in the rough and the many trees lining the fairways.

Of interest, and one reason why golfers find their round at Alexandra appears to go so quickly, is the

lack of continuous holes of same par value! Only twice in the 18 holes do you play consecutive holes of equal par!

With the high ranges viewable from most parts of the course golfers find this is a most scenic as well as challenging course.

At just over an hour drive from Queenstown and Wanaka the golf course and this unique area are

well worth a visit. Come and see what we mean, phone SubPar golf shop at 03 448 8374 or email SubPar@xtra.co.nz to book a tee time now.

Green fees are $35 for NZ affiliated players with group discounts available.

course is the shortest out of the top 5 but probably requires the most accuracy from tee to greens.

Again like Wanaka, Roxburgh and North Otago, the greens are very small. However for any big hitters, there are a lot of risk and reward holes that can provide a lot of birdies but also double bogeys and beyond. One of the best holes is the 18th which requires a blind shot over a hill to a fairway that slopes

to the left towards a pond. A good drive leaves only a wedge shot to the green and a good birdie opportunity however getting a good drive away is the key.

Club hire is available and green fees are $50.00 for NZ Affiliated and $95.00 for Non Affiliated.

» www.alexandragolf.co.nz » State Highway 8, Alexandra 9340 » Tel/Fax: 03 448 8204

ARROWTOWN GOLF CLUB

• White 5495m • Ladies 5035m Commonly ranked in the top 20 in NZ, Arrowtown Golf Club is the jewel in the crown literally as it sits below the Crown Range and runs alongside the famous Arrow river which over 100 years ago was once a hive of activity during the gold rush era. The course borders the outskirts of Arrowtown which is about 20km from the centre of Queenstown and offers stunning

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views of some well known ski fields, the Remarkables and Coronet Peak. If you are lucky enough to play on this hidden gem then you’ll will no doubt be blown away by the unique layout of the course as the narrow rolling fairways weave their way through valleys and rocky pillars very much like Roxburgh golf club. In the summertime the Browntop grass in the long rough is left to seed, leaving a colour scheme that represents a truly natural setting

and makes the course look like a postcard. In 2012 the course won the New Zealand Golf Course Superintendants Association (NZGCSA) Environment award which recognises New Zealand’s leading golf course in relation to their environmental management practices. The club under took the removal of wilding trees and broom, while re-establishing Matagouri amongst the schist rock outcrops.

From a playability perspective, the

November 2021

» www.arrowtowngolf.co.nz » 166 Centennial Ave, Arrow Junction 9371 » Phone: 03-442 1719

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Growing Xtreme Drivers nationwide

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he pandemic has proven to be everyone’s biggest challenge both in 2020 and in 2021. Olna Ford the CEO of New Zealand Long Drive and IGANZ says the sport of Long Drive and the professional division Xtreme Drivers, has put most events on hold given Covid lockdowns and the restrictions which are still in place. Thanks to the support from JP Liebenberg, Owner of New Horizon Construction, Olna knows she has the right man beside her to take on the National growth plan for the sport. Olna and JP have a make local and promote local approach and with this are looking forward to revealing the 2022 plans to get into the community with promotions for the sports growth. JP has the exper-

tise Olna requires and has invested as a sponsor. The ideas on the table will bring work into regions whilst gaining interest in the sport through participation. The products and services that will be announced will have the New Horizon Construction logo attached. The 2022 season will see NEW developments for the sport and players, along with community engagement events. The New Zealand Long Blacks will be proudly wearing the New Horizon Construction logo on their uniform soon to be revealed. JP seen here with Phillis Meti and Paul West, Captains of the New Zealand Long Blacks gifting the fabulous Walton Golf Club with some LB merchandise after a club visit to promote the sport.

Olna has searched the nation for the right trailers to get the sport of Long Hitters out and about...not being able to find what’s required Olna has decided to build off spec to get a road certified trailer in every region. The expert team at New Horizon Construction are key to the success of Olna’s plans which are set to launch January 2022. Getting wheels in motion to drive business on and off the tee with New Horizon Construction. #GolfJustGotLoud Trailers looking to be Built in New Zealand for community engagement

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NEW developments for the National Team of Long Hitters

he emerging sport of Xtreme Drivers League is set to go full swing into 2022 with the New Zealand Long Blacks being at the forefront of activity.

Established in 2017 the National Team of Long Hitters were swiftly formed to put New Zealand and Australia on the map with the first Trans Tasman Clash held

at the famous Greg Norman’s course Stonecutters Ridge Golf Club, Sydney, NSW. Founder & Owner of the teams, Olna Ford will concentrate on commercial activities for the players in 2022 with the launch of Merchandise and a Virtual Tour promotion that will place New Zealand in media headlines abroad. The New Zealand Long Blacks were named by the Nation thanks to the Crowd goes Wild t.v. promotion. The CGW supported the last National player competition which was televised from Aviation Golf Club - Auckland Airport. Name our team promotion was hosted by the Crowd Goes Wild with the Long Blacks likened to a good strong coffee, took the win, voted in by the majority of public and with that the New Zealand Long Blacks logo was revealed to the Nation.

History has been cemented for the New Zealand Long Blacks, with New Zealand firmly on the map in the sport of Long Drive and Xtreme Drivers.

Olna is looking forward to pushing through with big plans to grow the sport through the nation with Regional Championships and as NSO for the sport, expect to see New Zealand Long Drive flags flying high in 2022. Olna wishes to give thanks to the New Zealand government for recognising her commitment and investment in the sport of Long Drive & Xtreme Drivers and values her position as NSO for the high performance sport

now listed officially independent from Golf. The highlight of 2021 has been walking the Red Carpet with 3 of her New Zealand Long Blacks Champions, at the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards Decade Champion. The pandemic has proven to be challenging for the emerging sport, with the biggest events and plans put on hold given Covid lockdowns in New Zealand. The new year 2022, has a lot in store for the sport, the national team and for Olna who is looking forward to developing the growth of events and commercial activities. #GolfJustGotLoud

New Zealand Long Black + National Champion Greg Mooney with (Captain) - Paul West at the ISPS Handa Halberg Awards decade Champion 2021

Phillis Meti - New Zealand Long Black (Captain) + National Champion Queen’s Honour MNZM 3 x World Champion, 2 x World Record Holder

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November 2021

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Terrace Downs Resort is a premier destination for golf, weddings, corporate events and luxury getaways alike. Based at the foothills of the Southern Alps, there are few scenic alpine golf courses around the world like it.

A CPG Hotels property, Terrace Downs Resort offers a range of self-contained villa accommodation, an onsite restaurant and bar and complimentary wifi.

Terrace Downs Resort 623 Coleridge Rd, Windwhistle 7572 P 03 318 6943 E reservations@terracedownsresort.com W terracedowns.co.nz

Book a villa online and enjoy 20% off our best rate of the day using the code GOLF20* *T&Cs apply

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November 2021

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Apex UW, Utility Wood - new from Callaway W H AT ’ S N E W APEX UW TOUR-INSPIRED VERSATILITY

Apex UW is a high-performance Utility Wood that Tour players love. This unique design combines the best features of higher lofted fairway woods, the best features of hybrids, and a more neutral ball flight. Using direct feedback from world-class pros like Phil Mickelson, we’ve created a multi-purpose club that better players can rely on from the tee, fairway, or rough.

Ball speed is a given from our proven A.I. Designed Flash Face SS21, Jailbreak A.I. Velocity Blades plus our Forged C300 Face Cup, and distance is just one of the performance benefits of this versatile Utility Wood.

We’re delivering Apex performance from MIM’D Tungsten Weighting (18g per club on average), which we use to precisely position the Center of Gravity (CG). The neutral CG configuration promotes higher launch and steeper landing angles for better stopping power, along with optimised spin rates, all while reducing unwanted draw bias. The clean, compact shape creates workability for better shot-making with enhanced control. All these characteristics help to provide 17% more consistent downrange dispersion for impressive accuracy.

Tour Pros and better players have been asking for a new “go-to” club that’s easy to hit, easy to control, consistently long, and a reliable option for a variety of shots.

HIGH VELOCITY BALL SPEEDS FROM JAILBREAK A.I. VELOCITY BLADES

Our Jailbreak A.I. Velocity Blades are engineered to

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increase vertical stiffness near the sole of the club, creating more speed low on the face where players often mishit their hybrids. These blades allow the Face Cup to flex on the crown for better spin rate consistency, and the bars are spread to enhance torsional stiffness, leading to more forgiveness all across the face.

Fast Ball Speed From A.I. Designed Flash Face SS21 + Forged Face Cup Every loft is uniquely designed using advanced A.I. This proven ball speed technology puts an even greater emphasis on center and off-center ball speeds. The A.I. face is forged using a high strength C300 Maraging Steel for speed and spin consistency across the face.

HIGH LAUNCH, CONSISTENT CONTROL AND TIGHTER DISPERSION

The Apex UW lineup averages 18 grams of MIM’D Tungsten Weighting per club. We’ve precisely positioned the Center of Gravity in a neutral location for an exceptional combination of high launch, steeper landing angles, consistent spin characteristics and reduced draw bias. With 17% tighter downrange dispersion, these utility woods promote impressive accuracy into the fairway or green.

CLEAN, COMPACT, WORKABLE SHAPE

The distinct clubhead shaping is inspired by in-depth feedback from TOUR pros. It’s a compact profile that they want to see and allows better players to shape their shots for enhanced control.

November 2021

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November 2021

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GOLF TRAILS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

NORTHLAND WHANGAROA GOLF CLUB - NEWS AND RESULTS

This picturesque, well groomed 18 hole course is on flat easy walking land and is adjacent to the Tarawera River. Mountain views and the bird life add to the enjoyment for all players. The 6th, 15th and 18th holes, make the course a true test of a golfer’s skills. We are open all year round with no tee off times needed. The course is only 40km east of Rotorua and situated at the south end of the Kawerau township.

kaweraugolfclub@gmail.com Cobham Dr, Kawerau 3127, New Zealand  07 323 7095

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November 2021

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TARANAKI

WELLINGTON

MANUKORIHI GOLF CLUB STROKEPLAY WINNERS FOR 2021

CARTERTON GOLF CLUB

Ivor Sarten - Senior, Adam Burns - Intermediate, Geoff Peters - Juniors and Greg Fowler - Limits Ladies Andrea Fraser - Silver, Lesley Elliott - Bronze 1, Bev Hall - Bronze 2 and Marion Coleman - Bronze 3

By Wendy Wills A warm spring day on Saturday 9th October greeted the finalists for the final of our Club Championships with the Men’s seniors, Intermediate, Junior A and the Ladies Bronze all playing 36 holes while the Junior B men played 18.

With the course being in great condition thanks to green keeper Josh and his helpers some amazing golf was played.

This year’s 2021 Club Champions are: Men’s Senior: Tam Slaven,Intermediate: Nic Craig, Junior A: Ant Gibbons, Junior B: Wal McKnight. Ladies Bronze: Jeanne Taylor.

WELLINGTON JUNIOR GIRLS INTERPROVINCIAL TEAM WERE THE WINNERS

Wellington Junior Girls Interprovincial team were the winners of the recently played event.

The Wellington team defeated hosting province Waikato with a back 9 comeback. The final result was 3.5 2.5 over Waikato. Third was Canterbury.

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CANTERBURY MAX WALKER HONOURED WITH LIFE MEMBERSHIP

CANTERBURY GOLF ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Neville Bamford (Harewood) and Giles Beal (Russley) were presented as joint winners of the Canterbury Golf Administrator of the Year award. They are pictured here with sponsor and owner/operator of The Elmwood Trading Co. Marty Fuller.

The judges were unable to separate the pair with both making valuable contributions to their clubs over the last year.

Giles, in his role as General Manager, was an integral part of the success

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of Russley’s achievement as the 2021 Golf New Zealand Club of the Year. For Neville, this is the third year in a row he has won the award and reflects another “above and beyond” effort as General Manager of Harewood Golf Club. The club had another record year and Neville also contributed to regional activities by being on the Organsing Committee for the 2021 Canterbury Golf Club Forum, and also nationally as a Board Member of the Golf Managers Association of NZ.

November 2021

Former Canterbury Golf President and Hawarden Golf Club stalwart Max Walker received his Canterbury Golf Life Membership on Saturday when Canterbury Golf President Mike Rondel and General Manager Grant Lewis visited the club.

After being soundly beaten in the haggle against Max and his long time friend Keith Yorston, Max was presented with his Life Membership by Mike Rondel in front of an appreciative gathering of club members.

Max served Canterbury Golf over a long period of time. Amongst his contributions were: * North Canterbury Committee 20042010 * President of North Canterbury Golf Association 2005-2006 * Canterbury Golf Executive Committee 2012-2019 * Canterbury Golf President 2012-2014 * Canterbury Golf Mens Events Committee 2012-2019 * Canterbury Golf Rep Committee 20122019 * New Zealand Golf Board Member 20142018 As expected, Max was very humble when receiving the award and said he enjoyed just helping people and doing his bit. Max continues to contribute at Hawarden as a volunteer greenkeeper, having served for over 18 years in various positions with the club.

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OTAGO/SOUTHLAND SCOTT HELLIER 2021 SOUTHLAND MATCHPLAY CHAMPION

OTAGO METRO GOLF PENNANT WRAP 2021

Scott Hellier won the Southland Matchplay Championship beating Liam Hewitt 1up in the final Plate Winner; Liam Balneaves Men’s Championship Senior B Winner; Tyler McLean R/Up; Phil Bungard

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Plate Winner; Matthew Weir Men’s Intermediate Winner; William McLauchlan R/Up; Noah Novacek Plate Winner; George Prendergast Men’s Junior Winner; Jan Ebbinge R/UP; Shaun Cowley Plate Winner Josh Harris

Five metro team walk away with Otago Pennant final Flag for 2021.

Played at St Clair and Chisholm Links players were welcomed to perfect weather.

At St Clair the Senior A Flag was won by the Otago GC “Bombers”. Comfortable win over North Otago. With Queenstown having a few top players not available, they still made the Bombers work hard,

November 2021

Queenstown eventually going down 2 1/2 to 3 1/2. Queenstown youngster Jan Ebbinge had a great day holding on for a half with Otago Rep Ben Patston in the morning and smashing former Masters play Gary Creedy 7/6 in the afternoon.

The Taieri Lakes “Terror” won the Women’s Flag with a 4 -0 win over Dunstan it came down to the last match still out on the course between Taieri’s Turdy Woodhead and experienced Raewyn Devlin from Toko, Woodhead prevailing 2/1 to give the Terror a 3-1 win over Toko.

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Also at St Clair were the Senior B’s and in what was a very tight final between Island Park who bet Ardleigh in the morning and Balclutha who bet Wanaka on count back to make the afternoon Final.

Cody Peoples from Balclutha was first in with a win over Michael Stuart, but

sadly that was all, with 3 matches going to the last, first was Shane Stuart halving the last to win 1 up, Stacey Atkinson also halving to win 1up and then it was all down to Kelly Adam and with two putts to win the hole Adam’s won 1up for Island Park to take the flag 3-1.

Down the hill at Chisholm Links, the President Grade was won by Tapanui over Lower Waitaki both team won easily enough in the morning over Arrowtown and St Clair respectfully. Lower Waitaki’s Senior players won, Tapanui’s Intermediate players won, leaving it to the Juniors

players to decided who would take the flag back home, but with one each it was down to a count back. Tapanui with 3 big wins was declared the winners for 2021.

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The intermediate was decided by a count back too between St Clair and Allan Grange who dispatched Tokarahi and Arrowtown in the morning. David McCall and Scott Smales had wins for Allan Grange but with big winning margins the Sam Jo and Pete Blyth St Clair were the Pennant winners for 2021.

‘Nearest the Pin’ Prizes The Junior A final would you believe was also decided on count back. Between Gladfield who won over Waikouaiti and Allan Grange over Arrowtown in the morning.

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With 1up win’s each, it was the Stuart Benington (Allan Grange) v Keith Hendry (Gladfield) game that in the end decided the count back, Benington 6/5 win helped Allan Grange win the Junior A Flag.

The Gladfield Club had its chance to get one back over Allan Grange in the Junior B Final. With wins in the morning over Lower Waitaki and Queenstown respectfully it was almost one-way traffic for the Gladfield team, big wins to Wayne Buchols and Thomas Jackson 5/4 and a 3/2 win to George McInnes made the day for the small 9 hole club, Allan Granges Ivan Steel 2 up win over Gordon Rhodes the only high for them.

MOORE GOLF 36-HOLE CROMWELL OPEN

Prize-winners for the day – DIVISION 1 (+1 to 6) Gross 1st place – Matt Tautari 138 2nd place – Tom Lee 143 c/b 3rd place – Tyler McLean 143 Nett 1st place – Liam Judkins 139 2nd place – Henry Hodgson 141 3rd place – Brandon Hodgson 142 DIVISION 2 (7+) Gross 1st place – Ricky Kang 157 2nd place – Dylan Stock 159 3rd place – Josh Kahukura 160 Nett 1st place – Reuben Williams-Warren 143 2nd place – Lewis Ferguson 144 c/b 3rd place – Joel Kenton 144 MASTERS 18 HOLES Gross Winner – Shaun Madden 77 Nett Winner – Shaun Naylor 67

1/2.

But with that loss Otago was still able to take out the South Island Master over Aorangi who also won 3 of there 4 matches.

Snow was unbeaten with 2 win and 2 halves, Hobbs 3 wins, Giles 3 wins, McIntee 3 wins, Cook 1 win 2 halves and McEwan who came up against some very strong opposition in his first outing for Otago in a number of years had 1 win.

The Otago Masters team of Andrew Hobbs, Chris Snow, Brent McEwan, Tony Giles, Travis Cook and John McIntee.

The South Island Masters Interprovincial representative event once again returned to Canterbury recently with Masters teams from the respective South Island associations all in attendance. As ever the event was played in competitive and good spirits with the contest tight throughout the weekend in fine conditions at host club Waitikiri Golf Club. It was the Otago team that took the spoils.

The Otago team with 3 rookies Snow, McEwan and Giles played Tasman and Aorangi on Saturday and won both 4 1/2 to 1 1/2.

Sunday was against the hosts and Otago’s close neighbours Southland. With a number of tight games throughout the day Otago ended with a win over Canterbury and a lost to Southland 2 1/2 to 3

The annual Millennium Trophy match between Aorangi and Canterbury Women was played recently in damp, drizzly conditions at Ashburton Golf Club Aoarangi continued their dominance in this event defeating Canterbury by 636590 stableford points.

A highlight for the Canterbury team was a hole-in-one by Ellesmere’s Noea Harrison (pictured above).

Top scorers for Canterbury were: Claire Stevenson (Hororata) - 35 points Pam Hughes (Weedons) - 34 points Paulette Jager (Weedons) - 32 points Pam Grenside (Lincoln) - 32 points

MILLENNIUM TROPHY

OTAGO WIN SOUTH ISLAND MASTERS INTERPROVINCIAL

Matt Tautari (Invercargill) was the winner of the Moore Golf 36-Hole Cromwell Open played recently with a great score of 6-Under Par 138.

The Northland Golf Club is a par 71, 18hole course set in a peaceful rural valley with many native trees and bird life.

Try out our Monday special: $20 for 18 holes, $12 for 9 holes, if you’re looking for a way to iron out the wrinkles in your game, or just want to have a get-together with your mates.

You just need to turn up, and the Golf Shop team will look after you. Please contact us first if you require a golf cart.

160 Pipiwai Rd, Whangarei | 09 435 0042 | facebook.com/northlandgolfclubinc

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