Golfer Pacific NZ – April 2026

Golf at Victor Harbor in South Australia

WBy Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

hen New Zealanders go to play golf in Australia it’s usually one of three states — Queensland, New South Wales or Victoria.

But that wasn’t the case last month for myself and seven friends, including one non-golfer.

Instead we went to South Australia but it wasn’t in the state’s capital of Adelaide as you would probably expect.

Rather we played in a four-day tournament at a place called Victor Harbor which is south of Adelaide and about an hour’s drive away. Victor Harbor is a popular seaside town.

The tournament was at the Victor Harbor Golf Club which is more than 100 years old and an

absolute pleasure to play.

The opening hole is magnificent. The tee box sits 30 metres above the fairway and provides a majestic view of the Southern Ocean in the background. Visitors to Victor Harbor Golf Club are immediately drawn to the first tee to watch whoever is hitting off.

Victor Harbor has many bunkers but the greens are soft and provide an excellent putting surface while the fairways are also excellent. The course provides a good test of your game.

But there was one amazing piece of history attached to the Victor Harbor Golf Club.

The golf format term of ambrose was established at the club during the early 1960s. It was introduced by Richard (Dick) Ambrose, an American from

Michigan, and his wife Mary, who brought the “shotgun” format from their home club in the United States to Victor Harbor.

During a rest day of the tournament we played at The Links Lady Bay Golf Club which is about half an hour’s drive from Victor Harbor.

Once again another top class course with about 120 bunkers that makes for a difficult assignment. But great to play a true links-style course.

Like any golf trip, the golf is secondary. It’s about the company and having a good time.

We were the only New Zealanders in the tournament and we provided plenty of banter for the Australians which was returned in full.

Wth a good golf trip comes

good accommodation which we also secured. We stayed at a three-storey apartment opposite the beach and it was spacious and had ample private bathroom facilities.

Our group of seven golfers are all from the Manor Park Golf Club in Wellington and none of us have the pin out when putting.

This is not generally the case with Australians, which I have noticed when playing the same tournament in previous years.

But on one day at Victor Harbor my three Australian playing partners also did not bother with having the pin removed. It was pleasing to see perhaps a change in the attitude to not having the pin removed, such as Adam Scott and Matt Fitzpatrick do on the PGA Tour in the United States.

Daniel Hillier breaks nine year drought for Kiwis in New Zealand Open

New Zealanders craved a home nation victory in the New Zealand Open and Daniel Hillier of Wellington delivered for them.

Breaking a nine-year drought for Kiwis in their home golf open, Hillier showed the prowess which has grown significantly in his international travels over the past five years.

He scored a final round four under par 67 to beat Australia’s Lucas Herbert by two shots with a four-round total of 22 under par.

It was the 27-year-old’s eighth professional win of his career and his first since the British Masters on the DP World Tour in 2023, and clearly the one that has meant the most.

“It’s the second best day of my life behind my wedding last week,” Hillier said after calmly making a par on the last in front of a passionate home crowd that ringed the par three hole.

“I think this is going to be one of the best days of my life forever.

“I don’t know what number New Zea-

land Open this is for me, but ever since I started playing it, it was the one I wanted to get. I’m so stoked I managed to do it today. Everything that came out afterwards was just pure emotion.”

Herbert, who also closed with a 67, admitted following the previous day’s play that the sports fan in him would love to see Hillier win his national open and that view didn’t change post round on the Sunday despite being the one to finish as the runner-up.

“I thought it was a nice thing to look out there and see Dan a week into marriage winning his national open,” Herbert said.

“I don’t know life gets much better than that for him at the minute. Yeah, there’s a part of it that smiles at that.”

Herbert’s reward for second includes a start at The Open Championship in July at Royal Birkdale, England, as the leading player not already exempt for the year’s final major.

“There’s a lot of positives to take out of today,” the Victorian said. “I was

three over through three on Thursday and I only made two bogeys for the rest of the week. I’m pretty proud of that and the way I was able to fight back and get myself a ticket to Birkdale.”

The final round started with four players within two shots of the lead and seemingly the only players with a realistic chance of victory.

The first of the expected final round challengers to slip away was Australia’s Curtis Luck, who bogeyed his first two holes before a wayward tee shot led to a double bogey on the sixth. He eventually carded a 79 to drop to a share of 23rd.

Meanwhile, New Zealander Kerry Mountcastle’s chances were hit by two bogeys in four holes around the turn. He battled on to shoot an even par 71 and tie for third with Japan’s Tomoyo Ikemura (67).

That left Hillier against Herbert as the top two for much of the last 10 holes to decide the champion with the

key moments coming at the par four 11th and 12th holes which the New Zealander birdied while the Australian made pars.

Hillier said: “I never really thought it was going to be easy. I knew there were going to be some guys challenging me today.

“Herbie’s obviously a class player and I saw him up there towards the end and knew I had to keep my head down.

“The blood was pumping, the adrenaline was going, but I’m really proud of how I stuck with it today.”

Hillier had just one bogey in the final round – a three putt leading to a four on the short par three 10th.

The leading amateur, and only amateur to make the cut, was Christchurch teenager Yuki Miya who finished on 10 under par.

Next year’s New Zealand Open, presented by Millbrook Resort, will be played on February 25-28, 2027.

105th New Zealand Open — one for the ages

By Neville Idour

Ihave been privileged to attend many New Zealand Opens, particularly since they were first held in Queenstown at The Hills where the event scaled new heights.

Since the event moved to nearby Millbrook in its entirety that momentum has continued and this year was one out of the box for many reasons.

First played in 1907, the New Zealand Open has forged a rich history and special presence on the world golf scene, especially when you consider the many legendary names on the Brodie Breeze Trophy for the tournament’s winner.

For Kiwis, Sir Bob Charles’ name tops the list along with British Open winners, Australians Peter Thomson, Kel Nagle and Ian Baker-Finch.

The Brodie Breeze Trophy dates back to 1923 when Scottish golf club maker G Brodie Breeze offered a trophy for the New Zeland Open which was accepted by the New Zealand Golf Association. It was first presented to Arthur Brooks that year. In 1934 Lord Bledisloe, the New Zealand governor general presented the Bledisloe Cup

for the leading amateur player in the field. Christchurch amateur Yuki Miya was the top amateur this year.

Of course, the New Zealand names on the trophy are standouts. In addition to Charles, since the 1990s, New Zealand winners have been few for much of it. Names like Grant Waite (1992), Michael Long (1996), Greg Turner (1997), Matthew Lane (1998), Michael Campbell (2000), David Smail (2001), Mahal Pearce (2003), then a gap to Michael Hendry in 2017 and finally another gap until Daniel Hillier’s popular triumph last month.

Wasn’t it a wonderful sight to see Hendry embrace Hillier after his win and speak so warmly about Hillier as a friend.

These moments make one proud to be a New Zealander and proud of the way the New Zealand Open honours its past and has continued to evolve and become an event that is now global in stature. It is also unique as the only national open in the world to feature a pro-am format, which attracts strong international fields including the amateur celebrities.

Because of the unqualified success

of having Millbrook as the venue, the tournament is now firmly rooted at Millbrook Resort for at least the next six years.

Tournament chairman John Hart said: ”As far as I’m concerned we will stay here until forever. I think Queenstown is a special part of the world and this is one opportunity to really showcase it to the world.”

For this writer that is a no brainer.

Queenstown, Millbrook and the New Zealand Open are a stunning showcase to the world. The amazing landscapes Sky TV transmits are breathtaking and are surely enticing many viewers to New Zealand for golf and holidays. I thought the coverage this year was excellent with the accent on showing live action as much as possible, something the PGA Tour in the United States could learn from at times.

Hart also acknowledged the late Sir Michael Hill’s contribution saying he was forever indebted to him for initially underwriting the new look open from 2014 until Millbrook’s the late Eiichi Ishi took over the risk. Millbrook’s involvement was crucial when the 2021 and 2022 events were cancelled due to covid. It would have cost them $1.5 million to stand by the tournament.

“I couldn’t be dealing with better people,’’ Hart said.

The infrastructure this year was outstanding with additional grandstands dotted around the courses and increased hospitality areas provided. There were plenty of activities for fans and children to enjoy, especially in the volunteer tent area. The large hospitality stand behind the 18th tee was an excellent addition. The 18th island green amphitheatre experience was further enhanced with additional surrounding facilities. The village green was pumping with music and the many food stalls, large television screen and the Hole in One café.

The New Zealand Open’s international standing is recognised with its position as part of The Open qualifying series. A coveted place was at stake for the 154th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale in England. Runner-up Lucas Herbert secured that spot, as Hillier had already qualified. Hillier’s win was of course the icing on the cake for the tournament and the fans.

Hart was thrilled with the success of the event, He said: “To have a direct link from Queenstown to The Open at Royal Birkdale is something we are incredibly proud of, and it further highlights the international significance of the New Zealand Open. The goal for the future is to

keep getting better each year.”

Tournament director Michael Glading was also very happy with the end results.

“We wanted to keep giving people a better experience,” Glading said.

A good example was the large area of food stalls and entertainment behind the third green on the Coronet course. The change of course for the final two rounds begun last year which excludes the upper nine on Coronet is a significant one.

Glading added:  “We are happy with it because it makes for a better spectator experience, not necessarily a better golfing experience. I think some of the professionals prefer the Coronet course.

“However I think everyone understands and agrees with why we do it. It’s a great atmosphere and around the course on Saturday it was incredible. As good as we have ever had it with the record large crowds on Saturday.”

Glading was very happy with the presence of PGA Tour winners Kevin Na and Nick Watney who clearly enjoyed themselves although not featuring amongst the leaders in the end. Their ultimate final placings were an indicator of the quality of the field.

Glading concluded: “It was great to have a Kiwi winner in Daniel Hillier.”

Stories from the New Zealand Open

By Neville Idour

NZ Open a boon for Queestown/Whakatipu region

Golf is a wonderful sport that brings people of all colours, races, the rich and not so rich, the old and not so old and the young and very young to Arrowtown in Otago once a year to revel in what has become the iconic, treasured and prestigious very popular New Zealand Open. What a year the 2026 event was in every way.

With many people struggling with the pressures of New Zealand’s many economic challenges and the failings of some decision making from the top, the New Zealand Open is a more than welcome distraction from the news of the world.

In fact for the Whakatipu region the economic benefits are huge. When you consider the number of volunteers for the tournament of over 550, plus the many players, caddies and visitors who come from all over New Zealand and overseas for the open, the tourism factor is enormous.

So much kudos goes to Golf New Zealand and especially tournament chairman John Hart and his board for their ongoing endorsement of the region as the home of the New Zealand Open. The investment and risk of all involved, including Millbrook Resort, has to be acknowledged. In fact Millbrook Resort is set to continue hosting what really is a festival of golf until 2032.

While I don’t have the attendance figures for the 2026 event, the 2025 version attracted 34,000 spectators and 45,000 bednights were recorded. This provided an impact of $23 million into the Queenstown region. Unlike certain other events which require road closures, no such disruption or road closures are needed. Sounds like all gain without the pain for residents and visitors.

When we consider the effect on overseas eyeballs of the glorious pictures relayed by Sky TV to the many countries throughout the world, you have to admit the New Zealand Open is as good an advertisement for New Zealand tourism as you can get — and golf tourists are as good as it gets. They are generally speaking low impact, high yield and appreciative, just wanting to enjoy golf and tourism experiences as well as good dining experiences washed down with the best in wines. The choices are so many too.

Is there a better environment in the world to enjoy all that than Queenstown and the Lakes District?

John Hart can reflect with pride

New Zealand Open chairman John Hart can look back at the evolving New Zealand Open over the years in the 2000s with much pleasure and satisfaction. Hart’s involvement with New Zealand rugby and the All Blacks in the 1990s is legendary. He followed that with seven years associated with the New Zealand Warriors rugby league team.

With that background it was probably a given that Hart and golf would be good bedmates. Of course,  as events have turned out, his role with the New Zealand Open may prove to be his greatest sporting role. Securing the event’s future on a solid footing in Queenstown has proved to be a master stroke.

Playing in the Dunhill Pro-Am in Scotland in 2004 got the wheels turning.

“I had this dream that this would be a great concept for the New Zealand Open and that Queenstown would be the logical host,”  Hart recalled.

Sir Michael Hill had hosted the open in 2007, 2009 and 2010 but lost the hosting rights to Clearwater for the next two years.

However, Sir Michael was still keen to have the open back at The Hills, so Hart visited him and shared his dream

about a pro-am to accompany the event. Bingo, for anyone who knew Sir Michael well, this was like a red rag to a bull.

Always one to seize a positive opportunity being a generous philanthropist The Hills would host the New Zealand Open along with Millbrook Resort since 2014. They shared hosting rights until 2023 when Millbrook took over.

Historically, Hart points out the New Zealand Open had been a money loser for Golf New Zealand, particularly since the Tiger Woods disaster in 2002, losing $500,000 or more running the event.

However, that has been turned around. Government funding was secured ($1 million this year) and has continued to this day. The amateurs, apart from invited celebrities, pay $25,000 to pair with a professional which is unique world wide for a national open. This provides a huge cash injection for the $2 million prize pool and event costs.

Hart reflects: “It was $400,000 when we started. This tournament would not be here if it wasn’t for the pro-am. The pro-am element is also good for sponsors who can bring clients along.”

Hart still feels a three course format is the ideal. He sees a future with Millbrook and The Hills after its redevelopment and the neighbouring Hogan’s Gully course to open in 2028. The other aspects he is very proud of include free entry for spectators “to get the people of Queenstown supporting them.”

Also not paying appearance money and paying every player who misses the cut $1,000. While it doesn’t cover costs it is appreciated.

“We want players to come here because they want to and this year’s field was the best yet.

Hart said he was very proud of what had been achieved and heaped praise on his fantastic team, some of whom have been there from the start.

Big name ambassadors added to the fun.

There was an impressive lineup of amateur ambassadors who created a lot of interest. Some regulars, some new faces.

One of the biggest names was 54-year-old surfing legend Kelly Slater making his first visit to Queenstown and the South Island.

Slater said at the time: “Today is a great first day to be in the South Island.”

He had previously played once with a professional, Marcel Siem, at the 2015 Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Slater played off a two handicap.

Twenty nine-year-old Australian tennis star Ash Barty made her second appearance after having her second child last year.

She said: “I’ve played more golf in the last two days than the last two years. You can’t help having a big smile when you are here. Two beautiful golf courses lots of great people.”

Another newcomer was Michael Pena, an acclaimed American actor known for his versatility, authenticity and wide ranging performances in film and television. Popular former Aussie cricket captain Ricky Ponting wouldn’t miss a chance to play in the New Zealand Open and show off his single figure golfing skills. Neither would former Black Caps cricket captain Stephen Fleming who loves his annual pilgrimage to Arrowtown and Millbrook. He also is no mean golfer.

Former All Black brilliant winger and Black Caps cricket all rounder Jeff Wilson also added his star quality, but this time as caddie for leading PGA Champions Tour player Kiwi Steven Alker. Israel Dagg completed the All Black presence, while Tom Abercrombie, one of New Zealand’s most respected basketball players and a long time New Zealand Breakers  captain also showed his golfing skills.

Lucas Herbert and caddie are a real standout

Popular Australian LIV golfer Lu-

cas Herbert is not hard to find on the golf course, alongside his distinctive caddie Englishman Nick Pugh.

Sporting a long, snow white bushy beard he has been growing since his own professional career ended, Pugh has enjoyed success with Herbert who has six professional titles to his name.

Herbert, 30, who was runner-up at the 2020 New Zealand Open repeated that this year, pushing Hillier all the way in the final round to earn himself a spot at the  2026 Open Championship. Herbert is proof there is more to golf than the big money on LIV Golf or the PGA Tour.

He said: “I feel that it is hard to play poorly when you come to Queenstown. There’s nowhere better to play anywhere.”

He is also a fan of a particular burger chain in Queenstown.

“I genuinely just love coming here and I would like to see more LIV players come and play here.”

Another reason the New Zealand Open and Queenstown are special for Herbert is that he proposed to then girlfriend Erika at the top of Queenstown Hill a year ago and has since married her. Golf and life are certainly treating Herbert well and why not.

Sky TV ends sponsorship

The loss of Sky TV’s naming sponsorship was a significant blow to the finances of the New Zealand Open, tournament chairman John Hart said.

However, Millbrook Resort, which underwrites the tournament, lessened any impact by offering to cover any loss. But Sky Sport remained heavily involved as the broadcast partner and for the first time provided free to air coverage.

Hart said Sky’s sponsorship loss left a hole which, thankfully, Millbrook managing director Gota Ichii never batted an eyelid over. He simply said to Hart: “Do your best and we will cover any loss.” There was never any suggestion of paring back the tournament in any way to reduce costs.

The good news is Sky has remained fully committed and has signed on as broadcast partner for another three years. Interestingly Sky’s ratings for the 2025 New Zeland Open more than doubled 2024’s ratings. It will be interesting to see the 2026 result.

Kevin Na made a fine impression

Former PGA Tour winner and LIV Golf player Kevin Na brought his vast experience to Millbrook as one of the bigger name players and made a fine impres-

sion despite fading after a fine first round that saw him leading.

Na, 52, had 19 years on the PGA Tour and played in 458 events. He was dropped from LIV after the 2025 season and his appearance at Millbrook was his first tournament since mid-November.

For Na and his wife, who was with him, this was his first time in New Zealand. Na said he had heard so many great things about New Zealand, especially from his Kiwi friends so decided to see for himself and he wasn’t disappointed.

“They weren’t wrong, this place is amazingly beautiful.”

Of course he had heard plenty from LIV teammate Danny Lee who he said was like a brother and an amazing player when he is on.

“He’s a fun character off the course and a good friend.”

Na liked the Millbrook courses saying they were very well designed and said he wanted to have some fun and be that kid again with that bubbly exciting feeling. Well, despite the fact he fell off the pace as the tournament progressed, he was a fine acquisition for the 2026 open with his ever visible smile suggesting that he felt he was “that kid again.”

Hopefully we might see him here again in 2027.

Jeff Wilson caddied for Steven Alker

Former All Back and Black Cap cricketer Jeff Wilson is something of a permanent ambassador at the open, and why not.

However, he usually has a caddie carrying his bag so he can concentrate on getting the ball in the hole with the least number of shots. Well 2026 was different. He did not play. In chatting with chairman John Hart, Wilson said he had always wanted to caddy at a tournament.

Hart checked whether Steven Alker’s caddie was coming with him. It was all clear and Alker was happy to have Wilson carry his bag.

Wilson said: “He is the consummate professional so all I have to do is safely carry the bag and don’t lose any clubs. Having played the course a lot myself I’ll give him my opinion if asked. Otherwise I’ll keep the clubs clean and make sure there are enough balls.”

After three consistent rounds of 68, 67 and 66 he was just six shots behind Daniel Hillier and well placed for a high finish. Unfortunately the wheels fell off somewhat in the final round with a 76 to leave him  31st. For Wilson this was an enjoyable experience.

Ricky Ponting’s “best week of the year”

By Neville Idour

Cricketing legend and former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has become almost a permanent fixture at the New Zealand Open. So it was nice to chat with him about his involvement as an ambassador.

I first asked him how many times he had played the event.

“I must have played seven or eight tournaments. I missed a few through those covid years. But it’s the best week of my calendar year, really,’’ Ponting said.

“I actually should be in India and Sri Lanka right now commentating the T20 World Cup, but I decided to come here instead. So that’s how much I like this week. It’s such a great week.

“Queenstown in itself is a great place. My family and I come every winter as well. So I come and play golf in summer and we ski in the winter. It’s just such a great place to come to.

So how did this all begin?

“I got an invite. I guess back in the day they were probably looking for a few ambassadors, probably sporting

ambassadors from other sports that play a reasonable level of golf.

“So with me, Stephen Fleming, Warnie (the late Shane Warne), Brendon McCullum back in the day …. and Ian Botham used to be part of the tournament as well. Therefore there’s been a bit of a mix of cricket and rugby over the years. I’m one of the lucky ones that keeps getting an invite back, so hopefully I’ll keep playing okay and getting an invite back.”

What is your handicap?

“Two. I’ve drifted out a bit the last couple of years. I’m getting old, I’m 51 years old now, so I’m starting to slow down a little bit.”

His modesty is hilarious ….”drifted out a bit to a two handicap”. Oh please.

So how often does he play?

“Depends on what time of year it is. During summer back in Australia I’m pretty busy with my Channel 7 commitments, cricket commentary stuff. But in a normal week I either play or hit balls a couple of times a week.”

Your home course?

“Peninsula Kingswood and Metropolitan are the two clubs I play in Melbourne as I’m based in Melbourne. I

joined Metro probably 10 years ago and PK maybe eight years ago. Now play PK more than I play Metro. PK is unbelievable.”

So what are your favourite courses around the world? You must have played in a few countries?

“Yes I’ve played in a lot over the years. I’ve spent a lot of time in the UK and New Zealand and fair bit in South Africa. I did a tour to the USA last year. We played some of the great courses there like Pine Valley, Shinnecock Hills, Merion and others. They are all pretty cool. Portrush in Ireland I rate as highly as anywhere I’ve ever played. So I’ve been lucky and we are lucky in Melbourne. I mean we have got five or six that probably stack up the top 20 or 30 in the world.”

How about the marquee New Zealand courses at the top of the North Island?

“No I haven’t yet. I’ve heard a lot about them and a lot of my friends from home have played them. Something to look forward too.”

So what is next for Ponting?

“I’ve got a coaching gig coming up in India in the IPL in March, April and

May. So I’ll head home for a couple of weeks then off to India for about 10 weeks in the IPL (Indian Premier League). After that I’ll go home for a month then I have another coaching job in America through June and July. It’s a comp they started three years ago called Major League Cricket and I coach in that. So there’s enough going on keeping me busy, the kids are getting older and everything’s good.”

Your children?

“I’ve got three children. A 17 year old girl, a 14 year old girl and an 11 year old boy so they keep me pretty busy.”

Are they golfers?

“The young bloke plays, but the girls not so much. The boy plays all sports. So give him a golf club, a cricket bat, a tennis racquet, a soccer ball and he’s all over it.”

Hard to believe, but with that we end what was a 4 minute 55 second chat. Quite delightful and a reflection of the kind of person Ponting is. Immensely likeable with a ready smile, full of the good things about life and very approachable. Definitely a classy ambassador and great advocate for the New Zealand Open.

Steve Alker racks up his 11th win on the PGA Tour Champions

New Zealand professional golfer Steve Alker continues to stamp his mark on the PGA Tour Champions in the United States.

The 54-year-old posted his 11th win on the tour for over 50-year-olds when last month taking out the $US2.2 million Cologuard Classic at La Paloma Golf Club in Tucson, Arizona.

Alker, who is now an Arizona resident, earned $US330,000 for the win to take his earnings

on the tour to $US13.2 million. That’s more than $22 million in New Zealand dollars.

The win repeated his win of last year in the same event and in similar circumstances.

Last year he won on the first extra hole and it was the same last month when he rolled in a four-foot putt to beat Irish player Padraig Harrington in temperatures reaching about 32 degrees celsius.

Alker, from Hamilton, was nine strokes back after open-

ing with an even par 71 in the first of the three rounds then shot a 62 on Saturday to pull within two of the leader.

In the third round he shot a spectacular 65 to finish at 15 under par. Harrington, playing behind Alker in the final group, hit his approach long and bogeyed the par four 18th – missing a 10-foot come back putt.

In the playoff hole, both players found the left side of the fairway with Harrington hitting a driving iron. Har-

rington hit to the back of the green from 146 yards, leaving a 30-foot downhill putt that slid by on the right.

Alker, meanwhile, hit a gap wedge from 135 yards to set up the winning putt which came at his 100th start on the PGA Tour Champions.

Alker said: “Ultimately it all worked out. One hundredth start, really special. I had no idea. It’s just gone so quickly, I’m having so much fun out here. To win here again is pret-

ty special”.

On overcoming his slow start, he said:  “I just made some simple mistakes the first round. A couple three-putts and missed the odd green here and there, and it was kind of silly stuff. I tidied that up. I knew my game was in good shape”.

And on his playoff performance he added: “Yeah, happy to have a chance to win the golf tournament and ultimately it all worked out”.

to the winner of the Tucson Open (and later the Cologuard Classic) for over 50 years. Photo credit: Christian Petersen/Getty

Kerry Mountcastle wins New Zealand Super6s for a second time NEWS

Former Wairarapa golfer Kerry Mountcastle capped some recent good form to win the New Zealand Super

6s, sponsored by the Brian Green Property Group, for a second time at the Manawatu Golf Club in Palmerston North

last month.

The final was played on holes one and 14 through 18 and Mountcastle scored three under par to comfortably beat the other finalist Sam Jones.

Mountcastle, who previously lived in Masterton but now resides in Palmerston North, had previously this year finished fifth in the New Zealand PGA Championship at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, north of Wellington, and third at the New Zealand Open at Arrowtown in Otago.

The Australasian Tour professional was the 2021 Super 6s champion and he admitted he felt a little fatigued heading into the week, but playing in front of his home crowd gave him the extra juice he needed to get the job done.

“I’ve played some awesome golf most of the season but haven’t got across the line,’’ Mountcastle said.

“A few things have gone my way in the New Zealand stretch of events and today validates that the work I’ve been putting in.

“I was feeling pretty burnt out to start this week and I hit it sideways on Thursday and Friday. I managed to find something after that and took today one step

at a time,” he explains.

Starting the week, he shot 73, 71, and 71 in the strokeplay portion of the event to finish in a tie for 13th out of the 86-player field at two over par, qualifying for the Super 6 format as the 13th seed. On his way to the final, he defeated Charlie Smail, James Hydes, Cameron Jones, and Tim Wilkinson, finishing under par in each match.

Coming up against the big-hitting Jones in the final, Mountcastle knew he needed to summon his best golf, which he did on holes 14, 15, 16, and 18, making birdies to put plenty of space between the two of them.

“It’s special. This is the place I played my last event as an amateur, which I won, and now this is my home club. To win here again in front of friends, family, and my fellow club members is awesome.

“I play most of my golf in Australia, but it was important to me to support this event during a week off from the Aussie Tour.”

Tim Wilkinson qualified as the number one seed, shooting 66, 68, and 68 to finish 11-under-par.

Tee time and together time: A laid-back golf getaway in Hawke’s Bay

There is nothing quite like the feeling of the first golf trip of the year, especially when you are heading to an unbeatable destination bathed in sunshine.

Our journey to the Hawke’s Bay was confirmed in December so the midMarch dates had been circled on the calendar as a beacon of hope in the busy and stressful times. It had been a few months since our summer break to the Coromandel in Waikato but with a frantic start to 2026, it felt like a lifetime ago.

This trip wasn’t just about where we were going — it was about who we were going with. We lived in Wellington for three years and in that time our neighbours, the Joyces, became lifelong family friends. Every time we get the chance, much to our wives’ delight, Andrew and I are playing golf together. And the kids can play games for weeks without any drama.

The Joyces made the three-hour journey north, while we ventured south from Auckland stopping in at Taupō. After four hours in the car, it was a nice feeling to drop our bags at the De Bretts Hotel and head straight to the thermal pools. With the kids whizzing down the hydro slides and my wife and I soaking in the warm water, it was the perfect spot to begin the holiday.

A few weeks back, I told a couple of mates -- Jeremy White and Jonathan Lynch -- about the trip. The chance to play the famed Cape Kidnappers and the highly regarded Hastings Golf Club piqued their interest and they did not hesitate when they got the call up.

Just a pleasure to play

We arrived to warm sunshine and blue skies in the Hawke’s Bay and the first game was at the Hastings Golf

Club. I love this place.

It is one of the best conditioned club courses in New Zealand and it is little wonder why it is a regular host to national tournaments on the Golf New Zealand calendar.

The course superintendent Ben Simons and his team do a superb job in presenting a beautifully manicured course all year round. You would love to be a member here.

It has been 20 years since I first came to this hallowed turf. It was January 2006 when on my first shoot for Phillip Leishman’s television golf show we captured the New Zealand Under 23 Championship.

We met a young and shy Korean boy called Danny Lee who was 15 at the time and he won the tournament by six strokes after an opening round of 65. When you saw his fearless swing and incredible short game, you knew Lee was destined for great things.   This course has seen many great players win here – the likes of Bob Glading, Sir Bob Charles and Frank Nobilo. And you can’t mention the Bridge Pa course without talking about Stuart Jones.

His photo hangs in the entrance to the clubhouse. Jones, who was known as the Emperor, represented New Zealand from 1953 to 1975 and boasts one of the most stellar amateur golf careers in New Zealand history. The clubhouse café is worth a special mention. Arrive here early and make time for brunch before your game.

The Hastings course was created in 1898 in humble beginnings, and it was first established on the current site at Bridge Pa in 1912. Perhaps the most significant milestone was in 1970 when

club president Roy Skittrup revamped the course to be a championship test. For general manager Michelle Campbell it is a special place to work.

She said: “Hastings Golf Club has that balance of a beautiful, challenging course and a strong community around it.

“The course has hosted many national tournaments over the years, and we’re proud that our members get to experience that same quality of golf every day.

“A big part of that comes from our staff and volunteers who take a real sense of pride in the club and its history, while continuing to build for its future.”

Back to our golf. The teams were an easy choice. Andrew (17 handicap) and I (20) took on Jono (nine) and Jeremy (30). It was a good matchplay battle for the beers. Every time you play here is just an absolute pleasure. The conditioning, the layout, the environment. It’s all awesome. There is a plethora of good holes but three of my favourites would be the fifth, 12th and 14th.

Jono turned on a masterclass and Jeremy made some telling contributions.  Jono was two over par after 10 holes and on track for a special round.  Andrew and I combined well and at the 17th tee we were dormy 2up. Jono kept the match alive when he chipped in from 30 metres with the ball slam dunking the cup. He

went onto card a 77. Andrew and I did just enough to hold on for a one up win.

Staying in paradise

While we were out battling at Hastings, the girls and the kids were checking into our accommodation at Lawn Road Retreat. To say this is a special place is an understatement.

From the moment the key hits the lock, you know you are staying somewhere with X factor. It is like the scene from Narnia Chronicles where they discover a whole new world through the wardrobe.

As you make your way through the spacious and modern home, with more rooms and ensuites than you can count, the outdoor space is framed by a swimming pool, spa pool, tennis court, pizza oven and barbeque area. We had 13 in our group, and it was an ideal space for connection, relaxation and a lot of fun.

Within minutes of dropping their bags, the kids were in the pool and playing endless games. The weather laid it on over the holiday and the pool and spa were the kids’ second home for the duration of the trip.

Our host Pen was friendly, relaxed and welcoming.  If you drafted up what the perfect home would look like for a family vacation in a golf destination, then the floorplan of the Lawn Road Retreat would probably match that description in every aspect.

Laughter around the dinner table

Over the years of doing these golf trips one of the best things has been getting into the local food and cuisine and our first meal is no different.

Brave Brewing Co. was founded by Matt and Gemma Smith. Their journey began in Auckland, where Matt’s home-brewing hobby flourished and the turning point came when Matt won the champion home brewer title at the 2013

New Zealand Home Brew Championship. Their selection of beers is worth working your way through – my personal favourite was the Tigermilk IPA which became my go-to beer for the rest of the trip.  It was a great complement to my Spicy Chicken Burger, while the kids devoured their plates of chicken and chips, and lemonades.

The first evening was complete and it was a nice feeling retiring to home. With the kids down for sleep, the glasses of Pinot Noir went down all too easy.

Family fun in Napier

While day one was all about getting set up and enjoying Hastings Golf Club, day two was quality family time.  After an early morning swim, the first stop on the agenda was the National Aquarium on Marine Parade. It is a must visit on any trip to the Hawke’s Bay.

It has a cool history. In 1954, shoe retailer Les Mills installed a large goldfish tank in his store. He later filled it with tropical fish that his son Ian had purchased from Wellington.

The tank proved so popular that Les, a member of Napier’s Thirty Thousand Club, was given £500 to establish a public aquarium in the basement of Napier’s War Memorial Hall, which opened to the public on December 14, 1957.

Just under 20 years later it was moved to Marine Parade where it resides today. It’s home to a wide range of saltwater, freshwater and land animal exhibits from New Zealand and around the world.

The kids were totally enthralled by all the exhibitions they came across. They fell in love with their ‘Happy Feet’ friends at the Penguin Cove and there

is so much to take in as you journey through the 1.5 million litre oceanarium tunnel.

It was two hours of entertainment, and the kids were ready for lunch. The guys took our seven kids to Community Burger, while my wife and I got into something nice attire and headed to Craggy Range Winery for a lunch out of the top drawer.

The burgers at Community Burger were brilliant and while we were there we learned more about their values and purpose.

Every month or so they lend a hand to an important community cause with their customers’ help. After they pay their local suppliers, staff and business helpers, we’re using the leftover funds to help people in our community. It is hard to not want to get behind something like that.

Meanwhile Craggy Range is an experience at another level. Being kid free and taking in that view of the mountains and countryside with a cold glass of local rosé in hand (I stayed with the Brave Brewery Tigermilk) was good for the soul.

We enjoyed the ‘Locals Lunch’. Ka-

tie ordered the Hohepa Halloumi with Glazed Pork Belly for her main while I enjoyed the Raw Kingfish followed by a pan-fried snapper. It was completed by a lemon meringue bar and friendly service.  If you have a special occasion, this is the place to come to celebrate. It is a world class winery that puts Hawke’s Bay on the map.

Golf doesn’t get better than this

This is the one we had been waiting for. Anytime you get the chance to play Cape Kidnappers Golf Club it is a privilege. This course is so special it is hard to put into words.

All the lads woke up with a spring in their step, knowing that today is one of those days you are going to remember.

As you hit the button on the intercom and the gates open, you are treated to a winding journey of eight kilometres through sheep-laden farmland to arrive at the clubhouse. The sense of anticipation in the car is palpable. That entry must blow the minds of our international visitors as the scene is both quintessential New Zealand and breathtaking beautiful.

I have played Cape Kidnappers twice before. The first time I almost holed a nine iron on the opening par four (it sat right on the edge of the hole) and I went on to shoot 102. The second time I played well and carded a 96. Anything in the 90s is a good score around here. The teams are the same as day one with Jono and Jeremy looking for redemption.

The experience at Cape Kidnappers is world class from the moment you open your car door. You are greeted by the team who park your car and get you set up for the round.

Cape Kidnappers is on everyone’s bucket list of golf courses for good reason. The Tom Doak design is a masterpiece and perfectly presented. Every hole in the layout is unique and makes the most of the spectacular scenery.

Doak said his goal in designing golf courses is to create interesting holes you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Doak said: “That wasn’t hard to do at Cape Kidnappers, because the site is not like anywhere else in golf. If it were any bigger or any more dramatic, it would probably be cordoned off as a national park. It’s an overwhelm-

ing experience to stand up on the cliffs, 140 metres above sea level, and look out across the waves far below in Hawke’s Bay.”

When you walk these fairways, you are following in the footsteps of some of the world’s best.

The course co-hosted The Kiwi Challenge in 2008 and 2009. The 36-hole tournament in 2008 saw Anthony Kim, Hunter Mahan, Adam Scott and Brandt Snedeker come to our shores and the following year it was Kim, Mahan, Sean O’Hair, and Camillo Villegas. Kim won the 2009 event, and it was incredible to see his latest comeback win on the LIV Tour.

The lads were ready for their own Kiwi Challenge and there was huge excitement on the first tee.

Birdwoods Café

Back in Havelock North, the mums had an action-packed morning planned. They took the band of merry kids to Birdwoods for an experience to behold.

The grounds at Birdwoods are just a stunning setting and baked in sunshine there was a great feeling walking the trails. They started with a beautifully prepared brunch – French Toast for one and Smashed Avocado for the other –while the kids enjoyed a Bird Box full of treats.

The star of the show was feeding the four ostriches as they wondered around the perfectly prepared gardens.  And the seven kids were in heaven when they visited the lolly shop on site which had all sorts of bespoke and home-made candy to ensure they were full of sugar and energy for their next adventure.

Marine Parade is the heart of Napier, and it is home to Ocean Spa which is a great complex to unwind and relax. The kids never need a second invitation to get into the pool, and they are straight into games and fun across the open-air heated pools and spas. You can spend some time here and you’ll love every minute of it.

Cape Kidnappers

One of the cool features about playing here is ordering your lunch before you

tee off and it is waiting for you as you make the turn.  I knew a tasty chicken wrap was waiting for me on the horizon as we were playing the ninth hole.

The back nine gets most of the plaudits at Cape Kidnappers but the front has a plethora of truly great holes.

One of the signature holes is the sixth – it is a 190 metre par three that is all carry over a ravine with the Pacific Ocean all along the left of the hole. It is a majestic hole and if you can make par here, you know you have earned it.

The par four seventh is intimidating from the tee and it asks you to be precise with your second shot and the eighth is another memorable par three where short is dead.

After a refreshing stop for lunch, we were ready to take in the signature stretch around this layout. It never disappoints.

It is the combination of world class design and incredible views that are hard to beat. As I am playing it, I keep telling myself to slow down and take it in because you don’t get this experience too often.

My favourite three holes are 14, 15 and 16. The 14th is an awesome par four that often plays straight into the prevailing wind. You need to hit your drive well to clear a gaping ravine and then the second shot is all about accuracy to a small green.

The 15th is the hardest hole on the golf course. It is a 505-metre par five that goes forever. It is dead straight and there is trouble on both sides for all three shots. When you get to the green the feeling is a mixture of awe and relief. It is one of the best par fives in the country.

The 16th is a hole that all golfers need to experience. You tee off from a ridiculous spot on the edge of a cliff with a view as far as the eye can see. It is not as long as the 15th but it’s a tricky hole where you need to stay out of trouble.

Coming down the final couple of holes, the boys have had a day to remember. There had been some moments of magic and moments to forget. This layout is so tough but just an incredible experience. I wasn’t at my best, but I finished with my best shot – a rescue from 180 metres into

the 18th – to finish with a par and on the right note.

For the record – Andrew and I held on for a 3 and 2 win after an impressive fightback from the lads which saw them win three holes in a row. The beers didn’t touch the sides.

Before we head for home we had a putting challenge.  It involves two games of four holes with the two losers buying a bottle of Central Otago Pinot Noir for the crew to enjoy that evening.

Just when I think my day can’t get any better, my wife and I are treated to a sauna and plunge pool experience down the road at O-Studio.

Sitting there in the quiet, it is just what my body and mind needs on a day that has been full of the best kind of stimulation. I could have stayed there all day. My wife tells me all about their adventures and I share the war stories from golf.

It is a wellness experience that is highly recommended, and it was nice to have some time with my wife in a full schedule.

The final dinner

We arrived at the last meal with a tinge of sadness.  Our trip to the Hawke’s Bay could not have been better. It is not often that the holiday matches up with the postcard but on every turn this sunny and eventful part of New Zealand ex-

ceeded expectations.

Our last supper was at Pipi Café in Havelock North. This restaurant has a special and relaxed vibe – you help yourself to the drinks fridge and they just count the bottles at the end.

The food arrives and it covers the table. The pizza of all varieties is tasty and my main was an Aged Beef Fillet cooked to perfection. The menu reflects the wonderful produce on offer from the local area.

I stop for a minute and look down the table. There are nonstop stories, laughter and smiles. Friendships have been formed, and old mates have reconnected.

This is what life is all about.  Quality time with people who mean the world to you. I will remember this moment and that life is there for living and creating special memories.

It was another special evening where you wish you could just stop time for a few more hours.

The next morning, as we pull out of the gates of Lawn Road Retreat, there are tears streaming down the faces of my girls. It’s hard to walk away from paradise. We promise them we will be back.

The Hawke’s Bay has added a special chapter to our family story that we will need to revisit.

Why where you stay matters on a golf trip

By Pen Cropper Owner of Lawn Road Retreat

People often ask me how Lawn Road Retreat came to be, and the honest answer is that it grew out of lived experience rather than a business plan.

Early in my career, I worked at MORE magazine as a beauty editor and in house makeup artist. It was a fast paced, creative world where attention to detail mattered. Later, when I had children, I returned to makeup artistry in a different way – fitting work around family life. Weddings became a big part of that chapter, and with them came long weekends spent alongside large families and bridal parties. What struck me, time and again, was how difficult it was for groups to find accommodation that truly worked. Not just somewhere to sleep, but somewhere that allowed people to be together without feeling cramped, rushed, or compromised. Too often, groups were split across multiple houses or hotel rooms, losing that sense of connection that’s meant to define time away.

When I sold some land and found myself in a position to invest, the timing felt right. I wanted to create a place that was generous in scale, thoughtfully designed, and genuinely easy to host in. A place where people could gather without friction. That idea became Lawn Road Retreat.

Today, guests often tell me the same thing: the property feels calm,  spacious and effortless. Every bedroom has its own ensuite — a small detail, perhaps, but one that makes a big difference when you’re travelling as a group. There are wide lawns, a saltwater pool, a tennis court, hot tub, outdoor fire, pizza oven, and a mix of indoor and outdoor living spaces that allow people to come together or step away when they need a moment of quiet.

One of the things I love most is the flexibility. Guests can cater themselves, bring in a private chef, or even organise a food truck on site. Children roam freely, adults relax, and the property adapts to the group rather than the other way around.

Hawke’s Bay is, of course, a special place — and for golfers in particular,

it’s a destination that continues to draw people from all over the country and beyond. Lawn Road Retreat sits centrally between Cape Kidnappers, Hastings Golf Club, and Napier Golf Club, which makes it easy to plan multiple rounds without long drives.

For golf groups, the ability to sleep up to 20 people in individual beds is a game changer. Everyone has their own space, yet the group stays together. After a day on the fairways, guests soak in the hot tub or pool, share stories around the fire, or settle in for a long dinner that stretches well into the evening. The lawn often becomes an impromptu chip and putt, and we’re currently adding a putting green so that those moments can continue back at the property. It’s often these informal, unplanned moments that people remember most.

This past summer has been a busy one, and the feedback has been affirming. Families tell me how rare it is to find a place where children are entertained and safe, while adults can genuinely switch off. Golf groups consistently mention how much they value coming back together at the end

of the day — not dispersing to separate hotel rooms, but sharing a meal, a conversation, and a sense of camaraderie.

What guests describe, again and again, is ease. Comfort without fuss. Space without distance. Connection without pressure.

So, if I were to offer advice to anyone planning a trip to Hawke’s Bay — golfers or families alike — it would be this: book your tee times early, but don’t overfill your days. This region rewards a slower pace. There are wineries to savour, local produce to enjoy, coastal walks and cycle trails that invite you to take your time.

And just as importantly, choose accommodation that adds to the experience rather than simply servicing it.

A golf trip isn’t only about the round. It’s about the conversations over dinner, the laughter by the fire, and the shared moments that happen when people have space to truly be together. Often, those are the memories that last longest – well beyond the final putt.

Life on the cliffs at Cape Kidnappers NEWS

By Ronnie Clark

Head golf professional at Cape Kidnappers

Igrew up in Brighton on England’s south coast, but my professional home is perched on the edge of New Zealand — Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay.

I first joined the team back in 2017, took a five-year stint at our sister property Kauri Cliffs in Northland and returned to the cape a year ago.

In that time, I’ve grown alongside the course and the people who care for it. Every season asks something different of you and that’s part of the magic: there’s always a fresh challenge, a new rhythm to learn and—if you’re lucky—a moment that pins itself to your memory.

People often ask what makes this place special. The easy answer is the land itself — dra-

matic, salt stung and impossibly cinematic. But the real answer is the combination of location, the course and the people who bring it to life.

For all the grandeur of the cliffs, there’s nothing pretentious about a day here. There’s pride, certainly, but it shows up as care: the way the greens present, the way guests are greeted, the way the wind is treated as a partner rather than an enemy.

Cape Kidnappers is more than a world class golf destination; it’s a complete experience and everyone on the team understands their part in it.

Being consistently ranked among the best courses in the world sets a standard you feel in the soles of your shoes. For me, that standard isn’t about hushed tones or rigid traditions,  it’s about ensuring that every guest — whether they’re a single digit handicapper or here to tick off a bucket list round — feels welcomed, relaxed and looked after from the first tee to the final putt. World class golf should be memorable and personal, not intimidating. That’s the bar I try to clear, day after day.

The course itself demands your respect. Scale is the first test — the way holes ride the spine of the cliffs and the Pacific Ocean gathers in the corners of your eye. Then comes the wind, a constant reminder to make a plan and commit to it. Cape Kidnappers rewards good decision making more than brute force. Accept the ask, pick your line, swing with conviction. My best score here is a 71, and even on a day like that, the course keeps you honest. It is never conquered; only negotiated.

My favourite holes? It’s hard not to point visitors to the stretch from 13 through 16. They’re the postcard holes — beauty that borders on disbelief — but the shots they demand are as thoughtful as the views are spectacular.

If I had to choose one, I’d take the 14th. It begins with the simplest instruction that’s also the hardest to execute: hit a proper drive. Try to shave the corner and the rough will make quick work of your ambition.

The green is guarded by a bunker that turns placement into a puzzle; only from the right angle does your approach have a chance to settle and hold. It’s a hole that rewards planning and tempts impatience — strategic golf in a single frame.

Recognition as a top 100 layout and a must -play in New Zealand

means a lot to the team — not just because lists matter to golfers, but because it validates the daily graft. Presentation isn’t accidental; hospitality doesn’t happen by chance. People travel from around the world to play here and that knowledge sharpens our focus. It keeps us raising the bar in the small things that, together, make the round unforgettable.

If you’re around an 18 handicap and playing the cape for the first time, here’s my honest advice: play within yourself. Choose the tees that let you enjoy the course rather than merely survive it. Think in terms of positions — where do you want your next shot from? — and let that determine your line. Look up often; the surroundings are part of the story you’ll tell later. The course is demanding but

fair, and if you commit to smart golf one swing at a time, you’ll likely walk off with a better number and definitely a better memory than if you try to overpower it.

As for what we hear from visitors, the most common feedback is that the experience exceeds expectations. The views are what draw people here, but it’s the atmosphere and hospitality that stay with you.

International guests tell us they’ve never played anywhere quite like it. Kiwi golfers say they’re proud to have a course like this at home. I feel the same way. For me, Cape Kidnappers is more than a workplace on the edge of the world; it’s a place that asks the best of you — and gives its best back.

“It

was like I had been shot”

By Peter Thornton

For anyone planning their annual golf trip with their mates in 2026, one Auckland man has a cautionary tale.

Grant Sweeney had no time to react and the next thing he knew he was lying on the ground with blood pouring from his forehead.

The 46-year from Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast was on an annual boys’ golf trip to Queenstown in 2024 playing one of the region’s best courses.

They were playing the final hole at the Millbrook Resort – the home of the New Zealand Open – when Sweeney suffered a sickening blow.

He was playing with his good mate Luke Farmer when he crept ahead on the par three 18th. Farmer had duffed his tee shot to the right and had an approach shot of around 100 metres into the green.

Sweeney was about 25 metres ahead on the left when Farmer hit a low hooking shoot that hit his friend flush in the forehead at incredible speed.

“It happened so quickly,”  Sweeney recalled.

“I never saw it coming. I walked around from our cart and his ball just went straight into my forehead and knocked me off my feet. It was like I had been shot.”

The father of two was in shock lying on the ground, while Farmer and the other lads from the golf trip, who had already finished their round, came running to his aid.

Sweeney was in a bad way. There was a copious amount of blood pouring out onto the grass.

“I was in quite a bit of pain and shock as I came to terms with what happened,” Sweeney continued.

“All of the lads were pretty worried about me as they could see I wasn’t

right. You hear stories of people suffering serious injuries on the golf course, but I never thought it would happen to me.”

Sweeney was in line to win the golf tournament with his mates in Queenstown, but since he didn’t finish the round and hand in his card, the coveted green jacket went to another player.

With a laugh he added: “I thought my mates might have given me the jacket out of sympathy, but they were pretty brutal. That’s what friends are for …”

Farmer and Sweeney have been good friends for a long time. They both attended high school together and played rugby together.

Said Farmer: “I felt terrible to be honest. When I hit it, I looked up and it was like it happened in slow motion. It was heading straight for him and I couldn’t do anything about it.

“When I saw him hit the ground and pretty worse for wear from the blow, I was worried. Fortunately, it’s something that we can all laugh about now.”

The staff at Millbrook Resort quickly leapt into action, with his friends, they bandaged him up and made sure he had his injury checked by a medical professional.

Sweeney was taken to the Queenstown Hospital where they stitched his forehead and checked him for concussion symptoms.

Witnesses to the incident said something similar had happened a few years ago and the golfer had passed away from the blow.

In 2018, a 27-year-old man died after sustaining a severe head injury when he was struck by a flying golf ball at the Frankton Golf Centre in Queenstown.

“The boys told me that story later that night and I couldn’t believe it,” Sweeney said.

“I feel very lucky. It could have been much worse. I could have had permanent damage or even worse, died from the accident, so it was one of those moments that makes you stop and think.”

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) supported Sweeney through his recovery. He said it took several weeks until he felt back to himself again.

In 2025, ACC accepted 259 claims for people getting struck by a golf ball. This was the highest number of claims in the past six years. Over that period a total of 1,196 people have been struck by a golf ball and made an ACC claim.

For all golf injuries in 2025, ACC accepted 11,016 golf-related injuries which came at a cost of almost $14 million to help people recover. This was the highest cost and number over the past six years. Around 90 per cent of these were soft tissue injuries.

In 2025, in total, ACC paid for 14,815 days of weekly compensation for people who had sustained a golf related injury.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker said heading away for a golf weekend with your mates is an awesome time, but he encouraged people to take a moment to consider the risk of injury.

“We are lucky in New Zealand we have some of the best golf courses in the world

and it is a brilliant experience getting away with your mates,” Whittaker said.

“But it’s easy to get too relaxed on the golf course and if you get it wrong the consequences can be dire. As Grant will tell you, getting hit by a golf ball is a very painful and scary experience.

“So, we recommend golfers to slow down, stay behind their playing partners on every shot and be aware of what is happening around them.

“We want all golfers to have fun out there around Aotearoa, play well, and stay injury free so they can keep doing what they love.”

Phil Aickin, the Golf New Zealand tournament and handicapping manager, said the safety of players on the course is everyone’s responsibility.

“Unfortunately, golfers can be wayward and there is a chance of being hit,” Aickin said.

“It’s impossible to guarantee safety when holes are adjacent, but for play within your own group, make sure you make good decisions and keep out of dangerous areas as much as possible.”

For Sweeney, it’s a golf lesson he will never forget.

“I was standing in the wrong place, and I wasn’t paying attention,” he said.

“I was too casual at the end of the trip, and I was looking forward to a beer in the clubhouse.

“I put too much trust in my playing partner to hit a good shot.

“My advice to other golfers, is don’t take that chance. Just hang back until they have played their shot. You always have time and those few seconds could stop you getting seriously hurt.”

Golf New Zealand’s advice for staying safe of the golf course

1. As a player, only hit if you know the fairway is clear.

2. If you hit a ball which may land close to other players, yell fore.

3. If you hear fore, turn your back to the direction of the call and crouch down.

4. When practical stay behind the person next to play.

5. Beware of every shot being played in your group.

6. Avoid standing in the shank position.

7. If drinking alcohol on the course, take extra care as your judgment could be impaired.

Sad news — Pegasus in liquidation NEWS

By Neville Idour

In a body blow for golf in Canterbury, the prestigious Pegasus Golf and Sports Club was put in voluntary liquidation last month. It was announced on March 6 in a social media post followed by an email to members.

Initially members were reassured that the club would remain open

during this time but that was very short lived and Pegasus Golf Ltd closed and ceased trading on March 12. All out of pocket members were entitled to lodge a claim in the liquidation for the unused portion of those membership fees, vouchers or loyalty dollars. With the club owing nearly $6.2 million to secured creditors and $2.7 million to unsecured creditors, $360,466

to Inland Revenue for goods and services tax (GST) and pay as you earn (PAYE), and $2.25 million in related party loans the prospects do not look great. The club’s attached virtually non existent resort is also in liquidation.

The property was purchased in 2018 by Auckland businessman Sam Huo for $14.8 million and as time has evolved his management of the club has continually come into question. His company planned to develop the 80 hectare property into a master planned resort with hotels, a spa, swimming and hot pools, a country club, a golf school and apartments. All of this would have required a reconfiguration of the first two holes which always looked questionable.

In July, 2023, Hong Kong company Yellow River Global Capital Ltd signed a joint venture to put $90 million into the ambitious project. The investment never eventuated and late in 2024 Huo put the entire property, including the golf course, on the market saying circumstances had changed. But it did not sell. So it was back to square one.

Currently Bayleys Real Estate is handling the sale of the club and resort and it will be offered for sale by tender on

April 2 unless sold prior. This is a rare opportunity to purchase a freehold championship golf resort with everything in place and also with development opportunities. The facilities are comprehensive with the modern clubhouse housing the pro shop, café and restaurant plus an excellently equipped fitness centre and gym. There are also tennis courts.

Canterbury Golf general manager Blair Minton told Golfer Pacific the closure was devastating news, being one of the top courses in Canterbury.

It has hosted Charles Tour events, Ladies’ European Tour events in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and the New Zealand PGA Championship in 2019. The course has proved to be ideal for elite championship golf for men and women with it’s excellent design offering differing shot options on most holes.

It is to be hoped that the property does not remain closed for any length of time and that an owner with the right credentials and knowledge about how to manage a successful golf club sees the potential and snaps up a property that includes one of New Zealand’s leading golf courses.

Gibbston Valley Resort sure to please

By Neville Idour

As part of my New Zealand Open golf week I made the time to check out the new Gibbston Valley Resort, a 25-minute drive before Queenstown.

It is situated opposite the Gibbston Valley Winery where its nine-hole golf course opened to the public on March 2.

First impressions were stunning, as the whole development is of a luxury and elevated experience. We were warmly welcomed by director of golf Jesus Santos and managing director Cristina Griffith.

Over a decade in the making, course designer Greg Turner and others spent years planning what the project could be. Hence the end result following a two-year build.

Turner is delighted with the course which was designed to appeal to both beginners and the very best golfers. Turner believes it provides the best of

both worlds being a par 32 measuring 1867 metres or 3734 metres for 18 holes.

Green fees are $95 for affiliated golfers for nine holes and $125 for 18 holes. For non affiliated the fees are $125 (9) and $155 (18). There are also day passes for $40 which allow use of the gymnasium, heated pool, hot tub and showers.

Membership is currently limited to property owners in the resort, although a small number of non-resident memberships will be made available for the 2026-2027 season.

The course features five par fours and four par threes. The longest par four is 305 metres and the shortest is 228 metres. The par threes range from 105 to 149 metres. The course is situated above the dramatic Kawarau Gorge and is played on fairways between rock features and historic gold mining tailings.

A former professional golfer, Canadian Mac Boucher, said: “I was one of

the first people to play the course with flags in. It is awesome and great for all skill levels. It ticks all the boxes for a nine-holer and the views are amazing.”

One of the outstanding features in the design is the provision of two undulating double greens shared by holes one and eight and two and five. As for hazards don’t expect bunkers. Rather, the natural terrain and various rock formations and gold mining remnants provide challenging and visually engaging hazards.

Santos said: “It’s a high quality golf course, one that shows its character and challenges you, but is also very elegant.

“Our goal was to create a golf course that meets the needs of the modern golfer. Most people who want to play golf don’t want to be away from their families all day. Here people can play nine, have lunch with a glass of wine, relax and then be back with families for the rest of the day.”

The clubhouse and the available fa-

cilities are stunning. The restaurant is open daily from 10am until 6pm. The gym has ample fitness apparatus while the heated outdoor pool and jacuzzi are most inviting.

Of course there is a professional golf shop to satisfy any wish for a memento of your visit. Griffith said: “It is stunning. We have focussed on creating a memorable and welcoming hospitality experience to be enjoyed after a great game of golf.”

The clubhouse also connects to the Kawarau Gorge Trail, which links Gibbston to Bannockburn, thereby enhancing the opportunities for wine, golf and cycle tourism.  Our visit to this new kid on the block was very rewarding. There is no doubt that the nine-holer will fill a welcome niche for all the quality golf in the region. Quite simply as one writer said “short and sweet.”

Yes, yet another gem to add to Queenstown’s growing portfolio.

PGA Tour chief Brian Rolapp signals changes

By Neville Idour

PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp has spoken about work going on “behind the scenes’’ about potential changes to the tour circuit’s structure.

His press conference before The Players’ Championship probably left more questions than answers. Some might rightly ask: “Does the PGA Tour really know what it is doing?”

In fact there is a running joke among fans in the United States that Rolapp might be running a shadow social media account, quietly stalking every golf fan on god’s green Earth. Although a joke, it doesn’t feel far fetched after his 49 minute, 31 question “state of the tour” address on Wednesday before The Players.

Rolapp said there were “six themes beginning to emerge”.

We will try and decipher them.

First, the season would begin later while the number of signature events would double to 16, likely including The Players’ Championship. However

the number of events is to be trimmed to 21-26, so what will make 16 signature events “signature”? The number of events will include the majors, The Players and the post season, so roughly 21 to 26 events on a first track of elevated events with the best players competing for higher purses.

Second, he hinted at a system of promotion and relegation. But get this beauty.

“We will have a second track of PGA Tour tournaments which will ladder up to those elevated events.” Sounds like a new game “tracks and ladders”.

There would also be more consistent fields on tour, suggesting no cut limited fields common in signature events could become a thing of the past. “Our best events will have larger fields, closer to 120 player fields with a cut.”

Sounds smaller as fields on regular events have around 144 player fields.

Third. “We want to open big with a marquee event at an iconic venue in the west and to finish on network television in prime time on the east

coast.” Rolapp believes a strong start is imperative.

Fourth. Bigger markets could be targeted. The PGA Tour only competes in four of the top 10 largest media markets. They are looking at New York, Chicago, Washington DC, San Francisco, Boston and many others.

Five. There has been a lot of discussion about scarcity. Rolapp said: “Scarcity is not about the number of events we have, but is about making every event we have matter. That is why we are evaluating promotion and relegation between these two tracks within our competitive model, an added element we would bring to life in the second track of events.”

Six. Rolapp suggests matchplay could make a return, with a shake up of the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup fall section of the season. “We want to enhance the post season. We have heard from the fans and our partners. They want more drama.”

Rolapp also pointed out none of the proposals are set in stone.

“We expect to have made more meaningful progress following our June 22nd board meeting.”

However notwithstanding all of this there are bean counters watching developments.

Rolapp was the preferred chief executive for the Strategic Sports Group, which invested $US1.5 billion into the PGA Tour almost two years ago. You can guarantee their bean counters will want a return on their money although none has been spent yet.

Apparently staff redundancies are under way. Trimming the tournament schedule to bring the top players together more often is hoped to bring greater media rights value and lower costs. The financial implications of the strategic alliance between the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour are also a significant concern. In 2027 the PGA Tour will have a choice to renegotiate or exit.

It all sounds a little like someone in a row boat on a river without oars.

World news in brief

By Neville Idour

McIlroy’s Masters dinner menu

All has been revealed. Each year on the Tuesday evening of Masters week, past champions gather together in the Augusta National clubhouse to honour and celebrate winning the green jacket at the very special champions’ dinner.

The menu is designed by the defending champion. Last year it was Scottie Scheffler’s turn and he served up a Texas inspired menu. This year Rory McIlroy has gone for an international inspired selection to satisfy all taste palates.

To start there will be a choice of four appetisers, including peach and ricotta flatbread, bacon wrapped dates, rock shrimp tempura or grilled elk sliders. That should get appetites salivating. The first course follows with Yellow fin tuna carpaccio.

Main course selection is Wagyu filet mignon or seared salmon. These are served with traditional Irish champ  –that is creamy mashed potatoes mixed with chopped spring onions or scallions, butter and milk. The finale for dessert will be that old favourite sticky toffee pudding and vanilla ice cream. For liquid accompaniment McIlroy has chosen champagne, white and red wine. Hopefully that lineup will satisfy all in attendance.

Gary Player backtracks on LIV hate

Four years ago, Gary Player’s comments about LIV Golf were anything but complimentary.

“How can you ever be a champion playing a tour with 54 holes and no cut? What sort of tour is that? …. and a team event nobody understands.”

However, now it is 72 holes and the first LIV South Africa event was a rip roaring success that attracted well over 100,000 spectators, the highest ever attendance for a professional golf event in South African history.

Player’s initial silence after the event drew much criticism from the commu-

nity for not commenting on the wonderful response from South African fans. Reports flooded in claiming the 90-year-old only came to the final round by parachute. It was the talk of the town. However the stunning success of the event and the exciting golf on display forced Player and others to reconsider their attitude towards LIV Golf.

Player’s celebratory post drew much derision from fans.

“Too little too late. You prioritised your own dislike of LIV above national pride. Shame on you and them.”

A few fans said he only posted it because of the backlash he, Ernie Els and Trevor Immelman received. In a complete turnaround Player wrote: “Many congratulations to Bryson DeChambeau on a magnificent, thrilling victory here in South Africa. What a spectacle for the game of golf. To watch two of the world’s finest going head to head in a playoff is exactly the kind of drama that lifts our sport and captivates fans worldwide.”

The “world class event” made Player feel proud that it helped showcase the beauty of the country, the passion of fans and the “rich golfing heritage.’’

He was also impressed with the four man South African Southern Guards team, which finished runner-up, represent their homeland with great distinction.

What made the grand finale of the event even more spectacular were the scenes that unfolded throughout the entire week and even more so around the 18th green for the prize giving ceremony.

For example fans began singing the national anthem and DeChambeau had to stay put for it. Then came the chants of “Bry son De Cham beau, Bry  son De Cham beau”  over and over with DeChambeau egging them on. Then afterwards the fans lined up in huge numbers to get all sorts of mementos signed such as caps, phone covers and, even, shoes signed.

It all proved the old adage “Don’t be too quick to judge.”

Player, of all people, should know that. But at least he was man enough to change his stance dramatically and must be given credit for that.

Jon Rahm to the rescue

On February 26, 2026, when Israel and the United States launched their joint attack on sites in Iran, it triggered sudden aviation disruption in the Middle East.

This affected eight LIV players practicing in Dubai when it began. They had to find another way to reach Hong Kong Golf Club before March 5 where the third 2026 LIV event was scheduled.

Caleb Surratt, one of the players, said: “The world just came undone. It was terrifying.”

With a 12-hour window and missile interceptions over Dubai, the players had to drive for four hours across the border to Muscat, Oman, which was

one of the few places where a private plane could still take off for Asia. However behind the scenes Jon Rahm was working to commission and coordinate this complex flight for his fellow LIV golfers. It was particularly generous arrangement by Rahm.

But Tiger Woods not so generous

Although not happy about the company, Woods once shared a seat with Ian Poulter on his (Tiger’s) famous $US53million Gulfstream G550. It was before the 2007 US Open at Oakmont when Poulter asked Woods how he was getting home. Despite Woods not offering a seat (surprise, surprise …. not) Poulter allegedly showed up at the airport and boarded Wood’s private jet, anyway. Woods’ coach Hank Haney later revealed Woods wasn’t happy with it and texted him “Can you believe this d**** mooched a ride on my plane.”

Paul McGinley votes Olympics as fifth major

Irishman Paul McGinley joined the fifth major bandwagon saying The Players’ Championship should not gain elevated status, but instead he would like to see The Olympics become golf’s fifth major.

“Although I’m not in favour of The Players as a major it is a terrific event. If any event was to be considered a fifth major it should be the Olympics.”

Which is all a bit Irish, excuse the phrase. His suggestion is very much out of left field, more like a very distant left field as there is one huge insurmountable problem. The Olympics only happen once every four years so how can you have a fifth annual major tournament played once every four years. It simply doesn’t equate any which way you look at it. As they say “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

Amelia Garvey enjoys the Australian WPGA

For Canterbury professional Amelia Garvey the Australian WPGA Championship at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country was very rewarding overall. It started well on the Tuesday as she enjoyed the company of Australian stars, ultimate winner Hannah Green and Stephanie Kyriacou who missed the cut, for a practice round at The Palms course. All three stayed together the previous week in Adelaide.

Some of Green’s class must have rubbed off on Garvey as she played consistent golf particularly after a par first round left her off the pace. Rounds of 71, 69, 66 and 69 saw her move up to finish fifth. She recorded 19 birdies and an eagle over the four rounds. However 12 bogeys, nine in the first two rounds, prevented a higher finish. Incidentally winner Green had 24 birdies and an eagle with 10 bogeys.  The course was one where good scores were there if you avoided the hazards present.

Bradley still hurting over Ryder Cup

United States captain Keegan Bradley has admitted he is still struggling to get over the 2025 Ryder Cup loss, but said he would be available to captain the side again. He said he was still heartbroken over the events at Bethpage.

“Listen it’s been a little difficult. Still heartbroken and trying to separate myself and move on, but it’s hard.

“I think about it a lot. I think about the guys a lot. The weeks and months following the event were the darkest time of my life. Unless you’re a captain of the Ryder Cup team , you just have no idea what goes into it and the emotional toll it takes on you. I’m the first person to have to sort of deal with this, get back out there, try to be one of the best players in the world and make the next team. I’m still navigating how to do that. But it’s on my mind.”

Hoffman unimpressed with Woods

Veteran PGA Tour professional, 49-year-old Charley Hoffman, is not at all impressed with Tiger Woods’ leadership of the future competition committee (FCC). He was appointed by new PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp in August, 2025, to work on the PGA Tour schedule and the organisation’s planning. But there’s no updates yet months later.

Hardly surprising as Woods was master of playing mind games with his rivals with minimal words. However Hoffman didn’t hold back in expressing his dissatisfaction to Golfweek magazine.

“I raised the question of how are we going  to help and they say we’re not sure yet. We don’t know what’s going on. Don’t think anyone outside the FCC knows. I’m in the dark like everyone else.”

Ironically Hoffman has just completed his tenure as a player-director on the board and has now returned to the player advisory council. No one knows what the FCC is planning. There have been rumours aimed at having all elite golfers play every event to increase viewership and fan engagement. It will be interesting to see how popular such a move will be.

LPGA missed the boat with Ko’s 60

It is rare for golfers to break 60 but it nearly happened at the Ford Championship when Lydia Ko shot 60 in the first round to take the early lead. Golf fans were not happy as the LPGA Tour failed to capitalise on it. The event was not on television at the time and was not streaming. The tour did nothing to inform fans. The tour’s first mention of Ko on social networking platform X came after her round.

They posted a score card requiring a magnifying glass to see the score. Two

hours later just one video clip of Ko missing a putt on the seventh. Add to all that nothing was seen of her starting the round with four consecutive birdies, something she couldn’t remember doing before.

Pegasus Guardians a positive initiative for members

A group of members, or should I say former members, have formed Pegasus Guardians with the aim of collaborating with the liquidator to ensure that maintenance of the Pegasus course is continued. Positive updates are expected. Currently no one has playing rights because of the liquidation process, although there have been several players on the course. The group would prefer that such play be officially approved.

The liquidators are unable to allocate funds to course maintenance so the Pegasus Guardians may have to consider temporarily contributing to costs to gain access to play the course. Many members have expressed their willingness to assist with some maintenance. A suggestion of green fees of approximately $25 for members and $50 for non members for restricted tee times has been suggested to generate some necessary funds for maintenance and access.

It is to be hoped some resolution can be achieved that will not only allow members to play but also for the course to be maintained in excellent condition. Of course the bottom line is for a purchaser with the right credentials and vision to purchase what is an outstanding property with immense potential.

DeChambeau’s take on LIV changes

Bryson DeChambeau has reacted positively to the move to 72 holes for LIV events although not completely happy about it.

“When we were playing three rounds it was a sprint. You had to go for everything and be at your best and if you made bogey or worse, you put yourself a bit behind the eight ball. Now with four days it doesn’t matter so much.

“I still try to act like a sprint, because I want to feel that way going into majors, ready to go from hole one. The three day events helped me get into that mindset …  but I’m still trying to keep that same mindset.”

He believes 54 holes allows less scope for error as one bad round means a bounce back is tougher. In three days, each shot matters a little more whereas four days tests your overall resiliency. Still he says: “I will still be going all out in every event I play.”

Cool dude Scheffler not so cool?

When Scottie Scheffler and his caddie Ted Scott first came together the one thing Scheffler promised Scott was that he would keep his temper under control as part of their terms of negotiation.  Unfortunately, in recent times particularly, Scheffler has started breaking that promise, revealing his cool is maybe not so cool amidst his drop off in dominant form.

As one writer put it: “Hiding behind those broad smiles and sarcastic responses is probably a frustrated world number one trying to find his way back to being the best. Ted Scott is finally earning all the happy go lucky monies Scottie has made him as a caddie over the last couple of years. He’s got a petulant professional on his hands in 2026.”

Certain strong reactions at The Players drew responses from fans.

Some responses were: “Oh he’s showing his true d****bag colours now.”  ``Good dude, big baby when he is getting his a*** kicked.”  “Big baby when it’s not all going great.”  Some fans believe he is aggressive by nature and is finally showing it. Caddie Scott’s tussle with Francesco Molinari on behalf of Scheffler and Team USA is hard to forget. It drew much criticism leading to being forced to apologise for the incident.

At the 2025 Phoenix Open he drove through his golf bag and split open his water bottle. This time he nearly broke his club in half after a poor wedge shot close to the fringe rolled back to where he hit.

DeChambeau again on the golf roll back

Bryson DeChambeau had some pertinent thoughts on the golf ball roll back planned for the professional game in 2028 and the amateur game from January, 2030.

The reason is to reduce the impact increased hitting distances have on golf’s long term sustainability. DeChambeau disagrees entirely.

“I think it is very important to set the baseline. What are the golf bodies trying to accomplish? Are they trying to preserve the traditions and history of the game, or are they trying to grow the game, because those are two different things.

“Trying to preserve traditions and history, you want a golf ball to go shorter because players are more athletic, you want to shrink the heads, do this or that. But if you want to grow the game, that’s not how you get kids to hit the ball farther and enjoy it. What do the governing bodies really want? Answer that and we can start moving in that direction.

“I like showing how much fun it is to play the game of golf, not how difficult it is. Yeah, there’s difficult moments, but I want people to enjoy it, get out in nature, experience it more. So answering that question is, I think, the first step to knowing where the game of golf needs to move.”

Jordan Spieth still tops with fans

Jordan Spieth may no longer be playing at his best these days, however his fan base is as healthy as ever because his influence on golf isn’t determined by his leaderboard positions. No, it is a result of his impeccable behaviour on and off course. The three time major champion is loved by his fans and his actions with pro-am amateurs reveal why in spades.

Journalist Len Hochberg walked with Spieth and his three amateurs some time ago. Even though he would never see them again after the round he made sure to know all their names and remember them, compliment them by name, maybe from across the fairway a “Great shot Jim”.

“Even though it was a big tournament he was making sure his three amateur partners had an experience they would never forget.”

What a fine example for every professional who plays in pro-ams. Some fall way short.

Charlie Woods finished last

The Junior Invitational at Sage Valley is known as the Masters of junior golf and Charlie Woods, son of Tiger Woods, blew out to finish last on 26 over par, a

whopping 10 shots behind second last. Woods’ future team mate and rival Miles Russell won with 15 under par. Only the top 36 juniors get an invitation to play and Woods seemed to struggle with the pressure of playing in such an elite field. He was off to an inconsistent start with a three over par featuring five birdies, two bogeys and two triple bogeys. His third round was his worst, a painful 83 with seven bogeys and a triple bogey. His final round 80 was an improvement but still featured four double bogeys.

Cognizant Classic scheduling mess

The formerly popular Cognizant Classic has hit the skids with calls to axe it and, on the other hand, calls that it must remain. In its heady days it hosted very strong  fields and it has always brought significant economic benefits and been a big contributor to charities, including Jack Nicklaus’ Health Care Foundation. The tournament has raised $US75million for South Florida Kids Charities since 1972. Even though the field lacked big names in 2025 it still drew about 200,000 spectators and pumped $US65million into the local economy. In 2012 Rory McIlroy beat Tiger Woods and in 2014 seven of the top 10 golfers played.

World news in brief

Fast forward to the last six years combined and just three top 10 players have teed it up. The fans want the event retained as it gives a chance to see lesser known golfers have their day. Tech-based Tomorrow’s Golf League (TGL) didn’t help this year. Just five miles from the Cognizant venue only three of their 20 players bothered to play the Cognizant. Of the six top 10-ranked and 13 of the top 30 at TGL, none fronted at the Cognizant. Sad when simulator games take precedent over real golf.

McIlory heckled at TPC Sawgrass

Some unseemly heckling of Rory McIlroy at TPC Sawgrass in The Players’ Championship led to the eviction of those idiots involved.

On the fourth hole on Friday, McIlroy’s tee shot landed in the left rough. As he was trying to punch out and reach the green a group of fans yelled “get in the water.” McIlroy’s 102 yard shot plunged into the water. The group of idiots could be heard cheering loudly after it.

It is not clear if McIlroy was distracted, but security quickly stepped in and some of the fans were evicted. Ironically last year at TPC Sawgrass, McIlroy was heckled during a practice round when NCAA golfer Luke Potter mocked McIlroy after his swing. McIlroy walked over and took his phone and Potter was escorted out of TPC Sawgrass.

Ryder Cup captaincy: one settled, one not

No prizes for guessing which is settled and which isn’t.

Luke Donald’s return as Europe’s captain was hardly surprising and normality is the feeling. Donald admitted he took a little longer to confirm his return, but it will feel like business as usual. A three-peat for Donald would make him the most successful Ryder Cup captain ever.

However, across the Atlantic ditch things are not going so swimmingly and even more so since Tiger Woods latest exploits with a motor vehicle. Team USA has not won on away fairways in over 30 years. While the Europeans are already in the planning stage, the PGA of America is still sitting by the phone waiting for Woods to get back to them. When that can happen now is anyone’s guess. He may be in a jail locked up for his latest misdemeanour.

It is thought Woods was the only current candidate for the US captaincy and he was given a soft deadline of this year’s Masters to decide. Surely that scenario is now over at PGA headquarters and they are now looking at other possible candidates. Woods’ days for such appointments must surely be over. Maybe the PGA should bite the bullet and appoint Phil Mickelson as captain. I’m sure he would do a great job given his passion.

LIV gets it right

The move to 72 holes has hit the right notes for LIV golf. Even though Bryson DeChambeau was not initially a fan the reality is already endorsing that decision and benefitting both DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. Rahm has finished in the top two four times in five starts and his worst finish this year is fifth. It is definitely good for LIV to have both players in the limelight each event, adding to the quality of the contests.

The two of them only won once in total last year so the decision to move to 72 holes seems to be bang on and reaping fruits already.

Nelly Korda a hit with fans

Nelly Korda is a wonderful example for the women’s game with her impeccable consideration of the fans and those around her. Recently she had to depart quickly after the Founders Cup, thus foregoing one of her legendary post round autograph sessions, especially among her youngest fans. It was for a specific reason and she just had to apologise.

She explained on Instagram: “Thank you to everyone who came out. You were the most incredible crowd. I’m so sorry I couldn’t stay Sunday after my round to sign as I did on Saturday. I had a flight to catch.”

Usually Korda will take photos with the fans and at the last Chevron Championship she was out signing autographs and thanking fans for at least an hour.

Nelly is overjoyed she has older sister Jessica back playing again for the first time in nearly three years.

“Sometimes it is a super isolating, lonely life out here. Especially if you are not a very outgoing person to develop friendships with other girls, because it is highly competitive as well.”

Nelly admits she doesn’t make friends easily because of her shy personality. This is where Jessica’s support is crucial. She calls her Mom Jess, as she acts as her buffer for loneliness on and off the course.

They stayed together in a rental house for the Ford Championship with Nelly doing the cooking. Nelly said: “Jess taught me what life on tour was like and helped me through my rookie year in 2016.”

Rahm likes LIV’s new format

Jon Rahm, despite having the $3 million in fines from the DP World Tour on his plate, is happy with the change to 72 holes for LIV tournaments. Rahm filed an appeal against the fines which allowed him to play in the Ryder Cup. As of March 1,2026, that appeal was still open.

Rahm feels the change to 72 holes makes the competition stronger and the product better for fans and also better represents elite tournament golf and rewards consistent play over shorter bursts.

LIV

Golf enters the “age of partnership”

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil has revealed a rundown of the progress made on the financial areas. LIV has nearly doubled its sponsors from 11 in 2024 to 20 in 2025. A big plus is that brand partnerships with individual teams exploded from 9 to 50. Sponsorship revenue exceeded $US500 million. No references to the PGA Tour were made, as O’Neil said “This is an age of de-escalation.”

LIV has signed a deal with the United States Golf Association and the R&A for course standards to elevate the course conditions across its 14 events and Citigroup has been roped in to make the franchises profitable. This is the “age of partnership.”

LIV head of events Ross Hallett said: “We appreciate the continued leadership of the R&A and the USGA and their enduring commitment to advancing the game at the highest level. This cooperation must be a thorn in the PGA Tours backside.

Korda

avoids the Asia swing

Nelly Korda has come in for some criticism along with some support for choosing to miss the three tournament swing in Thailand, Singapore and China citing health concerns. This is not new, more a trend as you have to go back to late 2023 to find the last time she played in the region at the Maybank Championship in Malaysia. Her caution likely comes from a rough run with health scares.. Notably a blood clot on her arm in 2022, a dog bite that halted her golf for a period in 2024 and recurring neck spasms and migraines that derailed her momentum through 2025.

She had to pull out of the International Crown in South Korea last October as her body felt completely worn out. Clearly she is playing safe by prioritising daily therapy and major championship preparation over gruelling long haul flights to the Far East. She has come in for some criticism for being the only top 10 player missing from the Women’s World Championship in Singapore, dubbed Asia’s major. The bottom line is, it is her body and who can blame her for putting it and her health first?

Lee Westwood unimpressed with world ranking

Lee Westwood says the official world golf ranking (OWGR) failed in its duty despite awarding world ranking points to LIV Golf for the top 10 finishers in each event.

The OWGR highlighted why, citing several areas where LIV doesn’t meet its eligibility standards. They are classified as “small field tournaments” with a “ranking points distribution cutoff.” Hence the top 10 cutoff.

Funny how the same standards are not imposed on PGA Tour limited fields.

Westwood raised concerns for young LIV golfers, while claiming the world’s best players will remain without a fair ranking. “It’s a start, but if you don’t think 11th in a LIV event doesn’t deserve OWGR points you’re more biased than I thought. It’s the young guys that have chosen LIV as the pathway for their careers that will suffer most from this decision. Still couldn’t quite manage to do their job and fairly rank the best players in the world could they.” He certainly makes some fair points and LIV Golf is the only tour in the history of golf subjected to such a restriction. LIV Golf say “The game deserves transparency, the fans deserve credibility and the players deserve a system that treats them equally.”

Perhaps the ridiculousness of the whole charade is that icon of wisdom, OWGR chairman Trevor Immelman’s statement.

“This has been an incredibly complex and challenging process, devoting a huge amount of time and energy to resolve it in the seven months since LIV Golf submitted their application.”

Seven months??? Is he serious? Talk about getting a sore backside. Just as well it wasn’t a life and death matter.

Augusta denies Gary Player’s request

Masters legend Gary Player, a three time winner in 1961, 1974 and 1978, has been denied a family request.

He said: “I have been an ambassador for Augusta for all these years, yet they won’t let me have one round of golf in my life with my three grandsons. It is this current management, but these are the times we live in and I accept it with sadness.”

He said the round held personal meaning for his family and his grandchildren long wanted to hear first hand experiences at the course.

“All the golf courses that have hosted The Open, the US Open, and the PGA Championship would oblige, but not Augusta.”

According to their rules only full members of the club are allowed to host guests. Player, despite his three green jackets, is not a fully fledged member, even though he is an honorary member of club for his wins. Obviously that membership comes with very little privilege.

Player would not have endeared himself to the Masters hierarchy with his comment that The Masters was fourth best of the majors and “if it wasn’t for the players Augusta National would be just another golf course in Georgia. It’s just sad that Augusta doesn’t make you feel welcome in that regard.”

The online reaction was sharp with fans taking sides and it was against the nine time major champion.

Brooke Henderson’s sister retires as her caddie

Brooke Henderson shared her feelings about her sister Brittany on Instagram after she stepped away from a 10 year partnership carrying the bag.

“So many amazing memories and fun times working together. 13 wins including two majors together.”

She was also on Brooke’s bag when she represented Canada at the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympics.

Their partnership began in 2016 just after Brooke made her name as a 17-yearold qualifier at the 2015 Cambria Portland Classic. Watching Brooke win, Brittany knew what she had to do … and so the wonderful partnership began. Their last event together was the 2026 HGV Tournament of Champions where Brooke finished third behind winner Nelly Korda.

Brooke said she would miss Brittany travelling with her, someone she trusts completely. “Thank you for everything. Love you. So happy for you in your next chapter.”

Woods still milking the news media

Before his latest motoring mishap Tiger Woods was still milking the news media to the maximum.

Asked if a comeback at The Masters was off the table Woods said “No” with a smirk saying he had not ruled it out. He was working hard to return to the PGA Tour or the Champions Tour following his seventh back surgery. He said he needed more time before returning competitively. “I’m able to hit full shots, but not well every day.” I guess that is yesterday’s news now with Woods either in jail or on bail. Time will tell where or when this sad saga of Tiger Woods travels next.

DP World Tour-Liv Golf truce a possibility

In what would be a win-win situation 2026 is likely to see the saga over fines for LIV players eased.  While players can still play both tours it comes with hefty fines. Those fines could be no more as reports suggest the DP World Tour was set to drop financial sanctions against LIV golfers for 2026. The talks are said to be between the tour and individual players, rather than LIV Golf itself.

However the likes of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton will still have to settle their bills up to the end of 2025, which Rahm has appealed after his refusal to pay. It is in the best interests of all to clear up the mess otherwise the European’s Ryder Cup chances will be affected if both players are unable to play. Both players will be shattered if unable to play and the team will be seriously under strength. Decisions need to be made sooner rather than later for the good of European golf.

Get your tickets for LIV Golf

Adelaide 2027

LIV Golf Adelaide 2027 will be the fifth year of the “world’s best golf tournament.’’

It will be staged from March 18–21 for the first time at the Kooyonga Golf Club in Locksleys during Adelaide’s festival season. The legendary course is a more intimate venue that will bring fans closer to the action. But it also means crowd numbers may be limited and will sell out quickly.

Mad scientist at it again

Not for the first time, Bryson DeChambeau has been experimenting with prototype gear that he cannot use competitively — yet.

He confirmed he has been hitting a prototype LA Golf driver that hasn’t yet been submitted for USGA certification. He said: “It’s pretty wild. I’m getting at least 20 more yards distance.” It is making his booming drives look short by comparison. USGA rules just might stop him using it in competition anytime soon.

Dragon’s Den mogul buys golf retail chain

Popular Dragon’s Den businessman Peter Jones and key part of the BBC’s long running show has purchased renowned retail chain American Golf. Jones said he was keen to grow American golf’s online presence and sales. “Golf has always been a personal passion of mine . It’s a brand that truly understands golfers and has played an important role in the UK golf community for decades.

“I don’t play as much as I’d like. I go away in summer and play in Portugal. I’d love to get my 10 handicap down.”

He is a regular in the Alfred Dunhill Links Pro-Am which he said is so special at the home of golf and for the great things the tournament does with charities.

“That makes my heart sing. I’ve always hoped someone would come into the Den with a golf investment. So come on everybody, you must have a golf related idea you can pitch.”

Players unhappy with “Koepka rule”

Hideki Matsuyama is not normally known for comments off course about golf so it was notable when he aired his thoughts about the “Koepka rule” that allowed Brooks Koepka’s easy return by a special category to the PGA Tour.

It is important to know Matsuyama has no personal grudge against Koepka, in fact he was seen greeting Koepka on the range and patting his back. His frustration is with how the tour bent its rule to make way for Koepka’s return. “I’m puzzled the PGA Tour didn’t explain anything to the players. At the very least I didn’t know that such a rule was there.

“While there has been a monetary hit, what about the rule that players who participated in LIV were not allowed to compete for a year? That’s what I’m thinking about.”

Eugene Chacarra is one example, trying to win his PGA Tour card by competing on the DP World Tour.

Matsuyama is not alone as Wyndham Clark had similar views, stating: “I personally like Brooks and I think it is really good for the PGA Tour, but also, it’s kind of frustrating that he’s able to get the cake and also eat it, so I’m very torn.”

Both players agreed, it was unfair to everyone else to allow Koepka to get an easy way in and not have to serve the years suspension or earn his membership.

Fans angered by Wesley Bryan’s suspension

Wesley Bryan, a former PGA Tour winner, was suspended from the PGA Tour for participating in a nine-hole scramble on a YouTube golf channel where LIV and YouTube golfers competed. He didn’t sign with or get paid like actual LIV players. He just played a fun You Tube event called The Duels. He said the tour handed him an “immediate and indefinite ban.”

The PGA Tour dubbed The Duels an unauthorised event and told Bryan that his participation would lead to disciplinary action due to promoting the LIV Golf event. Bryan rightly believed a YouTube video was not a real professional tournament.

He felt the rules were too confusing

and did not cover the YouTube golf. The video was meant to raise money and gain more fans globally.

“I don’t think that when the rule was written it was meant to cover content creation on YouTube. I think it was meant to cover organised, professional, high end events.”

Bryan asked the tour for a simple conversation to fix the mess after Koepka’s return but was told no conversation will take place about lifting his suspension.

Consequently fans have started a change.org petition calling for Bryan’s reinstatement and it has gained thousands of signatures. Bryan said: “I appreciate all the support. A lot of you have been asking …. I still love the PGA Tour and definitely love YouTube.

Ten-year-old wins club championship

Ten-year-old Joanne Ke has won the Otago Golf Club women’s championship title at Balmacewen.

She may be the youngest club champion in New Zealand golf history. Talk about two ends of the spectrum. She beat 70-year-old Carol Dalton 9 and 8, becoming the club’s youngest champion, eclipsing her coach Shelley Duncan who won when 15 years old.

By Neville Idour

Like it or not, LIV Golf has hit another bullseye.

This time it was their first venture to South Africa with the LIV Golf South Africa tournament. Thanks to the incredible support from home fans a return in 2027 was a no brainer.

If LIV Golf Adelaide has been voted best golf tournament of the year three years running at the World Golf Awards, it now has a challenger as The Club at Steyn City in South Africa was sold out on Saturday and Sunday.

More than 100,000 spectators rattled the turnstiles over the four days close to  matching Adelaide’s in excess of 115,000. However we need to remember LIV Adelaide was three days. Next time over four days LIV Adelaide is expected to draw at least 140,000

spectators.

So it is conceivable LIV Golf may have the two best rated events at the World Golf Awards next time. That would be a real feather in the cap for LIV and cause much grinding of teeth at PGA Tour headquarters and with the haters of LIV Golf.

It has to be remembered by those people who single out LIV’s involvement with the Saudis as their bandwagon, that many of the PGA Tour sponsors are heavily involved with the Saudis and their money.

South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie said prior to the final round: “I think this is more than golf. This is about our country … and the good news I have, is that they’re coming back next year at a later date from 22nd April to the 25th April.”

Speaking about the event and fu-

ture numbers, Steven Louw of Steyn City Properties, said: “I think it’s been an absolute privilege to be involved in this. LIV are such an incredible, professional outfit. I think we share a vision for what golf can be for the fans in South Africa.”

He then went on to suggest to the minister that they had the venue to see if 250,000 attendance was possible. “It has been incredible.”

As for the golf a thrilling final day unfolded, with Bryson DeChambeau, going into the final round with a two shot lead, backing up his Singapore win the previous week with a dramatic playoff win over Jon Rahm.

DeChambeau pulled his tee shot left on the par five 18th into the rough leaving almost 300 yards to the flag. No problem for the “scientist” who launched a rocket of a three wood to

pitch on the front edge of the green and roll to just a 12 foot putt for eagle. Under pressure Rahm’s shorter second shot from the fairway ended well short of the green in the bunker. He played a good shot to within a few feet but misread his birdie putt which was never on line. He tapped in for par leaving DeChambeau two putts for the win.

DeChambeau ensured his eagle putt made for an easy birdie and the win, thus extending his lead at the top of the individual standings. For Rahm it extended his remarkably consistent run. In his last nine LIV tournaments he has recorded one win, five seconds and two top 10s.The other outstanding factor was the warm embrace they shared after the final putt dropped. The mutual respect was obvious.

South Africa: Another gem for LIV Golf DeChambeau wins with tears

By Neville Idour

It is not always about the money or prestige winning a golf tournament, even when you win $US4 million.

For Bryson DeChambeau memories of his loved father’s decades-long health battles before finally dying at age 63 in November, 2022, came flooding back on the 18th green as he was getting ready to hit the winning putt at The Club in Steyn City in South Africa.

Wiping tears from his eyes he sank the putt before gladly receiving the warmest of embraces from Jon Rahm who obviously had some inkling of what was going on. It was heart warming to see the genuine response from Rahm.

Facing the press gallery after his win DeChambeau said there had been a lot going on for him which he wasn’t going to elaborate on except it was about his dad.

“It’s been a few years now and I think it is time for people to see that I’m not just a scientific robot guy. I care a lot. I have a lot of passion. I care about the game, I care about the people watching, I care about entertaining, I care about my team, I care about pretty much everything.

“You know, when you have moments in life that aren’t easy, it’s really nice to have a father that can give you that perseverance and wisdom to say don’t quit, don’t ever quit. He said keep going, and it was true today. I mean there was a moment on 16 that happened with a fan out there that did something to me that made me literally crash as I was walking up to the 16th tee. That’s when the storm got really heavy and it gave me that perseverance and gratitude that no matter what happens I’m going to be okay. There is more to life than just golf.

“It relaxed me a lot in that moment, because it was getting difficult and tough. That emotion was a lot of built up, pent up …”

At this point emotion took over for a few moments and some applause before he regathered himself and continued.

“There’s a lot going on and I love everybody for it, I love my team for it and I love everybody back home. Life is not easy sometimes, especially what my dad went through and now what I am going through. Everybody has it and that’s why I have such a great team here to give me a lot.”

Perhaps to add a little insight and anyone who has

dealt with the heartache of watching a loved one battle with ongoing serious health issues will understand, his father Jon’s problems began way back in the early 1990s when just in his early 30s. He was diagnosed with diabetes which led to both kidneys failing in 2014. In 2017 he received a kidney transplant, which allowed him to continue watching his son’s career, including at The Masters in 2016 while on dialysis.

Finally in 2022 Jon suffered further setbacks including partial leg amputation and mini strokes before his death on November 5, 2022.

Following his death Bryson expressed his love for his father saying he was happy he was no longer in pain. Bryson dedicated his 2024 US Open victory which occurred on Father’s Day to his father. In 2023 Bryson launched the Central Valley Jon De Chambeau Memorial Junior Tour to make golf more accessible to children, honouring his father’s role as a teaching professional. Bryson has often spoken about how his father taught him resilience, noting his father’s determination to watch his victories despite his health struggles.

Yes, as Bryson said “There is more to life than golf.”

Matt Fitzpatrick a class act

By Neville Idour

One of the nicest things about being a sports writer, and especially in my case golf, is the privilege to do a piece or story about nice people or successful events and happenings. In this case it is about one of the nicest guys on the professional golf scene, 31-year-old Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick. After missing out by a shot to 28-year-old Cameron Young at The Players’ Championship, it was only fitting and richly deserved that Fitzpatrick was the one to sink the winning putt on the 18th at the Valspar Cham-

pionship in mid-March. Four consistent rounds of 68, 69, 68 and 68 left him at 11 under par, one shot better than David Lipsky. However, it was in losing to Young that Fitzpatrick showed his class as a true sportsman. He held a one shot lead on the tee at the 17th island green at Sawgrass. Young would tie the lead and then hit a massive 376 yard drive on 18 to set up a birdie and the win. This would have been a tough pill to swallow for Fitzpatrick, dropping two shots on the final two holes. For some players it would have been a brief and cursory hand shake, if that, and “get me outa here.”

However both players had obviously got on well playing together and as it transpired revealed huge respect for each other. The grace Fitzpatrick showed in defeat should be an example and hopefully inspirational for every other player on the PGA Tour, as well as young fans. Fitzpatrick’s genuine smile when he congratulated Young was heart warming.

Then he immediately walked over to where Young’s family were watching from behind the 18th green and congratulated Young’s father. That drew a lovely response from Young’s mother who said “You played awesome buddy.”

Not surprisingly Young raved about Fitzpatrick after his win.

After the final round Fitzpatrick told reporters he was happy with where his game was and the big thing was to believe in his own ability.

“I’m very good at getting into position between 15 and 5, but if I can get into enough positions between 5 and first, although it’s easier said than done, I believe I will win more.”

So it transpired. Winning the Valspar Championship just a week later confirmed his belief. Nice one for nice guy Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Golf in the United States is nearing 50 million players

There was a time not so long ago when the question was: Why doesn’t golf grow?

Today, the industry is experiencing a resurgence that would have been difficult to predict.

Golf’s participant base in the United States, for example, has grown by 41 percent over the past six years (2019 to 2025) and is approaching 50 million participants.

More than 48 million Americans hit golf balls with a golf club

last year, whether at traditional green-grass courses or at one of a growing number of off-course facilities that are heightening engagement with the game by making it more accessible and approachable.

Green grass golfer gains have been well-chronicled since the pandemic, with a net increase of almost five million since 2019 helping the industry approach the high-water mark

(30.6 million in 2003 versus 29.1 million in 2025). The overall participation rise is even more significant across the broader on and off-course golf consumer base, jumping by almost 14 million over that same period.

During the past six years, the average annual increase in total golf participation is about six percent, with the most notable rises in 2020, 2022 and 2023. With an increase of four percent

or more this year, overall US golf participation would eclipse 50 million for the first time at the end of 2026.

While the National Golf Foundation (NGF) in the United States has maintained the definitive database of golf courses and facilities for 90 years, 2026 marks the start of the fifth decade that the foundation’s researchers have surveyed Americans regarding golf participation.

As golf’s participant funnel continues to widen – fuelled by everything from new greengrass introductory efforts and approaches to indoor simulators, golf entertainment venues and tech-enabled driving ranges – the game’s post-pandemic renaissance has not only driven record and near-record participation, but reshaped public perception around its physical, mental and social benefits.

XDL • New Zealand Long Blacks • Aussie Long Ballers

DRIVEN WITH PURPOSE

DO GOOD AS WE GROW XDL • New Zealand Long Blacks • Aussie Long Ballers

From the lands down under in New Zealand & Australia, we are DRIVEN with purpose.

Growth for us has never simply meant more events or longer drives. It has always meant impact.

Through XDL, alongside the New Zealand Long Blacks and the Aussie Long Ballers, we proudly DRIVE for Good whenever possible — supporting charities, communities, clubs and causes across the nation. We are not funded like most sports so it’s been a climb and a slow burn to reach our goals of expansion for the sport. There’s been a major shift post pandemic, a real struggle in communities and this is an obvious reason we feel the need to support all charitable requests where we can. Because growth means nothing if it doesn’t lift others along the way.

2026 – DO GOOD AS WE GROW EVOLVES

In 2026, our commitment strengthens even further.

For the first time, XDL registrations will help support boardroom-selected charities:

* CATWALK – funding research to cure spinal cord injury

* Gut Cancer Foundation – supporting research and care for cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and bowel

Participating clubs will now allocate a set portion of each registration to one of these two charities — selected by the registered player.

Every event becomes an opportunity to give back.

Every registration contributes to something greater.

Our DO GOOD Sponsors –One-Off

Support. Lasting Impact.

Our DO GOOD sponsors are not long-term commercial partners. They are purpose-driven supporters who step in — often at short notice — with one-off contributions that help us mobilise players, teams and crew to charity events across New Zealand and Australia.

Their support helps cover logistics, travel, equipment, and operational costs — ensuring our athletes can show up, compete, represent, and raise funds for meaningful causes.

That kind of support keeps the wheels turning and the balls flying.

Auckland

A sincere thank you to Frostys Electrical, led by Dan Frost, whose one-off support has helped power our charity drives and keep our initiatives moving forward.

We also acknowledge Fineway Earthmovers, led by Trent Hamill, who stepped in at the last minute before the holiday season to ensure our special events proceeded without disruption.

Christchurch

We proudly recognise Dimensional

Construction, under the leadership of Nikhil Dayaram, supporting not just structures — but community impact. And heartfelt thanks to Spirit of Travel, led by Ron Montgomery, whose support ensures our national team players can travel and DRIVE for charities locally and internationally. We also welcome and give thanks to Golf Pro - Jordan Pruden who is supporting our sport with his expertise and is our most recent DO GOOD Sponsor for 2026.

* We help support our regions

* We help support our clubs

* We help support our players

* We support life-changing charities

* We give back at every event

Our DO GOOD sponsors make this possible — not through obligation, but through belief.

From New Zealand to Australia, we are not just growing Long Drive. We are growing with impact.

DRIVEN with Purpose.

GOLD COAST AND SUNSHINE COAST GOLF TOURS

Tourism bodies state Kiwis preferred 4-5 of Australian destinations are in Queensland, including Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Book today with our specialist and trusted golf travel companies.

GOLD COAST

SUNSHINE COAST

Escape the New Zealand winter and tee off under the warm Queensland sun with award-winning Golf Encounters — voted New Zealand’s Best Outbound Golf Tour Operator for 2025.

For 27 years we’ve been creating unforgettable golf escapes for Kiwi golfers to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Choose from a range of flexible pack-

ages designed to suit your style, with comfortable self-catering apartments in Coolangatta, Mooloolaba or Noosa, available in one or two-bedroom options.

Play some of Queensland’s most renowned golf courses while enjoying a relaxed holiday pace — we never schedule more than two rounds on consecutive

days, leaving you plenty of time to soak up the sunshine, explore, and unwind. Combine world-class golf, great company and Queensland’s perfect winter climate for the ultimate golfing getaway. Visit www.golfencounters.co.nz to explore the options and secure your place in the sun.

It’s time to escape the cold weather and take a trip abroad to Australia’s sunshine state! With plenty of courses on offer, a Gold Coast golfing holiday might just be your perfect paradise.

GOLD COAST GOLFING FEATURE

LAKELANDS GOLF CLUB

» Travel Info: From Broadbeach 10 minutes

» From Surfers Paradise 15 minutes

» Website www.lakelandsgolfclub.com.au

SITUATED in the heart of the Gold Coast, Lakelands Golf Club is Jack Nicklaus’ first signature course designed in Australia. Lakelands Golf Club combines the traditions of Golf and Hospitality by providing its members, guests and visitors with the environment, facilities and services that satisfy their Golf, social and business needs and interests. Opened on 17th February 1997, Lakelands Golf Club had gained a reputation for “The Best Serving the Best” providing standards and facilities second to none on the Gold Coast. Multiple tee positions make the course user friendly and yet challenging, whatever the standard of golf you play. Nicklaus has used bunkering extensively in his strategic design and water features on many of the course’s 18 holes. With tee times available to the public every day at Lakelands Golf Club, it is a must to play this golf course which has all of the tell tale signs you would expect of Jack Nicklaus designed Golf Course which is situated in the heart of the Gold Coast, less than 10 minutes from Broadbeach and 15 minutes from Surfers Paradise. Lakelands also has full locker room facilities, Golf Shop, Signature Restaurant and Bar, a full length driving range, PGA certified coaches available each day, along with all the other facilities you would expect a facility of this reputation to have. Whether you are here for a trip away with good friends, or on a holiday, Lakelands Golf Club is a course you must visit for a game on our beautifully presented course, making sure to enjoy a drink on the deck while overlooking those behind finishing out on the 18th green, or

commencing their back nine on the challenging 10th tee with water all up the left hand side of the fairway.

Neat dress code is required at all times with strictly no denim or cargo pants permitted, collared shirt and enclosed footwear is a must while on course.

For more information please contact us on: proshop@lakelandsgolfclub.com. au or call 011 61 7 5510 6507

LINKS HOPE ISLAND GOLF COURSE

» Holes: 18 Par: 72 Metres: 6,457

» Designer: Peter Thomson

» Ranking: 6th best Public Access Course in Australia 2005 (#6 in 2004)

» Course Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Club hire Locker Room, On Course refreshments, Golf Academy

» Travel Info: From Brisbane 50mins

» From Broadbeach 35mins

» From Surfers Paradise 30mins

» Website: www.hir.com.au

LINKS HOPE ISLAND is a gem of an 18 hole traditional “links” style championship course, designed by five times British Open champion Peter Thomson and reminiscent of the great courses of Britain and Ireland. Challenging, yet very approachable, the two nines unfold with beauty and intrigue ensuring those that appreciate golf presented at its best leave with an unforgettable experience and a strong desire to return again and again. Forget about trying to play Links Hope Island like all the standard format resort courses, this one deserves special skill and attention. Bump and run golf is a great challenge for those not accustomed to it, and we guarantee you will come away with renewed admiration for how the poms play their golf. A fantastic opportunity to sample good old fashioned British links golf without the 20 hour plane ride! Don’t miss it.

Links Hope Island, the Gold Coast’s

No.1 Golf Course*, is perfectly located, central to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We invite you to experience our championship golf course and first class clubhouse facilities.

Contact Links Hope Island for bookings or further information on: Golf I Membership Options I Events I Weddings I Links Restaurant Phone 07 5530 9000 or email events@linkshopeisland.com.au

With its 5-Star clubhouse and practice facilities and consistent rankings as one of Australia’s top ten resort courses, Links Hope Island is the ultimate destination for corporate and social golf, functions, glamorous events or weddings.

There are also a variety of membership options available from full membership, to corporate or 5 day options. Contact us today to find out more.

PALMER GOLD COAST GOLF COURSE (FORMERLY ROBINA WOODS)

» Holes: 18 Par: 71 Metres: 6,078

» Designer: Graham Marsh & Ross Watson

» Course Facilities: Practice Range, Club Hire, Locker

» Room, Bar, Restaurant, On Course Refreshments, Golf Academy

» Travel Info: From Brisbane 60mins

» From Broadbeach 10mins

» From Surfers Paradise 15mins

» Website: www.palmergoldcoast.com.au

CARVED out of 65 hectares of native woodlands, with fairways lined by towering gum trees, this unique layout is unlike any other resort course on the Gold Coast. Palmer Gold Coast (formerly Robina Woods) possesses maturity well beyond its years, and has developed a reputation as one of Queensland’s best-loved resort courses. The rolling fairways, manicured greens, and towering eucalyptus trees are strikingly beautiful and blend harmoniously with the surrounding

residential development. A natural water-course featuring lakes, ponds, creeks and native wildlife completes a rare golf course environment.

The front nine holes are particularly striking as the trees envelope you as you move around, and the final two holes are a great way to finish the round.

Consistently ranked in the top resort courses in the country, the service before and after you play is superb, and we feel certain you will enjoy your day.

PALMER COLONIAL GOLF COURSE

» Holes: 18 Par: 72 Metres: 6,424

» Designer: Mitsuaki Kobyashi

» Course Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Club hire, Locker Room, On Course Refreshments, Restaurant

» Travel Info: From Brisbane 60mins

» From Broadbeach 10mins

» From Surfers Paradise 15mins

» Website: www.palmercolonial.com.au

A FARMLAND once home to cows, weeds and bush has been transformed into a beautifully groomed course with lush fairways and meticulously manicured greens. The championship resort layout meanders its way through 39 hectares of towering eucalyptus, picturesque lakes and serene waterways.

Flowering native and exotic trees and plants abound, while ornate bridges cross watercourses in which luxuriant lilies jostle for space The distinguishing feature of the course is the clubhouse, with its Colonial Queenslander design. You feel like you have drifted back in time as you sit down to that first thirst quenching drink on the wide, breeze-catching Queenslander verandahs which surround the building and offer panoramic views over the golf course and Gold Coast hinterland. Palmer Colonial is well worth the visit, and great value for money.

SANCTUARY COVE – THE PALMS

» Holes: 18 Par: 70 Metres: 5,904

» Designer: Ross Watson

» Travel Info: From Brisbane 55mins

» From Broadbeach 35mins

» From Surfers Paradise 30mins

» Website: www.sanctuarycovegolfclub.

» com.au

THE Palms Golf Course at Sanctuary Cove is another masterpiece from renowned Golf Course architect Ross

Watson. With gently undulating fairways dissecting critically placed bunkers, it offers a wonderful challenge for all golfers.

With a par of 70, it has a mixture of long and shorter holes, with some par 3 holes that are sure to attract critical acclaim. Visually it has that links style appeal, and the more golfers play it they will appreciate its strategic qualities. A great golfing experience!

PALM MEADOWS GOLF COURSE

» Par: 72 Metres: 6319

» Travel Info: From Broadbeach 5 minutes

» From Surfers Paradise 10 muntes

» 18 Holes Par 72 measures 6319 metres

» Designer Greg Norman

» Website: www.palmmeadows.com.au/ PALM MEADOWS Golf Course at Carrara on the Gold Coast is centrally located within 10 minutes drive of Surfers Paradise and five minutes from Broadbeach. Palm Meadows welcomes golfers of all standards. There are no reserved tee times and patrons may utilise all facilities including the clubhouse, function rooms and Lakeview Restaurant.

The all weather golf course has 11 kilometres of golf cart paths around the fairways. Palm Meadows has a fleet of 72 Club Car Electric Golf Carts with wet weather covers.

The challenging 350 hectare course

PARADISE GOLF TOURS

PARADISE GOLF TOURS is the longest-established specialist Golf Tour company on the Gold Coast (since 1989), which means that you are dealing with a very reputable and experienced company.

Over the years, Paradise Golf Tours has built excellent relationships with the Gold Coast’s premier resort courses and this means they can usually secure your preferred tee-time on all courses, on any day.

Because of their buying power, they have access to significant discounts at a huge choice of accommodation venues as well as all golf courses – discounts which are passed on to their clients ensuring that Paradise Golf Tours provides excellent value with lower prices than can be obtained by going direct.

Let Paradise Golf Tours organise your

next group trip to the Gold Coast and you too could be playing on exclusive and private renowned courses such as Hope Island, Sanctuary Cove Palms, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Lakelands, the Greg Norman-designed Glades or Brookwater, the home of the Australian PGA – Royal Pines, and many others too.

With a modern fleet of buses to provide transfers throughout your stay and a myriad of choices for accommodation, it’s no wonder they say:

“We’ll cross all the tee’s for you!” Begin your trip planning right now by going to www.paradisegolftours.com.au and click on the Request a Custom Tour Quote button, or email them at: info@paradisegolftours.com.au or just call on 0402 049 868 right now – it’s really that easy to organise a golf trip for any number of golfers from 2 to 100 or more.

Now servicing Sunshine Coast.

was designed by leading Australian golfer Graham Marsh. Par 72 measures 6319 metres off the championship tees. Water comes into play on 14 holes and there are 82 sand bunkers.

The first hole is recognised as one of the world’s most challenging opening holes. Water runs the length of the hole on the left and the world famous Bamboo Curtain forms a barrier to the right. Palm Meadows’ signature hole is the world famous 18th; it measures 523 metres from the championship tees. Players accept the challenge and decide how much of the right dogleg they want to cut off. American Golf Digest rated Palm Meadows 18th in the world’s top 500 golf holes.

Palm Meadows Golf Course is a public course with limited memberships. All golfers may enjoy the facilities of the course, clubhouse and Lakeview Restaurant.

THE GLADES GOLF COURSE

» par 72, 7264 metre

» Website: www.glades.com.au

THE GLADES GOLF CLUB boasts the reputation as one of Australia’s most prestigious

resort golf courses and is located right here on the Gold Coast. Designed by champion Australian golfing icon, Greg Norman, the course is typical of his trademark aggressive layouts offering golfers a challenging round of golf within visually stunning surrounds.

FEATURE

SUNSHINE & GOLFING

The naturally refreshing SUNSHINE COAST, where you will experience a laid-back lifestyle centred around pristine beaches, freshwater rivers and lakes, subtropical forests and warm sunshine. From the naturally stylish Noosa, to the family fun of Coolum, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Caloundra, to the cool and creative hinterland villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton. Any destination you choose for your Sunshine Coast holiday will fill your body, mind and soul with an enduring sense of warmth. And the Golf is great too! So take your clubs and escape the Winter Blues.

NOOSA’S ONLY NATURE RESERVE WITH A CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE ATTACHED

The Noosa region, with its beautiful beaches, lush green hinterland, stunning coastal national park, pristine river, cosmopolitan lifestyle and lively calendar of events is one of the most popular beachside holiday locations in Australia.

Located on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Noosa is surrounded by ocean, lakes, river, national parks and a lush hinterland. But it’s more than just another beachside holiday spot. What makes Noosa special is its laidback atmosphere and year-round warm and sunny climate, combined with award-winning restaurants and cafes, a great choice of accommodation and a diverse range of activities and adventures for everyone. There is also a busy calendar of events that celebrate the best in surfing, food, sports, music, theatre, creativity and more. Noosa offers a diverse and wonderful experience for everyone who visits.

The region is renowned for its award-winning restaurants and cafes, with an abundance of fresh, local and delectable produce prepared by dedicated and experienced chefs. From casual, alfresco dining and first-class restaurants to pubs and cafes, and produce markets, a culinary experience is guaranteed on any visit.

If you love nature and the outdoors, Noosa is a perfect destination with unspoilt beaches, stunning national parks, excellent fishing and trails that traverse the hinterland and are suitable for walking, horse-riding and mountain biking. Indulge in diving, surfing, stand-up pad-

dle boarding, golf, fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking, kite-surfing and more. For those wanting a more relaxed and chilled-out experience Noosa is also home to many superb day spas and health retreats.

Nestled in this paradise you’ll find picturesque Noosa Golf Club. Enjoy the beauty of this 18-hole championship course in a natural parkland setting with an abundance of local wildlife at your side. Families of kangaroos laze in the sun and koalas can be spotted snoozing in the trees. Unlike players, the koalas actually like being in the trees! The course is said to be very forgiving with 6000+ metres of easy walking and wide fairways. Still, it’s no pushover and can be a challenge to golfers of all levels.

After playing 18, the perfect place for relaxing with friends is at the clubhouse. The 19th hole offers a fine bistro and relaxing deck to take in the superb view over the ninth and 18th holes.

Noosa Golf Club celebrates the camaraderie of golf with the best value green fees, membership and hire charges on the Sunshine Coast. Golfing great or just a beginner, we warmly welcome you to our club.

Noosa is just 1½ hours from Brisbane’s international and domestic airports, or just 30 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport which has daily flights from Australian capital cities and direct flights from New Zealand. For further information visit www.noosagolf.com.au and for accommodation www.visitnoosa.com.au

PELICAN WATERS GOLF CLUB

Located just one hour north of Brisbane in the stunning surrounds of Golden Beach, it was the first Greg Norman-designed course on the Sunshine Coast. Open to the public and designed to rank among the premier courses (ranked No.1 on the Sunshine Coast and No.16 in the top 100 public access courses in Australia, according to Golf Australia Magazine), this spectacular 18-hole, 6359m championship course fittingly boasts one of the finest clubhouses and practice facilities in Australia. Pelican Waters features an impressive driving range, practice putting and chipping greens, and a well equipped shop. Find out more at: » www.pelicangolf.com.au

HEADLAND GOLF CLUB

Located in the heart of Queensland’s magnificent Sunshine Coast, Headland Golf Club is the region’s premier golf club and home to an outstanding 18-hole championship course. Beautifully positioned on the hills of Buderim, overlooking the spectacular Sunshine Coast coast-

line, and within easy reach of Brisbane, Headland provides exceptional golf and hospitality experiences to members and visitors alike. With its rolling and treelined fairways and pure greens, the historic par-72 championship course offers a layout to challenge the best of players, while providing a fair and invigorating test for golfers of all abilities. It is this combination of challenge and enjoyment that makes Headland a top-rated golf course and must-do for visiting golfers. The traditional clubhouse experience is equally as memorable, with popular restaurant Vista@Headland offering excellent food and stunning views in a relaxed dining experience. Open for lunch 7 days a week, and Friday night’s for a special a-la-carte menu, you can enjoy a great day out at Headland Golf Club. The idyllic location also provides the perfect setting for a wedding or function. For more information or to make a booking please call +617 5444 5800 or email golf@headlandgolfclub.com.au. » www.headlandgolfclub.com.au

TWIN WATERS GOLF CLUB

The course is internationally recognised as one of the top six resort courses in Australia and members naturally consider it the best on the Sunshine Coast. The 18-hole, par 72 championship course was designed by five-times British Open champion Peter Thomson and partner Mike Wolveridge.

The stunning setting and challenging layout combine to produce an enjoyable game of golf for all players. Visit their website for full details: » www.twinwatersgolfclub.com.au

PERIGIAN GOLF COURSE AND DRIVING RANGE

Peregian Golf Course and Driving Range: a premier pay-to-play golf venue on the Sunshine Coast.

Located just 7 minutes north of Coolum and 12 minutes south of Noosa, the Peregian Golf Course is a highly ranked park-land style golf course open to the public 7 days a week. We have relaxed dress regulations to ensure that all golfers and visitors are made to feel welcome

at the course and driving range. Families and juniors are encouraged to enjoy the wonderful facilities including the Par Bar where you can relax and watch the sports channels provided.

Whether you’re a keen golfer, casual golfer or not even a golfer at all, have a browse through our website and see what your piece of Peregian will be.

» www.peregiangolf.com.au

PACIFIC HARBOUR GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB

Conveniently located in the Moreton Bay region between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, is the home of Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club at Bribie Island. Surrounded by pristine national parks, and inhabited by plenty of local wildlife, this course is one that you’ll want to add to your bucket list!

Operating since 2006 and open to the public, we offer social play 7 days a week and visitors are welcome to play in our competitions. The course boasts lush green fairways, responsive fast paced greens, challenging par-3s, lengthy par4s and some rewarding par-5s for golfers of all levels. With an aquatic driving range, chipping area, practice green and spectacular views of natural surrounds, this course is a must-see destination. You will not regret coming out and testing your golfing skills on this beautiful hidden treasure!

Not only does the club boast a stunning course, the beautiful clubhouse was designed so that it appears to be floating, offering a scenic view over the course from The Deck Bistro, with lunch available 7 days a week from 11am and dinner Friday and Saturday evenings.

» www.pacificharbourgolf.com.au

ABOVE PAR GOLF TOURS

ABOVE PAR GOLF TOURS, one of the region’s leading tour operators, is owned by a fellow Kiwi, Mike Cox. The Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast are undoubtedly the favourite winter golf destinations for Kiwis, and having spent 20 years in the depths of Southland, Mike can fully understand why.

“Our aim is to simplify your holiday by taking over all of the accommodation, golf and transport bookings on your behalf, and at the same time using our bulk buying power to provide the package cheaper than you can do it yourself – a classic win-win situation,’’ he said.

“Packages are tailormade for your individual requirements with a large selection of accommodation and courses

available to suit any budget.’’ The company offers outstanding value packages for small and large groups, and provides a comprehensive website with slideshows of all golf courses. Mike’s sales staff work on a one-toone basis with you to ensure a truly memorable holiday for all. For full information visit: » www.abovepargolf.com.au or call Mike on 0061 7 5522 9055

2026 NBS Nelson Festival of Golf Course Review

NELSON GOLF CLUB

NELSON GOLF CLUB’S 18 hole championship links course is adjacent to the district’s airport and the picturesque waters of Tasman Bay. This beautiful seaside links course has reputedly the ‘best’ greens in the country. Nelson golf links is only ten minutes from the centre of downtown Nelson and virtually next door to beautiful Tahunanui Beach and associated accommodation.

Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand with high sunshine hours which helps to explain why Nelson is a popular golfing destination. Come and play this challenging links course year round. www.nelsongolf.co.nz

GREENACRES GOLF CLUB

Welcome to Greenacres Golf Club, where playing golf is a “fun” experience to be enjoyed.

This beautifully-maintained 18-hole layout, rated one of the top 40 courses in New Zealand, is conveniently located on the outskirts of Richmond, just a short drive from Nelson Airport.

Set on an island, the club offers magnificent scenery

and tranquil surroundings. The course is renowned as one of the best all-weather courses in the region and tests players of all abilities, young or old, high or low handicaps.

While this course is considered one of the most challenging in the top of the South Island it is a popular course for all playing levels. The scenic yet challenging links style layout of the course in a tree lined parkland setting, is a pleasure to enjoy.

Greenacres has everything a good (and growing) golf club should have – a great course and facilities, and fabulous people that are friendly and welcoming and want you to be part of the club, even if just for one day  We look forward to seeing you soon.

www.greenacresgolfclub.co.nz

MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB

MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB, voted the 2018 NZ Golf Club of the Year, prides itself on running a friendly and welcoming club. The course is relatively flat and has a park like atmosphere with the fairways lined by mature trees. In addition to our beautifully maintained course we

are fortunate that it is alive with abundant and varied birdlife. The course has been modified and improved over recent years. The trees have been trimmed and our fairways have been widened which has made the course more “Golfer Friendly”. The fairways are well watered and beautifully grassed and our greens are consistent and true. For those players who played last year you will find our greens are in even better condition this year!

At 5800m off the White Tees the course rewards accuracy and correct club selection. Golfers of all abilities will welcome the challenge and if you play to your handicap on your first visit you should be well satisfied. You will be in the minority!

The course sits on the east side of Motueka and provides some stunning views of Tasman Bay. With an increasing membership and glowing reports from both local and overseas visiting players, Motueka’s reputation continues to grow as one of the best country courses in New Zealand. We look forward to again hosting new and returning players to the Nelson Festival of Golf. www.motuekagolf.co.nz

G Le4 family delivers premium performance for women

Continuing its industry-leading commitment to growing the women’s game and bringing lightweight, score-lowering technology engineered and custom-built exclusively for women, PING introduced the G Le4 family recently.

The complete line of clubs is available for custom fittings and pre-order at authorized PING golf shops around the world beginning today.

“Our commitment to women’s golf started in the 1970s with my grandparents, Karsten and Louise Solheim, and continues today with the Solheim Cup and other game-growing initiatives,” said PING Executive Vice President Stacey Pauwels, who oversees the development of PING products made exclusively for women. “The G Le4 family offers a full set of performance-engineered, custom-built clubs that deliver added distance, unmatched forgiveness and a confidence-inspiring look. With the rapid expansion of the women’s game, including unprecedented popularity with a new generation of golfers, we look forward to helping them lower their scores and have more fun on the course.”

New WebFit Ladies App

In developing the G Le4 family,

PING’s engineers made proper set gapping a top priority to help ensure women get the best results from their set. To make that process easier, PING’s fitting science group developed the WebFit Ladies app, an easy-to-use and educational fitting tool that makes club and set make-up recommendations based on a series of questions about your game and preferences.

“With multiple fairway woods, hybrids and irons optimized to the target swing speed, we’re confident when custom-fit to the correct set configuration, women will see tremendous benefits from every club in their bag,” Pauwels said. “The WebFit Ladies app is a great starting point for the fitting process before visiting an authorized PING fitting specialist to determine your ideal set make-up and specifications. The app takes only a few minutes and helps educate golfers on the importance of custom fitting.”

Optimized for Swing Speeds of 80 mph or Less

The G Le4 driver is PING’s longest and most forgiving women’s driver to date, due in large part to the lightweight Carbonfly Wrap crown. The crown, a first in a PING women’s driver, reallocates weight to position the CG lower and deeper, helping deliver faster ball speeds and higher launch with tighter dispersion for women with driver swing speeds of 80 mph or less.

A fixed, 22g back weight is positioned heel side to contribute to a 15% higher MOI compared to the previous generation and gives golfers the fairway-finding forgiveness they expect from a PING driver. The G Le4 driver’s forged T9S+ face features a reshaped VFT, adding consistent ball speeds across the face for more distance.

Crown turbulators and a Vortec cavity provide aerodynamic efficiencies

in the 460cc titanium head. The lightweight, Trajectory Tuning 2.0 hosel allows the 11.5⁰ loft to be adjusted plus or minus 1.5⁰ and up to 3⁰ flatter to dial in the player’s ideal ball flight.

Higher-Lofted Fairway Woods

The G Le4 fairway woods are designed with the Carbonfly Wrap crown to take advantage of weight savings for more effective use elsewhere in the club, including positioning the CG closer to the force line for higher-launching, longer results. New lofts in the 5 (23⁰), 7 (28⁰) and 9 (33⁰) woods improve playability and gapping.

The stainless-steel G Le4 3- and 5-woods combine with a maraging-steel Face Wrap to optimize flexing, making each loft a reliable and consistent choice from anywhere on the course.

The face profile is designed with Spinsistency, a variable-roll-radius innovation that better accommodates mishits, especially those low on the face that perform better due to the more consistent spin results and fast ball speeds.

Lightweight, Easy-to-Swing Irons

Continuing the success of previous generations of PING’s women’s line, the G Le4 is designed as an iron/hybrid combo solution, allowing golfers to create the ideal set make-up with optimal gapping to help ensure success with every swing.

In the stainless-steel G Le4 irons, forgiveness is achieved through a thin face and high-density tip and toe weights that position mass low and to the perimeter. The iron’s lighter overall weight is optimized for consistency and ease of delivering the club to the ball. More ball speed results from a lower CG position and custom-engineered lofts, producing measurable distance gains throughout the set. The tip and toe weights also help achieve the optimal swing weight.

Available in 6 through 9 iron with three wedge options (PW, UW, SW), the G Le4 irons and wedges also benefit from the multi-material PurFlex cavity badge, contributing to more consistent face flexing along with a soft, pleasing feel and sound.

In the sand wedge (56°) a slim hosel, wide sole and traditional head shape combine with fully machined grooves to improve bunker play. For added control, the pitching and U wedges feature fully machined grooves.

New 8-Hybrid Improves Gapping

Like the fairway woods, the G Le4 hybrids rely on the distance-delivering properties of a maraging-steel face, flexing to provide higher-launching, longer-carrying results. Its dual-roll face profile is optimized to the target swing speed, providing consistent spin. The four loft options, including the addition of an 8H, are optimized for improved distance gaps throughout the entire set.

At address, golfers will notice a

shorter hosel and deeper front-to-back shape to inspire confidence while delivering the distance and high launch that brings more greens within reach.

A Putter To Fit Every Stroke

Inspired by PING’s long-standing reputation as a leader in putter design and performance, three distinct, high-MOI G Le4 models are offered in a variety of shapes, materials and alignment cues to fit every golfer’s eye and stroke type.

All three G Le4 putter models are engineered with a one-piece PEBAX elastomer insert that delivers a softer yet responsive feel with the distance control to sink more putts and build confidence on the greens. The PING PP58 Tour M Lilac grip has a Tour-proven shape and is made of a softer compound, offering exceptional feel and comfort.

Anser 2D

The slightly deeper, perimeter-weighted blade design of the G Le4 Anser 2D putter has similar weight, size and forgiveness of a mid-mallet putter. A single contrasting alignment line and clean heel-toe ballasts make aiming easier to inspire a confident stroke. It is engineered for golfers who prefer a blade-style design with a Slight Arc stroke type. It’s cast from 17-4 stainless steel with pearl chrome plating on the face and top rail and has Galactic Lilac accent on the flange and sole.

Louise

The G Le4 Louise putter, a mid-mallet design named in honor of PING co-founder Louise Solheim, borrows its weight and shaping properties from the DS72 but differs with a flared hosel and parallel-tip shaft. It best fits golfers who have a Strong Arc stroke. The multi-material design features a 17-4 stainless-steel body with pearl chrome plating and a forged 6061-T6 aluminum cover in anodized Galactic Lilac.

Oslo

The G Le4 Oslo putter is a high-MOI mallet with a low center of gravity for accuracy, helped by a ball-width back cavity and long alignment line that simplify aiming to inspire confidence and sink more putts. The multi-material mallet best matches golfers with a straight stroke. It has a forged 6061-T6 aluminum body in anodized Galactic Lilac, and a 304 stainless steel sole plate with pearl chrome plating.

Lighter Shafts and Grips Lower Overall Weight

PING’s proprietary ALTA LE Lite and Ultra Lite premium graphite shafts are standard throughout the G Le4 metal woods and irons to bring down the overall club weight while helping generate more clubhead speed and higher launch. The Golf Pride Soft Tack Lilac grip provides a softer, more comfortable feel and is available in four sizes: Aqua (stock) -1/64”, Red -1/32”, Blue -1/16, White - Std.

Out-of-this-World

Color Scheme

A sophisticated color combination of Galactic Lilac and Milky Way Midnight (with gold accents on the woods and irons) gives the G Le4 its own identity, creating a premium and high-performance appeal for women serious about having fun on the course.

G Le4 CLUB SPECIFICATIONS

G Le4 Driver

Multi-material construction: Cast Ti 8-1-1 body, carbon crown, high-density back weight, forged T9S+ face, lightweight aluminum/thermoplastic adjustable hosel

Loft: 11.5⁰ (adjustable +- 1.5⁰)

Head weight: 190g

Head volume: 460 cc

Std. length: 45”

Std lie angle: 59.5⁰

Std. swing weight: C3

Stock grip: Golf Pride Soft Tack Lilac Grip (Aqua -1/64”, Red -1/32”, Blue -1/16”, White-Std.)

Shaft options: PING ALTA LE (Lite, 47g and Ultra Lite, 42g, flexes)

G Le4 Fairway Woods

Multi-material construction: 17-4 stainless steel body, carbon crown, maraging steel face (3 & 5 woods)

Lofts: 3W (18⁰), 5W (23⁰), 7W (28⁰), 9W (33⁰)

Std. lengths: 3W (42.5”), 5W (42”), 7W (41.5”), 9W (41”)

Std. swing weight: C2

Stock grip: Golf Pride Soft Tack Lilac Grip (Aqua -1/64”, Red -1/32”, Blue -1/16”, White-Std.)

Shaft options: PING ALTA LE (Lite, 50g and Ultra Lite, 42g, flexes)

G Le4 Irons

Multi-material construction: 17-4 stainless-steel head, toe screw/tip weights, aluminum/ABS composite badge, HydroPearl 2.0 finish

Available 6-9, PW, UW, SW, in 10 color codes (lie angle). Black color code is stan-

dard.

Std. length/loft: 6i (37”/25⁰), 7i (36.5”/29.5⁰), 8i (36”/35⁰), 9i (35.5”/41⁰), PW (35”/46.5⁰), UW (35”/51.5⁰), SW (34.5”/56⁰),

Std. swing weight: 6i (C1), 7i (C2), 8i (C2), 9i (C2.5), PW (C4), UW (C5), SW (C6),

Stock grip: Golf Pride Soft Tack Lilac Grip (Aqua -1/64”, Red -1/32”, Blue -1/16”, White – Std.)

Shaft options: PING ALTA LE (Lite, 50g and Ultra Lite, 44g flexes)

G Le4 Hybrids

Multi-material construction: 17-4 stainless-steel head, maraging steel face

Lofts: 5H (22⁰), 6H (26.5⁰), 7H (31⁰), 8H (36⁰)

Std. lengths: 5H (38.75”), 6H (38.25”), 7H (37.75”), 8H (37.25”)

Std. swing weight: C1

Stock grip: Golf Pride Soft Tack Lilac Grip (Aqua -1/64”, Red -1/32”, Blue -1/16”, White - Std)

Shaft options: PING ALTA LE (Lite, 56g and Ultra Lite, 49g flexes)

G Le4 Putters

Anser 2D

Putter Type: Blade

Std. length: 33”

Lie angle: 20⁰ (+-4⁰)

Loft: 3⁰ (+3⁰/-2⁰)

Head Weight: 350g

Stroke Type: Slight Arc

Louise

Putter Type: Mid Mallet

Std. length: 33”

Lie angle: 20⁰ (+-4⁰)

Loft: 3⁰ (+3⁰/-2⁰)

Head Weight: 355g

Stroke Type: Strong Arc

Oslo

Putter Type: Mallet

Std. length: 33”

Lie angle: 20⁰ (+-2⁰)

Loft: 3⁰ (+3⁰/-2⁰)

Head Weight: 360g

Stroke Type: Straight

Get Custom fitted today. For your nearest Ping Dealer contact Sports Network Ltd 0508 776 786.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

Harbour Golf –North Shore

North Shore members Phill Badenhorst, Graham Wessels and Ryan Heale (pictured L–R) who took out the North Golf Ambrose Qualifier at North Shore recently.

The team now advances to the District Final at South Head Golf Club in May, where they’ll be teeing it up for a spot in the Grand Final at the stunning Te Arai Links.

P9 - Hole District Tournament –

Akarana Golf Club

layed recently at Akarana Golf Club! The course was in superb condition and provided the perfect setting for a great 9-hole district tournament.

A huge thank you to the green staff, operations, and catering teams for their assistance in making the day run so smoothly — your hard work truly made it special.

Special thanks also to Auckland Golf volunteers Barbara Jepson and Justine Murchison for their valued support on the day — Winners

* 9-Hole District Winner: Kathryn Trounson (Titirangi GC)

* Mary Cole Trophy Winner: Sarah Hills (Remuera GC)

Hamilton Boys High Golf Team Super 8 Champions 2026!

Waikato Golf acknowledges Brendon Cooley and the team for an outstanding result.

In Hastings recently, the Hawke’s Bay Golf Club hosted the Super 8 Golf competition.

In Round 1 Hamilton Boys got off to a great start, despite the 35km winds, placing 2nd heading into the next round.

Even with Jefferson’s class and a great round of 72, Joel on 76 and James with a 77, the boys finished Round 2 in 3rd and six shots off the lead.

The third round was packed with plenty of highlights, making it look like anyone’s game. New Plymouth were leading by 6 shots, while a Rotorua student scored

a 66, and a student from Napier sunk a hole in one!

Despite the pressure, the HBHS team rallied heading into the final round where they secured a 3-shot victory over Napier and New Plymouth who finished in a tie for second.

Some fantastic teamwork resulted in the following final scores: James with a 70 (1 under par), and Jefferson, Flynn and Joel all on 72, with a final team score of 1 over par. Their Super 8 victory marks a special milestone for James and Joel as it is their final year of school.

Pictured L/R - Jefferson Lovelock, Joel Gurnell, James Roberts, Flynn ter Beek

Divan Denton

Divan Denton who won the 2026 Left-Handed National Golf Championship recently in Te Awamutu for the National Association of Left-Handed

Golfers of New Zealand (NALGNZ). He took out the win with scores of 74, 70, 75, 69.

Nelson Festival of Golf

Itinerary for 2026 Nelson Festival of Golf

Sunday 26th April

Registration day at Nelson Golf Club. Between 11am to 2pm

We welcome participants along to register for the tournament

You can:

Sign up for the 2’s competition throughout the week

Ask any questions of the committee Pick up your goody bags and generally meet old friends in the comfort of the clubhouse. The café will be open so you can chat over a coffee or have a nice lunch whilst enjoying the views over the course.

As in previous years, Nelson Golf Club offers you courtesy of the course to go out and play 9 or 18 holes to get a feel for the course, especially useful if you’re a newcomer to the tournament. As we are hosting the South Island seniors that day, This complimentary round is only available after 1pm, and you must be

registered first. Please call the pro shop to arrange this. 03-548-5028 so you don’t miss out.

Monday 27th April at Nelson Golf Club

Team Day

The competition of the day will be a Stableford Team event with Hidden Partners. You can play with your chosen fourball but they WILL NOT be your Team partners. It will be a good fun day and a great start to our week. Tee off 9.45am. Today, we have the qualifying for the Long Putt competition. Over the last few years this has proved to be a great success and everyone has one putt to see if they can qualify for Friday’s Final Putt Off. Don’t miss your chance!

There will be a daily prize giving event after play in the clubhouse.

Tuesday 28th April at Greenacres Golf Club:

First day of the individual tournament, with a shotgun start at 9.45am. There will be handicap divisions in both male and

female groups. There will be a daily prize giving event after play in the clubhouse.

Wednesday 29th April:

This is your rest day to explore all that our region has to offer. If you are looking for options, just ask us!

Thursday 30th April at Motueka Golf Club:

Second day of the individual tournament, with a shotgun start at 9.45am. You will be staying in the same divisions as you started the tournament, even if the day falls on a day when handicaps have changed. You will, however, be playing off your new handicaps. There will be a daily prize giving after play in the clubhouse.

Friday 1st May at Nelson Golf Club:

The third and final round of the individual competition, so it’s all to play for today! Today’s shotgun start will be at 9.15am – so make sure you’re not late! The reason for this earlier start time is to allow the caterers time to get the room ready for the evening dinner after we

have our daily prize giving for the day’s round. We will also be holding the final of our Long Putt competition at the end of play today when everyone not taking part can stand on the balcony and watch/ cheer/heckle as the lucky qualifiers do battle on the 18th green!

This evening we will hold our Tournament Dinner and Grand Prize-Giving at Nelson Golf Clubhouse. Timings are approximate at this stage but we plan for arrival around 6pm for a 6.30pm dinner.

If you have any questions regarding the itinerary, or the tournament in general, please contact us directly on our email address, which is:

office@nelsongolf.co.nz

and we shall endeavour to get back to you with an answer to your query as soon as possible.

We very much look forward to seeing our returning competitors and also meeting all the new ones for what will be a fantastic week here in the beautiful Nelson Tasman region.

Canterbury Golf 2026 Life Members Tournament 2026 Otago Age Groups Championship

TKhe 2026 Life Members Tournament was held this year at Everglades Golf Club after Pauline Francis-Fox won last year’s event.

A course that not many of the field had played before, but a fantastic 9-hole challenge that is well worth a visit. The course was presented in excellent condition with tight fairways, true greens, and punishing rough. The afternoon tea pro-

vided was also very high quality.

This tournament is held in appreciation by Canterbury Golf to individual Club, and Canterbury Golf life members.

Avondale’s Clare Hodges rose to victory with her 36 Stableford points. Close behind were Bill Whelan (Ellesmere) 35 points, and Lynne Rattray (Bottle Lake) 34 points.

ai Koni has delivered the goods and come out victorious in the under 19 division. Kai shot -2 (69) in trying conditions to beat Noah Novacek by one. Noah carded a hole in one to finish his round.

The in-form Raphael Anderson took out the under 16 division with a score of -2 (69)

Ryan Hurring won the under 16 net with a score of 72.