Golfer Pacific NZ – June 2026

AThe shot that is rated 12,500-1

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

little bit of skiting on my part for this month’s column.

I scored a hole-in-one last month. It was my first.

It came on the fifth hole at my home club of Manor Park in Wellington.

Making it all the better, the fifth hole is not a short one.

The hole measures 170 metres and it is said the average length of a hole-in-one is just over 130 metres. In other words my holein-one is better than most.

Did I see the ball go in the hole? No.

I knew the ball had gone in the direction of the flagstick but had no idea the ball had gone in the hole. None of my three playing partners saw it either.

As I approached the green I couldn’t see my ball. My imme-

diate thought was it must have gone through the back of the green.

And as I headed to the back of the green, I still couldn’t see my ball.

Where do I look now, I wondered. Should check the hole, I suppose. And there it was.

“Guess what?” I said to my playing partners. “My ball is in the hole.”

There were congratulations and the question: “Have you had a hole in one before?”

The answer was no and we moved on to the next hole which is also a par three.

I teed off first and it was another good shot. Surely not, I was thinking.

It did miss but when we got to the green we could see a moisture line that it had missed by only a couple of inches.

My hole in one added to an

earlier highlight of the round.

On the par three second hole I holed my bunker shot for a birdie two.

Then on the par five seventh I hit my third shot reasonably close and holed the putt for a birdie four.

I was now four under par through seven holes.

I joked to my partners that it was just a matter of time before I turned pro and would have to make the decision of whether I join fellow Manor Park member Daniel Hillier on the European Tour or Ryan Fox on the PGA Tour in the United States.

The hole in one was obviously a delight but oddly enough I found it put pressure on me. I felt the need to have a good round to make sure the ace was significant.

My second nine holes were not so flash but enough to see me get home with a seven over

par 77 and 39 stableford points which was enough to win the day’s stableford competition.

Back at the clubhouse I was asked questions like what club did you hit.

I would reply: “A three-quarter nine iron to twenty feet past the hole and spun the ball back into the hole.”

That, of course, was a lie. I hit a three wood and as hard as I could.

When I played the same hole the following day I asked my playing partners if I could have the flagstick attended please. They were not obliging. They rudely thought my hole-in-one was a fluke.

The odds of scoring a hole-inone are said to be 12,500 to one and I used to jokingly say if I ever get a hole-in-one I would say I was aiming for that.

If I ever get a second holein-one I am going to say: “I was aiming for that.”

PGA Championship win for Aaron Rai fits like a glove

He was perhaps best known as the golfer who wears a glove on each hand.

Now he is the two-gloved golfer who is the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship in more than a century.

His name is Aaron Rai and he had a remarkable final round of a five under par 65 to win the $US20.5 million PGA Championship at the difficult Aronimink golf course in Pennyslvania in the United States.

Rai has been wearing two gloves as a golfer since he was a child.

“It started when I was eight years old,” Rai said in a report on the PGA Tour website.

“I just happened to be given these two gloves, the guy who actually makes them sent a pair over, and I got into the habit of wearing them.

“Then, a few weeks down the line, my dad forgot to put the two gloves in the bag so I had to play with one. It was terrible. I couldn’t play, I couldn’t feel the grip, so I’ve always stuck with the two gloves ever since.”

Rai said he believes wearing gloves on both hands gives him a stronger, more reliable connection to the club, something that has helped him develop into one of the steadiest ball-strikers in the world. Rai has spent the last two years inside the world’s top 50 and regularly placed himself in contention at some of golf’s biggest events.

There are still exceptions to the rule. Like most professional golfers, Rai removes his gloves while putting to better control speed and touch on the greens. He also typically uses just one glove for bunker shots.

The two gloves are only part of Rai’s distinctive approach.

The 31-year-old is also known for using iron covers, a practice often heavily debated in golf circles, at times perhaps even ridiculed.

For Rai, those habits are tied to gratitude and upbringing as much as performance.

Born and raised in Wolverhampton, England, Rai credits his father for instilling an appreciation for his equipment from an early age. His father, who was born in England to an Indian

family, paid for memberships, tournament fees and golf clubs despite limited financial means. Rai’s mother immigrated to England from Kenya. Rai said of the iron covers: “It started

from the age of four years old, when my dad used to pay for my equipment. He paid for my membership, paid for my entry fees. It wasn’t money that we really had, to be honest, but he’d al-

ways buy me the best clubs.

“When we used to go out and practice, he used to clean every single groove afterward with a pin and baby oil, and, to protect the golf clubs, he thought it would be good to put iron covers on them and I’ve pretty much had iron covers on all my sets ever since, just to kind of appreciate the value of what I have.”

Rai’s win at Aronimink Golf Club did not come completely out of the blue. He had won on the DP World Tour last November when taking out the $US9 million Abu Dhabi Championship in the United Arab Emirates. He beat Tommy Fleetwood in a playoff.

Rai is now the first Englishman to win the PGA Championship since Jim Barnes in 1919.

After methodically putting himself into the lead, a moment of magic ensured Rai would go down in golfing folklore, when in the final round he drained a 69-foot putt on the 17th green -- the second longest of the week.

It helped Rai, who had never previously finished in the top 10 at a major, card a magnificent nine under par for the four rounds.

That was enough to end three shots clear of Spain’s two-time major champion Jon Rahm and unheralded American Alex Smalley -- the overnight leader -- who finished joint second.

“It is very surreal,” said Rai, who had struggled to practice at times this year because of a neck injury.

“It has been a frustrating season so being stood here is outside of my wildest imagination.”

He is just the eighth Englishman to win a major championship since World War II, joining Henry Cotton, Max Faulkner, Tony Jacklin, Nick Faldo, Justin Rose, Danny Willett and Matt Fitzpatrick.

It also means United Kingdom golfers have won the first two of the year’s four annual majors for the first time, after Rory McIlroy defended his Masters title in April.

Rai’s winning purse was $US3.69 million while the New Zealand pair of Daniel Hillier and Ryan Fox finished 26th and 35th respectively. Hillier earned  $US125,000 and Fox received $US78,000.

Rai outwits the bombers and gougers

ABy Neville Idour

aron Rai made a mockery of the opinions of Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler and Shane Lowry about the Aronimink course for the PGA Championship.

Rai, ranking 160th in driving distance on the PGA Tour, was surely going to be a little out of his depth? Wrong.

Before the tournament began McIlroy yet again put his foot in his mouth (when will he learn?) saying “Strategy off the tee is pretty non existent. (Yeah right).

“It’s basically bash driver down there and figure it out from there. When these traditional golf courses take a lot of trees out it makes strategy not as much of a concern off the tee.”

That was so wrong and his mistake was not recognising that at all during the tournament. Fairways were narrow and often the camber on them would send the ball rolling into the juicy rough.

Oh no, he kept whacking his driver, as did Scottie Scheffler, and then finding himself invariably in juicy

rough, killing his chances of birdies. This was the mistake most, if not all, of Rai’s major championship winning rivals made. Yet McIlroy still finished tied seventh on four under par, five shots behind Rai, whose six under par in the final 10 holes was quite superb.

The greens were undulating with often subtle slopes and the pins were well placed to provide a real challenge for the field, and so it proved. Scheffler couldn’t handle the greens, missing six putts under 10 feet, including a couple of three footers. Hardly surprising considering what he had to say about the pin placements after his second round 71.

“Most of them were absurd and indeed the hardest set I have ever seen on tour,” Scheffler said.

“The one on 14 was probably the hardest I have seen in a long time. It’s difficult to get the ball close to the hole and hole putts.”

Scheffler seemed to miss something. This was a major championship and is supposed to test every aspect of the world’s best golfer’s games. It is also the same challenge for every play-

er. The bunched leaderboard leading into the final round made for a gripping finale.

Yet McIlroy didn’t see it that way saying: “I think a bunched leaderboard like this is a sign of not a great setup. It’s bunched as it is because it hasn’t really enabled anyone to separate themselves. I’ve always felt really good setups allow the field to spread a bit.”

Shane Lowry got in on the act having a dollar each way with: “I think it’s a great golf course but I think it has been set up pretty poorly.”

I’m sorry Rory and Scottie, but you have both got it wrong. The course setup was spot on. A nine under par winning score seemed about ideal for a major. Three gettable opening par fours made for exciting opportunities. The drivable par four 13th was a great risk-reward hole which Rai birdied once. John Rahm bogeyed it once, Scheffler birdied and bogeyed it, while McIlroy did likewise. Great hole.

Despite all the moans and groans of those players who tried to beat the golf course into submission with driver without enough success, Rai  was

one player who unlocked the key to Aronimink. He understood that only by hitting fairways and greens could you make birdies. So Rai mostly left the big fella in his bag and mostly hit with his three wood or whatever else would allow him to avoid the rough. So it proved. He actually hit his four iron on the par five 15th on the way to a blemish free four under par final nine holes. Meanwhile all his chasers continued with driver hoping to find the fairway, but most found the rough, making birdie most unlikely. Thus Rai always looked in control of his game and unlike others, putted with remarkable control and success. Even more remarkable was his recovery from three bogeys in the first eight holes of the final round. It was staggering to find that Rai is the first English winner of the PGA Championship since 1919.

If you weren’t aware of the golf scene and watched the drama unfold you could be forgiven for thinking Rai was the multiple major winner and not some of his chasers, such was his coolness under pressure as he cruised to a much deserved victory.

PGA Championship leaderboard and prize money

May 14 - 17 | Aronimink Golf Club

Purse $20,500,000 | Previous winner: Scottie Scheffler

Stories from the PGA Championship

By Neville Idour

Hillier and Fox in consistent form

Kiwis Daniel Hillier and Ryan Fox could be happy with their efforts at Aronimink golf course in Pennsylvania which produced remarkably consistent scorecards. Hillier with rounds of 71, 69, 70 and 70 for 280 and even par was always top 20 or thereabouts to ultimately finish tied 26th. He pocketed $US125,523.

Fox turned in similar scores with 70, 70, 72 and 69 for 281 and one over par. His excellent final round 69 elevated him several places to finish tied 35th and a take home pay packet of $US78,806.

Garrick Higgo sacks caddie     Garrick Higgo’s so called split with caddie Austin Gaugert after Higgo’s late arrival for his tee off on the Thursday can be massaged with platitudes, but however you look at it Gaugert was blamed for the two-shot penalty that saw Higgo miss the cut by one shot. Higgo said following his round: “I wouldn’t have been late if I knew I was running late ... I was there on time, but the rule is, if you’re one second late,

you’re late, but I was there on time.”

Apparently Gaugert was “yelling” at Higgo to run to the tee. So no blame was placed on him for Higgo’s penalty.

Just one day after the split, Gaugert broke his silence with a post on social media platform Instagram.

“As a caddie you try to do everything you can to prepare your player for competition and I fell short of that. Garrick was understanding throughout and handled it with professionalism and class. Garrick handled a difficult situation with grace, and I wish him nothing but success in future. After working with Garrick and finding the highest success in caddying, Garrick has become a better friend to me than just a boss. I will always be grateful for that.”

Wow. What grace and gratitude. Took the blame for an incident that was entirely his boss’s fault. The worst thing about the whole fiasco was that Higgo at no point took responsibility for his own actions. The fact he parted ways with Gaugert just days later proved he was looking to shift the blame from himself.

Higgo won his first PGA title at his second start, the 2021 Palmetto Championship with Gaugert on the bag. We can only hope Gaugert can find a new bag to carry for a grateful player.

Aaron Rai doesn’t fit the mould

A low profile Englishman who plays golf, wears two gloves, has covers on his irons (who does that?), and plays the ball in the middle of his stance with his driver, which is a 2019 TaylorMade M6.

That is Aaron Rai, now a major champion. How many major champions have come from that kind of mould? None that this writer can remember.

Surely this is part of the 31-year-old’s appeal. After his win he said: “Golf is an amazing game. It teaches you so many things, and it teaches you so much humility and discipline and absolute hard work, because nothing is ever given in this game no matter what level you are playing, no matter what course you’re playing.”

Speaking on Saturday night when two strokes from the lead he said: “There’s such a long way to go. A lot of things can and will change tomorrow. So, yeah, amazing to be here, but trying not to get too far ahead of myself also.”

You can sense the power or secret to his success was humility. But it has no relation to a lack of confidence. Quite the opposite in fact. Rai was the only family member to play golf. He learned

so well he turned professional when just 17 years old. He struggled on the lowly Euro Pro Tour, losing his card multiple times. But he believed in himself but understood he could only deal with what was in front of him -- and so he dealt with the punishing rough and sloping greens better than the super stars and deservedly reaped the rewards.

A star of America’s  National Basketball Association said: “To focus on the past is ego. To focus on the future is pride. Focusing on the present is humility.”

Rai concludes: “My dad has tried to enforce that this is great and I should enjoy it, but still just get back to doing what you’ve been doing and see where it takes you.”

Rai added: “The successes will follow if you do the right things.”

Exciting third round leaderboard

Some experienced pundits struggled to recall a more exciting looking leaderboard going into the final round of a major championship.

There were 22 players within four shots of the leader and 43 players within six shots. Eleven countries were represented amongst the 22.

So, the course and setup were the

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stars of the show despite the bleatings of Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry.

The leaderboard of the top 22 players was a splendid mix of major winners and those who aren’t, including a few low ranked gate crashers. The 22 included just five of the world’s top 20 ranked players, 11 of the top 50 and only two top 10, McIlroy and Xander Schauffele.

Scottie Scheffler said: “I’ve never seen anything like this … it’s quite literally anybody’s tournament.” Ludvig Aberg echoed those words adding: “It’s a cool thing for the viewers.

Glacial pace of play disturbing

Great venue and some good golf could not obscure the festering scab on golf, the glacial pace of play.

Hard to believe the first group on Friday, yes, the first group took five hours 40 minutes, while following groups pushed the six hour mark.

Of course, the blame was placed on everything but the players. Size of the field, 156 players. What’s new? A brutal test and so much at stake. Difficult pin positions that demanded too much deliberation.

The pins were softened a little for the third and fourth rounds, but I didn’t notice any more speed. The excuse: “You

can’t expect 156 players to navigate a difficult layout in blistering speed.”

What a load of collywobbles. No one wants blistering speed. Just play to the rules like those players who do. Stand up Ryan Fox. He should be the touchstone for pace of play.

Rory McIlroy had an abusive spectator removed

McIlroy was unfairly targeted by one spectator he had removed after the 16th hole on the Sunday.

His hopes were probably gone when he found the bunker with his third shot on the par five hole. Some may have assumed that had an effect on what happened next. It appeared that a shout of “USA” prompted McIlroy to take action. It probably looked petulant and some people said on social media platform Twitter he was soft.

In fact, that shout was the final straw after some relentless heckling as several spectators were clearly trying to knock McIlroy off his game.

One reporter, Charlie Hulme, however was on the spot and was following McIlroy from the ninth hole where the drama was unfolding.

Hulme said: “Rory’s walking up the fairway after hitting his drive and these two

dum-dums are yelling at Rory the entire way. You suck Rory. You’re terrible. Just go home. You’ve got no shot.”

These kids could have been heckling Rory for the first nine holes and we missed it.

While hearing it all, Hulme didn’t want to speak up in case his media badge was revoked. They probably maintained it for the next seven holes until that guy was kicked out, and guess what? It was the same clown Hulme wished he had confronted on the ninth or security had dealt with. So being able to see the context of the issue we are aware of the folly of the Twitter and social media criticisms of players, in this case McIlroy.

Hulme said: “So seeing it up close and personal what Rory was going through with this moron walking along, I say we don’t want such people around a game that I love.”

Is 20 too many club professionals?

Is it time to reconsider the number of places given to club professionals in the PGA Championship?

Twenty seems far too many. The problem is the formula for qualification. The 20 places are given to the top 20 finishers at the PGA of America’s club pro’s championship.

Twentieth place gets you into a major? Seems daft. This is proven by the number who have made the cut in the last six years. Just four out of 119 players and never more than one each year. Maybe a better solution would be for 10 players to gain a place, but have to work for it. So how about spreading the opportunities. What about giving a place to one PGA Club champion in the biggest PGA regions. One to each champion in the USA, Great Britain and Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, France and so forth. That would be a nice reward for winning your national championship.   PGA of America gentry out of touch?

Martin Kaymer, the 2010 PGA Championship winner, was left dumbfounded at the champions dinner on the Tuesday night.

One of the PGA of America gentry asked Kaymer if he still played golf. “Yeah, that’s why I’m here. I’m not flying all the way from Europe to here to have New York strip (steak) with you guys.”

That was telling him.  Of course, Kaymer would play better than most in the field. After three rounds of 67, 75 and 66 he was in the top 20 but lost ground with a final round 75 to finish tied 35th.

Tyler Wood wins by three in Muriwai Open after being well back at halfway

Tyler Wood has won the Autex Muriwai Open in Auckland by three strokes after taking the solo lead on the 70th hole of the tournament, with scores of 72, 72, 64 and 66. He had been nine shots back from the lead after 36 holes.

A blistering eight under par third round put him in contention and the Waikato professional held off challenges from defending champion Mark Brown and overnight leader and 2025 runner-up Kerry Mountcastle.

It was Wood’s second win on the Charles Tour, sponsored by Summerset retirement villages, after the 2025 New Zealand Stroke Play Championship, in stunning conditions at Muriwai Golf Links.

Wood said after a testing time formwise, to emerge with a win at Muriwai would take some time to feel real.

“It’s been a pretty brutal six months for me on the course. To get over the line, and especially with mum and dad here, it’s pretty special,’’ Wood said.

“It sounds pretty cliche, but it still hasn’t really sunk in properly yet. I’m sure I’ll dive into what the differences were this weekend and hopefully repeat that again.”

Heading into the final day three shots behind Mountcastle, Wood made birdie on his opening two holes to put the field on notice that the previous day’s effort had not been a flash in the pan.

A bogey on the par four fourth

threatened to slow his roll but he remained bogey-free from that point while his playing partners in the final group dropped shots around him. Brown would join him on 12 under par after making the nine-hole turn to set up a grandstand finish worthy of the occasion and it seemed the gallery would be in for a similar finish to the final round of the 2025 event where he’d stolen the title from Mountcastle on the back nine.

The decisive moment came on the par four16th, with a back left pin on a shelf. Both Wood and Brown gave themselves birdie putts. Wood stood over his putt first and rolled a delightfully weighted downhill left-to-right breaker into the cup to force Brown into a response. Brown slid his attempt wide but cleaned up for his par, giving Wood a one shot lead with two to play.

Muriwai’s 17th hole has sunk many

a golfer’s hopes and after Wood again put pressure on Brown by making his birdie putt, Brown could only manage bogey after finding the greenside bunker and the title was Wood’s to lose as he headed down No 18 leading by three strokes after the two-shot swing.  His tee shot went left but gave him a friendlier angle into the right-sided pin and Wood made no mistake, then rolling his birdie putt across the right edge to tap in for the win.

A three-shot lead heading down the 18th is the dream scenario for a professional golfer, yet Wood said he knew he had to stay composed until his approach landed safely on the green.

“Realistically it wasn’t until that wedge shot on 18. It wasn’t an easy shot, and it just happened to be a reasonable number. But once I got it on, I was pretty settled.”

After even-par 72s in his first two rounds, Wood said the weekend was when all parts of his game finally began to click and he took full advantage.

“I drove it well all week but just didn’t have the rest of the game, and then it’s kind of all come to fruition in the weekend.”

With his mother on the bag there was no chance of fatigue setting in, he said.

“Mother’s instincts kicked in and she definitely fed me and kept me hydrated, that’s for sure.”

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Dominic Barson prevails in playoff to rack up his second win in the Taranaki Open

Dominic Barson produced a stunning finale at his home course to win the Taranaki Open in dramatic fashion, holing eagle putts on the 18th hole in both regulation and a playoff, to win the tournament for a second time.

Squally wind and intermittent showers set the tone for a gripping final round, with hard rain periodically disrupting play and biting into the chill factor across Ngamotu Links as the field chased a closely-contested leaderboard throughout the final day.

The final group traded blows from the first hole, with Cameron Harlock and Barson tied at six under par and Jake Meenhorst two shots back.

Harlock conjured a remarkable birdie on the opening hole after a wayward drive, while Meenhorst drew within one of the lead and Barson made a double bogey to slip back.

Barson, however, responded with a birdie on the third to close the gap, only for the lead to continue shuffling hands as the early holes played out in the blustery conditions.

The pivotal stretch came at the turn and into the back nine. Birdies on the eighth from both Meenhorst and Harlock gave them a co-lead, but bogey on the treacherous par three ninth from Meenhorst and a fresh squall rolling back in off the coast saw Harlock make the turn with a one shot advantage.

What followed felt at the time like the tournament’s decisive moment; birdies on 11 from Barson and Meenhorst combined with Harlock’s

own birdie for a two-shot swing in the leader’s favour, stretching his cushion to three shots.

A bogey on the par three 12th trimmed it back to two, but Harlock steadied admirably on the exposed stretches of 13 and 14 to head for home still in control.

Then came the 15th. An errant tee shot left led to bogey, and the door that had been barely ajar swung wide open. Meenhorst rolled in a 10-footer to save par and breathe right down the leader’s neck, while Barson, too, saved par to stay within a shot. All three traded pars on 16.

On 17, Barson’s bunker shot slid past the hole

but he drained his downhill eight-footer to ensure he’d have a chance down the last. The title would come down to 18, with Harlock leading by one.

All three found the fairway. Barson gave himself eight feet for eagle. Meenhorst played a sumptuous chip from the right side of the green to set up a three-foot birdie. Harlock rolled his eagle attempt to six feet for birdie. Then Barson crouched over his eagle putt and rolled it in to rapturous applause from his home crowd. Harlock coolly drained his birdie to force the playoff. Meenhorst made his putt to finish third.

Back down 18 they went.

Harlock piped his drive down the fairway, Barson found the left side — almost exactly where he had hit from in regulation — and his second shot was near-identical in quality, leaving himself a 12-foot uphill eagle look.

Harlock went long and left with his approach, handing Barson the initiative once again. Harlock putted first and slid his eagle inches past the cup, leaving a birdie putt just outside comfortable range.

Barson’s eagle too slid just past and he tapped in for birdie, leaving Harlock needing to convert to extend the contest. He missed past the edge and Barson was champion; winning the Taranaki Open,

sponsored by Unlimit, at his home course with back-toback eagles that will be talked about at New Plymouth Golf Club for a  long time.

Barson said standing over his par putt on the 17th hole he knew he had to roll it in with Harlock’s power down 18 turning it into a birdie opportunity.

“It was outside the hole. I had to go in, otherwise I wouldn’t have had a chance, because Cam, with how far Cam hits it, he’s always gonna birdie the last hole,” Barson said.

His approach into 18 will live long in the memory not only for Barson but for those at Ngamotu Links that witnessed it.

“I’ve just absolutely pumped the best five-iron of my life, which was a good ... it was a great shot. Flighted it, everything perfect,” he said.

Any win as a professional golfer is special, but to win on your home course in front of the members will rank highly for Barson, he said.

“You always like winning, but it’s up there, because it’s your home track, you know? So, it’s always special when it’s your home course.”

Barson’s winning rounds of 69, 73, 68 and 71 reflected just how difficult a test the conditions at Ngamotu Links provided with just five golfers in the field finishing under par over four rounds.

Barson and Harlock finished regulation tied at seven-under-par, with Barson’s closing 71 matching Harlock’s own final round on a 69-73-6871 card against Harlock’s 7170-69-71.

A world class golf experience at Te Arai Links

Istill remember the moment the email came through. There was plenty of detail, but one line mattered most: Your tee time at Te Arai Links North Course has been confirmed for 12.20pm.

Since opening in 2023, Te Arai Links has quickly become a world class destination and another reason golfers are putting New Zealand on their itinerar-

ies. To be fair, places like Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers, Kinloch and Jack’s Point had already built the case — Te Arai Links has simply turned a strong hand into a must-visit.

The numbers tell part of the story: the North Course is ranked 98th in the world, the South Course 79th, and the ultra-exclusive Tara Iti Golf Club 19th. Not bad for a sandy stretch of coastline about an hour north of Auckland that not long ago was essentially wasteland.

The courses are so good they are now on the bucket list of every keen golfer who visits our country, including the very best like Masters champion Rory McIlroy.

I’ve played most of New Zealand’s big name courses and I’m working towards playing them all. On my wish list, Te Arai Links (and Tara Iti) sits right at the top — so I read that email twice. The opportunity to play included a plus-one, and my dad, Richard, was the obvious choice.

He introduced me to the game almost 40 years ago on a Coromandel summer holiday. We hacked our way around pitch-and-putt courses and I remember one shot — one pure strike

— that landed on the final green. Every golfer knows that feeling: the moment you’re hooked for life.

A week out from the Te Arai Links trip, dad rang with news he didn’t want to share. He’d hurt his hip playing with his granddaughter in the swimming pool and could barely move. Reluctantly, he had to withdraw. We sat on the call, quiet and gutted.

I texted my good mate, James Dunlop and he confirmed within 30 seconds. The following Saturday, we were driving through the gates at Te Arai Links and the dream became real. It was a warm and clear Auckland autumn day — perfect for one of the best courses on the planet. We’ll have a matchplay contest for the beers after, and I’ll give Jimmy five strokes.

After a tasty bacon and egg bap and a warm-up on the range, we are on the shuttle to the North Course and ready to go.

A holiday at home

Over the past few years, we’ve done around 30 golf trips. The planning, the banter, reconnecting with old friends, and seeing the best corners of

Aotearoa — each one becomes a highlight of the year. This time we decided to put the spotlight on Tamaki Makaurau and make Auckland the getaway.

On Friday afternoon we packed the kids into the car, drove over the Harbour Bridge and pulled up at the Cordis Hotel on Symonds Street. There’s something strangely satisfying about checking into luxury in your own city: the car disappears with valet parking, you’re shown to your room, and within seconds the kids have sprinted through the suite and claimed their beds.

Cordis Hotel gets the details right —the pool, spa and club lounge feel genuinely first-rate — and we were welcomed with a platter of cakes and sweets. My wife and I cracked a cold beer, and, within minutes, the working week had vanished. Outside, the city buzzed as people wrapped up their week at work, while inside we got ready for dinner at restaurant Eight.

Eight isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an interactive dining experience with eight specialist kitchens, each focused on a different cuisine. The kids were spoilt for choice; once they returned to the table with loaded plates, a

nertime hush descended.

My sirloin steak was cooked perfectly, and I did what any sensible adult does at a buffet: potatoes, greens, and a second pass. I went with an Urbanaut Cordis Hazy IPA while my wife celebrated with a glass of bubbles. The bread-and-butter pudding with custard took me back to my days of living in Ireland.

The only hard part was getting the kids to sleep — the excitement of a hotel stay is hard to compete with. Eventually they settled, and we toasted the staycation with a quiet cup of tea. There are many great hotels in Auckland city, and Cordis is my favourite.

We were up early for a full day. Breakfast was top drawer. The kids demolished pancakes and waffles and had many repeat visits to the chocolate fondue fountain.  I went for a freshly-made omelette with bacon and hash browns — it was ideal fuel for a big day ahead.

Not long after, we met my parents at the Auckland Viaduct. They took the kids for the day while my wife and I hopped onto the ferry for Waiheke Island.

Setting sail for Waiheke

A trip to Waiheke always feels like hitting the reset button. The beaches, the scenery, the wineries —and the 45-minute ferry ride — make it an easy escape that feels like a proper holiday.

Our tour guide Kevin met us at Matiatia Wharf and we clicked straight away. Like me, he’s a lifelong Arsenal football fan, so we spent the day debating whether the Gunners could finally end a 22-year Premier League drought. Kevin was the ideal host, affable and friendly.

Our first stop was the Allpress Olive Groves for a guided olive oil tasting and a relaxed two-course lunch.  The company was founded in 2021 by Michael Allpress. After 33 years at the helm of Allpress Espresso, Michael, a Waiheke Island local, began producing olive oil from trees on his property in 2016.

In mid-April the sun was still doing its job; we started with Clevedon buffalo curd and cherry tomatoes, then I followed with pan-fried flounder. It was beautifully cooked and presented. Next, we dropped into Heke to check out the golf simulator bays — two state-of-the-art setups that have become popular with locals and visitors.

We hit a few shots, sampled some local beers, and I treated it as a gentle warm-up for Te Arai Links. The Waiheke Golf Club – a fun nine-hole layout -- sits right across the road from Heke, making the area an easy add-on for a boys’ trip or a corporate day.

Before the ferry back, we squeezed in a tasting at the Heke whisky and beer bar. My wife enjoyed the slow warmth of whisky; I went the other direction with a couple of cold Heke Hazy IPAs.

As the sun dropped over the ocean on the ferry ride home, we reflected on a special day.

With three young and rowdy kids, we don’t get a lot of time together and it has been a refreshing and rewarding experience together. This felt like Auckland at its best.

A playable golf course

When you get a tee time at a place like Te Arai Links, you want to bring your A game. You also don’t want to try too hard and ruin the day.

Before the trip I called an old mate, Phil Aickin from Golf New Zealand. Phil is a local legend. He knows more about New Zealand courses than just about anyone, and he offered advice that proved spot-on.

“First of all, just enjoy it. It’s an unbelievable experience — you’ll love it.

“The toughest challenge is around the greens. The roll-offs and bunkering are super tough, so play short and chip up. And stay for a beer or two after. It’s a great atmosphere and you don’t want to rush it.”

There were nerves on the opening tee, but James and I both found the fairway and suddenly it was just golf again. We’ve played 100 rounds together and we reminded ourselves that this was just another game.

Unveiled in 2023, Te Arai Links is owned and operated by fund manager Ric Kayne and managing partner Jim Rohrstaff. Tara Iti remains members-only, but Te Arai Links’ North and South courses are accessible to the public, alternating daily between member play and resort play.

Designed by Tom Doak, the North Course is a masterpiece. I’ve always thought what he created at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay was incredible.

At Te Arai Links, the same imagination and creativity show up in every contour and option around the greens. The 65-year-old American has an uncanny knack of ensuring the golf course design makes the most of its natural surrounds at every turn.

Standing on that first tee and seeing the rolling seas arriving on Te Arai Beach, it stops you in your tracks. The ocean is so close you can hear the waves crashing and smell the salt on the breeze. It’s a backdrop that makes you pause — then reminds you you’ve still got a shot to hit.

The opening hole is friendly with a short par four at 275 metres and the second is a mid-length par three. We get off to a solid start and realise that around the green it is fairly forgiving but finishing off par chances is another matter altogether. The greens have so many subtle breaks and undulations that you never feel like you have them mastered.

The third hole is a good chance for

birdie early in your round. It’s not too long at 334 metres from the back tees and there is basin around the hole so if you get your approach shot right, it will funnel down to the hole.

The fourth hole is rated as the hardest hole on the course and it’s easy to see why. It’s 410 metres from the back tees and you need two great shots to make the green in regulation. You are heading back into the forest, and the sprawling wasteland makes it intimidating from the tee.

My favourite holes on the front nine were the sixth and eighth.  The sixth is 364 metres from the back tees, but the design is Doak at his best. It has a green complex that has to be seen to be believed. You have to be precise with your second shot, and if you get it wrong you could be chipping here all day. It’s like mini golf.

The eighth has one of the best views from the tee all day. You are heading back to the ocean and you have a wide panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop to a beautiful design.  I hit two good shots and make a good par to get back into the match and Jimmy is one up at the turn. There is a long way to go.

All Blacks Experience

Dad was still unable to get out of bed, so mum took up the offer to visit the All Blacks Experience, an Auckland guided tour celebrating New Zealand rugby. The All Blacks matter in our family in the same way they matter to so many New Zealanders — but we also have a personal connection.

My grandfather (dad’s dad), Neville Henry Thornton, was an All Blacks

No 8 from 1947–49. He played for the Kiwi Army team in 1945–46, then toured Australia in 1947 and South Africa in 1949 in the years immediately after World War II.

One of his most celebrated moments came in the second test against the Wallabies at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1947. Late in the match, with the All Blacks under pressure, he kicked a penalty from halfway — an unusually long attempt in that era, and rarer still from a forward.

The All Blacks Experience is a must-visit for any fan. It captures the highs — three World Cups — and doesn’t skip the lows, including the divisions of the 1981 Springbok tour. We spent about 90 minutes there and could have stayed far longer. It was cool to see it with my mum.

There is a running joke in our house that will never end. Dad never rated Ma’a Nonu in his early years of being an All Black and Nonu was mum’s favourite player. It turned out that Nonu would go on to become probably the best second five eighth the world has seen, and dad has never lived it down.

The best part of this experience was the final stage when you reach the interactive area. You will have Richie Mo’unga talk you through a kicking drill, Dane Coles teaches you how to throw into a lineout and TJ Perenara shows you some passing skills. It’s a lot of fun.  Even if you know the story, you’ll still learn something and it just adds to the legacy of one of the greatest teams in the world.

Bragging rights forever

Back at the North Course, there is everything to play for.  I know when I am standing on this hallowed turf that this match will live on forever in folklore, the photos and post-round chat will be replayed for years.

Whoever wins here is going to say: “Remember how I beat you at Te Arai Links that time…”  until you play here again. In all honesty though, playing here is one of those days where whoever wins or loses doesn’t really matter, you are just grateful for the experience.

At the 10th hole there is a cool halfway house selling burger dogs and snacks.

One of the best things about Te Arai Links is the food and beverage is surprisingly affordable. My bacon and egg bap was only $12 and all the options at the halfway house were at a fair price.

The back nine has many great holes – like the par five 11th or the par four 13th – and it sets you up for a grandstand finish.

Jimmy is a fitting playing partner at Te Arai Links. Many years ago, we created a game called the three-hole challenge. It’s a simple concept. You play the final three holes of the course, with shots given depending on the stroke holes, and the loser buys the winner a dozen beers.

The final three holes at a par four (277m), par three (140m) and par five (416m) that are perfect for this sort of challenge. They are breathtakingly beautiful and ensures that you finish your round on a high note.

Jimmy held a two up lead on the 16th tee and when he won on the short par four, I had to accept a 3 and 2 loss. There was still the three hole challenge to settle and when Jimmy hit the par five 18th in two, I was in trouble. But I managed to get up and down from a bunker on the last to finish all square.

After the round we did what Phil Aicken told us to do: we stayed for a beer, let

the afternoon stretch out, and soaked up the atmosphere. Te Arai Links is every bit as good as the hype — and the best part is that it’s right here, at the top of my home region.

As I look out to the ocean over our postmatch beer, I spare a thought for the old man. He would have loved this place. Next time, I’m bringing dad so we can enjoy this together.

Te Arai Links North Couse is the sort of course that will blow your mind – and from that point you’ll be making plans to come back. It’s another one ticked off the bucket list and a day that we will never forget.

Our annual golf reunion at Muriwai

There is one game of golf I look forward to every year. It is catching up with my old mates from our Sportsinc crew.

I worked with these guys for almost eight years as we produced the Phillip Leishman television golf shows for SKY Sport and TV3. It was my first real job, and I didn’t really know it at the time, but it was one of the best roles of my career.

We travelled around the country capturing tournaments, filming club profiles, meeting golfers from all walks of life and we had the occasional trip overseas (when Phil was unavailable). It even took me to the Masters Tournament in the United States.

But best of all, we forged friendships for life. So, when we catch up, there are always a lot of stories and plenty to reminisce about. We lost Phil way too soon to a brain tumour around 12 years ago and we all have a thousand or more stories about our old mate Phil.

For this year’s game we are heading to the beautiful Muriwai Golf Club in

Auckland. It is a fitting location.

Last month, the course hosted the 17th Autex Muriwai Open, and our group have spent many years covering this important tournament on the local scene.

The Charles Tour is an important pathway for our best players now and you have to give credit to clubs like Muriwai which have made hosting these tournaments a priority.

It has been 10 years since I last played at Muriwai, and it has gone to another level. The conditioning of the course has improved out of sight and the team here has returned Muriwai to its roots of being a world class links layout.

Today I am joined by Kelsen Butler, one of the directors of Sportsinc, James Dunlop, Phil’s nephew who was a regular contributor to the show and James Turnbull who was a handy videographer.

We are all average golfers, around 18-20 handicappers, but what we lack in ability we make up for in a love for the game.

Kels is still heavily involved in golf – (among other things) he runs The Fox down in Waihi Beach every year with Ryan Fox and a few years back it won the Golf New Zealand Event of the Year award. Jimmy and James have moved onto new roles but still get behind the camera to film local tournaments when there is the opportunity.

The last time we played, James and I beat Kels and Jimmy by the barest of margins. We won one up on the 18th hole at South Head in Auckland, so it is only fitting that we have a rematch.

It is great to be out on the west coast, with the sun shining on the ocean as a backdrop. It’s nice when everyone knows each other and there is plenty of banter on the first tee, like Jimmy mentioning how Kels let the team down with his missed putt for par a year ago.

Muriwai is one of the treasured courses in the greater Auckland region and for good reason. I am old enough to remember the old layout at Muriwai. It was a special design and the team

has done a great job of adjusting to guard against erosion and return it to its past glory.

We met the general manager Andrew Jackson on the putting green. He pays credit to course architect Phil Tataurangi, course superintendent Harry Middleton and his team for the notable changes to the courses over the past two years.  Jackson sums up what makes it special.

“We have forever changing scenery and due to the ongoing course improvements, we have revealed the true links course it was meant to be,” Jackson said.

“The challenge is overcoming the natural coastal features, and ever-changing sea breezes. Each hole presents a different challenge. This can be totally different the next day. You will come off with a smile, no matter how you play.”

His advice for anyone playing Muriwai for the first time is simple.

“Stay out of the bunkers. Play from the correct tees to give you the most enjoyment. The back tees offer

a great challenge for the lower handicappers, but you don’t need too much power, as short game skills can be detrimental around our firm, true greens with undulating surrounds.

“Sit back and relax on our new balcony after your round and soak in the sunsets while reminiscing about your round.”

A true links course

Middleton and his Muriwai green staff are well regarded in the local scene.

Middleton learned his craft under Leo Barber at Paraparaumu Beach in Wellington and he has huge ambition for the club to be one of the best in New Zealand.

He has led a significant change to the green surrounds at Muriwai. When he first arrived most of the greens had kikuyu grass around the putting surfaces, which made links golf a real challenge.

He estimates that they have changed the set up to be 80 percent kikuyu to 80 percent cool season grass.  It has made a big difference. This winter they are now able to mow down to five millimetres on greens and surrounds, it presents well, and it plays like a true links course.

On my overseas experience as a young fella, I worked at Turnberry Resort on the Ayrshire Coast in Scotland. It was one of the best experiences in my life and forged a lifelong love of links golf, so coming out here is good for the soul.

There is a plethora of good holes at Muriwai. The front nine is relatively open compared to the back nine where you can find trouble with most tee shots. It’s a nice feeling when you climb to the second tee and see the black sand of Muriwai Beach for the first time. It’s a short par five early in your round that is a good birdie opportunity.

To be honest, I could go through each hole and talk about the great qualities. There is quality throughout. My favourites on the front nine are the par four fourth, which is rated as the hardest hole on the course. At 386 metres from the white tees, you need to hit two good shots to make the green.

Then there is the seventh which is a short par four, but you have to get your approach shot right to a green that slopes from back to front.

One of the famous holes at Muriwai is the par three eighth with the beauty of the beach as a backdrop.  It’s only 143 metres from the white tees but how it plays depends totally on the wind conditions. If it’s benign it is an easy eightnine iron, but I have hit rescue into this green and come up well short. It’s a fun hole and definitely a talking point over a beer afterwards.

In our match, James and I take a one up lead into the turn with everything to play for.  Onto the back nine and there is plenty of testing holes around the corner.

The par five 12th is a tricky hole. There is out of bounds on both sides of the fairway and if you don’t get your tee shot down the middle then you are reloading from the tee.

play tough into the prevailing wind and it’s a long par four at 374 metres from the whites. I have many special memories of watching Muriwai Opens finish here and the surrounding bank and clubhouse create a magnificent amphitheatre. It is always nice walking down the final hole with everything still to play for. We had a three-hole challenge going - $10 in from each player and the lowest total on the final three holes claims the pot – and James and I were one up in the match.

When Jimmy missed his eight-foot putt for par, my five was good enough to claim both contests.

Completing an awesome day at Hallertau

After a quick pint at the Muriwai Golf Club – it was good to see Hallertau on tap – we made our way back to the Coatesville/Riverhead highway for burgers and beers at the Hallertau Brewery. I love everything about this place. The food. The craft beers. The ambience. One of my good mates got married last year at Hallertau and it was such a special occasion.

Up next is probably my favourite hole on the course. The par four 13th is a great links hole. It is fairly forgiving from the tee, but it is all about your second shot. You are hitting a short iron into a two-tiered, elevated green with a false front.  If you are slightly short you will watch your ball come back down the slope and into the gulley.

James comes up with his best shot of the day. He hit a perfect eight iron to this tricky green and within 10 feet of the hole to help us go two up.

The final three holes at Muriwai are fitting for a championship test – they all challenge your game in different ways. The par four 16th is an awesome par four that has some brilliant options for pin positions.

The 17th – at only 105 metres from the white tees – is a short and brilliant par three and the 18th is a hole that everyone needs to experience. It can

Matt Kelly and Hayley Plowman at Hallertau are both members of the Muriwai Golf Club. It is always good to support local businesses and good people.    Hallertau has become our go-to venue for a laid-back lunch or an afternoon catching up with mates. There are so many beers on tap and all of them are of the highest quality, and the service was warm and friendly.

We settle in for burgers and beers and after four hours on the links, everything on the menu looks amazing. I go for the chicken burger with a Hazy IPA and it is simple food, done well.

It has been a great day. I look around the table and I am grateful to still have great friendships with all these guys. They are genuinely good people, and you can’t replace time in a friendship.

Our annual golf game never disappoints – it is always one of the best days of the year and we can’t wait for the next one.

A five-day golf tour to treasure

By Neville Idour and Ian Barr

Ian Barr is a keen golfing Kiwi now living in Australia. He recently came home for a five day whirlwind visit, playing eight mainly central North Island courses and his story makes great reading.

Ian grew up in Karori, Wellington. Karori was his home course until 2008 when he moved to Auckland where he played at Onewhero until moving to Australia in 2013. He has lived on the Gold Coast for the last four years and is a member at Coolangatta Tweed. He has always been an active participant in interclub for all clubs.

Ian said he has always preferred to play country style courses, so his choices on his lightning tour reflected that preference. One thing he loves about golf in New Zealand is the regional courses which really spoil us for choice.

He said: “The country is blessed with so many good layouts and I think some people in New Zealand take for granted just how impressive the conditions are, especially the greens. A lot of these clubs have minimal greenkeeping staff but still present their courses unbelievably well.

“Even things like honesty boxes, being able to tap your credit card to pay your green fees and simply turning up to play feel pretty special. Living in Australia we don’t get the same accessibility to golf courses. Each morning it felt like we had the courses to ourselves. For me, the people that come to New Zealand and just play the Jack’s Points or Te Arais are missing

out on what makes New Zealand golf so special.

Day 1. The golf began at New Plymouth and Ian said: “There are some great holes but it was testing in the windy conditions and I would love to play it again.”

Day 2. “We played Inglewood and Waverly. Inglewood Golf Club is a great little country course with beautiful views of the mountain. There are beautiful well kept gardens and you can tell the members take real pride in the condition of the course. Waverly Golf Club was exactly what everyone says it is – an amazing layout that just feels incredibly Kiwi. The 12th hole named Tom Thumb was excellent, with a blind tee shot and then an approach to a small although longish green surrounded by dunes.”

Day 3. This was another double banger day, this time at Rangitikei and Marton. Ian said: “I’d played Rangatikei Golf Club a few times before and I absolutely love the layout. There are plenty of blind tee shots, undulating fairways and interesting greens. Marton Golf Club had been described to me as having an English heathland feel with long fescue and tall trees, and it definitely lived up to that. I loved the course and would happily go back. Apart from Wanganui, this was probably my favourite course of the trip.”

Day 4. Wanganui. “I can see why Wanganui Golf Club has hosted seven New Zealand Opens and why people rate it as one of the country’s best provincial courses. There are so many great holes with a mixture of parkland golf, undulating fairways, fantastic greens which were absolutely pure and links style

features with multiple pot bunkers. This was my favourite course of the whole trip.”

Day 5. Waitara and Manukorihi. Another double banger for the final day.

“Waitara Golf Club (Airedale Links) had some fantastic coastal holes and I thought holes seven through 18 were especially strong.”

Manukorihi Golf Club was another surprise package, and in more ways than one.

“It was a flatter, tree-lined course presented in excellent condition, with probably the best greens of the entire week. The third hole was a real highlight. It was only around 100 metres, straight downhill to a tiny green surrounded by farmland. This was another course I would love to play again.”

In a remarkable feature for a small rural course Manukorihi can boast that it has a resident professional, John Garner. But get this, he is 89 years old and he formerly played on the European Tour where he had one win and was selected in two Ryder Cup teams. He can also talk about playing with Sam Snead and Seve Ballesteros.

So ended an enjoyable week. Ian concluded: “All up an amazing week and I’d highly recommend a similar trip to anyone who loves regional golf. Eight courses in five days for a total of $275 in green fees. Hard to beat that.”

You can say that again.

Postscript: Ian Barr is a mortgage broker director living on the Gold Coast and was accompanied by his mother on this North Island golf trip.

Battle to save Pegasus is on NEWS

By Neville Idour

Forgive me if I write this piece with some passion, but I am sure most golfers and those associated in the game would do likewise in my position.

Much has been said and written already about this subject. Sadly the last few months have been devastating for particularly Pegasus Golf Club members, but also the wider golfing community and not forgetting many of the residents in Pegasus town, just a few minutes north of Kaiapoi in North Canterbury.

The reason? The Pegasus golf course is in danger of being chopped up for housing development by the new ‘owners’ Wolfbrook Property Group, which is seeking rezoning for high density housing.

Development in the area has been huge in recent years and this Wolfbrook move will be potentially disastrous for the liveability of residents in the area. The increases to the already very busy traffic congestion at busy times will only increase.

Of course for Pegasus residents, golfers and visitors it will destroy the somewhat pleasant drive into Pegasus as the green space there with the golf course on both sides is no longer there. So who is responsible for this debacle which has arisen from the insolvency of Pegasus Golf Ltd which folded in March owing creditors more than $9 million.

Obviously the poor management of the owners since 2018, Sports and Education Corporation Ltd, whose director and majority shareholder Sam Huo of Auckland appeared to have no idea how to manage a successful prestigious golf course and club.

Some of his changes in recent times were flabbergasting. To boost his financial situation (yeah, right), subscriptions were increased massively in 2024 which saw a large exodus of members to other clubs. One of the classic changes was abolishing junior subscriptions.

Yes, unbelievably if members had children they had to pay adult subscriptions. My own son and grandson were happy members but when that happened they had no option but to leave, and like many others Rangiora Golf Club enjoyed the influx of new members. The excellent restaurant in the well appointed clubhouse had the opening hours cut back and was even closed on a Monday when the club offered cheap green fees.  Huo had grandiose plans in 2023 announcing plans to develop hotels, spa, swimming and hot pools, country club, golf school and apartments next to the golf course which would have involved changes to the first holes on the golf course. Unsurprisingly the financier that Huo thought would back the development pulled out. He then tried to sell the development site without success.

So when it came to the sale of the course the liquidators Baker Tilly Staples Rodway said the mortgagee sale actually started before the company entered liquidation. So, the mortgagee One Lend, an Auckland financier handled the sale. Apparently there was significant interest, but incredibly it was sold to Wolfbrook much to the dismay of the many mentioned earlier in this piece.

But here is the bit that makes one want to laugh -or cry. Wolfbrook, making a woeful attempt to paint themselves as generous benefactors by proposing several immediate measures aimed at supporting golf club members and the wider community.

These measures included allowing the golf course to remain open free of charge for a short period following settlement day (we are talking days or a couple of weeks here), and after all the members had already paid extra until the end of May to fund a greenkeeper. Oh the generosity, and wait for it, a real doosey, allowing the use of the clubhouse for a farewell event. Wow. More like a funeral.

Not to forget, the tennis courts would be retained for community use and the walking tracks would be accessible to the public “for as long as it is safe to do so.” They also would maintain the water features for the enjoyment of the Pegasus community.

Actually, Wolfbrook may not be aware that many people from Christchurch and North Canterbury will visit Pegasus on a nice day to enjoy the environment and the golf course café which was open to the public.

One has to say, the much admired and respected visionary of Pegasus town and golf course, the late Bob Robertson, would turn in his grave at the fiasco, if he could see what is unfolding. I can well remember being present when he was opening the golf course and what happy times they were as he personally made several, in fact many complimentary memberships available to those enthusiasts that turned up. Happy days indeed.

What is also particularly galling is the knowledge that Vining Group, a Palmerston North based golf equipment distributor and other golf interests, unsuccessfully bid for the property. Vining Group was understandably disappointed the course wasn’t sold to a golf establishment as they have experience running a golf operation. They operated a golf complex in Palmerston North for about 20 years. They submitted a two page statement that covered many relevant issues, including why were the local government and the community not consulted before the sale. They questioned whether the process was conducted in a genuinely fair and equitable manner, and whether all bidders were treated equally. Vining said it would have had the course operating again within weeks of settlement,

However, there is good news. The troops are massing

and the battle has begun. Sir Richard Hadlee, a Pegasus resident for many years, says the course has languished in some ways since Huo took over. Sir Richard will be a valuable advocate in the fight to oppose Wolfbrook’s plans along with the Pegasus Guardians who have assisted in maintaining the course and the Pegasus Residents’ Group Incorporated which has organised a meeting for all interested parties.

Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon has also been outspoken on the matter. He said there have been no approaches for rezoning as yet as the land is not zoned for housing.

Gordon said: “The golf course also has its own special zoning which reflects the significance of the site and the role it plays within Pegasus.”

He also said: “Any proposal would need to involve community input and consideration of local feedback.” This would include Pegasus residents and the Pegasus Residents Group plus the Woodend-Sefton Community Board and the wider community.

It was heartening to hear Gordon say the council would definitely continue listening to and advocating for residents as the golf course and the water features are part of what has made Pegasus such a distinctive place to live and important assets to the community. Gordon has requested a meeting with Wolfbrook.

Local Labour member of parliament Dan Rosewarne is very much in tune with Gordon and also planned to meet Wolfbrook saying: “We all hope that the original vision of Pegasus is honoured.”

Waimakariri member of parliament  Matt Doocey was even more pointed in his response which is really heartening, saying he would not support Wolfbrook’s redevelopment proposal. New housing needed to be built in suitable areas, as the golf course has economic significance for the whole region.

The golf course was designed by New Zealand’s internationally experienced Kristine Kerr and it hosted the New Zealand Women’s Open in 2010, 2011, and 2012 when Lydia Ko played as an amateur at just 12 years of age, finishing runner up to the legendary Laura Davies. It has also hosted several other professional golf events over the years including the Charles Tour.

The hope is that the various councils or authorities will refuse any rezoning requests and leave Wolfbrook with no options other than leave the golf course alone and go build housing somewhere else more suitable and less destructive.

The meeting is to be held at the Pegasus Bay School Hall at 7pm on June 2. We will report on any outcomes in the next issue of Golfer Pacific.

Brooks Koepka shows his true colours?

By Neville Idour

Five time major championship winner Brooks Koepka has been something of a polarising figure at times during his golf career with some questionable incidents.

These may have reached a zenith since leaving LIV Golf. He joined LIV Golf for between $US100 and $120 million in 2022 and has earned a further $US45 million since.

So Koepka, in just less than four years with LIV, has received up to a staggering $US165 million. He of course was part of a team as all LIV players are and seemed to enjoy that aspect.

When you receive such bounty from an organisation, then decide to move elsewhere, you would not expect a person to basically bad mouth the goose that had laid your golden egg.

However, that is what Koepka has done and has lost respect and credibility with many fans. Jumping on the anti-bandwagon has not had the desired effect with golf fans who like or dislike LIV.

His comments lauding the PGA Tour and denigrating LIV have gone down like a lead balloon, and worse still he has been caught out lying about one aspect of LIV golf’s operations. It makes for a great example of why in his situation he should have just made his move and said nothing about his former over generous employer, if he had nothing good to say.

He told reporters that access to equipment trucks and similar things on the PGA Tour is a big advantage over LIV Golf.

Said Koepka: “Access to equipment trucks, grip changes and things like that – sometimes I wasn’t privy to over the last four, five years.”

This was flatly rejected by LIV Golf

as untrue. Further he has parted ways with his sponsor since 2021, Srixon, saying: “Over the last few years there’s been no equipment trucks, no anything, so I don’t really know what’s out there. It has been eye opening on the PGA Tour to find so many new gears.”

Oh really?

Sorry Brooks, but you have been caught out spreading porkies big time, as the many different sources have clearly shown by their pointed comments about the realities. LIV exposed his false statements saying they do have equipment trucks available at their events.

American golf magazine Golfweek reported that LIV does have a communal equipment trailer available. In fact, Koepka has been seen by fans using the equipment trucks provided.

Many fans have responded in unison condemning Koepka. One fan said: “So Koepka’s spreading lies. Yeah, he’s part of the problem not the solution.”

One fan, who should know, revealed their personal experience saying: “It’s not true. I’ve worked nine LIV events and Brooks regularly used the equipment trailer by the driving ranges.”

Another fan confirmed this.  Bryson DeChambeau says he himself is in the truck steadily tweaking, working, adding and grinding. Some events have had Ping and Callaway on site with the LIV truck. One fan suggested: “Koepka might mean not all of the big brands have an equipment truck at LIV venues, like Srixon/Cleveland.”

One fan probably summed up the feelings of many saying: “This dude just gets more and more unlikeable. Forever grumpy. That’s such a shitty way to live.”

Yes, ever since Koepka left LIV Golf, he has been facing a lot of backlash from every LIV supporter and many other golf fans. He can hardly complain if he has lost the respect of many golf fans.

New Zealand ninth at the Queen Sirikit Cup

New Zealand finished ninth at the Queen Sirikit Cup in Indonesia last month.

The tournament for amateur women golfers from the Asia-Pacific region was won by Japan by one stroke over South Korea.

Representing New Zealand were Emma Zheng, Caitlin Maurice and Teresa Wang with the latter the best of the Kiwis.

Wang, who was one of two New Zealand debutants, was the 17th-placed individual  at six over par with

rounds of 72, 72, 76, and 74 around the par 72 layout at the Sentul Highlands Golf Club. Impressively, all four of her rounds counted towards the total team score, which used the best two of three scores each day.

Maurice, the other debutant, finished in equal 29th with scores of 78, 79, 76, and 73 to be 18 over, while Zheng finished in 38th following rounds of 83, 78, 77, and 76.

Team manager Liz McKinnon said while it wasn’t their best performance, there were still lots to be learned

from the week.

“Despite preparing well and giving it all they had, the girls are disappointed with the final result,” McKinnon said.

“They had their sights set on a top three finish, but unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.

“Their games have been tested this week and they’re already looking forward to implementing their learnings into their development plans. They’ll certainly use this experience as motivation.”

Nearly 550 million rounds of golf played in the United States last year, says report

United States’ golf investment platform Old Tom Capital has released its 2026 outlook, arguing that golf is entering a new phase of institutional interest as participation, technology, media, hospitality and real-asset ownership converge around a broader sports investment market.

The report says the global sports economy is worth $US2.5 trillion and could

reach $US3.7 trillion by 2030, while sports assets have compounded at 13.1 percent annually over six decades.

For golf specifically, it points to 549.5 million rounds played in the United States in 2025, the fourth all-time record in five years, with every year since 2020 above 500 million rounds despite around 2,000 fewer facilities than during the previous boom.

It also says total US participation has reached 48.1 million, with 29.1 million on-course golfers, 37.9 million off-course participants, 14.9 million core golfers and private club membership up 50 percent since 2019 to 2.1 million golfers.

Among the standout data points, it says screen golf grew 13 percent in 2025 to 9.2 million players, 81 percent of facilities have still not adopted simulator tech-

nology, and the golf simulator market is approaching $US2 billion globally.

It also highlights golf tourism as a major growth area, estimating the market at about $US28 billion in 2025 and projecting it to exceed $US60 billion by 2034, while St Andrews is cited as generating £317 million in annual economic value for Scotland.

First woman captain of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, one of the world’s oldest golf clubs, has announced that Claire Dowling will serve as captain in 202627, having been nominated by the past captains of the club.

Dowling becomes the first woman to serve as captain and will begin her year in office after the traditional driving-in ceremony on the first tee of the Old Course on Friday, September 25.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is a private members-only club based in St Andrews in Scotland. One of the club’s objectives  is to contribute, through its members, to the governance, championship organisation, and golf development roles now carried out by one of world golf’s governing bodies, The R&A.

The club does not own any of the St Andrews links courses, including the Old Course, which are golf courses owned by the local authority through the St Andrews Links Trust, and open to the general public.

Dowling, a distinguished amateur golfer, represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup on four occasions and was part of

the 1986 team which secured the first GB&I victory over the United States team on American soil with a 13-5 win at Prairie Dunes.

Much of Dowling’s early life

was devoted to golf. She represented Ireland in the Home Internationals from 1979 to 1992 and played in six European Team Championships during

that time. She also played for GB&I in the Espirito Santo Trophy on two occasions and six times in the Vagliano Trophy.

Dowling won five Irish Cham-

pionships, the first in 1983, the Ladies’ British Open Amateur Stroke Play Championship in 1986 and the Spanish Amateur Championship in 1987. She reached the semi-final of what is now the Women’s Amateur Championship in 1981 and 1988.

After a successful playing career, Dowling went on to captain the GB&I Curtis Cup team in a narrow 10-8 defeat to the US at Ganton in 2000. She also captained the Vagliano Trophy team and the Irish team.

Off the course, Dowling has been heavily involved in golf administration, chairing England Golf’s handicap and course rating committee.

Dowling was one of the first women to become a member of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club in 2015 and served on the rules committee from 2015 to 2019, becoming deputy chair in 2017.

Dowling has acted as a referee at The Open on seven occasions, including at Royal St George’s in 2021 when, with her husband Peter, a retired district judge, they were the first married couple to referee at the same championship.

Driving distance remains stable, say report

Arccos Golf, the world’s largest on-course tracking system,   has released the 2026 edition of its annual driving distance report.

Now in its eighth year, the report is the most comprehensive to date, drawing on more than five million rounds and nearly 10 million driver tee shots from 2025 to deliver an eight-year trend analysis of amateur driving distance and accuracy across age, gender, and handicap.

Among the report’s key findings was a recovery or penalty situation on 45 per cent of all driver tee shots for the highest-handicap players, compared to just 12 per cent for low-handicap golfers.

While the 2026 study draws on a single year of play, the full Arccos dataset now includes over 1.5 billion shots across 25 million rounds played in more than 160 countries, a scale of real-world data that supports conversations and decision-making across the golf eco-system.

The 2026 study findings highlight:

* Driving distance remains stable: Average driving distance for men shifted by less than one yard since 2018, while women’s averages remain within four yards of their original baseline.

* The penalty of wayward drives: Low-handicap players (scratchto-4.9) keep their tee shots in play 88

per cnet of the time. The rate drops sharply as handicap rises, with 30+ players in penalty or recovery on 45.1 per cent of drives.

* Accuracy improves with age: While younger players hit the ball further, accuracy improves dramatically with age; fairway hit percentages climb by 18 points for men and 17 points for women as they move from their 20s into their 70s.

* Skill, not age, drives distance: Skill level remains the greatest predictor of power, evidenced by a massive 63yard distance gap between elite amateur men (scratch-to-4.9) and those with a 30+ handicap. Women show the same pattern with a smaller gap.

* The altitude advantage: Environmental factors play a meaningful role in distance, with 10-handicap golfers gaining an average of 19.2 yards (an 8.3 per cent increase) when playing at elevations of 5,000+ feet compared to sea level.

“Better data leads to better decisions, in every part of the game,” said Sal Syed, Arccos chief executive and co-founder.

“Our goal is to make sure golfers, coaches, and the industry as a whole have elite-level intelligence on how golf is actually played. That’s what eight years of real-world data, at this scale, makes possible.”

Nicolas Colsaerts’ emotional farewell

By Neville Idour

Proud Belgian, 43 years old

Nicolas Colsaerts, signed off on his 26-year golf playing career in an emotional farewell at the 2026 Soudal Open in Belgium last month in front of thousands of home fans.

His hopes for a final weekend ended earlier than anyone expected as he missed the cut by two shots. However, the huge crowd at Rinkven still stood applauding Colsaerts as he walked away in tears.

“It’s a shame I couldn’t cap it off on the weekend, but I gave it a good run,” Colsaerts said afterwards.

“I was up and down all day, which has been the story of my life. It was a little bit like Colsaerts of old on the front nine. I started to believe again. When the putt for eagle went in (on the par five fifth hole) it was probably the biggest roar that I’ve heard in a couple of years. It was

absolutely amazing.”

Colsaerts had in fact retired last year, but returned for five final tournaments this year, including the Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship, the Alfred Dunhill Links at St Andrews in Scotland and the French Open.

Speaking to Golf Digest magazine after the Soudal Open he said: “I’m so grateful. The faces along the way, have been really heart-warming. I’ve always tried to be genuine. I’ve never forgotten where I’ve come from and I’m a proud Belgian. The reception this week has been overwhelming.” … and deservedly so.

Walking down the 18th was hugely emotional. He was joined on the tee by his parents, wife Rachel and his sons Jackson and Oliver for the walk along 18. As he reached the 18th green his playing partners and good friends Marcel Siem and Alexander Levy, as well as his family, all stood back to let him take cen-

tre stage to soak in those final moments and feel the adoring affection from the thousands as he wiped away the tears.

“As you can tell, it means the world. When you walk a fairway like this with all your family it’s okay to show emotions. I have learned it’s okay to show emotions. I just hope that people will understand what it means to the majority of us to do this for a living – to have good times but also navigate bad times. That’s why there’s tears. It’s a lot to take.”

It was certainly an emotional watch and even more so after his tap in for a closing par. It was a wonderful few moments watching the coverage as Colsaerts broke down while hugging Siem and Levy as the Belgian crowd gave their golfing star an appropriate sendoff.

His record through 505 tournaments is a tribute to him. He won three DP World Tour events including the Volvo World

Matchplay and the French Open and represented  Europe in multiple Ryder Cups where he once partnered with Lee Westwood to famously beat Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in a fourball clash at the 2012 Ryder Cup. Best major championship finishes were seventh at the 2012 Open and 10th at the 2013 United States Open.

However, at 43 years old he felt burned out from playing the game he loves as it has taken a toll on his health and energy. But don’t despair he is not lost to the golf scene.

He joined the LIV Golf commentary team for the 2026 season and has made an immediate impact. He and Brett Rumford replaced Dom Boulett and Pat Perez as the full time team. The league may have its problems but Colsaerts is thriving and in his element as an analyst. Comments have been many, rating him as one of the most entertaining commentators.

Before his final round he said: “I woke up this morning thinking of my parents allowing me to live my dreams, and Rachel holding the fort at home raising our two children in my absence. So thank you to everyone who has followed, has clicked on my name or clapped wherever I have been around the world. I’ve been everywhere and had a lot of fun, but all good things come to an end. I’ve had an absolute blast, so don’t feel bad for me. Just keep going to the golf course and enjoy this wonderful game that drives us nuts at times, yet keeps us coming back to play every weekend.”

Lovely sentiments from one of golf’s nicest players.

The final word from Colsaerts. “When you come from a street in the middle of Brussels, and you end up on the biggest stages of the game, idolised by kids and weekend golfers, it’s been an absolute dream come true.”

New national strategy for Australian golf

Australia’s golf industry has united behind a new national strategy which it says sets a clear direction to grow, modernise and connect the game for the future.

The strategy, which has been named as big swings 2026-2030: The next evolution of golf in Australia, was launched at an industry event at Golf Park Adelaide which brought together leaders and representatives from across the golf eco-system, including clubs, venue operators, PGA professionals, partners and families, to celebrate the game’s momentum and a shared commitment to its future.

According to Golf Australia, more

than four million Australians now play the game in some form, across courses, driving ranges, simulators, entertainment venues and social formats. But as golf grows, it is also changing.

James Sutherland, Golf Australia’s chief executive, said: “Off-course venues have doubled since the launch of the inaugural strategy, while the number of traditional courses has remained stable.

“At the same time, golf’s cultural currency is rising, with social media reshaping perceptions of the game and inspiring more people to pick up a club. Elite golf events are inspiring and entertaining millions of people in Australia. and our pro-

fessional men and women are succeeding around the world.

“Today’s golfers are more diverse, younger and increasingly seeking flexible, social and experience-led ways to play. The places where golf is played are evolving, and expectations of the sport, how it feels, how it fits into people’s lives, and how welcoming it is, are changing.

“Big swings 2026-2030 responds to this shift with a clear ambition: more people playing more golf, and a sport that continues to reflect the communities it serves.”

Developed through one of the most comprehensive consultation processes

undertaken in Australian golf, including more than 12,000 public survey responses, 80-plus stakeholder interviews, and engagement with hundreds of industry professionals and organisations, the strategy reflects a truly shared vision for the future of the game.

Sutherland added: “Golf has changed more in the past five years than at any point in its history, and that’s our opportunity. What started as a belief – that all golf is golf – is now how Australians actually play. Around one in four adults are engaging with the game across courses, ranges, simulators and social formats.”

Father was an Olympic champion table tennis player but golf is her game

She’s 16 years old, she’s the daughter of a table tennis Olympic  champion and she’s won twice on China’s professional golf tour for women.

Her name is Liu Yujie and her second win on the China Ladies’ Professional Golf tour came in the Beijing Women’s Open last month.

Liu is a Beijing native and is the daughter of Liu Guoliang who won gold medals in singles and doubles of table tennis at the 1997 Olympics at Atlanta in the United States.

Liu, the golfer, closed with a five-underpar 67 to win in Beijing by two strokes with a 54-hole total of 12 under par.

With sunny weather in the China capital following a wet and windy second round, Liu, 24th in the world golf amateur rankings, started the day with a one-shot lead and never wavered in carding three birdies over the first four holes.

After a double-bogey six at 386-yard sixth hole, she quickly rebounded for a

birdie two at the par-three next. Following consecutive birdies starting from the 13th hole, she would pick up another stroke at the 382-yard 16th hole to seal the win.

Said Liu: “After the front nine, I checked the leaderboard on my phone. I saw that it was a real battle. Seven players were in contention, and there was no way to know who would hold on. The players closest to me weren’t even in my group.”  Liu’s previous win on the China tour was in the Guangdong Women’s Open in August.

“Yesterday, I set a goal for myself to make more birdies and post a low score, because you can’t control what seven other players do. I think I did a really good job today, especially on holes 15, 16 and 17. My putting was excellent. If I hadn’t made those putts on those three holes the situation would have been very different.”

World news in brief

By Neville Idour

DeChambeau accepts the flack

Bryson deChambeau says: “I respect everyone’s opinion of me. I respect everyone who says I’m the worst thing for golf or I’m the best thing for golf. It’s ok.”

Nothing said is going to distract him from what he can do for the game.

“My goal is bigger than winning every tournament every week.”

He has always tried to inspire the younger ones and has spoken about trying to get an academy for junior golfers.

“Growing the game and helping kids has always been a passion and an important mission.”

This stems from when he was 11 years old and attended a charity event. After hitting three nervous drives in front of several professionals such as Arnold Palmer and Annika Sorrenstam, every professional signed his hat and said: “We’ll see you out there one day.”

That is what motivates him to spend hours signing autographs and engag-

ing with kids today.

The fans always come first for DeChambeau and he takes their feedback to heart “I hope I can look over and see  a  kid looking up, smiling at me, so I can go sign an autograph because that is what makes me come back every day.”

Dustin Johnson the soul of brevity

Dustin Johnson was asked his views about Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund  pulling out of LIV Golf before the LIV Korea event. Following Bryson deChambeau offering his thoughts, Johnson’s reply was just three words to the press gathering in typical laconic deadpan voice when he said “Long LIV Golf” and the room fell silent.

He would not elaborate after catching all present by surprise, indicating that these three little words were his answer to LIV’s current predicament.

The 41-year-old has never been one to embrace controversial questions or get involved in debates.

Ban it all

Golf Monthly writer Conor Keenan recently opined on some ticklish is-

sues. He said golf should ban any putters longer than 35 inches.

So, sorry Akshay Batia, sorry Adam Scott, you must learn to putt with a proper putter -- .and while we are at it, Keenan suggests we ban mallet putters and get the blades out again.

He would also like to see aim point banned. Part of the skill of golf is reading putts with your eyes.

Certainly forthright opinions which some will will agree with and others disagree. Personally, I have to say I have tried a friend’s broomstick putter just to see what it is like. In some situations it is an advantage and easy to putt on your line. However I don’t think it is a golf club as such so would never use one.

Consequently, like everything else in life, we need to cope with the implements for any given situation. Cricket bats can’t be wider or have longer handles than specified. Same with hockey sticks, squash rackets or whatever else.

As for aim point, I have no problem with it, providing it takes no longer than crouching or whatever to line up a putt. You still use your eyes with aim point. Why don’t we just play the game as intended and get on with it?

Controversial Don Rea loses presidency

Don Rea was elected PGA of America president in November, 2024, for a twoyear term but within a year he had upset the apple cart in no uncertain terms.

First, he spoke out of turn at a PGA of America press conference. But his biggest faux pas was at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. He played down the shocking crowd abuse aimed at the European players by comparing the New York crowd to the European fans in Rome two years earlier.

Nothing of course could be further from the truth. He even amplified his erroneous view by adding he was “not bothered by it.”

Later he issued an apology.

So he has been moved very much sideways to keep his focus on the non public facing member side and reinforce the grassroots foundation of the association.

One can only hope he uses the right fertiliser and doesn’t kill the roots.

Lottie Woad clinches second win

England’s 22-year-old Lottie Woad

held off Haeran Ryu to gain her second LPGA Tour win, this time in the Kroger Queen City Championship in Cincinnati in the United States.

Finishing 12 under par she won by two shots from Ryu, with the likes of world number one Jeeno Thitikul seventh and Nelly Korda back in a tie for eighth.

Said Woad: “This one is definitely a little sweeter than the first one because I wasn’t expecting that. I’ve seen how good everyone is out there, so it’s good to win again.

Woosnam disagrees with McIlroy

Rory McIlroy says the DP World Tour’s top 10 pathway to the PGA Tour every year is “incredible”.

“It speaks to the opportunity the DP World Tour players have to get their cards, then play their way into the signature events. You know it’s the meritocracy, when you play well.”

Not so says Woosnam.

“Amazing that the DP World Tour loses the very best 10 players every year and weakening the DP Tour. How does the DP Tour bring in sponsorship for tournaments when losing those players. I see the tour as a feeder for the PGA Tour. Wow.”

Hard to disagree.

So Yeon Ryu retires

Popular Korean star, 35-year-old So Yeon Rhu, has retired after  a successful 13-year career which featured two major championship titles including the 2011 US Women’s Open.

The 2017 world number one won six titles. She married Matthew Jung last December and they recently shared the news that they are  expecting their first child.

Love from across the entire golf community has poured in, including from Lydia Ko and Nelly Korda. Lexi Thompson simply said: “Aww, congratulations. So happy for you.”

Patrick Reed changes his tune

Patrick Reed joined LIV Golf in 2022 and blasted the PGA Tour for having painted him as a villain. He also accused the membership of not listening to its players.

Now in 2026 he is whistling a different tune. Having left LIV his complaint against the PGA Tour has gone and he announced that the PGA Tour is the best in the world.

“I’ve always known that. I’ve played every tour now.”

Why did he leave then?

When he moved to LIV he praised its light schedule and different format. However, recent comments reveal he was disillusioned with LIV.

He now says the PGA Tour is best for competing against the top guys year in, year out, week in week out.

Greg Norman’s regret

Greg Norman has recently admitted that while he was LIV chief executive he should have sat down with Rory McIlroy and others from the PGA Tour.

However, it is well documented that that he did make every effort to communicate with then PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan who refused to even acknowledge him. So his wish for that may be a forlorn one. Still, Norman wishes he had done things differently.

“I just wish I had been able to explain what my mission was and what LIV’s mission was.”

Maybe if current PGA Tour commissioner Brian Rolapp had been in charge it would have been a totally different scenario. Norman has high praise for Rolapp and his influence on the PGA Tour.

Likewise, LIV’s Scott O’Neil has Norman’s full support. Norman feels LIV will need the financial input of a USA financial organisation to replace the hole left by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund’s departure.

World leading golf courses in New Zealand

New Zealand’s top echelon of golf courses sit happily up with the best in the world, thus positioning this country at the pinnacle of global golf.

The variety of terrain and position of our courses covers every type of layout imaginable.

Tara Iti tops the list in New Zealand. Tom Doak’s 2015 design is in the world’s top 20.

New neighbours Te Arai Links’ north and south courses have quickly established themselves as world class with stunning topography and design.

Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers continue to impress those who play them for the first time, again with their stunning cliff top views and routing.

For links experience it is hard to beat Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club’s Alex Russell’s design. It has hosted the New Zealand Open many times, including the underwhelming appearance of Tiger Woods which broke the bank at the time.

Titirangi is the only  Alister MacKenzie design in New Zealand and more than lives up to his name with a superb layout.

Not to forget south of Cook Strait. The Hills near Arrowtown has consistently ranked in New Zealand’s top five courses and is a favourite for overseas visitors to the Southern Lakes region. Neighbours Jack’s Point and Millbrook add to a most impressive portfolio of golfing delights.

Canterbury boasts elite courses, Christchurch Links at Shirley, Clearwater and Terrace Downs.

Jon Rahm’s Ryder Cup future secured

After months of stalemate, Jon Rahm and the DP World Tour have reached an agreement on his immediate DP World Tour future, which opens the way for his continued presence in the Europe Ryder Cup team.

Rahm said there were concessions on both sides and that he wants to support the DP World Tour. He will be released to

play conflicting LIV Golf tournaments for the remainder of the 2026 season.

Rahm will pay outstanding fines accrued since 2024, along with playing in agreed DP World Tourn events for the remainder of 2026. So the standoff is over and his path to Adare Manor in Ireland is clear again.

Women’s tech golf league announced

Women’s Golf Tech Golf League (WTGL) will launch its first season later this year at the SoFi Centre in Palm Beach Gardens in Forida.

Now isn’t that the news we have all been waiting for!

Fourteen players have committed so far, including five of the world’s top 10 players. Lydia Ko, Minjee Lee, Jeeno Thitikul, Charley Hull, Michelle Wie West and Lexi Thompson are among the 14.

The initial fanfare and marketing alludes to a world shattering sporting event.

Sorry, it isn’t. It is just another simulator event. However it is good that the women are being given the same money opportunities as the men. Who doesn’t enjoy watching Lydia, Lexi, Minjee, Charley and Michelle?

LIV a really special community, say chief

LIV Golf chief executive Scott O’Neil believes they are a special community and different.

“In the most important sport in the world, its also the loneliest sport in the world and this is a place where you show up like family,” O’Neill said.

“So I have a lot of confidence this is a place players want to be. I know the players, their caddies, their spouses, girlfriends, partners and kids. This is a place golfers want to play.”

On trying to secure long term financial partners for the future, LIV hs established an independent board. O’Neil is also talking with Bryson deChambeau about the future of LIV Golf and how does he see, not just the golf, but the business.

XDL Legacy Indoor Championships Begin

Come rain or shine — the next chapter of Long Drive begins.

After 10 years of investing into the growth of Long Drive on the grid, XDL proudly announces the launch of the XDL Legacy Indoor Championships — a new era designed to elevate the sport, create regional pride, and expand opportunities for athletes and communities across New Zealand. With Auckland, the Founder’s home region, selected as the inaugural focus, the championship marks a significant milestone in the evolution of indoor Long Drive and competitive simulator golf. The official venue has now been secured, with a special launch event and reveal currently being planned.

The XDL Legacy Indoor Championships arrive at a powerful time for the wider XDL business developments, with the indoor championship platform set to play a major role in increasing awareness of the sport while creating exciting pathways for everyday players, emerging athletes, and regional representatives. More than a competition, the championship has been designed as a celebration of innovation, entertainment, and community connection — bringing people together regardless of weather conditions while showcasing the future of indoor sport.

The regional format will provide opportunities for local players to represent their region on a national stage, helping drive local tourism, business engagement, hospitality partnerships, and community activation around each championship destination.

Over the past decade, XDL has continued to push boundaries within Long Drive, building a globally recognised brand connected to entertainment, performance, and sport innovation. The Legacy Indoor Championships now become the next major step in that journey.

Further announcements, including venue reveal details, launch partners, regional qualification opportunities, and event dates, will be released soon.

The grid is ready.

The regions are rising.

The Legacy begins.

#XDLINDOORS

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

2026 Northland Men’s Pennants Season Auckland District Final

RRemuera Golf Club claimed top honours at this year’s National Teams, Auckland District Final played recently at Waiuku Golf Club!

Clubs from across the district coming together to battle it out for a place on the National leaderboard.

Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Waikato Women’s Award Winners

Waikato women’s golf was proudly celebrated at the 2025 Waikato Women’s Annual Awards, presented following the final round of Championship Pennants played recently. The awards recognise outstanding performances across the prior season, highlighting the depth of talent and achievement within the Mighty Waikato.

Leading this year’s honours, Faith Vui of Hamilton Golf Club claimed three of the region’s most prestigious titles:

* Russell Grace Salver – for the most wins during the Interprovincial Tournament

* Senior Women’s Player of the Year –recognising consistent performances throughout the season

* Waikato Women’s Golfer of the Year –the highest overall honour Vui’s achievement marks back-to-back seasons of sweeping these three awards, having also secured the same titles in 2024. Her continued excellence reflects

both consistency and high-level performance across regional and national competitions.

The 2025 Master Women’s Player of the

Year award was presented to Michelle Archer of Hamilton Golf Club, who extends her remarkable streak to three consecutive titles. Archer was also recognised as

Player of the Tournament, further underlining her dominance at the NZ Women’s Masters Tournament and her standing as one of the region’s leading competitors.

Emerging talent was also recognised, with Natalie Sindhubodee named Junior Women’s Golfer of the Year. Just 12 years old during the season under consideration, and now 13, the Thailand-born talent—currently attending St. Peter’s School, Cambridge—has impressed throughout the year with her consistency and composure well beyond her age.

This year’s awards highlight a strong and diverse field of players, from rising young stars to established champions. With performances like these, Waikato continues to strengthen its reputation as a powerhouse of women’s golf in New Zealand.

The Waikato Golf Association extends its congratulations to these players on their achievements.

BOP Golf - Pauanui Hawkes Bay Golf

The Men’s Pennants finals took place recently under beautiful blue skies at Maraenui Golf Club.

Napier had an impressive 6 out of 7 teams in the finals this season. There were some fantastic matches with the Handicap Pennants Shields & Championship Pennants Salvers making a return for each divisions winners this season.

Your 2026 Pennants Finals Results were:

* Championship #1 - Hastings def. Napier 6 -3

* Championship #2 - Napier def. Hastings 7.5 - 1.5

* Championship #3 - Napier def. Maraenui 5 - 4

* Handicap #1 - Napier def. Te Pohue 4.5 - 4.5 (Napier Qualified #1)

* Handicap #2 - Dannevirke def. Wairoa 7 - 2

* Handicap #3 - Maraenui def. Napier 6 - 3

* Handicap #4 - Napier def. Onga Onga 5.5 - 3.5

Taranaki Golf Tasman Golf - Round Five - Sloan Cup

Manaia are back to back to back men’s handicap pennants defeating a field of 24 teams. The winning team display the stunning shield.

Golf

Wainuiomata GC, had a good win at home recently securing the Div 1 Kaukau Trophy, and earn-

ing promotion to the Championship Division in 2027, competing for the Waikanae Cup and Schroder Trophy’s.

Sloan Cup – Round 5 Update

Round 5 of the Sloan Cup produced another tight weekend of matches, with the competition table continuing to tighten heading into the second half of the season.

Motueka vs Waahi Taakaro

Motueka and Waahi Taakaro fought out a hard-fought draw in one of the closest matches of the round.

A key result saw Andy Tasker defeat Peter Green, helping Motueka secure the overall halve, while James Campion suffered his first loss of the Sloan campaign after an impressive start to the season.

Takaka vs Murchison

Takaka produced a dominant performance against Murchison, winning convincingly across the board.

Murchison’s only positive result came through Nick Hewitt, who secured a hard-fought halve.

Tasman vs Golden Downs

Golden Downs again showed their strength, defeating Tasman after win-

ning four of the six matches on the day.

The result moves Golden Downs into second place on the Sloan Cup table as the competition race heats up.

Nelson vs Greenacres

Nelson and Greenacres battled out another close contest, with Nelson eventually getting the better of Greenacres 4–2 in a quality team performance.

Sloan Cup Table

Waahi Taakaro – 31.5

Golden Downs – 26

Nelson – 25.5

Takaka – 24.5

Motueka – 23.5

There is then a gap back to:

* Murchison – 13

* Greenacres – 11.5

* Totaradale – 11

Round 6 will be played at Greenacres on Sunday 7 June.

The race for the top four is shaping as one of the tightest Sloan Cup finishes in years.

Canterbury Golf 25/26 Metro A & B Interclub seasons conclude

Metro A Interclub Season Wrap-Up

The 2025/26 Metro A Interclub season delivered a highly competitive round robin phase, with several teams in contention for finals positions deep into the campaign.

Bottle Lake set the benchmark across the regular season, finishing top of the table with 7 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie to claim 15 section points. Clearwater followed closely in second on 14 points, while Russley (13 points) and Christchurch (12 points) rounded out the top four to secure semi-final berths. With only a narrow margin separating the leading teams, the stage was set for an exciting finals series.

The semi-finals, played on 19 April, produced two strong performances. Christchurch delivered an impressive upset over top qualifiers Bottle Lake, winning 6.5 to 1.5 at Waitikiri. In the other semi-final, Russley overcame Clearwater with a solid 5–3 victory, also at Waitikiri.

This set up a final between Christchurch and Russley, played at Harewood on 3 May. In a closely contested match, Russley proved too strong, claiming a 5–3 win to secure the Metro A title.

Russley made a fast start in the final, winning the top three matches through Robert Blount (5/4), Karl Oellerman (3/2), and John Connell (3/2), immediately putting Christchurch under pressure. Christchurch responded through Phil Loughnan and Tony Park, who both recorded 3/2 victories to keep their side in contention.

However, Russley maintained control through the middle order, with Steve Cleave producing the most dominant win of the day (7/5), while Darryl Gold added another important point with a hard-fought 4/3 victory. Brent Musgrave secured Christchurch’s third point with a 2/1 win, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap as Russley’s early momentum proved decisive.

Congratulations to Russley on an out-

standing finals performance to take out the Metro A championship, and to all teams for contributing to a competitive and high-quality season.

Metro B Interclub Season Wrap-Up

The 2025/26 Metro B Interclub season saw a tightly contested round robin, with two teams clearly setting the pace across the competition.

Bottle Lake and Clearwater both completed outstanding regular seasons, each finishing undefeated with 6 wins and 2 ties to share top spot on 14 section points. Bottle Lake claimed top seeding courtesy of a higher match points tally, while Waimairi Beach and Coringa filled the remaining semi-final positions after consistent campaigns.

25/26 Metro B Champions – Bottle Lake

The semi-finals, played on 19 April, delivered two competitive encounters. Bottle Lake produced a strong performance

to defeat Coringa 6.5 to 1.5. In the other semi-final, Clearwater and Waimairi Beach could not be separated after finishing tied at 4–4, with Clearwater advancing to the final following a playoff hole.

The final, played at Harewood on 3 May, provided a fitting conclusion between the competition’s two standout teams. In an incredibly even contest, the match once again finished locked at 4–4, requiring a playoff to determine the champion.

Clearwater made early inroads through wins to Jason Carson (2/1), Donald Arthur (6/4), John Boyle (1 up), and Scott Mitchell (2/1). Bottle Lake responded strongly, with Connor Williams (2/1), Lance Smith (5/4), Ryan James (3/2), and Michael Smith (4/2) each securing crucial victories to level the tie.

The title was ultimately decided in dramatic fashion, with Bottle Lake’s Connor Williams securing the championship on the second playoff hole to seal the Metro B title.

The Otago Women’s National Teams Southland Golf - The Queens Park ladies team

The Otago Women’s National Teams was played recently at Alexandra.

20 teams braved the cold Autumn day with the Tapanui team of Mary-Anne Kane, Anne Robertson (63 nett) and Brenda Horton, Marilyn Redditt (65 nett) combined for the winning team score of 128. Four shots back in second on 132 were

Kurow led by Denise Cochrane and Cindy Douglas on a nett 62.

Tied third were Taieri Lakes helped by a nett 64 from Janet Hobbs and Michelle Dean.

Clinton with the equal low score of nett 62 from Karen Mills and Sarah Burnet-Beattie combined for team totals of 133.

The Queens Park ladies team of Linda Suddaby, Dayna Kaio, Janet Mauheni and Raewyn Thompson were crowned the 2026 Challenge Bowls Mid-Week Interclub Pennant champions.

The day began in fresh, overcast conditions, but once the sun came out at Queens Park Golf Club it turned into an enjoyable day for all involved.

The Queens Park team posted an impressive total, with their top three Sta-

bleford scores coming from Linda Suddaby (37), Janet Mauheni (34) and Dayna Kaio (30), giving them a combined total of 101 points. This saw them edge out the Invercargill team by just one point (100), while the Waikaka ladies finished third on 99 points.

Linda Suddaby also recorded the best individual score of the day to win the Glen Spiers Trophy.

Golf is Glue

By Shaun Fay Director of Paradise Coast Stay and Play, see www.besidetheseaside.co.nz

Tickets to the recent opening of the One.NZ stadium in Christchurch were not easy to get. I managed to get a double in November last year. The first game was NSW Waratahs against The Crusaders on Friday, April 24. The colt – Jackson lives in Sydney and while a league fan I managed to convince him to fly over and we’ll see the opening and catch a few games. “Only if we can throw in a bit of golf as well,” he said.

Not a problem. It’s taken me a while

to get him into golf, it’s expensive and time consuming in Sydney but he has a mate who’s a green keeper at a wellknown, prestigious Sydney course and they often slip out later in the day for a few holes. We flew into Christchurch after a few games up north in Whangamata on The Coromandel where the course was wet and barely open. It’s been a wet, frustrating year up north and I was looking forward to some dryer South Island Tracks. We played Fable Terrace Downs about halfway between Christchurch and the Mount Hutt Ski Field. Magnificent day although a little chiller at three degrees. My golf was average, even with five shots added to my handicap. Lit-

tle did I know that cold golf balls don’t travel far but the young bloke got onto a few and it was Dad buying the beers. Terrace Downs is a special place to play golf. Surrounded by snow and ringed by the Rakaia River the vistas are inspiring even if my golf wasn’t. Great hospitality from the staff and at only $244 for the two of us including clubs’ excellent value. We’ll be back perhaps when it’s a little warmer.

Next day we headed for the Hororata Golf Course in Glentunnel. This one is on the banks of the Selwyn River and off the whites it clipped 4 off my handicap. Playing off nine was a challenge but I exacted revenge on the young bloke on what

is a well-designed and interesting club course. Not bad for $90 for two including clubs and a spare glove ‘Janice’ had left behind.

That night we journeyed to the stadium opening and had an excellent couple of days at what is a world class venue. The four days got me thinking about how golf often gives you a reason. It is so often the glue that brings people together, whether it’s a new stadium, a family wedding or a business trip. I have a golf tournament planned on the Sunshine Coast in August with an old friend. While golf is the excuse, friendship and a common love of the game is the why we will both be there.