Golfer Pacific NZ – March 2026

SAsia-Pacific television commentators were in the United Kingdom

By Paul Gueorgieff Editor, Golfer Pacific NZ

ometimes you hear something you can’t believe.

That happened to me last month when Radio New Zealand was doing an interview with Royal Wellington Golf Club captain Lesley Wong.

The interview was in relation to the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific that had started the day before at Heretaunga in Upper Hutt. Wong was explaining such things that 350 volunteers were involved in the running of the tournament and that 10,000 spectators could come through the gates over the four days of the event.

She continued to say the

event was being covered live on television and what was about to follow left me dumbfounded.

Wong said various pieces of information were being fed to the television commentators who were based in the United Kingdom.

I thought what? In the United Kingdom? Are they not at Heretaunga?

This raised all sorts of questions for me. Do television commentators have to be at the venue?

I suppose not was my first thought.

But my second thought was I suppose yes.

How do you get a feeling for an event if you are not there?

Even worse if you are on the other side of the world.

The live television coverage in New Zealand was from 1-4pm. That’s 12-3am in England. How do you get a feeling for a tournament at that time of the morning when you would rather be fast asleep?

The R&A runs the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific and it does great things for golf. But, in my mind, this was not one of them. Was it too expensive to send out a couple of commentators to New Zealand for a week? If so, then surely a couple of locals could have been hired.

The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific was the second time Royal Wellington had hosted such an event. It was also the venue for the men’s equivalent in 2017 and it was a great event. I followed

Wellington golfer Daniel Hillier all four days. He did not win but look where he is today.

Last month’s women’s tournament was also great. And I mean great.

I followed Darae Chung from Wellington and while she did not really get into contention it was great to provide her with support. I was delighted to say out loud great shot, great putt, great chip, great approach, great drive whenever it applied.

It was just a shame that the weather for the last day was terrible and that a New Zealander was not in contention.

But it was still a great tournament, worthy of television commentators being present.

Anthony Kim’s story one for the ages

ABy Neville Idour

nthony Kim’s sensational win at LIV Adelaide where he outduelled two of the world’s best golfers in a mesmerising final round is unlikely to be bettered in 2026.

The adjectives to describe 40-year-old Kim’s display have been many from across the golf spectrum. Importantly this event unified the golf world in a way the proposed merger between The PGA Tour and LIV Golf miserably hasn’t.

Starting the final round along with Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm, sporting them a five shot lead, no one could have foreseen anything other than a two horse race with Kim an admiring spectator. After all, this was just Kim’s second comeback tournament after losing his spot on LIV last year because of poor results for two years.

However here he was after regaining his place and finishing 22nd for his best finish to that point, the previous week at LIV Riyadh in South Arabia. That week certainly gave glimpses of his former self, but what followed at Adelaide was nothing less than improbable, miraculous, inspirational, sensational, unbelievable and courageous. These were just some of the adjectives that flowed from players and commentators.

Bear in mind his last professional title came at the Shell Houston Open on April 4, 2010. Yet here he was 16 years later, 5795 days to be exact, hoisting the impressive LIV Adelaide trophy, to the plaudits of all but the entrenched LIV haters.

His play during the final round was mesmerising. He soon reeled in DeChambeau and Rahm with four birdies on the front nine, while Rahm could only par them and DeChambeau dropped four shots. The back nine would be one way traffic. Kim rattled off five birdies to Rahm’s one and DeChambeau’s two, to win by an amazing three shots — an eight shot turnaround.

Four consecutive birdies from 12 to 15 blew the opposition away as he sank putts of 17, 11, 14 and 17 feet. He then

holed a 15 footer on the par four 17th to take a three shot lead.

His statistics were impressive reaching 60 of the 72 greens in regulation. He made just three bogeys overall, the fewest in the field.

As he said later: “For it to actually happen is pretty insane. I was able to produce some pretty good golf today. Obviously Bryson and Jon didn’t have their best today, but I putted great. My caddie and I worked so well out there. I heard my wife shouting, even when it was going bananas.”

“All the little things and the support from the crowd have been second to none. I’m very overwhelmed, but my plan is to keep getting better and win some more trophies.”

He advised: “For anyone out there who is struggling, you can get through anything.”

So where and when did it all go wrong for this former up and coming star?

In 2008, when just 23 years old, he reached sixth in the world rankings with the golf world seemingly at his feet. His career seemed to be spiralling high after three PGA Tour wins, competing in the Ryder Cup and recording 11 birdies during the second round of the 2009 Masters.

But it all fell apart. He was “making porta potty stops every few holes during the

majors” and said “every day I chose drugs and alcohol to numb the pain.”

Following his win in 2010 at Houston, in 2012, citing injury, he withdrew from his third consecutive PGA Tour event after his last appearance in May at the Wells Fargo event. He would not be seen with a golf club in his hand again until 2024. His life had spiralled far from the PGA Tour. A combination of injuries (achilles heel surgery), mental health struggles and addiction conspired against him as he battled his inner demons and personal turmoil. In February, 2025, he admitted he had “contemplated ending my life for two decades, even while playing on the PGA Tour.”

He did end up in a recovery facility saying: “I was barely able to walk into rehab, because my body was shutting down.”

There is little detail revealed about his post rehab journey, but he credits his wife Emily and daughter Bella for helping him turn his life around. We do not know where they met or when they married, but we do know Bella was born in December, 2021. Emily has been a huge support for Kim and thanks to Greg Norman’s influence has become a keen golfer which has inspired Kim. Especially since regaining his LIV place

than any other event. But keep going he did, when he could have succumbed to self doubt. His mental strength must be remarkable to have fought through and pulled himself out of the pits of depravity he had fallen into and miraculously back into the winners’ circle once again. You simply couldn’t fashion better theatrical moments. Especially when during the winning press conference he said he was proud to show Bella “Dad isn’t a loser”. An emotional moment for all present to be sure.

He said: “I’m playing smarter. I’m staying more patient. I really want nothing to do with that 20 something year old kid. I want to be right where I am.”

after two unfruitful years saw him lose his place. He even had a battle with a blood clot and heart attack scares. However a top three place in the January LIV Promotions event earned him a spot and even better, a place in Dustin Johnson’s Four Aces team, replacing Patrick Reed.

Emily said: “He is a very, very good teacher” and she’s fallen in love with the game. So they started playing two, three, four times a week together. Therefore this journey has been a journey of two, not one, and now it’s three because of Bella. So now Kim finds himself in a much better place.

The signs were good at the end of 2025 when he recorded a top five finish at the Saudi International in November, and despite losing his place in LIV it was shortlived. However he admitted there were times when he came close to throwing in the towel.

Understandable how hard it must have been to keep going when he was constantly faced with criticism for being a has been receiving an undeserved charity handout — and of course there are those detractors who will say this victory was only against a small no cut LIV field, not a major championship. Balderdash, I say, as the final round at The Grange Golf Club would have carried as much, if not more emotion

On February 20 he celebrated three years sober and says he doesn’t want to go back there. He told LIV Plus that he had removed 98 percent of the people in his life -- “the snakes” and “scam artists” who took advantage of him.

As for the future Kim said: “My goals are the same as when I first joined LIV. It’s to get one percent better every day, stay sober, enjoy time with my family -- and whatever happens, happens, because all I can do is try my best.”

Some commentators have said this is the greatest comeback in golfing history. How often do we see sport being the stage for redemption stories where extraordinary strength and fortitude is displayed?

Kim deserves all the accolades. He won the hearts of Australian fans privileged to witness all the drama, many of whom would be too young to remember Kim in his prime. They sure won’t forget him now. My question is – which movie producer is going to make the movie Anthony Kim – To Here and Back.

No doubt the golf world will eagerly await Kim’s next appearance, in Hong Kong from March 5-9. Meanwhile we shall reflect on a magnificent LIV Adelaide event which has given LIV Golf a huge boost and allow Kim the final say. “I’m very blessed to have an amazing family and be alive. This is awesome.”

Accolades pour in for Anthony Kim

The accolades have poured in from the whole golf spectrum for Anthony Kim.

Even the many LIV detractors have put aside for a moment their intractable opposition to LIV Golf.

There is no doubt his victory in Adelaide last month and the way it was achieved has united the golf world in a way nothing else has. After the win many LIV Golf players, including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia gathered around Kim to congratulate him. Garcia and Kim’s rivalry goes back to 2008 when newby Kim beat Garcia 5 and 4 at the Ryder Cup.

What was especially poignant was seeing DeChambeau humbly standing in line waiting to ask for Kim’s autograph. Then hugging the 40-year-old he

said: “What a fabulous story, great job.”

Speaks volumes for DeChambeau. It was also noticed that both Rahm and DeChambeau showed support to Kim after the third round.

Even the most vehement opposers of LIV Golf, the PGA Tour and Tiger Woods have climbed off their high horses and offered much appreciated commendation.

Woods, who was still in his prime when Kim made an impact, said: “You have to wrap your heart around the 40-year-old’s inspiring comeback. He hit it so good and played unbelievable at the 2008 Ryder Cup. He had so much natural talent and could hit any shot he wanted. To come all the way back from where he was you just have to wrap your heart around it.”

PGA Tour professional Chris Got-

terup, who had an 11.21am tee time at Pebble Beach on Sunday, watched the final round. He was a 10 year old aspiring golfer when Kim won his last PGA Tour event in 2010. He simply wrote on social media platform X: “AK!!”

PGA Tour broadcaster Colt Knost, a vocal critic of LIV said: “Congrats on an incredible win. Not sure who will play you in the movie, but it will be a good one.”

Byeong Hun An commented: “What a comeback story by AK. Unbelievable.”

Winning Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald  said: “Way to go AK. We all fail at times but not everyone has the courage to come back, face it and rebuild.”

Ian Poulter posted: “This will be the greatest comeback in golfing history.

What a final round.”

Graeme McDowell wrote: “If you can’t get behind this comeback, then you don’t understand the rollercoaster of life. Happy for him. Resilience personified.”

Lee Westwood simply said: “I love watching Anthony Kim play golf.”

Cameron Smith was more circumspect. “I was sceptical at the start, but what he has been able to do over the past couple of seasons to dig deep and grind it out and do what he did today is pretty special.”

Women’s great Annika Sorenstam described Kim’s win as an “incredible story of overcoming demons over the years and turning your life around. Cherish this sweet victory with your family. Heart warming story of the year.”

Greg Norman: Like a proud dad to Kim

By Neville Idour

Greg Norman’s role in the emotional and inspiring comeback of Anthony Kim should not be underestimated.

He has always had a good eye for talent, especially in Australia, and has been a great mentor and supporter of Australian talent. In this case, he saw something in Kim, feeling he may be a good acquisition for the LIV Golf stable.

So Norman approached Kim offering him a return to golf via LIV in early 2024 when he was ranked 847 in the world . In a straight forward conversation Norman’s probing saw Kim say he still believed he could win, to which Norman replied: “I believe in you too.”

However two seasons with no points in the standings and just one top 25 finish meant he lost his place on LIV. Come in Phil Mickelson, who backed Kim during the LIV Promotions qualifier in January,  2026, where his top three finish regained his card.

Mickelson went one step further saying: “Greg Norman deserves a lot of credit for seeing this in AK when many did not. He saw this in him and invested

in his success and now it is paying off.”

These were telling words as Mickelson was not in Adelaide, having to miss the first two events of 2026. Norman was not there either as he was travelling at the time. It wasn’t straight  forward for Kim either as he arrived late with visa issues, thus shortening his practice time.

However, it was fitting that record crowds were present to see the action unfold, with Norman, the man who made it possible, happily watching from afar.

Norman revealed to golf news website bunkered. co.uk: “I am like a proud dad who always knew, if you could shine a light on a path of belief through trust and confidence, his god given ability and the drive and desire within, would spring to life.”

How right he was adding: “He had so much talent but it was buried by poor decision making. He was lost and admitted it. But he owned it and wanted to change with a force for good. Golf could give him the opportunity to make that change.

“Then there is Emily his wife, who is his rock. She is there for him at all times wrapping him with love

and a supportive foundation. She is his saviour and (four-year-old daughter) Bella is his inspiration, which drives him every day to show Bella the parent, idol and family patriarch he now truly is.

“It’s the greatest golf comeback in history and I’m proud to be a small part of it.”

Understandably Kim paid credit to Norman for his role in his return.

“We had a conversation and he asked me if I thought I could do it and how committed I was. I was terrible, but I still had that self belief that I could get to the top and win golf tournaments. He said I believe in you too. So I appreciate the opportunity I have got here at LIV and I am just going to keep getting better.”

That has already begun as he has skyrocketed from the 847 to 203 in world golf rankings.

When all the dust has settled we can see mud in the eyes of those ignorant knockers who said Norman signing Anthony Kim was nothing more than a publicity stunt. All kudos goes to Norman and Kim.

Yunseo Yang posts first win for Korea in Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific

Yunseo Yang repelled the challenge of compatriot Soomin Oh to write her name into the record books as the first Korean winner of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) in the eighth edition of the tournament.

Coping admirably with gusting southerly winds that blew many players off course, 18-year-old Yang closed with a three under par 69 at Royal Wellington at Heretaunga in Upper Hutt, the best round of a day that saw just three subpar returns.

With a 72-hole aggregate of 16 under par 272, Yang ended eight strokes clear of Oh, matching the WAAP’s record winning margin set by Japan’s Yuka Yasuda in 2019. Yang is also the first player to win the championship having held the solo lead after all four rounds.

Thanks to her success, Yang has earned exemptions into three major championships this year – the Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes in England, the Evian Championship in France and the Chevron Championship in the United States – as well as a hand-

ful of elite amateur events.

In winning, Yang ended Korea’s victory drought in the Asia-Pacific’s pre-eminent women’s amateur championship. Previously, Minsol Kim (2023), Hyosong Lee (2024) and Oh last year all had to settle for second place.

After holing out in light rain on the 18th green that had arrived just earlier, Yang raised her arms in a rare show of emotion before being warmly embraced by Oh and their Korean teammates.

Yang, who tied for fourth in last year’s WAAP in Vietnam, said: “I’m very proud to be the first Korean winner. Having the opportunity to play in three major championships is an honour. I grew up watching the other golfers do well, especially the AIG Women’s Open.”

Despite the conclusive final margin, victory was hard-earned for Yang, who began the week in 44th place in the world amateur golf rankings.

After holing a 10 foot putt to save par at the 13th and stay two shots ahead of Oh, it was the short par four 14th which proved pivotal with a decisive four-shot

swing in Yang’s favour.

While Yang holed a 12-foot putt for an eagle two after driving the green, Oh ran up a double bogey six, after pulling her tee shot out of bounds. From that point, with weather conditions deteriorating, Yang was able to coast home, adding gloss with her fourth birdie of the day at the short 16th. Modest and composed – on and off the course – Yang laid the foundations for her triumph with a stunning opening day bogey-free eight under par 64. It was a lead she would not squander. A 67 on day two extended her advantage at the half-way stage to three shots and an even par 72 on Saturday meant she led by two going into the final day.

Of her final-round strategy, Yang said: “The bad weather today was anticipated. The winds started getting stronger from yesterday, so I was getting prepared for that. I was playing a bit defensively, not trying to be too aggressive, aiming for pars rather than birdies to protect my score.”

For Oh and Rianne Malixi of the Philippines it was a case of more WAAP heartbreak.

Oh, who had to settle for runners-up spot for the second year in succession, reduced the overnight deficit to one with a scrambling par at the first hole and drew level when she made a birdie two at the eighth hole.

But Yang’s two-stroke advantage was restored immediately when she holed a six foot putt for birdie following a brilliant approach at the ninth hole while Oh made bogey.

Reflecting on another close WAAP call for her, Oh, the highest ranked player in the field at 11th in the world amateur rankings, said: “I had a great experience in New Zealand. It was a windy day. I have a lot of regrets, but I will use it as a driving force for my future growth.”

Malixi tied for third with Australian Jazy Roberts on six under par 282. Malixi, the 2024 United States Women’s Amateur champion, is the first player to have three top-five finishes to her name in the WAAP.

Malixi said: “The bad weather finally showed its teeth today. Even though I was far back heading into the last round, there’s always a chance. But I didn’t capitalise, especially with how I was struggling with my putting. I never really gave myself a chance.

“This championship is a major for me. It’s always an honour to play in the WAAP. It sucks that I couldn’t get a win, but I’m looking forward to what’s in store with the upcoming season.”

Gyu Been Kim, who played alongside her compatriots Yang and Oh in the final group, fell out of contention with double bogeys at the seventh and ninth holes. She signed off with an 81 and had to settle for joint ninth place on 286.

Jeneath Wong put up a staunch title defence, ending tied 16th on one over par 289. The Malaysian said: “I have a really special place for this championship and, as defending champion, I didn’t put too much pressure on myself this week. With the winds being very gusty today, I thought it was a lot of fun.”

The distinction of finishing as leading New Zealander went to Darae Chung of Wellington who signed off with a 76, securing her 22nd place on five over par 293. That was one shot in front of top-ranked Kiwi Eunseo Choi and four ahead of Teresa Wang.

Chung said: “A lot of Kiwis made the cut this week so to be the top New Zealander is a great honour. I had a lot of fun today. It was a huge challenge with the wind.

“There were a lot of junior girls out there, and that was encouraging to see. It’s really great we’ve been able to have this championship, especially for women’s golf and the growth for young girls. I hope we were able to display some great golf for them to be inspired and start playing.

The 2027 Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific will be played at Taiheiyo Club Minori Course in Japan from 22-25 April.

Amateur Asia-Pacific a great opportunity to represent your country, says Darae Chung

By Golfer Pacific editor, Paul Gueorgieff

The Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific tournament is unquestionably one of the great opportunities for a very promising golfer.

Just ask Darae Chung from Wellington who finished the top New Zealander in the tournament played at Royal Wellington Golf Club at Heretaunga in Upper Hutt last month.

There were 11 players from New Zealand in the champion-

ship and Chung was the best of them with a score of five over par to finish 22nd overall.

The next best of the Kiwis was Eunseo Choi from Auckland with a score of six over par and she finished 23rd.

Said Chung: “It is such a great opportunity in general.’’

The winner, for example, gains starts in three major championships which are generally the preserve of well established professionals.

Those three majors are the Women’s Open in England, the Evian Championship in France and the Chevron Championship in the Untied States.

Chung added: “The winner gets to go to all these majors and any time you get to represent your country, it is such an honour and you are so grateful.

“It always means so much to me to be able to come out (from the United States) and it was even luckier this time because it is at home.’’

Chung had played the tourna-

ment twice previously. That was in Vietnam last year and Thailand in 2022 but on both occasions she missed the cut.

Chung, 21, is these days based in the United States where she plays collegiate golf for the University of Oregon. The world’s No 1 amateur Kiara Romero is amongst Chung’s teammates.

Chung has been playing collegiate golf for three years and is loving every aspect of it.

“I am really enjoying my time there. Collegiate golf is so different,’’ she continued.

“You get to play against the same golfers week in and week out and we have the world’s top amateur in our team.

“It’s a different dynamic. We travel as a team — it’s not so much individual as it usually is when I’m not at college.

“I think that aspect of it is quite nice.’’

Chung said collegiate golf has taught her a lot.

“My mental game has improved so much since I first

went to the United States and just my abilities in general.

“Being able to focus and trying to manage the nerves and bouncing back from mistakes.

“There is a lot of nerve wracking moments such as the first shot on the first tee and there are certainly times when I really want to play well.

“But all in all I just try and focus on my process and just go from there, no matter how nervous I get.”

Chung said her best result to date came in a matchplay event when she reached the final of the Californian Women’s Amateur at the Santa Ana Country Club in July of last year.

This will be her last year of collegiate golf which prompted the obvious question of what would be next?

“Turning pro,’’ she replied without hesitation. Exactly how that pans out will be confirmed later in the year.

Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific heading back to Japan for a second time

The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) have announced the ninth edition of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) championship will be held at the Taiheiyo Club Minori Course in Japan from April 22-25 next year.

This will be the second time Japan has hosted the championship which aims to inspire future generations of women golfers and has evolved into the pre-eminent women’s amateur championship in the Asia-Pacific re-

gion.

Each year, WAAP provides the champion with life-changing opportunities through exemptions into three women’s major championships and elite amateur championships.

The winner will be invited to compete in the Women’s Open in the United Kingdom, the Chevron Championship in the United States and Evian Championship in France. They will also receive invitations to the Hana Financial Group Championship, Women’s Australian

Open, the 123rd Women’s Amateur Championship and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur.

Mark Darbon, chief executive of The R&A, said: “Japan has played a significant role in the success of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific championship and we are excited to be returning there in 2027. Women’s golf is strong in Japan and you just have to look at the success of major champions Yuka Saso, Ayaka Furue  and, of course, our current AIG Women’s Open champion Miyu Yamashita to see the impact they have had on the world stage.

“We are extremely grateful to Taiheiyo Club for its tremendous support of amateur golf and look forward to the Minori Course providing an outstanding stage for the best women’s amateurs in the region at next year’s WAAP.”

New Zealander Philip Hassall, chairman of the APGC added: “The profile of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific as the pre-eminent championship for elite women amateur golfers in our region will be further elevated in 2027 when we visit Taiheiyo Club’s acclaimed Minori Course.

“The combination of an outstanding venue, a world class field, extensive global exposure and gracious Japanese hospitality will ensure another memo-

rable chapter in the history of this fabulous championship.”

Taiheiyo Club Minori Course is located on the Kanto Plain of Japan and has hosted the LPGA Tour’s Toto Japan Classic on four occasions, most recently in 2023 when Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific alumna Mone Inami claimed victory. Its experience in staging elite international competitions makes it a fitting venue for the 2027 WAAP.

Last played in Japan in 2019, local favourite Yuka Yasuda won by a record eight strokes over Jeeno Thitikul who was attempting to defend her title at The Royal Golf Club. In claiming the WAAP title, Yasuda also recorded the greatest comeback by a champion after she was eight shots behind the first round leader and still four strokes off the pace after 36 holes.

Alongside Saso and Furue, notable past WAAP competitors include fellow major champions Patty Tavatanakit, who competed in 2018 before going onto win the 2021 ANA Inspiration which is now known as the Chevron Championship, and current Amundi Evian Championship winner Grace Kim of Australia who competed in 2018 and 2019. Current world number one Jeeno Thitikul was the inaugural, and remains the youngest, winner of the championship in 2018.

The first Duke of Edinburgh Cup to be held in Wellington in May

New Zealand’s inaugural Duke of Edinburgh Cup is to be held in Wellington on Friday, May 8.

The Duke of Edinburgh Cup is a global amateur golf series founded in 2000 by the then Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip who was the husband of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Funds from the series go to children and young people. In the case of the New Zealand event, which will be held at the Royal Wellington Golf Club at Heretaunga in Upper Hutt, 100 per cent of net funds will go to two organisations.

One is Young Enterprise which has programmes in schools and colleges that build real-world business, leadership and life skills in young people.

The other is Golf New Zealand Initiatives which includes the futures’ youth strategy, women and girls’ ambition and disability action plan.

The Duke of Edinburgh New Zealand programme director Hayley Law said: “We will help create a legacy event that supports young New Zealanders while growing a premium tournament on our golfing calendar.”

The field for the tournament is open to 128 amateur golfers from across New Zealand. Registration is $425 per person and each player receives a gift bag valued at $100.

The top two New Zealand qualifiers will represent New Zealand at the

world finals in London, competing at legendary courses and culminating with a gala prize giving dinner at Wind-

fessional Justin Rose, who will present the prizes. Airfares, transport, accommodation, golf and meals are all covered. Kiwibank is one of the supporters of Young Enterprise. It’s chief executive Steve Jurkovich said: “Supporting Young Enterprise is a natural fit for Kiwibank. We have always backed ambitious Kiwi businesses -- from start-ups to those competing on the world stage -- and early exposure to creating, planning, and running a business builds the confidence and capability that strengthens Aotearoa’s economic backbone.

“Partnering with the Duke of Edinburgh Cup New Zealand will help ensure YES has the funding it needs to inspire young Kiwi to see business ownership as an exciting and achievable pathway. It reflects Kiwibank’s commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. This is turning good golf into greater impact.”

World Cup chairman Nick Pyle said he would be attending New Zealand’s event.

sor Castle in Windsor, near London.  This black tie evening is attended by the Duke of Edinburgh and top golf pro-

“The Duke of Edinburgh was delighted to hear that New Zealand will be participating in the 2026 world final and I am very much looking forward to visiting New Zealand for the event,” Pyle said.

For more information go to the website of DOECUP.nz

Never giving up after a childhood accident

By Parker Aluesi, golf development officer for Golf Otago

Iremember the moment that changed everything like it was yesterday. I was six years old, full of energy and excitement, running around a mate’s backyard during a birthday party. We were on a treasure hunt, darting from one clue to the next, when I tripped and fell backwards — straight onto

a metal pole sticking out of the ground. It was terrifying. I remember the panic, the pain and how everything quickly blurred into hospital visits and hard conversations. I can’t imagine how tough it must have been for my parents. That day, I lost my left eye. I now wear a glass eye. It all happened so fast and for a long time it was really difficult for our family. But that

moment, as hard as it was, didn’t stop my story –- it shaped it.

Golf had already found its way into my life before the accident. My dad, Mike, introduced me to the game when I was five. I’d been playing just a little while before everything changed. Getting back onto the course after the accident was challenging, to say the least. I couldn’t see the fairway properly or line up my putts the way I used to. Everything felt off. But I wasn’t ready to give up on golf –- and I’m glad I didn’t.

At first, I had to rely purely on feel and trust. Trusting my swing, trusting my instincts. Putting was especially frustrating. I couldn’t see the hole clearly anymore, so I had to learn to believe in my aim, even when I couldn’t verify it with both eyes. It took time, patience and a lot of practice. But eventually things began to click again.

Ben Gallie, one of the coaching professionals at Millbrook Resort, near Queenstown, has been coaching me for the past four years. He’s seen my progress firsthand, and he’s never let my accident get in the way of becoming the best I can. I’m now a scratch golfer and had the honour of representing Otago over the years.

Dad’s been by my side through it all. He’s more than a supporter -– he’s my biggest fan, my best mate and often my caddy. Every tournament he’s there with me, carrying the bag or standing quietly at the edge of the green, reminding me why I love this game. It means the world having him there, especially since he was the one who got me into golf in the first place.

I now work in the game as a golf development officer for Golf Otago. My job is to help bring more people -- especially juniors and women and girls –- into the game. There’s something really special about watching someone hit a golf ball cleanly for the first time. That moment of pure joy, when they see it fly. That never gets old. It’s why I love what I do.

But I haven’t let go of my dream. I still want to turn professional, whether that’s here in New Zealand or overseas. I’m hoping to travel soon and compete in international amateur events. There’s nothing like the feeling of competing.

For anyone out there who’s had a life-changing injury like I have, my advice

is simple: don’t let it change who you are. You might look or feel different, but that difference makes you unique — in a really cool way. Lean into it. Let it shape you, but don’t let it define you.

To parents, especially those with young kids, I encourage you to take a moment to walk around your home and yard, especially ahead of the school holidays. Look for anything that could be a hazard — like that metal pole I never saw. If you find something, fix it straight away.

It’s so much better to deal with it now than to live with the aftermath of an accident that could have been avoided.

The Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) has been such a great support to me throughout my life, but it is always better to prevent an injury happening in the first place.

For me, I’ve chosen to focus on what I can do, not what I’ve lost. I don’t want my sight loss to be an excuse. I want to get on with life and do the best I can. I’ve always prided myself on having a positive attitude and never giving up.

I know what I’m capable of -– and every round I play, every person I coach and every day I step forward is a reminder that no matter what life throws at you, you just have to trust your swing and keep going.

Home injuries by the numbers

* In 2024 ACC accepted two million injury claims, from 1.6 million New Zealanders. These injuries came at a cost of $6.9 billion.

* In 2024 injuries in the home and community accounted for 1.3 million claims (66 percent of all ACC injury claims) and these injuries cost $3.7 billion (54 percent of all costs).

* The age group getting hurt the most in our homes and communities is 50 – 59 – they accounted for 184,000 of the 1.3 million home and community related injuries.

* Falls are the most common cause of injury in New Zealand. They account for nearly 40 percent of all ACC injury claims, with most of these occurring inside the home.

* Every year one in three people over 65 injures themselves in a fall, rising to one in two once they reach 80.

* www.acc.co.nz/prevention-tips

Handicaps and homework: Young Kiwi golfers balancing elite competition and school

By Emma Letessier

Anew generation of young New Zealand golfers is finding ways to compete at an elite level without stepping away from their education, blending intensive training schedules, national and international tournaments and flexible schooling.

Among them is Otago teenager Oscar Good from Wanaka, who is emerging as one of the region’s most promising junior players. Playing off a two handicap, Good competes regularly in New Zealand and Australia while completing his secondary studies through private online school Crimson Global Academy (CGA).

Good’s training weeks are carefully structured:  classes in the morning, followed by afternoons on the golf course, fitness work and coaching. During tournament travel, he logs into classes from wherever he is -- sometimes from airport lounges -- allowing him to stay connected academically while on the road.

“Being able to keep studying while travelling has made a huge difference,” Good said.

“It means I don’t have to choose between golf and school.”

Last year, Good also joined CGA’s power up programme, where he works with Olympic gold medalist and five-time Olympian Barbara Kendall on mindset, confidence and performance strategies -- an area increasingly recognised as critical in elite junior sport.

Said Kendall: “What often separates young athletes isn’t talent, but how they handle pressure, setbacks, and expectations.

“Developing mental skills early gives athletes tools they can use throughout their careers, both in competition and in life.”

Fourteen-year-old Raphael Anderson is another young golfer emerging strongly through this modern development pathway. The Otago-based player recently won the North Island Under-16 Boys’ Championship, finishing three under par across 54 holes to

claim a three-shot victory.

Earlier this season, Anderson also reached the semi-finals of the New Zealand Amateur Golf Championship, competing against older, international players and showing he can perform at a high level on the big stage.

Together, the two golfers reflect a broader shift in junior sport: athletes no longer having to pause their education to pursue performance goals.

Instead, tailored schooling, strong support networks, and disciplined routines are helping young players progress on both fronts.

As competition pathways become more demanding and international from a younger age, stories like these are becoming increasingly common, and are reshaping what high-performance development looks like for young Kiwi golfers.

American fends off the winds to win at Paraparaumu

Austen Truslow of the United States fought off ferocious winds and a horde of challengers to complete what was in the end a comfortable three-stroke win at the Quinovic New Zealand PGA Championship.

Those in the final groups may have taken an even par total when they teed off in winds gusting up to 60kmh at Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club, north of Wellington, on the final day with double bogeys or worse lurking with every approach shot and downwind chip.

The precarious par three fifth hole once again inflicted carnage on a host of hopefuls, Truslow making a respectable bogey after also dropping a shot

after his tee shot went long and left at the par three second.

It would be the final bogey of his tournament, the 30-year-old from Florida taking advantage of calmer conditions to play his final 11 holes in five under par for a round of three under 67 and a six under par total for the four rounds.

Highly promising Canterbury 17-year-old amateur Cooper Moore was second and another American, M J Maguire (69), third.

Seven years since he first played on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia in DP World Tour co-sanctioned events in Perth and Victoria, Truslow said it was apt that the breakthrough came on the tour that gave him his first genuine look at professional golf.

“I’d been playing the mini tours for four years at that point and I hadn’t really competed in any real tournaments,” said Truslow, who played the week on an international invite.

“I hadn’t really played any official world golf ranking events so I felt like it was a new level.

“I didn’t play very well at 13th Beach (in Victoria) and in Perth but I was really grateful for those opportunities and it definitely helped get me more used to playing events on major tours.”

Early on the front nine it was Cooper who looked most likely to meet the moment.

He made birdie at the par four third and then when he fired in a spectacular shot from the left rough just outside a metre on No 4, he had joined Truslow in a share of the lead at one under.

Like Truslow, Moore dropped a shot after a superb tee shot just fell off the back of the dastardly green

on five. He supplanted Truslow as the outright leader when he holed a bomb on seven but it would be only brief, a two-shot swing as Truslow made birdie on eight to Moore’s bogey returning the Asian Tour regular to the front-running position.

A birdie putt from off the green on 10 set the tone for a tournament-winning back nine, a 12-footer for birdie on 16 providing Truslow with a comfortable five-stroke lead with just two holes left to navigate.

The champion three years ago, Louis Dobbelaar played the back nine on the last day in four under to move into outright fourth while defending champion Tyler Hodge was one of six players to finish tied fifth at two over.

Denzel Ieremia holds off chasing pack to win Race to Tieke

Denzel Ieremia claimed the 2026 Race to Tieke title but the Hamilton-raised Asian Tour regular had to work for every shot of his two-stroke victory last month.

What looked set to be a procession after rounds of 64 and 63, Ieremia threatened to turn the final day at Tieke Golf Estate into something far more competitive, with a somewhat wobbly front nine and a few raindrops ensuring the chasing pack had its say.

Ieremia’s victory over the invitation-only field was earned the hard way -- exactly how those in the gallery at Tieke would want a season-ender to unfold.

Hot and still conditions greeted New Zealand’s leading professionals and amateurs for the 54-hole finale on the Wednesday, with Tieke presented in pristine condition.

Ieremia wasted no time stamping his authority, compiling five birdies and an eagle in a polished seven-under 64 to lead by one. Jayden Ford, Golf New Zealand academy member Yuki Miya, Mako Thompson and Tyler Wood all signed for six under par rounds to stay in touch.

The breeze picked up slightly for round two but scoring remained sharp. Ieremia opened with three straight birdies to stretch clear before a bogey at the par three 10th momentarily halted momentum.

His response was four consecutive birdies to post an eight-under 63 and build a commanding six-shot cushion.

Ford and Dominic Barson kept the pressure on, the latter producing one of the shots of the day with a near-perfect

approach at the ninth to inside four feet to set up birdie. Charles Tour order of merit winner Josh Geary reminded everyone why he’s never out of the equation, rebounding from an early blemish with six birdies in 10 holes. Overcast skies and muggy air set the scene for the final 18 holes following overnight rain. Barson had suggested his best chance of beating Ieremia was to “play 14 holes” and see where the pressure landed -- a fair summation given the leaders six-shot buffer on a course he knew intimately from his junior days.

The leader’s front nine of twoover cracked the door open.

Bateman applied steady pressure with a two under par outward nine, while Tyler Hodge, Kerry Mountcastle and Geary advanced ominously.

Geary’s charge was particularly fierce -- seven back nine birdies propelled him to the clubhouse lead at 11 under par. Former PGA Tour player Tim Wilkinson also entered the frame, his four under 67 earning a place at the 105th New Zealand Open at Millbrook Resort as the leading non-exempt player.

Ieremia’s turn for home wavered across a three-hole stretch of double bogey, birdie, bogey, allowing Bateman to

close within one shot and it was not until the driveable par four 16th that the tournament ultimately turned.

Having battled his driver for much of the afternoon, Ieremia chose aggression and he duly converted with an eagle. Bateman, short-sided and faced with a delicate lie, could only salvage bogey.

On the decisive 16th hole, Ieremia credited Bateman for pushing him to play his best golf.

“It was a good tee shot, Harry played well all day and put a lot of heat on me,’’ Ieremia recalled afterwards.

“To be honest I wasn’t expecting to have that much heat on

me because I was so far ahead so it was a bit of a shock.

“I made a pretty bad bogey on 15 but I wasn’t too fazed by it, I knew I was still up by one. With 16 and 18 left I figured there were good birdie opportunities so to stand on 16, I’ve been using this mini-driver for the last month. It’s a pretty good one, it’ll stay in the bag.”

A steady par at 17 restored order. With a two-shot cushion on the 18th tee, Ieremia slid a birdie attempt across the edge before tapping in for par, sealing a hard fought victory and closing out the Charles Tour season in fitting fashion. To do it in front of a home track gallery made it all the more sweeter, Ieremia said.

“It’s cool man, winning’s good. I haven’t done it for a while so it’s always good to win but to win at home is even nicer.”

Geary’s final-round 64 saw him claim second place at 11 under par, just two strokes adrift of the winner.

Wilkinson and Bateman shared third at 10-under, Wilkinson’s closing 67 securing his spot at Millbrook as the leading non-exempt player. Mountcastle and Hodge finished in a tie for fifth at nine-under after matching final rounds of 66, while Wood and Ford joined them on that mark.

Mako Thompson and Michael Hendry rounded out the top 10 at eight under par, both posting solid finishes to cap their campaigns. Cooper Moore and Miya were tied for 11th at seven-under, both showing the quality that has them marked as players to watch heading into the new season.

A visit to Windross Farm in South Auckland was the perfect way to finish the year. It has been 10 years since this championship course opened to much fanfare and we found it has only got better with age, reports Golfer Pacific writer Peter Thornton.

A New Year’s eve tradition

It is a tradition that has been going for as long as I can remember. Every year we have a New Year’s eve golf match in Auckland with my dad and a couple of mates.

Dad is the constant, the benchmark, the one whose game I have been measuring myself against for decades. He is a bit older now but there is still no one else I’d rather beat at golf and have buying me beers afterwards —  and I know that feeling is mutual.

This time around it included good mates Jonathan Lynch and Andrew Joyce. Jono was a member of the first ever golf tour I organised back in 2010 to Queenstown.

It was a slightly madcap pilgrimage to Queenstown that felt, at the time, like the beginning of something important. We played five courses in eight days and watched the New Zealand Open at The Hills in a trip that all the lads still talk about today. Jono is a handy golfer and a great mate. It was awesome to be back in his company.

Andrew is a member of the New Zea-

land Symphony Orchestra and he was up from Wellington. He is a professional musician whose life is built on discipline, rhythm, and precision. He took up the game of golf around five years ago when I invited him for a friendly game at Karori Golf Club and like many thoughtful, driven people, he has improved quickly.

He now plays off a 15 at Royal Wellington and has reached the point where beating him requires more than just turning up. On this occasion I teamed up with Jono to take on Andrew and my old man in a matchplay contest for the beers.

A storied history

The venue was Windross Farm Golf Club, a course that was perfectly suited to a day like this.

Windross Farm was born out of reinvention. The Manukau Golf Club officially opened in 1932, and it became one of the respected clubs of the Auckland scene for many years. Dad grew up learning the game on those fairways as a teenager and it was a cool course.

By 2011, the club had fallen on tough

times and accumulated more than $3 million of debt. Memberships were down and the club saw little chance of escaping through normal trading activities.  One of New Zealand’s largest companies offered them more than $40 million for the club’s land.

A vote of the Manukau Golf Club members was taken in December, 2012. A total of 90 percent of the membership voted, with 84 percent in favour of the sale and development of the new course.

The club purchased 60-hectares of farmland on Alfriston-Ardmore Road, near Ardmore Airport, just down the road from the original home in Takanini.

Brett Thomson of RBT Design was engaged to lead the transformation. Thomson is well respected across the country and his work speaks for itself.

He helped John Darby design Jack’s Point and The Hills, before moving to work under his own banner. Former PGA Tour winner and Kiwi golf legend Phil Tataurangi joined Thomson in a consulting role and what they have created

at Windross Farm is something special.

The result is a championship course that feels both deliberate and generous and is just a pleasure to play.  From the moment you drive through the gates, it is a world class experience.

It is fitting that we are visiting Windross Farm on the eve of the New Year. The year 2026 marks 10 years since Windross Farm was opened and it was thrust straight into the spotlight.

Within weeks of opening for play, Windross Farm secured New Zealand’s first ever LPGA Tour event – the 2017 McKayson New Zealand Women’s Open. It was a significant moment for New Zealand golf.

That tournament will be remembered for the extraordinary adverse weather conditions in the final round which meant it had to be completed on a Monday and came at a huge cost to the organisers. Local favourite Lydia Ko finished in a tie for 22nd in that event.

When you play at Windross Farm, you are walking in the footsteps of some of the best female players in the world.

Time to tee it up

On the final day of 2025, the weather was better than expected. We were greeted by fine and warm conditions and a breeze that would make life difficult throughout the round. But we know it could have been much worse. One of the best features of Windross is it captures that feeling of getting away from it all. It’s on a stunning flat, rural piece of land. There are no homes lining the boundaries of the course, just gentle rolling farmland as far as the eye can see, providing a setting where it is easy to connect.

Before you get on the course, there is a chance to warm up at the Toptracer Driving Range which has ball tracking technology.

It is always a cool feeling playing a golf course for the first time. Stepping onto that first tee there is a fair bit of anticipation and excitement in the group.

Windross is the sort of layout where you do not just automatically pull out your driver. You need to think your way around this design and that strategy is further exemplified in the wind.

The conditioning of the course is perfect and the greens are a fast and pure surface. The fairways were bone dry even after the rain Auckland endured during the festive season.

We played it in December, but I am told that the surface is good all year round. The biggest threat to scoring well is the wind which is a permanent feature on these fairways. Even though you are miles away from the ocean, Windross feels and plays like a true links.

There is a plethora of good holes here and risk and reward opportunities all over the course.

The par five fifth hole is a good example. It is a short par five at 432 metres but there is a hazard that comes into play with any loose shots right of the fairway.

The hardest hole on the course is the ninth which measures 354 metres from the blue tees. Andrew delivered his best shot of the round to complete the front nine. He hit a pitching wedge from 120 metres to a couple of feet for birdie.

For the record, our match was a great contest. Jono turned on a masterclass. He plays off a 10 handicap and he made the turn in one-over par and made it look easy. On the back of Jono’s heroics we were four up at the turn and already talking about what beers we would be

drinking at the end.

But dad and Andrew had different ideas and early on the back nine they won three holes in a row to get it back to one down. They were playing well in the tricky conditions. It was game on.

There are a couple of great holes to open the back nine. The 10th hole is marked by a burn – reminiscent of some of the best Scottish links’ courses – and the 12th is all about strategy. There is a large mound of rough which divides the fairway and it brings back memories of the brilliant design of the 17th fairway at Paraparaumu Beach in Wellington.

As you go past the clubhouse there is a cool stretch from 15-18. There are good chances to score at the short par fours, 15 and 16.

Our match went to the par three 17th. It is a cool hole at 152 metres from the blue tees and Jono and I finished the contest in style. He hit his tee shot to around two feet for birdie, dad chipped in for birdie and when I made a 25-foot putt for birdie it was enough to claim a 3 and 1 win.

The final hole is a good test – with trouble all around the green – and you need to know your lines to avoid ending up in the lateral hazard down the right of the fairway.

The final beers for 2025

In the clubhouse afterwards it is a great space for relaxing after the round. There are high ceilings and heaps of space and televisions to enjoy the after-match.

We order a selection of toasted sandwiches and fries and a round of Sawmill IPA beers. The food is delicious and the beers always go down better when someone else is paying, so it’s a nice feeling to round out the day and the year in good company.

I have been fortunate to play some of the best golf courses around Aotearoa in 2025 and I thoroughly enjoyed my round at Windross Farm. It’s a world class experience and there is little doubt that it is one of the best courses in Auckland.

After the years of reinvention and re-establishment, it’s great to see Windross Farm as a feature of the Auckland

golf scene. There is a bright future ahead for the club.

The designers have managed to deliver a course that meets the needs of the club golfer and also present a championship layout. It’s a course that comes highly recommended.

Like many courses of this standard, we are better from the experience of playing it and we all agree that we can’t wait to make the journey south to Ardmore to play here again.

But that is for another day – there is a New Year on the horizon, full of opportunities for more golf and enjoying the company of good mates.

LIV Golf Adelaide simply the best

By Neville Idour

If any convincing was ever needed after winning the award for the world’s best golf event in 2023, 2024 and 2025 at the World Golf Awards, the 2026 event will surely make it four in a row after the most emotional and pulsating ride to victory by Anthony Kim. More on his remarkable story later. So why can we say simply the best?

Australasia has been starved of the world’s best golfers for decades except for the appearance of one or two players such as Rory McIlroy at the Australian Open.

Along came LIV Golf with Greg Norman at the helm and the starved market was tapped into with 77,076 fans embracing the first LIV Adelaide event in 2023. What a roaring success it was with Chase Koepka scoring a hole in one at the par three party hole, the 12th. Winner Talor Gooch had back

to back rounds of 62 and Bryson DeChambeau treated fans to an epic driving range session.

That was followed in 2024 with 94,000 fans rolling up to watch the Australian team Ripper Golf Club win the team title.

What could top that in 2025? A mammoth 102,483 fans turned up, cementing its place as the biggest attendance on the LIV Tour and again saw Ripper Golf Club win the team title.

No surprise Adelaide has been signed to host the event until 2031. The 2026 event at the Grange Golf Club drew over 115,000 people making it the highest attendance at a LIV event and any professional event in Australia.

Next year’s event is to be held at Kooyonga Golf Club. It will then move to the newly renovated North Adelaide course in 2028. Tickets are already on sale.

So why the number one ranking

ahead of the majors and the PGA Tour’s booze up in Phoenix?

In 2023 it was also awarded world’s best golf innovation for its unique approach to competitive professional golf. The Serapong course at Sentosa Golf Club for LIV Singapore was named world’s best golf course. In addition Greg Norman was named golf course designer of the year.

The record attendances along with the atmosphere create a stadium feel, particularly at the famous 12th, watering hole. The event is a festival experience blending elite golf with live music entertainment to shift the focus from a traditional quiet tournament.

Obviously there will be some traditionalists who don’t approve, but the numbers speak volumes. Environmental sustainability is a feature with the tournament having achieved independent Golf Environment Organisation certification for sustainable practices,

including biodegradable signage, renewable energy and battery powered transport.

Not to forget the economic impact which is huge. The tournament generated over $US217 million in economic benefit for South Australia in 2025. South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas said: “We took a risk when we pushed for this LIV tournament but we knew it could put our great state on the world golfing map and provide impetus for thousands of golf fans worldwide to come here and visit.”

It was an interesting week with LIV Adelaide going head to head with the famous Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Although Pebble Beach provided its own drama at times, not always positive, for this writer it was a shadow compared to the non stop spectacle and action provided at LIV Adelaide.

The 2026 New Zealand Hickory Open

A championship forged in tradition, tested by wind and united by friendship

They came. They played. And once again, hickory golf reminded us why it endures.

The 2026 New Zealand Hickory Open unfolded in January-February at the historic Christchurch Golf Club (established in 1873), the second-oldest golf club in New Zealand.

Set on the club’s Shirley based course, now meticulously restored to its classic links style character, the stage could not have been more fitting for an event that celebrates the traditions, values and craftsmanship of hickory golf.

From the moment players arrived, it was clear this would be a championship to remember.

Course presentation:

Championship standard

In the weeks leading into the open, general manager James Helmore ensured both the course and the wider club operation were tuned to perfection. The greens’ team delivered a standout performance, producing firm, true bent grass greens rolled to

a slickness worthy of a national championship.

Fairways were immaculate, surrounds sharp, and the course presented exactly as hickory golf demands, rewarding imagination, precision, and restraint.

Christchurch Golf Club once again demonstrated why it is regarded as one of the great custodians of the game in New Zealand.

The competition begins -- the Harry Vardon Challenge

The tournament opened with the Harry Vardon Challenge, a ninehole introduction to the course played alongside local golfers. As always, this format set the tone — welcoming, competitive and deeply social.

With the arrival of 18 international players, the field gained both depth and colour. A standout performance came from Seok Yong Park, a new local entrant, who topped the pool with an impressive 22 points, signalling early that fresh talent continues to emerge within the hickory ranks.

Nations Cups – Friday, 30

January

Rivalry, respect and the narrowest of

margins Friday belonged to the Nations Cups, a fiercely contested day that once again highlighted both rivalry and respect.

At its heart stood the Anzac Flask, a silver whisky flask of considerable presence, symbolising the enduring sporting rivalry between New Zealand and Australia, forged through shared history dating back to Gallipoli in 1915.

Two newer trophies, the Japan Cup and China Cup, continued to reflect the event’s growing international footprint. While Japan was unable to defend its title this year, the message was clear — they will return in 2027.

The format, nine holes of foursomes followed by nine holes of singles, tested adaptability and nerve on the historic Christchurch layout.

Results:

* Anzac Flask: New Zealand (37.6 avg) def. Australia (37.86 avg)

* Japan Cup: Not played

* China Cup: New Zealand (37.6 avg) def. China (38.5 avg)

The numbers tell the story: the tightest of margins between New Zealand and Australia, and a significant

leap forward by China, finishing just one stroke behind. Every putt mattered, and several made the difference.

A special note must be made of South Korea’s debut, represented by Sang-Jun Oh and Ms Tae-Hyun Park, who announced their intent with both grace and competitiveness. Plans are already underway for the introduction of the Korean Cup in 2027, a challenge they will lead.

The day concluded with a Nations Cup dinner in the clubhouse. The evening was enriched by a compelling address from Andrew Baker, who wove history, humour and scholarship into a fascinating narrative on one of New Zealand’s lost golf courses The Sacred Mount on Maungakiekie, the forefather of Royal Auckland, Titirangi, and The Grange.

NZHO Foursomes – Saturday

When Precision Meets Partnership Saturday’s NZHO foursomes were played over 18 holes in the traditional format. With the course in pristine condition and pin placements demanding full commitment, even the strongest partnerships were tested.

The performance of the day belonged unequivocally to Anthony Doyle and Jason Tilley, who produced a breathtaking round of 67. Playing partner Darron Watt, himself a figure of global standing in hickory golf, described it as one of the finest rounds of hickory golf he has ever witnessed, high praise indeed.

As if that weren’t enough, the day delivered a moment destined for NZHO folklore. Tilley struck a perfectly judged niblick on the short seventh to record a hole in one, his second ace waiting 22 years, and unquestionably the sweetest, achieved with hickory clubs and witnessed by his peers.

Foursomes Results:

* Gross Winners: Anthony Doyle & Jason Tilley

* Nett Winners: Guo (Patrick) Peng & Angela Lan Bo

The nett champions travelled from Shanghai, posting a remarkable 53 nett, and provided a compelling reason for a title defence in future years.

The evening closed with drinks and canap’s, where stories flowed freely, of putts that burned edges, miraculous recoveries, and moments that will be talked about for years to come.

Championship Day – Sunday, 1 February

A True Test of Links Golf

Championship Sunday arrived beneath a sparkling sky, with Simon Meehan’s skirl of bagpipes echoing across the course as players gathered on the first tee, an unforgettable start.

For the first time, players competed across age-based divisions, tightening competition throughout the field:

* Open Division

* Reserves (45–60)

* Seniors (60+)

Conditions were markedly different from the day before. The wind rose steadily, transforming the course into a true links test. Shots demanded conviction; putts refused to die. To elevate the challenge further, Sir Bob Charles had introduced new tee positions, bringing barely remembered hazards back into play.

Starter Simon Fraser, resplendent in Fraser tartan, announced each player to the tee, adding ceremony befitting a national championship.

Amid the challenge, one figure rose again. Anthony Doyle, drawing on his deep knowledge of the course and complete command of his hickory set, pro-

duced another masterclass, earning his name a further inscription on the NZHO Trophy.

Championship Results

* NZHO champion (gross): Anthony Doyle (NZ)

* Gross runner-up: Tim Leonard (NZ)

* Nett winner: Jason Tilley (NZ)

Reserves Division

* Gross winner: Al Grieve (AUS)

* Nett winner: Aaron Bird (NZ)

Seniors Division

* Gross Wwinner: Michael Mason (AUS)

* Nett winner: Andrew Baker (AUS)

Ladies

* Gross winner: Ms DuDu (China)

* Nett winner: Ms Luna Lee (NZ)

Ms DuDu also claimed straightest drive on the 18th, underlining her class and consistency.

As if one ace weren’t enough, the championship delivered another extraordinary moment. Andy Gordon, playing his first hickory competition, and having only taken up the game weeks earlier, recorded a second tournament hole in one on the 145 yard par three in swirling winds. Using a hired set adjusted for his six foot four inch frame, it was an achievement

that captured the spirit of the open.

A Fitting Finale

Prize giving took place beside the 18th green, where Sir Bob Charles congratulated players on performances worthy of the championship’s growing stature. Festivities continued with the address to the Haggis, led by Jamie McEwan, accompanied by Simon Meehan on pipes and emcee Simon Fraser a rousing and memorable conclusion.

The formal closing dinner drew the curtain on a truly international gathering playing in the Open plus invited guests

* 32 New Zealanders

* 13 Australians

* 5 Chinese players

* 2 Koreans

* 1 Canadian

Next year, we see the return of the Japanese team, expanded Korean team, and a new contingent heading over from North America to compete.

Looking Ahead to 2027

Save the dates, the 6th New Zealand Hickory Open will follow the established and much-loved format:

* 29 January 2027: Nations Cups

* 30 January 2027: NZHO foursomes

* 31 January 2027: NZHO Championship

World news in brief

By Neville Idour

Rahm praises Anthony Kim

Jon Rahm called Anthony Kim’s final round at LIV Adelaide the “best and craziest he’s witnessed. In a weird way and as a competitor, I probably shouldn’t say this, but that was a joy to watch. To see that image on 18 of him hugging his wife and daughter, any man with a soul is going to have a soft spot for that. I was almost tearing up.”

As Kim’s ball remained in the cup he dropped his putter and scooped the fast approaching Bella, his daughter, into his arms. With wife Emily right behind the three shared a long embrace with the tear filled Kim burying his face into her shoulder.

Others felt similarly to Rahm. Lucas Herbert said: “I cried.”

Marc Leishman said: “It’s an unbelievable story, the place he got to and how close he was to not being here. I’m not talking about being in Adelaide, I’m talking about not being on this planet.’’

… And Kim’s legacy

When daughter Bella gets a little

older, Kim will share with her his remarkable comeback story -- how daddy conquered unimaginable demons and rose from depths so low that most people, if not everyone, had written Kim off.

“I’m going to try to leave a lot of the details out, but I will tell her that before she came into this world that I didn’t feel any purpose in my life. Whether you have a lot of money, whether you have a lot of success in your life, you can still feel lonely and feel like the world is against you.”

Kim puts Chamblee in his place

Who can forget golf commentator Brandel Chamblee’s disparaging, disrespectful totally out of place comments about Anthony Kim’s comeback on LIV Golf, saying it was a publicity stunt and a joke.

Those comments certainly came back to bite him and even more, vindicated Greg Norman’s belief in Kim at Adelaide. One could almost see Chamblee choking on his double strength coffee.

Kims repost about Chamblee hit home nicely.

“Guys like him are what’s wrong with golf. If we were talking about what it is like to drive to a Korn Ferry Tour event and miss the cut – we would call you Brandel.”

The flood of comment on social media was almost entirely supportive of Kim and painted Chamblee in a bad light. Some of the best were:

“Kim’s story is what makes golf such a great spectacle. Chamblee is a nobody in the golf world.”

“I’m sure AK will positively impact far more lives than Chamblee ever will.”

“If Brandel doesn’t apologise for his comments he should be fired.”

Poulter for seniors’ majors

Having turned 50 earlier this year, Ian Poulter will have the opportunity to compete on the seniors’ stage.

He received an invite from the United States Golf Association to play at the US Senior Open in July. It will be his first start away from LIV Golf in over two years. He qualifies thanks to playing in one or more of the last five Ryder Cups. Fellow LIV players Lee Westwood and Henrik Stenson are also eligible.

Despite never winning a major Poulter’s record in majors is very respectable with three top fives and five top 10s. Poulter will be following in the footsteps of fellow LIV players Westwood and Richard Bland, a two time senior major winner.

Nick Faldo recovering from open heart surgery

Sir Nick Faldo’s wife has given a positive update on Nick Faldo’s health after his operation in January. He has been recovering at home after a successful heart operation in Cleveland in the state of Ohio in the mid-west of the United States.

She said: “He’s doing very well. Recovery is steady and perspective has settled in where fear once lived. We are deeply grateful for the exceptional care he received.

“Aortic conditions in particular can develop quietly, often without obvious symptoms. If sharing this experience raises awareness for even one person, it’s worthwhile.”

Strategic alliance weakens up DP World Tour

Many pundits and players have

claimed that each year the DP World Tour is simply handing its best 10 players, not already exempt, over to the PGA Tour thanks to the so called strategic alliance — thus weakening the DP World Tour and strengthening the PGA Tour.

However Jordan Smith, who is one of the latest group to earn a spot on the PGA Tour, says it has always been happening, but without the official tag.

Smith said: “We could be losing a few of our top, young, up and coming players, but at the same time these guys are always coming back.” Such as Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. However it is certainly a valid criticism of what seems a heavily favouring PGA Tour arrangement.

Jack Nicklaus voted the greatest — not even close

That’s it. Jack Nicklaus has been voted the greatest golfer of all time, and it wasn’t even close.

The golden bear left Tiger Woods in his distant wake picking up nearly twice the number of votes as Woods. Nicklaus gained 64 per cent and Woods 36 percent. Nicklaus had much greater longevity, winning his first major in

1962 and his last in 1986. Quite remarkable.

His record in the 1970s was staggering. In 40 major appearances he recorded 35 top 10s. Of course his number of major wins (18) and impressive number of runner up placings (19) leave Woods far behind.

LIV/DP World Tour deal

disastrous

DP World Tour player Eddie Pepperell feels releasing eight of its members to play LIV events in 2026 without punishment could be disastrous.

He believes they run the risk of losing more players to the LIV setup in the future. If it is deemed too soft and they can have their cake and eat it too, the DP World Tour runs the risk of losing two to three players at the end of the season the way they lost Elvis Smylie.

“Not only are we bleeding players to the PGA Tour, we now will potentially bleed more players to LIV,’’ Pepperell said.

“There needs to be a deterrent in place to stop this moving to LIV.”

On Jon Rahm potentially losing his DP World Tour membership if he doesn’t pay his fines Pepperell has no sympathy.

“This is about ego. I say fine, lose your

membership and be no part of the Ryder Cup. This reflects most poorly on him.”

Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return divisive

Not everyone on the PGA Tour is happy with Brooks Koepka’s almost seamless return to the PGA Tour.

Wyndham Clark said: “If you had told me I could have gone for 18 months, made a boatload of money and then been able to come back and play on the tour, I think almost everyone would have done that.”

Hideki Matsuyama also reflected on how easily the PGA Tour ditched its policy of a one year suspension for Koepka.

“While there has been a financial hit, what happened to the rule that players who participated in LIV were not allowed to compete on the PGA Tour for a year,” Matsuyama said.

Matsuyama was also surprised at the speed of the reinstatement and the lack of communication about the returning member programme, saying players were largely unaware such an exception existed.

Not everyone had a problem though. Billy Horschel, Fred Couples and Max Homa

and Tiger Woods all welcomed his return.

PGA Tour like two separate circuits

At least that is the impression after the Genesis Invitational followed by the Cognizant Classic.

It certainly highlighted in stark fashion one of the things wrong with the current PGA Tour.

Just 14 players who played at the $US20 million Genesis lined up for the $US9.6 million Cognizant in a weak field that featured just nine of the world’s top 50.

The PGA Tour feels like a two tier system with the difference in the fields telling the story.

The Genesis featured all of the world’s top 10, 18 of the top 20 and 41 of the top 50 and 69 of the top 100 in the 72 man field. Max Homa was the lowest ranked player at 148.

The contrast with the Cognizant was shocking for the sponsor. There were none of the top 20. World No 26, Ryan Gerard (who?) was the top ranked player. Nine of the top 50 played, 29 of the top 100. World No 4930 Justin Hicks was the lowest ranked player. Yes you read that right.

By Neville Idour

AFarcical TGL plumbs the depths

s if any confirmation was needed, the farcical TGL simulator league provided it at a recent event.

Those few who watched saw a TGL first — wait for it — yes TGL’s first hole in one.

Yeah right, hitting into a screen with an image on it featuring a golf hole and the image of the ball, which is lying somewhere on the floor, rolling into the hole is not scoring a hole in one on a golf course.

While it would have created much humour and celebration for the penny arcade enthusiasts, that’s all it was — a bingo moment.

But oh no, a stand in player for The Bay against Los Angeles GC, 25-year-old Neal Shipley who achieved this feat was obviously overcome and mightily im-

By Neville Idour

Lpressed with his effort. So much so that post match he made the ridiculous claim that he would be 100 percent counting it towards his career record of aces. Maybe it was his first. I couldn’t bring myself to try and find out.

Now while TGL is a kind of elevated simulator golf experience, it is still just that and there is no way he can add this to a career hole in one tally when the ball is being hit into a screen. It is a similar situation to the previous month’s albatross by Justin Rose. His Los Angeles GC team was quick to label it as Rose’s first career albatross. What balderdash and codswallop.

These achievements belong on the golf course, not sideshow alley, especially when it involves the very best players on planet Earth. Let’s face it, there

must be thousands, who knows how many, Joe Blows that have scored so called holes in one on a simulator and a week or two later forgotten it.

Let’s face it TGL will try anything to be seen as a legitimate, competitive golf league, not made for TV exhibitions. Sorry, they aren’t real golf or exhibitions even. They are just fun and games on a simulator. Any self respecting professional golfer should feel ashamed if he were to include simulator games on his golf achievements.

Having said all that I have nothing against simulator golf as it can be a lot of fun, especially when many of the world’s best golf courses are portrayed on screen and you can let your imagination take over for a while. But please TGL, don’t think you are more than you really are, because you aren’t.

Lexi Thompson faces challenges

exi Thompson has revealed personal issues she is dealing with that would challenge anyone.

Mid-2025 the 30-year-old said she had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune thyroid condition that runs in her family.

With that diagnosis Thompson and fiancé Max Provost realised if they want to have children, Thompson should do em-

bryo freezing because “starting a family is the most important thing to me,’’ Thompson said.

While balancing a limited tournament schedule, she underwent two cycles in three months. However the first failed, which Thompson said was “pretty devastating, but tried again with some better results.”

“The physical and emotional toll was immense and putting my body through it for months wasn’t easy, but was well

worth it in the end.”

Through it all Provost was her rock. They were engaged on New Year’s Day, 2025, in Whistler, British Columbia, and have their wedding planned for this month.

Thompson deliberately played a much reduced schedule in 2025 with just 13 events, down from her usual 18-25. She made nine cuts with a best finish of fourth at the Meijer LPGA Classic, plus a 12th and a 14th in the major champion-

ships she played.

“Even though I knew I wasn’t going to play a lot, I still worked extremely hard for the events I did play. There were a lot of ups and downs on and off the golf course, but I am very proud of how I pushed through.”

Earnings of $US759,710 were not to be sneezed at.

So now it is time for a breather and holidays and of course preparing for the wedding.

Mickleson shoots down Chamblee’s claim

By Neville Idour

Controversial commentator Brandel Chamblee, who is never lost for an opinion, stirred up a hornet’s nest recently with his claim that The Player’s Championship should not only be the fifth major championship but that it stands alone and above the other four major championships.

Said Chamblee: “It is in my estimation, the best major. It is the deepest and best field in golf and the hardest major to win. From a shot value standpoint you cannot touch TPC Sawgrass.”  Obviously this provoked a wave of comment and backlash.

The PGA Tour jumped on the bandwagon when the promotional video for the event said: “March is going to be major.”

Wouldn’t the PGA Tour like that, so it could increase its control of world golf. Four out of five majors in the USA is not fostering the growth of world golf.

Phil Mickelson then shot down all the

claims in flames with five words. “I’ve won it. It’s not.”

He then expanded on this explaining that by the PGA Tour banning LIV golfers from competing they invalidate The Players’ major credentials.

“You can’t prohibit four of the world’s top 10 players and be considered a major. That’s reality. LIV players would greatly increase the interest, exposure and commercial value. However the egos of many of the members won’t allow that to happen.”

Lee Westwood said: “It is almost like they are worried. Why would you be if you are doing so well.”

Westwood challenged PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp to invite the top 15 LIV players as a test run to reflect what an open major field would actually look like. Surprise! Rolapp has not responded.

Graeme McDowell added: “The fact that this is even a conversation with the obvious field strength issues is hilarious. It is a wonderful tournament but to be rec-

ognised as a major they have to open the doors to the global best players.”

Rory McIlroy was succinct. “I’m a traditionalist and historian of the game. We have four majors. The Players doesn’t

need to be anything else.”  It is hard to disagree with the opinions opposing Chamblee. The game has enough to be concerned about without adding the drama of a fifth major.

DP World Tour allows eight members to play in LIV events

By Neville Idour

In something of a landmark decision, the DP World Tour has granted conditional releases to eight members which will allow them to play in conflicting tournaments on LIV Golf during the 2026 season.

The conditions include payment of fines and all outstanding fines for breaches of the DP World Tour regulations, as well as participation in additional stipulated DP World Tour tournaments and withdrawal of all pending appeals.

Laurie Canter, Thomas Detry, Tyrrell Hatton, Tom McKibbin, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, David Puig and

Elvis Smylie have all accepted the conditions specified by the tour for their release. Thus all eight players will retain their membership status provided they meet the conditions.

The DP World Tour said: “The conditions they have accepted will provide additional value to the DP World Tour and benefit to the entire membership.”

All they have to do is toe the line according to the conditions for releases to play on the LIV Golf Tour and there will be no disciplinary action.

However there is one notable name missing from that list of eight players — two time major championship winner Jon Rahm.

Rahm has no intention of paying the

fines which have now exceeded $US3 million. He has appealed against the fines, so since the matter was sub judice, he was allowed to tee off at Bethpage Black in New York for the Ryder Cup. A verdict is expected before the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland. It is felt it will go in the DP World Tour’s favour meaning Rahm will either have to pay up or sit out the Ryder Cup.

Hatton also filed a case against the DP World Tour, however, he decided to withdraw it and paid his fines. It is still hoped a diplomatic solution can be reached, with a recent report saying the DP World Tour was reaching out to LIV golfers individually to find a solution.

Said Hatton: ”I don’t know what it

is going to look like, but I’m happy to see the result of looking for a path forward for LIV players to be able to play on both tours and not to get penalised. At this stage it appears unlikely the DPWT will relax their stance.’’

Rahm’s intransigence has provoked varied responses from fans, commentators and players. Rory McIlroy entered the fray urging Rahm and Hatton to pay their fines. He said: “We went really hard on the Americans about being paid to play the Ryder Cup, and we also said we would pay to play in Ryder Cups. There’s two guys who can prove it. It seems Hatton agrees, but Rahm does not.’’

PGA Tour coverage falls well short

By Neville Idour

Iwatched three tournaments, thanks to Sky television and the recording capability over the weekend of February 19-23.

The three events were the NZPGA Championship at Paraparaumu, the LPGA Thailand and The Genesis Invitational at Riviera Country Club in the United States. For the most part it was enjoyable watching, apart from the many shortcomings of the CBS coverage of the Genesis.

For me the Sky coverage of the NZPGA and the Thailand event coverage left The Genesis telecast a poor last, which is ridiculous when you consider the vast resources CBS can provide by comparison.

Watching the final round at Paraparaumu was compelling as youngster Cooper Moore showed why he is so highly rated. The coverage was everything you could have expected. Meanwhile the LPGA Tour also enjoyed excellent coverage of the field especially on the final day when Lydia Ko was in the leading group.

As for the Genesis, it should have been non stop action, especially with Rory McIlroy in the final group with the leader and eventual surprise winner Jacob Bridgeman. Not to forget the prescence of Ryan Fox who made a blistering eagle, birdie start to be amongst the leaders. What did we see? Just his two putts despite being the leading on course scorer at the time on 11 under par. After that he wasn’t seen again until the last couple of holes when he had recovered from a couple of bogeys with three birdies. Ridiculous as he finished tied 7th.

The shortcomings of the Genesis were glaring with Scottie Scheffler in the spotlight, despite being nowhere near the top of the leaderboard at the end of the third round, having survived the cut on the number. He had the worst start of his PGA career being five over par after 10 holes and dead last. Yet despite never being within a bulls roar of contention at any stage of the four rounds we were treated to CBS showing every shot, while some players at or near the top of the leaderboard were getting little or no attention.

No wonder fans were angry. Of course this was not Scheffler’s fault. There were players who moved into contention who were virtually ignored while Scheffler remained the centrepiece of the coverage.

Yet this was not the first time CBS has been under the gun for what is nothing less than biased coverage. The 2026 Phoenix Open was another prime example. The eventual winner Chris Gotterup was ignored for large chunks of his final round while the cameras were focussed on Scheffler and Hideki Matsuyama who was also in contention. Some of the ``big names’’ CBS prioritised over Gotterup finished well down the leaderboard.

The PGA Tour is just as pathetic featuring a tweet on the final day at the Genesis which read: “Bouncing back on the final nine holes was Scottie Scheffler with four birdies.” Bouncing back when not in contention is over the top.

Not surprisingly the internet virtually exploded with angry fans letting their feelings known. Just a few make busy reading.

Said one: “Why are we watching the bum in 49th

place? I don’t get it.”

Another: “I get to watch six replays of Scheffler lipping out a putt but I can’t watch Homa hit more than his first tee shot.”

And another: Dear Golf Channel, show me more than the same three people playing plus players at the range.” Have to agree. I have never worked out why we need to watch players warming up on the range.

We know Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are big money bringers, but fans don’t like the coverage completely focussed on them when they aren’t in contention. Incidentally, last year at the Genesis Ludvig Aberg’s victory was also not covered well as they were busy following McIlroy back then.

The other aspect of the coverage I found frustrating, which happens with most PGA Tour coverage, is the amount of dead time wasted during coverage.

What do I mean by that? Too much talking heads for a start. I decided to time a couple of dead times. We had the sight of Aldrich Potgieter hitting a tee shot then having to watch him walk along the fairway for 70 seconds until he reached his ball. The other one I timed was leaders McIlroy and Bridgeman talking on the first tee for 90 seconds before teeing off. These scenarios were repeated time and again throughout the tournament.

Comparing this coverage of golf shots to that on LIV Golf is hugely disparate. While the PGA Tour coverage has copied some aspects of LIV, it needs to copy the amount of live action. Times like these we are thankful for the recording facility so we can fast forward the boring bits.

Signature events cop widespread criticism

By Neville Idour

The much lauded (by the PGA Tour) eight designated signature events are not universally popular. In fact, it is more like universally unpopular.

These limited field big money events are exclusive of the vast majority of PGA Tour members and this has ruffled many feathers, especially as there are so many of these events. Discontent for these $US20 million tournaments is bubbling away.

The signature events were introduced in 2023 to curb the threat of LIV Golf. What a joke. They have failed miserably. The upshot is many players, fans and commentators have vented their thoughts and frustrations about these exclusive tournaments.

The major criticism points to reduced playing opportunities with the smaller fields reducing the interest factor for the players and those watching on television. The qualifying criteria only offers places to players in

the best form, but can still leave some of the best PGA Tour members in the world cooling their heels or warming their bottoms on couches, instead of strengthening the fields.

Conversely, some supporters will argue that the signature events allow the best players in the world to come together far more often than usual, and the huge pots of money are a significant plus for the players. Be that as it may be, the general consensus would indicate there are more downsides than upsides at present.

Could the PGA Tour make some changes to improve them or are they fine as they are? Again, the consensus amongst the knowledgeable golf fraternity is no and no.

Erik Van Rooyen once said he hates them while Lucas Glover, who has regularly been a part of them,  is a long time opponent of them voicing many of the foregoing criticisms.

Many respected and long time Golf Monthly journalists and commenta-

tors are not fans. Elliot Heath was as blunt as it gets.

Heath said: “The best way to fix them is remove them. They are unfair. At the Pebble Beach Pro-Am Tony Finau,  the world No 105, received a sponsor’s invite while the worlds 37th, 38th and 40th players failed to qualify.”

Matt Cradock said: “I’ve never been a fan and see it more as a financial reward for loyal PGA Tour players. At Pebble Beach how is it that Nicolai Hojgaard who is world No 50 and 18th in the FedEx Cup is 10th alternate while Billy Horschel and Finau who have made a total of three cuts in eight starts between them this year get to play?”

Nick Bonfield was also pointed. “ I think they should eradicate signature events (sounds like pest control). I’ve never been a fan. They are simply a vehicle to pay the top players more money. They came about in response to LIV Golf because many of the top

players felt they were under compensated. I don’t care if they feel they deserve more — they are absurdly rich as it is.”

Barry Plummer said: “I am a traditionalist. I want to see a cut. Giving the best players in the world a free hit eight times a year to amass world ranking points and ridiculous amounts of cash without having to earn them in the first two days of play seems unfair. I’m also not a fan of sponsors’ exemptions that are handed out to big name players who are not in good form at the expense of players who are in good form but just missed out on qualifying.”

Jonny Leighfield added: “It’s only a matter of time until signature events disappear – certainly in their current guise.”

No question the signature events should be given the chop as the only ones benefitting are the top players raking in the dough and they are hardly likely to complain.

Talking heads reveal little of substance NEWS

By Neville Idour

One of the more nebulous yet amusing sidelights of the Tiger Woods hosted Genesis Invitational was the necessary interview with Woods by Jim Nantz and Trevor Immelman.

Of course the prospect of when Woods might next tee it up at a tourna-

ment came up, in particular the Masters Tournament from April 9-12. In typical Woods fashion nothing concrete was revealed.

He did say he would be in the vicinity to open his newly designed course at Augusta Municipal Golf Course, but also he would be at Augusta’s annual championship dinner.

“I know I’ll be there for the great dinner as we are opening the new layout.”

This is where the scenario got amusing watching in particular, Immelman hanging on every word, almost drooling at what was to come next as if it was from the mouth of God. Well in fact it was virtually nothing, certainly of any substance.

Woods was non committal about his chances of teeing it up at Augusta, but if he did he hinted he could even play an event beforehand then said what really mattered.

“I don’t know that. I don’t know. Whether it’s a regular tour, senior tour or member guest, I don’t know.”

However, Woods has more than playing on his mind as he now chairs the PGA Tour’s future competition committee. This was established last August to carry out a review of the circuit’s current competitive set up.

“Whether it’s our partners, the fans, the players and everyone involved with the PGA Tour, what is the best model for all of the tour in the future?” Woods said.

“That’s the job of the FCC and we’re

trying diligently, each of us, with emails, group texts, calls late in the night, ideas — everything is free flowing and we have another meeting coming up.”

You can just imagine them all sitting at their phones at 2am in their pyjamas. Oh please!!!

Woods then delivered the coup de gras of nebulousness. He wouldn’t confirm any fine detail but said “nothing’s set in stone. As I said (yes, we did hear you) we’re free flowing (whatever that means), trying to create the best model going forward (already said that) and all of our media partners understand that.”

And the final clincher: “We’ve had talks with every sponsor of every event. From the president, to the CFOs to the CEOs. So we’ve had all those conversations and people are willing to move around the schedule and do what’s best, and we want to have, as I said, the best environment, the best tour, and keep elevating our tour to be even better than what it is right now.”

Wow. I can only hope you dear readers feel enlightened and informed by all that twaddle.

Player spotlight: Barrie Diederiks A true champion who goes the extra distance

Atrue Champion who goes the extra distance — in every sense of the word. Barrie Diederiks is the embodiment of commitment, grit, and sportsmanship. Competing in both the Open and Masters Divisions, Barrie continues to push the limits of performance while representing the very best of competitive long drive in New Zealand. His willingness to step up across divisions speaks volumes about his drive, fitness, and unwavering competitive spirit. But Barrie’s

impact doesn’t stop at the tee box. Alongside his lovely wife Annemari, he is a constant presence at events — offering support, lending a helping hand, and contributing to the positive culture that surrounds our sport. Whether it’s competing at full throttle or assisting behind the scenes, Barrie represents what it truly means to be part of a team. Barrie, congratulations! You have been officially selected to represent the New Zealand Long Blacks Masters 2026. This selection re-

flects not only your success and wins to date, but your dedication, humility, and champion spirit — both on and off the tee. Thank you for your commitment to the sport, your leadership by example, and the energy you bring to every event. We are proud to have you representing the Masters squad and look forward to growing the team brand together in 2026 and beyond. Here’s to more victories, more milestones, and continued success.

New Zealand Long Blacks and Aussie Long Ballers ambassadors

A decade of drive. A new era of leadership.

As we enter 2026, we mark a defining milestone — a decade of vision and investment in Long Drive since 2016. Founder Olna Ford began investing in the future of the sport in 2016, laying the commercial and structural foundations that would follow. In 2017, the national teams were formally established in both New Zealand and Australia — the New Zealand Long Blacks and the Aussie Long Ballers — creating a powerful trans-Tasman platform for elite competition and growth.

The Trans-Tasman Clash

At the heart of this rivalry is the prestigious Trans-Tasman Clash, where the two nations compete for the specially crafted Darren Wise Stingray — a symbol of strength, precision and competitive pride. The Stingray represents more than a trophy. It represents legacy, rivalry and respect between two nations bound by sport.

Navigating Challenge. Building Strength.

Like much of global sport, Long Drive across New Zealand and Australia slowed significantly during the pandemic period. Events reduced. Sponsorship tightened. Momentum shifted.

But the foundation held firm.

In the post-pandemic environment, a renewed commercial and strategic vision was implemented under XDL — strengthening governance, sharpening business frameworks and positioning the sport for sustainable expansion.

Since 2022, that recalibrated direction has delivered international recognition, with the sport collectively securing 18 International Business Awards — affirming innovation, resilience and strategic leadership on the world stage.

2026 – Ambassador Leadership

Announced

As we celebrate nearly a decade since the teams were founded in 2017, we proudly announce the New Zealand Long

Blacks Ambassadors for 2026. These ambassadors represent performance, integrity and generational leadership within the sport.

Aussie Long Ballers – Special Announcement

As part of this trans-Tasman leadership structure, we are proud to confirm that Australian Ambassador appointments will be formally announced during this media release cycle.

This announcement signals renewed momentum and strategic alignment for the Aussie Long Ballers as we strengthen the trans-Tasman platform heading into 2026.

Both nations stand united in leadership, competition and growth.

Generational Strength on the Tee

Andrew Storm & Seth Storm

New Zealand Long Black Andrew Storm stands alongside his son Seth Storm — both champions — symbolising legacy, power and passion for the future of Long Drive.

Recently named New Zealand Long Black Devlyn Birchall, together with his

son Brax Birchall, embody dedication, discipline and championship performance on and off the tee.

Official Ambassador Appointments

We proudly confirm:

* Seth Storm - New Zealand Long Blacks Ambassador (Juniors)

* Brax Birchall - New Zealand Long Blacks Ambassador (Juniors)

* Skye Parata - New Zealand Long Blacks Ambassador (Juniors)

Our ambassadors:

* Represent the sport locally and internationally

* Are eligible for selection at special events

* Play a vital role in team growth across NZ and Australia

* Inspire the next generation of Long Drive athletes

The Next Decade Begins

From early investment in 2016…To team establishment in 2017… Through pandemic disruption…To 18 International Business Awards since 2022… Long Drive stands structured, resilient and globally recognised.

With the Trans-Tasman Clash and the Darren Wise Stingray at the centre of competitive pride, and with ambassadors leading from the tee, 2026 signals the beginning of the next powerful chapter. DRIVEN. UNITED. BUILDING LEGACY.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE REGIONS

Harbour Golf Association, Barfoot & Thompson Ladies 2 day Classic

Waikato Golf – Isaac Steel

TTaranaki Strokeplay Championship The Manawatu Wanganui Masters and Horowhenua Open

aranaki Strokeplay Championship. Taranaki’s Brodie Ferguson recently wins the men’s gross and

Blair Briscoe the best net. Ladies winner was Sarah Li and best net Kaye-Maree Mihaljevich.

The Manawatu Wanganui Masters and Horowhenua Open were contested over 36 holesr recently at Levin Golf Club, with a shotgun start sending a strong field of 70 players out across the course in challenging conditions.

With much of the country battered by persistent rain and rough weather in recent weeks, competitors were grateful for a dry day in Levin. While rain stayed away, the wind made scoring difficult and players were further tested by fast, true greens that demanded precision and confidence.

Both men’s and women’s Masters divisions were on display alongside the Horowhenua Open, producing some high-quality golf across the field.

In the Women’s Masters, Lisa Herbert (Paraparaumu/Feilding Golf Club) continued her remarkable dominance, claiming the title for an incredible fifth consecutive

year, further cementing her place in the tournament’s history.

The Men’s Masters title was claimed by Elton Nicholson of Royal Wellington who etched his name onto the trophy for the first time. In a special moment, Nicholson joins his good mate Jono Cane who had won the title in each of the previous two years.

The Horowhenua Open shares the Open trophy between the top men and woman competitors. Todays celebration was with local talent William Dunsmore (Manawatu Golf Club and Golf New Zealand Academy member) teaming up with Hawke’s Bay representative Devon Henare of Napier Golf Club to take out the Open trophy.

In addition to the gross titles, net winners were recognised across all divisions, highlighting the depth and competitiveness of the field.

Women’s District Strokeplay Championship 2026 Canterbury Strokeplay at Clearwater Golf Club

Ōtaki Golf Club, recently held the Women’s District Strokeplay Championship, and Stableford Pairs events.

An important event on the Golf Wellington Inc calendar, female players of all

ages and stages competing together.

Congratulations to Erika Cui from Royal Wellington Golf Club the 2026 champion, Teisa-mania Vaka and Brooke Ball from Shandon Golf Club and Waikanae Golf Club the pairs winners.

Otago’s Ricky Kang recently won the 2026 Canterbury Strokeplay at Clearwater Golf Club.

Ricky led from start to finish, claiming a 1-shot victory over Bay of Plenty’s Mitch

Kale.

Other Otago finishes @theraphandco finished in 4th place on +6 for the 4 rounds, and Connor Howes finished a further two shots back in 5th place.

The 2026 South Island Strokeplay Championships

The 2026 South Island Strokeplay Championships which was also the Southland Strokeplay Championships was played recently at Invercargill Golf club.

Men

Champion - Ricky Kang (211)

Runner-up - Ishaan Shah (213)

3rd - Ben Patston (216)

Women

Champion - Yoonae Jeong (225)

Runner-up- Olivia Frost (233)

3rd- Sam Walker (253)