Issue 1,180
Local News for Local Communities
Thursday 17th April 2025
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Local Boy Running for His Neighbour Page 2
Malvern Anzac Run Pages 8 & 9
Malvern Collie Club Annual Dog Trials Page 11
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CADDYING IN NZ OPEN Being a caddy is not straightforward. You need to have a good knowledge of the game, know how to read the wind and greens as well as have a good relationship with the player. After caddying in his first major tournament, the New Zealand Open Pro-Am Championship at the Millbrook Resort earlier this year, Whitecliffs golfer Alan Lover better understands the pressures involved for the golfer and his role as a caddy. “As the NZ Open is a Pro-Am format, I caddied for an amateur from the Kaiapoi Golf Club on a 10 handicap,” says Alan. “We had two practice rounds and then played Thursday and Friday, but, unfortunately, we didn’t qualify to play the weekend being well down the leaderboard.” He says his player was very nervous, even in the practice rounds. “I tried to talk him through every shot, helping
with club selection, advising what line to hit the ball and reading putts on the green.” However, playing the first tee shot in front of other players, crowds and TV cameras was daunting. “Everyone is there to see where you will hit your shot.” To help put his player at ease, they would turn up an hour before tee off, go to the range and hit a bucket of balls, then to the practice green where Alan would work on putts with his player, and generally get him in the right head space to hit the first tee shot. Alan has played golf for many years and says his experience in playing at a good level has given him exactly what he needs to be a good caddy. “I think I can add a lot to a player in a big tournament like the NZ Open, keeping the player’s head clear so they can play the best they can play,” says Alan. He has played golf
for over 40 years and is a member at the Hororata Golf Club. The biggest challenge is when the player doesn’t listen to what he has to say, and things don’t go right, however that’s where he feels he has so much to offer with advice on club selection, wind direction, and helping to read the greens to help the player to sink more putts. With this year’s NZ Open being Alan’s first major tournament
as a caddy under his belt, he is now looking forward to next year's tournament. “I’ve had this experience, so hopefully next year I will get a professional to caddy for.” When Alan isn’t caddying or playing golf he is busy working as the local mortgage advisor for Loan Market, helping those that are in need of refinance, first home loan, buying a new home, investment property or a property development. He brings the banks to you.
Alan Lover’s first time caddying at the New Zealand Open Pro-Am Championship has given him a taste of the expertise required at championship level and is keen to take part in next year’s tournament.
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