Hi there

Mountcastle Triumphs at Canterbury Stroke Play

New Zealand and Wellington rep Kerry Mountcastle staged a spectacular back nine comeback to beat Canterbury’s Kazuma Kobori by one shot for the Men’s Championship at the 2021 Smiths City Canterbury Stroke Play held at Clearwater.

Kobori led by a shot starting the final round and by the 12th hole had built that lead up to three shots courtesy of a short game masterclass - sinking many length putts, and a chip-in on 12. Mountcastle was striking the ball well but couldn’t capitalise missing several makeable birdie putts through to hole 14. On this tricky par 5 he hit an iron off the tee then a spectacular 3 wood onto the green and 15 foot from the flag. Mountcastle actually thought the shot had gone into the hazard and was relieved to see it had found the green. He finally made a putt for eagle and the “two horse” race was now tied. However there was more drama to come. Mountcastle hit it in the hazard on 15 and bogeyed but Kobori also bogeyed from the middle of the fairway after misjudging the tail wind. Then on 16 hitting into the wind Kobori’s tee shot found the water and he made double bogey. Mountcastle also missed the green and made bogey but gained a shot. On 17 Mountcastle again hit it left way in the hazard. The ball was found in the trees, he hit it out and then onto the green and made a great bogey. Meanwhile Kobori could only manage bogey after finding the fairway bunker. Both players played solid down the 18th and they both made 5 foot putts for par giving the victory to Mountcastle by one. 

Read More

House of Travel Supports Player Development

The House of Travel Tour combines the Southland Stroke Play, the Otago Stroke Play and the Canterbury Stroke Play. The House of Travel Tour are below had the best 9 round gross scores in each section.

Women's Open Winner
Sumin Kang

Men's U19 Winner
Zach May

Men's Open Winner
Kazuma Kobori

Men's Open Runner Up
Phil Bungard

These players were awarded travel vouchers to assist with tournament expenses. The vouchers totalling $3250 are supported by the sponsors of the tour, Aotea Electric, House of Travel, Golf Southland, Golf Otago, the Otago Golf Club and Canterbury Golf.

Canterbury Club Forum - Beyond 2021

Based on the overwhelming success of the forum held at Clearwater in 2019, the 2021 PowerTurf Canterbury Golf Club Forum is scheduled for Russley Golf Club on Sunday 23 May. With the theme “Beyond 2021 – Golf Clubs in a Post COVID World” interactive discussion will take place on how do we make our club sustainable post Covid? How can new technologies help us with retention and cost/time savings? And why is collaboration the new buzzword in club leadership? 

Over a cup of tea or a sandwich spend time talking with others from within and outside our region, learn their stories and develop great connections for the future. The forum will again be facilitated by Master MC Stephen Gee, and a guest speaker will be announced soon. Panel members and speakers include - Golf NZ, Dotgolf, Bowls NZ, NZ Rugby, and club leaders. All club management will be invited to attend, and again attendance will be free! This is a “must do” for clubs so put the date in your diary. 

She Loves Golf Sixes Attract Women to Golf

She Loves Golf 6’s has continued to grow this summer with ten events being held over summer at six local golf clubs. SLG6’s are fun, fast and social 6-hole events for women who are new to playing golf on the golf course. The format is a 2-person Ambrose format on a shortened 6-hole course helping participants to build confidence in a fun, positive environment supported by volunteers from the club. The growth and popularity of the SLG6’s format along with positive feedback from participants illustrates the opportunity to offer more organised playing experiences that provide a visible pathway from one-off introductory events and coaching. Since November last year, 137 women have signed up to play the series and participant numbers have grown from 15-20 women attending SLG6’s events a couple of years ago to over 60 participants at some events this season. Based on the success of the series, She Loves Golf 9’s events are now being planned to provide the opportunity for participants to play an individual format.

Friends of Canterbury Golf Tournament

Arrangements are being made to have a Friends of Canterbury Golf tournament at Waimak Gorge on Friday 30 April. 

Members will be invited and asked to bring a couple of friends to compete in a fun Ambrose format. FOCG corporate sponsor Karen Chappell have engaged one of their corporate partners Telegistics to sponsor the tournament. More information to be released soon.

Canterbury Golf Captains Day Tournament

Canterbury Golf Captains Day Tournament was held at Greendale Golf Club. It’s always a great opportunity for Canterbury Men and Women Club Captains to enjoy each other's company and share ideas from their respective clubs.

There was some excellent scoring, in particular by the Ladies Club Captains which saw the top nine teams separated by just six stableford points. Burnham’s Club Captains Aaron Tallott (39 pts) and Audrey Flower (40pts) won the tournament with a combined total of 79 stableford points. In second place a point back on 78 points were Hawarden’s Allan Easte (38 pts) and Michelle Fletcher (40pts) with Lincoln’s Scott Saunders (37pts) and Janice Rolls (40pts) third on 77 points.