
Fine overhead but cloudy conditions greeted all 33 pairs of golfers as they endeavoured to qualify for the WCGC New Zealand Final at Clearwater Resort in Christchurch on May 21st.
The Akarana Golf Club, host of the recent secondary NZPGA Charles tour event, presented a very well-groomed 18 holes. The shotgun start format where all players tee off simultaneously was well received by players, management and the NZWCGC organising group as it allows all teams to complete their rounds in much the same time frames.
The Akarana Golf Club provided pre game BBQ food, fruit box additions and the One Pure Water NZWCGC sponsorship looked after their on course water requirements.
WCGC New Zealand qualifier results were as follows:
Ross Baker and Dan Meiklejohn of BDR Security were the winners with 73 points; Peter Collins and Roger Harris representing event sponsor IC Frith Insurance, runners up with 71; and the Francis Chai /JS Khor combo playing for sponsor Malaysian Airlines, rounded out the top 3 placings also with 71 points. The ARA Wines sponsors’ team of Andrew Barr and Roger Pears were in 4th place with 71, and the last of the prize-winners, 5th place with 68 points were Carl Hustler and Shane Watts playing for Brokerweb Risk Services.
These results see the top three teams travelling to the national final at the Clearwater Resort in Christchurch on May 21st – sure to be a great battle among the field.
The day finished with the Akarana prizegiving dinner which was of its usual high standard, supplemented by the equally highly regarded NZWCGC sponsor ARA Wines, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.