NZ Secondary Schools and NZ U19 Championships Ready to Roll.

National Champs hits Nelson

This week three of our biggest national titles are on the line, all of which are hosted in the ‘Sunshine City’ of Nelson.

Kicking off proceedings on August 29 we have the New Zealand Secondary Schools final. This has been played since 1984 and has produced some mighty fine golfers with Danny Lee winning the individual event in 2005 when playing for Rotorua Boys High.

Defending their title will be St Peters College who also took home the chocolates back in 2011, so they will no doubt be contenders for the title once again.

This format has a unique difference which allows both genders to compete and Burnside High School of Christchurch have included the talented Amelia Garvey and Juliana Hung who are both ranked in the NZ Golf Order Of Merit top 10. From here it’s simple, teams of four, with the best three scores to count each round and 36 holes will be played on Monday.

With Nelson Golf Club playing host, they have entered a strong team who will have a fighting chance with their highest handicap being only a one, so lookout for the locals this week.

The action doesn’t stop there for Nelson with the New Zealand Men’s Age Group Championship being played on the same track just two days later on the 31st.

First played in 1962, this tournament always gets the nation excited. Opening with 56 holes of strokeplay the 156 strong field is then cut to the top 72 and ties after 36 holes.

This is an important pathway event and to highlight some talent that has been produced from this stage, former winners include Jason Day, Adam Scott & New Zealand’s very own Michael Campbell.

Daniel Hillier will be making an appearance in an attempt to defend his title and continue his amateur dominance over the past 12months. Medals will be awarded to the top three overall, but also to the leading players under 17, 15 & 13.

We now jump just 15 minutes south where Greenacres Golf Club plays host to the New Zealand Women’s Age Group Championships.

With such a small field of 38 there will be no cut and will be a 54 hole stroke play event. This too plays a vital role in player pathways and this week is shaping up to be a shootout between Canterbury’s Amelia Garvey and Bay of Plenty’s Alanna Campbell.

Last years champion Wenyung Keh will not be in town to defend her title which leaves the gate open for a new champion. Medals will also be awarded to the top 3 overall, but also to the leading players under 17, 15 & 13.

Enjoy your weekend and week of golf ahead as New Zealand’s best players of all age groups are out and about and aiming for glory.

: Courtesy NZG press release.