Austrailia Tour 2019

August 2019

Firstly, I would like to start with a very big thank you to Paul Rauputu and Kerry Edgecombe for their time and commitment organising throughout the year and coordinating a great trip, everyone appreciated their hard work.

Cheers Lofty

On August 19th, 15 Manukorihi members departed Auckland for Coolangatta Airport to embark on a week long golf tour on the Gold Coast.

Day 1:

After landing safely and boarding our two mini vans we were whisked away to Tweed Heads Golf Club, a short drive from the airport. Slightly lethargic bodies swung hopefully on the first tee but it was the prepacked lunch/beer at the halfway point that gathered the most applause! A tight course with lots of unfortunately placed bunkers made this course a difficult test first up, leave the driver at home. Ricey the victor on 38 points. Average across the field 29 points.

Day 2:

The Royal Pines course was the host of the 2019 Aus PGA and it didnt disappoint with long narrow fairways and bunker clad greens, a stern test for most golfers even off the whites. The pace of the greens catching many unaware with 62 3 putts recorded, an average of 4.2 per player. John Van Der Leden was the winner of the day with 35 points, average STFD across the field 27.

Day 3:

Undoubtedily one of the most picturesque and also challenging courses on tour. Lakelands had driveable fairway bunkers that caught most players out on more than one occasion, however wider fairways gave players options off the tee. The greens were more puttable than the previous two courses and two players found their mojo with 40 points each, congrats JR and Mike Leterman. Average STFD across the field 34 and only 49 “3 putts” recorded.

Day 4:

The boys were in need of a rest day by Day 4 and the undulating practice green at Palm Meadows raised a few eyebrows. A challenging layout coupled with slick greens meant scoring was tough. A superb round from Jody Bound took out the day with 40 points and also the yellow tour leaders jersey off a relieved Vandels. Average STFD across the field 29, 62 “3 putts” recorded.

Day 5:

The Glades is a beautiful, well manicured course with well placed fairway bunkers but also plenty of room for the bigger hitters to “have a go”. Voted as the tour’s 2nd best if not the best course played over the week, a must do for all future trips. Terry Butler proved the most resilient sweeping in with 39 points to take the days top spot followed by JR and John Skellern on 36 points. Average

STFD 32, average 3 putts pp 2.8.

It was a 3 horse race at the start of the 5th day for the overall STFD between Jody, Mike L and Vandels. Congratulations to Jody Bound the inaugural Aussie trip winner with a combined STFD of 171, averaging 34.2 points per day. 2nd John Van Der Leden 167 and 3rd Mike L 158 points.

A great time was enjoyed by all with smooth temperatures in the mid 20s and cool beers flowing in the evening.

Hawaii was laid down as the venue for the next outing!

See you all there.

Paul R

Back left: Ricey, Paul, Scally, Terry, JC, Jan, Mike, Kerry, Richie

Front row: JR, Irish, Paul, Lofty, Dave, Ian