Annual Western Bay of Plenty police charity golf tournament to change venues

Ross Clarke, of St John Ambulance, accepts a $7000 cheque from tournament organisers Senior Constable Richard Shore and Detective Rob McCaskie. Photo / Supplied

After more than two decades, the annual Western Bay of Plenty Police Charity Golf Tournament has come to an end at Omanu Golf Club.

The tournament has been running for 23 years supporting local charities every year, and Omanu Golf Club has hosted the event since its inception.

From next year however, Western Bay of Plenty Police Charity Golf Tournament will have a new home - at Te Puke Golf Club from December 2018.

Mount Maunganui CIB Detective Rob McCaskie has organised the tournament for many years with Senior Constable Richard Shore who has since retired. Senior Constable Bruce Gordon of Te Puke will take over organising the event.

McCaskie said the tournament had raised about $120,000 for local charities since it began in 1994.

This year's tournament raised $8500, which went to the Tauranga Riding For Disabled and the Western Bay of Plenty Police Welfare Fund.

Over the years the tournament had also helped raise money for St John Ambulance, Tauranga TECT Rescue Helicopter, Greerton Village Primary School and many more charities and organisations.

McCaskie said the tournament involved about 25 police personnel, local businessmen and sponsors every year, with funds from entry fees and raffles getting pumped in to help local charities.

"Thank you to the many local businesses and individual sponsors over the years," he said.

Omanu Golf Club general manager Kerry Allan said it was disappointing to lose the annual golf tournament but said it had been a great partnership with police.

"Last year just gone was a record in terms of how much was raised which proves the partnership was working well," Allan said.

Allan said the doors were left open for future charity fundraisers at the club.

"We are available to help any charity to raise funds," he said.

Te Puke Golf Club manager Scott Evans said hosting the tournament was a great opportunity to not just be involved in the fundraiser but to showcase the golf course and club.

"With over 120 players on the day, the club gets great exposure to a wide range of golfers from many different walks of life, all of whom are out on the day with the similar purpose of raising money for a charitable cause," Evans said.

Many businesses donated gifts and prizes which were auctioned after the golf, with all proceeds going towards local charities.

Evans said the club provided a complimentary course hire for the golf day which was normally an individual stableford event, followed by food and refreshments and an auction.

"A great day to be had by all, at a great club, for a great cause."