Northern Advocate sports editor Andrew Johnsen checks his tee shot on the par three fifth hole. Photo/Supplied
Northern Advocate sports editor Andrew Johnsen checks his tee shot on the par three fifth hole. Photo/Supplied
The weather gods were certainly smiling on the Bay of Islands Golf Club Kerikeri for the eighth running of the NZME Hospice Mid Northland Charity Golf Tournament.
The tournament, aimed at raising money for Hospice Mid Northland, ran without a hitch and basked under the unencumbered sunlight.
Golf was definitely the winner on the day as 23 teams played 18 holes of Ambrose golf and the enjoyment showed in the fundraiser tally, which amounted to $15,000.
The funds will go towards nurses to provide services out to the people in the community and clinical equipment needed to help patients back into their homes, amongst other things.
NZME, and in particular Account Manager Brady Arkle, have been instrumental in what has become an annual juggernaut to help raise money for a great cause.
The tournament is a real passion project for Arkle and wouldn't be the rousing success it is without his input.
Golfers got the chance to mingle with former caddie Steve Williams at the NZME Hospice Mid Northland Charity Golf Tournament at the Bay of Islands Golf Club Kerikeri. Photo/Supplied
Hospice Mid Northland's Dot Pumipi said they had received nothing but great feedback from those in attendance, which was the general consensus on the beautiful golf course.
The feedback given from players was brilliant. Team captains were quick to say they wanted to book again," she said.
"We thoroughly enjoyed it, weather couldn't have been better and the bevies were flowing which was what golf is about.
"Homestead Tavern, who sponsored one hole, already want to book two holes to sponsor. We sent emails out to the team captains to see if they want to re-book and we've already had seven teams reply.
"The Bay of Islands Golf Club Kerikeri really enjoyed it. We looked after them and their new manager who thought the day went perfectly.
"He had only been in the role for one week but has managed courses for 10 years and he said it was the first golf tournament he hasn't had to do any work at.
"But of course without NZME, we wouldn't have the tournament."
Former caddie Steve Williams was on hand on the par three fifth hole to run a closest to the pin challenge, which was an absolute highlight of the day, especially for myself.
He was more than happy to sign golf balls, grab photos and of course hand out some expert golfing tips.
All in all, the NZME Hospice Mid Northland Charity Golf Tournament was an uninhibited success by any measure and, with the interest already shown for the 2018 event, is well on its way to becoming an iconic Northland sporting event.
