Golf: 200 golfers expected for 9-hole event

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The inaugural national 9 Hole Masters being held at the Bay of Islands Kerikeri Golf Club from November 6-8 has been endorsed by New Zealand Golf and received support from the Bay of Islands/Whangaroa Community Board to the tune of $3000.

Organisers behind the new event advised this amount of "seed funding" was made available to help offset the cost of a professional tournament director for the event, which is open to men and women over 40 years of age.

About 200 golfers from across New Zealand are expected to converge upon Kerikeri for this year's inaugural tournament, with the series being played on Stableford points with age and handicap divisions.

Far North Mayor John Carter said the tournament was in keeping with the district council's policy to encourage the development of events that bring visitors to the north.

"These people are going to be in the Far North for a minimum of three days and possibly for longer.

"It provides a great opportunity to showcase the district and encourage longer stays before and after the actual event and also to encourage return visits to the district whether for business or pleasure," he said.

The golf club, which has hosted a number of national events in the past is working on a three-year programme for the new 9-hole masters nationals.

Club president Maurice Penney noted the tournament was designed to cater to the increasing demand for the less strenuous 9-hole golf format, instead of the 18-hole version.