Golf: National code of conduct under review

New Zealand Golf has moved to stop the rot in its public image after incidents involving national team players.

Chief executive Larry Graham yesterday announced a review of development and high-performance programmes. He said it would include an examination of the game's code of conduct and management structures for national teams.

"That is one factor we will consider," he said. "Going forward, we are more focused on success than judicial issues."

In May, a four-man team in Malaysia without a manager were involved in two incidents. Brad Iles and Riki Kauika missed their tee times by oversleeping. Subsequently they played a prank on team-mate Kevin Chun involving his toothbrush.

Iles and Kauika were banned from selection for a subsequent tournament in Argentina.

In future, managers will be sent with similar teams.


"It's as much about us getting it right as them getting it wrong," Graham said.

At the Taranaki Open, several players were involved in damaging a sponsor's tent when drunk. Graham said the formal disciplinary procedures had not been invoked at the request of a tournament official, but the players had paid for the damage.

"We don't believe it warrants a public flogging which is what these guys seem to have been getting," he said.

Graham said there was disappointment that New Zealand did not finish in the top 10 at the Eisenhower tournament in Puerto Rico. But Josh Geary's fifth placing was outstanding and he believed there was a good team spirit.

Chun, who is 18, said yesterday he was angry at the time of the "toothbrush" incident in Malaysia, but didn't believe it affected his performance at the Eisenhower.

"I was very angry at the time," he said. "The guys were supposed to be my team-mates and my mentors, and they wouldn't talk to me.

"But it was all settled a long time ago and I'm disappointed that the media have blown up the incident since."

Next week Chun will play in the Australian Open.