Teachers’ tournament turning 50

GOLF

MANY people will tell you there are few better stress relievers than a round of golf.

And teachers must build up their share of stress after a whole year of dealing with kids, right?

Perhaps that explains how long the King Edward Open Teachers Golf tournament has run.

All right, maybe that is not the only reason.

But reaching 50 years is certainly a huge achievement for that type of event.

It will celebrate a halfcentury on December 13 at the Waikouaiti Golf Club.

The event is open to all education staff, who have been involved at any time, at all levels.

It used to be a 27hole event, but is now played over 18 holes, with both handicapped and nonhandicapped competitions.

Organising committee member Roddy Scoles said there had been a handful of key people in keeping it going.

He said the event attracted around 6070 people at its peak, although in recent years that dropped to 3040.

It was hoped the 50th anniversary would attract some former teachers back, as well as bring in some new ones.

Among the traditional favourites was New Zealand speed golf champion Richard Olsen, who teaches at Balmacewen Intermediate.

While there was a trophy to play for, Scoles said it was the social element that was the key reason to keep it going.

‘‘The collegial side of probably quite important.

‘‘Teachers don’t really catch up with teachers from other schools all that much.

‘‘I’d say that’s the most important thing.

‘‘I’m a primary teacher, so I get a chance to catch up with not only primary teachers, but also secondary and tertiary ones.’’

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