Young golfers to compete in champs

Talented young golfers are visiting Taupō Golf Club during the school holidays for the annual Junior and Mini Masters Age Group Championship.

Local players will be outnumbered by players from many North Island golf clubs, so it’s a great time to make new golfing friends.

The championship is played over two and half days, from October 12-14.

Among those entered is Nikkie Liu, who is competing in the under 13 years, 18-hole girls’ category. The 11year-old intermediate school student has been playing for five years and possesses a handicap index of 5.7. She has coaching lessons twice a week at her Remuera club plus three other practice sessions.

Close to 100 young golfers are competing and enjoying what Taupō has to offer. The event is in a slightly different format from usual with juniors playing in divisions according to age.

Tournament registration begins at the club from noon, with a putting championship on while registration is under way on the main practice green in front of the clubhouse.

At mid-afternoon there will be an official opening and karakia performed by a local college and then golf players are treated to a barbecue.

Then it is time to play an Ambrose on Tauhara Golf Course.

Thursday dawns and the field plays on Centennial Golf Course.

Age groups start from under-19s playing white tees, then under-13s playing yellow tees, and under-11s playing the terracotta tees, while a group of 20 budding golfers play a nine-hole competition.

If they still have the energy they can contest the Long Drive competition at Pro Drive Golf’s newly updated range at Wairakei Park, or explore their options by using the vouchers found in the goody bags they received to explore Taupō.

On Friday, all players play the Tauhara Course, for Moving Day — the final round of the event.

The tournament winner will be presented the Mike Alexander Cup after two rounds.

Most prize winners in the age group categories will receive prize vouchers from Pro Drive.