New Zealand’s golf season is in full swing. ISPS Handa Golf, which is one of the main events on the calendar, took place recently. This year’s Handa marked the 99th edition of the event and was exciting from start to finish.
In this post, we are giving you the highlights in form of pics and quotes from media and organizers. At the end, we’ve also summarized the most important upcoming golf events in NZ.
ISPS Handa Golf New Zealand: Highlights from start to finish
Photo: NZ Open Golf
‘It’s been a brilliant start to the ISPS Handa.
Hard to find a more picturesque golf course in the world!’
ISPS (via Twitter, @NZOpenGolf) about the first day of the event. (Yes, they are the organizer, but we couldn’t agree more).
Photo: Millbrook Resorts
‘I love New Zealand food, the hard ground on the course and the feeling of open space. ‘
The youngest professional player at Handa, the 21 year-old Rikuya Hoshino, shares what he likes about New Zealand (Millbrook Resorts via Twitter, @MillbrookNZ)
Photo: @PhotosportNZ
‘Can anyone start as hot as Shoukun Yamashita who made
a hole in one with his first shot of the day…’
New Zealand Golf about the amateur player Shokum’s perfect start. Shokum did in this way secure a free spot for next year’s centenar.
One of the Andrews. Photo: www.nzopen.co.
‘Two Andrews lead morning scorers on day one’
NZ Golf about the two Aussies with the same name who shot their way to an early lead on the first day of Handa.
Photo: NZ Golf
‘Wilkinson makes birdie on 11th. Getting closer to leaders. ‘
NZ Golf (via Twitter) about Wilkinson’s impressive play on day two of the event.
Photos: NZ Sports Photos
‘Nick Flanagan of NSW has a hole in one on the 2nd at Millbrook! ‘
NZ Golf about the second hole-in-one at the tournament. Nick has six professional wins in his luggage and the world is happy to have him back in the game after some recent time of injuries.
Photo: NZ Golf
‘Daniel Hillier bins a 25-foot putt on 18 to send the local crowd into hysterics! ‘
NZ Golf (via Twitter) after Daniel’s amazing performance. Daniel finished T23 at an incredible 16-under.
Photo: NZ Open Golf (Twitter)
‘Terry Pilkadaris tees off in the final round with a five-shot lead!’
NZ Golf Open about Terry’s performance. Terry didn’t make many mistakes during this year’s event and ended up on a second place.
Photo: Asiantourgolf (Twitter)
‘I’ve been aggressive all week so I just wanted to stay aggressive and attack the pins and I just wanted to hole a few more putts.’
Daniel Nibeb about how he managed to break the tournament low score (26 under) set by Kel Nagle 54 years ago (in 1964).
Photo: NZ Golf
‘Shoots seven-under 64 in what could be the best round of his young career! ‘
Milbrook’s Resorts (via Twitter) about the 19 year-old kiwi amateur player Daniel Hillier who played close to flawless and finished as the best amateur player of this year’s event.
The winners
Photo: NZ Open Golf (Twitter)
In case you still are wondering who the winners were:
- Daniel Nisbet
- Terry Pilkadaris
Daniel Hillier finished as the top amateur.
You can find a complete overview of the result here.
A few other Golf events in NZ during 2018 (more details about each here)
- New Zealand Women’s Autumn Foursomes March 20-22 Whakatane Golf Club, Whakatane New Zealand
- New Zealand Women’s Masters April 6-8 Inglewood Golf Club, Taranaki
- New Zealand Mixed Foursomes October 20-21 Maraenui Golf Club, Napier
- New Zealand Amateur Championship October 31 – November 4 Wairakei Golf Club, Taupo
- TORO Women’s Interprovincial December 4-8 Christchurch Golf Club, Christchurch
A Golf Experience the Black Label Way
Are you thinking about visiting New Zealand for any of these events? Get in touch with me directly and find out how we could customize a VIP experience on-site, as well as in combo with other unique experiences around NZ.
Tell us about your dream trip and we’ll let you know how to make it happen.