2007 Westland Golf Classic

Date: 29 January, 2007

Family rivalry likely in the 2007 Westland Golf Classic.

Among the 133 entries received for this years Addison’s Carpet Court Westland Golf Classic is budding Hokitika champion 13 year old Cameron Day.

The Westland Classic will be played at the Greymouth Golf Club on the 10th and 11th February. The event is in its second year and once again has attracted golfing great, Sir Bob Charles. Organisers of the event are thrilled with the return of Sir Bob and no doubt his presence will be an inspiration to future talent such as Cameron.

The 133 entrants represent 17 clubs, many of which are from outside the West Coast. There is an Australian presence at the tournament again this year, with four players from Lithgow entering.

West Coast Development Trust Trustee Brian Wilkinson has nominated Cameron, saying “he was happy to see this young talent get the opportunity to experience a major tournament.” The Trust has provided community funding for this event, recognizing the value it brings to the region.

Dad Geoff, said when approached to play, the answer was a given “Yes please!” said Cameron.

Playing his second summer for the Hokitika Club, Cameron has a smart 18 handicap, his best round being 84 to take second place in the Hokitika Club Christmas tournament last year.

Enjoying the last of his school holidays in Nelson this week, Cameron may not just be thinking about the competition like big gun Sir Bob Charles. Cameron will face Mum Alison, Uncle, David Warnes and Granddad Graeme Warnes. Graeme has had a long association with the Greymouth Club, having served as Secretary and President. It was his influence, taking his grandsons around the course during holidays that got Cameron and his brother Matt involved in the sport.

Dad Geoff has decided to sit this one out and younger brother Matt will no doubt be eying 2008, especially as the 11 year old sports a very acceptable 17 handicap.

“Cameron knows the course well, and while he no doubt will be a little overawed at the beginning of the tournament, once he settles down he will be just fine, said Geoff. “He has a level head.”

Despite featuring in this tournament, Cameron still enjoys rugby, cricket and basketball and will not be making any major decisions about his golfing career at this time. “He’s young and there’s plenty of time to see where the sport will take him” said proud dad Geoff.

The Addison’s Carpet Court Westland Golf Classic tees off at the Greymouth Golf Club on Saturday February 10.

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Date: 29 January 2007.

Westland Golf Classic organisers confirm Sir Bob Charles

Sir Bob Charles will make his appearance for the second year running when he participates in the Addison’s Carpet Court Westland Golf Classic being held at the Greymouth Golf Club in early February.

Organisers of the event have confirmed Sir Bob’s attendance, saying they are thrilled he is coming back. Sir Bob is one of the 133 entries received to date from a possible full card of 140 participants.

Entries have been received from 17 clubs, the vast majority of which are from outside the West Coast Region. There is an Australian presence at the tournament again this year, with four players from Lithgow entering.

As the 10th and 11th of February looms nearer, the organising committee is revving up their preparations. Cash sponsorship has been obtained for all holes, with other sponsorships of prizes and products being contributed.

“This is a major event on our golfing calendar,” said tournament secretary Rob Harrison, “and we are thrilled with the community help we’ve received.”

‘With the continuing support of our named sponsor Addison’s Carpet Court, and in association with the strong support offered again by the West Coast Development Trust and other sponsors, we are in a position to present a first class event for the club,” added Harrison. “Maintenance of a sporting facility the like of the Greymouth golf course requires considerable and on-going funding, and a successful tournament would certainly help that need,” he added.

Other local hole sponsors include The Recreation Hotel, IPL, Electronet, Campbell Renton Hardware, MarkDavidson House of Travel, Kingsgate Hotel Greymouth, Ferguson Bros Industrial, Solid Energy and Coastwide Honda and Speights Brewery and Greymouth Golf Range.

There has also been very strong hole sponsorship support from the Eastern side of the Alps, reported Rob Harrison, With FMR Brokers, Vero Insurance, Gilt Edge Industries, Hellers, Nobilo Wine Group and Garden City Golf all contributing.

While last year’s winner of the Westland Classic, Geoff Saunders from Christchurch, is unable to defend his title through his commitments in Australia on the Board of NZ Golf that weekend, former stalwart of Greymouth golf and now Canterbury domiciled Ian Donaldson might consider his chances of the title somewhat enhanced.

There is likely to be some healthy district and family rivalry during the tournament too.

Thirteen year old Cameron Day and Mum Alison from Hokitika will pit their talents against Cameron’s Uncle, David Warnes and Grandfather Graeme Warnes.

Graeme Warnes has been a long time servant of the Greymouth Club having held positions of Secretary, Treasurer and President. It was his influence that got Cameron and his younger brother Matt (11yrs) involved in the sport.

With little more than 3 weeks to go, the organising committee are finalising details to ensure another successful Westland Classic.

ENDS

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