Another Great Honour for a Sporting Legend

Another Great Honour for a Sporting Legend

Sir Bob Charles, the first New Zealander to win one of golf's major
titles, and the only left handed player to ever win the British Open,
receives a homegrown honour in Christchurch today.

Lincoln University is presenting Sir Bob with an honorary Doctor of
Natural Resources degree.

The degree citation says Sir Bob's "long combination of golf and farming
means that for the bulk of his life (he) has earned his living
outdoors".

"The outdoors environment in New Zealand is that great natural resource
that has traditionally helped define Kiwis and we see it clearly in the
life of Sir Robert..."

Sir Bob is extremely humbled by the honour and delighted to accept it.

"It is a memorable occasion for me. My father, who was a school teacher,
passed away recently, and would, I am sure, have been extremely proud of
the fact that Lincoln University is honouring me in this way."

The Natural Resources doctorate is particularly poignant for Sir Bob,
who also runs a large farm in Oxford, Canterbury. It fits in with his
belief that the outdoors environment in New Zealand offers an important
contribution to healthy minds and healthy bodies for all Kiwis.

* Sir Robert James Charles was born in the Wairarapa town of
Carterton on March 14 1936. He won more than 70 golfing titles after
turning professional in 1960. His greatest moment came in 1963 when he
won The (British) Open at Royal Lytham and St. Annes winning a 36 hole
playoff by eight strokes from American Phil Rodgers. Sir Bob's win in
the 1969 World Matchplay Championship was considered one of his best. In
1993 he won the Senior British Open 30 years after winning his British
Open title. Sir Bob was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999. He is
semi-retired but still plays professional golf in senior events in the
USA and Europe.

ends

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