Golf mad family wins once-in-a-lifetime experience

New Zealand Open: Golf mad family wins once-in-a-lifetime Queenstown golfing experience

The winner of a once-in-a-lifetime golfing trip to Queenstown for the NZ Open was today (January 21 2014) announced as Wellingtonian Irene Murphy.

Mrs Murphy, who is heading to the NZ Open with her family, said she was “shaking like a leaf” when she received the “call of a lifetime”.

“I was so ecstatic. I just don’t win these sorts of things. It’s amazing,” she said.

The ultimate prize for the competition, which was open to anyone who purchased an NZ Open early bird ticket before December 22, was to play a round of golf with two time NZ PGA Champion Michael Hendry and All Black legend Justin Marshall at the exclusive Hills golf course.

As well as the opportunity to play with two of the world’s sporting greats, the prize includes a night at the tournament sponsor hotel Hilton Queenstown and a round of golf at Millbrook Resort, co-host of the event.

“I love golf but I haven’t been playing very long so I decided to gift the prize to my brother and my son,” said Mrs Murphy.

“I’ve never been to Queenstown so I’m looking forward to getting down there and enjoying the tournament,” she said.

The lucky relatives, Lawrence Yarrell and Lawrence Orr, affectionately known as Loz and Little Lorri, are both passionate golfers.

Mr Orr works at Karori Golf Club and is exceptionally excited to “get a few tips from the PGA champion himself”.

“Being in the industry I’ve got a passion for all things golf and I’m a big fan of Michael Hendry,” he said.

“Hendry had a pretty good year last year and I’m excited to have the chance to play with such a great golfer.”

Mr Orr is a greenkeeper at the Karori club and is keen to see The Hills greens up close and personal.

“We’re really happy to be given this opportunity, it’s great and I’ve never been to Queenstown before so I’m even more excited,” said Mr Orr.

ENDS

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