Eagles fly at local tournament

17 Oct, 2022

JULIA WADE

A large flock of fledging golfers from all around the country landed on local greens recently to take a swing in the same direction as golfing superstars Lydia Ko and Michael Campbell.

Hosted at Mangawhai Golf Club by the Eagles Golfing Society of Northland [EGSN] 60 up-and-coming young players took their best shots across the 18-hole course in the three day Eagles Boys and Girls Golf Championship of NZ, October 10-12, competing for a fabulous prize table of cups, trophies and golf warehouse vouchers to the value of $2,440.

The tournament is significant, Northland Eagles event convenor, committee member and former president Paul Alexander says, as it can be an important stepping stone for the young Eagles aged between 11 to 17, with many joining the ranks of world-class professionals.

“These young players here are the future of New Zealand golf, with the best score on the final day by a female player, two under par 70, which is just brilliant. Past winners of this tournament include the The Players Championship winner Craig Perks and US Open Champion Michael Campbell, with a number of others – Daniel Hillier and Amelia Garvey to name a few – currently on the global stage,” he says. “Other notable players who have been supported by NZ Eagles since 1967 include Stuart Jones, Sir Bob Charles, Ted McDougall, Phil Aickin, Steven Alker, Danny Lee, Julianne Alvarez and Lydia Ko.”

First established in 1964, The Eagles Golfing Society Of NZ is a charitable society with 15 chapters nationwide from Northland to the deep south, which actively promote junior golf as well as offer support for disabled athletes through partnership with the Halberg Disability Sports Foundation. The Northland Eagles were founded in 1967.

The teams of three players from each chapter, which must have at least one girl and boy, began with a practice session on the Monday, 18 holes on both Tuesday morning and afternoon, before teeing off for the final 18 on Wednesday prior to the prizegiving presentation.

Chaperoned by Eagle members and family, the players ‘were housed and fed’ at Campbell Park Christian Camp, a short walk away from the golf course ‘so a bit of warm up for them all.’ Accommodation, catering and travel expenses were aided by ongoing fundraising efforts including a product-filled wheelbarrow raffle at last year’s ITM Mangawhai Golf Tournament, bringing in a total of over $2000.

“There has been tremendous support from a number of individual groups within the golf club as well as from the Mangawhai community, my sincere thanks to you all, and a special thank-you to Mangawhai Golf Club for the use of the golf course and facilities at no cost to the Eagles,” says Alexander. “It’s been a wonderful event with perfect weather, there’s a great team of Eagles here from across the country plus family support, and the attitude from the kids, their keenness to play and camaraderie, has just been fantastic, they’ve made new friendships which will last forever.”

Fourteen-year-old Cooper Moore was the overall winner after 54 holes, with a 218 gross.

Sixty up-and-coming young players took their best shots around the Mangawhai Golf Club course over three days of the Eagles Boys and Girls Golf Championship of NZ. PHOTO/JULIA WADE