Highest 'Eagle' honour for local golfer

JULIA WADE

24 Apr, 2023

A local golfer has been honoured with a prestigious ‘Eagle’ prize for his dedication, determination and leadership in coordinating a large event and supporting fledging young golfers.

The Halberg Cup Eagle of the Year Award is the highest national prize granted by the Eagles Golfing Society of NZ for outstanding contribution to the club. For 2022, Mangawhai man Paul Alexander from the Northland Eagles was selected as a worthy recipient for his energy, drive and organisation of the Eagles Under 17 Boys and Girls Golf Championship of NZ which involved 60 young players from 14 societies around the country.

In October 2022, Paul volunteered as the Northland Eagles tournament convenor, taking on the logistics of organising the multitude of youth who converged onto Mangawhai Golf Club’s 18-hole course for the three-day event.

Donning his red Eagles jacket, Paul rallied local businesses for fundraising, orchestrated a deal with Tara Iti for a percentage of their green fees, negotiated accommodation for the players and family members with Campbell Park Christian Camp, and arranged zero-cost green fees, use of equipment and referees with Mangawhai Golf Club.

Northland Eagles president, Mike Gavin, said without Paul’s hard work, input into every aspect and leadership, the tournament would not have been so successful.

Paul joined the Northland Eagles in 2013 and has been a committee member since 2015 as well as holding leadership roles as captain 2017-2019 and president 2019-221 2021.

Presented the Halberg Eagle at the Northland Eagles AGM on March 17 held at the Whangarei Golf Club, Paul says he felt very proud and privileged that ‘the society has honoured myself and Northland Eagles with such a high award.’

“The Eagles under 17s championship was a huge success and the organising committee even returned a profit which will benefit future junior players in this tournament. The 60 junior players represented their regions and themselves with the greatest of pride, sportsmanship and respect. Awesome,” he says.

“A huge thank you to Mangawhai businesses and residents who supported our fundraising efforts. And to the Northland Eagles, thanks for your contributions and commitment to make this tournament an outstanding and memorable golfing event.”

Paul Alexander (left) has been awarded the prestigious Halberg Cup, presented by former Eagles president Bob Rosevear. PHOTO/SUPPLIED