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Nalgnz newsletter December 2024

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1 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Ross Herrett, President, reports; Hi Lefty’s, Ho Ho Ho It’s that time of the year again -hard to believe another year almost gone -Where did it go? It has been an exciting couple of months with several Lefty tournaments happening across the country. I really hope some of you got a chance to join in on the fun! We have more tournaments lined up for the rest of the year, so be sure to check them out on our website. These local tournaments are the heart and soul of our Lefty community, and I encourage everyone to try to attend. If you can, bring along another lefty to share in the amazing Lefty golf experience! So much has been going on in New Zealand! We all had a blast at the Nationals in Feilding and once again a huge shoutout to Tim Belcher and his team for doing such a fantastic job! Mark your calendars for our 38th National Tournament at the Napier Golf Club, starting on April 7th! Wayne Hughes and his team have promised us a wonderful week ahead, and knowing Wayne, it will be an incredibly well organised event. There’s still time to enter, so do not hesitate to reach out to hugheswayne@xtra.co.nz or hop over to the NALG website to get in the draw! This year has been quite important for our Association. We’ve updated the Government Societies Act 1908 to the 2022 version, which meant a big effort from our wonderful secretary, Rodger, to create a new constitution that reflects modern language. A big thank you to Paul Adams, our fabulous lefty solicitor from Invercargill, for helping us the constitution. It will be presented at the AGM in Napier, and Rodger will send out a copy to all attendees. Please take a moment to read it, and feel free to bring any questions you have to the AGM! I’m really looking forward to the Nationals! It’s such a great opportunity to reconnect with the Lefty family and enjoy a fantastic week together! I hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and holiday season filled with joy and plenty of great golf! I hope to catch up with many of you in Napier or somewhere else soon! Take care and happy golfing! Cheers, Rossco NEWSLETTER December 2024 The Secretary 138 White St. Rangiora 7400 nalgnz@xtra.co.nz

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2 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April The Spring-Summer tournaments are exhilarating! It's wonderful to see returning members enjoying the camaraderie that makes these special gatherings for left-handed golfers unique, and it's no surprise that right-handed golfers are envious. We are noticing an increasing number of right-handers wanting to join the fun. Perhaps they will even start a Right-Handers Association. It's an intriguing thought!! Four golfers from New Zealand travelled across the Tasman Sea to compete in the Australian National Championship at the Bellarine Peninsula in Victoria. The social aspect of the event was well-organised and enjoyable. It began with a light snack and meet-and-greet on Sunday night at Lonsdale, setting a friendly tone for the week of golf. We were entertained by Nick O’Hern, Australia’s most recognised Left-Handed golfer. Nick is best known as the only golfer to beat Tiger Woods twice in match play. As NALGA Ambassador, he proudly promotes the game for all golfers. His oration was interesting for all and acknowledged accordingly. Both courses—Lonsdale and Queenscliff—were truly challenging. The fairways were fast and cut short, resembling some of the greens back in New Zealand. Many players used their putters for various approach shots. The greens were exceptional, particularly at Lonsdale, which featured green construction comparable to famous international Courses—notably, a “pot” bunker mimicking the famous 17th hole at St. Andrews. One of my friends did reach the green in two shots, only to find that his ball had rolled back and sideways into the “pot” bunker. His reaction upon discovering his ball and the subsequent strokes he took to finish that hole was quite colourful. Many golfers were seen struggling through the undergrowth, but if any snakes were on the course, they never appeared. Queenscliff Golf Course is unique because it is located on a large island that also hosts a significant military base. To gain entry, we must stop at the sentry-operated access gate before crossing a very narrow, one-lane bridge that is 230 meters long and controlled by traffic lights—exciting stuff indeed! The club and course have a solid reputation. They have wide fairways that lead to hidden greens surrounded by daunting bunkers. Both courses provided a wonderful experience, and we were fortunate to have the opportunity to play them. As usual, the Friendly Cup was contested between the Australians and the Kiwis, with four players on each team. Unfortunately, we were thoroughly beaten into second place! Last year, Nigel Messenger created a gold medallion and a red, white, and blue ribbon to be awarded to the Australian team if they won. I kept the tradition alive but with ribbons and medallions designed for children. To make the event more memorable for the Australians, each received a carton of Memento sweets. In gratitude, the Aussies presented us with three golf balls each replenishing our supply. There is no cup. Perhaps we should organise something like an insignificant miniature cup. Who knows what might evolve? What did raise its ugly head at the Nationals was the unavoidable incidence of COVID-19. Sharing carts may well have assisted the disease in spreading. We understand this was a new variant of the disease which takes up to 7 days to express. My wife, her mother and I became positive after arriving back home. We were fortunate not to have been in isolation for 14 days in Australia. During a conversation with Executive Chairman Bob Murphy, he mentioned how they meet after each national event to discuss ways to enhance player satisfaction. Perhaps NZ could implement such an exercise. We look forward to the Nationals at Napier. Wayne Hughes is very experienced with running tournaments and we can be assured of a great week of golf and entertainment. Well, to you all Merry Xmas and may the new year bring resplendency and satisfaction. Secretary Blog

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3 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Cheers Rodger TUI MAXWELL MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT 28th SEPTEMBER 2024 Urenui Golf Club Roger Maxwell reports The Lefties- Righties Tournament was held under the promised blue sunny skies. Lefties attended from Rangitikei, Raglan, Taumarunui and local Taranaki clubs. A full field of 64, ideal for the mass start format, battled for honours. The previous month of regular rainfall meant that good scores were hard to find even with a club-length placing through the Green. Given the recent weather conditions and luxuriant grass growth, the course conditions were a credit to our one-armed Green Keeper; a Lefty, who participated on the day. A feature of the prizegiving was the presentation of locally handmade TUI trophies for the divisional winners to take home. They were made from Tui bird profiles mounted on Blocks of weathered Totara. The significance of the timber is that Tui spent 75 years living, working and playing sport in the Okoki / Urenui area. She enjoyed participating in the Lefty tournaments, locally, regionally and at international events. As well as being active in the local Golf Administration she spent a number of years as Chairperson of Taranaki Womens golf. . Tournament Results PRIZES: GROSS across the field: Men: Eddie Hollard 73 Ladies: Svala Garner 74 Lefty men: Ist nett- R Maxwell. 2nd nett -Wayne Seed. 1st STB Tony Wey. 2nd STB Wallace Miller. 3rd STB D McCrea. 4th STB Peter Jacobson Lefty Ladies: 1st nett Beryl Sutton. 1st STB Margaret Nelson Righty Men: 1st nett P Devoy. 2nd nett S Maxwell. 1st STB. G Wood. 2nd STB M Dodds 3rd STB D Elliott. 4th STB C Keech. 5th STB B Birdsall. 6th STB C Mac Farlane. 7th STB G Selby. Prizes down to 12th STB. Righty ladies: 1st nett J McCrea. 2nd Nett P Cruickshank. 1st STB K Wey. 2nd STB W Vickers. 3rd STB M Grant. 4th Stb S Robbertson. 5th STB L Aebig. Only a small group took advantage of an extra nine holes on Sunday. Following a haggle on the game, held under sunny skies again, everyone enjoyed a hearty lunch with my family. My thanks go to the NALGNZ for their support, those who travelled for the occasion and the many friends who helped produce an enjoyable day of fun and fellowship. Prize table full of Tui's Plus

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4 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Brian Keane reports: A fine day with a good turnout of 35 starters from far and wide came to support us. The course was in great order although the greens were running fast making it tough on the day for some of us. Results Gross: Gordon Wylde Omaha Beach Stableford: Greg Limond Whitford Park 35; AJ Smith South Head 34 Brendon Kennedy Hauraki 32; Jeff Fahey Mt Maunganui 32 NTP sponsored by Golf 360; Dave Seager Twos sponsored by Golf Warehouse: Gordon Wylde, Dave Seager A fantastic day of golf at Blenheim, with clear blue skies, a light breeze and 26 players, made for an enjoyable day. Special thanks to Jane Ingram and Judith Batty. Many thanks to Dan Crawford for his wines. Results: Gross: Brian Hampton 74. Runner up Nathan Smith Net: Leana Gargiulo 67 Stableford: Andrew Fenemor 38; Judith Batty 37; Shane Cuff 37; Steven Hitchman 36 Desz Cambell 35; Rob Golding 35; Theis Thais 33; Dave Menzies 33; Shane Wilkins 33; Doug Shaw 33 Mike Garrett 32; Ray Hutchinson 32 Twos Results; Nathan smith, Andrew Fenemor, Ray Hutchinson Clive Drummond NTP for 2: Andrew Fenemor Straightest Drive: Andrew Fenemor Longest Putt: Clive Drummond NTP for 1: Clive Drummond Thank you for the following sponsors: National Association of Left-Handers Golfers Inc. Motueka Left-Handers Association CCraig Coaching Shop Dan Crawford Andrew Fenemor Mitchel Sports Mitre 10 Mega Blenheim Golf Club

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5 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Ashburton Lefties Tournament 13/10/24 Bruce Day reports 18 brave golfers plied their trade at the Ashburton Golf Course on Sunday the 13th. Those travelling from out of town continued through driving rain to play. By tee off time the rain went away only to return with solid showers for the second 9 to make play even more interesting. A big thanks to all those who entered and enjoyed the scones before and the food afterwards as well as the usual Left Handers camaraderie. Prize winners; Best net Bruce Day 70, Best Stableford George Brown 37, Other winners Steven Hitchman 36, Ron Marshall 35, Brian Furth 34, Rob McMillan 34, Michael Bruner 34, Gordan Purvis 33. Closest to the pins on 4 and 14, Al Jopson and Hilary Lovett. Best Lady Jane Helmore. Clarks Beach Marray Horsnell reports Had a good two days at Clarkes and Whitford for our first joint venture. Will try to hold this event first weekend of November now moving forward and get advertising out earlier so everyone can try and keep the weekend free. Thanks to Barry Matthews for organising Clarkes and regardless of our scores everyone seemed to enjoy both courses. Hopefully next year everyone can play both days. Clarkes Beach Gross winner Gordon Wilde 73 R/up Steve Leatherland 74 Nett winner Paul Elsdon 67 R/up Bob Denton 71 Stab winner AJ Smith 36 R/up Owen Young 34 RH Winner Steve Woodcock 37 R/up Sally Roundhill 37 Whitford Park Gross winner Steve Leatherland 73 R/up Dave Seagar 78 Nett winner Greg Limond 72 R/up Ross Nixon 73 Stab winner AJ Smith 40 R/up Dhana Gounder 35 RH Winner Mike Batters 37R/up Ryan Tohaia 37 Cup for best combined Nett over both days Steve Leatherland 140

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6 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Canterbury Lefty’s at Waitikiri GC. 24th November Thirty-one lefties were treated to a well-groomed golf course on a sunny day with a brisk breeze. The scoring was only average as many found the greens very slick in the windy conditions. It was great to see lefties from outside Christchurch attending namely Andrew Fenemor, Rob Golding and Chris Keyse (Nelson), Steve Hitchman (Blenheim), Ross Preece (Tinwald) and Bob Kenna (Dunedin). Everyone received a prize thanks to the generous sponsorship from Christchurch Attractions and the NALG grant. Well done to Geoff Inch for winning the best net – not bad for an 85+yr.old. Also, it was great to see Neville Lucas our Life Member at our prize giving. Results: Best Gross – Simon Murphy- 78. Best Net – Geoff Inch -96-28-68 net. Women – Janelle Lewis – 34pts, R/up Theis Thais – 32pts. Stableford – Alister Munro 38pts, Ray Myers 36pts, Simon Ruri, George Thomson, Bernie Boyle 35pts, John McKenzie, Barry Brown 34pts, Carl Franklin 33pts, Aaron McKenzie 32pts. Nearest to pins: No.3-Bernie Boyle, No.12-Malcolm Pettigrew, No.17- Aaron McKenzie. Two’s- Simon Ruri. Canterbury left-handers Tournament WAITIKIRI GOLF CLUB Sunday 24th Nov Geoff Jannelle Simon

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7 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Chisholm Links - Dunedin Barry Patton Reports A stunning day was enjoyed by all at Chisholm Links. This course is situated on top of cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and as you can imagine prone to the odd breeze but the day was 1 in 100 (according to the locals) with benign conditions. Unfortunately, this did not flow on to the majority of the results. Apart from the locals we had players from Invercargill, Alexandra, Waitikiri, Otago, 7 from Balclutha, Winton and Island Park. Everyone received a prize thanks to the generous contribution from the NALG. Good camaraderie and hospitality were enjoyed by all. 1st Barry Patton, Invercargill 38pts 2nd Bob Kenna, Chisholm Links 38pts 3rd Andrew Miller Chisholm Links 37pts 4th James Miller Chisholm Links 32pts 5th Wayne Pollock Alexandra 31pts 6th Thais Theis Waitikiri 30pts 7th Jarod Williden Otago 30pts 8th Blair Willocks Balclutha 29pts 9th Pat McKenna Balclutha 29pts 10th Ross Burnet Balclutha 29pts Barry Patton (Left) receives gross prize from Will McLauchlan Club Pro. Bob Kenna receives runner up prize Thais with friends A nice fine day greeted 22 lefties and 33 righties for a Xmas tournament run as two separate tournaments with separate sponsors. Thanks to our great NALG sponsorship and my generous nature everybody got a prize. Left-handed results as follows. Gross, Tony Stowers Te Aroha 75 Nett, Todd Makeham Morrinsville 69 Stableford, Alex Robinson, Te Aroha,36 Wayne Chesham, Bob Denton 35. Kyle Walker, Barry Matthew's, Pete Fullam 34. Steve Leatherland, George Rogan 33 Robin Kent 32, Murray Horsnell, Gordon Lewis 31. David Williams, Dhana Gounder, Robby Cumming, Paul Timinis 30. Others were; Owen Young, A J Smith, Greg Limond Shane Hannah and Billy Burt. Merry Christmas to you all and good golfing. Tony Stowers

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8 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April

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9 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Upcoming Regional Tournaments

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10 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April

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11 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Letters from “Blighty” Remember those days? Our grandparents would; Well, here is a letter from Richard Harper whom some of you have met or know. Richard is a keen Left-Handed golfer of the UK who loves horses. He is a member of the Buckingham Golf Club UK Rodger I toooo have horses that like to follow !!!!! but we love them Horses and dogs are my life with one or two other things thrown in. Farmer born and bred, mixed farming with mum and dad now all arable but have diversified over the years, most of the buildings are now let out. Mainly slow horses but one or two a little faster. Started riding point to pointing when I was 19, first ride managed to get carted off in the ambulance riding one of my cousins horses Gallant Warrior, a brilliant jumper…..got the bug and carried on till I was 33. Lots of losers but 13 winners, and another one over hurdles at Newton Abbott, I Did have a 2nd at Cheltenham. Far too many 2nds.but that’s beta than 3rd. So much fun made so many friends…..never quite fit enough ! I had a permit for a few years…amateur trainers licence over jumps, leading amateur with a horse called Chapel House….”Benny”…in 2012 which was special. Still riding everyday including Benny, my hero! he is 22 now as good as ever and we go bloodhounding during the winter. And just started playing padel tennis do they have it in kiwi? Lost more to tell of course. If you want to put this little note to your fellow horse friends please do, would love to hear from them. Best Richard richard@harpersfarm.co.uk

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12 2025 National Championships Napier 7th- 10th April Golf is about much more than hitting a hole in one. It teaches honesty, how to go with the flow, focus, problem-solving, and patience. You can also do a lot with a polo shirt and khaki shorts. Plus, how many sports give you the freedom to traverse a field filled with greenery and beautiful ponds. If you’re trying to get your kids to fall in love with golfing, telling them these jokes might do the trick. Golfing may not be filled with as much contact as rugby or hockey, but this solo game can be just as exciting and hilarious. The only thing golfers love more than golf is some funny golf jokes. MacDermott and MacDuff were sitting in the clubhouse on a raw, blustery day, thawing their beards in front of the fireplace while freezing rain beat against the windows. The pair were silent for a long time over their whiskeys. Finally, MacDermott spoke, “That was quite a round of golf.” “Aye,” MacDuff replied. “Same time next Saturday?” “Aye,” said MacDuff, “weather permitting.” President Ross Herrett 027 228 4573 mailto:rossandcarolherrett@gmail.com Secretary-Treasurer Rodger Welsh 021 676 128 mailto:nalgnz@xtra.co.nz 2024 Regional Councillors Tasman Andrew Fenemor 021 296 5699 mailto:andrew.golf@xtra.co.nz Aorangi/Canterbury Ross Herrett 027 228 4573 mailto:rossandcarolherrett@gmail.com Otago/Southland Barry Patton 021 2222 056 mailto:barrypatton4@gmail.com Northland/Auckland Murray Horsnell 027 490 6716 mailto:backspin88@hotmail.com Waikato/Bay of Plenty Wayne Chesham 021 611 149 mailto:wayne@attichomes.co.nz Taranaki Roger Maxwell 021421783 mailto:maxwell.rfh@xtra.co.nz Manawatu/Whanganui Tim Belcher 027 565 2846 mailto:timgbelcher@gmail.com Hawkes Bay/East Coast Wayne Hughes 027 493 4659 mailto:hugheswayne@xtra.co.nz Wellington Bill Werry 04 977 1260 mailto:bill@werry.co.nz Vice President Tim Belcher 027 565 2864 mailto:timgbelcher@gmail.com For those who prefer a more secure web page: use this address https://nalg.weebly.com