Karin and I played in the Men’s Health Trust - Enzed Charity Golf Day at Wairakei last Thursday. We were invited by Jeremy Goodwin of Carter Atmore and we had an excellent day, a superb golf course and great company.
Find it very interesting that my two favourite golf courses in New Zealand are both situated in Taupo. Wairakei has always been my favourite NZ track, which was until Kinloch was opened.
Early on last week it certainly looked like the weather wasn't going to be too friendly, but by week’s end the weather was superb. Wairakei was as usual in perfect condition and the tournament was very professionally run. I hope it raised both money and awareness for Men’s Health in New Zealand.
I hope I am not being sexist here but I think women's health issues are well catered for in NZ, so it was good to see an event that is trying to raise awareness for men's health issues. A great day and thanks to Jeremy for the invite.
We stayed the extra day and played Kinloch on Saturday. Funnily enough we ran into a friend, Normie from Howick GC in the car park, and were able to donate the 24 pack of Steinlager I won the previous day for winning the long drive competition. Couldn't stand listening to the bottles rattle all the way back to Auckland later that day, and Normie and his 11 mates would have enjoyed them.
The golf course was as usual to die for. What an amazing piece of land, with amazing views and all the holes seem to be cut out of the tundra. Greens again were amazing. The only thing I didn't enjoy, was the fact my ball grew an irresistible urge to finding fairway bunkers. Being a Nicklaus design means you can't stand on the tee and just hit away, there is a real strategy involved in where you place the ball. It is fair to say my strategy failed. Had 5 double bogies in an 86 and all involved at least one dropped shot getting out of the fairway bunkers. Karin on the other hand kicked my a** with a stellar 78.
The golf course was pretty busy, all the carts were booked, and we walked carrying our bags. It is safe to say that it is a workout, lots of hills and significant distance between holes. Am glad I have lost the weight over the last couple of years because it was a breeze.
We had a late lunch on the deck in the mid afternoon sun and then headed home for a relaxing Sunday. Summer will soon be upon us and I certainly recommend a golf weekend in Taupo to any and all.