Golf: Te Puke ready for influx

The Te Puke golf club will host the 2014 NZ Maori Golf Nationals from Monday January 6 to Friday January 10.

The top seniors and intermediate handicappers will be in action at the tournament won previously by Michael Campbell, Phillip Tataurangi and Te Puke's very own club pro Nicholas Davey, a two-time winner.

With up to 175 players each day, plus family and supporters, the club is expecting up to 400 people through the gates every day. The club is gearing up for this huge event with a number of local businesses already lending a hand by providing tents and BBQs for the week.

Tents have been generously supplied by Farmlands, Te Puke Primary School, Harcourts and Wealleans, who have also provided a BBQ for the week. There is no charge for spectators, so come along and enjoy the atmosphere and view first hand some of the best golfers in the country.

Course superintendent Mike Homer and his volunteers have the course and greens in fantastic condition ready for the national championships.

Sandtrappers cafe and bar are the on-site caterers and have a full week of great food and service ready for the players and supporters alike. There's breakfast from 6.30am every morning with lunch from 12pm. And of course the bar is open all week to quench your thirst.

On the opening Sunday, on-site pro Nicholas Davey will be hosting a golf clinic, so if you feel like a quick re-tune of your swing be at the club around 3pm.

Te Puke Golf Club boasts 12 powered camping sites and 10 non powered, and so is expecting caravans and tents to add to the festive outlook for the week. If anyone wants to stay on site, it is $50 for the week. Contact the Club Manager on 07 533 1832.