Golfers teeing off at the Bay Oval. Photo / Labb Studios
Golfers teeing off at the Bay Oval. Photo / Labb Studios
From international cricket and a Super Rugby match to its first major music event, Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval has hosted it all – and now it’s adding golf to the list.
From January 8-11, the cricket ground will be transformed into a nine-target green golf driving range for the veryfirst time.
Presented by The Clubroom Tauranga, Pins & Pours at the Bay Oval is an inaugural social summer golf experience where players can hit nine 50-100m targets on the cricket ground.
The Clubroom Tauranga director Hayden Beard said the event was about promoting the sport in a different setting.
“We’re just trying to do something a little bit different with golf. Plus, it’s a bit of fun for the summer.
“With golf increasing in popularity across the country, we thought it would be cool to bring a unique experience to one of the best sports grounds in our very own backyard.”
Premium bays with ball tracking technology will track exactly where golf balls land onto the Bay Oval.
Daily prizes include a brand new custom-fit Ping G440 driver for the nearest-to-the-pin winners, with the top 10 each day qualifying for a hole-in-one shootout on the final day.
“Thanks to Lexus of Tauranga, the first player who scores a hole-in-one on the final day will walk away with a brand new Lexus LBX Morizo.”
The Clubroom Director Hayden Beard in action. Photo / Labb Studios
The Bay Oval international cricket ground hosted its first-ever Super Rugby game in April last year and will become a major music venue for Australian DJ Fisher later this month.
In 2023, it was transformed into a Fifa Women’s World Cup training ground for the Netherlands football team.
Bay Oval general manager Kelvin Jones said the cricket ground was a multi-use community asset.
“We are a cricket ground first and foremost, but we’re always looking to find new experiences for people to enjoy especially around the holidays,” he said.
“Whether you’re here to watch a cricket game, enjoy a concert or hit some golf balls, the Bay Oval can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Jones said he was excited to be hosting the inaugural Pins & Pours golf event.
“It will not only help to promote the venue, but it will be a lot of fun too.”
-Content supplied by freelance journalist and The Clubroom co-owner Zoe Hunter
