GOLF
THE East Coast sporting spotlight will shine on a certain famous rugby shield tomorrow, but golf will be centre of attention in Tolaga Bay.
As Ngati Porou East Coast players run out on to Napier’s McLean Park for their Ranfurly Shield clash with Hawke’s Bay tomorrow afternoon, a full field of golfers will be walking the fairways of Tolaga Bay in the King of the Coast men’s open.
One of the district’s premier men’s golf tournaments, the KotC field was filled weeks ago, reflecting the growing popularity of the game.
And similarly to the Poverty Bay Open, a good portion of the players are from out of the district although many are regular returnees to this ever-popular event.
Among those back for another crack is reigning “king” William Brown, who also won the PB Open last year.
The Poverty Bay greenkeeper and Waikohu member beat Te Puia Springs’ Andrew Higham with a birdie on the 18th in the 2020 final. He was also runner-up to Anaru Reedy at the East Coast Open in April.
Electrinet Park member Reedy is chasing the Coast double and not many would bet against the lowest-handicapped (+1.8) player in the region.
Also at low odds would be Higham, a three-time winner of the crown.
The local challenge is powerful.
Hunting glory alongside Brown, Reedy and Higham are 2019 KotC winner Hukanui Brown, Patutahi clubmate Dwayne Russell — who has been one of the most improved players over the past year — Poverty Bay’s Thomas Donovan, 2014 winner Tini Hawea and two-time champion Pete Bremner, who will again fly the flag for Mahia.
Patutahi’s challenge has quantity and quality, with Reef Pohatu and Regan Hindmarsh joining Hukanui Brown and Russell in the top 16.
The tournament has not produced a host club winner since Dion Milner in 2011. It has some quality players in Neil Hansen, 2013 runner-up Bruce Yates, club captain Taine Lincoln and Milner. Whether their handicaps are low enough to make the top flight is the question.
At least a handful of players plan to take the championship trophy out of the district. Recent history backs them to an extent although a few of these travellers can claim to be “adopted” Coasties through family ties and regular participation.
Among these are Tokoroa’s Nathaniel Cassidy and Kurtis Cortesi. Cassidy won the KotC ini 2015 and both have represented Poverty Bay-East Coast.
For many in the field, however, golf is a means to a 19th-hole end.
Tolaga Bay always turns on a magnificent social experience, hence the reason why players keep returning.
Don’t expect 2021 to be any different.