Pandemic boosts interest in Open

Defending champ: Simon Jeune produced a brilliant display to capture his first Poverty Bay men’s open title on his home Awapuni Links course last year. He will be back for the 2020 edition. All 112 spots have been filled nearly three months out from the September 24 to 26 tournament. Picture by Paul Rickard

GOLF

COVID-19 has provided an unexpected but much-welcomed spin-off for this year’s Poverty Bay men’s open.

Two months and three weeks out from the district’s most prestigious men’s golf tournament, the field of 112 players is full.

The emphatic entry response has been such that the organising committee of the three-day tournament is looking at ways to have an extra section.

That hasn’t happened in recent years.

While the tournament has a proud history dating back to 1931, attracting numbers has been a battle in recent years.

Not so in 2020. A week ago half the field was full, the next day another 23 had entered and by Sunday it was a full house.

“We’re now trying to work out how we can get another 16 (the tournament features seven qualifying groups of 16 players) in there and get people to rattle their dags (when playing),” said Poverty Bay Golf Club manager Dave Keown.

The Open, which features 36 holes of strokeplay qualifying on Thursday, September 24, followed by two days of matchplay, has always attracted outside interest and this year is no different.

Of the 128 who have registered (16 are on a reserves list), 78 are not members of Poverty Bay.

“There are groups from Wellington and Auckland, and one guy from Christchurch,” Keown said.

Many are returning for what they view as their golfing highlight of the year while there will also be first-timers.

Keown said the coronavirus pandemic had clearly had an effect.

“The guys from Waikanae had to cancel their tour to Australia so entered the Poverty Bay Open instead.

“A couple of Auckland guys who traditionally come to the tournament have mates who would normally go to the Gold Coast — this year eight of them are coming to the Open.”

And there is plenty of quality among the quantity.

Up to 20 of the field are on a handicap of 4.0 or better.

Among the entries are defending champion Simon Jeune (Poverty Bay), who beat Tim Neill (Matamata) 5 and 4 in the 2019 final.

Neill, who is hungry to join uncle Mark (1973, 1979, 1986) and grandfather Warwick Neill (1959) on the Open honours boards, is returning, along with seven-time Open winner Waka Donnelly (Napier).

Meanwhile, those wanting a handy and enjoyable warm-up for the Open might want to consider the King of the Coast men’s open tournament at Tolaga Bay on July 25 and 26. Contact Jeremy Murphy at 021 485 658.