Get in the . . . 66-test All Black and now commentator Israel Dagg tees off the sixth hole at Poverty Bay Golf Club in the inaugural R&V Classic 18-hole ambrose tournament on Thursday.
A field of 144 players divided into 36 teams entered the Grip & Rip-presented event whichraised funds for Tairāwhiti Golf.
Dagg, who is married to Gisborne woman Daisy Aitken, is no slouch with a club. A member of the Clearwater course in Christchurch, he has a 6.3 handicap index.
He was accompanied on Thursday by one-test All Black Shaun Stevenson (pictured inset with Dagg) while former World Surf League professional Ricardo Christie (below right) also gave the sticks a twirl.
Winners grinning at the end of a long afternoon — throughout which participants were kept well-oiled by a constantly cart-delivered flow of sponsored refreshments — were Hamilton crew Waikats led by Rhys Thomas. Their prize package featured a $1000 clubroom voucher, Hiroki golf bags, VIP tickets for four for R&V 2024 and entry to next year’s Classic. Wairoa’s Team Waro, led by Matiu Manuel, were second.
Te Teko four TFN Golf, led by Kahurangi Hunia-Mataio, were third.
Electrinet Park member Shaun Pahina won the long drive.
A closest to the pin shootout challenge on the sixth hole featured three qualifying teams including the only all-women’s side HHH (Happy Hawaiian Hookers) comprising Māhia members Renee Hiko and Maraea Wesche, Poverty Bay’s Lynne Holmberg and Park’s Carney Pipi, whose tee shot proved the best of the lot.
