Two editions of PB Open in one year

GOLF

TWO Poverty Bay men’s open champions will be crowned in 2022.

The 2021 edition, scheduled for September 23 to 25 at Poverty Bay Golf Club’s Awapuni Links course, has been postponed due to Covid-19.

The Poverty Bay women’s open to be held the same week has been cancelled altogether.

The 2021 men’s open will be held from March 3 to 5 and the 2022 edition in its regular slot later that year.

That means reigning champion William Brown will hold on to the Keiha Cup as Poverty Bay Open champion for at least five months more.

This year’s Open field was filled months in advance. Around half the entries were outsiders, including a good number from Auckland, which remains in Alert Level 4.

The Open dates back to 1931 and over its 90-year history has been interrupted only by World War 2. It was stopped in 1941 and resumed in 1946.

The weather has been its only threat. In one year the 36-hole strokeplay qualifying was called off and qualifying was done on handicap.

Players in this year’s field will be given first choice of entry for the March Open.