Golf: Game attracts Lee Neumann

Lee Neumann. Photo/Supplied.

There is no questioning golf in Northland is doing something right, with all their successes in the last year or so, and Lee Neumann is one of the bunch who keep the sport up there. Lee's career success so far includes winning the New Zealand Maori Nationals, not to mention the various times representing Northland. Here's what Lee had to say about his time involved with the sport so far ...

How did you get into golf, what was it that drew you to the sport? How old were you?

I first played when I was in intermediate school, just for something to do with my friends. I was never really serious about it until my later teen years - that's when I gave up hockey to focus on golf. Golf is a game that nobody will ever perfect so I guess it's the constant challenge of trying to improve all parts of my game. Also the variety of shots required in the game keeps things exciting and interesting.

Since you got into the sport, what have been your highlights? What is it that makes them highlights

Certainly all the times representing Northland are special, I love representative golf and being within a team atmosphere is awesome. Personally, winning the New Zealand Maori Nationals would be my biggest win to date.

No doubt you would have had coaches or people who have helped out throughout the years, who has been most influential to you and why?

I would certainly have to say Quenton Diment. He has been a huge support, not only to myself but also to many other young golfers in Northland, we are very lucky to have somebody like Quenton who gives up so much of his own time to help us out. I would also say the golf development managers Michael Macdonald and Bronwyn Winter from Golf Northland. Of course the support of friends and family is huge; especially my girlfriend Kayla who puts up with some late nights practice and many weekends away.

What does the next year look like to you with regard to competing?

I will be completing my degree next year so the majority of my golf will be representative stuff and trials for Northland. I am also looking to potentially go over to Australia at the beginning of the year for the Australian Amateur.

It's a bit of a hot sport in Northland, from the last 12 months what do you think is Northland's golfing highlight? Because there have been quite a few.

It would have to be Kadin's New Zealand Amateur victory in April, it was such a special week and has changed his whole life, potentially. The confidence he gained from that week is unbelievable and he has really gone from strength to strength since then. Also winning the quadrangular with Auckland, Waikato, and Taranaki in October for the first time ever.