Fundraiser successful

It seems to be true - even for golfers - that a new outfit will perk up the female of the species even after the worst of news.

It was a tough day for the Northland Women's Interprovincial team at the Whangaroa Golf Course on Saturday. They lost all of their eight matches against their male rivals but disappointment quickly turned into gold after they raised enough funds to pay for their tournament uniforms.

That was the real purpose of the match, as well as being a final hit-out before next month's Dunedin national teams tournament.

Team captain and Whangaroa local Samantha Dangen said they raised almost $1500, most of which was going towards the uniforms.

She said the result might have been a blessing in disguise.

"I think some of the guys started feeling bad because they'd been rubbing it in so hard and they were probably extra generous on the raffles," Dangen said.

Brooke Kingi, Dangen's 15-year-old daughter, came closest to breaking the duck, taking her match to the 18th against Bryce Hills. Dangen herself took Carrington's Bob Shirley to the 17th but most of the matches were done and dusted by the 13th or 14th hole.

Kingi is the travelling reserve and may get a game or two at the tournament, if mum lets her.

"She's just happy to have a holiday away," Dangen said. "Of course, if someone's off their game she will be playing but we have to sit down and have a long look at the draw to see when we might play her."

Dangen said the generosity of the team's families and supporters was overwhelming on Saturday and it had been a big weekend at the club with the Men's Champion of Champions played the next day.

"Thanks to everyone who helped out and who supported us, especially Mum and Dad - Pinto and Ada - for organising the food and the barbecue, it was a big effort all round," she said.