Christchurch is to host the inaugural world schools golf challenge on April 10-14, 2007.
The 72-hole strokeplay event is expected to attract teams from the United States, Europe, Canada, Asia, Australia and South Africa, as well as New Zealand.
The tournament, announced today, is being organised by Vintage Sports &
Leisure Limited, an Auckland-based company under the direction of long-time golf promoter and organiser Paul Gleeson.
Teams will be made up of pupils and immediate past pupils, aged from 13 to 19.
Gleeson said at least 50 teams, comprising boys or girls or mixed, were expected to participate.
The concept for the event was first suggested by former Rotorua Boys' High School golf programme director Ian Woon, a tournament co-director, who had significant success coaching sides in the international teams championship for schools.
The event has the support of the Christchurch City Council, New Zealand Golf, the Canterbury Golf Association and the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Association, all of whom have endorsed the concept and the programme.
New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles will be the tournament patron.
Charles welcomed the concept, saying he was thankful he had the opportunity to take up the game at an early age.
"I had the good fortune to win the New Zealand Open as an 18-year-old which gave my career a tremendous boost.
"Golf offers young people outstanding opportunities, if they are prepared to show the dedication and commitment necessary to excel."
- NZPA
