"currently battling with my dear friend, the Silverstripe CMS" - 18 hours ago
"is thoroughly relaxed at another Irish farmhouse B&B, this time one run by a character and a half, Sharon Moore.... http://fb.me/Fd1zVe5z" - 1 day ago
"Is this the Nellie bunker you were talking about mate? Safely avoided I'm pleased to report http://fb.me/EHAvCmyU" - 2 days ago
This morning we again awoke to beaming sunshine, marking the continuation of a purple patch of weather. Long may it continue. Looking out the window over breakfast I gazed longingly at the 11th hole at Paraparam' (which runs adjacent to the Borren household) - we could quite happily have played it again, particularly in the serenity of early morning sun. Alas we had to move on, although there was certainly no hardship in playing at today's venue, Waikanae.
Waikanae is a quaint wee track on the Kapiti Coast, 20 minutes up the road from the neighbouring Paraparam'. It's not quite as linksy, but probably as picturesque. There are a wealth of crafty wee dog legs, and a couple of nice par 3s. The 8th was my favourite - all that was required is a wee flick with a sand wedge (120 metres or so), but the front of the green is guarded by a huge swail. You don't want to be short there, and thankfully Mike and I got onto the dance floor safely. The 13th - which I understand is the signature hole - also stuck in the mind - a testy par 4 played from a raised tee over thick brush.
There are a good few vantage points on the course from which to get quality snaps - if you check out our photo gallery there should be a couple of goodies (as you'll see, the sun was burning bright). The greens were good too - very good in fact. They rolled true, and were quick but not scarily so. Mike capitalised by rolling in a few putts from all over the show (and if he hadn't lipped out a couple of times it would have been just about his best putting display ever, at least that I've seen). I left a few out there.
Before the round we met up with Greg Howard, a nice chap who kindly hooked us up with golf gloves for the year. His company, TrueGRIP, makes the possum skin gloves that you may have seen - they're pretty durable, and silky soft. Looking forward to getting a fair bit of mileage out of mine, and hope they stand up to the hell I'll put 'em through. Mine had to go back in the bag today on the 11th, as Goldy made a 2nd birdie. I'll explain: on the 8th hole, we decided that - as today's challenge - for every birdie one made, the other chap had to lose an item of clothing (including hats and gloves). Silly really, but a bit of fun. Mike birdied the 9th (there went my cap), then the 11th (the glove); next it was going to be a sock, which might have aggravated my blistered heels. Thankfully his birdies dried out, but I came back with 2 of my own, on the 15th and 16th (his hat and glove went too) - no birdies on 17 or 18, however, a bit of an anti-climax.
Post golf we shot into Waikanae town to pick up some groceries (couldn't get over the average age of the inhabitants - although perhaps not surprising given the golf and benign microclimate), then drove up to Palmerston North, to stay with our mate Rich and his family. Rich is a member of our hockey club in Wellington, and is an enterprising young chap if ever there was one. In recent years he's had a real fruit ice cream business that he ran with friends over summer, and now he's importing emergency survival packs that he's going to sell to every man and his dog. I reckon we'll be seeing his face on billboards in no time at all (or on TV cameras when he's coming out of court in 20 years for running a dodgy finance company). He and his folks have been incredibly hospitable already, and we're about to have a BBQ in the evening sun. Epic.
Another great day on the road, one of our last in NZ before we hit Auckland. Play Waikanae if you get the chance - a nice wee course in a nice spot (and invariably you'll get a nice day).
peace, JP
P.S. JP 35 points, MG 32 points. Think we've filled you in on the haggle for this month, but in case we haven't... February is stableford month, so the player with the highest cumulative score over 28 days will win (obviously the other will have to do a forfeit - input invited). To keep it fresh, we've been running a daily comp (i.e. the highest stableford score on the day), the loser of which has to chow down 2 dry weetbix. No liquid for 1 minute afterwards. JP has won 2 days of 4; MG 1 (and 1 halved).
Paraparaumu Beach is a rare pleasure, a pure golfing experience. Located around 40 minutes north of Wellington, Paraparam’ – as it’s known to the locals – sits on a fine isthmus of golfing heaven, and looks across to the picturesque Kapiti Island. The course’s reputation proceeds itself, and having played there once or twice before Mike & I knew roughly what we were in for. A treat.
Paraparam’ is a pure links. There are no lakes or 50 metre wide bunkers – just subtle undulations and menacingly long grass. And sublime greens that run faster than Ussein Bolt. The wonderful thing about courses like Paraparam’ is that no two days are the same; each day you are at the mercy of the elements. Today was no different. A fresh-ish southerly made stopping the ball difficult down-wind, and getting the ball on in regulation difficult into the wind. There are no easy shots, but the course is fair, and good shots are more often than not rewarded.
We were meant to be playing with a chap by the name of Ricky Bartlett, who several years ago played every course in New Zealand in a year. Good effort (there’s 393 or so). He did it hard too, playing by himself and having rest days at home every now and then. Unfortunately Ricky had to pull out with a cricket injury, so we’ll have to hear his stories another day. But thankfully we had good company in two Borrens – Tim and Guy – and the General Manager / Course Superintendent (that’s right, a dual role), Leo Barber. A 5 ball. Mike and I played with Tim and Guy last year, in a howling southerly in the middle of winter. They’re both good golfers (T off 2; G off 6), and good sportsmen generally (it goes with the territory, being a Borren – see Day 17’s blog at Riversdale, which we played with Tone Borren, another golf snake). It was also great that Leo joined us – apart from just being a good punter, he told us about the club, his golfing experiences and how to get around the course in one piece. Great course, great company and great weather – hard to beat really.
The first notable occurrence of the round was Guy’s eagle on the par 4 6th. He sank an impossible chip; impossible because the pin was cut at the foot of a severe slope (and the greens being lightning fast...). High fives all round. Michael had an eagle putt on the next, but the girl’s blouse left it short. Weak. That said, at risk of giving him a big head, reaching the par 5 7th with a couple of 2 irons into a stiff southerly (when the rest of us couldn’t get up with driver, 3 wood) is pretty impressive. He did the same thing on the par 5 18th too.
The haggle weighed heavily in Michael and Guy’s favour for the bulk of the round, but Tim (and I) managed to pull it back to all square with a few holes to go. Then Michael made 2 birdies in the last three, putting the honours beyond our reach. Good on ‘im. Tim played some very steady golf himself, and if the putter had run hotter he might have shot sub-par. As it happened, he had a solid 76.
I could never get sick of playing Paraparam’. Having grown up playing links golf in Scotland & Ireland, this mode of golf gets my wheels spinning. It feels like getting back to my roots. All the more so given we just went out for a few holes of night golf – it’d be rude not to, I guess, given our hosts (the Borrens) live on the 11th hole. Good clean fun.
All in all it has been an epic day. One of the best courses in the land – as Leo put it, “the spiritual home of New Zealand golf”. I’m not suitably qualified to corroborate his quip, but I can’t imagine he’d be far wrong. A special place indeed; I can’t wait to return. The hospitality was second to none too.
Thanks to Leo & the team at Paraparam’ for hosting us, and to the Borrens for having us to stay (and for feeding us). What a day.
Up the coast to Waikanae tomorrow, which is also a links layout (for the most part). We’re meeting Greg Howard there, the kind gentleman that footing us a few of his TrueGRIP possum skin golf gloves to get us through the year. Should be another good day.
Peace, JP
Check out the video below!!
This morning I woke from a deep sleep to a pillow soaked with drool. The past week down south, in Queenstown, was amazing – but it certainly took its toll. When we weren’t playing golf we were watching it, or spending time amongst the crowds at the NZ Open. I tell you not to attract sympathy, but rather to set the scene for today, which was always going to be – first and foremost – one of those travel days.
After spending a whirlwind 12 hours with family, I met Michael at Harewood Golf Club – near Christchurch Airport – for this morning’s match. Harewood in its heyday held prestigious events like the Garden City Classic, but in recent times appears to have been undergoing a transitional phase. Before today I hadn’t been there in probably 5 years or so, but had only fond memories – in particular, of the Old Course (the big brother to the New Course, a younger, less challenging track). Harewood had kindly accommodated us at late notice (3 days), after we juggled our itinerary to squeeze in more girlfriend time in Wellington.
The course itself is undergoing significant renovations, and 9 holes are out of play while the greens are been rebuilt. So we played 9 holes twice (and thankfully did better the second time around). I had a sluggish start, and made 3 double bogeys in the first 4 holes (gulp!). Thankfully I pulled it back and shot 77 (par 68), edging out Michael, who hacked an 81. It’s hard to provide meaningful comment on the course, given the state it’s currently in. It wouldn’t be fair. Normally it’s a well kept, pine tree lined layout, with good greens. And that’s how it’ll probably be when we next return, in 2011, after the renovations are completed. In fact I’m very much looking forward to seeing what results a couple of million bucks will produce – probably pretty good ones I suppose.
Rod and Lisa – from the club – were very hospitable, and wished us well before we made our way to the airport. Thanks to both of you for hosting us – we look forward to seeing how Harewood evolves in the coming months.
A quick flight to Wellington, followed by a short jog to get the car (taxis are expensive here, particularly from the airport, and we’re developing increasingly frugal tendencies), and we were back in the girls’ flat. Have just had a lovely dinner with my other half, Angela, and will do farewells tomorrow morning for the last time before we reconvene in Australia.
Tomorrow we play Paraparaumu – probably the best links course in the land, and one of the best courses full stop. Last time Mike and I played there it was a howling southerly – wind / rain / hail / sleet – so hopefully the weather gods are kinder tomorrow. Forecast is good; fingers crossed.
Until tomorrow...
Jamie
The first day of the month saw us playing Tarras. A quirky nine hole course in central otago. I told my grandfather I would not play there, he hates the course because heaps of people join up (and never play) to get affiliated NZ golf rates at other golf courses. Sorry gramp - I had to see the fenced greens for myself!
This month JP and I are playing a stableford competition. Hopefully it will promote lower scoring. You will see that we didn't help ourselves today by only using one club... Anyway, about to get picked up from WGTN airport (where there is free wireless) so quickly uploaded this video - check it out.
What a month it has been. Going somewhat into the unknown, Michael and I – truth be told – didn’t really know what we were in for. Would we be well received at the clubs we visit? Would the media be kind to us? Would we be at each other’s throats within days? These are just a few of the questions that floated around my head in late December. At that stage – during the calm before the storm – a lot of questions were asked of us that we just couldn’t answer. We were winging it. And so 1 January arrived with some relief – reiief that at last we had got under way.
Kauri Cliffs was a pretty special place to begin our odyssey. A magnificent setting if ever there was one. Playing at Kauri was an experience that encompassed more than just a spectacular golf course; it gave us an insight into what luxury means for a privileged few. I could get used to it. With the TV cameras on us, and Day 1 butterflies in the stomach, we were exhausted by the time we reached the Coromandel Peninsula later that evening. Exhausted but elated. I’m sure throughout 2010 we’ll play a good number of courses of Kauri’s calibre (indeed through January there are a couple I’d put on an equal footing, at least in design terms), but I doubt whether our breath will be taken away again quite like how it was by Matauri Bay, over which Kauri Cliffs is perched. Like most places of ridiculous beauty, photos (or, at least, our photos) don’t do it justice. Which means you’ll all just have to visit to see for yourselves.
In January we played 31 golf courses, each accompanied by its own stories and, in our memories, with different people. New Zealand, in my humble opinion, has an oversupply of golf courses, an explanation for which may lie in mitigating the risks of post-golf drinking driving. If there’s a course around the corner from the farm, y’er man can sink 3 well earned pints after double bogeying the last and shoot home without fear of endangering his own life and the lives of others. It may also have something to do with Kiwis’ parochial yearn to have a track to call their own (“those lads down at Paihiatua have got a course, so should we...”). Whatever underlies this surplus of golfing terra firma, it doesn’t bother me in the slightest, because the outcome is obviously a good one: there are hundreds of layouts on which to test yourself; to enjoy beautiful views; or just to wander around with friends and a quiet beer. There’s something for everyone. So if you’ve been following our adventures last month you might have noticed that we’re keen to experience it all. Sure it’s nice to play at a Kauri Cliffs or a Wairakei; but on other days it’s just as fun hacking around a coastal 9 hole links, or a tree-lined country course. Vive la difference, as the French would say.
This being a project that centres around golf, it would be remiss of me not to mention briefly a couple of golfing highlights from the past month. Kinloch. It has its detractors, and as a business has run into difficulties. But I can only judge it based on the golf course itself, and on the hospitality we received. Both of which were first class. Every hole challenged us, and – even though we walked it, playing from the suicide tees – getting beaten up has never been so fun (Jack’s Point, which I’ll mention shortly, is the only other course that I’d put in the same boat). Tommy Long, the pro, also made Day 10 what it was. His chat and willingness to help us out (not just on the day, but beyond, i.e. In planning our UK leg) were gratefully received; he is a credit to Kinloch and I hope he gets the help he needs to take the place up a level, to what I think it can be. Already looking forward to my next visit. Wairakei was a different experience altogether, but no less enjoyable. The overriding impression for me – the thing that really sticks in my mind – is the tranquility of the place. It’s almost therapeutic. That we played with Phil Tataurangi and his entertaining mate, Keith, lifted an epic day into a truly memorable one. Beautiful golf course + great company = lifelong memories. Mahia was yet more different; a truly unique experience that I don’t think will attract comparison this year. At the other end of the green fees spectrum (they were recently raised from $10 to $15, to partially alleviate pressure caused by dwindling annual subscriptions), Mahia is as stunning as it is remote (it’s very, very remote). There’s a solo full time greenkeeper, aided by a hardcore battalion of determined locals, folk that keep the place alive. We met most of them on the evening we arrived, at Lil & Bill’s place on Nuhaka Station. Our time at Mahia was as much about the people as it was the golf, but the course stood up with the best – at least in terms of the wow factor. My only hope is that it doesn’t get ruined like many a bumpkin spot before it. Pure links golf at it’s humble best. I’ve mentioned Kauri Cliffs, so won’t go over old ground. Finally, then, Jack’s Point. Like Kinloch in many ways, Jack’s Point is a monster of a course – particuarly of the sinisterly coloured black tees – that will eat most golfers up and spit them out. But what fun. Standing on most tees adrenalin floods the arteries, and you are faced with the daunting task of steadying yourself, to hit a golf shot (if you fail, I don’t need to tell you that the consequences aren’t good). It’s no secret that I love a challenge, and in this fact probably lies the explanation for my reaction to Jack’s Point (and Kinloch). Beautiful, tough, stimulating, at once fair and unfair...
The 26 courses I didn’t mention above were all worthy of a mention too, for one reason or another. However the need for blog-esque brevity dictates that I need to move on. And so to the people I now turn, the people that have made January one of the most amazing months of my time on God’s good earth.
I mentioned before that neither Michael nor I knew quite how people would react to us. Would they ‘get’ what we were setting out to do? Thankfully, on the whole, they have. Gratitude is something that I hope has come through in our daily blogs, because it’s something that, for me, needs to be impressed upon you, dear reader. From those that have hosted us in their homes to the Colliers lads that took us under their wing at the NZ Open this past week; from our mates that pulled together to get us a petrol card and food vouchers to those that lent us cars; everyone has been incredibly generous, and encouraging of what Michael and I are doing. It has been inspiring. Already in the memory bank from one month on the road are experiences that would never have occurred had we not taken a leap of faith to make puregolf2010 a reality. Among the many good people that have supported us, some are old friends and some are new (obviously there’s family too, who have played a significant supportive role). If January is anything to go by, and success is measured by how many friends we have in life (as someone famous once surmised), we are going to be successful young men by the end of this year. Fingers crossed.
However awful our golf has been (and it has been bl**dy awul at times, particularly for me), the routine of seeing new places and meeting new people every day is one that it’s hard to get tired of. It’s often put to us that we must be knackered, playing all this golf. Not a bit of it. (Although after a heavy week in Queenstown burning the candle at both ends we’ll sleep well tonight).
As I write this we’re on the back 9 of our initial New Zealand leg, and in a few weeks will be Sydney bound. We still don’t have the sponsorship dollars committed that we hoped by now would be rattling around in our piggy bank. And traveling around Australia will probably throw us slightly further out of our comfort zone than the past 31 days have. But The Challenge is puregolf2010’s raison d’etre, so in an ironic sense we wouldn’t have it any other way. Being glass-half-full-kinda-punters, we share an unspoken (perhaps naïve) belief that it’ll all be alright. Time will tell, no doubt.
In an hour I’ll be sitting with my family for dinner, perhaps for the last time for a long time. We’ll be joined by good family friends that flew across from Scotland yesterday for their maiden visit to Aotearoa. I’m looking forward to hearing how life has been for the Duncans during the 10 years since I last saw them. Uncle Graham (who’s not a real Uncle, but has a title grounded in respect) was good to me growing up, and is a good golfer himself – one of those guys that plays effortless off a 7 handicap at a tough links course (where they hold qualifying for The Open when it’s at St. Andrews). Hopefully Michael and I will get the chance to take a few bob off him when we reach the UK in July! After tonight he’ll have had plenty warning, but somehow I don’t think practice will be needed – based on current form I’ll be on a 36 handicap by then, so it might have to be a stableford match if I’m to have any chance!
I hope February’s blogs bring you as much enjoyment as writing them gives us. One month down; eleven to go.
Shinnecock
auckland dodgy donald ross links mackenzie melbourne mornington mornington peninsula new york queensland rain royal sandbelt scotland sunshine coast sydney the first tee tpc us open wow
