Guest blog on day 25 - Pip from The First Tee NZ

Posted by Pip King on 25 January 2010 | 0 Comments | Tags: , , ,

Here to catch up with the guys at the official launch of puregolf2010 at Terrace Downs.  We took the one hour journey up from Christchurch in Michaelâ??s mum's little red car, me riding shotgun with Michael driving and mates Bart, Corky and Rich squashed in the back seat. After a few nervous moments realising we were out of gas we rolled in on fumes at Kirwee to refuel.

 

Terrace Downs is a spectacular course nestled into the foothills of the Southern Alps, with a fantastic backdrop of mountains that today were half obscured by clouds. The day was overcast with a very light wind from the northeast. This is the wind you want to play here, a howler from the northwest or a southerly can be uncomfortable, so the boys were blessed.

 

A tidy group of 24 player lined up at the first tee and some succumbed to the first water hazard but most got off to a healthy start. I joined them a the 10th par 3 in front  of the clubhouse for a haggle against Jamie and Michaelâ??s scores.   A par and a 4 were enough to hold many off with the bunker in front and the lake behind claiming a few donations.  On the 16th there was an obligatory warmup shot from the tee box hanging on the edge of the Rakaia Gorge.  It is a big shot to get a ball to the other side of the river 200 metres below but sublimely satisfying to attempt it.

 

The day was well supported, mostly friends and family of the boys who freely donated at every opportunity. Special thanks to Terrace Downs for being proactive in taking up the opportunity to host the event and for being so generous with prizes for the auction.  Terrace Downs also donated two sets of brand new kids clubs to The First Tee and we can assure you we will find them a very deserving home.  Steve at Kelford Engineering, thanks for your sponsorship and for being a great sport on the day.

 

The day raised around $2500 with some donations still to come in online.  This was an awesome kickstart to the fundraising and sincere thanks go to all who participated.  Writing this on the redeye back to Auckland and reflecting Iâ??ve had a great time the past couple of days and met many new friends I hope to see again before the year is out. 

 

I urge you to support these two fine young men who have enough courage and commitment to follow their dream and enough heart to make a real difference for children.

If you have the chance to play with or make up a four and play alongside these guys, donâ??t miss the opportunity to be part of a big adventure.  They are also on a skinny budget, so donâ??t be shy to offer them a bed or a meal along the way.

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