Golfers Dream Newsletter May 2010

Welcome to the this edition of the Golfers Dream Newsletter for this year -monthly communication reviewing all the latest news and activity from New Zealand Golf and around the world.

Photos (Click image to view slideshow)

Rory Mcllroy's 1st PGA Win

Putting Rory McIlroy's tournament-winning 62 into its proper context has been uppermost in golfing minds since that hyperbole-filled Sunday that announced his coming of age two days early. As McIlroy was celebrating his 21st birthday on the Tuesday of Players Championship week, his ears must have been burning with the same heat generated by the sensational golf that won him his first PGA Tour title at Quail Hollow. The Northern Ireland star is the talk of the game, although it must be added he shares the limelight with Ryo Ishikawa who set the tone for the weekend with his record-breaking 58 in Japan. Ishikawa's achievement should not be underestimated: the average score on the day he won was just above 71, and he was more than 13 shots better. But nor should we underplay the scale of McIlroy's triumph either. What McIlroy demonstrated with his eagle and 17 birdies over the weekend (having made the cut on the mark the day before), was a fulfillment of that potential. It also showed he could beat high-quality opposition going away from the field. The United States had already been stirred by his talents, now they're fully wide awake. McIlroy has already had plenty of attention, now it is being magnified further. Even Woods has joined the bandwagon, agreeing that McIlroy is a better player than he was at a similar age. "No doubt. I wasn't a pro until almost 21 and he was a pro at what 18? I wasn't even near ready to turn pro at that age, I wasn't good enough." McIlroy's win will undoubtedly give him great confidence going forward.

Mel Reid eyes up back to back title!

England's Melissa Reid is hoping to capture a second successive LET title with a victory at this week's UniCredit Ladies German Open, presented by Audi, at Golfpark Gut Häusern near Munich. Last week's Turkish Airlines Ladies Open winner will go into the week with renewed confidence, on a course where she finished equal third last year behind Jade Schaeffer and Paula Marti, just one shot shy of entering the playoff. "I have got my confidence back again. Back in the amateur days when I used to turn up to tournaments, I've kind of got that same kind of feel about myself," Reid said. "I feel like I can win now. I'm hoping it's going to be another good week." The championship, which gets underway on Thursday, is taking place at Golfpark Gut Häusern for the third year running and the course is in magnificent condition despite the heavy storms in the area over the past seven days, when four inches of rain fell, drenching the course.

Hank Haney resigns as Tiger Woods' swing coach

iger Woods' swing coach Hank Haney has resigned, leaving the world number one without one of his top advisers as he tries to rebuild his game. Haney said in a statement he had enjoyed working with Woods but believed it was now time for him to step aside. "I will always look back upon our past half-dozen years together as my best days in professional golf," he said. Woods withdrew from the final round at the Players Championship in Sawgrass last weekend, suffering neck spasms. Haney, who starting working with Woods in 2004, added: "It would be a dream of any coach to have a student like Tiger Woods and for me it has come true. "Just so there is no confusion I would like to make it clear that this is my decision. "I know Tiger Woods will be successful in the future no matter who helps him." There had been speculation during last week's PGA tournament in Florida that Woods was about to leave Haney, rather than the other way round. Haney, 54, took over the role previously occupied by Butch Harmon six years ago. He persuaded Woods to switch from an upright golf swing to a flatter one, with a less pronounced wrist cock.

Golf Course of the Month - Wairakei International Golf Course

  • Where - Just 5 minutes north of Taupo in the North Island of New Zealand. Wairakei International Golf Course is set midway between Wellington and Auckland, near Lake Taupo.
  • Designers - Commander John Harris, Michael Wolveridge, Peter Thomson (5-time British Open Winner)
  • Par / Yardage
  • Par – 72
  • Blue Tees – 6,429 metres / 7,030 yards
  • White Tees – 5,801 metres / 6,344 yards
  • Red Tees – 5,084 metrss / 5,560 yards
  • Course Description - Nestled in a wooded valley just north of Lake Taupo this picturesque 35 year old golf course offers lush manicured fairways and greens, mature tree plantings and magnificent vistas. No built-up areas in sight! The spacious secluded nature of the course and the park like surroundings create a tranquil atmosphere. The course is challenging – sporting its fair share of water hazards and bunkers – however the New Zealand owners and course management have ensured that the average golfer can still enjoy the golf and soak up the atmosphere along the way.