A stellar field of Canterbury's top amateurs will turn out for the Golf Warehouse Canterbury 4BBB Championship being held at Waimairi Beach Golf Club this Sunday 21 June.
Demand to play in the Men's Championship has been unprecedented with 25 pairs balloted out. The cut-off for the men's field was a combined handicap of 7.9.
It would seem that that most of our top players are itching for opportunities to get out and compete after COVID-19. Adding to the quality field are a number of players that have currently returned from University in America which include Tom Parker, Dominic Brettkelly, Marcel Boet, Hiroki Miya, Josh Roche, Amelia Garvey and Momoka Kobori. While the 4BBB is seen by many as a gentle "season opener", when this many top players come together the competitive juices are sure to flow.
The title will be hotly contested with such a high-quality field. There are ten pairings with a combined handicap between 0 and +8.4. The defending champions Sam Purdon and Ryan Bellamy will have to produce their best golf to take out back to back titles.
The women's field is equally impressive with the standout pairing being one of the world's leading amateurs Amelia Garvey paired with Canterbury Rep Maddie May. Their combined handicap index they are five shots clear of the next pairings - Olive Tapu and Catherine Bell, then Amy Weng and Yoyo Fu. A notable pairing is that of former NZ and Canterbury Rep Momoka Kobori who has taken young Avondale up-and-comer Zaria Bourne under her wing to play with.
With the quality of the field, the men's net divisions have been combined into one. Prizes will be awarded in men's and women's gross and net divisions.
This Sunday will surely be a celebration of top amateur golf in Canterbury bringing together the cream of the crop for an 18 hole shoot-out that could see some spectacular scoring. Aside from the golf, the social opportunity of bringing our best players together should not be overlooked, as we look to renew and restart top flight golf in Canterbury after the dark days of COVID-19. There will be a buzz on the practice greens before the round, and in the clubhouse afterwards.
We hope for a calm sunny day and a good crowd of spectators who won't get many better opportunities to watch the best Canterbury amateurs in action.
Play starts at 10am. The draw will be published on Friday.
