Christchurch, 15 August 2025 – The Christchurch Club was buzzing with energy last night as golfers, supporters, volunteers, and clubs from across the region gathered for the Canterbury Golf Awards Dinner – New Zealand’s only dedicated awards evening for golf.
The prestigious event shone a spotlight on the 2024–2025 season, recognising not only standout performances on the course but also the dedication of the people and clubs who keep the game thriving at every level.
Celebrating Golfing Excellence
Among the night’s top honours were:
- Women’s Golfer of the Year – Lannie Inoue, Rangiora Golf Club
- Men’s Golfer of the Year – Cooper Moore, Clearwater Golf Club
- Junior Girl Golfer of the Year – Junie Chang, Russley Golf Club
- Junior Boy Golfer of the Year – Alfie Bell, Russley Golf Club
Russley Golf Club was a standout on the night, with multiple winners across the junior categories, highlighting the depth of talent being nurtured in Canterbury.
More Than Just Trophies
While the spotlight was on individual and team achievements, the evening also recognised the unsung heroes of the game – volunteers, coaches, and greenkeepers who dedicate countless hours behind the scenes.
The Jim & Rita Townsend Trophy for Volunteer of the Year went to Wayne Newsome (Bottle Lake Golf Club) and Murray Cameron (Hawarden Golf Club), while Ian Carruthers of Coringa Golf Club was honoured for his services to greenkeeping.
A touching moment came when Jason Sincock was recognised for his incredible 300-match milestone in the prestigious Woodward Cup.
Inspiration from the Best
The evening’s keynote was delivered by local NZ PGA Coach of the Year, Rodney Yee, who shared stories from his journey in golf – blending humour, wisdom, and encouragement that resonated with both young players and seasoned club members.
“Tonight is about more than just trophies — it’s about the people and moments that make our game so special,” said Canterbury Golf General Manager, Blair Minton. “From grassroots to elite level, golf in Canterbury is thriving thanks to the efforts of so many. We’re proud to bring the community together to recognise that.”
A Thriving Future for Canterbury Golf
The Awards Dinner capped off a successful season for Canterbury Golf, with participation, performance, and community support all on the rise. The evening served as a reminder that the region’s golfing strength lies not only in results but also in its culture of inclusivity, passion, and community spirit.
Full List of 2025 Winners
- Promising Junior Girl of the Year – Alice Fry, Russley Golf Club
- Promising Junior Boy of the Year – Uny Shao, Russley Golf Club
- Junior Girl Golfer of the Year – Junie Chang, Russley Golf Club
- Junior Boy Golfer of the Year – Alfie Bell, Russley Golf Club
- Greenkeeper Trainee of the Year – Sam Journee, Christchurch City Council
- Services to Greenkeeping – Ian Carruthers, Coringa Golf Club
- Woodward Cup Milestone (300 matches) – Jason Sincock
- Vardon Trophy – Cooper Moore, Clearwater Golf Club
- Volunteer of the Year (Jim & Rita Townsend Trophy) – Wayne Newsome, Bottle Lake Golf Club
- Volunteer of the Year (Jim & Rita Townsend Trophy) – Murray Cameron, Hawarden Golf Club
- Service Award for Golfing Achievement – Yuki Miya, Pegasus Golf Club
- Service Award – James Barclay, Ellesmere Golf Club
- Service Award – Mike Millward, Canterbury Golf
- Women’s Golfer of the Year – Lannie Inoue, Rangiora Golf Club
- Men’s Notable Mention – Yuki Miya, Pegasus Golf Club
- Men’s Notable Mention – Sam McGill, Clearwater Golf Club
- Men’s Golfer of the Year – Cooper Moore, Clearwater Golf Club
With its mix of celebration, recognition, and inspiration, the Canterbury Golf Awards Dinner was truly a night to remember – one that reflected the strength and spirit of golf across the region.
Bring on another year of success on and off the golf course!
