With Old Phart Sue in England visiting family, an opportunity arose for Blair to fly to Queenstown to watch the NZ Golf Open. It was an opportunity he jumped at!
The tournament was to be played at Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown. So three likely lads in Thommo, Rads and the writer flew out of Auckland on Friday lunchtime. They picked up a rental car, and drove straight out to take in the action. An old cricket friend, Russell Mawhinney, lives near Queenstown, and kindly offered to host us.
The tournament is a Pro Am, and features a number of NZ sporting stars, past and present.
It was great to watch the pro golfers in action, particularly Steven Alker, who has had success on the Champions Tour in the US.
Back to Russ’s for a Thai takeaway, a few reds and stories from yesteryear.
The next morning was considerably cooler, but the lads had plenty of warm clothes. The highlight for the day was Russ securing tickets into the hospitality area, courtesy of a generous friend. Plenty of food and drink, and spot the celebrity.
Shark and tatey for tea, washed down with beer and wine. More stories from the past and lots of laughs.
Similar weather for the final day. The field is bunched, and a winner hard to pick. Eventually it is Aussie Brendon Jones who emerges from the bunch. With birdies on 3 of the last 5 holes, he is a comfortable winner.
At the conclusion of the golf, we headed into Arrowtown for food and drink. They dined at Mantra Indian Restaurant. Great food! We were all most impressed.
With the fellas having plenty of time before flying back to Auckland, they decided to have breakfast in Arrowtown. We dined at the Chop Shop. Fantastic food, service and coffee.
So a great few days in a magic part of New Zealand.A big thanks to Russ for hosting us. We will be back next year.