2009 Taupo Championships at Spa Park, Taupo, New Zealand
 
Home | Disc Sales | What Is Discgolf? | Courses in NZ | Events | Bobs Tips | News | Links | Contact Us
       
 

2010 New Zealand Disc Golf Championships Feb 5, 6 & 7 2010 Redwoods Forest, Rotorua, New Zealand

2010 New Zealand Disc Golf Championships at The Redwoods Rotorua

February 5, 6 & 7 2010

Disc Golf New Zealand
Points Out of Ten? - Simon Feasey cannot hide his pleasure over the permanent status this disc golf course has recently gained. Much of the thanks in fact go to this man and to the land owners Scion Research.

Thanks to competitor Dave 'Speedo' Keene for this story...

Once again the most under televised event on the New Zealand sporting calendar had come around. Play­ing host to this years New Zealand Disc Golf nationals for the second time was the picturesque location of the Redwoods forest in Rotovegas. This seemed like the perfect location to hold the Nationals, with Scion Research approving the installation of a new permanent course this lined up nicely with the 2010 New Zealand Discgolf Nationals.
A new Permanent course, a new decade and perhaps a new champion or champions? Only time would tell!

With Co tournament directors Andrew Taylor & Karoline Jonsson taking over the nitty-gritty of tournament organization and administration they roped in course designer Simon Feasey to make this years nationals truly challenging, if you thought the course was tough before Simon got his hands on it, then their was every chance you would defiantly find it testing after it had been lengthened!

Thursday saw a few keen bodies turn up to the Redwoods Holiday Park to set up camp and an af­ternoon round eventuated with the evergreen Pete Boyle amongst the enthusiasts, while Simon Feasey was out finalising the new course layout for doubles the following day.

As dawn broke on the Friday the first thing that was different was that Des hadn’t already been out to play his traditional 2 rounds pre registration, in fact, there was no Des due to the fact he was recovering from knee surgery. So there was an eerie feeling that this years nationals would be vastly different to years gone by. As players arrived, the tradi­tional banter started to fire up again. With doubles pairings going from the sublime in the form of Simon and Blair, Damien and Dean to the outright insane with Marty de Hass teaming up with Juan Unda. Many were surprised not to see the energetic and vocal pairing of the Waiheke lads Siep and Paul. Other contenders opted for safer pairings from either family members (the Hailstones and the Keene’s) to spouses (Arthur and Dawn and Andrew and Karoline).

So without any further ado the doubles foursomes hit the course for the first time. With various shouting and laughter coming from different directions it was hard to get a gauge on how difficult the players were finding the lengthened course layout. Of course the luxury with doubles is that you usually have some one else to bail you out of a drive into the rough or a missed putt. After an enduring 18 holes of doubles in the Vegas heat there was a definite shake up at the top of the leader board with the fiery Arsenal supporter Damien Peters and his wiser (some say better looking partner) Dean Marshall in the lead from defend­ing champions Simon Feasey and Blair Joins, it also became obvious Arthur Pengelly had been making Dawn practice four hours a day as they put the heat on the defending mixed doubles champions Andrew & Karoline.

Heading back out into the park for a second time some pairings started to fade, while others pressed on hoping for a top finish. The makeshift pairing of Mario Cerner from Christchurch and Aus­tralian Chris Finn made a big surge to put themselves in contention. There was also an intense battle for family supremacy between the Hailstones and the Keene’s plus the generational pairing of Josh Smith and Pete Boyle at the head of the field.

The mixed doubles title was looking as if it was going to be heading south to the Fault-line as Arthur and Dawn Pengelly pulled away from Andrew and Karoline! The teaming of de Hass and Juan Unda with Fish and Mark Hamilton for the second round put an end to any hopes the ultimate boys had of getting their hands on the doubles title, mind you the moment Marty agreed to be Juan Unda’s partner, meant they too where never going to be in the title race.

As the tired bodies returned to HQ the talk started up again as all were surprised to see the top two teams head back to hole one, as Simon and Blair had managed to stop arguing with each other (apparently this is a strategy Blair uses) and had managed to catch the Double D’s of Damien and Dean. After a staggering 43 holes of doubles a winning pair had finally emerged. Auckland’s Damien Peters & Tauranga’s Dean Marshall had beaten the de­fending champions of Simon & Blair on the 7th play off hole. While the mixed doubles title did go south to Arthur & Dawn Pengelly and the Woman’s title went to Jenny and Robin Joynt.

Congratulations to our 2010 Doubles champions....

But there was still the singles to go and with no partner to bail you out, there promised to be a lot more frustration on the faces of the competitors.

Saturday morning saw some tired bodies emerge with some course knowledge mixed in with fresh new faces that had not had the pleasure of taking on the mighty Redwoods course. This time round there was no blaming bad throws on your partner, it took most people a few holes to find their groove, most notably was the ever smiling face of George ‘the Hammer’ Huhu, who after only 18 holes had lost his smile on the course and it’s yet to be found.
The first round of singles saw Tauranga’s Dean Marshall & Taumarunui’s Blair Joines pile the pressure on defending champion Simon Feasey shooting a 53 while Simon was two shots back on 55.

The second round was again un-seeded and by the end of it, it seemed Mario Cerner had finally warmed up his big arm and bullet like putting to shoot a 53, while Blair Joins had shaken his fellow Master Dean Marshal shooting a par round (56) to take the over night lead by a single stroke. Simon had managed to peg one back shooting a 55. While in the race for the Woman’s title out of nowhere Dawn Pengelly had shot some amazing golf bring­ing home a 59 & 63 to give defending champion Ming Menzies something to sleep on. Dawn was holding a 3 shot lead over Ming going into the final day. It was also great to see the likes of Dawn and Ming really pushing the men along as well. All be it from the Woman’s Tees.

As the bodies emerged from the Redwoods and retreated back to base camp, TD Andrew and Caroline put together an outstanding feed and even managed to rope in the trusty BBQ skills of Josh Smith to complete an outstanding meal followed up by a group hacky sack session on the lawn before some formalities. Of special note was the outstanding contribution to Disc Golf award which went to one of disc golf’s unsung heroes CORYNNE BOYLE, the entertainment and social director for the Taumarunui’s Lost Tribe. If you’ve ever been to a tournament where and partaken of Corynne's cooking you’ll know what we mean.

Some of the brave and rebellious had now made a bee line for Spanky’s studio where the vocal talents of Martine Gully & Baz Taihape Keene were ever present. Not to be outdone the youthful body of Grand Master Peter Boyle was found on the drums (is there anything the man can’t do) A resounding rendition of ‘to love some­body’ was once again sung out from the discgolf band and bought many smiles to the faces before most of the sensible ones headed back home to rest before the final days play.

As day broke on the Sunday morning, it was familiar names at the top of the leader board, Blair Joines had a one stroke lead on Simon who was just one shot up on Dean with another 2 shots back to David Keene. The second group however had not let the top group out of their sights with Mario Cerner and Dami­en Peters breathing down the neck of the front four. With Bob Gentil and Pete Boyle locked in another epic duel for the Grand Masters title.

Another wonderful day weather wise meant it was going to be very demanding on the body and to stay in the game for four rounds players were going to have to stay hydrated and keep their energy levels up. After the third round Blair had managed to again shake the shadow of Simon Feasey and replicate his first round 53 while Simon carded another 55. Mario had worked tirelessly to recover from his opening round 61 to knock the young David Keene from the top four, while in the other battles going on around the course Peter Boyle had managed to pull away from Bob Gentil in the GM race, Dawn had a now comfortable lead over Ming for the Woman’s crown and Brett looked to have bragging rights over Nigel in the battle of the Hailstones for the 2010 year.

So one more time around was the call come Sunday afternoon. Some broken bodies had 18 holes to go; survival became part of the game. With nothing to loose and all to play for the final round saw a lit­tle shifting up and down the leader board. Brendon Love shot his best round of the tournament to overtake Michael Proctor and break away from the ever improving Chris Ambler and TD Andrew Taylor. Jenny Joynt also shot her best round of the tournament carding a hard earned 69, though both Dawn and Ming had stepped it up a gear. Ming fighting until the death pulling out her best round of 59 but wasn’t quiet able to haul in the new 2010 Woman’s champion Dawn Pengelly who came in with a final round 57! Pete Boyle had managed to hold off a late charging Bob Gentil to take out the Grand Masters title.

All focus now turned to the top group with Simon Feasey finally pulling one out the bag to bring home a 51 and force a play off with Blair Joines who shot a final round 54, both ending up with a tournament total of 216, while the fast finishing Dean Marshal wasn’t able to force his way into the playoff falling just one shot behind the duo. So yet again we were heading back to the course for a play off.

Hole one saw Simon put his drive into the open with a par guaranteed, while Blair was forced to use a ‘get out of jail’ card with a beautiful second that landed under the pin. The second hole saw both players throw bad drives leaving the title wide open, but once again Blair put his recovery shot under the pin to force the best out of Simon if he was to keep the title fight alive. As good players do, Simon answered by sending his up shot 5 meters from the pin and sinking the putt. To hole number three the big gallery went in anticipation of a victor. With Simon up first he sent his drive wide, deep into the rough on the left of the fairway meaning the Lost Tribes Blair Joins could play percentage golf. As Blair always does he stood up to the tee and sent his immaculate side arm straight down the fairway putting the pressure right back on Simon. Try as he might Simon was unable to find any way through the dense bush and left Blair with the opportunity to place his upshot under the pin. Simon had one last attempt at making a miracle put from 55 feet to keep the playoff alive but from a difficult lie was unable to find the chains. Blair proceeded to step up and sink his putt, the smile was from ear to ear, he had finally managed to beat Simon and take out the 2010 NZ Championship.

Congratulations To all the Divisional winners and to those who helped out, a special mention to Andrew & Karoline, Gabb, Simon and others for their efforts in making the weekend a huge success.

Disc Golf New Zealand

Back to the top

Pictures

Disc Golf New Zealand
Gimme a T - Josh Smith (Hamilton, New Zealand) gives a fine example of his smooth run-up drive action on hole 11. And throws in some cheerleading at the same time.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Like Minded People - as Bob finishes up the prize giving, tournie directors Karoline and Andrew serve up a super yummy desert to follow the delicious dinner.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Chains of Envelopment - an uphill putt completes a nice birdie for Mark Hamilton (Auckland, New Zealand).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Chestnut Alley.

Disc Golf New Zealand
How It's Done - style at the tee featuring one of the NZ Tour TDs Mario Cerniar (Christchurch, New Zealand).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Shady Move - Chris Ambler (Auckland, New Zealand) has what it takes to secure a birdie from a fine drive on hole 16, watched by Baz Keene.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Super Mario - Showing great form, Mario Cerniar (Christchurch, New Zealand) stayed up in the top group for most of the tournament.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Have A Dig - after partner Joe Fish Seebuck ensured the gimme, Mark Hamilton (Auckland, New Zealand) trued to claw back a shot with a highly agressive dig at the chains. They were rattled but it was not to be.

Disc Golf New Zealand
The Gap Trap - choosing his backhand throw, Blair Joines (Taumarunui, New Zealand) executes a fine drive on the penultimate hole of the course (although the hole order will be changed for the permanent course - more on the Rotorua Disc Golf page).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Crocodile Par Three - at the foot of a massive Redwood, Mark Hamilton (Auckland, New Zealand) is all balance as he drives hole 7 with his highly controlled style. This led to another birdie for his doubles team (with Fish).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Fishing For Compliments - and with forehand style like this, he can expect to catch a few. Joe Seebuck (Auckland, New Zealand) - better known as Fish - steps into another accruate drive. This time on hole 15 (spot the golfer in the background).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Dwarfed - A giant in Disc Golf, Simon Feasey (Auckland, New Zealand) is dwarfed as he drives hole 12 under the gaze of many a Pine Tree.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Bushy Tale - under the stunning setting of Rotorua's Redwood Forest Blair Joines (Taumarunui, New Zealand) is all business as he sends a drive down hole 6's tunnel fairway.

Disc Golf New Zealand
He Can Handle Anything - on the 13th fairway, Blair Joines (Taumarunui, New Zealand) fired this great 2nd to within a metre of the pin. Stuff of Champions.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Divas on the Course - Dawn (Vancouver[?], Canada) drives hole 13 watched on by the other female competitors (from left) Karoline Jonsson (Tauranga, New Zealand), ?, Ming Menzies (Tauranga, New Zealand).

Disc Golf New Zealand
The Generation Game - the Doubles Championship saw several family matchings, including Baz Keene (Auckland, New Zealand) on the left partnering his nephew and singles title contender Dave Keene (Auckland, New Zealand).

Disc Golf New Zealand
A Picture Speaks 1000 Words - it is with great dispair that Dean Marshall (Tauranga, New Zealand) sees his chances of a national title dwindle in the final round after a sneaky little overhang stops his disc midflight on the tough 13th hole - the longest on the course at 161m. That being said, Deano was just one shot off the play-off once the cards were added. Perhaps this is the one he will look back on. (and perhaps this is the pic I'll email him every week! - [wick] Ed)

Disc Golf New Zealand
A Tight Course - the Crazy Man himself Marty de Haas (Auckland, New Zealand) had a mixed second round in the singles. He started well, negotiating hairpins and drop offs like an old hand. However once fatigue set in lack of alignment and balance became worrying factors leading to a quadruple bogie which included a Superman into a group of pungas.

Disc Golf New Zealand
It's That Easy - well, that's how Mark Hamilton (Auckland, New Zealand) makes it look as he drives hole 10.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Spotters Unite - it was always a good idea to send out a spotter on such a course. Here Marty de Haas (Auckland, New Zealand) replaces Mark Hamilton (Auckland, New Zealand) on the 13th fairway for a spot of ... spotting.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Shank Attack - despite being dragged down in doubles by his parnter Juan Unda (Mangere Bridge, Tiauana) showed he hasn't lost it with a respectable 59 on the first round of singles. We watched out for him in the afternoon but it appeared that he took the name of the 16th hole (Go Ridin') somewhat literally.

Disc Golf New Zealand
Quiet at the Tee Please - ignoring tee chatter from some of the original Kiwi Disc Golfers, Ming Menzies (Tauranga, New Zealand) lets fly watched on by Brendon Love (Tauranga, New Zealand).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Watch and Hope - Doubles play and Simon Feasey (Auckland, New Zealand) tries to bend one like Feckham on the 13th to drop down to the green - watched on by partner Blair Joines (Taumarunui, New Zealand).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Low Boyling Point - known for his unique throwing action, Pete Boyle (Taumarunui, New Zealand) decides to actually hold onto his bag whilst driving the 105m 12th. Of course placing his bag on the ground is not an option for this quirky golfer who can keep a beat better than the cicadas that chorused the weekend's play.

Disc Golf New Zealand
It Wasn't All Golf - showing talent across the board, Martin Gulley (Wanaka, New Zealand) took the stage at The Factory to give punters some pitch perfect renditions of some classics including That's Entertainment and Tie A Yellow Ribbon Around The Old Oak Tree.

Disc Golf New Zealand
MC Hammer - Tournament Director Andrew Taylor (Tauranga, New Zealand) wooed crowds (well Karoline at least - Ed) with his mighty hammer throw on the tee at the 8th. High, wide and handsome - the throw was good too!

Disc Golf New Zealand
What A Square - The New Zealand summer can mean some pretty hot rounds of golf. Simon Feasey (Auckland, New Zealand) shows one of the ways to create one's own shade. (and hide from prying paparazzi cameras! - Ed).

Disc Golf New Zealand
Here to Stay - One of the highlights of 2010 for Kiwi Disc Golfers was the news that this spectacular course has been approved for permanent status. In fact the tournament made use of 12 baskest already installed (sigh of relief from the folks that are out there setting up the course). Many thanks to those involved and to the land owners Scion Research.

Back to the top

Results

 

Division
Name
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 4
Total
M
Blair Joines
53
56
53
54
216
M
Simon Feasey
55
55
55
51
216
** Blair Joines beat Simon Feasey on the third playoff hole. **
M
Dean Marshall
53
58
55
52
218
O
Mario Cernier
61
53
54
53
221
O
Dave Keen
57
56
56
56
225
O
Damien Peters
59
59
57
56
231
M
Brett Hailstone
58
60
60
57
235
WO
Dawn Pengally
59
63
57
57
236
O
Joshua Smith
62
58
60
57
237
GM
Pete Boyle
57
57
62
63
239
GM
Bob Gentil
59
58
63
64
244
O
Chris Finn
62
60
59
63
244
O
Carson Boon
64
57
66
59
246
M
Nigel Hailstone
60
65
61
60
246
WGM
Ming Menzies
61
64
62
59
246
M
Arthur Pengally
65
62
61
61
249
M
Brendon Love
69
62
60
59
250
GM
Michael Proctor
57
69
62
64
252
O
Chris Ambler
63
61
67
64
255
O
Andrew Taylor
62
65
65
63
255
M
Baz Keene
65
64
65
63
257
SGM
Nigel Barnwell
66
63
63
76
268
WO
Karoline Jonsson
65
74
65
72
276
O
Sam Burke
71
69
65
73
278
O
Martin Galley
66
68
72
74
280
O
George Huhu
72
70
69
69
280
WO
Kiri Thomas-Boon
72
73
75
77
297
WGM
Jenny Joynt
76
81
72
69
298
GM
Darryl (DAZZ) Switalla
75
84
83
90
332
SGM
Dean Turner
85
84
82
82
333
J
Toby Gentil
80
80
N/A
N/A
160
M
Juan Unda
59
DNP
DNF
DNF
2185
M
Martin De Hass
60
DNP
DNF
DNF
2186

Click here for the 2010 New Zealand Tour Points Table

Back to the top


Proudly brought to you by...