By Derek Drysdale,
Tournament Director

We are delighted to announce that TSB Bank has joined us as a Major Sponsor for our next tournament in May, 2016.
TSB Bank Nelson Festival Of Golf has received sponsorship funding for this year’s event from the Nelson Events Marketing & Development Programme, which is funded by Nelson City Council. The Programme’s objective is to stimulate Nelson City’s economy in the shoulder and off seasons by bringing new spending through visitors coming to Nelson for district events.” For further information contact NEMDP Chair, Bill Findlater on 03 545 6858.
One of the ‘must play’ events in the New Zealand golfing calendar, the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf has it all - one round of teamplay in teams of four, followed by three rounds of individual stableford competition in separate divisions. There will be one women’s division and two men’s divisions. On offer will be daily stableford prizes per division, as well as an overall daily gross prize per division.
With a varied array of prizes on offer, we’re delighted to again be offering all competitors the chance to win a car for getting a hole in one, on the allotted holes during the tournament.
Our long putt competition will again bring lots of fun to the week, and with a major prize at the end of it, it’s worth getting on that practice green early.
Winners will be decided on each player’s accumulated total from the three individual rounds played. As in previous years we are again putting up some great novelty prizes and lucky draws to keep everyone in the hunt for a reward.
After suffering a couple of windy days during our previous events in late October, we have moved the tournament to a new date on the calendar in the hope of providing entrants the beautiful weather that our region is famed for. Hopefully the new dates in early May will offer playing conditions that will provide competitors with chances to shoot great scores in calmer conditions – Making entry to the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf a great competition for players of all abilities to enter.
The format has also changed slightly for this next tournament with the weeks itinerary as follows:
SUNDAY 1st MAY:
Registration at Nelson Golf Club between 1pm and 3pm.
Tournament Director, Derek Drysdale, confirmed that from 3pm onwards on Sunday 1st May, Nelson Golf Club will offer all competitors courtesy of the course to go out and play some golf to get a feel for the conditions. The tournament committee would like to thank the Nelson Golf Club for this generous gesture, as I am sure all the visitors to the area would like to take up that offer.
MONDAY 2nd MAY:
Shotgun start – to be played over the wonderful Nelson Golf Links. This is our only Team Day for the tournament, with everyone playing in teams of four, with plenty of team prizes up for grabs. No individual scores will count towards the individual weekly total and the team section will only apply on the Monday. For anyone entering individually or in couples, you will be matched up into teams for the day.  Just let us know when you complete your entry form and we’ll arrange it for you.                       
After play on Monday there will be the Long Putt Qualifying Round, so make sure you have a shot at this fun event as it proved very popular last time round. Qualifiers will go into a shoot-out on Friday with the chance of winning a major prize.
The Team Day prize giving will take place in the clubhouse at close of play.
TUESDAY 3rd MAY:
Shotgun start at Motueka Golf Club. This is the first of three daily rounds, in handicap divisions, which count toward the accumulative individual score for the week.  Daily prize giving will take place in the clubhouse after play to reward the best players of the day. New Zealand golf legend, Sir Bob Charles recently played at Motueka and described it as one of New Zealand’s hidden gems. He was not wrong and you will love this beautiful tree lined parkland course.
WEDNESDAY 4th MAY:
A rest day!  If, in fact, you need a rest…. we are aware that some of you just can’t get enough golf, so we’re looking at a new extra option for you for the Wednesday, so keep an eye on our website for further news!  Alternatively you can enjoy some of the many other fabulous things to do in the Nelson / Tasman Region, there’s plenty to choose from.
THURSDAY 5th MAY:
Shotgun start. Played at Greenacres Golf Club, the second round in the individual competition, in handicap divisions could be called “moving day”, so keep those scores low!  The daily prize giving will again take place in the clubhouse after the day’s play. Greenacres golf course has outstanding views no matter where you look. The course is a great test of golf which will make you think about that next shot on every hole. As their website says, “it is the Best Island Golf Course”.
FRIDAY 6th MAY:
Shotgun start for this final round is again at the Nelson Golf Links. Played on wonderfully true greens it will offer everyone the chance to putt their way to glory. Today will determine the winners of each division.
The qualifiers for the putting shoot-out will take part in the final Putt-Off in front of the assembled competitors....no pressure, eh?
The Major Prize Giving will take place in the Nelson Clubhouse in the evening hosted by The 19th Cafe & Bar.
Nelson Golf Links: A wonderful golf course which has recently hosted both the NZ Amateur Championships and the NZ Senior Championships. Being chosen to host these great tournaments is indeed a great accolade from New Zealand Golf. I am sure that Superintendent Brendan O’Hara and his team will have the course at its best for all the competitors involved.
I would like to thank our sponsors at this time, as without them we couldn’t put things together at this level of competition.

Entry forms are available online, as well as other useful information regarding accommodation etc. www.nelsongolf.co.nz/festivalofgolf
If you would rather speak to someone in person, please call Allison O’Donnell on 03-548-5029 then option 3, and Allison will be happy to deal with your enquiry.
We look forward to seeing you in May 2016 for a wonderful week of golf and friendship.

Play three fabulous courses

NELSON GOLF CLUB

Nelson Golf Club’s 18 hole championship links course is adjacent to the district’s airport and the picturesque waters of Tasman Bay. This beautiful seaside links course has reputedly the ‘best’ greens in the country.
Nelson golf links is only ten minutes from the centre of downtown Nelson and virtually next door to beautiful Tahunanui Beach and associated accommodation.
Nelson enjoys one of the most favourable climates in New Zealand with high sunshine hours which helps to explain why Nelson is a popular golfing destination. Come and play this challenging links course year round.

GREENACRES GOLF CLUB

Welcome to Greenacres Golf Club, where playing golf is a “fun” experience to be enjoyed. While this course is considered one of the most challenging in the top of the South Island where you can learn new skills or test your ability, it is a popular course for all playing levels.
We have an active membership and welcome new members both short and long term in either 9 hole or 18 hole grades. Being free draining the course is seldom closed due to bad weather so come and visit us.
Located on Best Island it can claim to be New Zealand’s Best island golf course. It is situated 8 kilometres from Richmond and has a long, interesting and successful history. The scenic yet challenging links style layout of the course in a tree lined parkland setting, is a pleasure to enjoy.
No steep hills to climb but numerous obstacles to navigate around, well placed bunkers plus plenty of challenging lies will test and titillate the average golfer. Remember – “It is only a game”

MOTUEKA GOLF CLUB

Motueka Golf Club prides itself on running a friendly and welcoming club. The course is relatively flat and has a park like atmosphere with the fairways lined by mature trees.
The course has been modified and improved over recent years. The trees have been trimmed and fairways widened which has made the course more “Golfer Friendly” The fairways are well grassed and our greens are consistent and true.
At 5800m off the White Tees the course rewards accuracy and correct club selection. Golfers of all abilities will welcome the challenge and if you play to your handicap on your first visit you should be well satisfied. You will be in the minority!
The course sits on the east side of Motueka and provides some stunning views of Tasman Bay. With an increasing membership and glowing reports from both local and overseas visiting players, Motueka’s reputation continues to grow as one of the best country courses in New Zealand. We look forward to hosting you as part of the Festival of Golf.

A word from our sponsors:

TSB Bank:
“We’ve been New Zealand owned and independent for over 160 years. During that time we’ve grown and evolved, as we have, so has our ability to give back. Sponsoring this event is just one more way we can say ‘thanks’ for your role in our journey, and for making Nelson an even better place to live.”- Brent Williams, Manager
Cobra Puma:
“Cobra Puma are delighted to become involved with the ever popular TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf for 2016. Our range is exciting for all golfers, just like this tournament is, so we saw it as a perfect match.”
Total Golf:
Glyn Delany and his team at Total Golf are proud to be involved with the TSB Bank Nelson Festival of Golf. “We thoroughly enjoyed meeting all the competitors at the previous events and we will be more than happy to provide them with our professional services during the next tournament.” - Glyn Delany, Total Golf
Mike Perro Real Estate:
“I wish every success to everyone involved in this tournament, and if you’re visiting the area and decide you want to move here, I’ll be happy to be of service. Of course, for all the local golfers, I would be delighted to assist them in selling their property.” - Shelley Carppe, Mike Perro Real Estate