36 years ago, at a Leaner in Omanu Golf Club, a few regular “Leaners” often discussed the idea of a Tournament involving the top courses in the Western Bay of Plenty.

They considered the five ingredients necessary to make such a vision work.

Locality? Perfect. Quality of courses? Ideal. Climate? Outstanding.

However, the event would also need a sponsor and a tournament director to complete the recipe.

Retired bank manager and Omanu President Elwyn Mickell agreed to be the tournament director.

In 1996 iconic local winery Mills Reef agreed to be the major sponsor with Eves Realty and the local Honda dealer as supporting sponsors for the first 5 Course Classic.

Over the intervening years Eves Realty became the naming rights sponsor with Mills Reef Winery still involved as a secondary sponsor, and three of the host clubs were rostered to manage the event.

From these humble beginnings and approximately 250 entries the event quickly grew to the stage where numbers had to be capped at around 400 such was the tournament’s popularity.

Right from the early days the event attracted hordes from across the ditch and just last year approximately 80 players entered from Australia along with a regular contingent from the Cook Islands and a growing number from Asia.

Eves Realty made the decision after the 2018 tournament to step down from their involvement after more than 20 years of fantastic support.

The host clubs of Mount Maunganui, Omanu, Omokoroa, Tauranga and Te Puke were indebted to have Metlifecare Retirement Villages come on board in 2019 to ensure the survival of the fixture as naming rights sponsor, and they have agreed to support the 2020 event, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the longest running multi-club stableford tournament in the country.

Planning is underway for the 2020 Metlifecare 5 Course Classic and the longevity of the event is testament to the great number of golfers that return each year.

The 2020 Metlifecare 5 Course Classic is located adjacent to the best beach in the country, which is a massive attraction.

Complementing this is the vast variety of accommodation available with hotels, apartments, motels, motorhome parking and these days Airbnb and holiday homes all provide great value options.

Although hugely popular for golfing couples, the location makes Tauranga/Mount Maunganui an ideal holiday destination for non-golfers to enjoy what the region has to offer.

In addition to the naming sponsor, Metlifecare, we are proud to announce the continued support of Mills Reef Winery, Wilson Staff, Independent Liquor by way of Asahi Beer and Pacific Golfer Magazine.

We have increased the number of local attractions that add value throughout the week with special deals for our golfers.

Entry is limited to the first 400 golfers, who are split across four courses per day, with stableford scores accumulating over the five rounds. Men are grouped into three even handicap divisions and ladies into two divisions.

Additional to the massive final prize table, we have daily prize giving, plus daily draws for golf holiday packages, Asahi giveaways and Mills Reef wines. A welcoming function will take place, along with wine tasting evenings and a mid-week dinner party night.

It is truly a celebration of golf that has stood the test of time and the 2020 event will be our biggest and best yet. We anticipate an over-subscription of entries, so we urge you to register early. Register at www.5courseclassic.co.nz or email enquiries to jayne@bopgolf.co.nz