New Zealand golf legend Bob Charles is an ambassador for a sports event in Christchurch next year that will attract nearly 10,000 participants.
The event is the Golden Oldies Sports Celebration, sponsored by Christchurch Casino, which will be held in April. It is for people aged 35 and older.
Golf is one of 10 sports that will make up the event which will be held over four weeks. The other sports are cricket, rugby, basketball, hockey, netball, soccer, lawn bowls, squash and softball.
The golf section of the event will be held from April 8-14 and will be staged at four different golf courses. The courses are the Pegasus Golf and Sports Club, Harewood Golf Club, the Christchurch Golf Club at Shirley and the spectacular Terrace Downs Golf Club located in the shadow of the Southern Alps.
The week will feature a stableford format in handicap sections, with daily winners and recognition of the best week’s scores and performances in a relaxed golfing environment.
The golf programme is as follows:-

DAY 1 – SUN 8 APRIL

Players will arrive in Christchurch, settle into their selected festival accommodation and enjoy their first afternoon in Christchurch. Late afternoon players will gather in the city centre for the Parade of Nations that will head to the welcoming party. The party will cover three hours and offer complimentary food.

DAY 2 – MON 9 APRIL

Players meet at designated host golf clubs for the first round of play – stableford play. Food and beverage will be available during the day followed by hospitality and awards at the end of play. The evening will be free to enjoy local restaurants and bars in the city.

DAY 3 – TUE 10 APRIL

Players meet at designated host golf clubs for the second round of play – stableford play. Food and beverage will be available during the day followed by hospitality and awards at the end of play. The evening will be free to enjoy local restaurants and bars in the city.

DAY 4 – WED 11 APRIL

The popular Picnic Day will see players transferred to Hanmer Springs, a stunning alpine village, for an enjoyable day of superb Canterbury food and beverages. Attendees will enjoy local entertainment and some interesting, fun and memorable activities. At the conclusion of a great day out in wonderful Hanmer Springs, attendees will be transferred back to their accommodation and the chance to enjoy an evening at one of Christchurch’s many excellent restaurants or bars including the Festival Entertainment HQ at the Christchurch Casino.

DAY 5 – THU 12 APRIL

Players meet at designated host golf clubs for the third round of play– stableford play. Food and beverage will be available during the day followed by hospitality and awards at the end of play. The evening will be free to enjoy local restaurants and bars in the city.

DAY 6 – FRI 13 APRIL

Players meet at designated host golf clubs for the final round of play – stableford play. Food and beverage will be available during the day followed by hospitality and awards at the end of play. Early evening, players will gather at the Finale Dinner and Awards evening. A wonderful end to a the week featuring a three course served meal, an open bar for beer, wine and juices, presentation of Festival Awards and some very special entertainment. Four to five hours of fun, friendship and fraternity at the end of a great week in a fabulous city.

DAY 7 – SAT 14 APRIL

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Attendees depart for home or further travel.
Bob Charles will be joined as an ambassador by cricketers Barry Richards and Mike Proctor, along with Christchurch bowls maestro Gary Lawson. Other ambassadors are Sir Graham Henry (rugby), Brendon Pongia (basketball), Rod Latham (cricket), Selwyn Maister (hockey), Julie Seymour (netball), Alan Stroud (football), Jo Edwards (lawn bowls), Barry Gardiner (squash), Todd Blackadder (rugby) and Cheryl Kemp (softball).
Peter McDermott, Golden Oldies Sports Celebration 2018 event director said the organisation was extremely fortunate to have such an amazing group of golden oldies sports advocates join its ambassador team to help tell the Golden Oldies 2018 story here and overseas.
“Our initial group of ambassadors was largely Canterbury based, recognising the importance of engaging the local region first and foremost,” said Mr McDermott. “We are now focused on attracting up to 70 percent of the forecast 10,000 participants from overseas and our new ambassadors, along with some of the very high profile Kiwis, will provide strong voices and faces to help us do so.”
Nicky Wagner, the government minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration, said the event is a golden opportunity to showcase Christchurch to the 7000 overseas participants and 2000 Kiwis from outside Canterbury who are expected to attend this month-long celebration of fun, friendship and fraternity.
The Christchurch Casino Golden Oldies Sports Celebration 2018 will mark the first time all 10 sports will come together in one global festival. It is expected to inject a projected $33 million of direct economic benefit into the Canterbury region.
Beneficiaries of the Christchurch Casino Golden Oldies Sports Celebration 2018 are Cure Kids and the Leverage and Legacy Committee. Support for the event is provided by New Zealand Major Events (MBIE), the Christchurch City Council, the Rata Foundation, Tourism New Zealand and Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism.
For more information go to https://christchurchgoldenoldies.com/sports/golf/