Phil Aickin: Happy serving New Zealand golf

By Neville Idour

Phil Aickin has been all things to New Zealand golf for many years.

Some might describe him as a stalwart servant. Perhaps loyal and hard working might be more appropriate.

As a player, administrator and referee at major golf events his prescence has touched many people over the years.

Golfer Pacific caught up with him at the Otago Golf Club where he was involved in the running of the South Island Age Group Championships in his current role as handicapping and golf services manager.

We first asked him where it all started?

“I was born and bred in Auckland and fell in love with golf thanks to my father Ray,’’ Aickin recalled.

``He was an avid golfer and I would cry when he would leave to go and play golf. I was only four or five then and missed dad. So after that he took me with him. I would hit golf balls and eventually when I was a 12-year-old I could join a golf club.

“There were challenges for a junior to become a member of a golf club in Auckland. I’m not sure if that was a national thing.

``So finally I could join, but there was a two-year waiting list at The Grange where dad was a member. Fortunately he then joined Whitford Park and that became my home course since I joined in 1973. Dad had dual membership for a while to get me started.”

Why was it difficult for a junior to join?

``The Grange was probably the busiest course in Auckland so they had that two-year waiting list. You had to be 12 before you became eligible to join.”

Was your father a good golfer?

``Yes. His lowest handicap was two. One of the highlights of my long playing career was when I played him in the final of the senior club championships in the late 1970s.

``I remember he chipped in early to go one up but I did win comfortably in the end. It really was a thrill though.

``Dad really loved the game. I even remember the last round he played but sadly he died at 64, still a young man really. But I was fortunate I got his love for golf and I have done a few things he would have been proud of, that I wish he had been here to see.’'

There was a hint of a tear in the eyes as Phil talked about his father. It was clearly a cherished relationship.

What’s an example that your father would have been proud of?

``Refereeing at The Open in 2010. I was 42 when he died but I did have a lot of great years with him.

``The last 15 years of those, I was in Wellington having moved there in the early 1990s to work for New Zealand Golf. It is now almost 30 years in a career where I work in the game I love. It has not only taken me around the world as a player and administrator but also to work with golf clubs all over New Zealand, which is probably one of the best parts of my job.”

Tell us about your playing career.

``I had a number of years playing at the top amateur level in New Zealand teams as a junior and senior.

``I played with and against many good players such as against Stuart Jones, our hall of famer, in the old Freyberg which was pretty cool.

``I went to the University of Oklahoma with Greg Turner. It was a nice era although it didn’t do my golf game any good.

``I also played a lot with Frank Nobilo, Michael Campbell, Phil Tataurangi, Grant Moorhead and Stephen Scahill in that era when we won the Eisenhour in 1992.

``For me, having played in three Eisenhours in the 1980s it was an amazing feeling. With promising players coming through, hopefully we might do it again soon, but the young ones seem to turn pro pretty quickly now. “

Aickin won many titles in his career but just missed out on the New Zealand and Australian amateur titles, finishing runner-up in both.

He played several New Zealand Opens and was top amateur three years running. He is still playing regularly for Whitford Park which won the Auckland senior interclub this year.

“My inclusion increased the average age of the team by five having hit 60 years of age recently. But I’m really pleased I can still play off a scratch handicap and enjoy my golf . One day I hope to beat my age.’'

What about family life?

``I have been married to Louise for over 30 years. My two children don’t play golf. However, happily my daughter Rachel has recently produced our first grandchild. My son Jay’s passion is football and he works for New Zealand Football. Having seen me work in the sport I love, he is now doing that as well which is really cool. “

What is the highlight of your life in golf?

``Representing New Zealand is right up there. I did well when travelling for New Zealand. I won the Australian Junior in 1981. I played with Steve Elkington that year.

``In college golf (in the United States) I played with Davis Love, Scott Verplank and Turner. Great memories indeed.

``As an administrator, simply dealing with all the great people in golf and being able to referee in big events off shore, such as two British Opens and in 2016 at the US Open. A huge highlight was, having watched the Masters over many years on TV, being there as a spectator in 2018.”

Aickin still referees in New Zealand but not currently internationally.

“I love my current role dealing with the world handicapping system which is used by over 100 countries. We work with (computer software provider) Dot Golf and the new technology now available. The other task I enjoy is course rating and training people to do that.''

The progress of golf in the last year or so has been significant?

``Who would have thought that since (coronavirus) lockdown we would be up 12,000 members to 117,000 and number of rounds played would be up 25 percent. Everywhere I go in New Zealand it is positive. The game is sure booming. In Auckland if you don’t book a week ahead you just won’t get a game.”

Do you see the trend continuing?

``I see great opportunity for clubs to make their facilities and the playing experience at a level where these people will want to keep coming back. I think what we have seen in the last year is many 25- to 35-year-olds joining golf clubs and realising the attraction of the lovely outdoor environment as well as the family aspect.

``I ran a speed golf event recently where Brad Shilton took just two clubs, a three wood and a wedge and shot 80 in 46 minutes — and what a great family environment it is. We had a good crowd out and lots of support for the players whether they were good or bad or had a good score or bad score.

``With the average 18-hole round taking about an hour it is a real fun event. With people being time poor these days it is great exercise. My wife loves it as my record is to take her a cup of tea in bed at 7.40am after already having run 8kms and played 18 holes.’'

Aickin has been playing speed golf for seven years with success in various events. The fun part is working out how many clubs to take, which clubs, how many balls? Fields may be around 40 players which is logistically a challenge as many volunteers are needed for scoring and keeping time.

Aickin’s life in golf has been quite a ride so why does he love it so much?

``Everything about golf is captivating. The history, the challenge and the people. There is no other game where the best in the world and a beginner can compete fairly in a match thanks to the handicap system. Add the different styles of courses and you have the formula for the greatest sport of all.”

And finally?

``I wouldn’t have lasted this long if it wasn’t for my wife Louise and two amazing children Rachel and Jay. It has certainly been a fun ride and hopefully I have a few years left to contribute as best I can.”

And so say all of us.