Voke goes back to back at The Hills

By Neville Idour

Nick Voke confirmed his liking for The Hills golf course by not only being the first player to defend his title but the first to win the pro-am twice.

The 2022 The Hills Invitational, presented by Rolls Royce, saw most of the cream rise to the top on the second of two contrasting days weatherwise. 

The first day was mostly fine and warm and Sunday was mainly cold and wet. However, for the most part, the leading eight after round one still filled the top eight after day two.

Voke, with a fine six under par 66, led by two shots from Jordan Zunic after the first round. Josh Geary, Kerry Mountcastle and Harry Bateman were tied for third a shot back. 

Voke retained his lead on the second day not missing a single green in regulation for a four under 68 and a two shot win from Josh Geary, who had the day’s best round with 67.

Zunic (70) slipped a place to tie for third while one of the favourites, Daniel Hillier, with a 68, climbed into third with Zunic. 

Queenstowner Ben Campbell, in his first outing for four months after an injury, was  consistent with 71, 68 to finish fifth. He said: “I only missed one green over the two days and would have expected better but the putts were just missing.” 

This observer saw several miss by millimetres on the first day.

After it was over Voke said: “I am relieved. I was more nervous about the speech but I was pleased to stay there under the gun and do the business although the putter was not at it's best. 

``It was pleasing after playing quite well in Australia.’'

Were there any pivotal moments? 

``Yes. I was quite nervous after a poor stretch from 13 to 15 and figured I may only be one ahead. The par three 16th was 182 yards to the back right pin into the breeze. I flushed it to the pin and made birdie on probably the hardest hole. Then I birdied 17 (par five) and finished with a stress free par on 18.”

Voke pocketed $12,136 while Geary took home $7980.

In the teams’ event, where three members partnered with a pro, Ben Campbell along with his team of Andrew Blair, Jamie McIsaac and myself won on a countback with 241 points from former pro-am winner Dongwoo Kang and Jonathan Gurnsey, Mark Martin and Robert Ferguson.

This event enjoys a unique feel with it’s conviviality amongst the professionals and amateurs. Some of the pros always bring their family or girlfriends with them. 

It is unusual to see two of the pros wandering out after a long day's golf and a meal with their partners to play more golf. Daniel Hillier and Ryan Chisnall played the Farm par three course on Saturday evening and amongst the fun Hillier scored a hole in one. Dongwoo Kang loves bringing his family with him and making a holiday of his time in Queenstown and it is delightful watching his little girls frollicking around.

Nick Voke upbeat about 2023 

We spoke to Nick Voke after his successful title defence at The Hills Invitation Pro-Am. Understandably, he was upbeat about his game and what lies ahead in 2023.

“I played solid today and didn’t miss a single green in regulation,’’ Voke said.

``If the putter had co-operated I could have shot 10 under. The game has been good for a while and I played well in Australia. 

``I just have to keep knocking on the door. I have played in three of these events at The Hills and with a second and two wins, there must be something I like about the place.”

How do you look back on 2022 including your time on the Korn Ferry Tour in the United States? 

“It was a year of very close calls. I missed a bunch of cuts by between one and three shots. Although my game was decent it is very difficult over there. 

``I just have to figure out how to score better.” 

Voke was 88th in scoring average for the year. Had he been one shot better each round he would have been 17th and with a PGA Tour card to boot. So the margins are fine.

“I have to figure out how to manage the big moments. I played five events in Australia recently and managed three top 20s which was nice.”

So what about 2023?

“I will play a little to start the year and then I will head off to play the Asian Tour Q-school and hopefully join Ben Campbell on the tour. The tour is growing, especially with the LIV Tour’s involvement. Maybe I can make some money and pay a few bills.”