New Zealand golfers embrace challenges at the Asia-Pacific Amateur in Japan

New Zealand’s top amateur golfers competed at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship at the renowned Taiheiyo Club Gotemba Course in Japan last month. 

Despite challenging weather conditions, including rain and fog, the tournament was an invaluable opportunity for the Kiwi athletes to test their skills on an international stage.

Representing New Zealand were Josh Bai, Jayden Ford, Robby Turnbull and Cooper Moore. Bai traveled from Canada after his appearance at the Junior President's Cup, while Ford, Turnbull, and Moore arrived from a busy competitive stretch on the Charles Tour in New Zealand. The championship brought together the best amateur players from the Asia-Pacific region, and the picturesque course, set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Fuji, was expected to deliver an unforgettable experience.

The early practice rounds enjoyed beautiful weather, with clear skies highlighting the scenic landscape. However, as the tournament began, the conditions changed dramatically. Rain and fog quickly set in, delaying play and creating difficult conditions for the competitors. Round two, in particular, saw a five-plus hour delay due to heavy fog, which pushed back the remainder of the tournament schedule. Despite these challenges, the players adjusted and persevered, making the most of the softened greens in the later rounds, which aided scoring.

Performance Highlights:

Moore delivered an impressive performance throughout the week, finishing tied for eigth place with a score of four under par. Ford battled through the adverse weather to finish tied for 26th place at three over par, while Turnbull ended tied for 49th at 12 over. Bai, despite a difficult week, showed resilience, finishing in 59th place with a final score of 19 over. (All four made the cut)

Coach Jay Carter reflected on the tournament, calling it an "opportunity" for the players. “This week was great for Cooper and Robby to see how they stack up against an international field, and for Jayden and Joshua, it gave them a good indication of where they're at in terms of competing for wins at this level," said Carter.

Cultural Immersion:

The tournament wasn't just about golf; it also provided the players with an enriching cultural experience. The team participated in two special dinners — one at the Fuji Speedway and another at the Taiheiyo Club — where they experienced traditional Japanese ceremonies, including tea rituals and a sumo wrestling exhibition. These cultural moments gave the players a deeper appreciation for Japan’s heritage and traditions, adding a unique layer to their tournament experience.