Hanmer Springs Golf Club will be celebrating their 75th Women's Golf Tournament on 3, 4 and 5th March and the club is thrilled to have over 150 entries plus a local retailer Kjole Style Women's Fashion as a sponsor making it Kjole Style 75th Annual Women's 3 day Golf Tournament.

No one knew in 1947 when 18 Ladies played in the first tournament that it would last this long possibly making it one of the oldest Women's club tournaments in New Zealand.

This event draws players from all over the South Island and it wasn't unusual to have such high numbers that the committee needed to have a ballot and those that missed out still came but played in the Amuri " Overflow" Tournament (1976 - 1994).

The tournament now caters for both 18 and 9 holers playing for the E. M. Parsons Challenge Cup, Lynne Milne Challenge Cup, Jean Wilson Memorial Salver, The Beverley Pool Cup, Barbara Reese Trophy and the Anne Vincent Memorial Trophy.

Both Bev Pool and Barbara Reese are current life members of the Hanmer Springs Golf Club with Bev Pool being the club's patron.

The tournament starts with a Cocktail evening on the Tues night followed with 3 days of golf which has been played in some interesting weather. Brave souls have battled wind, rain, heat but if we can't guarantee the weather we can guarantee great friendships being made over the years with some clubs having parties at their accommodation with compulsary dress up nights and laughter being heard throughout the village. .

Volunteers (whether golfers or not) were always called upon for spotters, starters, scorers, raffle sellers, prize buyers, rule officials.

The women's committee dealt with the catering but with food fad's what was popular one year could be right out of favour the next which always kept them on their toes.

First Aid kit was always stocked although the committee were caught out when a player, desperate to relieve herself popped into the bushes only to be stung by a bee in a very embarrassing place.

Many players have their names on the cups multiple times including Miss Susan Grigg winning the tournament 8 times. One Avondale player managed two holes in one at the same tournament both on consecutive days on the old 17th.

This year there will be a new challenge for players as in 2020 the course direction was changed with players now beginning on 2 par 3 holes first and yes still some water.

The club was extremely fortunate and grateful to have had last year's tournament 3 weeks before the Covid Virus lockdown so we are sure there's many tales to be told so have introduced a Thursday Happy Hour so players can meet old friends over a wine ...or two.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the Kjole Style 75th Annual Women's 3 day Golf Tournament.