NEW ZEALAND CLAIM SANCTUARY COVE TROPHY WITH CONVINCING WIN IN CHRISTCHURCH
Following report from the New Zealand Golf web site.
The New Zealand Senior team has completed an excellent victory over their Australian counterparts in the Sanctuary Cove Trophy matches held at the Christchurch Golf Club.
New Zealand won the singles matches 7 to 5 to complete a 15 ½ to 8 ½ match victory. The win continued a three year streak of the home nation wins, and tied the overall series 3 – 3 after six years of competition since the trophy began in 2007.
The Kiwis took an 8 ½ to 3 ½ lead into the final day of singles matches after winning the fourball 4 – 2 and the foursomes 4 ½ to 1 ½ on the opening day.
Rodney Barltrop continued his fine form from the New Zealand Seniors Championship last week to post two victories from his opening two matches only to lose in his singles match with Denis Dale.
While his brother Michael Barltrop (Royal Auckland), John Batley (Titirangi) and John Sanders from the home club Christchurch had three wins for New Zealand, while Andrew McKechnie (Hamilton) was also unbeaten with two wins and a half.
New Zealand manager Ken Fergus complimented his team for a polished performance, noting that the extra length his team enjoyed was of great advantage on the cool and damp conditions that prevailed over the two days at the Shirley links. Fergus was particularly pleased that the team managed to win all three series of matches.
At the prize giving Australian captain Denis Dale, while thrilled with his singles win over Rodney Baltrop, was full of praise for the New Zealand team.
Australian Manager Geoff Davey emotionally recounted his visits to Christchurch over the past 40 years, and spoke with real feeling about the welcome he and his players had received while in the city.
The Sanctuary Cove Trophy returns to the Pines Course at Sanctuary Cove in 2013.
2012 Sanctuary Cove Trophy Result:
Final Result: New Zealand 15 ½ Australia 8 ½
Fourball result: New Zealand 4 Australia 2
Foursomes result: New Zealand 4 ½ Australia 1 ½
Singles Result: New Zealand 7 Australia 5
KIWIS TOO STRONG AND RECLAIM THE SANCTUARY COVE CUP
Taking a comfortable 8.5 matches to 3.5 matches overnight lead in to the Individual matches the New Zealand Seniors team again proved too strong for the Australian team. In a day of mainly tight matches the Kiwis won the individual homours by 7 points to 5. Seven of the twelve matches were decided on the last hole and another three on the seventeenth green. Conditions were much better and both sides appreciated some warmer weather and an absence of cold winds and rain (especially the Aussies!)
DAY TWO RESULTS - INDIVIDUAL MATCHES
INDIVIDUAL AUSTRALIA
5
INDIVIDUAL
NEW ZEALAND
7
Vince Clark
SQ
Tony Treen
SQ
Stefan Albinski
SQ
Robbie Bell
SQ
Graham Bowen
1up
David Burton
Bill Banks
SQ
David Headland
SQ
Greg Corben
Arthur Parkin
1up
Roy Vandersluis
John Sanders
2&1
Peter King
Michael Barltrop
2&1
Alan Bullas
John Batley
5&4
Richard Greville
Andrew McKechnie
4&3
John Beaumont
1up
Frank Borran
Denis Dale
2&1
Rodney Barltrop
Chris Coats
SQ
Murray Martin
SQ
DAY ONE RESULTS - FOURBALL
FOURSOMES
AUSTRALIA
2
FOURSOMES NEW ZEALAND
4
Stefan Albinski & Greg Corben
3&1
Murray Martin & Arthur Parkin
Alan Bullas & John Beaumont
Frank Borren & Michael Barltrop
2&1
Peter King & Paul Bill Banks
Andrew McKechnie & Robbie Bell
1up
Vince Clark & R Vandersluis
Tony Treen & John Batley
5&3
Graham Bowen & Richard Greville
John Sanders & Rod Barltrop
2&1
Denis Dale & Chris Coats
2&1
David Burton & David Headland
DAY ONE RESULTS - FOURSOMES
FOURSOMES
AUSTRALIA
1.5
FOURSOMES NEW ZEALAND
4.5
Stefan Albinski & Greg Corben
Frank Borren & Arthur Parkin
3&2
Alan Bullas & John Beaumont
SQ
Murray Martin & Andrew McKechnie
SQ
Peter King & Bill Banks
4&3
Tony Treen & Robbie Bell
Vince Clark & R Vandersluis
Michael Barltrop & Rod Barltrop
2&1
Graham Bowen & Richard Greville
John Sanders & David Burton
2&1
Denis Dale & Chris Coats
John Batley & David Headland
2&1
The Australian team (above) have already enjoyed the fine hospitality of the Christchurch golfing community and the resilience and strength of all in moving on from the very visible signs of the major earthquake have been both evident and inspirational.
This is the sixth time the two countries have met for the honour of holding the Sanctuary Cove Trophy. Following their victory this year the Kiwis have levelled the overall total with both sides winning three times - 2013 will be keenly contested!
The matches between the two countries are played with a perfect combination of determination to win and a respect for the game and their friends on the opposing side. The two captains (Denis Dale and John Sanders) shared many emails and conversations leading up to the event.
The following email message received from NZ Captain John Sanders the day after the event is published here for all to read.
Hi Denis
I trust you and everyone else made it home safely. I know a few have stayed on in NZ and I can report they are receiving fine conditions for that!!
I was bloody disapppointed we had to put you thru the weather that occurred. It may have been an advantage to the Kiwis, but I can assure you we all would have preferred fine weather such as we normally get at Sanctuary Cove for the event. However, as we all know the weather is not something we can deternine.
I am pleased though that you all got to play my home track, Shirley Links at the Christchurch Golf Club. It is more of your typical older style course although as you saw it has had some updates by Peter Thomsom recently, with some very penal bunkering.
Whilst our fairways are a little more open and there are less tree lined fairways such as you experienced at Waitikiri for the NZ Seniors, I think we make up for that with length and the size of our greens. Several of your players thought our double green for the 1st and 17th was the largest green(s) they had ever seen.
The condition of the course was not 100%, as you know we had to have preferred lies due to some poor recovery after scarifying and our dry summer. The greens were not running particularly fast either, but I believe they were very true and I imagine you all saw what the championship course could play like, given the soft conditions after the rain we had.
You would also have seen the damage from the earthquakes and that is a continual reminder to us if we don't get it with our own family situations. However, I can report that the club has engaged independent engineers to report for us so that insurance company negotiations can be sped up as much as possible and we either have a completely renovated clubhouse or a brand new one, hopefully the next time you come.
I think we managed to host you successfully in our "Eisenhower Room" built for the Eisenhower Cup tournament we hosted in 1990, being the only part that remains usable. After spending a lot of time with local club management setting up for the event, I think we are all very pleased that we decided to host the Sanctuary Cove Trophy for the first time and that it went as smoothly as it did, despite the average weather.
I don't think we need to go into a shot for shot analysis of the games played, but perhaps we could remember some of the moments that occurred, as follows;
1. Whilst NZ was the overall winner this time, it is pleasing for us that we have evened the score with Australia at 3 all. It is not all one sided for the home team as Australia won at Titirangi in 2008 and the Kiwis won at Sanctuary Cove in 2009.
2. It was interesting when you mentioned some of the stats of the Australian team, ie the average age. I won't pen that stat here nor for the Kiwis, but if you remember that Rod and yourself are amongst the older brigade so to speak, then you will also remember that you are both the sole survivors of the first staging of the event at SC in 2007. A great stat.
3. The Kiwi's were certainly pleased to have 3 members with 3 wins, Michael Barltrop, John Batley and I, but most importantly for us everyone contributed to our win. However, more important than that to me is that the majority of games were very close. There were only 5 of the entire 24 games that did not go past the 16th hole. I know I had 3 that finished on the 17th and I see yours were the same, so the event was a lot closer that the final score might suggest, just like last year.
4. I am sure there are many tales out there of miracle shots (Roy Vandersluis saw me play 2 shots from fairly tight spots in our match that helped me considerably). But I think the shot that everyone talked about the most was Rodney holing a 4 iron for an eagle 2 on our tough par 4 6th holes in his foursomes match. You have seen that happen in a previous match with Rod in the Australian Matchplay and I saw him do it in a fourball match with John Beaumont and Graham Macdonald at Clearwater in 2009!!! He is a legend.
5. As you know, Arthur Parkin celebrated his 60th birthday on singles day. He was delighted that his day ended so well but as one of the characters of our team called out on the practice fairway "Arthur, you don't look a day over 60!!!!!" Ha ha.
6. Just after you and the team left on Wednesday night, the Kiwis got together and did a Haka. Someone had remembered that we said we would do one for you next time we won, but that was not remembered until late. However, although quite a number of us will need some serious practice, I think we might just do it again some time in the future.
Denis, as always, regardless of who wins, our 2 teams enjoy both the event and each others company. We have been fortunate that Mulpha has put in sizeable sponsorship to enable the event to occur and I believe that that may possibly end with the next staging in 2013. I do hope that whatever happens that we can keep the "trophy" going for many years to come.
With kind regards
John Sanders
Captain
AUSTRALIAN TEAM
Stefan Albinski NSW Australia's number one senior golfer making his fourth Sanctuary Cove Trophy appearance. 3 times Aust Senior Champion. 2 times Match Play Champion.
Peter King QLD Top class player who recently won the 2011 Asia Pacific Senior Championship. Excellent record in match play and almost unbeatable when "hot".
Denis Dale NSW Appointed captain of the 2012 team and an experienced senior who has played in all six of the Sanctuary Cove Trophy teams.
Roy Vandersluis NSW "Mr Consistency". Second year in the Australian team. Runner up after playoff in 2011 Asia Pacific Senior Championship at Royal Perth.
Bill Banks ACT Another experienced senior who has a great record in senior golf over a long career that is far from finished. Recent winner of the ACT Seniors.
Richard Greville First time in an Australian team and a fitting reward for very good play over recent years. A strong player who plays the hard courses very well.
Chris Coats QLD Two time Australian Matchplay Champion and hard to beat in any match play game. Member of the winning 2011 Asia Pacific team.
John Beaumont SA Has been South Australia's leading senior golfer for many years. Strong player who has very good record when playing for Australia.
Greg Corben NSW Another very consistent player and never gives up. Always plays well under pressure and has won several major titles in recent starts.
Vince Clark NSW A welcome and deserving newcomer to the Australian team. Drives it straight and an accurate iron player who is also a proven match play performer.
Alan Bullas VIC After several years of close finishes has deserved his selection in the 2012 team. Will wear the Aussie shirt with pride and will play well for Australia.
Graham Bowen WA Another newcomer after several years of crossing the country with consistently good results. Excellent putter, a real grinder and loves match play.
Geoff Davey QLD The team manager with a proven record as both a manager and a player. Will be there to play in the NZ Seniors before resuming duties as our "go-to" man when needed.
Michael Barltrop (Royal Auckland)
Four times Eisenhower representative. Made his debut in 2011 and sure to be ready to beat the Aussies in 2012.
Rodney Barltrop (Royal Wellington)
A legend of senior golf in New Zealand. Playing in his 6th Sanctuary Cove match. Would love a team win!
John Batley (Titirangi)
Made his Sanctuary Cove debut in 2011 recording a good win in the singles. Sure to play well again.
Robbie Bell (Ashburton)
Another who made his Sanctuary Cove trophy debut in 2011 with good result winning two of his three matches.
Frank Borren (Paraparaumu)
Playing in his third Sanctuary Cove team. A very strong and determined player who won two matches in 2011.
David Burton (Nelson)
Newcomer to Sanctuary Cove Trophy but a great record winning NZ Seniors Championhsip in 2008 and 2009.
Andrew McKechnie (Hamilton)
Big hitting player making his fourth appearance in SC matches. Always proves very hard to beat.
Murray Martin (New Plymouth)
One of the New Zealand's best players making his fourth Sanctuary Cove appearance. NZ Senior Champion in 2011.
David Headland (Whitford Park)
Making his fourth appearance in the Sanctuary Cove Trophy. Would love to take the trophy back from his Aussie friends.
Arthur Parkin (Maungakiekie)
Experienced senior making his fourth appearance. Has a very good record and sure to gain his share of the points again.
John Sanders (Christchurch)
Back as a player after role as Manager in 2011. Home course adavantage sure to make him very hard to beat.
Tony Treen (Titirangi)
Second time in the New Zealand team. Good individual win in 2011 and another who will certainly play well in 2012.
Golf Australia Announcement
Each year, a Golf Australia Senior Team contests a match against a New Zealand Golf Senior Team. The event is played over two days, with foursomes and four-ball matches on day one, and singles matches on day two.
The team members for the 2012 Sanctuary Cove Trophy are Stefan Albinski (NSW), Bill Banks (ACT), John Beaumont (SA), Graeme Bowen (WA), Allan Bullas (Vic), Chris Coats (Qld), Vince Clark (NSW), Greg Corben (NSW), Denis Dale (NSW), Richard Greville NSW), Peter King (Qld) and Roy Vandersluis (NSW).
The team is an experienced team, and Australia will be looking to defend its title. Albinski is Australia’s number one ranked senior amateur golfer, currently holding the Australian Senior Amateur and Australian Senior Match Play titles. Peter King is coming off a superb win in Perth, with victory in the Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Championship, while Bill Banks recently won the ACT Senior Amateur.
The event has been played five times previously, with Australia winning the event three times, and New Zealand twice. The Sanctuary Cove Trophy continues to grow in popularity and although a very competitive event, the camaraderie that exists between the players from both countries makes it enjoyable on and off the course.
The two 12-man teams contest Foursomes and Four-ball Match Play on day one, followed by Singles Match Play on day two.
The 2012 Sanctuary Cove Trophy Team was selected after the 2011 ACT Senior Amateur using the following criteria.
• Top eight (8) players from the Australian Senior Ranking System
• Two (2) places at the discretion of the Team Captain/Manager
• Two (2) players at the discretion of GA
The players selected by the Captain and at the discretion of GA will be required to meet the following criteria:
i. They must have played in the 2011 Australian Senior Amateur Championship (unless exceptional circumstances apply);
ii. They must have played in at least four (4) Australian Senior Ranking Events that have a weighting of 4 or more in the preceding 12-month period;
iii. They must be inside the top 25 of the Australian Senior Ranking System as at time of selection.
Message from John Sanders
Hi Denis
I have just read AUSOOM and seen your team. We will have to be on out mettle to get you back for the defeat we suffered earlier this year. Our team is still to be announced, but I trust we will have a team that makes it a close battle again.
I thought you might like a few more paragraphs to add to your comments already. In particular, I want you all to know that whilst our club will, I am sure be very good hosts for the event, we are somewhat restricted in terms of our clubhouse to provide all normal facilities. The February and June earthquakes devastated our clubhouse and for all winter, our members were housed in what was part of the pro shop facilities and a large marquee. I am sure you will appreciate with Christchurch winters, it was challenging.
During this period, the clubhouse was continually being evaluated, damage wise and whether we could re use any of it until either a repair or rebuild occurred. We are today using a part of the clubhouse that was extended for the 1990 Eisenhower Tournament we hosted. It is roughly 30% of the clubhouse so you can see from that, that we are severely hampered. This room has bar and catering facilities (although we will most certainly use external catering for the 2 functions for the Trophy). and mens and ladies toilets, but we do not have changing rooms/showers as a result.
The remainder of the club is relatively unaffected. The pro shop, being a separate building, was relatively unscathed and although the GM operates out of part of this shop now, the business is continuing. The course has been in great shape over the past 3 months (approx 30% of 4 of our fairways were damaged and had to be completely dug up and re turfed).
We have just completed our annual fairway scouring and greens coring programmes. However, it will be back in great shape for our event, which will be followed 2 weeks later by another NZ Golf event, the South Island Strokeplay Champs, so I think the SC Trophy is well timed. I will be putting in special requests to our greenskeeper to ensure you see our course at its best. It should be hard and fast with greens running somewhere between 10 and 11, maybe a little faster. Probably not the conditions you struck at Perth, but nonetheless, Christchuch can get hot nor west winds that make it an even more difficult test.
Our course is considered one of the best tests in championship mode in NZ. It is not super long, being 6031 metres/6600 yards off our club tees (white) and 6309 metres/6900 yards off our championship (blue) tees. It does not have a lot of water either, with 2 holes bordering a small stream and a drainage stream crossing 4 other fairways. However, Christchuch is well known for it's prevailing easterly wind as well as regular warm nor west winds in summer and the occasional (cold) southerly. It is the latter that makes our course the hardest test and I am predicting that we will not have one of those during your time here!!!!!
So, although we may not be able to provide you the usual comforts like a shower after golf, I can assure you that our course and I trust our hospitality, will both overcome any shortfalls in the former. Hopefully you can all accept these issues we have and we will aim to spare you any further shakes!
John Sanders
AUSTRALIAN SENIORS DEFEAT NEW ZEALAND SENIORS IN 2011 SANCTUARY COVE TROPHY
Day One Report
DAY ONE RESULTS - FOURSOMES
FOURSOMES
AUSTRALIA
3.5
FOURSOMES NEW ZEALAND
2.5
Gra MacDonald & John Beaumont
-
Murray Martin & Phil Mosley
6&4
Greg Corben & Col Hallam
2 up
Robbie Bell & Murray Brown
-
Stefan Albinski & R Vandersluis
2&1
Rod Barltrop & Michael Barltrop
-
Denis Dale & Chris Coats
SQ
John Batley & David Headland
SQ
Ross Percy & Rick Oliver
3&2
Andrew McKechnie & Tony Treen
-
Peter King & Paul Maslen
-
Arthur Parkin & Frank Borren
1 up
DAY ONE RESULTS - FOURBALL
FOURBALL AUSTRALIA
4
FOURBALL NEW ZEALAND
2
John Beaumont & Gra MacDonald
2&1
Murray Martin & Murray Brown
-
Stefan Albinski & Greg Corben
-
Phil Mosley & Robbie Bell
4&3
Denis Dale & Chris Coats
2&1
And. McKechnie & David Headland
-
Col Hallam & Peter King
2 up
John Batley & Tony Treen
-
Rick Oliver & Ross Percy
-
Rodney Barltrop & Arthur Parkin
2 up
Roy Vandersluis & Paul Maslen
2&1
Michael Barltrop & Frank Borren
-
Day Two Report
DAY TWO RESULTS - INDIVIDUAL MATCHES
INDIVIDUAL AUSTRALIA
6
INDIVIDUAL
NEW ZEALAND
6
Stefan Albinski
SQ
Phil Mosley
SQ
Paul Maslen
-
Frank Borran
1 up
Col Hallam
3&2
Murray Brown
-
Chris Coats
-
Tony Treen
4&3
Peter King
-
Arthur Parkin
1 up
John Beaumont
2&1
Andrew McKechnie
-
Grahame MacDonald
-
Robbie Bell
3&2
Ross Percy
3&2
David Headland
-
Greg Corben
-
John Batley
2&1
Denis Dale
3&2
Rodney Barltrop
-
Rick Oliver
3&2
Michael Barltrop
-
Roy Vandersluis
SQ
Murray Martin
SQ
Stefan Albinski NSW
Denis Dale NSW
Roy Vandersluis NSW
Rick Oliver NSW
Peter King QLD
Greg Corben NSW
John Beaumont SA
Chris Coats QLD
Gra. MacDonald QLD
Ross Percy VIC series.
Colin Hallam QLD
Paul Maslen NSW
Phil Billings (capt)
NEW ZEALAND TEAM for 2011
Michael Barltrop
Rodney Barltrop
John Batley
Robbie Bell
Frank Borren
Murray Brown
Dave Headland
Murray Martin
Andrew McKechnie
Phil Mosley
Arthur Parkin
Tony Treen
