A golfer from one of New Zealand’s longest-established clubs has been named the winner of a once-in-a-lifetime golf trip to Queenstown.

John Duffy from the historic Eketahuna Golf Club was one of thousands of golfers from clubs nationwide to compete in this year’s BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open Challenge Week, held from November 30 to December 7.

Golfers took part in the Challenge Week for a chance to win an ‘Ultimate Queenstown Package’ bringing them to the popular resort for the BMW ISPS Handa New Zealand Open at The Hills and Millbrook Resort from March 10 to 13 next year.

All proceeds from the nationwide event are going to the tournament’s official charity The First Tee.

As well as being a keen golfer who has played for 25 years, 74-year-old John Duffy is also a hard-working volunteer at his home club and a member of the Eagles Golfing Society of Wellington.

The Eagles are keen golfers who volunteer at major golf tournaments, support the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation through fundraising golf events, and provide regular social and golfing experiences for members.

John Duffy said it was “a dream come true” to win the major prize as he and his wife had always wanted to attend the tournament.

He has won return flights for two to Queenstown with Air New Zealand, a two night stay at Doubletree by Hilton in Queenstown, and two season passes to watch all four tournament days of the National Open with two tournament shirts also included.

Eketahuna Club Captain Lynne Sutherland said the win could not have “gone to a more deserving person”.

Golfers at each individual club were entered into the top prize draw, as well as being in with a chance to win top fundraising prizes sponsored by Michael Hill.

Runner-up prizes of “his and hers” watches were awarded for fundraising and contribution efforts, and a spot prize went to Twelve Oaks golf club in Mosgiel, near Dunedin.

Top fundraising clubs were The Grange and Remuera Golf Clubs in Auckland and recognition for the highest contributions – as a percentage of their membership – went to the Westport on the West Coast of the South Island and Waupukurau Golf Club in Hawkes Bay.

The First Tee CEO Bill MacGowan said he was “delighted” with the enthusiasm shown for Challenge Week and how well clubs and their members had embraced the concept.

“Clubs have been excited about the opportunity to win fantastic prizes from the New Zealand Open and Michael Hill,” he said.

The First Tee runs initiatives including National Schools Programmes which expose all children to the nine core values of responsibility, honesty, confidence, respect, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, judgement and sportsmanship.

Students learn the values through fun golf exercises that help them also grasp the fundamentals of putting, chipping, pitching and the full swing.

Picture caption:

1/ Challenge Week winner John Duffy (centre) shaking hands with Sir Brian Lochore (R) and Club President Robert Braddick (L)