Growing the Game Across New Zealand
The Society is committed to developing hickory playing opportunities throughout New Zealand.
The long-term strength of the game cannot rely on one tournament, one club or one region. It requires a network of local players, regional representatives and supportive golf clubs.
The Society works to encourage:
- regional playing groups;
- introductory hickory days;
- club-based events;
- inter-regional matches;
- equipment-sharing programmes;
- regional tours;
- mixed and women’s events;
- social competitions; and
- opportunities for modern golfers to experience traditional equipment.
Connecting Players
Many potential participants already own hickory clubs, have inherited equipment or are interested in trying the game.
The difficulty is often not a lack of interest, but a lack of connection.
Players may not know:
- who else plays in their region;
- whether suitable equipment is available;
- which clubs host hickory events;
- how to establish a handicap;
- what equipment is eligible; or
- how to enter larger tournaments.
The Society seeks to connect these individuals and help them establish regular playing opportunities within their own regions.
Regional Events and Tours
Regional events can range from informal nine-hole gatherings to multi-course tours and inter-regional competitions.
Potential formats include:
- introductory six-hole events;
- nine-hole social matches;
- regional championships;
- member-and-guest events;
- foursomes;
- mixed competitions;
- women’s hickory events;
- inter-club matches; and
- multi-day regional tours.
Regional development gives players regular opportunities to participate without needing to travel to the national championship.
It also creates a pathway from introductory play to national and international competition.
New Zealand Players on the International Stage
The Society’s role extends well beyond the New Zealand Hickory Open.
One of its principal objectives is to help New Zealand players access overseas events and become active members of the global hickory community.
The Society has supported and encouraged New Zealand participation in:
- Australian state championships;
- the Australian Hickory Open;
- the Chinese International Hickory Invitational;
- the Japan Hickory Masters;
- the Asia-Pacific Hickory Championship;
- international team competitions; and
- the United States Hickory Open.
More Than Tournament Results
International participation gives New Zealand players the opportunity to experience:
- historic and championship golf courses;
- different playing conditions;
- alternative competition formats;
- international equipment standards;
- regional golf traditions; and
- new golfing cultures.
New Zealand players have achieved significant success overseas, demonstrating the depth and quality of hickory golf developing within this country.
However, international participation is about more than tournament results.
It allows players to:
- build lasting friendships;
- exchange equipment and restoration knowledge;
- represent New Zealand;
- establish international team relationships;
- promote the New Zealand Hickory Open;
- encourage overseas players to visit New Zealand; and
- strengthen the international standing of the Society.
Every New Zealand player participating offshore becomes an ambassador for the Society and for New Zealand golf.
International Fellowship
Hickory golf has a particularly strong international culture.
Players who compete against one another on the course frequently assist one another away from it by sharing:
- tournament information;
- travel advice;
- equipment knowledge;
- restoration techniques;
- historic research;
- accommodation;
- transport; and
- introductions to other playing groups.
The Society values these relationships and continues to develop connections throughout Australia, Asia, North America, the United Kingdom and Europe.